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Lost Library #3
Defensive Magic
When wolves fight...
What will the neighbors think? After an adventurous trip to Europe, Lizzie and John return home hoping for a little R & R. What they find is no rest at all. Lizzie's got a death threat on her pillow, and John is faced with a pack challenge in their backyard.
Soon Lizzie and John find themselves fighting for their lives. But who's masterminding the attacks? Is it Lizzie's old arch-rival Worth? Or does an even greater threat wait for the couple?
What will the neighbors think? After an adventurous trip to Europe, Lizzie and John return home hoping for a little R & R. What they find is no rest at all. Lizzie's got a death threat on her pillow, and John is faced with a pack challenge in their backyard.
Soon Lizzie and John find themselves fighting for their lives. But who's masterminding the attacks? Is it Lizzie's old arch-rival Worth? Or does an even greater threat wait for the couple?
293 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2015
About the author
Kate Baray
68 books208 followersKate Baray writes page-turning urban fantasy with relatable characters.
When Kate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Kate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Kate's series include Lost Library and Spirelli Paranormal Investigations. Under the pen name Cate Lawley, Kate (aka Cate!) writes Vegan Vamp Mysteries, Death Retired Mysteries, Fairmont Finds Canine Cozy Mysteries.
Find more information on her website: catelawley.com/kate-baray/
When Kate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Kate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Kate's series include Lost Library and Spirelli Paranormal Investigations. Under the pen name Cate Lawley, Kate (aka Cate!) writes Vegan Vamp Mysteries, Death Retired Mysteries, Fairmont Finds Canine Cozy Mysteries.
Find more information on her website: catelawley.com/kate-baray/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 28, 2015
I really did enjoy Defensive magic, the third installment of the Lost Library series. It had a different feel to it than Lost Library and Spirited Legacy. To me it felt more subdued and more serious than the previous books.
Don't get me wrong, Lizzy is just as quick witted as ever, just not as often. I think it was because Defensive Magic had a different focus. It's main focus was on John's Texas Pack and the Pack politics, but there was never a dull moment as it was packed with the action that I have grown to love in this series.
We got to see some minor characters play some larger roles in Defensive Magic which was fantastic! Also, one of them I never would have guessed belonged to the magic community!
Reading Defensive Magic was also bittersweet for me. I think it was because I knew that John and Lizzy's story was coming to an end. But really it didn't. There's no cliffhanger, the story did wind up nicely - for the time being. There is so much more that can be told - that NEEDS to be told - of John and Lizzy's tale.
The forth book in the series - Witch's Diary - is Kenna and Max's story and will be coming soon. I can't wait to read their story and hopefully get some more of Lizzy and John as well!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Don't get me wrong, Lizzy is just as quick witted as ever, just not as often. I think it was because Defensive Magic had a different focus. It's main focus was on John's Texas Pack and the Pack politics, but there was never a dull moment as it was packed with the action that I have grown to love in this series.
We got to see some minor characters play some larger roles in Defensive Magic which was fantastic! Also, one of them I never would have guessed belonged to the magic community!
Reading Defensive Magic was also bittersweet for me. I think it was because I knew that John and Lizzy's story was coming to an end. But really it didn't. There's no cliffhanger, the story did wind up nicely - for the time being. There is so much more that can be told - that NEEDS to be told - of John and Lizzy's tale.
The forth book in the series - Witch's Diary - is Kenna and Max's story and will be coming soon. I can't wait to read their story and hopefully get some more of Lizzy and John as well!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
After an exhausting trip to Europe, Lizzie and John come home wanting nothing more than peace and quiet. Instead, Lizzie finds a death threat on her pillow, and John must fight a challenger to his position as Texas Pack Alpha--and in his backyard. What will the neighbors think?
Soon Lizzie and John find themselves fighting for their lives. But who is masterminding the attacks? Is it Lizzie's old arch-rival Worth? Or an even greater threat?
And where is Lizzie and John's relationship headed now?
Defensive Magic was a great addition to the Lost Library series. The author has told such a wonderful story, time and time again. A Lost Library series is so different from a lot of books out there. I was captivated by book one and book three was no different!
