Back Lash by Devon Monk is the third audiobook in the Broken Magic series narrated by Paul Bellantoni. In this alternate Portland, Oregon tale, life and death magic wielders, Shame & Terric must help Terric’s sister and stop someone killing magics. Fast-paced with plenty of twist, this series just keeps getting better.
by Devon Monk
Series: Broken Magic #3
Narrator: Paul Bellantoni
Length: 4 hours and 52 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
USA Today bestselling author Devon Monk returns to her gritty, magic-fueled, urban fantasy adventure. Cursed with Life and Death magic, enemies-to-brothers fight for dominance in a city full of bad guys that have no idea who they're up against.
Shame Flynn and Terric Conley hadn't meant to become the living, breathing vessels for Death and Life magic. But they hadn't meant to die, be reborn, break magic, save the world, and kill a few psychopaths along the way, either.
The one thing they had meant to do was to seal magic away once and for all, so it could never be used to kill again.
But when a string of dead bodies—people killed by magic—appear throughout Portland, Oregon, Shame and Terric must scramble to uncover who broke the locks on magic this time, and how.
And they need to do it fast. Before Terric's sister becomes the next target, before the Russian mob locks them in their sights. And before an innocent child and her foolish father accidentally put themselves on the magic battlefield that will only get them killed.
It’s been about a year since the events in the last audiobook took place. Shame and Terric, along with Dash, Terric’s boyfriend, are living in Shame’s home and adjusting. Both Shame and Terric are dealing with the magic they possess. Shame, death, magic and Terri, life. When bodies start appearing that appear to be death by magic, each thinks the other might be responsible. Something much sinister is afoot. Terric’s sister needs help from the Russian mob and Shame suddenly has his hands full.
I noticed that while this is Broken Magic number three; it is also labeled as Shame & Terric book one. It kind of makes sense because of the events of Stone Cold. The storyline pivoted slightly and I throughly enjoyed this action-packed mystery.
Shame continues to grow and while he continues to tell you he is the antihero of this story, we all can clearly tell otherwise. I love his snark and loyalty. Something happens romantically at the end and I look forward to getting back to that thread. Terric and Dash are both loveable characters, and even Shame will admit he likes them together. I think I enjoy the interactions of these friends as much as the mysteries they solve.
Paul Bellantoni continues to narrate and has become the voice and heart of Shame. His tone and pacing enhance the tale and really bring out Shame’s persona. I highly recommend listening to the series.
About Devon Monk
Devon Monk is a USA TODAY Bestselling fantasy author. Her series include Ordinary Magic, Souls of the Road, West Hell Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic, and the Age of Steam steampunk series. If it's a Monk story, it's stuffed with magic, action, heart, and humor. She also writes all sorts of short stories which can be found in various anthologies and in her collection: A Cup of Normal.
She lives happily beneath the rainy skies of Oregon. When not writing, she can be found drinking too much coffee, watching hockey, and knitting silly things.
About Paul Bellantoni
Paul Bellantoni, a classically trained actor, is a former opera singer in the US and Europe. He voiced all the fight efforts for Wenwu in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and made his animated feature debut in the Annie Award–nominated Ruben Brandt, Collector. Thrilled to be narrating audiobooks, he excels in character voices, accents, and captivating passionate storytelling. He was the singing voice for the Cowardly Lion of Oz ornament from Hallmark, and is the voice for Uatu, The Watcher in the Marvel Super War videogame. He has voiced lead characters in the English versions of several Netflix and Hulu series, and has appeared in many videogame franchises, including Dungeons & Dragons, League of Legends, Hearthstone, Black Desert, Genshin Impact, and Shenmue. He sang lead roles in opera companies throughout the US and Europe for over a decade, appears on the cast recording of "The Ballad of Baby Doe" with Central City Opera, as well as a solo CD of arias "Heroes & Villains" with the Moravian Symphony. He made his solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall as a winner of the Koussevitzky Prize.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
So in a way it’s like it’s part of this series, but also the story leads into a spinoff series maybe? Glad you’re enjoying these!
Katherine
Adding the first book to my TBR. I’ve really been enjoying books that are more in the urban fantasy genre – especially when there’s a bit of mystery.
Laurel-Rain Snow
UPDATES
Anne - Books of My Heart
I read and loved these before there were audiobooks. I’m a big fan of Shame, and Cody and Stoney. (I knew all from the original series with Allie.
Mary Kirkland
This sounds so good.
Nadene
I am tempted to add this to my reading list. Great review Kim!
ER LeVar
I don’t read enough urban fantasy. I was just thinking about that yesterday! Guess we know which series I’ll be snagging this weekend.