Modern Magica

Modern Magica by Bobby Marchello is book 2 of 2 in the Akeomos series. The most important lesson that can be drawn from both novels is that magic objects and weapons are not the real sources of power and strength but rather the unity, trust, and faithfulness of the people who stand together. In Arcane Antiquity, book 1, Dorian and Elara transition from a quiet love affair to an epic adventure, which demonstrates that inner personality and emotional receptiveness are better than the hidden riches they pursue. This theme develops in Modern Magica, as the group finds out that their magic objects are limited and connected to ancient stones that can lose power. The fact that the plot shifts between the high-fantasy world and the modern reality where they are hunted by a so-called shadow boss shows that greed easily exploits external power. Essentially, the books illustrate that although magic can change the world, it is the lasting connection between people that offers the unrestricted conclusion worth pursuing.

In Modern Magica, Dorian Fox and his friends visit an Irish estate after travelling through a parallel world only to discover that bringing magic into the modern world is perilous. Although they still possess their magical powers and objects, they find that they are powered by ancient stones that can eventually be depleted and therefore must travel to certain areas of the earth known as power spots to recharge. Their return is not unnoticed; one powerful shadow boss keeps a captive wyvern, spies on their activities and tracks global markets. In order to penetrate the group, he pays Scarlett Bennett, an expert at the British Museum, five million dollars to act as an antique verifier. As Scarlett shows up at the estate, she unwillingly steps into a centuries-old magic wall that indicates the group is hunted by enemies who view their so-called modern magic as an exceptional prize.

The positive side of this story lies in the beauty of human relationship and transformation. Although Dorian and his friends are forced into a very dangerous world, they find the strength to look after each other. Such a message is quite timely nowadays, as technology and money tend to be the only things that matter to people. The book reminds us that our tools and status may change but true power comes from loyalty to the people we love. We find our best magic, as do the characters, in unity.

Nevertheless, a negative part that I observed is that the characters occasionally have a hard time with the sheer weight of their secrets and the burden of fate that comes with their new powers. This gives the feeling of helplessness which is explained at the beginning as a drunken love affair with danger that cannot be clearly directed. In chapter six of the second book, the group spends a lot of time worrying about the cost of gear and contemporary legislation rather than acting, which makes the excitement drag. The story can be improved by making the characters more proactive in their fate and not merely responding to the shadow boss or their draining magical stones. It would be better to give the heroes small victories over their stress to make the reader feel that the journey is more promising.

I would rate this book three out of five stars. Though the book's world is exceptional, the story has its flaws, which makes it difficult to enjoy to the fullest extent. One of the reasons why I took away two stars is that the plot may be quite confusing and overwhelming due to too many secrets and twists occurring simultaneously. It confuses the reader rather than making one excited. Secondly, the middle of the second book is slow, particularly in chapter six where the characters waste much time discussing money and laws rather than employing their magic. This causes the adventure to feel stuck. The book should have focused more on the action and less on the minor details. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to readers who like romance and epic fantasy where the power of human relationships is tested by ancient magic and the secrets of the modern world.