Demon Moon (Prof Croft Book 1)

I wish I could give this more stars, but Mr. Magnarella broke a serious rule; THOU SHALT NOT PLAGIARIZE ! There was no need. He's a decent writer with a unique spin on his main character.and that's a rare thing to find in the urban fantasy genre nowadays. I started out excusing some of the thefts as coincidence, but the miniature replica of the city slammed the thefts home. This is a shame as the book is decently written, has interesting characters and a nicely paced plot. However, every time I came across another episode of plagiarism, my brain did a hiccup that took me out of the story. I just can't respect an author who blatantly steals from another. He should pay Butcher a percentage of his profits.

“I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.”

**Virtually Spoiler Free Review™**

I first came across Brad Magnarella when I received a free copy of the first book in his last series, XGeneration. I loved it, and quickly ended up buying and waiting for the series to conclude. That series has now finished, and this new work I believe is a fantastically promising introduction to a new and interesting universe.

Brad's writing style is easy to read, but still full of rich vocabulary and imagery. His characters are never one-dimensional, and I think one of the feats he excels at is quickly giving every character a unique personality, one you will quickly identify with or recognize, and one which they carry throughout their interactions with the Professor Croft. The genre for the Professor Croft series is one of my favourites, that of the modern world wizard. I love the idea of magic being brought into a world still very similar in many ways to our own, where I can identify with the geography, landscapes, and people in the world.

Much like in XGeneration, Brad manages to draw you into his story, introducing all the main characters early on, but always in such a way that you won't see what's coming. Much like real life, you wonder or ascribe motives to the characters, but are forced to wait for more information or until their actions to reveal the truth about who or what the magical (but still accessible every-man) Professor Croft faces. In this, Brad Magnarella succeeds greatly by writing a book which is hard to put down, every time you reach the end of a chapter you want to turn the page and see what happens... perhaps the next chapter will end in a better place to take a break (but it never does).

Like his other books, I finished this book in a couple of nights, enjoyed it thoroughly, recommend it wholeheartedly, and am eagerly anticipating the rest of the series.

Previous reviews pointed out that the similarities to the Dresden files were too much. I for one am grateful, this story lacked some of the depth but was face paced, magical and the beginnings of something special. I will definitely be reading all books in this series! Especially when Butcher costs $13.99 and these books are reasonably priced for electronic literature. Side note- $13.99 for an eBook, outrageous! As to some other criticisms, I found "the crash" to be fully self explanatory-financial upheaval.
This story was engaging, well written-character development, world building, editing. If you enjoy wizards, mayhem and paranormal this book is for you!! Wonderful! Please bring on more Prof. Croft and his Central Park filled with ghouls, werewolves, druids and other creatures.

This was a struggle and at the end of the day a completely unsatisfying read. It wasn't one thing that made this a difficult read...it's kind of like that quote from the Big Bang Theory when Sheldon describes why Star Trek: The Motion Picture is the worst Star Trek Movie...everything about this book made it a difficult read. Basically it is a poorly constructed copy of the Harry Dresden series...just without the humor or an actual plot. I picked this up for $0.99...which is the most that anyone should pay for this book.

I have been following Magnarella for some years now and was very intrigued to get an advance copy of the new series, Professor Croft. For the fans of his previous series based in Gainesville, Florida, this is welcome new food.

The world created by Magnarella would be a horrible dystopia except that there are new tools available to the wizard class to deal with it. Of course the threats are more terrifying as well. From the opening scene the action is fast-paced. There is a lot to figure out in this new New York (near future, after the Crash), and the plot twists keep the reader on his/her toes. Characters are richly interesting, be they human, supernatural, or cat.

Overall the book is a great success, it is fun, fast and immensely interesting. Original to the core. Read it, enjoy it, and wait for the next book.

The main character gets the crap kicked out of him by everything on two legs. Lies to everyone including those that could help or provide assistance, can't manage day to day activities and is always out of time for preparations requiring complexity. Do not waste your money.

As stated by another reviewer, this is very similar to Dresden Files, to the point that it's hard to really separate the two. Really the main difference is that the main character in this series is a professor instead of a private detective. The magic system in the book also seems to be slightly different, although it's really not explained well enough to be sure.

