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Modern Magics #1
Relics
Most of Thulu and La Fi's clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency caters to the supernatural. But a simple job finding a lost locket leads to a big case tracking relics for an ancient daemon.
The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.
Caught on live TV, other portals begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth. The people of Earth are not alone, but will soon wish they were.
When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful help in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what ghostly friends, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.
When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.
The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.
Caught on live TV, other portals begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth. The people of Earth are not alone, but will soon wish they were.
When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi's search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful help in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that's what ghostly friends, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.
When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they're nothing like your mother's fairy tales.
294 pages
First published April 29, 2013
20 people are currently reading
1975 people want to read
About the author
Maer Wilson
13 books292 followersAfter a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she's a writer. She's always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she's not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her three dogs, a chihuahua and two poodle. Relics is her first novel and released on May 1, 2013. She has since released Book 2, Portals, four prequel novelettes, and a box set of the novelettes and a new short story in the Modern Magics series. You can visit her website at http://maerwilson.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 3, 2013
Review of Relics by Maer Wilson
Reviewer: Wennie Conedy
5 stars out of 5
Have you ever wondered if all those fairytale characters you read as a kid were real? Did you ever ponder if you had certain “gifts” that others didn’t have? The gift of foresight perhaps? Or did you have the sudden urge to buy a lotto ticket and find out two days later that you won? Intuition? Or is it a gift? A talent?
Relics (Book 1 of the Thulukan Chronicles) by Maer Wilson is a work of fiction, dealing with the supernatural. The book is suitable for young adults and will be thoroughly enjoyed by the adult and the young at heart.
Relics is the story of Fiona and Thulu, two very talented and gifted individuals who run a sort-of investigative agency with a very special client base. Most of their clients are dead. Yes, you heard me right. Their clients are those who have left this worldly plane. Until their special talents are hired by a daemon to find relics and help save the world from angels. When the angels threaten their family, this case becomes very personal. Intriguing right?
Can I just first say that I loved this book? Loved it. Maer created a world where I wanted to live in. There was a lot of warmth, love, intrigue, danger and familial support and love. Maer promised a story that would be out of the ordinary and she truly delivered.
Told from the point of view of Fiona, I found myself totally enraptured with the world she lives in. Her interaction with the ghosts intrigued me and her ability to form relationships with them endeared her to me. She has total support from her husband, Thulu, who has gifts of his own. Childhood friends turned sweethearts, turned lifelong mates, their deep connection is the thread that holds them together as they face the unique challenge presented to them.
There were also moments where I found myself giggling in certain parts of the book. Here’s one reason why:
“The male goblin spoke next. “My name is unpronounceable for you. I think you should call me Legolas.” He had an accent I couldn't identify. He had enormous eyes, a very long nose and a wide mouth. His wife elbowed him lightly and rolled her eyes in exasperation. “You can't be called Legolas.” Her voice also had an accent, but considerably less than his. She also had big eyes, but her long nose was upturned and mouth was smaller. She seemed thin and her cheekbones were very sharp, as if she hadn't eaten well.
“Why not? I have to have a name.” “Yes, dear, but people will associate it with the elf from that man's book.” The rest of us watched this exchange with interest. Frankly, I thought Legolas, the goblin, had a nice ring to it. “Pick something else,” she directed with a light pat on his arm.
“Fine, I'll be Bilbo.”
As Maer built the story towards its conclusion, she took me off my guard and all I could do was gape as I read what was happening. It was heart wrenching and deeply emotional. I found myself wanting to reach out and just hug Fiona and Thulu.
Maer fulfilled her promise to deliver a story that tweaks your imagination, stretches your beliefs and brings moments of laughter, sadness, intrigue and triumph. If you enjoy a world of supernatural beings with human tendencies, you will enjoy book. I highly recommend it as a book to read and can’t wait for Book 2 to come out.
Maer WilsonRelics
Reviewer: Wennie Conedy
5 stars out of 5
Have you ever wondered if all those fairytale characters you read as a kid were real? Did you ever ponder if you had certain “gifts” that others didn’t have? The gift of foresight perhaps? Or did you have the sudden urge to buy a lotto ticket and find out two days later that you won? Intuition? Or is it a gift? A talent?
Relics (Book 1 of the Thulukan Chronicles) by Maer Wilson is a work of fiction, dealing with the supernatural. The book is suitable for young adults and will be thoroughly enjoyed by the adult and the young at heart.
Relics is the story of Fiona and Thulu, two very talented and gifted individuals who run a sort-of investigative agency with a very special client base. Most of their clients are dead. Yes, you heard me right. Their clients are those who have left this worldly plane. Until their special talents are hired by a daemon to find relics and help save the world from angels. When the angels threaten their family, this case becomes very personal. Intriguing right?
Can I just first say that I loved this book? Loved it. Maer created a world where I wanted to live in. There was a lot of warmth, love, intrigue, danger and familial support and love. Maer promised a story that would be out of the ordinary and she truly delivered.
Told from the point of view of Fiona, I found myself totally enraptured with the world she lives in. Her interaction with the ghosts intrigued me and her ability to form relationships with them endeared her to me. She has total support from her husband, Thulu, who has gifts of his own. Childhood friends turned sweethearts, turned lifelong mates, their deep connection is the thread that holds them together as they face the unique challenge presented to them.
