Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison is the first audiobook in the Shadow Age fantasy series. Narrated by Marguerite Gavin, Harrison introduces us to Petra Grady, a sweeper in a magic filled world where spellwork creates waste. Fabulous world-building and an unthinkable accident made this an exciting start to this new series.

Three Kinds of Lucky
by Kim Harrison
Series: The Shadow Age #1
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Length: 15 hours and 38 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.25x

Luck is its own kind of magic, in this first book in an electrifying new contemporary fantasy series from the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows novels.

Petra Grady has known since adolescence that she has no talent for magic—and that’s never going to change. But as a sweeper first-class, she’s parlayed her rare ability to handle dross—the damaging, magical waste generated by her more talented kin’s spellwork—into a decent life working at the mages’ university.

Except Grady’s relatively predictable life is about to be upended. When the oblivious, sexy, and oh-so-out-of-reach Benedict Strom needs someone with her abilities for a research project studying dross and how to render it harmless, she’s stuck working on his team—whether she wants to or not.

Only Benedict doesn’t understand the characteristics of dross like Grady does. After an unthinkable accident, she and Benedict are forced to go on the run to seek out the one person who might be able to help: an outcast exiled ten years ago for the crime of using dross to cast spells. Now Grady must decide whether to stick with the magical status quo or embrace her own hidden talents . . . and risk shattering their entire world.

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Harrison drops us into this alternate world alongside sweeper, Petra Grady as she is dealing with magical waste known as dross. It was a strange altercation, leaving her with damaged equipment and unease.

Petra is unwillingly assigned to work with childhood crush Benedict Strom, on his dross research project at the Mage University where she works. She thinks the project is dangerous and her unanswered attraction annoys the heck out of her. I liked the tension and unresolved issues between them.

When an unimaginable event occurs, Petra and Benedict go into hiding as they search for an outcast that Petra believes got her father killed, but might just be able to save them all. Betrayal, fringe magic users, dross and untapped abilities quickly pulled me into the world.

A heroine with untapped potential, a world of magic users and cleaners. Yep, this was a fun set up and opening to the series. Some areas dragged a little, but we had some terrific battle scenes, twists and surprises that set the series up perfectly.

If you are an animal lover, be warned something upsetting occurs. [View post to see spoiler]

Marguerite Gavin narrates giving us the voice of Petra and enhances the overall story for me. I highly recommend listening.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/three-kinds-of-lucky-by-kim-harrison.html

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The narrative is particularly engaging for young readers, enhanced by Akiko Martinache’s vibrant illustrations. Jazi’s character breaks the fourth wall, directly engaging with readers through rich, bee-themed language. The story not only entertains but also educates, imparting lessons on bravery, calmness, and generosity. It addresses the theme of individuality, encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness.

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Bee-Coming Strong is thoughtfully crafted for a young audience, delivering not only an entertaining story but also valuable life lessons. It stands out as an engaging and educational book, ideal for young readers who are beginning to explore chapter books.

Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0CMZBPZ35

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/05/bee-coming-strong/

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Stephen Tobias’ The Varieties of Religious Experience is a thought-provoking exploration of the intertwining of animal and human experiences, addressing profound questions about life, death, and morality. Its rich narrative, punctuated by moments of dark humor and poignant reflections, offers a unique reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This novel is a compelling choice for readers seeking a deep and reflective journey into the realms of spirituality and ethics, wrapped in a story that is as engaging as it is enlightening.

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/05/the-varieties-of-religious-experience/

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/05/shamera-2/

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/05/one-mad-year/

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/05/watch-me-bloom-when-i-have-big-feelings/