The Rogue Retrieval by Dan Koboldt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say, I had mixed emotions about starting The Rogue Retrieval. I don’t know where my head was at when I read the description, but I wasn’t expecting what I got – and I loved it!

Description

Quinn Bradley is a Vegas magician with dreams of headlining on the strip. His personality and charm, sleight of hand, and innovative illusions have finally attracted some head hunters, but they’ve also caught the attention of a large and powerful corporation who want to use it for their own. All his best options blocked, Quinn agrees to sign the non-disclosure agreement (against the advice of a mysterious stranger) and finds himself thrown into a whole new world.

Alissia exists through a portal on an island controlled by CASE Global. It’s like a medieval, pristine earth over there – except that there’s magic, and a whole host of flora and fauna the likes of which earth has never seen. The mission for the crew Quinn is on is to retrieve Dr. Holt, an research employee that’s gone rogue, but Holt isn’t making things easy. Pursued by beasts and thugs, the team’s military training and field research help keep them safe. Quinn’s razzle-dazzle can also give them an edge — as long as he doesn’t get caught by the enclave of Magicians who would kill him for impersonating a true Alissian Magician.

Review

This novel is full of adventure, an incredibly believable alternate world, and magic. I laughed so much (quoting Journey lyrics to convince guards he’s a monk? 😀 ), and followed the story eagerly to see what’s next. I’m so pleased there are sequels scheduled, because this story left on a kind of major cliffhanger. Quinn’s time with Alissia is not done, and I’m eager to see where it all goes.

I first heard about Dan Koboldt during Pitch Wars – a twitter event designed to help authors find agents and get published. I was intrigued by his blog series: Science in Sci-Fi, Fact in Fantasy. His posts have been helpful, and apparently his fiction is incredible. He’s definitely one to keep your eye on, and I’m so glad I came across his stuff.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Rogue Retrieval, and I hope you’ll check it out!

**There is some language in this, but no f-bombs. No sexual content either.**

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