My biggest issue with this book is that too many details that seem like they could be really interesting and set this book apart are poorly explained. He references a NY city economic crash multiple times but you never get a good explanation, the same with the whole internal 'prism' system he uses for magic, the dimensions of reality he mentions, the 'Order' of magicians that only serve as a shadowy antagonist in this book, etc.

In the end, there are too many interesting things that weren't fleshed out, and too much of what was in the book was too cliche'. It really left me feeling like I was reading a cheep Dresden knock-off.

I enjoyed this book immensely and I am looking forward to the next books in the series. I started reading the authors X-generation series, which I just couldn't get into, mostly because it felt like I was rereading my comics from the ninety's. With this book the author has moved into a new world that is just enough different from life as we know it, into a world truly unique. I enjoyed the development of Croft, and look forward to seeing his further growth in future books.

There were a few instances where I found the choice of vocabulary used was awkward, but it didn't distract from the story. (I think my choice of vocabulary here doesn't describe properly)

Plotwise.. Prof Croft has to save new New York from impending doom, while avoiding death by vampires, gangs, and covens. Story moved along briskly. I thought while reading it that there were too many antagonists, but it all tied together nicely at the end of the book.

I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I really liked both the first and second book and will buy the third one also. My main dislike was that Prof Croft was sort of like a dumb Harry Dresden. Similar action, somewhat similar magic, but I found myself saying why is he being so stupid, such as not revealing his powers when that would have prevented him a lot of trouble. He reveals them later, so it was not like a big deal. Plus I wasn't thrilled with other people saving him at the last minute rather than having him figure out a way to make it work. I don't like "luck" as the saving element, as it causes me to "unlose" myself in the book and shake my head. Since I enjoy immersing myself in a book, having this happens breaks the "magic" as it were...Heh.

Other than that, I think this one of the most enjoyable books of this genre I have read in months, and I read about a book a week of this kind. I really like the main character, in spite of my criticisms. I'm tired of the tortured souls and angry foul mouthed, but super powered characters, so Prof Croft was really likeable in that aspect. I also thought the writing was much superior to most of novels of this type. So, I hope to see further development of this interesting character, perhaps more of a winner and less time spent trying to make ends meet. Well at least he got laid in the end....even if it was just a temporary tryst! A nice twist regarding Caroline, btw.

This new urban fantasy has a unique twist in the bloodline of wizards that I can't wait to see how it plays out. Similar to the Dresden Files in feel, this Professional Wizard also helps the police and seems to rely more on preparation than raw force of spells. In fact you learn in this book that Drift is actually a baby wizard on the totem pole of power players. Can't wait to see how the character evolves.
My critique for not giving a five star rating was the confusion on the post apocalyptic feel to the book. Apparently New York (maybe the entire United States) suffered a huge economic crash, that has left the city feeling like a ghost town that has allowed the monsters to run amok and caused the average Joe to try their hand at magic. Nothing about this was explained in much detail at all.

I really liked this book, enough to buy (for free) the first novel in his Gen X series...even though I'm 58 years old. Haven't read it yet but I'm hoping that the writing, which was very good in Demon Moon, will be good enough to overcome the inevitable teen angst of teenagers with super powers.
Anywho, Demon Moon is very Dresdenesque but none the worse for the wear. Entertaining story and premise, well worth the read, and I will definitely read book 2 when it appears! I strongly suggest that you do the same because you won't be disappointed...although I'd still like to know how the cat managed to cook dinner without opposable thumbs.

I wanted to like this book, but there were some issues that came up as I read that just bugged me. Maybe my irritation stems from the fact I read this book when i had only had three hours of sleep on a Friday afternoon. Who knows. Maybe the items I am about to bring up were present in the book and I just missed them in my sleepless haze. If so feel free to correct me.
Spoilers:
1. Throughout the book "the Crash" and its effect on the city, and subsequent exploitation by vampires is talked about a lot, but we never really learn what the Crash is. Did the economy tank? If so why? Right now we are just left to our own imaginations to decide what "the Crash" is and what caused it.
2. The Dark Earth or whatever that group was called. He trys to gather information on them with no luck, then suddenly when he is attacked by Druids the book says that his research had revealed who they were. When exactly did this research occur, because I am pretty sure his every moment before that fight was revealed in the book and I don't remember him ever having a ground breaking moment in research where he discovers who the enemy is. That should probably be developed beyond a single sentence during a fight.
3. He tells several people that he is a wizard. At first I though he had done so because "the Crash" had revealed paranormals to the general public, only to find out later in the book that nope, paranormals are still a secret. And yet they react totally normally. He tells a Mob boss he is a wizard and the Bosses only reaction is to ask him to track down and kill someone? No disbelief, no questions, just blind acceptance from someone that would probably be extremely paranoid as an occupational hazard? You want to see how a Mob boss would respond read up on Marcone in the Dresden files.

