Review: Magic at the Gate by Devon Monk

Title: Magic at the Gate
By: Devon Monk
Series: Allie Beckstrom Series Book #5
Series: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Roc Publishing (November 2nd, 2010)
My Copy: Ebook bought from Barnes and Nobles
BookWhisperer Rating:
Five Star




About the book:
Allie Beckstrom's lover, Zayvion Jones, is a Guardian of the Gate, imbued with both light and dark magic and responsible for ensuring that those energies don't mix. But Zayvion lies in a coma, his soul trapped in death's realm. And when Allie discovers that the only way to save Zayvion is to sacrifice her very own magical essence, she makes a decision that may have grave consequences for the entire world.

Allie Beckstrom is the kick ass heroine that keeps readers coming back for more. With such a talented author; Devon Monk writes this character as a powerful magical female that is not much different than you or me. Allie has more strength and endurance that imaginable, but Monk offers interpersonal characteristics that allow readers to really know her characters with stregnths and flaws. Allie is more powerful than she knows, but humble and modest to the core. The Allie Beckstrom series has had quite a journey in the past four books. Allie is what appears to be a loner, but as each passing book concludes I see that this character is no longer truely alone. Living a life as a Hound was hard enough; now with her fathers constant interference in her life she is finding herself in constant danger and turmoil. While Allie continues to try to find normalcy in this twisted world; trouble always seems to be just around this corner. Zayvion and Allie have had a very rough start, but it appears to be smoothing out for this couple. After having discovered themselves as soul compliments they must now be careful not to lose theirselves to their magic. Although, most of this novel Zayvion is in a coma it is obvious that the threat of loss is resolving at least for the moment.  Monk offers adult novels with a clearn cut story. I appreciate an adult novel that offers suspense, romance, and action that can still be innocently written. Zayvion and Allie carry a very intense attraction that gives readers the mouth watering sexual charge and occasional intimate moment, but it is a welcomed addition to the story without turning the story into something erotic. Another dramatic aspect of the Allie books are the constant friction between Allie and her father. This book allowed a earnest twist to the ever growing dismay between these characters. Readers will find themselves wondering if this novel signifies a change in the future for these two important characters. Continueing an action packed journey through so many books has been a proven challenge for many authors. After five books some series will lose their mojo for such an addictive story; Monk seems to be overcoming this obstacle with each additional book. It appears as though she has much more to offer, and readers can rest assured they will not be disappointed.