Amy Hopkins

This was an ARC from the author offered by LibraryThing. Thanks.
I downloaded the book this morning and finished it by one, never once tempted to put it down.This story hooked me from the first page and didn't let go. It had all the elements I like in a fantasy - great characters, magic, all kinds of Otherworld beings, mystery, a little romance (nothing to distract from the story) and above all an excellent storyteller.
Emma is a half blood able to do small magic. She is the owner of a tea show more shop where she charms and sells teas to other half bloods, some humans and the occasional full blooded Talent.. She is assisted by the boggart, Gibble, loyal helper to her family for centuries. Both of them carry secrets..
There is enormous discrimination between the 3 divisions of people, with the half bloods disdained by the Talents and distrusted by the humans... Some such as Harrod and his brother Martin try to change this.
Against this backdrop a series of murders occur - all half bloods.Then the killer targets Emma..
This was a really fun, fast read..LOL at hobgoblin, Barg ,caring for Lenny.. Yes, signing up for the next.. show less

I rate this book this high because of the Australian setting considering there are not many fantasy books set in Australia. This is much better than Paranormal University, which is written in the same universe. I wish we got more of Penny, I love her as a character, she's fierce, got some humour and is snarky. I loved the new characters in outback NSW and of course, the main ones never disappoint either.
3.5 for the story overall.
.5 for the Aussie setting.

Finally an Australian main character!
I much preferred this book to [b: Paranormal University Complete Series:|56137520|Paranormal University Complete Series Omnibus An Unveiled Academy Novel|Jace Mitchell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1606905974l/56137520._SX50_.jpg|87444954]
While Claire was perfect in every way and a pretty dull character to read about, Penny is so vibrant and bright, I loved her pet and Patty was hilarious.
While it's set in the same show more universe as Claire's books, there are no characters from her series that cross over to this.
The book didn't have alot of action but I'm excited for book 2. show less

3.5
This was certainly unique with video games in the mix.
Penny can certainly make you laugh sometimes.
Steele was suspicious from the start but I feel like there were questions left unanswered, why did she do what she did?
The covers really don't suit how I picture Penny dressing considering the way she is written in the books.