by Kate Baray
Series: Lost Library #1
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Lizzie led a normal life...until the Book arrived.
Author Kate Baray begins her new paranormal romance series with Lost Library, a tale of werewolves, magic, adventure and romance.
John Braxton arrives unannounced on Lizzie’s doorstep. Little does she know that when she invites him for a drink on the porch, Lizzie opens the door to a secret world of Lycan, magic, spelled books, and a power hungry mastermind. Caught up in one man’s search for power, Lizzie soon begins to uncover surprising secrets about her own past and powers—but not before stumbling upon a library like no other. And romance with a serious but sexy Lycan? It might just happen…
Take a romp through the life of the quirky and well-meaning Lizzie as she discovers exactly what it means to live with magic.
Y’all know I am sucker for libraries, and if you make it magical, I am all over it. This is how I ended up grabbing Lost Library by Kate Baray. Lycan, spelled books, and a lost library pulled me into this tale that has us jetting around the world.
Caffeinated Aspects
- Lizzie Smith receives an old book in the mail from an unknown sender. She can see words within the book but they move around and she cannot quite read them. A strange white wolf and a man name John Braxton, soon turn Lizzie’s world upside down as he unlocks an entire world she never knew existed and discovers she too is playing a role in it.
- Lizzie is a record keeper, only her abilities appear broken. Despite that, as an unclaimed keeper her life is soon in danger as others seek to use or claim her.
- The story that unfolds is filled with magic, supernatural creatures, a lost library and a secret organization. Before this first in series novel ends, Lizzie will be kidnapped, save her friend and unleash her magic. Good stuff.
- We get a romance that had a nice slow-build, well maybe not for the wolf, but for John and Lizzie. I loved the awkwardness and commentary in Lizzie’s head.
- Secondary characters added interest and perhaps the possibility of a second romance.
- The story wrapped up the suspenseful aspect but left the door open for further development as Lizzie finds her place and harnesses her skills. I am eager to discover why her magic wasn’t working and who played a role in its concealment.
Decaffeinated Aspects
- The writing style was a little heavy-handed with tell not show. Often conversations took place off-page and recapped by the protagonist. While this allowed the story to flow quickly, I prefer experiencing them firsthand.
- While we learned about the world, I am hoping Baray expands on some threads and things that intrigued me in the next novel.
Lost Library was a quick, fun read. While not perfect, I am curious enough to move on to the next novel, Spirited Legacy. There are four books available. I grabbed this when it was free, it also has an audible upgrade available.
Lost Library by Kate Baray was an interesting beginning to a series that holds promise #magic #librares #paranormal #urban Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
I am just like you! I love reading a book about books or with a library involved, and it sounds like this was a very good one! Maybe a bit of telling instead of showing, but hopefully that will improve by the second book. And I do like a nice slow burn romance happening too.
Kimberly
I have book two and I am looking forward to diving in!
blodeuedd
WOhooo books
Kimberly
And there are filled with magic and secrets!
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
This sounds really unique. It’s too bad about the telling rather than the showing – that’s something that bothers me. But I think, according to you, there’s enough goodness to still give it a go. 😉
Kimberly
It was interesting enough that I will try book 2.
Anne
I have both this one and the second one in my Kindle freebies. Great review! I’ll have to get into them sometime soon. They have all the elements I enjoy. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
I will watch for book 2 to go on sale or be free and try it.
Anne
Books 2 is free right now!
Kimberly
Woot! You rock Anne, it was $4.99 when I published this post 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
It really sounds like a fun and exciting premise. Like you, though, I’m not a fan of the telling not showing type of writing or recapping convos after the fact. Still, I do like getting a good deal with an audio book and sometimes the narrator can enhance the story and make up for shortcomings. Wonderful review, Kimberly! 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, I agree. I am going to give book two a go.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
The “too much telling” aspect is a bit of a bummer, but I’m glad to hear it’s still a solid read even with that. I do love a book set in a library!
Kimberly
It surrounds magical books that have been hidden. I am curious to see what happens next.
Sophia Rose
Glad your instinctive grab for the ‘magic library’ turned out a winner. This one’s new to me, but I would give it a go. I like when an internal monologue is amusing like that rather than tedious.
Kimberly
Agreed. I am hoping book two is better for me though.
Laura Thomas
This does sound fun. And if I enjoy the first book in a series but don’t fall in love with it, I’m usually willing to give the second book a chance. Thanks for sharing this one.
Kimberly
Yes, my thoughts exactly.
Angela
Sounds interesting. Thank’s for the review!
Kimberly
You are welcome Angela.
Angela Adams
“a tale of werewolves, magic, adventure and romance” — mix these together and you have an enjoyable read! Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Indeed. Thanks Angela.
sherry fundin
Magic and the library aspect caught my attention.
Kimberly
Yes, those things always grab my attention.
Debbie Haupt
Kim I’m all over this one. I too love libraries and it sounds delightful love the lost library aspect and supernatural beings. Thanks
Kimberly
Thank you Debbie. It has been a crap week. I do hope you faired better 🙂
sjhigbee
Thank you for a great review – I think I’ll pass on this one as I far prefer books with more action and less telling… Even with a library as a feature!
Kimberly
I am going to try one more book. I am hoping it was just the author’s attempt to world-build quickly. The series as a whole has good ratings on Amazon.
CHINA ALEXANDRIA AUTHOR
PLENTY OF GOOD READING FOR THE LONG DARK NIGHTS, CHINA
Kimberly
*raises eyebrow* Thank you China.
kindlemom1
It sounds like this series has potential to be a really good one and I do love the idea of a magical library. 😉
Kimberly
Yes. I will see what book two brings.
Nick
That’s a fun setting, for sure. I struggle with writing that’s more telling rather than showing. I hope that improves in the next book!
Ailyn Koay
hope it’s better than the library movies out there, would be nice if there’s more than just lupins and vampires
Kimberly
Yes, lots more which is why I am hoping the show was for world-building sake and book two is stronger.