There were also moments where I found myself giggling in certain parts of the book. Here’s one reason why:
“The male goblin spoke next. “My name is unpronounceable for you. I think you should call me Legolas.” He had an accent I couldn't identify. He had enormous eyes, a very long nose and a wide mouth. His wife elbowed him lightly and rolled her eyes in exasperation. “You can't be called Legolas.” Her voice also had an accent, but considerably less than his. She also had big eyes, but her long nose was upturned and mouth was smaller. She seemed thin and her cheekbones were very sharp, as if she hadn't eaten well.
“Why not? I have to have a name.” “Yes, dear, but people will associate it with the elf from that man's book.” The rest of us watched this exchange with interest. Frankly, I thought Legolas, the goblin, had a nice ring to it. “Pick something else,” she directed with a light pat on his arm.
“Fine, I'll be Bilbo.”
As Maer built the story towards its conclusion, she took me off my guard and all I could do was gape as I read what was happening. It was heart wrenching and deeply emotional. I found myself wanting to reach out and just hug Fiona and Thulu.
Maer fulfilled her promise to deliver a story that tweaks your imagination, stretches your beliefs and brings moments of laughter, sadness, intrigue and triumph. If you enjoy a world of supernatural beings with human tendencies, you will enjoy book. I highly recommend it as a book to read and can’t wait for Book 2 to come out.
Maer WilsonRelics
June 6, 2013
Maer Wilson has created a beguiling classic that sneakily grabs you by the throat and drags into the portal to a world of her own making. A flashback from the terror of a knife at said throat of La Fi sends us hurtling to a child sitting on the school steps waiting for parents to arrive. It is only when the child's dead parents arrive do we know she is Fiona and she can see the dead and interact with them. Cool! And sad! And from there we are hurtled headlong into Fiona's tumultuous life as she is uprooted and settled in San Francisco with her Nana. At her new school Fiona meets Thulu a gifted boy who has the ability to find things and Thulu has found Fiona.
Their relationship develops over the years and Fiona takes on the name La Fi named after a barbeque burger she created. Together La Fi and Thulu use their special powers to find lost items and help wayward ghosts. But when they leave college and set up their detective agency for the restless dead as a married couple trouble arrives when a gaggle of noisy ghosts arrive at their office. It soon transpires a monster is out there killing with impunity, John Tyler. He must be stopped. To La Fi and Thulu's astonishment, John is a daemon searching for lost relics that when used will open a portal unleashing horrific flesh-eating creatures upon mankind - Light Ones or fallen angels led by the thoroughly evil Gabriel.
La Fi and Thulu reluctantly join forces with the delectably devious John to stop the impending apocalypse by searching for the ancient relics.
Maer uses her considerable writing skills to conjure up a whole new genre of ghost detectives versus monstrous demons intent on world destruction combined with poignant moments of pure love and joy as the pair help the restless dead find true peace. There are plenty of thrills and spills and magical creatures to give readers of all ages the chills.
This magical book is a FIVE STAR CHILLER THRILLER that will send goose bumps down the spine of anyone who believes in life after death, ghosts and magic we all once knew was common place as children.
Their relationship develops over the years and Fiona takes on the name La Fi named after a barbeque burger she created. Together La Fi and Thulu use their special powers to find lost items and help wayward ghosts. But when they leave college and set up their detective agency for the restless dead as a married couple trouble arrives when a gaggle of noisy ghosts arrive at their office. It soon transpires a monster is out there killing with impunity, John Tyler. He must be stopped. To La Fi and Thulu's astonishment, John is a daemon searching for lost relics that when used will open a portal unleashing horrific flesh-eating creatures upon mankind - Light Ones or fallen angels led by the thoroughly evil Gabriel.
La Fi and Thulu reluctantly join forces with the delectably devious John to stop the impending apocalypse by searching for the ancient relics.
Maer uses her considerable writing skills to conjure up a whole new genre of ghost detectives versus monstrous demons intent on world destruction combined with poignant moments of pure love and joy as the pair help the restless dead find true peace. There are plenty of thrills and spills and magical creatures to give readers of all ages the chills.
This magical book is a FIVE STAR CHILLER THRILLER that will send goose bumps down the spine of anyone who believes in life after death, ghosts and magic we all once knew was common place as children.
May 1, 2013
Fiona Bartlett is blessed with the gift of seeing the dead. After the death of her parent's, (her first experience with ghosts), Fiona goes to live with her grandmother, Nana, a one-time carnival psychic turned caretaker of the stricken child.
As Fiona grows older, she learns from Nana that people like her must keep their talents secret. That is, until Fiona meets Erik Thulukan in school. You see, he woke up in the morning knowing he needed to find someone. That someone was Fiona. Erik is a finder, and Nana and Fiona are soon adopted by the Thulukan family, who all have special gifts. So much so, that being special is normal, and that suits Fiona just fine.
Of course, LaFi, as Fiona is known to the Thulukan family, and Eric, or Thulu to Fiona, marry. LaFi cannot have children, but there is one special ghost, that of a young boy, that makes LaFi and Thulu feel like family.
