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The Makeshift Wizard #0
Death Magic
My job was supposed to be easy. Investigate a bleed farm, find the a-hole vamps who've been kidnapping Normals and bring down some street justice. Now I've got a relic in my hands that was created with the blood and death magic of an elder Vampire and a whole lot more questions than answers.
My name's William J. Silver. I'm a wizard - sort of. I'm the thirteenth line of the family Silver, one of the most powerful wizarding families in the world. I was born with a genetic anomaly that makes it impossible for me to tap into the Void, though. The result? I'm as Normal as any one of you. Or at least I was.
Now I've got to dodge both the Normals and the Council, both of whom would gladly tear me apart and dissect me to find out my secrets. All while I try and redeem myself for the arrogance and foolishness of my youth.
*****
The Makeshift Wizard series is a new action-packed urban fantasy series from bestselling author MJ Kraus. Better known as Mike Kraus in post-apocalyptic circles, Mike's written multiple bestselling post-apocalyptic series and has recently expanded into the urban fantasy sphere.
Death Magic is the first book in the Makeshift Wizard series and functions as a prequel and introduction to the world of William Silver, the eponymous makeshift wizard himself.
My name's William J. Silver. I'm a wizard - sort of. I'm the thirteenth line of the family Silver, one of the most powerful wizarding families in the world. I was born with a genetic anomaly that makes it impossible for me to tap into the Void, though. The result? I'm as Normal as any one of you. Or at least I was.
Now I've got to dodge both the Normals and the Council, both of whom would gladly tear me apart and dissect me to find out my secrets. All while I try and redeem myself for the arrogance and foolishness of my youth.
*****
The Makeshift Wizard series is a new action-packed urban fantasy series from bestselling author MJ Kraus. Better known as Mike Kraus in post-apocalyptic circles, Mike's written multiple bestselling post-apocalyptic series and has recently expanded into the urban fantasy sphere.
Death Magic is the first book in the Makeshift Wizard series and functions as a prequel and introduction to the world of William Silver, the eponymous makeshift wizard himself.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
32 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 30, 2023
Death Magic is a quick-paced, novella-length introduction to the Makeshift Wizard series by M. J. Kraus otherwise known as Mike Kraus of post-apocalyptic fame. I guess he felt he needed to alter his name a little to write in the urban fantasy setting. Not a bad idea considering that his name has become synonymous with a specific genre.
Whatever the case, the writing for the story is action-oriented, heavy on the horror, magic, fantasy and character-driven. I do not read a lot in this sub-genre, but I read enough to know that this is part of the upper echelon. I like Mike Kraus’ post-apocalyptic stuff. It should be no surprise that I like this just as much.
Whatever the case, the writing for the story is action-oriented, heavy on the horror, magic, fantasy and character-driven. I do not read a lot in this sub-genre, but I read enough to know that this is part of the upper echelon. I like Mike Kraus’ post-apocalyptic stuff. It should be no surprise that I like this just as much.
November 24, 2019
Awesome start to a new series. Even though wizard stuff isn't really my thing the characters really drew me into this story. Plus ya gotta love an Irish dwarf wizard!
November 14, 2018
Easy, fun fast read.
July 1, 2018
Snarky wizard William Silver has a lot of secrets. Firstly, he's not exactly a wizard. But thanks to the invention of a tinkering dwarf, a long line of magical ancestors and a huge amount of bravado, he's got that one covered. Secondly, he's got a double life balancing shifts in the NYPD with his own investigations into the dark dealings of the magical community. And now he's come aross something particularly ugly: vampires running blood farms, leaving a trail of unexplained deaths that even the Normal cops have started to notice. If only it were as simple as the blood-suckers needing an illicit food source...
William is one of those urban fantasy stereotypes: wonderfully snarky, resourceful, confident... but perhaps not quite as skilled as he thinks. Good enough to handle the darker side of things though, and with enough sense to get help when he needs it. Sully the half Irish/half dwarf buddy complements him perfectly, providing gruffness, humour, and the brains behind William's magical brawn. Their backstory would be interesting to explore more, but we're told enough to appreciate this particular story.
The writing flows well, each encounter in the murder-and-mayhem supernatural mystery paced nicely so that we're neither inundated with events or left to languish in narrative doldrums. There are hints of something original here, but so far we're in safe UF territory. It reads like a pilot episode of a urban fantasy crime procedural, and one that gladly will be getting a series.
