This is a re-read, originally fell in love with the series when this first novel was released in 2007, #8 was released this week so I decided what a great time for a re-read, novel is still as much fun as when I originally read it. ( )

I don’t remember borrowing this one; it may have been when I was browsing on Overdrive and none of the books I wanted were immediately available.

In the city of Mermeia which is filled with magic users, Raine Benares is a passable elven sorceress and makes her living as a seeker - sometimes legally and sometimes not. One night while looking out for her friend she acquires a certain magical artefact in the shape of a silver medallion, which complicates her life somewhat as other people want it and she can’t remove it from around her neck. Consequently she meets goblins and elves who want the medallion, some of whom even want to help her.

I thought this was a decent enough story but - especially in the first couple of chapters - the language was a bit awkward and kept snagging my focus as did certain phrases which kept cropping up throughout the book. I found it ... interesting... that Raine was essentially the only female character in the book (except for a couple of elderly ladies mentioned almost in passing) and all the guys - even the bad guys - were gorgeous (except possibly the henchmen who didn’t rate a mention on their looks). Despite its faults (which were confusing rather than throw-across-the-room annoying) the story was entertaining enough to keep me reading to the end.

3*** ( )

An interesting story. Some very different kinds of characters (tall, handsome, sexy goblins? Nasty-minded, though). The annoying trope of every male chasing the female protagonist - most of them want her for sex, some...have other things in mind. Raine, a minor mage/PI, ends up in possession of, and possessed by, some very strong, very nasty magic - and then things get complicated. Happy ending, though - the worst of the opponents is even dealt with (maybe) - and then Raine has to deal with long-term effects (in the next book). I read this some years ago - at least, I wrote down that I read it - but I don't remember it at all. This time I intend to go on with the series; we'll see if it gets more memorable. The title is silly, though - the magic isn't lost, it's found. Along with plenty of trouble. ( )

Felt very much like a Tamora Pierce novel, great for young adults or just a quick read. ( )

It was tough to get into at first, but I think that was more due to the fact that I didn't have time to read more than a few pages at a go at the start. In the end I really enjoyed it and will for sure read on in the series. ( )