These three above are probably my biggest sticking points. On the plus side there weren't any grammatical errors, or none big enough to really stick out so that was a nice change from what you can normally find in a self published book. I think if the above issues can be resolved you would be on your way to a decent book.

I really liked this book. Light, fun reading, good enough story, well written, and likeable characters. I didn't feel it was a Dresden rip-off. I love the Dresden Files, it is my favorite series (other than perhaps Sandman Sllim) but this book was fresh enough that while it is reminiscent of Dresden it isn't a weak copy of it. First person urban fantasy is my favorite kind of reading but so many authors make the mistake of having the protagonist act like and arrogant jerk and never show weakness. Croft is Dresden and Stark like in that he's not perfect, he doesn't think he's perfect, and he gets beat up a bunch without whining about it. I really enjoyed this book!

I'm always on the lookout for talented new authors in the "urban fantasy" genre but as of late I've seen far too many books where the protagonist is somehow transported to an online massive multiplayer game - with no explanation, plausible or not, provided, and the author using the game as a character in itself. I can think of 3 different authors who've used this as their plot device, giving them an excuse to use terms like "boss fight", and "level up" to show character growth.

That's why I was so pleased to have found this author using traditional character building, a stable system of magic, and, just as important, created a likable "hero", combined with good old fashioned detective work work, and weaving a story where our "normal" world with a supernatural one so skillfully you almost forget his world is not ours, then shows it isn't with an anachronism like his talking cat (demon trapped there by him) and being the underdog and winning, and making us want more. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book by him- preordered no less, even though I hate the whole pre-order concept (reeks of an aggressive marketing dept. - who are taking advantage of a genre that's weak in originality)
I really am looking forward to the next book!

I enjoyed this book immensely and I am looking forward to the next books in the series. I started reading the authors X-generation series, which I just couldn't get into, mostly because it felt like I was rereading my comics from the ninety's. With this book the author has moved into a new world that is just enough different from life as we know it, into a world truly unique. I enjoyed the development of Croft, and look forward to seeing his further growth in future books.

There were a few instances where I found the choice of vocabulary used was awkward, but it didn't distract from the story. (I think my choice of vocabulary here doesn't describe properly)

Plotwise.. Prof Croft has to save new New York from impending doom, while avoiding death by vampires, gangs, and covens. Story moved along briskly. I thought while reading it that there were too many antagonists, but it all tied together nicely at the end of the book.

I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I really liked both the first and second book and will buy the third one also. My main dislike was that Prof Croft was sort of like a dumb Harry Dresden. Similar action, somewhat similar magic, but I found myself saying why is he being so stupid, such as not revealing his powers when that would have prevented him a lot of trouble. He reveals them later, so it was not like a big deal. Plus I wasn't thrilled with other people saving him at the last minute rather than having him figure out a way to make it work. I don't like "luck" as the saving element, as it causes me to "unlose" myself in the book and shake my head. Since I enjoy immersing myself in a book, having this happens breaks the "magic" as it were...Heh.

Other than that, I think this one of the most enjoyable books of this genre I have read in months, and I read about a book a week of this kind. I really like the main character, in spite of my criticisms. I'm tired of the tortured souls and angry foul mouthed, but super powered characters, so Prof Croft was really likeable in that aspect. I also thought the writing was much superior to most of novels of this type. So, I hope to see further development of this interesting character, perhaps more of a winner and less time spent trying to make ends meet. Well at least he got laid in the end....even if it was just a temporary tryst! A nice twist regarding Caroline, btw.

