American Magic
A Thriller
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- £9.49
Publisher Description
In this fast-paced, international thriller, chaos erupts after a shadowy figure with ties to an elite and ancient society posts incantations on the dark web that allow people to perform real magic.
When an enigmatic message uploaded to the dark web turns out to contain an ancient secret giving regular people the power to do impossible things, like levitate cars or make themselves invisible, American government officials panic. They know the demo videos on YouTube and instructions for incantations could turn from fantastical amusement to dangerous weapon at the drop of the hat, and they scramble to keep the information out of the wrong hands.
They tap Ben Zolstra, an ex-CIA field operative whose history with the Agency is conflicted at best, to lead the team that’s racing to contain the dangerous knowledge—and track down the mysterious figure behind the leak who threatens that even more dangerous spells will be released one by one until the world as we know it no longer exists.
This sweeping, globe-spanning thriller explores the dark consequences of a question mankind has been asking for centuries: What if magic were real?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Fehst's exciting debut, the Possessors, members of a society that originated in ancient Mesopotamia, have kept alive the secrets of magic for more than 5,000 years. A renegade Possessor has been putting up videos on the dark web that teach viewers how to perform extraordinary feats of magic. Former CIA agent Ben Zolstra attends a briefing in Washington, D.C., where he sees a video of 29-year-old Eila Mack levitating a car. Government officials want Ben to find Eila so they can learn her secrets. Meanwhile, others are starting to use spells for terrorism, personal gain, and assorted criminal enterprises. After Ben locates Eila, the two end up fleeing from people who want them both dead. A clever plot point anyone can access the magic, good guys and bad guys alike adds to the fun. Most readers will find this thriller a refreshing change from the stock agent-on-the-run formula. Fehst, who hosted the kids' nature show The Ultimate Guide to the Awesome, is a writer to watch.
