Shadow's Bastion is the 8th installment in author L.R Braden's Magicsmith series. Alex Blackwood, the half-fae magicsmith protagonist, is once again thrust into impossible situations. She's desperate to free her vampire love, James Abernathy, from the council's manipulative grasp, but the solution involves a costly favor from the enigmatic fae Lord of Enchantment.
She also promised the Vampire council (Ash) that she would try to recreate what she did with James, allowing him to daywalk, which meant going back to Bael, her grandfather, and spending a month trying to learn and expand her magical abilities. This comes on the heels of vampires wanting to be part of the negotiations, which would allow them not only to come out in public but also to have a seat at the negotiation table between humans and paras.
With a crucial peace summit looming between humans and paras, one that could shape the future coexistence of paranaturals and humans, threats are mounting. Purist extremists are accelerating production of Fantasia, a horrific drug derived from fae essence, and rumors of an attack on the summit add explosive tension. To avert disaster, Alex ventures behind enemy lines, relying on an unlikely and untrustworthy ally.
The story explores themes of desperation, deals with dangerous beings, moral gray areas, and the fragile hope for unity in a divided world. The Magicsmith universe remains vivid and expansive. Elements like fae deals, vampire politics, and the horrors of Fantasia integrate seamlessly, enhancing the stakes without overwhelming the story. Political maneuvering among vampires, fae, humans, and other paranaturals feels authentic and layered, with real consequences.
Alex continues to shine as a compassionate yet fierce heroine. Her growth is evident—she's learning to delegate, navigate fae politics, and harness her unique abilities more strategically. Supporting characters like Maggie, Emma, Hortense, Ava, Jynx, Chase, and Malachi have parts to play in this story. The emotional anchor of Alex's relationship with James provides poignant motivation, while side storylines (like one involving a character named Ash) add gripping depth.
As book 8, this is not a standalone—read the series in order for full impact. New readers should start with A Drop of Magic, which is currently selling for $.99 cents on Amazon. Highly recommended for fans of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, or Seanan McGuire.