This new urban fantasy has a unique twist in the bloodline of wizards that I can't wait to see how it plays out. Similar to the Dresden Files in feel, this Professional Wizard also helps the police and seems to rely more on preparation than raw force of spells. In fact you learn in this book that Drift is actually a baby wizard on the totem pole of power players. Can't wait to see how the character evolves.
My critique for not giving a five star rating was the confusion on the post apocalyptic feel to the book. Apparently New York (maybe the entire United States) suffered a huge economic crash, that has left the city feeling like a ghost town that has allowed the monsters to run amok and caused the average Joe to try their hand at magic. Nothing about this was explained in much detail at all.

I really liked this book, enough to buy (for free) the first novel in his Gen X series...even though I'm 58 years old. Haven't read it yet but I'm hoping that the writing, which was very good in Demon Moon, will be good enough to overcome the inevitable teen angst of teenagers with super powers.
Anywho, Demon Moon is very Dresdenesque but none the worse for the wear. Entertaining story and premise, well worth the read, and I will definitely read book 2 when it appears! I strongly suggest that you do the same because you won't be disappointed...although I'd still like to know how the cat managed to cook dinner without opposable thumbs.

I wanted to like this book, but there were some issues that came up as I read that just bugged me. Maybe my irritation stems from the fact I read this book when i had only had three hours of sleep on a Friday afternoon. Who knows. Maybe the items I am about to bring up were present in the book and I just missed them in my sleepless haze. If so feel free to correct me.
Spoilers:
1. Throughout the book "the Crash" and its effect on the city, and subsequent exploitation by vampires is talked about a lot, but we never really learn what the Crash is. Did the economy tank? If so why? Right now we are just left to our own imaginations to decide what "the Crash" is and what caused it.
2. The Dark Earth or whatever that group was called. He trys to gather information on them with no luck, then suddenly when he is attacked by Druids the book says that his research had revealed who they were. When exactly did this research occur, because I am pretty sure his every moment before that fight was revealed in the book and I don't remember him ever having a ground breaking moment in research where he discovers who the enemy is. That should probably be developed beyond a single sentence during a fight.
3. He tells several people that he is a wizard. At first I though he had done so because "the Crash" had revealed paranormals to the general public, only to find out later in the book that nope, paranormals are still a secret. And yet they react totally normally. He tells a Mob boss he is a wizard and the Bosses only reaction is to ask him to track down and kill someone? No disbelief, no questions, just blind acceptance from someone that would probably be extremely paranoid as an occupational hazard? You want to see how a Mob boss would respond read up on Marcone in the Dresden files.

These three above are probably my biggest sticking points. On the plus side there weren't any grammatical errors, or none big enough to really stick out so that was a nice change from what you can normally find in a self published book. I think if the above issues can be resolved you would be on your way to a decent book.

I really liked this book. Light, fun reading, good enough story, well written, and likeable characters. I didn't feel it was a Dresden rip-off. I love the Dresden Files, it is my favorite series (other than perhaps Sandman Sllim) but this book was fresh enough that while it is reminiscent of Dresden it isn't a weak copy of it. First person urban fantasy is my favorite kind of reading but so many authors make the mistake of having the protagonist act like and arrogant jerk and never show weakness. Croft is Dresden and Stark like in that he's not perfect, he doesn't think he's perfect, and he gets beat up a bunch without whining about it. I really enjoyed this book!

I'm always on the lookout for talented new authors in the "urban fantasy" genre but as of late I've seen far too many books where the protagonist is somehow transported to an online massive multiplayer game - with no explanation, plausible or not, provided, and the author using the game as a character in itself. I can think of 3 different authors who've used this as their plot device, giving them an excuse to use terms like "boss fight", and "level up" to show character growth.

That's why I was so pleased to have found this author using traditional character building, a stable system of magic, and, just as important, created a likable "hero", combined with good old fashioned detective work work, and weaving a story where our "normal" world with a supernatural one so skillfully you almost forget his world is not ours, then shows it isn't with an anachronism like his talking cat (demon trapped there by him) and being the underdog and winning, and making us want more. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book by him- preordered no less, even though I hate the whole pre-order concept (reeks of an aggressive marketing dept. - who are taking advantage of a genre that's weak in originality)
I really am looking forward to the next book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this and listened to it in a day!