The one thing LaFi and Thulu have always wanted is a detective agency. Not the normal kind, but the kind ghosts frequent when they are in need. Perhaps a special trinke must be given to a loved one, or maybe someone was killed and Thulu and LaFi need to find the murderer. Sometimes, it's a ghost of a little girl, one who cannot find her parents, and an older woman, dead and not knowing why. Money is given when they are 'directed' toward it by the ghosts. A lost treasure, perhaps.
On a day filled with game playing, (LaFi and Thulu are adept gamers) they are interrupted by an older woman who is missing a piece of jewelry intended for her granddaughter. The bauble was stolen the night she was murdered. In a matter of moments, other victims crowd the detective agency, all spouting off about the horrible Mr. Jones, a murdering human-being that kills small children.
Turns out Mr. Jones is a daemon, not to be confused with demon. Yes, he is admittedly a murderer, but then he's just borrowing the body he inhabits. You see, a portal is opening, one where angels appear. Unfortunately, angels are not what they seem and daemon's are not demons. Besides, does it really matter? To angels and daemon's Earth is just a feeding ground, and names are just names after-all.
Of course, our LaFi and Thulu take the case, never expecting to learn there are worlds within worlds, and more creatures than one mind can conjure. There are relics to be found. A knife, two panels, and a few more odds and ends. Then there is the book, the final spell that will close the portal forever, depending upon your definition of forever.
The questions to be answered are:
Can they save the world as they know it?
Will they find the parents of a ghostly four-year-old little girl?
And just who is Mr. James? Is he friend or foe?
Ms. Wilson excels at storytelling. Even as an ARC, the manuscript had few errors. The writing is clean, smart, and a little on the sassy side which I just loved. The characters are believable, adorable, and I hated it when I came to the end. All that said, there is a sequel coming that I can't wait to read.
Kudos to Ms. Wilson.Thank you for letting me into your imagination a little early. It is truly appreciated.
As Fiona grows older, she learns from Nana that people like her must keep their talents secret. That is, until Fiona meets Erik Thulukan in school. You see, he woke up in the morning knowing he needed to find someone. That someone was Fiona. Erik is a finder, and Nana and Fiona are soon adopted by the Thulukan family, who all have special gifts. So much so, that being special is normal, and that suits Fiona just fine.
Of course, LaFi, as Fiona is known to the Thulukan family, and Eric, or Thulu to Fiona, marry. LaFi cannot have children, but there is one special ghost, that of a young boy, that makes LaFi and Thulu feel like family.
The one thing LaFi and Thulu have always wanted is a detective agency. Not the normal kind, but the kind ghosts frequent when they are in need. Perhaps a special trinke must be given to a loved one, or maybe someone was killed and Thulu and LaFi need to find the murderer. Sometimes, it's a ghost of a little girl, one who cannot find her parents, and an older woman, dead and not knowing why. Money is given when they are 'directed' toward it by the ghosts. A lost treasure, perhaps.
On a day filled with game playing, (LaFi and Thulu are adept gamers) they are interrupted by an older woman who is missing a piece of jewelry intended for her granddaughter. The bauble was stolen the night she was murdered. In a matter of moments, other victims crowd the detective agency, all spouting off about the horrible Mr. Jones, a murdering human-being that kills small children.
Turns out Mr. Jones is a daemon, not to be confused with demon. Yes, he is admittedly a murderer, but then he's just borrowing the body he inhabits. You see, a portal is opening, one where angels appear. Unfortunately, angels are not what they seem and daemon's are not demons. Besides, does it really matter? To angels and daemon's Earth is just a feeding ground, and names are just names after-all.
Of course, our LaFi and Thulu take the case, never expecting to learn there are worlds within worlds, and more creatures than one mind can conjure. There are relics to be found. A knife, two panels, and a few more odds and ends. Then there is the book, the final spell that will close the portal forever, depending upon your definition of forever.
The questions to be answered are:
Can they save the world as they know it?
Will they find the parents of a ghostly four-year-old little girl?
And just who is Mr. James? Is he friend or foe?
Ms. Wilson excels at storytelling. Even as an ARC, the manuscript had few errors. The writing is clean, smart, and a little on the sassy side which I just loved. The characters are believable, adorable, and I hated it when I came to the end. All that said, there is a sequel coming that I can't wait to read.
Kudos to Ms. Wilson.Thank you for letting me into your imagination a little early. It is truly appreciated.
April 26, 2013
RELICS opens at a dire moment for Erik and Fiona Thulukan, whom I will hereafter refer to as Thulu and La Fi. A powerful supernatural being holds her hostage, a blade to her throat, while other beings—humans, creatures, and ghosts—hold their collective breath and try not to make a move that will cause result in La Fi’s death.
There, the author cuts the scene and takes the reader back many years to when La Fi was ten years old and learned that she could see, and talk, to dead people.
Maer Wilson draws her reader in with the short prologue scene, and then describes at length the life that La Fi builds in San Francisco with her adopted family, the Thulukans. (Before you think she shacked up with her “brother,” the adoption was organic. She lived with her aunt and they were absorbed into the Thulukan’s functions as extended family.) The story, which is separated into parts, actually begins in part two, when they take on an unusual case.
