Moons & Runes: Legacy

By: Martine Cullum

Narrated by: Mary Phillips

Moons & Runes: Legacy is a story of friendship and caring across both the mundane and the spiritual worlds, with a healthy sprinkling of psychic abilities, witchcraft and paranormal mystery.

Charged with protecting her family legacy and a 400-year-old giant oak, New Age store owner, Thea Dawson, finds herself up against a plot which could destroy everything she holds dear.

Legacy is the introductory novel to the Moons & Runes Private Investigators series. It brings Thea together with her soon-to-be best friends as she uncovers her innate magical abilities. Step inside the cosy paranormal world of ‘The Pentacle’, and add your own positive energies to the mix, by joining Thea and friends as they fight to make their world a better place to live.

©2022 Martine Cullum (P)2024 Martine Cullum

A Magical Start to a Cozy and Quirky Series

Moons & Runes: Legacy is a charming and refreshingly different cozy fantasy that blends the mystical with the mundane in all the right ways. Martine Cullum brings a delightful cast of characters to life, centered around a twenty-seven-year-old protagonist who’s juggling a magical inheritance, chronic fatigue, and the chaos of running a New Age shop, oh, and did I mention the magical secrets and a guy named Jeremy?

I listened to the audiobook version, and I have to say, Mary Phillips absolutely nailed it. I’ve heard her narrate other books before and she never disappoints. Her voice brought warmth and personality to each character, and her narration really helped pull me into the story. I honestly love her work and was so glad to hear her voice again in this one.

The supporting cast, a reformed barista, an eco-warrior psychic, and a semi-retired doctor, adds humor, heart, and a sense of found family. The setting is cozy and grounded in modern spiritualism with a touch of eighteenth-century witchcraft, creating a unique backdrop for a story that blends magic, friendship, and a dash of mystery.

If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, and the tension could’ve been higher, but honestly, that’s part of the cozy vibe. It’s low-stress and high-heart.

If you enjoy contemporary fantasy with a sprinkle of romance, a strong female lead, and a cast you want to spend time with, Moons & Runes: Legacy is a wonderful first entry in what promises to be a very lovable series. I’ll definitely be listening to the next one, especially if Mary Phillips is narrating!

For the Love of Magic

This book is a phenomenal magical cozy mystery that had me hooked from the beginning until the end. The characters and storyline are strong, descriptive, and well written. The author really brings each characters personality to life. The past and present stories are so seamlessly interwoven together that you can't help but keep listening so you won't miss a thing. This may be a slow burn, but it does burn bright. There are twists and turns, but it is one magical thrill ride. The narrator has the type of voice that helps you to close your eyes and see the story as if you are watching a movie. She is on point with every voice and personality. I received this book for free upon my request, but that has nothing to do with this honest, unbiased review that I am leaving here voluntarily.

Mysteries abound

Our heroine's business is struggling and it doesn't help matters when our hero shows up unexpectedly to claim part of the inheritance. Yet all is not as it seems and there is a bigger threat in the making which requires our characters to band together. But will it be enough?

This is book one of the series, so a fine place to start.

This is a cozy mystery with a paranormal (magical) element to it. The story is well written and easy to read (or perhaps should I say listen to since this review is based on the audiobook). Both the characters and the setting are well developed and we get a good sense of both as the narrative builds. There are some nice mysteries to be had here, but I found the pace to be a bit slow for my tastes. I also like a bit more humor in my cozy mysteries, but all that is just personal taste. Overall, the story was quite good and the narration clear and easy to listen to. Well worth your time.

Recommended.

Moons & Runes

A great start to what I’m sure will be a very entertaining series.

This is the first time I’ve listened to one of Martine Cullum’s stories. I enjoyed how the storyline progressed. The glimpses of the past gave wonderful background and I loved how each character was introduced and grew.

The narration by Mary L Phillips was very well done. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and her performance kept me entertained.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

The Past & The Present Together

This was my first experience with Martine Cullum's work, and it was entertaining. The story intermingled what was happening in the past with current events happening in the life of Thea, a resident of "Casslewich". I enjoyed both parts of the story and found them charming. I liked the characters. I admired the worldbuilding. The supernatural elements added a magical touch to the story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Mary L Phillips' narration was fun, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which included my opinions.