I think the thing that made me love this book so much was Croft! He is a professor by day, wizard by night! He was witty, brave, got into trouble a lot, didn't really follow the rules and was a really easy character to like! I know a lot of reviewers have likened him to Harry Dresden but since I haven't read those books, I can't comment on that!

Plot wise, this was a really engaging and fast paced read. Basically we see Croft trying to find out who is conjuring some pretty heavy duty demons into the world and why? It has everything a good urban fantasy should... plenty of action, magic, demons, vampires etc! It was well written and developed and the world building was solid enough.

Overall I loved this and can't wait to read more. I definitely want to find out more about Croft!! More about his Demon and about his cat!! This is a great time for a prequel ;)

*I received a free copy of this but voluntarily reviewed it. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.*

If you're a huge Dresden Files fan - especially of the short-lived TV show - and you need a fix, this is for you. Professor Croft is basically Harry Dresden, with Tabitha the succubus-in-a-cat instead of Bob, a spirit in a skull. Set in New York City instead of Chicago, you can easily find each of the key points of a Dresden novel in here.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing; a lot of good homages are good in their own right. Unfortunately, this is just ok - the writing moves into cliche, the characters are one dimensional while telegraphing their next move, and the big reveal has so many lights focused on it ahead of time, it's pretty much a runway landing.

There's interesting potential here, especially in this version of a post-apocalyptic magical world and the novel reimagining of angel Michael and Sathanas the demon lord. More time spent there and less time trying to perfect a wisecracking Dresden homage would have been well-spent.

World building is a huge part of what makes a series sustainable. Here, while there are more "homages" to Dresden than strictly necessary, the lack of world building is even more noticeable. Why is the city divided so? How did they get to that point? What started it all off?

There's good base here, especially if the second book (assuming there's one coming) shows us more of the world Croft lives in and less that seems to come straight from Dresden. I did enjoy it, even if I kept going "Wait, that's Harry's thing" and "Really? A city model? Could you be more obvious?"

professor-croft, wizard, magic, law-enforcement, action-adventure, nyc, snarky, no-gratuitous-erotica
Read on November 16, 2016

At last, NYC has its own kick *** wizard! Chicago has Dresden, and Ramirez covers the west coast, but what about NYC? Sure, there are The Others who hang out with Graham Winters at their club, but the City needed a wizard! And the best part is that he is also a professor, comes from a long line of magic wielders, and puts himself out there when no sane person would. This book centers on the plot as outlined in the publisher's blurb, but is so much more. Just short of being a snarkfest, Croft is a wiseacre of the first order, and there just have to be more adventures soon. But enjoy this one now!
I have the audio performed by James Patrick Cronin, and he really nails it!
I requested and received a free copy from the publisher, author, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.

It did take me some time to get into the story, as it sometimes does when world-building, but I think I’m going to like this New York. The magic working of magic took ingredients, time and energy and was, therefore, refreshingly NOT an easy cure all to every problem.

Peripheral characters were used sparingly - meaning you didn’t need a scorecard to keep track of the players - and I’m hoping for continued interactions. Croft was smart, competent, and engaging with just enough flaws to make him believable. He could use a tad more wiseassery if he’s going to claim that descriptor, though. And more Tabitha, please. I think I’m really going to love her.

Love it prof Croft is a “new” wizard with a past there’s a little demon in him -the order that is in charge of wizards has shut him down no magic even though the city is rife with dark creatures and amateur conjuring want a be’s that he is trying to help and stop with the NYPD also trying to get him he’s in a self propelling problem he alone seems to understand the order just wants to stop him and NYPD is looking to arrest him he is always in the wrong place at the wrong time -must read! And read the pre quel 1st is my suggestion can’t wait for #2

A generally well written urban fantasy series, but it has a few things which seem to close to Jim Butcher's wizard in Chicago. While this hero is a professor lecturing at university, he otherwise patrols and keeps amateurs from doing damage, gets into trouble from a number of directions at the same time, uses similar sounding words to Butcher when he uses magic, has a 3D map of the city which lights up when there's magical trouble, like Butcher, has a female cop friend/possible romantic interest, his magic causes technology to go haywire, like Butcher, gets into trouble from the high and mighty Magic Council, like in Butcher's book.