The author has an illustrative voice and she has built her story layer upon layer, giving equal attention to building scenes as developing characters. I can’t explain the value of this to the story without spoiling the biggest scene of the book, but I will say that in one moment, I suddenly appreciated every word she had devoted to her details.
Falling under the “Private Investigator” trope, RELICS is an introduction to a series with the potential to grow as long as Ms. Wilson wishes to continue. It lays out backstory, establishes special gifts and powers, enemies and allies, and a cast of strange and wonderful creatures from a network of alien worlds to which Earth is connected by portals. Any sequel will have the advantage of this groundwork already in place, and the author can steam ahead with the dilemma of Thulu and La Fi’s next dead client.
The writing style may be a little mature for teenagers. This book was clearly written for by adults. Having said that, I don’t recall much objectionable content. There is one hint of close door sex, profanity is kept to a minimum, and there is moderate violence.
There, the author cuts the scene and takes the reader back many years to when La Fi was ten years old and learned that she could see, and talk, to dead people.
Maer Wilson draws her reader in with the short prologue scene, and then describes at length the life that La Fi builds in San Francisco with her adopted family, the Thulukans. (Before you think she shacked up with her “brother,” the adoption was organic. She lived with her aunt and they were absorbed into the Thulukan’s functions as extended family.) The story, which is separated into parts, actually begins in part two, when they take on an unusual case.
The author has an illustrative voice and she has built her story layer upon layer, giving equal attention to building scenes as developing characters. I can’t explain the value of this to the story without spoiling the biggest scene of the book, but I will say that in one moment, I suddenly appreciated every word she had devoted to her details.
Falling under the “Private Investigator” trope, RELICS is an introduction to a series with the potential to grow as long as Ms. Wilson wishes to continue. It lays out backstory, establishes special gifts and powers, enemies and allies, and a cast of strange and wonderful creatures from a network of alien worlds to which Earth is connected by portals. Any sequel will have the advantage of this groundwork already in place, and the author can steam ahead with the dilemma of Thulu and La Fi’s next dead client.
The writing style may be a little mature for teenagers. This book was clearly written for by adults. Having said that, I don’t recall much objectionable content. There is one hint of close door sex, profanity is kept to a minimum, and there is moderate violence.
October 30, 2013
“Relics” by Maer Wilson is a lovely paranormal story about two mediums or paranormal detectives, if you so will. I read two shorter novels by the author before this, so I knew what to expect but I rally enjoyed to stay with a Thulu story for a little longer.
The story begins with La Fi / Fiona's family background and her love for her Nana, setting a warm and loving tone for the paranormal story to come. Wilson has created great characters, likeable and entertaining, just right for younger adults and those who like pleasant characters.
La Fi and her husband Thulu are approached once more by a ghost who wants to find a lost piece of jewellery which a man named Jones has taken after killing the now ghost. But Jones has not only offended this one ghost. Then there is a murderer to be stopped and there are portals that can let supernatural creatures into the world.
This is a fun read, fresh, witty and lively, with great suspense - but just right so to keep us interested but not scared off. I personally love books with mediums and powers of intuition and Wilson has written a particularly good one here.
I hate to use this phrase in reviews but I do look forward to the next book in the series.
The story begins with La Fi / Fiona's family background and her love for her Nana, setting a warm and loving tone for the paranormal story to come. Wilson has created great characters, likeable and entertaining, just right for younger adults and those who like pleasant characters.
La Fi and her husband Thulu are approached once more by a ghost who wants to find a lost piece of jewellery which a man named Jones has taken after killing the now ghost. But Jones has not only offended this one ghost. Then there is a murderer to be stopped and there are portals that can let supernatural creatures into the world.
This is a fun read, fresh, witty and lively, with great suspense - but just right so to keep us interested but not scared off. I personally love books with mediums and powers of intuition and Wilson has written a particularly good one here.
I hate to use this phrase in reviews but I do look forward to the next book in the series.
October 10, 2015
This is my original review of the first edition of Relics. I don't think I will change my mind as I read the second edition on my way to reading Magics.
I have been trying to decide why I like the Thulukan Chronicles so much. Maybe it is the sensible, matter-of-fact voice of Fi, the narrator and 'translator,' or the inherent love and acceptance the Thulukan family shares. I do know that the sensible, mundane flavor of Fi and Thulu's story make the tragedy and horror of the bad things sharper and more nightmarish. These characters feel so real: Ceil and Aela with their mutual love of nail polish, Romeo and Juliet arguing over appropriate names, Parker and Jenna playing with Sophie. Maybe my migraine is making writing this review difficult, but Relics feels...comfortable, even with the first read. Although I love my dead tree books, my library does not have a copy of Portals, so I bought it for my Kindle app, and I will recommend the library purchase it.