-I received a free copy of this ebook in a giveaway-
William is one of those urban fantasy stereotypes: wonderfully snarky, resourceful, confident... but perhaps not quite as skilled as he thinks. Good enough to handle the darker side of things though, and with enough sense to get help when he needs it. Sully the half Irish/half dwarf buddy complements him perfectly, providing gruffness, humour, and the brains behind William's magical brawn. Their backstory would be interesting to explore more, but we're told enough to appreciate this particular story.
The writing flows well, each encounter in the murder-and-mayhem supernatural mystery paced nicely so that we're neither inundated with events or left to languish in narrative doldrums. There are hints of something original here, but so far we're in safe UF territory. It reads like a pilot episode of a urban fantasy crime procedural, and one that gladly will be getting a series.
-I received a free copy of this ebook in a giveaway-
May 13, 2019
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
William Silver is a wizard from the most prestigious family in the fold. Though he's not exactly adept at magic. He works as a beat cop for a local police station, and investigates supernatural crime on the side. This one was supposed to be easy, infiltrate a bleed farm and save the humans that were enslaved there. However it turns into something a lot bigger than Will was anticipating. After dispatching a vamp, Will comes across an old book, apparently it belongs to someone pretty powerful, and also possesses a lot of power itself. But what the hell is it? And what is the being it belongs to planning on doing with it?
A great starter to a series. This story was a fantastic introduction to the character William Silver as well as the world he resides in. I found him to be sassy and fun as a character, and a litttllee bit arrogant, but not in an annoying way, if that makes sense. I really enjoyed the character of Sully and his wife Sam too. I love how fun and easy going this story was, even though the threat encountered was pretty massive it still came across as lighthearted which was great.
The only problem I had with it was possibly the pacing...the story itself was fine, and there was stuff happening, but for such a short story it seemed to take me way too long to finish it. I'm not sure if I was just having a lull in my reading enthusiasm or if the pacing of the story was just a bit off.
I'm definitely interested in continuing with the series, and I absolutely love the world building that Kraus executed in this story. Colour me intrigued.
William Silver is a wizard from the most prestigious family in the fold. Though he's not exactly adept at magic. He works as a beat cop for a local police station, and investigates supernatural crime on the side. This one was supposed to be easy, infiltrate a bleed farm and save the humans that were enslaved there. However it turns into something a lot bigger than Will was anticipating. After dispatching a vamp, Will comes across an old book, apparently it belongs to someone pretty powerful, and also possesses a lot of power itself. But what the hell is it? And what is the being it belongs to planning on doing with it?
A great starter to a series. This story was a fantastic introduction to the character William Silver as well as the world he resides in. I found him to be sassy and fun as a character, and a litttllee bit arrogant, but not in an annoying way, if that makes sense. I really enjoyed the character of Sully and his wife Sam too. I love how fun and easy going this story was, even though the threat encountered was pretty massive it still came across as lighthearted which was great.
The only problem I had with it was possibly the pacing...the story itself was fine, and there was stuff happening, but for such a short story it seemed to take me way too long to finish it. I'm not sure if I was just having a lull in my reading enthusiasm or if the pacing of the story was just a bit off.
I'm definitely interested in continuing with the series, and I absolutely love the world building that Kraus executed in this story. Colour me intrigued.
May 29, 2025
I absolutely loved Death Magic! For a novella, it delivers a surprisingly rich and vivid glimpse into the world of the Makeshift Wizard—one that feels layered, lived-in, and utterly intriguing. The characters are compelling and instantly likable (or deliciously unlikeable, in just the right ways), and even in such a short format, their dynamics and development shine.
The worldbuilding is sharp, creative, and full of tantalizing hints at a much larger universe—enough to leave me genuinely wanting more and soon. It feels like we’ve just scratched the surface of something bigger, stranger, and more magical, and I can't wait to dive deeper into this world. Bring on the next installment—I’m ready!
The worldbuilding is sharp, creative, and full of tantalizing hints at a much larger universe—enough to leave me genuinely wanting more and soon. It feels like we’ve just scratched the surface of something bigger, stranger, and more magical, and I can't wait to dive deeper into this world. Bring on the next installment—I’m ready!