The characters in this book are so likable and interesting, in the fact that theis almost normal. Well, unless you count changes into a wolf or being of a different species normal. What I mean is that the author didn't try and create a character that was too big for even herself. She kept the leads true to themselves, and the book is better for it.
This book is such a unique find and I am happy to have reviewed it. The authors work is outstanding and the series is one for the record books!
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Paranormal Romance
After an exhausting trip to Europe, Lizzie and John come home wanting nothing more than peace and quiet. Instead, Lizzie finds a death threat on her pillow, and John must fight a challenger to his position as Texas Pack Alpha--and in his backyard. What will the neighbors think?
Soon Lizzie and John find themselves fighting for their lives. But who is masterminding the attacks? Is it Lizzie's old arch-rival Worth? Or an even greater threat?
And where is Lizzie and John's relationship headed now?
Defensive Magic was a great addition to the Lost Library series. The author has told such a wonderful story, time and time again. A Lost Library series is so different from a lot of books out there. I was captivated by book one and book three was no different!
The characters in this book are so likable and interesting, in the fact that theis almost normal. Well, unless you count changes into a wolf or being of a different species normal. What I mean is that the author didn't try and create a character that was too big for even herself. She kept the leads true to themselves, and the book is better for it.
This book is such a unique find and I am happy to have reviewed it. The authors work is outstanding and the series is one for the record books!
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Paranormal Romance
April 1, 2015
It’s magic, Lizzie. Science twists and turns when magic is applied. Lizzy has learned a lot about magic since she first learned what she truly is – a magical being. In Lost Library: Book One of this amazing series, I wrote Kate Baray has written a fast paced, interesting book which I glad to say is much more story than ‘romantic scenes.’ Her magical world building is both unusual and comprehensive, and made me smile over the creativity. Book Two continued the story in the same magically creative manner. Now, with Defensive Magic, Kate Baray pulls out all the stops and sharpens the focus of her series as things come to a head – for good and bad.
Returning from Prague after Lizzie’s kidnapping and the near death of John and others, Lizzie and John are travel worn, exhausted, and barely functional. Which makes things worse as they walk into not one, but two challenges to John’s position as Alpha of the Texas Pack. Rumours had been coming hard and fast while they fought Worth in Prague, but when they arrive back in Texas, things are much worse than expected. For challenges aren’t the only problem. The saying is you aren’t paranoid if they really are out to get you. And someone – or multiple someones – is out to get John, and the Texas Pack. There are those who don’t want to 22041005move out of the middle ages when it comes to pack politics. And they are willing to do anything – even destroy the whole pack, to make sure that contemporary thought and management doesn’t bring the pack into the present day.
But it isn’t only internal. There are outside influences which are bent on destruction of the pack as well. But is it only the pack that is under attack? Or is something else happening? Are larger actions moving politics and magic, larger goals and intentions surrounding John and Lizzie? Evil magic, nasty politics, hidden agendas. And not surprisingly, things, and people, are once again not whom they appear. It’s all here, and done in Baray’s beautiful style. Fast, exciting, and eminently readable, this is a great series and well worth your reading time. You can read my reviews for Lost Library and Spirited Legacy - and of course, purchase these three books at your favorite outlet!
Highly recommended!
Returning from Prague after Lizzie’s kidnapping and the near death of John and others, Lizzie and John are travel worn, exhausted, and barely functional. Which makes things worse as they walk into not one, but two challenges to John’s position as Alpha of the Texas Pack. Rumours had been coming hard and fast while they fought Worth in Prague, but when they arrive back in Texas, things are much worse than expected. For challenges aren’t the only problem. The saying is you aren’t paranoid if they really are out to get you. And someone – or multiple someones – is out to get John, and the Texas Pack. There are those who don’t want to 22041005move out of the middle ages when it comes to pack politics. And they are willing to do anything – even destroy the whole pack, to make sure that contemporary thought and management doesn’t bring the pack into the present day.