I have been trying to decide why I like the Thulukan Chronicles so much. Maybe it is the sensible, matter-of-fact voice of Fi, the narrator and 'translator,' or the inherent love and acceptance the Thulukan family shares. I do know that the sensible, mundane flavor of Fi and Thulu's story make the tragedy and horror of the bad things sharper and more nightmarish. These characters feel so real: Ceil and Aela with their mutual love of nail polish, Romeo and Juliet arguing over appropriate names, Parker and Jenna playing with Sophie. Maybe my migraine is making writing this review difficult, but Relics feels...comfortable, even with the first read. Although I love my dead tree books, my library does not have a copy of Portals, so I bought it for my Kindle app, and I will recommend the library purchase it.
April 28, 2013
Great story. Very original (and I read a lot of fantasy). The plot moves along quickly and the main characters are very likable. There is a lot of content - the book could easily be lot longer - but the author chooses to gloss over a lot of the side plots and conversations - perhaps saving them for another day. In fact I can see 'shared universe' or a lot of fan fiction developing very quickly.
I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 18, 2013
Wilson's Relics is an entertaining read. While her making angels the bad guys and daemons the good guys isn't something new, she introduces us to a wonderful daemon, Jones. His wit is rather charming and he could charm the cassock off a priest.
La Fi and Thulu are both likeable as the paranormal investigators.
Fun read here.
La Fi and Thulu are both likeable as the paranormal investigators.
Fun read here.
May 9, 2013
I loved this story from page one. I challenge you to read the first page of Relics and not be sucked into this novel. That is exactly what happened to me. The author has created a unique and creative story filled with plot twists and mystery, characters that you love, but you know you really shouldn't, and others that are endearing and make you wish you could invite them over for dinner.
The author gives quite a bit of backstory and history between the two main characters, Thulu and LaFi (I love these names by the way.) Their history together really gives you an in-depth look into their relationship, and their very supportive family, the Thulukan clan.
Thulu has the special ability to "find" things and LaFi sees and speaks to dead people. This is the perfect combination for owning and operating their own detective agency for their peculiar clients. When they are approached by a new client to help find a missing locket and then suddenly a handful of ghosts show up in their office all looking for the same murderer, the story seems to be a clear case of a who dunnit. Except... then the action takes an unusual twist which keeps the reader turning pages to find out what is really going on.
Enter the magical beings and an interesting new take on Angels vs. Daemons, portals to other dimensions, and ancient relics needed to save the earth from a horrible destiny. Yes, all this really is packed into one fantastic novel.
This book is unlike any other that I have read before -- which isn't a bad thing. Ms. Wilson has an obvious talent for writing great dialogue and creating unexpected scenarios full of intrigue and imagination. She is a descriptive writer without being too wordy and the entire novel is extremely well written. I especially enjoyed her wide variety of characters. All of whom have depth and originality. Besides LaFi and Thulu, Reo is a particular favorite of mine and I recommend you read Relics to find out more about this interesting individual. I don't think you'll regret it.
The author gives quite a bit of backstory and history between the two main characters, Thulu and LaFi (I love these names by the way.) Their history together really gives you an in-depth look into their relationship, and their very supportive family, the Thulukan clan.
Thulu has the special ability to "find" things and LaFi sees and speaks to dead people. This is the perfect combination for owning and operating their own detective agency for their peculiar clients. When they are approached by a new client to help find a missing locket and then suddenly a handful of ghosts show up in their office all looking for the same murderer, the story seems to be a clear case of a who dunnit. Except... then the action takes an unusual twist which keeps the reader turning pages to find out what is really going on.
Enter the magical beings and an interesting new take on Angels vs. Daemons, portals to other dimensions, and ancient relics needed to save the earth from a horrible destiny. Yes, all this really is packed into one fantastic novel.
This book is unlike any other that I have read before -- which isn't a bad thing. Ms. Wilson has an obvious talent for writing great dialogue and creating unexpected scenarios full of intrigue and imagination. She is a descriptive writer without being too wordy and the entire novel is extremely well written. I especially enjoyed her wide variety of characters. All of whom have depth and originality. Besides LaFi and Thulu, Reo is a particular favorite of mine and I recommend you read Relics to find out more about this interesting individual. I don't think you'll regret it.
May 5, 2013
RELICS is the first book of a new series about a paranormal detective agency, run by two humans with unusual powers and unusual nicknames, Thulu and La Fi.
We first meet La Fi as a child, when she was still known as Fiona. Her parents die and her unusual abilities manifest themselves – she can see, hear and talk with ghosts. She meets Thulu on the first day at her new school, and the pair become inseparable. He also has an unusual talent, for finding lost things. His family – the tight knit Thulukan clan – welcomes La Fi and her grandmother into the fold with open and loving arms. The theme of strong family bonds, love and commitment run all throughout this novel.
Fast forward to the present, where La Fi and Thulu are married and running their own successful detective agency, working to bring resolution to the dead. They have a quiet, happy life but when a case brings them in contact with a Daemon, things start to get strange. When the Daemon hires them to find some relics that will prevent global disaster the action ramps up and trust me, you’ll never think of Angels versus Daemons in the same way.
The story is told all in first person by La Fi, with lots of mundane details thrown in about the food she’s preparing and the restoration work she and Thulu have done on their home. The details keep you grounded in “reality” while all manner of extraordinary creatures and events are introduced into the tale, in the same way that Charlaine Harris’s Sookie keeps us grounded in reality with her details about clothes, television shows and her tanning efforts while vampires, werewolves and the fae battle in and around Bon Temps.