November 17, 2017
Not your typical wizard
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series when it is released. It is very easy to like the main character William. He was born without access to magic and ran away to avoid embarrassment to his family. He got involved with seedy characters and did some things he now regrets. A family friend found a way to enable him to access magic so now he can perform as a wizard. He became a police officer to help atone for his past.
In this book William ends up fighting vampires and saving the city. It is full of action and suspense and I did not want to put it down. Can't wait for the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series when it is released. It is very easy to like the main character William. He was born without access to magic and ran away to avoid embarrassment to his family. He got involved with seedy characters and did some things he now regrets. A family friend found a way to enable him to access magic so now he can perform as a wizard. He became a police officer to help atone for his past.
In this book William ends up fighting vampires and saving the city. It is full of action and suspense and I did not want to put it down. Can't wait for the next book.
June 20, 2018
Adventure, strategy, magic, and a whole lot of mystical life. Will Silver is from a wizard family, but he was born without being able to reach the void. He leaves his family and gets into a ruff group. Than he joins the police force to keep track of things going on. Sully his friend who has helped him reach his wizardry helps him. A lot of people are coming up dead, so will try's to find out about these bleed farms. Can Will find out whos doing it? What happens when they come for him? Can he stop what's going to happen? I received an arc copy for my honest review.
September 1, 2018
Such an interesting book! I did not put it down until I finished reading it! Meet Matthew Silver, Sully, Sam and Liz. Yes, we have a mystery with lots of action, plot twists yep. Matthew is an unusual wizard and pretty good shooting from the hip. Romance, none with just a trickle of humor. I think the characters are well developed and you will find the story reminiscent of the Dresden files. No ghost, no familiar but a fast thinking action kind of guy. I look forward to the next book in the series. I do hope it is available on iBooks. I highly recommend this book!
August 19, 2020
The beginning of a series which promises to be as entertaining as Dresden with a bit of a twist to the main character. Silver is a wizard with a sordid past and a secret that could get him killed but that's not good enough to stop him. With his determination to make amends for a past mistake, nothing will stand in his way. Not even his lack of actual magic. A fresh concept with a character loaded with flaws and traits that promise to make him memorable, and a definite someone to watch. Looking forward to more of M.J. Krauss' books.
April 26, 2021
Apart from the use of the phrase 'off of', this was a well-written and enjoyable fantasy story. Set in the familiar world of the box set I've just finished (Blood Magic), this time focussing upon another character similar to Jax. Though, I have to say that I preferred those stories that were co-written with J.T. Lawrence.
It's a world of magic - wizards, dwarves, goblins and vampires, if not including the non-magic humans.
I don't give spoilers but will say that the plot was good as was the sense of place.
Worth reading.
It's a world of magic - wizards, dwarves, goblins and vampires, if not including the non-magic humans.
I don't give spoilers but will say that the plot was good as was the sense of place.
Worth reading.
July 5, 2024
This was the first time I'd read anything by M.J. Kraus and based on this novella I don't think it will be the last.
Death Magic was a really good introduction to the world and characters. The idea of a wizard having a genetic abnormality and not being able to access magic without technological aid is intriguing and I hope that there will be more books added to The Makeshift Wizard series so I can find out more about William Silver and Sully and about the Collective and Council and how they navigate in the world of "Normals" and the "Touched".
Death Magic was a really good introduction to the world and characters. The idea of a wizard having a genetic abnormality and not being able to access magic without technological aid is intriguing and I hope that there will be more books added to The Makeshift Wizard series so I can find out more about William Silver and Sully and about the Collective and Council and how they navigate in the world of "Normals" and the "Touched".
September 15, 2018
The Makeshift Wizard
Solid beginning for new urban paranormal series. Will has a defective gene which prevents him from drawing the magical energy which should have been his birthright. So, he and a friend figure out a work around and now he's slinging spells like a pro. A shady past and some appropriate guilt for a particularly bad deed send him to police academy to try to right some wrongs. Now he's got a lead on a vamp bleeder farm.
Solid beginning for new urban paranormal series. Will has a defective gene which prevents him from drawing the magical energy which should have been his birthright. So, he and a friend figure out a work around and now he's slinging spells like a pro. A shady past and some appropriate guilt for a particularly bad deed send him to police academy to try to right some wrongs. Now he's got a lead on a vamp bleeder farm.
