Salt Magic Skin Magic

Interesting and compelling story. This is a review of the audiobook performed by Joel Leslie. Overall: 5 Performance: 5 Story: 5 This is the first book I've read by Lee Welch but I have a couple of others on my TBR list (which I now must move up higher on the list). When I was offered a complimentary copy of the audiobook I jumped at the chance for a couple of reasons. I’d heard good things about the story and I love Joel Leslie's performance of audiobooks, especially regency era stories. To say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. This book blew me a way even though I got very frustrated because life kept me from listening to it straight through once I started. I have to admit that I've read very few books where magic and/or witchcraft are integral to the story. John Blake is called to investigate strange things happening to the second Lady Dalton, stepmother to Thornby. Strange things are also happening to Thornby; he hasn't be able to leave the estate for over a year no matter how what means he uses to try and leave. I really don't want to give too much of the story away. Blake's magic and other abilities are used to figure out what is going on; all is not as it appears. I never would have guessed what the problem was so I was totally captivated as I continued to listen to the story. If you like a good paranormal story, with mystery and intrigue and a romance thrown in I really recommend giving this book a try. About the narration: As always, Joel Leslie's dulcet and smooth voice kept me engrossed in the story. I don't think I've listened to anything performed by him that I didn't love. Even if I've read the book first (I had not read this one first) his narration makes the story seem brand new to me. A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by the author via Tantor Audio but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

Lord Thornby has been literally trapped on his father's estate for a year. Whenever he tries to leave he physically can't as if magically tethered to the land. He is about to go insane when a guest arrives stating his father invited him. John Bake is a strange man. One day he is following Lord Tornby to be surprised that he sees him, thinking he is under an invisibility spell. the two men go from despising each other to desire. But why is John really there and why can Lord Thornby not leave? This story is a very well developed, mystical, magical story. I love to read something that is out of my box on occasion and this was right up my alley. Joel Leslie is the master at bringing stories to life with a unique voice and inflection. I think I enjoyed his narration much more than I would have reading this on my own. If you love magic, deceit, potions, spells, unique creatures, fantasy, and suspense you will love this.