With this well-crafted debut novel, Maer Wilson has laid the groundwork for a great new series of detective books. The Thulukan Agency may not be the first paranormal detective agency out there on the shelves, but it is certainly one to watch. I look forward to reading many more adventures as Thulu and La Fi expand their agency.
We first meet La Fi as a child, when she was still known as Fiona. Her parents die and her unusual abilities manifest themselves – she can see, hear and talk with ghosts. She meets Thulu on the first day at her new school, and the pair become inseparable. He also has an unusual talent, for finding lost things. His family – the tight knit Thulukan clan – welcomes La Fi and her grandmother into the fold with open and loving arms. The theme of strong family bonds, love and commitment run all throughout this novel.
Fast forward to the present, where La Fi and Thulu are married and running their own successful detective agency, working to bring resolution to the dead. They have a quiet, happy life but when a case brings them in contact with a Daemon, things start to get strange. When the Daemon hires them to find some relics that will prevent global disaster the action ramps up and trust me, you’ll never think of Angels versus Daemons in the same way.
The story is told all in first person by La Fi, with lots of mundane details thrown in about the food she’s preparing and the restoration work she and Thulu have done on their home. The details keep you grounded in “reality” while all manner of extraordinary creatures and events are introduced into the tale, in the same way that Charlaine Harris’s Sookie keeps us grounded in reality with her details about clothes, television shows and her tanning efforts while vampires, werewolves and the fae battle in and around Bon Temps.
With this well-crafted debut novel, Maer Wilson has laid the groundwork for a great new series of detective books. The Thulukan Agency may not be the first paranormal detective agency out there on the shelves, but it is certainly one to watch. I look forward to reading many more adventures as Thulu and La Fi expand their agency.
May 20, 2023
I loved this book. I was hooked on the characters from the moment I read the short stories. (Which i would recommend reading first for background and build up). When the portal drags you through to their world the idea that a demon is better than angels will flip your brain. I love the strength and character of the ghosts and the way that she is not adverse to letting the characters grow, and i mean all of them (ghosts and all). The characters tell the story in their own way. Build them so they become real to you the reader.
An amazing writer who knows how to keep the pace going throughout and throw in enough twists and turns that you will never be able to predict what is comming next. A well written and highly entertaining read. I can't wait to get onto the next books.
An amazing writer who knows how to keep the pace going throughout and throw in enough twists and turns that you will never be able to predict what is comming next. A well written and highly entertaining read. I can't wait to get onto the next books.
May 1, 2013
I really really enjoyed this book. It was like reading the personal diary of the main character (LaFi). This is the first-first person book that has ever drawn me to that level of depth. There are surprises around ever corner that keeps a nice pace to the story. Ms. Wilson does a fabulous job, blending the spectrum of emotions, keeping things exciting and tying up all the plot threads into one climatic ending. Definitely recommend this book for perfectly rainy day - kick up your feet and sink yourself into a great story.
April 23, 2013
Maer calls this book an urban fantasy, but I don't believe that fully describes this book. She weaves a tale of mystery, fantasy, paranormal and so much more! This is a wonderfully written book that grabs you and holds onto you until you have completely finished reading it cover to cover. I didn't want to put it down!
I can't wait for the next book!
I can't wait for the next book!
October 27, 2013
La Fi and Thulu have unique abilities. They are both attuned to paranormal aspects of the world. Thulu can find anything and La Fi translates for ghosts. These two have turned this into a lucrative business and enjoy their work. That is until one case turns their whole world upside down. Not just their world but the entire world. Portals to other realms are opening and things that people only thought existed in books are now a reality. To close these portals Thulu and La Fi have been put in charge of finding Relics to use to close the portals. Without the relics portals will become more frequent and more dangerous things will come out. Charged with basically saving the world Thulu and La Fi must find these relics in time to save their world and protect humanity before time runs out.
I thought this story had a lot of enjoyable aspects. I enjoyed all of the characters and felt the idea of the Light and Dark Ones was a pretty unique take. Thulu and La Fi are well-developed and quite enjoyable. That being said I had a lot of trouble focusing on this story. I felt too many side stories were added. I liked Reo’s story and thought that was quite helpful in moving the story along, but as we got into more and more creatures and their stories I thought the story got weighted down and I lost sight of what the whole goal was. I understand that in a first book you want to put as much as you can into a story but sometimes four or five well-developed characters can allow for the upcoming books to delve deeper into the smaller characters. Overall, I did enjoy the story but I felt I had information overload which let me lose focus on the whole point of the story. I do think this series has wonderful potential but I think the story in the future needs to be a bit more streamlined.
I thought this story had a lot of enjoyable aspects. I enjoyed all of the characters and felt the idea of the Light and Dark Ones was a pretty unique take. Thulu and La Fi are well-developed and quite enjoyable. That being said I had a lot of trouble focusing on this story. I felt too many side stories were added. I liked Reo’s story and thought that was quite helpful in moving the story along, but as we got into more and more creatures and their stories I thought the story got weighted down and I lost sight of what the whole goal was. I understand that in a first book you want to put as much as you can into a story but sometimes four or five well-developed characters can allow for the upcoming books to delve deeper into the smaller characters. Overall, I did enjoy the story but I felt I had information overload which let me lose focus on the whole point of the story. I do think this series has wonderful potential but I think the story in the future needs to be a bit more streamlined.