June 28, 2017
As a first foray into the world of urban fantasy this is a good start.
I liked Will and Sully, their relationship is the glue in the story. It has excitement, tension and action, with plenty of wizardy stuff going on.
It is short yet seems longer as it is detailed. There is plenty of scope for future stories.
I liked Will and Sully, their relationship is the glue in the story. It has excitement, tension and action, with plenty of wizardy stuff going on.
It is short yet seems longer as it is detailed. There is plenty of scope for future stories.
September 29, 2017
Interesting read
It wasn't a bad read. I like William Silver and I like the idea of a hidden world of magic alongside ours. Grammar is a bit of an issue, something I hope is cleaned up in future titles. Also, the view of New York City didn't resonate for me, as someone who lives there. Would like more research in that area if it's going to remain the locale.
It wasn't a bad read. I like William Silver and I like the idea of a hidden world of magic alongside ours. Grammar is a bit of an issue, something I hope is cleaned up in future titles. Also, the view of New York City didn't resonate for me, as someone who lives there. Would like more research in that area if it's going to remain the locale.
June 25, 2017
Death Magic is a nice start to a new series. Will & Sully are fun characters and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble they get into next. Quick, fun read.
For those who want to know: Death Magic is a clean read with mild violence.
For those who want to know: Death Magic is a clean read with mild violence.
February 6, 2019
Urban fantasy
I liked the style of this book it is unique. It is like a breathe of fresh air. Really different to other UF. The characters are interesting with all their different skills and species. Can you please hurry up with the complete series.
I liked the style of this book it is unique. It is like a breathe of fresh air. Really different to other UF. The characters are interesting with all their different skills and species. Can you please hurry up with the complete series.
November 25, 2020
Epic fantasy, really well written and nothing at all as expected. Brand new approach that was extremely entertaining, I was unable to put this down and literally read cover to cover. Now on my Not To Be Missed List.i cannot recommend this book enough. Riotingly Great Read.
June 7, 2017
Good beginning for a series
When your born without a bit of magic into a well known family of wizards what do you do? Hmmm, you learn to bluff???
When your born without a bit of magic into a well known family of wizards what do you do? Hmmm, you learn to bluff???
June 28, 2017
Aside from some grammatical mistakes, which could have been caught by a beta reader, this was an OK read.
July 28, 2017
Very entertaining
Very entertaining though it could have gone on longer. Sincerely hope the author continues this saga with some longer more involved episodes.
Very entertaining though it could have gone on longer. Sincerely hope the author continues this saga with some longer more involved episodes.
March 20, 2018
Reminiscent of Harry Dresden
Loved this! Reminiscent of Harry Dresden, characters are developing well. Would recommend as a good read for all ages. bye
Loved this! Reminiscent of Harry Dresden, characters are developing well. Would recommend as a good read for all ages. bye
July 4, 2018
Wow this is a different type of Wizard story that keeps you hooked with all the mystery and suspense. Well written characters, a definate page turner and unique.
August 22, 2018
This has an interesting take on urban fantasy, William because of a genetic condition means he relies a battery like device to be able draw magic. Vampire bleed farms... crazy stuff, but a good read.
November 6, 2018
A real good first entry
I am looking forward to more books in this series. This first attempt at the UF genre hit the mark just right.
I am looking forward to more books in this series. This first attempt at the UF genre hit the mark just right.
June 5, 2021
Interesting storyline and characters. Very enjoyable read.
Read
October 7, 2022A great intro to a new world. I enjoyed it but was sad it was so short. I will look forward to reading other books in this series along with others by this author.
March 2, 2020
3.5 stars. Interesting read. I loved the premise and the strength and weaknesses of the characters. The execution was just okay. I’m interested to read this as a novel. I actually think reading the author’s “why” about the book was better than the execution, but it is a novella.
