This could only mean trouble.
My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker. The people who hire me are usually happy when I find things. But some things are better left unfound…
Raine is a sorceress of moderate powers, from an extended family of smugglers and thieves. With a mix of street smarts and magic spells, she can usually take care of herself. But when her friend Quentin, a not-quite-reformed thief, steals an amulet from the home of a powerful necromancer, Raine finds herself wrapped up in more trouble than she cares for. She likes attention as much as the next girl, but having an army of militant goblins hunting her down is not her idea of a good time. The amulet they’re after holds limitless power, derived from an ancient, soul-stealing stone. And when Raine takes possession of the item, it takes possession of her.
Now her moderate powers are increasing beyond anything she could imagine—but is the resumé enhancement worth her soul?
Review:
Edit 2016: I'm currently re-reading this and have to say this series got soooo good. It was worth learning all those names I was grumbling about 5 years ago. ;)
2011 review: This book was good. However, it was extremely difficult to get into. This was actually my second attempt at reading it; the first time I gave up halfway through in frustration. The reason for my annoyance at the time was that I just couldn't get a grasp on who each character was because they've all got such ridiculously long and hard to pronounce - and remember - names. Three names each in some cases. Here's an example of said stoopid names: Nachtmagus Nigelius Nicabar - that's one guy. Did she fall on her keyboard or what? So I just kept getting completely lost and confused. I decided to try it again though, because underneath all that I could see the story was good and worth persevering with. I just had to wait until I was in a more patient mood. Once you do get to know the characters and the world Shearin has created, I can imagine this is a series that you can get totally engrossed in.
It's fantasy, written in a sort of historical, swashbuckling pirate-type setting. Our protagonist, Raine, is quite likeable. She has a personality that would suit urban fantasy. She's practical, logical and has a good sense of humour. I'm going to read the next one and see if the slight hint of romance I detected goes any further... I hope so.
2011 review: This book was good. However, it was extremely difficult to get into. This was actually my second attempt at reading it; the first time I gave up halfway through in frustration. The reason for my annoyance at the time was that I just couldn't get a grasp on who each character was because they've all got such ridiculously long and hard to pronounce - and remember - names. Three names each in some cases. Here's an example of said stoopid names: Nachtmagus Nigelius Nicabar - that's one guy. Did she fall on her keyboard or what? So I just kept getting completely lost and confused. I decided to try it again though, because underneath all that I could see the story was good and worth persevering with. I just had to wait until I was in a more patient mood. Once you do get to know the characters and the world Shearin has created, I can imagine this is a series that you can get totally engrossed in.
It's fantasy, written in a sort of historical, swashbuckling pirate-type setting. Our protagonist, Raine, is quite likeable. She has a personality that would suit urban fantasy. She's practical, logical and has a good sense of humour. I'm going to read the next one and see if the slight hint of romance I detected goes any further... I hope so.
3 Stars ★★★
Original Title
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
ISBN
0441015050 (ISBN13: 9780441015054)
Edition Language
English
Series
Raine Benares #1