But it isn’t only internal. There are outside influences which are bent on destruction of the pack as well. But is it only the pack that is under attack? Or is something else happening? Are larger actions moving politics and magic, larger goals and intentions surrounding John and Lizzie? Evil magic, nasty politics, hidden agendas. And not surprisingly, things, and people, are once again not whom they appear. It’s all here, and done in Baray’s beautiful style. Fast, exciting, and eminently readable, this is a great series and well worth your reading time. You can read my reviews for Lost Library and Spirited Legacy - and of course, purchase these three books at your favorite outlet!
Highly recommended!
April 4, 2015
My thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this story. This was not my first Kate Baray read so I was expecting good things - I am thrilled to say it met and exceeded my expectations. It is book 3 in the Lost Library series but it easily stands alone. I suggest reading the series from the start - you will be pleased that you did.
The characters are wonderful. The best part of any story, for me, is the characters. Kate Baray does a fantastic job creating a wide range of characters for her books. She makes you feel something about each of them, "good guys"and "bad". It was easy to invest in all of them - regardless of how big a part they played. John is great, but Lizzy was my favorite (if I had to choose just one to be a favorite). She grows into her own in this story. She deals with a variety of situations that challenge her beliefs - in the people in her life, in her mate, in herself, in her past, present, and future.
I liked that we got a more in-depth look into John's world and his past, gives a little more understanding about the person he is and the way he lives his life.
The storyline keeps you reading and on the edge of your seat as the twising plot unfolds. I found myself holding my breath, calling out "bad form!" as well as cheering when things went the way I wanted them too.
I recieved this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. I will be buying the next book, Witch's Diary, as soon as it comes out on April 20, 2015.
I truly enjoyed this story. This was not my first Kate Baray read so I was expecting good things - I am thrilled to say it met and exceeded my expectations. It is book 3 in the Lost Library series but it easily stands alone. I suggest reading the series from the start - you will be pleased that you did.
The characters are wonderful. The best part of any story, for me, is the characters. Kate Baray does a fantastic job creating a wide range of characters for her books. She makes you feel something about each of them, "good guys"and "bad". It was easy to invest in all of them - regardless of how big a part they played. John is great, but Lizzy was my favorite (if I had to choose just one to be a favorite). She grows into her own in this story. She deals with a variety of situations that challenge her beliefs - in the people in her life, in her mate, in herself, in her past, present, and future.
I liked that we got a more in-depth look into John's world and his past, gives a little more understanding about the person he is and the way he lives his life.
The storyline keeps you reading and on the edge of your seat as the twising plot unfolds. I found myself holding my breath, calling out "bad form!" as well as cheering when things went the way I wanted them too.
I recieved this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review. I will be buying the next book, Witch's Diary, as soon as it comes out on April 20, 2015.
February 27, 2015
I received this book as an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Book #3, continues with our friends, Lizzie & John. It is a little different from Book #1 & Book #2, as they are in Texas and not traveling to Prague. Book #3 has John & Lizzie at his home, in Pack country. It shows John as the Alpha leader, dealing with the counsel, and the members of the community. Will Lizzy fit in?
We do see Lizzy use her magic & learn how to spell cast.
The story did wind up nicely, no cliffhanger. But, I would like to see more of John & Lizzy. Perhaps book #4 will dive into Kenna & Lizzy again.
Book #3, continues with our friends, Lizzie & John. It is a little different from Book #1 & Book #2, as they are in Texas and not traveling to Prague. Book #3 has John & Lizzie at his home, in Pack country. It shows John as the Alpha leader, dealing with the counsel, and the members of the community. Will Lizzy fit in?
We do see Lizzy use her magic & learn how to spell cast.
The story did wind up nicely, no cliffhanger. But, I would like to see more of John & Lizzy. Perhaps book #4 will dive into Kenna & Lizzy again.
November 6, 2015
Love This Series
You don't have to be a fantasy fan to appreciate Ms. Baray's writing style and skill in weaving an enticing plot. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two nights staying up way past my bedtime. And then immediately pre-ordered the fourth book of the series. I appreciate the depth the author develops in her characters, while at the same time keeping a great pace and plot development throughout the book. Although there is plenty of paranormal activity, the story feels very believable.
