Title: Minimum Wage Magic
Author: Rachel Aaron
First published November 9, 2018
270 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781952367007
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Welcome to the DFZ, the magical city of nine million residents where public safety is non-existent. The city is home to all kinds of creatures, from mages to cybernetically enhanced beings, and mythical beasts.
When these individuals can’t pay their bills, they call on me – Opal Yong-ae, a freelance mage with an art history degree, and a Cleaner employed by the DFZ to sort through the mountains of magical junk people leave behind. It’s a dangerous job that requires bite-proof gloves, but when you’re buried in debt in a lawless city where gods are real, dragons are traffic hazards, and buildings move around on their own, you don’t have the luxury of being picky about where your money comes from.
Whether it’s a pile of junk or a dead body, I get the job done. Note: This is the first book in a new series set in the same universe as Heartstrikers, but it can be read as a standalone.
About the Author
Hi there! My name is Rachel Aaron, and I’m the author of some exciting book series. If you enjoy urban fantasy, you should check out my Heartstriker books.
They’re all about quirky dragons and kick off with Nice Dragons Finish Last. For fantasy fans, I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress series for Orbit Books, which follows the adventures of a wizard thief and his foes.
And if science fiction romance is more your thing, you might enjoy my latest book, Fortune’s Pawn, which I wrote under the name Rachel Bach.
I grew up in Atlanta, but now I call Denver, CO my home. I live a nerdy and bookish life with my wonderful husband, amazing son, and a horde of plants.
When I’m not writing, you can find me online. You can learn more about me by reading my books or following me on social media.
Editoral Review
Rachel Aarons latest work, Minimum Wage Magic, is an imaginative and thrilling addition to the urban fantasy genre. Published on November 9, 2018, Aarons book explores the world of magic in a society where it is an essential aspect of everyday life, and its practitioners are part of a system of employment and hierarchy.
The plot of Minimum Wage Magic follows Kick Keswick, an employee at a magical cleaning service tasked with investigating the death of a high-ranking mage. Alongside her colleague, James, Kick delves into the criminal underworld to uncover the truth behind the murder, facing dangers and challenges along the way.
Aarons writing style is compelling and efficient, immersing readers in the vivid world of her creation. Her attention to detail is impressive, painting a picture of the world and its inhabitants with precision and depth.
The characters are well-drawn and relatable, each with their own flaws and quirks that make them stand out from the mundane backdrop. Kick, in particular, is a formidable protagonist, with her determination and courage standing out as notable character traits.
The pacing of Minimum Wage Magic is excellent, striking a balance between action and introspection that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The plot structure is well-designed, with no unnecessary diversions or deviations that might distract the reader from the central narrative.
The themes of discrimination, power dynamics, and corruption add a layer of complexity to the story, elevating it beyond mere entertainment. In terms of genre, Minimum Wage Magic is a standout work.
While it incorporates familiar elements of the urban fantasy genre, such as magic and supernatural creatures, Aarons focus on the societal implications of magic separates it from other works in the genre. The book explores issues of education, class divide, and inter-species relations, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates with current societal issues.
One minor critique of Minimum Wage Magic is that the ending may feel a little rushed, with some plot points left unexplored or unresolved. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the book.
For fans of urban fantasy or readers looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read, Minimum Wage Magic is highly recommended. Its nuanced exploration of societal issues and compelling characters make it a standout work in the genre.
It receives a score of 9 out of 10 for its excellent writing, well-crafted plot, and compelling characters.