May 15, 2020
Death Magic: The Makeshift Wizard - a review y Rosemary Kenny
A great introduction/prequel,The Makeshift Wizard, An Action Urban Fantasy series by Mike Kraus, is Death Magic,(Book 0) that tells the story of the eponymous wizard, William Silver, an anomaly in the 13 generations of his family of powerful wizards, who inhabit a magical Harry Potter-like world of magic that invisibly exists alongside blissfully ignorant (for the most part) humans. A freak genetic accident means our hero is still mainly human, so he's put to work on the streets as a paranormal police officer.In Death Magic, William's first case is to investigate who is capturing and draining humans at the so-called 'bleed-farms' that're run by vamps and close them down. He doesn't have any inbuilt magic of his own,but can cast spells when it's a matter of life and death;only receiving that limited skill thanks to Sully - an old friend of the family, Sully,a part-dwarf,who didn't want William doing a potentially dangerous job completely unprotected by magic.
I liked the concept of this fresh approach to an inexperienced part human, part wizard hybrid, with unusual,yet powerful, knowledgeable friends like Sully and his wife,Sam, who's nearly human-sized, to support him as he learns his job. the characters and the urban fantasy world were well thought-up and developed in a way that makes me eager to read Book 1., Many thanks to Mike Kraus for this introductory novella that gives a deeper appreciation that different doesn't mean 'wrong' or worthless, but instead makes me grateful for the nuanced message that diversity rules, especially in these modern times.Get your copy of Death Magic:The Makeshift Wizard by Mike Kraus as soon as you can and begin your urban fantasy adventure with young William Silver today!
A great introduction/prequel,The Makeshift Wizard, An Action Urban Fantasy series by Mike Kraus, is Death Magic,(Book 0) that tells the story of the eponymous wizard, William Silver, an anomaly in the 13 generations of his family of powerful wizards, who inhabit a magical Harry Potter-like world of magic that invisibly exists alongside blissfully ignorant (for the most part) humans. A freak genetic accident means our hero is still mainly human, so he's put to work on the streets as a paranormal police officer.In Death Magic, William's first case is to investigate who is capturing and draining humans at the so-called 'bleed-farms' that're run by vamps and close them down. He doesn't have any inbuilt magic of his own,but can cast spells when it's a matter of life and death;only receiving that limited skill thanks to Sully - an old friend of the family, Sully,a part-dwarf,who didn't want William doing a potentially dangerous job completely unprotected by magic.
I liked the concept of this fresh approach to an inexperienced part human, part wizard hybrid, with unusual,yet powerful, knowledgeable friends like Sully and his wife,Sam, who's nearly human-sized, to support him as he learns his job. the characters and the urban fantasy world were well thought-up and developed in a way that makes me eager to read Book 1., Many thanks to Mike Kraus for this introductory novella that gives a deeper appreciation that different doesn't mean 'wrong' or worthless, but instead makes me grateful for the nuanced message that diversity rules, especially in these modern times.Get your copy of Death Magic:The Makeshift Wizard by Mike Kraus as soon as you can and begin your urban fantasy adventure with young William Silver today!
September 20, 2017
William is a wizard and a New York beat cop. Previously he worked for a crime syndicate who tried to kill him for developing a conscience over the people they were cheating. Now he is a cop and is forever getting into trouble for poking his nose into investigations that he is not involved in. After a tip, he breaks into an apartment which is alleged to be the site of a vampire bleed farm, where kidnapped humans are taken and drained of their blood. The victims have been moved but evidence of the farm does remain, along with a fleeing vampire. William is able to get his hands on the book that the vampire leaves behind, which has powerful magic in it.
With this being a short story I don't want to say too much more about the actual plot for fear of spoiling it but basically William is now a marked man because the owners of the book want it back. The only person he can turn to is best friend Sully, the man who saved his life. I love Sully and his wife as supporting characters in the plot. Hopefully we'll see more of them in future books. William is a decent MC and I found him interesting enough to carry the story.
I've already read a horror short story by this author and liked it and I'm a fan of his apocalypse books. I think I'll probably read on with this series as well when time allows.
With this being a short story I don't want to say too much more about the actual plot for fear of spoiling it but basically William is now a marked man because the owners of the book want it back. The only person he can turn to is best friend Sully, the man who saved his life. I love Sully and his wife as supporting characters in the plot. Hopefully we'll see more of them in future books. William is a decent MC and I found him interesting enough to carry the story.
I've already read a horror short story by this author and liked it and I'm a fan of his apocalypse books. I think I'll probably read on with this series as well when time allows.
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