reviewed by
Jennifer Kahng
Raine Benares is back, still dealing with an evil stone and, this time, even more horrifying things: lawyers and politics. This is, of course, in addition to the bad guys, black magic, and general mayhem that has become the norm for Raine. And, yes, her snark is in full force, too.
A sequel to Magic Lost, Trouble Found, Armed & Magical picks up the story right away and we're thrown into a brand new adventure. This time, Raine is on the Isle of Mid, having traveled from Mermeia in an attempt to find someone to disconnect her from the Saghred, the evil stone that, even under containment, still haunts her dreams.
Shearin rehashes the high points of the first book for those who need a reminder or who are just jumping right in. While it isn't strictly necessary to have read the first book, the connections will certainly make much more sense to understand what had happened.
The major players are back including my favorite: Mychael Eiliesor. Call me a sucker for the tall, handsome, magical good guy.
But, even under the protection of the Conclave Guardians, life is no picnic for Raine Benares. No, that would be too easy.
An attempt to kill Archmagus Valerian and Paladin Eilisor is barely thwarted by Raine, but in the process she exposes just how powerful she has become. Conclave students are disappearing and Raine's attempts to find them, she's a seeker after all, are blocked by another mage. The Saghred isn't content to be locked up and keeps taunting Raine. Sarad Nukpana, the bad guy she locked in the Saghred, keeps popping into her mind. Nukpana's former employers are trying to extradite her for her crimes. The elves are trying to lock her up because she's dangerous. The list goes on.
Like the first book, Armed & Magical is a fun, quick-paced romp through another week of Raine's life. There's still a touch of romance, too, but things don't get any clearer between Raine and Mychael or Raine and Tam. Mychael won't let his anything get between him and his duty...no matter how much he wants to. And Tam? Well, Tam is...Tam. It's complicated.
The book concludes with just as many questions, possibly more, as it began and the next book should definitely be packed with more action and, as always snark. I can't wait.
