MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND *Book 1 in Series* by Lisa Shearin

Publisher: Ace/Penguin Books
Date published: June 2007
IBSN: 978-0-441-01505-4
Fantasy
Mass-Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Raine Benares is a seeker and a dang good one if she says so herself. Her friend Quentin has involved her in more trouble than she can shake a stick at. All over an amulet, one that powerful people want for themselves and the only thing between them and the amulet is Raine herself. A girl likes attention but this is getting downright nasty as militant goblins try to hunt her down and the amulet itself is called the Soul thief for one reason: It is one hungry thing and it wants Raine. One teeny problem…Raine isn’t going without a fight!

MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND is the kick off to a new series by author Lisa Shearin. I picked this book up on a whim thinking it sounded good and man, the minute I opened it and started reading Raine’s adventures, it blew me away. With a fast pace, kick butt heroine and marvelous secondary characters that keep the story flowing smoothly and many twists that keep you glued to the edge of your seat, Ms. Shearin delivers a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre in the form of Raine Benares.

Meet Raine Benares, a seeker who is marginally magical and likes it that way. Until she finds herself involved in something that enhances her magic and she finds out some family secrets that have her wondering if she should head for the hills. This is one feisty kick butt heroine and I loved her. Ms. Shearin delivers a heroine full of complex emotions and vulnerabilities that combined make her wonderfully real to the reader. Plus she can take care of herself and is a strong character that will resonate with readers. Torn between two sexy men, add in some bad guys bent on world domination, warring factions determined to get what Raine has and not let their enemies get their hands on it had me laughing and glued to the seat. Raine’s sarcasm and humor help keep the reader entertained even as our heroine is being chased by goblins, evil magicians and other unsavory characters.

MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND is an amusing story that delivers one wild ride from start to finish. If you enjoy captivating characters, a fast paced storyline and magic, then grab the first in the Raine Benares series, MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND and get ready for one rollicking wild ride. I look forward to reading more on Raine’s adventures with her friends and seeing what is next for her.