Still, since Jim Butcher has stopped writing about Harry Dresden, I'm quite happy to jump onto the Prof Croft wagon, as it's written well and I like this genre.

I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
When I agreed to review this book, I was a little wary, as the genre is not one I would generally browse through to find an enjoyable read. However, since it was written by Brad Magnarella, author of the XGeneration series (which I loved - could hardly wait for the next book every time I finished the one I was on!), I knew I had to give it a shot.

The first couple chapters were a bit creepier and more...gooey than I was anticipating, and I was afraid I was going to have to force myself through the rest of the book, give my review, and call it quits with the series. However, I soon found myself wrapped up in the story and main character, eagerly moving through chapters to find out what happened next. The plot twists kept me guessing, and I was quite pleased that I decided to read the story despite its genre. As usual, Brad Magnarella's writing is excellent! I look forward to reading book two. :-)

Demon Moon is the first book I have read by this author, but is a genre I read on a regular basis, so I do have similar books to compare it to. The story moves very quickly, which I like, although the book is not short. My favorite character is actually not the main character Everson Croft, but his oh, so sarcastic cat Tabitha. The details in the book give the reader a good visual of the location without being too wordy. For me, as this was the first book in the series, I would have liked to have seen something similar to a prologue describing Everson's history and the background of the "Crash" that is continually referenced. There were one or two characters that could have been left out without affecting the book; however, while these items may make my 5 stars confusing, I give this book 5 stars because in spite of the negatives I wrote, I loved this book!

So I've read the first two books as well as the prequel and I am delighted with the series. I don't like overblown descriptions of every thought and action in some detective series but Prof Croft does describe things perfectly so I'm happy with that. There are plenty of standard magic descriptions but it's the mystery and uniqueness of this series that I like. I'm hooked.
This is set in a near future version of New York that isn't pretty but it's changed physics enough for the public that magic can almost be accepted in the public eye. I like his partnership with Det. Vargas and I like that he isn't the most powerful wizard ever in the world...yet. Everson Croft has plenty of problems that make him real and likable.

Great series so far. Smart ass characters are a personal favorite. Interesting back story but, could definitely use a little more flesh and bone. Croft has a passing resemblance to Constantine. By the by;I read the Blue Wolf books (1&2). Delightfully action packed. Reminded me of another tale somewhat. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Animals. Superb werewolf story. Quite possibly would have been a fantastic series. Alas, it's a stand alone. If you haven't had the chance; give it a read!

I loved it. A complex paranormal tale who our main hero is a small time mythical professor at a local collage. He struggles to keep a spirit demon at bay and helps the local police solve out of the ordinary crimes. I look forward to the sequel. Thank you Brad Magnarella for letting us into your world it is a great one.

My review is based on the Audiobook. Demon Moon is fast paced and filled with magic. Everson Croft is just trying to do the right thing with all the odds stacked aginst him. This is a basic Good vs Evil tale told with great world building and character development. James Patrick Cronin did a great narration with easy to understand and distinguishable characters. I look forward to more in this series, from this Author & Narrator.

I read this series through Kindle Unlimited and enjoyed it a lot. Yes there are a lot of common elements with the Dresden series, (city wizard, staff, a cat, membership in an order of magic users) but it is an entertaining read as our hero tries to figure out his origins and protect the city while teaching and grading papers.

I want to like this series, but as I finish the 2nd book I am thinking I am not going to be able stomach going on to the third book. The problem is that the plot relies on the main character making stupid decisions, unnecessarily putting himself at risk, stumbling around and constantly tripping as a way to add suspense and to extend the scene.

So a character and a world I could like, but I keep find my willing suspension of disbelief being challenged because of character actions that just are not believable.

I found this book incredibly formulaic. If you've ever read anything in this genre then you've read this book. I thought that the changes added to make it unique were minimal at best. I also really enjoyed it. It wasn't the Dresden Files, Sandman Slim or Felix Castor but I found it a nice book to listen to while waiting for the others to come out. I read book two and am curious about book 3. I recommend it to fans of the other books.