September 7, 2016
It was refreshing to have a husband and wife duo as the main protagonists in this urban fantasy read. I really liked reading about Thulu and Fi's backstory during the first part (I'd love to read a short story or novella about some of their adventures as kids) and I enjoyed learning how they handle a business where all their clients are deceased :-). I'm curious to see how they adjust to having a whole host of magical beings on their doorstep in Book 2.
The only major thing I could complain about in the book was the whole collecting relics plot arc. After finding the first couple it started to get boring (nine mystical artifacts just seemed like overkill to me). And then the fact that these relics are somehow a magical bandaid for the entire portal problem just seemed a little too simple. I would have been more interested in hearing about the politics between the light ones, dark ones, elves, goblins, etc. or having the main characters helping to find a solution for the 'energy crisis' on the angel's world rather than this focus on tracking down random objects that somehow mysteriously solve everything.
The only major thing I could complain about in the book was the whole collecting relics plot arc. After finding the first couple it started to get boring (nine mystical artifacts just seemed like overkill to me). And then the fact that these relics are somehow a magical bandaid for the entire portal problem just seemed a little too simple. I would have been more interested in hearing about the politics between the light ones, dark ones, elves, goblins, etc. or having the main characters helping to find a solution for the 'energy crisis' on the angel's world rather than this focus on tracking down random objects that somehow mysteriously solve everything.
July 13, 2013
Fiona and Thulu are childhood sweethearts and Private Investigators with supernatural powers, and they cater to the deceased. Fiona “La Fi” Thulukan can see and communicate with the dead. She is a Translator. Erik “Thulu” Thulukan is a Finder capable of finding any person or object. Their extended families, in which the matriarchs play an important role, is a loving if somewhat unusual group.
Daemons, Angles, Pixes, Goblins and Elves make up vivid parts of this well-drawn world. Ms. Wilson combines myth with a modern world. She turns ancient legends and foundational religious beliefs on their ears, creating a wholly unique world where the supernatural becomes a believable norm.
From Fiona’s sometimes humorous first person view point, a rich world of sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions immerse the reader in an adventure of epic proportions. With exciting twists and turns and where the culmination costs the characters something, this story builds to a climax and doesn’t disappoint.
Daemons, Angles, Pixes, Goblins and Elves make up vivid parts of this well-drawn world. Ms. Wilson combines myth with a modern world. She turns ancient legends and foundational religious beliefs on their ears, creating a wholly unique world where the supernatural becomes a believable norm.
From Fiona’s sometimes humorous first person view point, a rich world of sights, sounds, thoughts and emotions immerse the reader in an adventure of epic proportions. With exciting twists and turns and where the culmination costs the characters something, this story builds to a climax and doesn’t disappoint.
August 17, 2015
I couldn't wait to dive into this book. It's not often I'm impressed with ghost stories but with Maer Wilson I certainly was. For sure had a "real" feel to it for being about ghost :)
The characters La Fi and Thulu are great partners and compliment each other well running the agency. Of course it turns out they also need to protect the earth.
Lots of interesting creatures that bump in the night from ghost to demons and about everything in between. I loved the variety. Created a nice little world indeed.
Highly impressed with the storyline and how it ended even though it is part of a series. But you won't be left with a dreaded cliff hanger. Very crisp writing and well done. I'm quite overall impressed with this novel and it was a joy to read in one sitting. I wanted to read it from start to finish. It sucks in quite nicely.
If you love out of the ordinary and want a refreshing ghost (kinda everything else) story you should pick this up for only .99 pennies. Highly recommend and I'm looking forward to the next one!
The characters La Fi and Thulu are great partners and compliment each other well running the agency. Of course it turns out they also need to protect the earth.
Lots of interesting creatures that bump in the night from ghost to demons and about everything in between. I loved the variety. Created a nice little world indeed.
Highly impressed with the storyline and how it ended even though it is part of a series. But you won't be left with a dreaded cliff hanger. Very crisp writing and well done. I'm quite overall impressed with this novel and it was a joy to read in one sitting. I wanted to read it from start to finish. It sucks in quite nicely.
If you love out of the ordinary and want a refreshing ghost (kinda everything else) story you should pick this up for only .99 pennies. Highly recommend and I'm looking forward to the next one!
November 10, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock
La Fi and Thulu run a detective agency where most of their clients are ghosts. When a search for a locket brings them to a Daemon named Jones they find themselves fighting to protect the earth. As the story went along, she built an amazing world filled with ghosts, angels, demons and other mythological creatures, and then she twisted our beliefs to make an incredibly interesting story.
Her characters were emotionally satisfying, and three dimensional and the relationships between the characters were deep and connected, even between the dead and living. Even though this is part of a series it did not have a cliff hanger, and wrapped up nicely in the last few pages. The book was well-written and the author has a clean writing style.
I'd recommend this to people who enjoy Urban Fantasy, and like to see myths turned upside down and span another way. I'm giving this 5 fangs.
