Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Blood Haven: Magic Has Awoken is an urban fantasy written by Anthony L. Smith. The date, December 21, 2012, was anticipated with fear by those who took credence in its significance in the Mayan calendar, but Jerry Fox wasn’t one of them. He had weathered the rising hysteria in the months and days before the millennium, and he figured that this would be no different. His mind was also on more immediate matters -- his upcoming promotion. He’d been in a holding pattern for the last three years after a promised promotion went to a lesser qualified, to his mind at least, candidate. Now, at last, there was another chance, and he figured it had to be his; he was the most qualified with both experience and educational achievements that no one else working there could beat. But when he got to the office, early, of course, as was his wont, he noticed that Mr. Eckhart was in his office already, and he’s usually the last one to arrive. When Jerry saw the email from Mr. Eckhart asking that he see him immediately upon his arrival, he began to feel uneasy. Mr. Eckhart seemed distraught, rumpled and disheveled and not at all the dapper, polished professional he normally appeared to be, and he had the worst possible news to tell Jerry. Jerry’s reaction was immediate; his brain felt like it would explode at the unfairness of it all, and his hands began to feel warmer and warmer.

Anthony L. Smith’s urban paranormal fantasy, Blood Haven: Magic Has Awoken, is an original and thrilling story about a world that changed forever in the space of one day. The author’s plot thoughtfully envisions the response of countries and their citizens to the sudden flowering of magical abilities in a small section of the population, and the chaos that ensues makes for an exciting and action-packed fantasy tale. Killian, the returning elemental, is looking for someone different in a partner from Stamp, the friend who ended up stealing his girlfriend, but he’s not all that sure about Loop, the young woman Skye has recommended. After all, clearing out nests of vampires, werewolves and ghouls is no easy matter and, indeed, cost Spin, Killian’s mentor and friend, his life. Watching as Loop, Killian and their small army seek to protect a gifted child from the forces who want to abduct him is great fun. Smith’s Blood Haven is a fascinating, if dangerous, place for readers to explore, and there are any number of stolid companions available to go adventuring with. Even fantasy readers who have been feeling jaded by the preponderance of paranormal adventures out there will find time spent with Killian and company a refreshingly vibrant and authentically different experience. Blood Haven: Magic Has Awoken is highly recommended.