Title: The Cane, The Puzzle, and Magic
Author: Vicky Burkholder
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Book Blurb:
Facing down an ancient evil, special agent Elizabeth St. John is outnumbered, outgunned, and outmatched. Local cop Kaeden Pike is the perfect choice to help her but letting him—or anyone—into her life and heart is the most difficult challenge she’s ever faced. Kaeden has never found the one person who fit him, until now. But how can he convince Liz that they make the perfect pair, especially when the end of the world is coming? Someone has to gather the forces of good to win this fight, but when Liz accepts the role, she finds that being alone isn't a choice she has to make. Almost losing Kaeden to the evil who already took the only other person she's ever trusted convinces her to open her heart and let him in...where he belongs.
My Review:
The world will end unless Liz can stop Bannig’s evil plans. The premise may feel familiar, but this book is actually an original urban fantasy. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. With its inventive world-building, kick butt heroine, all sorts of paranormal beings, a puzzle to solve, and a showdown with good versus evil, The Cane, The Puzzle, and Magic ticks all my boxes. I read late into the night and couldn’t get enough. Ready to discover more?
Let’s start with the characters. Liz is a special agent who rids the world of evil creatures. She has a history with ancient bad dude Bannig. She must overcome her fears to destroy Bannig once and for all. I mean, talk about a heroine to care for. Kaeden is a hero I rooted for. His strength and love for Liz makes this an incredible urban fantasy. Bannig is an antagonist who has a seductive quality that makes it difficult not to be taken in by his tricks. But at the end of the day, I root for Liz. The rest of the characters are fascinating and add depth to the overall plot. Each character has its own voice and backstory.
Let’s start with the world-building. This author’s world-building skills are masterful, intricate, and full of imagination. She creates a world steeped in classic paranormal myth and spins it on its head to create something new and exciting. It’s convincing and I was captivated while reading.
The action is quite intricate and described well. The pacing is perfect, and I found myself reading late into the night.
If you’re looking for an original urban fantasy you can’t put down, start reading The Cane, The Puzzle, and Magic. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel or even a series. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cane-the-puzzle-and-magic-vicky-burkholder/1143862796?ean=2940161013427
Author Biography:
As her alter-ego, Vicky has multiple homes all over the universe. She looks human - for the most part - but when she starts writing about characters being able to move things or flicking fire from their fingertips, or changing the course of rivers, people tend to get a little freaked out. She found the one guy out there in the universe who loves her for who she is and they've been together forever and raised four wonderful (now) adults. Her career includes work as a technical writer/editor, a stringer for the local newspaper, and an editor and copy editor for various publishers. At various times in her life, she has been a teacher, a secretary, a short-order cook, a computer specialist, a DJ, and a librarian. When not editing or writing, she can be found in the kitchen creating gluten free goodies for her family.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.vicky-burkholder.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Burkholder
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1264928.Vicky_Burkholder
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vickyburkholder
Reviewed by: Nancy