Very good first experience with this author. Brad writes well with lots of action, plenty of twists, and multi-faceted characters who are actually interesting. Good development of his "world after 'the crash.'" Looking forward to reading more from him.

Grabbed this book on a whim, and finished it in a day. Interesting likeable first-person protagonist, with a backstory begging to be fleshed out in future books. Thoughtfully built out world, pretty deft handling of the tricky business of reconciling the New York we know and love with a magical demimonde just below the surface. Mr Magnarella has surrounded Prof Croft with a deep bench of intriguing allies and villains magical and mundane. I look forward to seeing what's next for our intrepid sorcerous academic.

Great start to a new series. A college professor who moonlight as a wizard. Good character development. Although the story line is not new, Brad knows how to spin a tale.
Highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book.

Can't wait for the next installment. The story was put together very well with logical steps, not huge leaps from one thing to the next. The author didn't use a million pop culture references like many other UF writers seem to do. Good character development with Croft and the detective, hopefully they continue and I'd like to see more the other characters in the book. I've already downloaded the prequel and am very excited for the next books in the series.

So far so good. I am really loving this series. If you could not put the poor guy in such peril all the time and you know, give him a break that would be awesome. ;) But seriously I like your writing style and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

This is well writen, action packed and the characters are well developed as is the plot line. The firstbook hooked me. Have read theentire series to date and was not disappointed. Mr. Magnarella can write, people!

Mr. Magnarella has created a viable, alternative new world. His characters are well developed and tie in together to create an action packed, thought provoking adventure!
I am looking forward to reading the future exploits of Professor Croft!

A fun and enjoyable read. Enough information and background on our hero to get you invested without boring the life out you, lots of action, again with enough details to keep it good but no much you feel like skipping three paragraphs at a time to get on with the story.

I’d put this series into my keep folder for reading again. It’s incredibly fast paced but somehow believable. The story is rich and full. The characters are funny, complex and filled out (except for snodgrass, who is a little cliche). Can’t wait for the next book in the series

I was shocked at what a blatant ripoff this was of The Dresden Files. So many details stolen. I enjoyed his writing when I could look past the plagiarism. If you don't know The Dresden Files then you will probably enjoy this book.

...as much as he’d like it to be. Croft even uses Latin or Latin-based - I’m not sure which - for his spells. The story was pretty good, but its hard to get over the fact that it’s a copycat. I’m pretty on the fence about whether I’ll read the next one or not..

A good read. Similar characters to those found in The Dresden Files series but it is well plotted and with many twists and turns. Unfortunately, who ever did the ebook format, wasn't quite on the ball. My download had blank pages throughout the book and it would skip one or two pages. Frustrating to the reader.

4.5 Stars! Wizards and demons and magic oh my. This wasn't my typical para read, no romance per say but it had non stop action, thrilling adventure, suspense, and even comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

With all the flaws of a young smartass, Croft nonetheless manages to rescue a Bishop, a drunken acolyte, a cranky detective, his first mentors reputation and soul, and do the family heritage proud.

Now, what to do about the tong, the succubus with culinary talents, and the internal incubus?

This is well writen, action packed and the characters are well developed as is the plot line. The firstbook hooked me. Have read theentire series to date and was not disappointed. Mr. Magnarella can write, people!

Mr. Magnarella has created a viable, alternative new world. His characters are well developed and tie in together to create an action packed, thought provoking adventure!
I am looking forward to reading the future exploits of Professor Croft!

A fun and enjoyable read. Enough information and background on our hero to get you invested without boring the life out you, lots of action, again with enough details to keep it good but no much you feel like skipping three paragraphs at a time to get on with the story.

I’d put this series into my keep folder for reading again. It’s incredibly fast paced but somehow believable. The story is rich and full. The characters are funny, complex and filled out (except for snodgrass, who is a little cliche). Can’t wait for the next book in the series

I was shocked at what a blatant ripoff this was of The Dresden Files. So many details stolen. I enjoyed his writing when I could look past the plagiarism. If you don't know The Dresden Files then you will probably enjoy this book.

...as much as he’d like it to be. Croft even uses Latin or Latin-based - I’m not sure which - for his spells. The story was pretty good, but its hard to get over the fact that it’s a copycat. I’m pretty on the fence about whether I’ll read the next one or not..

