TBR Challenge [Tropetastic!] Graphic Audio Review: Devils and Details (Ordinary Magic #2) by Devon Monk

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Devils and Details by Devon Monk
Series: Ordinary Magic [Dramatized Adaptation] #2
Published by GraphicAudio on October 17, 2020
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Length: 6 hours and 10 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
three-half-stars

Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo*Chirp*Audiobooks.com*Graphic Audio*B&N
Goodreads

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea...

Police Chief Delaney Reed is good at keeping secrets for the beach town of Ordinary Oregon–just ask the vacationing gods or supernatural creatures who live there.

But with the first annual Cake and Skate fundraiser coming up, the only secret Delaney really wants to know is how to stop the unseasonable rain storms. When all the god powers are stolen, a vampire is murdered, and her childhood crush turns out to be keeping deadly secrets of his own, rainy days are the least of her worries.

Hunting a murderer, outsmarting a know-it-all god, and uncovering an ancient vampire’s terrifying past isn’t how she planned to spend her summer. But then again, neither is falling back in love with the one man she should never trust.

Also in this series: Death and Relaxation

I flew through the Graphic Audio edition of Devils and Details by Devon Monk in just one day. It’s book two of the Ordinary Magic series, and the ‘Movie in Your Mind’ format was incredibly immersive.

Delaney Reed is far more than just Ordinary’s Police Chief. She is the latest in a long line of protectors, bound by a family legacy to watch over the town as her ancestors have for generations.

The town of Ordinary is anything but. It’s a sanctuary for vacationing gods and home to a host of supernatural residents. Delaney Reed’s summer plans definitely didn’t include hunting a killer, outmaneuvering an arrogant deity, or unearthing the bone-chilling history of an ancient vampire.

While I still enjoy the world-building and the ‘gods on vacation’ premise, this second installment felt overstuffed. Between the multitude of supernaturals and the various plot points, it felt like the author prioritized quantity over development. I’m also still waiting for the Reed sisters’ powers to actually manifest, as their supposed witchy heritage hasn’t really been shown yet.

The chemistry between Delaney and Ryder is electric, but I’m struggling with the ‘forgive and forget’ aspect of their relationship. After what happened in book one, Delaney’s leniency felt out of character. Their magnetic pull is obvious, but I’m still on the fence about whether I can truly root for this romance.

While the main mystery reaches a conclusion, the rest of the plot feels unfinished. Devon Monk packs so much into this installment that many threads are left dangling, resulting in a cliffhanger that feels more like an abrupt stop than a satisfying ending.

Graphic Audio: The Graphic Audio production continues to be a total win for me. It’s such a vibrant and immersive experience that it keeps me completely engaged from start to finish. I’m especially impressed by the character voices—they bring the story to life in a way that makes the hours fly by.

Rated: 3.5 Stars
Graphic Audio: 4 Stars

Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!

March’s theme is Tropetastic, and I am here for it! It’s time to let your trope freak flag fly. For me, nothing beats the pulse of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal stories. There’s just something about a contemporary world colliding with the supernatural that hits the spot—especially when you throw in ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches and more. If it defies the laws of nature, it’s a guaranteed win for me!

March is looking busy with five new prompts for the TBR Tackle Challenge! For this review, I’m checking off ‘Book by a Female Author.’ I did consider using it for the ‘Vacation or Trip’ prompt—after all, a town where gods go on holiday is the ultimate getaway—but I’m saving that spot for a different title on my list.

I’m slotting Devils and Details into the prompt ‘you can’t tell anyone.’ The entire town of Ordinary, Oregon, is a carefully guarded secret—from its hidden location to the supernatural residents and gods who visit. Since the rest of the world has no idea it exists, it perfectly fits the “secret group” vibe!

About Devon Monk

Devon Monk is a USA TODAY Bestselling Fantasy author

Her fantasy series include Ordinary Magic, Souls of the Road, West Hell Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic, and Age of Steam. If it’s a Monk story, it’s fast, fun and filled with wild magic, twisty adventures, soul-deep love, and lots of laughs. She also writes 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 ridiculous toys.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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