SABINA KANE BOOK 2: MAGE IN BLACK
Jaye Wells
ISBN: 978-0-316-03780-8 (Mass Market Paperback)
B00351DS3W (Kindle eBook)
April 1, 2010 (Mass Market Paperback)
April 8, 2010 (Kindle eBook)
Hachette Book Group/Orbit Books
Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

I fell in love with this series with Red-Headed Stepchild and after Mage in Black, I love this series more than ever! How I will wait for book 3, Green-Eyed Demon I have no idea.

Mage in Black picks up almost immediately where Red-Headed Stepchild left off, with Sabina and company on the way to NYC to meet her long lost twin Maisie, living with the mage side of her family, as part of the Hekate Council. Before they even get there, attempts on Sabina’s life make her begin to wonder if she’s just running from one mess of trouble to another.

Upon arrival, Adam is called off on another mission and Sabina is to begin her mage training. Unfortunately, trouble follows Sabina wherever she goes, putting those closest to her in grave danger. Just when she thinks she is adjusting to her new life, Sabina discovers a prophecy that she, a misfit vampire-mage hybrid Mage in Black is destined to unite all of the magical races. How she will manage that with battling werewolves, demons, and an old lover, Hekate only knows.

Sabina is a tough girl who is wounded on the inside as a result of family betrayals and finds it very hard to trust anyone. Here we see her opening up a little bit more to the few people (or demons) she does trust, and discovering that in spite of her past experiences, not everyone in her life is out to wound her. Maisie is the exact opposite of Sabina and so excited to meet her sister finally that Sabina finds herself drawn to the relationship her sister wants to create. We also see Sabina growing even more comfortable with Giguhl, her trusty demon familiar, whose nickname “Mr. Giggles” so perfectly suits him every time he puts in an appearance. I always find myself laughing out loud over his exploits, most meant to protect Sabina from those who wish to harm her. I also enjoyed the mentoring relationship Sabina develops with her magic instructor, Rhea, who plays a significant role in events unfolding.

Every bit as action-oriented and fast-paced as Red-Headed Stepchild, Mage in Black is a powerhouse of a book that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, right up to the dramatic cliffhanger ending. With plenty of battles to keep things interesting, a whole passel of newly introduced magical beings in this universe, and danger around every corner, Mage in Black is a true nail-biter of a fantastical adventure. Jaye Wells is an incredible storyteller whose star is only beginning to rise. I plan to keep a very close eye on her, eager to see where she will take us next.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2010. All rights reserved.

Reviewed By:

I have been reviewing since 2001 and got started on it completely by accident. That accident turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I discovered a hobby I thoroughly enjoy and an outlet for my opinions about the books I love... or love to hate. Now I don't think I'll ever stop! I live in the DFW area with my three "children" of the four-footed and furry variety, Sheba, Aker, and Amun, affectionately known as cats. I work as an environmental contractor for the Army Reserves, a job I've had since 1997 in which there is never a dull moment and no two days are the same.

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