Review: THE MAGE IN BLACK by Jaye Wells

Red-Headed Stepchild was one of the enjoyable books I read this summer.  I meant to get to the sequel right away, but you know how it goes.  So many books, so little time.  Anyway, I finally sat down with The Mage In Black, and I’m so glad I did.  I’ve had a rough week and needed a little snark to brighten my day.  

The story resumes with Sabina Kane—half vamp, half mage—leaving the life she had always known with her powerful vampire grandmother on a venture to discover the other half of her family.  As she enters the mage headquarters in New York City, Sabina is totally out of her element, something she abhors greatly.  However, she’s not alone… she Adam, the sexy mage, and her Giguhl, her minion demon cat by her side!  For a little while at least.  Unfortunately, Adam gets called away (not before a steamy kiss) and her minion gets wrapped up in being the new star in a Demon Fight Club.  At least her long lost twin sister, Maisey, seems cool and genuinely wants to forge a relationship. 

While Sabina works to develop her magical abilities, the underworld politics are raging.  The world sits on the brink of war between the mages and the vamps.  While the mages work to obtain support from the Fae, someone is trying to take Sabina out of the picture early.  With Adam away, she has no choice but to turn to her ex-boyfriend, Slade, for help. 

I think the reason I like this series so much is because it is so much fun!  The definition of escapism for me.  The dialogue is punchy and witty, the characters are interesting and unique, the action keeps is enough to induce massive amounts of nail biting… The romance element is toned down, but you can feel it coming.  The slow build-up makes it that much sweeter.  I’m not sure if this is a trilogy, or is Wells plans to continue on, but the next book, Green Eyed Demon, is set to release March 1, 2011.  I can’t wait!

Overall, I give The Mage in Black…

Plot – 4 ½ bookmarks (Lots of action keeps it moving.)

Character Development – 4 bookmarks (I want a sassy demon minion!)

Fight Scenes – 4 ½ bookmarks

Interpretation of Vamp/Mage/Demon Lore – 4 ½ bookmarks

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – I stand by my prior visions.  Emma Watson (Sabina Kane/Maisey), Charlie Bewly (Adam), Clive Owen (Slade), Cady the Kitty (Giguhl the Demon Cat—I’d even let them shave her bald).