A good read. Similar characters to those found in The Dresden Files series but it is well plotted and with many twists and turns. Unfortunately, who ever did the ebook format, wasn't quite on the ball. My download had blank pages throughout the book and it would skip one or two pages. Frustrating to the reader.

4.5 Stars! Wizards and demons and magic oh my. This wasn't my typical para read, no romance per say but it had non stop action, thrilling adventure, suspense, and even comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

With all the flaws of a young smartass, Croft nonetheless manages to rescue a Bishop, a drunken acolyte, a cranky detective, his first mentors reputation and soul, and do the family heritage proud.

Now, what to do about the tong, the succubus with culinary talents, and the internal incubus?

(Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited) I haven't read the Dresden Files, so I can't compare this book to them like others do, but as far as I'm concerned, this is an enjoyable urban fantasy novel. I look forward to reading the sequel.

A well written noir detective/wizard navel. For me this was an enjoyable quick read. The characters are well developed and you can easily recognize and relate to them. It left me hungry for more. And, sure enough, the follow up novel and the prequel novella were just as good.

When I started this book, I only read it as a little diversion. Hiwever, I quickly became immersed in Mr. Magnarella's engaging world of magic and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit, and I cannot wait to delve into future offerings. Bravo, sir!

Take Dresden make him a wizard who happens to be a college professor and put him in NYC instead of Chicago and you have Everson Croft.

A good read and a nice filler series while waiting for the next Dresden book.

This was an amazing ride. The protagonist held the best features I love in other books. The writing was absolutely engaging and I read the whole book in one evening because I couldn't stop. I am excited to find another series to read!

This is a very good book. Biut the author strayed a little too close to Jim Butcher's work for me to completely enjoy it. Far far too many similarities.

Still, it was worth reading and I am hoping the next book will be more unique.

Other reviewers have already said, if you like Dresden this is right up your alley.

Croft is an interesting character, he's not a cardboard cutout hero, he has faults, he makes mistakes but he's determined to solve the case and do the right thing. The story moves along at a fast pace, with Croft finding trouble at every turn.

I very much enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one,

An excellent spin on urban fantasy. I seriously enjoy seeing an urban fantasy novel where the protagonist is an actual academic instead of some variant on the thug/gumshoe/professional criminal theme. Definitely reading the next one.

I loved this book!!! It is well written and the story moves along well. There is lots of suspense and I could not put it down.I cannot wait for this author's next book.Demon Moon (Prof Croft) (Volume 1)

I read this book because of the detective angle and really enjoyed it. I love good detective books and this one had the whole magic element to it. I like some of those stories too. I was hook on the story and finished the book in one day. I immediately read the rest of the series that was available and am waiting for the next. Anyone and everyone can enjoy these stories.

Decent book if it wasn't a s***tier version of the Harry Dresden novels.
Wizard has mysterious and perhaps powerful grandfather, he certainly comes from a powerful lineage. He is at odds with the Magical Order of Mages due to his actions as a child which saved his life but required the use of dark forces. The order of Mages is zealous in its prejudice against him but slow to provide aid.
Has a hunter/trusted/employed relationship with a female cop who employees him as a consultant...
.... And so much more that seems to be a direct ripoff.

Let start ny saying I enjoyed the book and have already downloaded book 2. That said, the basic cast and premise are a tweaked version of The Dresden Files and each book should probably come with a thank you to Jim Butcher.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. I become immediately attached to the main character and simply couldn't put my Kindle down. The written style is smooth and relaxing. It was like the author was simply retelling a vivid memory.

I really enjoyed this read. Even though it bears an uncanny resemblance to another big city wizard, it had its own charm and humor. The action was on par with a Butcher novel, but the dystopian NY was a nice approach to urban fantasy. Can't wait to read the next installment.

I'm always looking for new series - Butcher, Hearne, Cipriani, the list goes on. I was hopeful when I read the sample of this book; and then powered through the first in (What I hope wil be ) the series while at a wedding in beautiful Lake Tahoe, California. Long may Brad continue!

I received this book as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I have reached chapter 16 and so far the book has kept me intrigued and hooked and I am finding it enjoyable. Well done can't wait to finish reading it and hopefully there will be a next one.