A Familiar Magic

A Familiar Duology, Book 1

By: E.M. Rinaldi

Narrated by: Jaclyn Kelso, Zachary Webber

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Kaya Thornton killed her best friend. On the run since the tender age of thirteen, she left the safety of her Community’s magicked walls and tried to disappear in the human world. Four years later, she’s found and dragged back kicking and screaming by Auden, her best friend’s older brother.

The second Prince of the Wardwell line is antagonistic and unforgiving, but surprisingly gentle as he forces her home to face the judgement of his father and the Council. She expected hatred and bitter punishment, not private training with a hot and cold Prince and…demonology courses?

Things are not as she left them. Her people are dying and the demon numbers are only growing. Once Witches and their Familiars are wiped out, who will stand between the Demon King and his bottomless appetite? Kaya has no intention of waiting to find out. And this time, she isn’t running.

©2021, 2022, 2023 Elizabeth Rinaldi Millsaps (P)2024 Elizabeth Rinaldi Millsaps

Great production!

I liked this story but it felt sort of stagnant at times- I think the characters and the plot have good bones and that the next books have a lot to build on so I’m looking forward to the next book!

The narrators were phenomenal but I’ve come to expect that from Jacklyn.

Fast paced. Includes common young adult issues in a very uncommon way.

i was very pleased that the book's plot moved along. but as a reader who hasnt been involved with books like this, I would have liked a page at the end that gave me a brief general rundown/explanation of the types of demons. witches, and familiars and others, that I might encounter. I would not want that information to name the characters in this book and tell what they were, but simply an overall synopsis.

An incredible audio experience

Action happens right from the start. I loved the scene setting audio...the crackle if the fire...the music...but also that the sound does not overwhelm the narrators. The fight scenes are like a movie score and the subtle sounds...doors shutting, shower running, glass cracking, it all made for a compelling story. I can't wait to see if they do book two in this format! It reminded me of the old timey radio shows! Sound effects that help tell the story without eclipsing the characters.

E.M.'s coming of age story is told through the eyes of Kaya, a 17 yo shifter running from her past. Believing she was responsible for her best friend's death at the age of 13, she leaves the only home she has ever known in the bayou to avoid punishment. However, Prince Auden will stop at nothing to get her back. But is he doing it out of revenge for his brother's death at her hand, or is there something more?

Once home, she realizes that the safe haven she grew up in is no longer that...safe. With demon attacks becoming more and more frequent, and Crown Prince Asiel seeming to thwart her attempts at rejoining their society, Kaya must relearn to control her inner beast..and her emotions. Her friendship with the outcast Bast coupd be the best (or worst thing) to happen to her.....but when her loyalty is tested, who will she choose? Her best friend? The boy she is beginning to love? Or an unlikely ally?

Who did this to you *swoon*

Binge listened to this audiobook EVERY chance I had!

I would absolutely recommend this book if you like shifters, magic, “Who did this to you,” and quick paced story telling.

The audiobook production was incredibly well done-Jaclyn Kelso and Zachary Webber always do an amazing job. But this audio is a FULL experience-background noises-music and recorded in DUET narration (my fave 🤩).

I will absolutely be reading book 2!