Digital Magic
Nominated for the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Novel in 2009. The podcast novel version is now underway.
On launch day 08.08.08 reached #53 on Amazon.com overall, #1 in Movers and Shakers, #3 in Fantasy and #1 in Magic and Wizards.
The Fey are gone… and with them, magic. At least, that is how things seem at the conclusion of the award-nominated novel Chasing the Bard. ~ Lord what fools these mortals be. ~ Penherem is a quaint, sleepy English village where people go to escape the 21st Century. Hiding from the world of laptop computers, the Internet, and wireless communication, is Ella. A writer, now barren of ideas and drive, she resigns herself to a quiet life of solitude. Everything changes with the arrival of a shapeshifting thief. Suddenly, everyone begins to change–from the local librarian to the lady of the manor–revealing their true natures and dangerous secrets. Something in this sleepy English village is awakening… something that might be better left alone.
Reviews
Pip’s talent was evident in Chasing the Bard. With this title, her talent has evolved. Digital Magic was a delight for the senses: tearful moments of regret, blood-chilling terror, and sensual moments of intimacy. Even without reading Chasing the Bard (although you can hear it for free as a podcast), you can appreciate and enjoy the intrigue Ballantine weaves both in the waking world and the virtual one.
-Tee Morris, author of Morevi and the Billibub Baddings Mysteries
I believe readers of the steam punk genre, those who like cyberpunk novels and those who appreciate a good paranormal romance will all love Digital Magic.
The descriptions in Digital Magic transport the reader in time and space; Ballantine does an excellent job, her strengths seem to be in knowing what to spend time describing, and what not to. Many writers have the former down pat, but struggle mightily with the latter. The characters are well written and believable, as they were in Chasing the Bard. Digital Magic is a wonderful book, but you won’t read this one as quickly as some others. Ballantine repeatedly has readers stopping to ponder what they’ve just read, trying to find out exactly what’s going on. And trust me — you won’t find out until the last chapter or two. Promise. But the wait and the patience are worth it. This isn’t a beach book, but it’s certainly a great book to curl up with on a rainy day, or even a sunny one.
-Warren Kelly of Blog Critics Magazine
Maori myth and creatures to be found in Digital Magic
Patupaiarehe- the strange folk living in the mountains
The legend of Whaitaitai and Ngake- the taniwha that made Wellington Harbour
The Haast Eagle – the huge bird that preyed on moa and is summoned to aide a frightened young girl
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