Audiobook review: Grey Magic by Jeffe Kennedy
Grey Magic, the third (and final?) book in the Bonds of Magic series, picks up at the immediate moment the previous story ended. This book is not a standalone story! Gabriel and Nic have just discovered her alternate form and need to prove they are truly bonded so the Convocation will leave them alone.
Grey Magic is an exciting adventure that more than makes up for the slow-moving second title. There is action, adventure, twist, and turns. We see closure of some series-long threads, while there are other issues left unresolved. There is a full and complete acceptance by Gabriel and Nic of what they have among themselves. I loved seeing them learn more about their magic and unique bond. Both characters come into their own as they finally accept it all and open fully to each other. I love that their morals aren’t compromised and yet they accomplish so much.
The stories center on Nic and Gabriel as they first come together, then bond as Wizard and Familiar, finally falling in love. Each book brings them closer together, even as they uncover some uncomfortable truths about their relationship and the general Wizard-Familiar bond. Both start equally hard-headed and determined, but overtime, they learn to see both sides and come to a middle ground that makes both better individuals.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating third person POVs of Gabriel and Veronica. Using a British accent, Ms. Balm narrates the entire story with a deepish and slightly raspy voice. Overall, her performance is soothing and easy to listen to. Giving a partially-voiced reading, she adjusts the dialogue for most characters, albeit just enough to know different characters are speaking. She tends to be a little higher pitched for females, and softer and lower for males. She adjusts appropriately for mood and emotion, especially with Nic.
Although Nic and Gabriel have their HEA, the whole story is more of an HFN. There are so many issues still to be addressed. There are friends and family who are missing (and could most certainly be the main couple for upcoming books). I truly hope the author continues to pen tales from this interesting magical world.
My Ratings
Story: A-
Narration: A-
Jen
About the Book:
Lord Gabriel Phel at last holds his dream in his grasp—and faces losing everything. He’s finally won the love of his wife, familiar, and mother of his child, and she offers him a heartfelt commitment he can truly believe in. Together they’re building a true house, one with a growing family of friends and allies that can help them stand against their enemies. And he’s learning to master his magic, to use it as the powerful tool and weapon it should be. But old and new enemies array themselves to take it all away.
Lady Veronica, now fully of House Phel, is doing her best to embrace happiness. After all, she has her hands full managing her mercurial and powerful wizard as he navigates taking his place as the head of their house, and with learning her own extraordinary ability. But she fears whatever peace they win won’t last long. When their enemies inevitably strike—including, perhaps, her own father—they must be ready to defend all they hold precious. It doesn’t help that her idealistic husband insists on making foolishly noble decisions that put them at even greater risk, nor that she loves him all the more for it.
As Nic and Gabriel struggle to put their household in order, giving ill-advised safe harbor to Nic’s runaway sister and risking their lives to save Gabriel’s sister’s sanity, their enemies draw the noose tighter on their well laid plans. When the unthinkable occurs, it’s up to both of them to trust in the nascent, unknown magic they’ve woven together.
Author: Jeffe Kennedy
Narrator: Deborah Balm
Series: Bonds of Magic #3
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audiobook Release Date: May 11, 2022
Publisher: Brightlynx Publishing
Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
Source: author
Audio Speed: 1.4x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Dark Wizard by Jeffe Kennedy (Bonds of Magic #1)
Bright Familiar by Jeffe Kennedy (Bonds of Magic #2)