Corruption

Grumpy Old Wizards #2

by John O'Riley

As a category six wizard in her eighties, Josephine O’Connor has always enjoyed a youthful body due to extremely slow aging but when she discovers she’s become immortal, she must return to the workforce. Soon after starting her investigative work for the police, Josephine discovers a secret organization called the Valituras that has amassed ancient magic and power with single-minded determination. Her new assignment of defeating this agency may prove to be an impossible feat as their members have infiltrated all levels of the government including law enforcement and their advanced wizardry rivals her own. Josephine realizes she may be in over her head when the Valituras end up casting an immortality curse on her best friend, Helen, by mistake. To further complicate matters, her grandson’s eighteen-year-old friend starts hitting on her. Fortunately, Helen isn’t too broken up by the curse. Who wouldn’t want to live forever in a young, perfect body? Of course, everyone knows that dark magic always comes at a cost.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Witches

286 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2013

About the author

The author, John O'Riley, is an award winning writer. He is an author of both novels and screenplays in the categories of urban fantasy, comedy, science fiction and young adult.

He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizard of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. A full listing of all the series in chronological order with book excerpts and descriptions can be found on the official author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com.

When you sign up to be on the mailing list at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n..., you will always know when new titles are available and will be kept in the loop when there are special offers. You will also receive a short story free when you sign up.

John's movie feature screenplay, Cursed, is an Honorable Mention Winner for the 2012 Screenplay Festival. His most recent accomplishments include the screenplays Cursed, Project Pandora, Pinky Swear, Incipio, and Bad Sister which have been listed as Quarter Finalists, Semi Finalists, and Top Finalists in the 2012 Screenplay Festival, 2012 Filmmakers International Screenplay Awards, 2012 StoryPros International Awards, 2012 Pulsar Sci Fi Screenplay Contest, and the 2012 Reel Authors International Breakout.

He is the author of the Grumpy Old Wizards series, the Wizards of Seattle series, and the Winters Family Psi Chronicles series. You can visit the author website at http://johnoriley.webs.com to see a complete listing with book descriptions and book excerpts.

You can sign up at http://johnoriley.webs.com/new-book-n... to stay in the loop for special offers and to know when a new book is available. The first time you sign up, you will receive a free short story.

He loves reading fantasy, science fiction, and humorous fiction. Some of his favorite authors include Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Kay Hooper (Bishop Files/ psychic detective thrillers), Kat Richardson, J.K. Rowling, Angie Sage, Jayne Krentz, and Janet Evanovich. He currently lives in Lynnwood, Washington which is by Seattle and owns a parakeet named Amy. Amy is by far the most polite bird he's ever had as she always quiets down if he takes a nap or needs rest. However, when she wants a treat, she will squawk at him until he takes her out of the cage and gives her millet seeds.

Reviews

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

"Corruption" is book two of the "Grumpy Old Wizards" series. In this novel we revisit Josephine and her friends Alice and Helen. Now that Josephine has been tapping into the vortex, Alice and Helen have convinced her to apply for a position with the police force to network and keep tabs on the vortex. Since we last saw her, she's been approached by secret organizations run by and for level six wizards. But when she declines the invitation from one of them, they stop at nothing to force her to submit. Will Josephine be able to keep her grandson and her best friends safe? Who is this hot guy Mark? Could it be that Josephine has finally found her soul mate?

Once again, this was a fun read for me. I love the way each character has their own personality, you could literally picture them gathered around the table in a heated discussion. It was amazing what those three friends went through and still stuck together. I enjoyed the twists and turns this story had and I can't wait to read book three.

[Ellen Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corruption is the second book in the Grumpy Old Wizard series by John O’Riley. As much as I loved the first book, the second is even better. The characters all seem to be working together and their friendship makes the story so much fun to read. The addition of the secret groups to the mix adds a touch of danger and adventure but it’s never overwhelming and the lighthearted banter makes the story impossible to put down. You can easily read Corruption without having read Book One (Grumpy Old Wizards) but I honestly recommend you get them both. You’ll love them!

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Yolanda Casica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy of this book for free from the Goodreads First Reads and I will be giving an honest review and all that fun jazz.

I am glad I got the chance to read the second book of this series. By the time I finished reading, I could not have been much more satisfied. This was a near solid read. I can't say it was perfect, but damn near close.

The problems that I had involving the characters and repetition in the first book apparently decided to take the highway and not come back. It is hard to explain just how much I liked this book. The magic, mystery, and romance (oh yes, the romance!), were everything I could have wanted/expected.

Characters in here felt more individual and unique, they became lovable and endearing. The story was funny and action-packed in all the right places. An instant hook into the rest of the series. Now it's definitely time to get an e-reader with this series being added to my to read for sure list.

[Badseedgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per FTC guidelines this review for Corruption: Grumpy Old Wizards Book 2 by John O’Riley is for a book received for free in a Goodreads.com First Read Giveaway.

It shames just a little to admit that I had accidently signed up for this book giveaway on Goodreads.com and was none too thrilled when I found out I had won. Sometimes happy accidents occur in our lives and winning Corruption by John O’Riley is thankfully one of those times. This is an extremely well written novel, and as an added surprise was a wonderful read.

This is the second book in Mr.O’Riley’s “Grumpy Old Wizard Series” but easily works as a stand-alone novel. Set in a world where magical abilities are the norm, but people with more powerful magic abilities, called category 6, are rare. These wizards are able to do practically unlimited magic, but whose skills have been strictly curtailed by the government. One of the benefits of being a category 6 is the slowing of the aging process, so although she looks to be in her 20’s, Josephine O’Connor is actually 83 years old. It was humorous beyond words for me to read time and time again of this group of twenty-something’s sitting around drinking coffee and playing rummy every morning, an event I remember my own grandmother doing with her friends. During this novel Josephine is confronted by not one, not two, but three secret societies, two of which threatening world domination, and all of which want her to join.

Mr. O’Riley sprinkles just the right mixture of comedy, and drama into the novel. In the ultimate cougar attack, Josephine ends up dating an 18 year old college freshman. This May to September romance is an adorable dose of humor and lightness. All the characters are well developed and the novel moves along at a brisk pace, but the reader is not left with a feeling that character development or plot has been rushed. I would strongly recommend Corruption by John O’Riley to fellow readers, and am planning to purchase the 1st and 3rd novels in the series myself.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book complimentary by the author in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
As I suspected this series is getting better. It has not become a romance, thank God, and the author is building the characters. I think he is getting a feel for the main character, who if she continues this way, getting more powerful, could well be the new Harry Dresden
I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what happens

[mirba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still much in love with the idea behind this book.
Immortality is not being 21 yo forever. Immortality is being a 80yo grandmas in the body of a 21 yo.

I also like quite a lot the writing style, it is humorous and full of very lively dialogues, action scenes and old fashioned ideas. :)

[Cathy Geha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story seemed a bit light to me. It started out with women in a retirement home over 80 but with almost eternal life in the bodies of 20 and 30 year olds. Something has happened to create levels of wizards with various abilities and one of these older women, Josephine, ends up working to solve murders for the police department. Her nephew is a policeman and an 18 year old male intern at the police department and she develop a love interest. This story includes dark and light magic, secret societies, power vortexes, love, murder, the idea of good versus evil and leads into the possibility of another book in this series. I have to admit this is not my type of reading material. It is well presented and written and one I would recommend to someone that might like this type of story.

[Lisa Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series seems to get better with each book. I'm amazed with how quickly Josephine can think on her feet in a dire situation going on instinct alone. I was disappointed when Alice chose to be cursed because it was not for the good of her. I am, however, happy with the end results. I love that Josephine was the bigger person and moved out of the retirement community and found a house that not only was cursed but accepted her as it's owner. This book has many plots that twists and turns and not expected at all. I kept waiting for it to be revealed that Mark was more than what his character proclaimed to be but he was as he said he was.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back into the world of Josephine, Helen and Alice

I do enjoy these characters and the rules of civilization in a world full of Magic. They have your normal day blues like neighbors that harass you and now Josephine has come out of retirement and gone back to work with the police. Josephine is being followed by her arch nemesis Lorcan and she is kept busy trying to keep her and her friends and family safe. As can be expected when someone is waging a magic war, a few curses gone awry is bound to happen and like so many curses in life there may be a blessing among being cursed. Another great read by John O'Reilly! Going for Book 3 now.

[Glenda Dykstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful storyline

I have so much enjoyment reading about Josephine. Truly a sense of humor in crafting this character and her friends! Love, that while there is plenty of adult ideas in the book (series) it is being kept clean. Please keep it up!

[Dani Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and cute has a Cozy mysteries feel to it.

[Sandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun and relaxing series to read

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

The continued adventures of Josephine entertain. New bad guys, new magic, what's not to love. Looking forward to more adventures

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Corruption" is book two of the "Grumpy Old Wizards" series and if you haven't read book one please do so before reading book two. Book two's beginning will make way more sense to you if you have.

In Corruption we are reintroduced to Josephine and her friends Alice and Helen. Now that Josephine has been tapping into the vortex at the beach, Alice and Helen have convinced that she is getting younger. They talk her into applying for a position with the police force to network and keep tabs on the vortex. I don't write spoiler -- but the fun and mischief that Josephine and her friends get into is hilarious.

This (like book one) is a fun book to read!! I love the way each character has their own personality and that fact that you can picture them gathered around the table in their heated discussions. This story makes me feel like I am at the table with them!!!

