Thank you to J. M. Linkhart, Goblin Booth Productions, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of this book intrigued me and the book cover art is beautiful! The characterisation was mostly great, the alternative historical scene was fascinating, and the world-building was solid. I just felt that it could have been edited down a little more, which sometimes made the pace drag a little. A solid 4 stars with a few tweaks.

"He looked like a depraved movie star, with his gaudy glasses and slicked-back platinum hair. Acted like one too, nothing but oozing arrogance. "

"Sorcerers were like angry cats, they didn't like to share territory to power. "


I was thrilled to receive a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and Goblin Booth Productions in exchange for my honest review - Thank you for taking a chance on me as a new ARC reader.

First-Degree Magic is an urban fantasy mystery set in an alternate-history 1927 Chicago, shaped by the Prohibition and the aftermath of a magic-infused World War I. The spellbinding first instalment in the Degrees of Magic series, follows the adventures of three compelling characters: Knight Maiden Bernie Chandler, her detective partner Jack Donovan, and their reluctant ally, demi-demon and crime lord Timo Morandi. Together, they unravel Tarot-laden murders terrorizing the city while grappling with their own hidden secrets and supernatural besties haunting their every move.

The characters in this story are undeniably captivating. Linkhart masterfully blends all the tropes I adore into her three protagonists.
Bernie is everything you could ever want in Knight Maiden paladin with a twist - her Templar-inspired coat and sword are paired with a 1920s bob, fashion, and lipstick, bringing an urban flair to her strength and bravery. Bernie in First-Degree Magic was everything I enjoyed from Dresden Files, but unadulterated feminine power, class and grace. Secondly, Valentino "Tino" Morandi gave me such strong '90s Spike from Buffy vibes (Maybe its the hair), and I instantly adored everything about him. I sincerely hope he's just as prominent in the next instalment (which I will definitely be picking up!).

The supernatural monsters featured in First-Degree Magic are truly terrifying. I felt such a tingle of fear when reading and features delivers all your favourite supernature beasties.

The pacing throughout this book is absolutely spot-on. There's never a dull moment, as the narrative flows effortlessly from one thrilling event to the next. Whether it's heart-pounding action scenes, mysterious twists, or quick witted dialogue, each moment builds upon the last, maintaining a steady momentum.

Side note: I also enjoy any book that manages to weave the title into the main body, it adds such an extra layer of enjoyment.

My only critique - I would have loved a more detailed description of our gal Bernie. We get them for almost every other character but none for Bernie.

This book is perfect for anyone who thinks the world needs more stories featuring paladins - really why is that such a hard trope to find. If you loved T Kingfishers Saints of Steel but wanted a female paladin, or if you enjoyed Jim Butchers Dresden Files but would prefer a female perspective. Anyone who enjoyed monster-of-the-week episodes from Supernatural or have a soft spot for '90s bad boys with bleached hair. Add it to your TBR in time for May 2025!

Disclaimer: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about First Degree Magic. I liked the writing style. People and places were well defined and visual. The story developed well through the end. We very clearly had a book-level story arc that was resolved inside a larger arc that will presumably be continued in later books.

The main characters were interesting and one of them grew and changed significantly in the course of the book, but the other two did not. The development of who and what these individuals were and how they fit into the overall story arc also changed significantly over the course of the story. This did keep the mystery and suspense going.

The world building was minimal - only important bits were explained, most bits were just there, for example a protective bracelet that might or might not have been helpful but whose use was never explained, even when it functioned.. Maybe this will come with future volumes (this is clearly intended to be an first in the series book), but it felt unsatisfying.

The setting is an alt-history rendition of post Great War Roaring Twenties Chicago (thugs, flappers and all) with an overarching magic system having 3 degrees of magic. As you would expect from the title, the degrees and who has them matters quite a lot - read the book to see.

My overall opinion: good potential not fully realized.