You don't have to be a fantasy fan to appreciate Ms. Baray's writing style and skill in weaving an enticing plot. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in two nights staying up way past my bedtime. And then immediately pre-ordered the fourth book of the series. I appreciate the depth the author develops in her characters, while at the same time keeping a great pace and plot development throughout the book. Although there is plenty of paranormal activity, the story feels very believable.
February 8, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Defensive Magic" is an excellent and compelling addition to the Lost Library series - Lizzie and John continue to be great characters with awesome chemistry, and the world-building continues to be fascinating and creative. A little darker than the previous installments (which I loved), but with the same dash of humor and charm. Definitely a great finish and I look forward to the Kenna and Max book coming next!
"Defensive Magic" is an excellent and compelling addition to the Lost Library series - Lizzie and John continue to be great characters with awesome chemistry, and the world-building continues to be fascinating and creative. A little darker than the previous installments (which I loved), but with the same dash of humor and charm. Definitely a great finish and I look forward to the Kenna and Max book coming next!
February 19, 2015
magical
I received this book in return for an honest review. The Texas pack of Lycans are trying to move beyond their antiquated ways and are thwarted by other groups of Lycans and suspect that witches are involved as well as a nemesis. A new spell caster is learning her magic and defensive of her mate. John and Lizzie are a really nice couple whom you can't help but love and want to see succeed.
I received this book in return for an honest review. The Texas pack of Lycans are trying to move beyond their antiquated ways and are thwarted by other groups of Lycans and suspect that witches are involved as well as a nemesis. A new spell caster is learning her magic and defensive of her mate. John and Lizzie are a really nice couple whom you can't help but love and want to see succeed.
January 29, 2015
I've loved following Lizzie and John's story through books one and two, and book three delivered. I also liked that this story dealt with the issue that was left behind in the other books; John's pack life. An exciting and fast paced read. Highly recommended!
March 17, 2015
A good book
This book was right down my alley as far as genre ,interesting characters and more.The ONLY reason this wasn't a five star rating is that I don't like to start a book that's 3rd in a series.This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book was right down my alley as far as genre ,interesting characters and more.The ONLY reason this wasn't a five star rating is that I don't like to start a book that's 3rd in a series.This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2015
Stayed up till past 1a.m. to finish this book last night/this morning. Loved it! Once paycheck arrived, intend to get the final story in the series and it is killing me! Loved this series and can't wait for Kate Baray to write more.
August 28, 2018
In this book we get more invested in the shifter community and what John needs to do to keep his position as Alpha of the pack. I just wish Lizzie and John can get so time to rest and talk, they really need this as they are constantly exhausted from running between obligations that keeps cropping up. This book is very fast paced and very enjoyable. Lizzie is still struggling to get to grips with her spell caster abilities whilst fighting the evil around her. I loved this book and look forward to reading book 4 in the series.
May 18, 2023
I hate to say it but I’d give this 0 stars if I could. The writing has somehow gotten worse as the series has progressed, so bad that I won’t even attempt the fourth book which is not like me I am quite the completetionist (or real word equivalent lol) there’s plot holes too big to overlook, the characters all fall flat (like “grumpy” Logan who is never actually acting grumpy) and I don’t know if it was a need for a word count or the author has no faith in her audience but the repetitive explanations of absolutely every little thing took so much away from the story
November 16, 2018
Finally, an end-or is it a beginning?
Lizzie and Braxton are mired in more Lycan upstarts than they can handle. A new problem rears its ugly head with Worth yet again, but more friends come to their aid to stop more evil magic.
The road is clear, but where does it lead for our sweethearts?
Lizzie and Braxton are mired in more Lycan upstarts than they can handle. A new problem rears its ugly head with Worth yet again, but more friends come to their aid to stop more evil magic.
The road is clear, but where does it lead for our sweethearts?
December 17, 2018
Finally, Lizzie and John get to spend time with the Austin, TX pack but rather than a period of acclimation for the new Aloha Mate, the pack and John are met with challenges for leadership. Lycans are finding just how much of the magical community the need to learn about as they come out of isolation. An outside player seems to behind the turmoil, but who and why?
