Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep

An excellent urban fantasy.  An orphan with her own Fagin becomes enmeshed with the magical families that control her town, Cloudburst Falls.   I haven't read any Estep for over five years.  I enjoyed her first books and was one of her early reviewers although I am sure she has no recollection of  that.  She has become quite successful and exceeded any need to directly address small time bloggers such as myself.   I was privileged enough to be offered this book at no charge for an honest review.  

Superficially this is just another action adventure in the urban fantasy genre. There is plenty of action and adventure but the underlying loyalty and honor are what make Jennifer Estep’s books stand out. Her characters aren’t two dimensional. She provides depth and background. The emotions and character of the cast are what made this book appeal to me.

Ms. Estep writes compelling, flawed protagonists.   Lila Merriweather, the main protagonist, is an excellent case in point.  Self centered, moody, prickly and difficult to like due to enormous over compensation for her internal pain.   Regardless of her behavior she is highly likeable and I say that again, likeable.  I repeat that likeability due to the negative comment I received from an anonymous reader who felt that likeability should have no bearing on whether you enjoy a book or not.   Au contraire I say, au contraire!   Likeability enhances investment and investing in a story dramatically increases my enjoyment of said story. 

Lila's interaction with the powerful Families that control her town and her relationship with Devon provide both the plot tension and romantic target to fuel the pace of the book.

I highly recommend this book!

Web Site: http://www.jenniferestep.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.