I’ve previously mentioned how big of a Sci-Fi nerd I am, so obviously when I saw the title of this book, I bought it. “City of Dark Magic” by Magnus Flyte is a debut novel at its finest. Not only does this book have snark and sass, but it has a dwarf, a time traveling prince, a bad-ass heroine and extreme sex all wrapped up in a decades old mystery.

Goodreads has this description of the book on its website:

Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.

If that’s not enough to draw in readers, I don’t know what will.

All of the main characters have their own wit and sassiness to them that makes me wish they were real people. Sarah Weston is adventurous, admirable and has a special talent for almost getting herself killed on multiple occasions. Prince Max has more of a dry sense of humor, and he needs social lessons. I thought I was socially awkward, but this guy makes Kristen Stewart look like a socialite.

The plot was fast-paced, and I never got bored. Usually when authors write fast-paced novels, I feel rushed or situations don’t make sense, but Flyte writes beautifully. Flyte is actually two women who write under that pseudonym. The story is stunningly woven from the past, mixed with what’s happening in present day. I also enjoyed how the mystery aspect of the story was written in. I can’t say too much about that part of the plot because I’ll give away everything, even if I give a tiny example.

I’m anxiously waiting for the sequel to “City of Dark Magic.” There was no cliff hanger, but it definitely left me wanting more. I give it four stars, and I highly recommend this book.