Terrestrial Magic

(Jordan Sanders Book 1)

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Pub Date 17 Jan 2019 | Archive Date 20 Mar 2021

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Description

Most sensible people avoid fire-breathing carnivores that prey on humans.

But Jordan has built a career out of studying such legendary animals, creatures thought mythological until their reemergence in the world three decades ago. She and researchers like her believe that knowledge is the key to reclaiming the land they'd lost back then, when humanity retreated into designated safety zones.

But when the humans moved out, the legends moved in. 

They were the descendants of mythical heroes, inheriting the powers of their ancestors, and they weren't afraid of the monsters. Jordan never expected to run into a legend, but when a field expedition turns into a trap for her team, she realizes that one deliberately tried to kill her. 

It's a diplomatic nightmare the Roman authorities might happily sweep under the rug. But if Jordan doesn't figure out who attacked her and why, they could try again. Yet even if she does solve the mystery, what could one stubborn scientist possibly do to stop a powerful legend? 

20 pages of bonus content included. 

Embark on this urban fantasy/post-apocalyptic adventure today!

Most sensible people avoid fire-breathing carnivores that prey on humans.

But Jordan has built a career out of studying such legendary animals, creatures thought mythological until their reemergence...


Advance Praise

A new spin on mythology and legendary monsters, with mystery, danger, and instantly likable characters.' Liz Konkel at Readers' Favorite  

A new spin on mythology and legendary monsters, with mystery, danger, and instantly likable characters.' Liz Konkel at Readers' Favorite  


Available Editions

ISBN 9781790491599
PRICE US$3.99 (USD)

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Average rating from 15 members


Featured Reviews

This fell between liked and really liked for me. There were some very good aspects but also some areas for improvement. The author had imagined a very intriguing world but parts of it needed a little more fleshing out. I believe the author may have been trying to avoid an information dump, however some of the exposition came too late in the story, leaving me unable to build a clear mental picture, rather like trying to follow a TV show having missed one of the episodes.


I did find myself drawn quickly into this story, especially since it metaphorically started with a real bang. The story had plenty of unique features to it, and it didn't feel the need to rely on tired and cliched tropes. Overall the pace was good, and I did find myself invested in the story enough to want to finish it. The heroine, Jordan, doesn't come across as feminine at all, indeed at times I forgot I was reading a female character. She felt very genderless, which isn't an issue and I'm very happy to read diverse characters, but I was never sure if it was deliberate or poor characterisation. It just wasn't made clear enough.


In a similar vein, I also found Jordan difficult to relate to. Possibly she's meant to be socially awkward, autistic or just plain lacking empathy, and whilst some of her internal monologue was enjoyable, there were occasions where it made her seem immature or emotionally stunted. Too often when emotions were portrayed it was in a telling not showing manner. For me to believe a character is feeling something, I want descriptions of the psychological or physiological effects of them. I'm very character driven, and I think the fact that I was very impassive about Jordan is why this wasn't a better read for me.


On balance I enjoyed the writing, the author definitely has a pleasant "voice" and a good imagination, which she employed well in the creation of this book. Fleshing out of secondary characters was achieved to various degrees, though occasionally felt a touch repetitive - I got that Tony was grumpy the first half dozen times it was mentioned. It did feel as though this were the second book in a series, or a spin off book, because whilst the world building was colourful it was rather like a Turner seascape. You can see an amazing picture but none of the fine detail, however it is only the first book in a series, so I'm willing to allow that the author may have plans to paint in that depth of detail in future books.

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Imagine a world that was changed radically after a cataclysmic event called the Boom happened and all of the sudden mythic creatures started popping up in their previous designated areas about 30 years prior to beginning of this story. As if it wouldn't be alarming enough that creatures like chimeras & basilisks are roaming large swaths of land that's been lost to normal human inhabitation there also are descendants of Deities called Legends that share attributes of their line [like Apollo etc in these instances from the Italy area] some of which have passed for human for some time. The world of humans & population has been cut down radically to small unlinked or barely linked communities. Thus starts this tale with a scientific team out in the 'free zone" tasked to monitor & observe these mythic creatures & then apparently are almost set up to be killed by one of these demiGods. Thus the story goes on from there to a mystery who done it & cause & effect & age old issues of power control. Fast paced & enjoyable but a bit odd in the thought processes of characters. It is a fun read diversion & apparently the beginning of a series I would have no problem reading more

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This book manages to mix sherlock holmes vibes with the world of magic, this has become one of my favourite books from NetGalley . I like Jordan the main character but she does seem to be one of those characters who has every skillset going,

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Author Marina Ermakova offers up a twist to the usual fantasy stories that are all over the market. “Terrestrial Magic” captured my interest right from the start, and Ms. Ermakova’s talent shines through in several areas.

Most fantasy stories involve magic, with a focus on the hero or heroine’s prowess in this area. This alternate history story is different, in that a specific type of magic is present in certain families and has been for centuries. Jordan Sanders does not belong to those families (known more formally as Houses) and studies legimals (legendary animals) which appeared on Earth 30 years ago. An attempt to murder Jordan and her team kicks off the book, and she finds herself involved in a web of intrigue as she tries to determine which of the Houses are involved.

I enjoyed the characters in the book. Jordan is level-headed with a touch of snarkiness that is never overwhelming. Her best friend Hayley exudes that breath of fresh air that spices up any conversation. Luca is the newest member of Jordan’s team, and his actions in the story constantly cause her to reassess his skills. Tony and Carter round out Jordan’s team and co minor co be considered minor characters. Even so, when they appear in a scene, you know enough about them that you have a good idea what they might do in a given situation.

One item that I thought the book could do without was the occasional use of strong language, including the f-bomb. Ms. Ermakova is a talented writer, and I didn’t find that the use of coarse words added to the book. While I don’t take off stars for this I know some folks take offense to any vulgarities so consider this an fyi.

Overall, I was happily surprised with “Terrestrial Magic.” It is an inventive tale with good world-building and interesting characters that are different and don’t blend together. As the first book in the series, there is a definite end (no cliffhanger) and I will definitely be moving on to the next book in the series. Four stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

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this was a great start to a series, I enjoyed getting to know Jordan. It did it's job in introducing us to the world and characters and I enjoyed that. It was a interesting take on mythological story and I look forward to more in the series.

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