• Unholy Magic

  • Downside Ghosts, Book 2
  • By: Stacia Kane
  • Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
  • Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (996 ratings)

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Unholy Magic  By  cover art

Unholy Magic

By: Stacia Kane
Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
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Publisher's summary

For freewheeling ghost hunter Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

©2010 Stacia Kane (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

Unholy Ghosts is a wonderful, weird, wild tale filled with gritty magic, punk rock and macabre spirits. Kane’s world is dark, dangerous and haunted, populated by hustlers, junkies and exorcists…and you’ll never want to leave. Simply the best book I’ve read this year.” (Caitlin Kittredge, author of Street Magic)

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The folklore of just about every human culture is rife with stories that feature talking animals, shape-shifters, demons, witches, spirits, and more. Whether you arrive seeking horror, thrills, romance, or fantasy, there’s a title here for you. And with a slate of narrators that includes famous actors and award-winning voice artists, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these picks.

What listeners say about Unholy Magic

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great urban fantasy series

I started with this book, thinking it was the first one, and was able to pick up on the back story without trouble - which says a lot for the writing. The narrator is fantastic. A number of the characters speak in a street slang dialect which I think would have been awkward to read in print, but the narrator's inflections made the dialect seem totally natural and understandable. The characters and world are complex and there is nothing in the way of a bright shiny happy ending - which I kind of love about it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES. The characters and world are awesome. Narrator goes a great job of bring characters to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unholy Magic?

The sexual tension between these two are off the charts. And I love that they are one of those couples that doesn't get together in the first book. It keeps you hanging on to see if they will or won't make it. And you just know if they, do it will be explosive and life changing for the both of them.

“I figure you really wanted me you'd say. Like now, maybe, if you dig. I'll f-in carry you down your place on a run, you tell me aye, get you on your back afore the next word comes out your mouth. But you oughta have yourself certain, causen I ain't lookin for charity, an I ain't lettin you go after. Once...once ain't enough for me, dig?”

O.M.G. Just reading that quote again makes me what to re-listen to the book again. Terrible is such a great anti-hero. I was told by friends that he might replace Jericho Barrons (Fever series) on the top of my list. He is very close; he and Barrons might have to hang out at the top together for awhile.

Which character – as performed by Bahni Turpin – was your favorite?

Chess and Terrible

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The WHOLE book!

Any additional comments?

Seriously, if you have not started this series get off your butt and do it! FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC.

For all you Urban Fantasy fans that has not started this series yet I highly recommend that you put down what you are reading and start this series TODAY.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Some of the best storytelling ever read/heard

I ordered the first book in this series,Unholy Ghosts a few days ago and LOVED it. I couldnt wait the 3 days for my credits to renew to order Unholy Magic so I just payed for it. It was worth it. Stacia Kane Knows how to write a complex character that is full of flaws that you'll still cheer for and care about. It was a great story too. Stacia Kane created a dirty urban world so well I have to believe that she had her fair share of time on the streets or at least the street fringe. The main character, Chess has a drug problem, the same one I spent 13 years in and she writes the mind, thoughts and deeds of an addict with brutal truth. It was hard for me to read some parts without crying or cringing over memories that mirrored what the main character was going through. Oh and the author really knows her punk rock. This series is going to be amazing. If you like Poppy Z. Brite you'll like this. There is finally some awesome urban fantasy to read again!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

This book is so well written, especially when you consider it falls into the paranormal/ urban fantasy genre. It moves you to tears at points. the main character Chess is a flawed but none the less compelling protagonist. I can't wait for the next installment at the end of the month.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting and creative urban fantasy

This is the second book in the Downside Ghost series by Kane. It was a decent book and I enjoyed listening to it. It expands some on the world we were introduced to in the first series.

I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook was well done. I am still not crazy about the narrator, but she is growing on me. The narrator did an excellent job of distinguishing between the different characters voices and of conveying the mood or feeling of the dialogue.

Chess has been promoted in the Church for her work in the first book and in this book she is given her first really high profile case. She is supposed to debunk a haunting of a celebrity. As with the last book her drug habit gets in the way when she is coerced into working another case for her dealer Bump; hookers have been gruesomely killed and Bump wants Chess to figure out if a ghost is involved.

