This is the first book in the Midwest Magic Chronicles series and yet another book in The Revelations of Oriceran universe. It is co-authored by Flint Maxwell and Martha R. Carr (The Leira Chronicles in the same universe). Well, Michael Anderle seems to have his fingers in it somewhere as well but I suspect this was more in a consulting role.

The book is a fairly simple but also fairly fun read. The setup is a more or less standard one. Young girl discovers that she has magical power. Of course this just happens to coincide with a nefarious vilain’s scheduled overtaking of the world…or something. Yes it is simple, yes it has been done before (a gazillion times) but I still happen to like this setup.

I would say that this book has much in common with the books in the previously mentioned The Leira Chronicles. This should not be very surprising since they are both part of the same universe but also co-authored by the same author. The places, the characters and the evil plot is different of course and, to my great joy, it is a bit less silly. At least this first installment is. There are no silly shopping or junk food sprees.

The main proponent seems fairly likable and she is surrounded by a set of likable friends. The dialogue will not give you any points at your local Mensa club but it is lighthearted and fun. On the whole this is how I would describe the book, light, simple and fun reading.

I am indeed looking forward to read the next book. Due to the way this one ended the next one could take one of, at least, two paths. Either the main adventure continues more or less straight away or, which is the path I would prefer, Martha could be spending some time in actual training (school?) of her abilities and then go on to kick some ass.