First Line Friday 56 || Magic and Mundane

Posted June 24, 2022 by Sammie in #5OnMyTBR, #amreading, Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, Friday 56 / 7 Comments

It’s time to play “guess that book” and also watch our TBRs weep.

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and is all about the first line of a current/upcoming read. Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda’s Voice, where you turn to page 56 (or 56%) in what you’re reading a find a snippet that jumps out at you.

Magic was once a thing people yearned for. Dreamed of. People would pay large sums, even travel great distances, to be enthralled by a magician’s sleight of hand. Not true magic, of course, just a skillful form of deception that tricked them into believing. Gave them a taste of what could be. but when real magic erupted into the mundane world, their outlook changed.

“There’s some odd distortion there I can’t pinpoint. Mostly, it just worsened the astigmatism I already had.”

Tatiana’s mouth went O-shaped. “Ooh, astigmatism! Is it severe? Can you see multiples of me?” She leaned in closer, and Iori sank deeper into the sofa.

“No, and I consider that a blessing.”

Click To Reveal The Book

A girl full of heart
A thief touched by darkness
A boy with a fiery temper
An unwitting servant of evil

The era of magic was once thought to be a myth, but after the Reemergence ushered forces both dark and light into the mundane world, it has since become a harsh reality. Now those affected by this strange power—a specialized group of Empowered called Jokers, known collectively as Cardplay—must protect their world from the darkness that threatens to consume it, all the while fighting for equality in a society clinging to normalcy.

But the Reemergence was only the beginning.

When another influx occurs on the seventh anniversary of that fateful event, an unfortunate encounter at ground zero lands Iori Ryone, a teenage boy in possession of a corrupt and legendary magic, in the care of recent Joker graduate Ellen Amelia Jane. From him, she learns the Reemergence may not have been the inevitable natural disaster it first seemed.

Someone is trying to tear down the barrier that separates the magical realms from the mundane. The question is, can Cardplay stop them before it’s too late?

Immersive high fantasy world where magic is real
But also, you know, seen as a threat
Because . . . magic? Duh. It’s dangerous.
A wide array of magic powers
An intriguing mystery to be solved
Sarcastic but lovable characters

5 On My TBR is hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook and is meant to take place on Mondays. But since Fridays tend to be my TBR-focused post, I’ve decided to combine them here. Next Monday’s prompt is: title starting with an ‘H’. Technically, that’s not this week’s prompt, but this week’s prompt is a trope I’m not a fan of so I’m doing a week that I missed.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse

Hero Forged by Josh Erikson

I am all for books where someone accidentally traps an evil god in their brain. That’s in the very first part of the synopsis, but that’s really all I needed to know, if I’m honest. Does that not sound awesome in and of itself?! I don’t read too many of these urban fantasy paranormal type of books, but I tend to love them when I do! I love the action and sarcasm the most, and it sounds like this book has plenty of both.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason

I’ve owned this book for a while and have absolutely no reason to not have read it yet. I’m just a teensy bit disappointed with myself, if I’m honest. Now that the complete duology is out, it makes sense to go ahead and just read them together back-to-back. I mean, with a title like that, how could I possibly resist?

The Howling Dark by Brittany M. Willows

This one has a while still before it’s released, but one, that cover is amazing, and two, I’m all for werewolf brothers on the run. Sounds like a super interesting plot! It’s also comped to Wolf’s Rain, which I absolutely love, and according to the synopsis, it’s got a queernormative world and messy relationship dynamics, which are definitely my thing.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

I’ve been meaning to read more of Jemisin’s work for a while now, ever since I read a short story by them. Which was amazing. So I definitely need to read more of their work! I actually don’t know much about this series in particular. Normally, when someone recommends Jemisin, they recommend The Broken Earth series rather than Inheritance, and I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s a newer series or if people enjoy that one better. In any case, I plan on reading both at some point, so it doesn’t really matter which I start with!

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

There is literally no reason for this book to be on this list. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. What have I even been doing with my life? I absolutely loved Gideon the Ninth and had every intention of reading Harrow the minute it came out. I even started it once and made it a couple chapters in. Unfortunately, it was right in the throes of grad school and I had assignments due and no time, so I ended up losing my hold on it and just never requested it again. Needless to say, I’m definitely looking forward to picking this up relatively soon . . . just in time for Nona the Ninth!