As with the first book in this series I enjoy the dark, gritty, and creative world that these stories take place in. We learn a bit more about ghosts and how they are summoned, we learn a bit more about the history of the Church of Truth as well. This book wasn’t as gruesome as the first one, but it still didn’t gloss over any of the yucky details.

I still have some trouble with these characters. I just don’t like any of them, they are all pretty much train-wrecks. That doesn’t mean they aren’t interesting to read about; reading about Chess as she tries to work and use her drugs is kind of like watching a train on the verge of crashing. It is kind of fascinating how she can balance all these things and mostly have it work out.

Things come to a head between Chess, Terrible, and Lex in this book. Terrible is still by far my favorite character in this series and I am interesting to see what happens between him and Chess. We get to learn a lot more about Terrible’s background and history in this book and it was very interesting.

This book was similar in structure to the first book in the series. Events that happen with Bump and seemingly unconnected events that happened with Chess’s job at the Church end up being closely related. I found this to be a bit formulaic and hope that future books don’t continue to repeat this pattern. It made the story somewhat predictable.

These books have all been fairly self-contained and I am hoping future books introduce some broader story that ties the books together.

Overall a decent addition to this series. I love this world, it is interesting and creative. I am not totally sold on the characters though. I thought this book was a bit too similar to the previous one in structure and hope future books are different. I am planning on reading book 3, City of Ghosts, then I will decide if I will continue on with this series. I would recommend this book to those who like gritty urban fantasy with flawed characters.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Certainly Different

Great narration. I like to list this first as it can make or break a story.

Took some getting use too, to start with, due to the street slang and the drug addiction (which I can't relate too). But I have now become caught up in the series. Just finished the 4 book and can't wait for book 5. Best to follow series in order if possible.

I really enjoy it when readers with similar reading interests list their favourite authors and series. It really helps me find new authors too follow. Mine are Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Estep, Faith Hunter, Molly Harper, Ilona Andrews, Kresley Cole, Deborah Harkness, Nalini Singh, Coreene Callahan, Stacia Kane, Kelly Medding and Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Happy Reading


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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A STEP ABOVE THE REST!!!!

Any additional comments?

If you have ever read or listen to a story that has you talking to, laughing at, or shaking your head at the characters, then that story has engulfed you and pulled you into their world. And for me, that’s the best natural high a book reader can achieve. And seriously if you think about it, it’s the only reason to read a book. This is by far one of best series of urban fantasy that I have had the privilege of listening to.

Stacia Kane's delivered a spellbinding and very unique story. Scary at times, dangerous at times, over the top at times, however brought together through life trails, love and hope. The characters are well developed and very interesting.

Although at times, I thought Chess needed to rein in the insecure emotional drama, I can’t wait for the saga to continue.

Bahni Tupin brings each character to life with his/her own distinct personalities. Tupin is one of the best narrators on Audible.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Different in the Best Way

Would you listen to Unholy Magic again? Why?

I have listened to this story twice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character has a drug addiction and a soft spot for bad boys. She's broken and fragile, yet strong and uncompromising.

Have you listened to any of Bahni Turpin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Honestly, Bahni does a great job of bringing each character's uniqueness to life. Kudos, Bahni!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another Winner!

An agent for the Church of Real Truth, she investigates claims of harassment by the undead. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes. At the same time she continues to juggle the two men whom she has an interest in, knowing they are mortal enemies. Just as she is beginning to make headway with the guy she is truly interested in things go to hell. Literally.
The best part was when Terrible came and took care of Chess after she had been poisoned. No questions, just came out in a freaking snowstorm and took care of her. Too bad things get so complicated and by books end, Terrible can't stand to look at her or be around her. Its so bittersweet, because you can tell he hasn't really cut himself totally off from her, but he can't let her know it.

Again a masterful performance by Bahni Turpin.

Book 3 upcoming!!

This series isn't for everyone, its edgy, gritty, dark and oh so dirty, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Like I said before not for the faint of heart looking for those sweet lil happily ever afters.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Stacia Kane - Unholy Magic

This is such a great book, the reader is very good, has a very good diction and I understand clearly the characters intentions by her tone alone. I recommend this completely, together with the first book in the series Unholy Ghosts and the last City of Ghosts. I can't wait for the fourth book next year.

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