April 8, 2020
Makes you hungry for more
Volume three resolves many loose ends but hints at yet more developments. The heroine perhaps has more moral qualms than seem strictly necessary as the bad guys are thoroughly bad but it is interesting to watch as she grows to accept the dimensions of the Alpha role.
Volume three resolves many loose ends but hints at yet more developments. The heroine perhaps has more moral qualms than seem strictly necessary as the bad guys are thoroughly bad but it is interesting to watch as she grows to accept the dimensions of the Alpha role.
July 23, 2020
This is the third book in the series and as great as the others. This time around the gang is in Texas to meet the Pack and in Las Vegas for a little bit. I really enjoyed this book also. The whole series has been very good, very quick to read and really fun. The characters of Lizzie and John are developed well.
June 6, 2021
Back on American soil, John and Lizzie are faced with new problems. There seems to be a consensus among other Lycan packs that the Texas pack has weakened, and John faces continuous challenges. They discover other magical beings living in the USA that may be influencing this. That leads them to Las Vegas, a magical dead zone, but what they find and deal with there is not "dead"...
January 6, 2024
Excellent again!
This whole series of books has been one excellent story after another. This book was no exception. The characters are strongly endearing, especially Lizzie and John, the plot is very straight forward, and the premise is stopping the source of contention within John's Pack. I highly recommend this book.
This whole series of books has been one excellent story after another. This book was no exception. The characters are strongly endearing, especially Lizzie and John, the plot is very straight forward, and the premise is stopping the source of contention within John's Pack. I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2019
Great read
Lizzie and john have a lot going on, there are numerous challenges that John must face. They fly to Vegas to find out that Wroth’s daughter is behind all their problems. She also offers them a way to get rid of Worth. Lizzie and John realize that she has played them
Lizzie and john have a lot going on, there are numerous challenges that John must face. They fly to Vegas to find out that Wroth’s daughter is behind all their problems. She also offers them a way to get rid of Worth. Lizzie and John realize that she has played them
August 7, 2019
Great addition to the series
I enjoyed the latest book in the series. John and Lizzie face new challenges and danger as they try to recover from their last adventure. Lizzie learns more about her spell caster abilities and the magical world.
I enjoyed the latest book in the series. John and Lizzie face new challenges and danger as they try to recover from their last adventure. Lizzie learns more about her spell caster abilities and the magical world.
November 9, 2019
Fantastic fantasy.
This is a very well written book. The author writes as if the reader has accepted magic, werewolves, witches etc are normal and commonplace in society thus avoiding the need to explain. Definitely one of my favourite authors.
This is a very well written book. The author writes as if the reader has accepted magic, werewolves, witches etc are normal and commonplace in society thus avoiding the need to explain. Definitely one of my favourite authors.
September 2, 2021
I feel as if this might be a series that runs parallel to another series. The way characters are mentioned as being a pivotal part of a main character’s life but never really a part of the story. I feel like I’ve missed something
February 1, 2017
Love it!
Really love this whole series! Have fallen in love with Lizzie, John, Max, and other characters .... Will for sure check out more books by this author!
Really love this whole series! Have fallen in love with Lizzie, John, Max, and other characters .... Will for sure check out more books by this author!
May 12, 2017
Book 3
Well that tidied up nicely. Nice twist with how some of magic was dealt with. Interested in how the next book goes
Well that tidied up nicely. Nice twist with how some of magic was dealt with. Interested in how the next book goes
July 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this one - much more than book #2. This one focused more on the werewolves, and less on the other "magical beings", though we did learn a few more things about them.
April 19, 2018
Entertaining series
I have really become attached to these characters. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Ready to start the next book!!!
I have really become attached to these characters. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Ready to start the next book!!!
May 12, 2018
Lizzie and John travel to his hometown where he has to fight for his life. I really enjoyed this book
October 9, 2018
This was an interesting read, learning more about the pack dynamic, and Lizzie and John's relationship.
October 14, 2018
Fun
Fun read, recommend for a light read.
For a weekend or a long weekend. Not much else to say about it.
Fun read, recommend for a light read.
For a weekend or a long weekend. Not much else to say about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews