Forbidden Magic (Magic Series, Book 1)

It took me a loooong time to decide if i wanted to buy this book. All because there are a lot of reviews here that tend to put you seriously down. BUT. Don't believe the anti-hype! Clearly this is NOT high brow fiction, but plain, gorgeous ultra-over-the -top erotic fantasy. Wich means: less pompous and pretentious than your average Vampire-saga, full of wicked (and well thought out) sex and interestingly dealing with a serious possibity of turning to Evil for the sake of it! (HEY: it's FANTASY after all!) It's fast paced, it features a villain to die for (here I beg to differ from other reviewers:absolutely NOT your stereotypical fantasy villain) AND lots of interesting "minor" characters. As I said it is Erotic Fantasy, the key word here being "erotic" so, if you're looking for another over-the-top furiosly paced urban fantasy but minus the assorted debaucheries, go for the "Dante Valentine" series, unless that is you're looking instead for some pseudo-literature, deadly boring, baroque and ultimately meaningless, in which case you should eat more rice, I believe ;) Just to conclude my rant: I'm perfectly aware that there are other Fantasy and Romance-Fantasy authors around who can write excellently, that's NOT the point: the point is for highly effective erotica with a solid plot few can match Ms. McCray.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world buildling is intricate and complex, and the characterization draws you right in. Plus, if you're looking for a hot, sexy (and romantic) read, this one is a genuine scorcher. I don't get to read the way I used to, and so it's rare for a book to draw me in. FORBIDDEN MAGIC did so, in spades. I highly recommend this wonderful romance, especially for readers looking for a great paranormal journey. Deidre

This book was fast paced and sizzlingly sexy! I was already a fan from her previous titles with Ellora's Cave but Ms. McCray knocks this one out of the park. I can't wait for the next in the series. ****Highly Recommended paranormal read****

Something evil this way comes! Witches, Fae, Demons and Heroes are all enthralling in Cheyenne McCray's' new erotic paranormal romance. Silver Ashcroft is a strong, intelligent woman who has to make some incredible choices at a turning point in her life. She works with San Francisco's Paranormal Special Forces crime unit and is a member of the white magic D'Anu coven of witches. But she's begun using gray magic to help solve extraordinary crimes. Now a new coven of black witches make it even harder for Silver to walk the fine line between using her magic for good or falling to the seductive pull of black magic wielded by the enchanting evil warlock Darkwolf. When she casts a protective spell at the latest crime scene to rescue a child from the evil Balorites she comes face to face with one of the D'Anu witches' greatest legends. Hawk, a D'Danann warrior from the Otherworlds, is the only one to see through her magical shields. He is the only one who can touch her body, heart and soul so completely that she considers giving up everything for him. But Hawk cannot stay in our world and Silver cannot abandon her friends and family. As they join forces to defeat the Balorites and the terrifying Formori demons, Hawk and Silver fall ever deeper in love. They face impossible odds and frightening consequences, time after time finding the solace and courage to go on in each others' arms. But saving the world is just one of their problems. These star crossed lovers must find their own true hearts in order to have any kind of happy future. Forbidden Magic is a page turner that is entertaining right to the last sentence. It is a sexy thriller with a wonder filled romance between otherworldly characters whose sexual attraction is a natural part of their loving relationship. The Fae and all mythological creatures have always embodied sensuality and sex. Hawk and the D'Dannan winged warriors are the ultimate in legendary, sexy heroes and heroines. The idea that the D'Anu witches have descended from the original Celtic druids is a nice touch to weave them into the mythical tapestry Ms. McCray used to build her paranormal plot. Silver is an engaging heroine, strong but certainly not perfect, she makes hard choices and learns from her mistakes. Hawk is super sexy, ruthless in battle, yet his love for his daughter is touching. The villains are truly dastardly, but along with winged warriors they have a certain basis in the lore of ancient Celtic myth. The Formori, considering their demonic nature, can be especially gory with graphic descriptions of both their killing habits and sexual conquests. But the evil witches, who serve the death god Balor, are equally as bad as bad guys can get. Mix in interesting secondary characters, a lot of kick ass action, spice it up with some incredible sex scenes and Forbidden Magic is a fabulous way to slip the bonds of boredom and fly away with an exciting new fantasy! On the wings of a D'Danann perhaps? This is one for the keeper

In San Francisco, D'Anu Coven witch Silver Ashcroft works with Paranormal Special Forces to stop practitioners who use illegal rituals like sacrifice. The current case involves the Balorite clan use of blood magic. Silver knows she risks her soul as she ventures into the grey realm to defeat the Balorites and their evil minion while praying she has not take that irreversible last step. At the latest crime scene, Tuatha D'Danann warrior Hawk mentally informs Silver he will help rescue the child intended by the Balorites as a sacrificial lamb while telling her to stop their warlock. However, having crossed into the grey, she is seduced by the warlock Darkwolf to cross into his darkness. Tuatha warns Silver that Darkwolf wants her; he fails to tell her that he wants her too, but explains that Balor, the God of Death expects his followers to bring back the Sea Gods in a war against humans and elves. She must go against her clan and bring the D'Danann from the Otherworld or existence will end. Silver has much on her mind including two males that she desires and a world at stake if she steps wrongly. This terrific romantic fantasy with police procedural elements grasps the audience from the moment that Silver meets Tuatha and Darkwolf and never slows down until the final twist of their triangle. "Matchmaking" from the Gods, elves, and magical practitioners from across the spectrum augment a good vs. evil end of the world battle in which the white witches must reconsider their means if they are to win with some of the D'Anu clan insisting that the price is the same as the end of the world. Fans will take great and immense pleasure with this strong thriller that both genres will treasure. Harriet Klausner