I received a complimentary copy of Corruption in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

[Melita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book through a goodreads giveaway and was asked to review when done.

The seed of a good book is there, a solid idea, but that's about it. This is the second book in a series and I couldn't find the first book in all of the Chicago public library system, so I'm not sure how much character development relied on the first book. However, it also seemed like the book hadn't gone through final editing? And if I were an author I'd want to make sure that the first impression of my book wasn't grammar and typographical errors. Beyond that the writing was too simplistic given that it seemed aimed at young adults. I don't know what constructive feedback I can give the author other than, having written this copy, throw it out and rewrite it with the same major events but hopefully smoother language.

If I hadn't needed to review it I would have stopped after chapter one.

[Katrina Roets · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not often that I review a book and I'm not on here gushing over it. That happens because I generally only choose books that I think I'll love. After all, it's not fair to anyone if I choose something I know that I'm not going to enjoy. Sadly, this book is one that falls somewhere in between. The story idea is wonderful. I completely love the premise. However, the author really needed to use a good editor. There were parts of the story that were completely unnecessary and other parts that needed clarification. Throughout, the story continued to hold me, but as an editor, mistakes completely distracted me from the action. I would love to see this book re-released after going through a quality editor. Until then, I don't feel as if I can back it 100%.

[Diana Blick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good of its kind

Once again with relief I report that the loose ends of the current story are tied up but there are plenty of threads from the backstory to choose from for the next story in the series. I say with relief because I hate cliffhangers and there are none here. It is pretty well written, but its more light-hearted flavor seems to be preventing the character development that is necessary for a truly great book of its type. Josephine is still Josephine without much change in spite of all the life altering things going on, and secondary characters sometimes seem more like props rather than people. However, the story is readable and enjoyable, and I will be reading book three.

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read
A little slow paced story, full of action sequence and interesting developments as the drama unfolds.
This is a paranormal fantasy sequel, focused on how an octogenarian witch living in a retirement home for the elderly is tormented by her neighbors that claims that she is stealing from them since she looks like she is in her mid-twenties. She is forced out of retirement and will encounter a terrible group that tries to recruit her and will do anything to her family and friends to get her to join.
Note: I received a digital copy free for review purposes.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corruption, book 2 in John O'Riley's Grumpy Old Wizards series, excelled far beyond my expectations in its portrayals that pull readers in from the very start and continues to entice them with a roller-coaster of a ride.

This book is well written and the action throughout it left me extremely satisfied. The story was funny and quite enjoyable.

A copy of the book was provided via Goodreads Firstreads in return for an honest review.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

???

Curious ? Yes well I am . I am hooked on the Grumpy old wizards. Josephine and her group of friends chosen as family are fabulous. From her boyfriend who is very much her junior and her grandson, to her two best forever friends. They always have each other's back. Stir in a the crazy vengeful wizard and you have a page turner (I want the next book ) of a good story. thank you

[Katey Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think i liked the first book more, the friends all seems to be whiny little girls about looking old and aging. Though I liked the progression of the book, it was paced well and did not lag as some stories do. So, I would consider this well written.

I didn't see any of these mistakes I read about from other people reviewing this book. The author may have put out an update with reviewed editing.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was given to me in exchange for an honest review by the author. I'm no good st reviews anyway, but hate it even more when I don't thoroughly enjoy the book. It was entertaining, no doubt, but I was also annoyed much throughout. Meaning I was rolling my eyes a lot. Maybe I just picked the wrong time to read it. Hopefully the next one will change my opinion.

[Brenda S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me for an honest review. I REALLY hate giving a not so good review for someones hard work. So all I will say is it just did not hit the spot for me. sorry Mr. O'Riley I do appreciate you giving me the opportunity to read your work. Good luck with the series.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for free through Goodreads' First Readers program.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to label this one DNF. 70 pages in and I just couldn't click with the characters or the story. Interesting premise, though.

I will try to pick it up at a later date.

[Denise J Fussel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book and adam looking forward to the next.

The characters are interesting and the plot continues to enlarge the depth of the world it portrays. Keep the books combining.

[Kathi Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book

Book 1 and 2 of the Grumpy Old Wizards series were delightful with humor interspersed throughout the challenges that assaulted the group of problem solving wizards. Can't wait to read the next installment.

[Beregond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

Everyone is a wizard. So in a world like that what happens when three eighty-something friends who don't look or act their age are confronted by Evil? The second installment of the "Grumpy Old Wizards" series.

[Tammy Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Interesting concept of magic. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series "Dark Energy". would recommend to anyone that enjoys magic.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a hoot. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3 lifelong friends and the plot moved along briskly. A delightful imaginative world making for a good light read.

[Lita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.