Helpful Score: 3
Almost as enjoyable as the first book - plenty of action and Raine's usual humor to keep the book going nicely. As in book 1, the voice is light and more urban fantasy than straight fantasy, and a lot of surprisingly modern words are used in this world. That's refreshing for some, maybe not so for others.
I did have a couple of nits however. One was on page 108 (yes, I did write it down!). There was a paragraph describing Raine's relationship with Tam that I swear was word for word exactly the same as the first book. I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't read these books almost back to back, but it really threw me out of the story. After that I started noticing vaguely familiar sentences, though nothing like the same word for word paragraph. It was weird. Another thing is that I still didn't quite understand in the end why the songspell students were kidnapped by who originally kidnapped them. I hope the third book resolves some of the mystery.
Looking forward to book 3. Raine is amassing an awful lot of enemies in this one - book 3 will likely be teeming with people wanting her blood!
I did have a couple of nits however. One was on page 108 (yes, I did write it down!). There was a paragraph describing Raine's relationship with Tam that I swear was word for word exactly the same as the first book. I wouldn't have noticed if I didn't read these books almost back to back, but it really threw me out of the story. After that I started noticing vaguely familiar sentences, though nothing like the same word for word paragraph. It was weird. Another thing is that I still didn't quite understand in the end why the songspell students were kidnapped by who originally kidnapped them. I hope the third book resolves some of the mystery.
Looking forward to book 3. Raine is amassing an awful lot of enemies in this one - book 3 will likely be teeming with people wanting her blood!
Helpful Score: 2
This book picks up where book one (Magic Lost, Trouble Found) leaves off. It is just 2 or 3 days later. I enjoyed this book. Raine is very funny and if there is any trouble around it will find her. Armed and Magical is a good story but you should read book 1 if you want to get a full understanding of what is going on.
This second offering by Lisa Shearin, ARMED AND MAGICAL, about an elf with the ability to find things, is a wonderful book. Raine Benares is a finderand her abilities get her into hot water with goblins in this book--involving her young friend Piaras, an elf with a wonderful(and magical) voice...and an evil stone that feeds on souls...
Her adventures get her into hot water near the Goblin Embassy and its current king and wizard. She has to use all her abilities to deal with what she is facing--so she and Piaras can get out of this in one piece.
Knowing Raine, that's almost more than she can wish for!
The book has bloodthirsty pixies, a mad dash for freedom, and a feisty heroine that draws you into her world.
Reading this book was a wonderful experience for me--and I am an avowed fan of Shearin and her feisty character!
Her adventures get her into hot water near the Goblin Embassy and its current king and wizard. She has to use all her abilities to deal with what she is facing--so she and Piaras can get out of this in one piece.
Knowing Raine, that's almost more than she can wish for!
The book has bloodthirsty pixies, a mad dash for freedom, and a feisty heroine that draws you into her world.
Reading this book was a wonderful experience for me--and I am an avowed fan of Shearin and her feisty character!
Elizabeth B. (Cattriona) -
I did not find this quite as fresh as the first book (Magic Lost, Trouble Found), but it is still a worthwhile read. The main character, Raine, is still plucky and intelligent, and manages to get herself into (and out of) various scrapes, with plenty of room left for more books about her adventures. Definitely read "Magic Lost, Trouble Found" before this one, or many things won't make sense.
An excellent story. Even my son enjoyed it. Her characters are well rounded and Raine, the female 'lead' is determined to do things her way which I like. Her main problem, is which hot guy does she want.....?
This one takes up right where Magic Lost, Trouble Found ended. I really, really like Raine. She is resourceful, uses her brain, and is snarky at all the right moments. I especially enjoyed Raine's glamor into a man and the "extra" in the front of her trousers. Look forward to the next one!
I agree with Nicole, fun series but I get confused with the magic system as well as all of the people and who they are or represent. But otherwise Raine is quite funny and I really enjoy her and her family.
Book 2 in the Raine Benares series. I really like this series. Raine is great, strong female character and the love triangle with Tam and Mychael heats up in the book. My only complaint is that the magical system is so complex, that at times it is difficult to follow.