La Fi and Thulu run a detective agency where most of their clients are ghosts. When a search for a locket brings them to a Daemon named Jones they find themselves fighting to protect the earth. As the story went along, she built an amazing world filled with ghosts, angels, demons and other mythological creatures, and then she twisted our beliefs to make an incredibly interesting story.
Her characters were emotionally satisfying, and three dimensional and the relationships between the characters were deep and connected, even between the dead and living. Even though this is part of a series it did not have a cliff hanger, and wrapped up nicely in the last few pages. The book was well-written and the author has a clean writing style.
I'd recommend this to people who enjoy Urban Fantasy, and like to see myths turned upside down and span another way. I'm giving this 5 fangs.
July 27, 2015
I have been trying to decide why I like the Thulukan Chronicles so much. Maybe it is the sensible, matter-of-fact voice of Fi, the narrator and 'translator,' or the inherent love and acceptance the Thulukan family shares. I do know that the sensible, mundane flavor of Fi and Thulu's story make the tragedy and horror of the bad things sharper and more nightmarish. These characters feel so real: Ceil and Aela with their mutual love of nail polish, Romeo and Juliet arguing over appropriate names, Parker and Jenna playing with Sophie. Maybe my migraine is making writing this review difficult, but Relics feels...comfortable, even with the first read. Although I love my dead tree books, my library does not have a copy of Portals, so I bought it for my Kindle app, and I will recommend the library purchase it.
June 28, 2013
It is often difficult for me to begin a new series. For a series to be successful, the characters have to be strong and emotionally attractive. When Relics, by Maer Wilson, arrived, I was so entertained by the cover and back story, that I was anxious to begin. I am ecstatic to report that I was not disappointed. Relics is skillfully written. Each and every one of the characters has captivated me for the long haul. Although the story itself is easily stand alone quality, the diversity and quality of the characters have me looking forward to the next set of adventures from the Thulukan Chronicles. Filled with action, adventure, love and humor, I highly recommend Relics to everyone who reads this review.
August 15, 2013
Relics by Maer Wilson is a book i received for free. Relics has an interesting storyline. It catches your attention right away. It's premise is unusual because it portrays angels as the bad guys and deamons as the good guys. Deamons can still be evil but they don't usually kill their prey. The characters are colorfully described, especially the creatures coming thru the portals. The writing is a little stilted in places. The paces moves forward and i was hurrying to follow to determine where is was going.
January 19, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised with this story. It’s a fun filled fantasy with lots of twists and turns, some shocking surprises and I can't wait to see what's in store for us on the next journey in this series. I loved La Fi and Thulu and all their ghostly and other-world friends.
This is a fresh, clean story and though it's fantasy and not Romance I still loved every minute of it. Besides the love between Thulu and La Fi was awesome and I find that any childhood sweethearts that's been together a long time and still this much in love is very romantic!
This is a fresh, clean story and though it's fantasy and not Romance I still loved every minute of it. Besides the love between Thulu and La Fi was awesome and I find that any childhood sweethearts that's been together a long time and still this much in love is very romantic!
July 4, 2013
Relics is a great story with a strong start that draws you into Wilson's interesting characters and their lives. It's original and adventurous, with a strong female lead as the first person pov voice. The detailed descriptions paint vivid pictures of their world and what's going on around them. A new, unique view of angels, too. A great first book in what I'm hoping turns into a long running series!
January 8, 2015
Maer Wilson may be my new favorite writer. I immediately fell in love with her unique and charming characters. The worldbuilding is flawless and the pace will keep you reading well past the time you should have gone to bed. Thirty pages in I wanted this to be a TV series. Someone needs to option it now.
I can't wait to get into Book 2, Portals, and see where the story goes. This book is amazing.
I can't wait to get into Book 2, Portals, and see where the story goes. This book is amazing.
May 21, 2013
For those who love to read paranormal/fantasy this book is a MUST READ! You can't miss with the characters--any fantastical character you want is represented in this story. Deceased, Daemons, Fairies and even a unicorn or two! The Thulukan family is one I want to be embraced by. Ms. Wilson's detail in her scenes and characters bring this story to life.
September 11, 2013
Great characters and story make for a great read. I really like the Reo and Jones characters the best. Lots of new takes on the traditional fairy tales, religious icons, and urban fantasy character stereotypes. I am excitedly looking forward to the next book in the series to see where the Thulukans go from here!
October 20, 2013
I do not usually like sci fantasy, but this book grabs you from the start and takes you into the authors world, which is great. It is about the dead but in a good way with interesting real characters/dead or alive....The adventure holds you and is turn paging.
July 21, 2013
This is a well-writen fantasy novels with hints of well-researched history and mythology. An enticing read in a easy to read language which grapped my attention till the end. Kudos to the auithor. I give it five stars.
February 28, 2014
Maer Wilson puts a whole new light on the angels and demons perception with her first book. Add in an investigative husband/wife team that each has special abilities, throw in a 'bad-guy' with attitude (but has manners!) and Ms. Wilson is bound to have a sure-fire winner series!
May 13, 2013
An amazing book! A supernatural thriller that kept me turning its pages, and re-evaluating "good" and "evil". Can't wait for the next book!
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