The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake, #14) by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

~~~~~

Another enjoyable read in the Love at Stake series. Dougal finally gets his chance at love. The vamps make some headway in their war against the Malcontents and we get to revisit several of the couples that have been featured in earlier books. Love this series!!



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Slashback (Cal Leandros, #8) by Rob Thurman

Slashback by Rob Thurman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I stopped and let them circle me, first because it was intriguing and, second, because, honestly, what could they do? Only knives, but all armed, and that made them even more interesting. Interesting. Fun.

Playtime…

Taking on bloodthirsty supernatural monsters is how Caliban and Niko Leandros make a living. But years ago—before they became a force to be reckoned with—the brothers were almost victims of a very human serial killer.

Almost.

Unfortunately for them, that particular depraved killer was working as apprentice to a creature far more malevolent—the legendary Spring-heeled Jack. He’s just hit town. He hasn’t forgotten what the Leandros brothers did to his murderous protégé. He hasn’t forgotten what they owe him.

And now they are going to pay… and pay… and pay.…

~~~


I am glad that Thurman seems to be going back to the action that I enjoyed so much in the earlier books in this series. A lot of information came out in this book. Robin's tie to the Leandros brothers. Things that happened in the past that relate to who and what the brothers are today. A lot of loose ends were tied up, but at the same time a lot was left open to the possibility of new story lines. I have not seen anything about rather another book is in the works for this series but with all of the things still left open I am certainly hoping so.



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Wanted: Undead or Alive (Love at Stake #12) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Wanted: Undead or Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


He's a vampire from the big city . . .

Phineas McKinney thought New York City was tough, until he was attacked by Malcontents—evil vampires who consider mortals to be snacks. Saved by the good vampires, Phin swore to devote his now undead life to stopping the Malcontents. He's got his job cut out for him when word comes that their enemy may be hiding in Wyoming. What does a city boy like him know about horses and campfires? Good thing he's got Brynley Jones with him . . . if only she didn't hate every vampire on earth.

She's a werewolf princess . . .

Bryn believes vampires are seductive and charming, and that makes them dangerous. So she's more than a little annoyed about teaming up with Phin, even if he is the only bloodsucker able to make her inner wolf purr. But as they hunt down the new leader of the Malcontents, danger threatens . . . and Phineas and Brynley discover a passion that will rock the foundation of their supernatural world.

~~~


Another fun book in the series. This is a fun series and I love how it is coming together as more than individual books.

Enjoyed reading about Phineas, though to be honest it was hard to take him seriously most of the time, given his 'Love Doctor' persona from previous books. What an ending too! Can't wait to see how Phineas handles his new life in future books.



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Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels #4.5) by Ilona Andrews

Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Magic Dreams originally appeared in the anthology Hexed.

From New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes a tale of darkness, desire, and werecats.

Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help.

Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.

Includes an excerpt of Ilona Andrews's upcoming novel in the world of Kate Daniels, Gunmetal Magic, available in August 2012.

~~~

I can not say enough about how much I love this series. These novellas just make it so much better. I love these little peeks into the lives of the characters that I have gotten to know and love from this series.

In this novella we read about Jim, second only to Curran in Alpha status, who has inadvertently been caught in a dark magic curse that is killing him. He goes to Dali, our vegetarian, half blind, were Tiger, who secretly loves Jim, for help.

The fact that the authors manage to fit so much into such a short novella is amazing, and one of the very reasons that I love this series so much. Love the relationship between Jim and Dali and can not wait to see more of them in upcoming books.



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Blackout (Cal Leandros #6) by Rob Thurman

Blackout by Rob Thurman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When half-human Cal Leandros wakes up on a beach littered with the slaughtered remains if a variety of hideous creatures, he's not that concerned. In fact, he can't remember anything-including who he is.

And that's just the way his deadly enemies like it...



This is the second book in this series that I really did not care much for. The entire book was made up of philosophical waxing by Cal. "Is Cal good or bad?" How the author managed to keep that line going throughout the entire book baffles me. What little action (one of the things that I loved about the earlier books) in this book was dull and almost an afterthought. I really hope that the next book in this series takes me back to the Cal Leandros books that I loved about this series. Such a shame when an author turns such a good thing into a ho hum book.



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Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Rehvenge is used to living in the shadows and dealing with the roughest night walkers around—including the Black Dagger Brotherhood. As his secret identity as a sympath is threatened, he turns to the only light in his ever darkening world—a female vampire untouched by corruption, who’s the only thing standing between him and eternal damnation.

~~~



I love the Brotherhood.

This book took me longer than usual to read. Mostly because there was so much going on. While the book's main focus was Rehvenge and his shellan Ehlena there was so much more going on in this novel of the Brotherhood. It is amazing how Ward has developed this series into such an emotional read involving the entire Brotherhood and the trials that they face daily in the war against the lessers.

I can not wait to read more. I hope that Ward never brings and end to the Brotherhood novels!!



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Magic in the Shadows (Allie Beckstrom, #3) by Devon Monk

Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Allison Beckstrom's magic has taken its toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories-including those of the man she supposedly loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts.

Her late father, the prominent businessman-and sorcerer-Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities-and find a way to deal with her father...
~~~



This book brought back exactly why I enjoyed the previous 2 books in this series so much. Action packed, non-stop, magical ride........... Totally enjoyed this book. Love Shamus and Stone, two new characters and am very pleased with where the book is going so far. Ending was almost like we just stopped in the middle of the story with no finish, but then again,I really want to read the next book which is what the author had in mind. lol



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Steward of Song by Adam Stemple,

Steward of Song by Adam Stemple

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Stemple explores the complications of family ties in this shimmering sequel to 2005's Singer of Souls. American musician Douglas Stewart has imprisoned his former mistress, the evil but beautiful former queen Aine, and now rules the Daoine Sidhe. Douglas's sister, Bridie, a former cop, thinks he killed their grandmother and is scouring Scotland for him. Their brother, Scott, an Iraq war veteran tormented by hallucinations, is stuck caring for the baby who has mysteriously appeared on his doorstep. Fortunately, Mundoo, a mysterious Native American god, is around to provide parenting advice. When the siblings reunite in the realm of the Sidhe, Bridie and Scott must decide how much Douglas, who seems to be taking a turn for the megalomaniacal, can be trusted with his newfound power. Stemple riffs off Native American and Celtic myths with ease while skillfully depicting a world where any move can have dire consequences.



Wonderful follow up to 'Singer of Souls'. In fact this book was twice as good as the first. I read it in a day which is always a sign that a book is too good to put down. Highly recommend this fantasy novel to all.



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Singer of Souls by Adam Stemple

Singer of Souls by Adam Stemple

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Synopsis
From the son of fantasist and children’s author Jane Yolen, an assured debut novel of dark fantasy

Publishers Weekly
At the start of Stemple's wonderful fantasy debut, his first solo effort (he's collaborated with his mother, Jane Yolen, on children's music books), Douglas "Doc" Stewart, a recovering heroin addict and talented street musician, flees Minnesota for Scotland and his Grandma McLaren, who welcomes her grandson with open arms but warns, "I've buried three husbands and I'll bury you, too, if need be." Doc's subsequent success as a busker in Edinburgh strengthens his resolve to stay clean. During the Fringe arts festival, he meets a fey young woman, Aine, who gives him the gift of sight distilled in white powder he shoots into his arm. This ability to perceive the faery world puts him in grave danger after Aine is abducted by a strange priest, Father Croser, who uses his own magical sight for evil purposes. A "bogie" (or mischievous spirit) enlists Doc's assistance in rescuing Aine, but Doc soon finds himself drawn into a faeryland that's alarmingly similar to the world of addiction he thought he'd escaped forever and an erotic adventure that holds shocking consequences. Fans of Charles de Lint and Clive Barker will find much to like.



Great read. An interesting take on Fairies. Douglas was a likeable character and the storyline kept me wanting to read.

I did not care much for the ending, but am already well into the second book and I am enjoying it just as much as the first.



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Roadkill (Cal Leandros, #5) by Rob Thurman

Roadkill by Rob Thurman


New from the national bestselling author of Deathwish

It's time to lock, load, and hit the road...

Once, while half-human Cal Leandros and his brother Niko were working on a case, an ancient gypsy queen gave them a good old-fashioned backstabbing. Now, just as their P.I. business hits a slow patch, the old crone shows up with a job.

She wants them to find a stolen coffin that contains a blight that makes the Black Death seem like a fond memory. But the thief has already left town, so the Leandros brothers are going on the road. And if they're very, very lucky, there might even be a return trip...



My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really like this series but this book was just okay for me. Not a lot of the action that I have come to expect from the Leandros brothers. Much more philosophical musing in this book as compared to previous books.

On the plus side it was interesting to learn more about Rafferty and his cousin, Catcher, who we met in a previous book.

I didn't care for the Cal/Auphe aspect or even the Cal/Delilah line.

Hoping the next book goes back to what was great in the earlier books.

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Deadtown (Deadtown, #1) by Nancy Holzner

Deadtown by Nancy Holzner


They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders — but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Vicky’s demanding job keeping the city safe from all manner of monsters is one reason her relationship with workaholic lawyer (and werewolf) Alexander Kane is in constant limbo. Throw in a foolhardy zombie apprentice, a mysterious demon-plagued client, and a suspicious research facility that’s taken an unwelcome interest in her family, and Vicky’s love life has as much of a pulse as Deadtown’s citizens.

But now Vicky’s got bigger things to worry about. The Hellion who murdered her father ten years ago has somehow broken through Boston’s magical protections. The Hellion is a ruthless force of destruction with a personal grudge against Vicky, and she’s the only one who can stop the demon before it destroys the city and everyone in it.



My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was okay for a Paranormal Urban Fantasy. Being a huge zombie fan I was hoping that this book would focus on the zombie angle, but sadly the zombies are really a very minor part of the plot. The focus is almost solely on demons. The main character being a shape shifting demon slayer. The characters are okay, the plot was all right and I will read the next in the series when it comes out. The ending came together and just when it was getting good, it was over, which at least makes me eager for the next book.

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The Spy Who Haunted Me by Simon R. Green

The Spy Who Haunted Me by Simon R. Green


The legendary Independent Agent is dying ...so who will inherit his hoard of secret information and fabulous secrets? For most of the last century, he was the greatest spy in the world, but now The Independent Agent is retiring, he has decided on one last great game - the six greatest spies in the world today must work together - and compete against each other - to solve the six greatest mysteries in the world. Whoever wins the game will also win The Agent's priceless treasure-trove of information. Eddie Drood, aka Shaman Bond, has been invited to join the great game, and of course he can't say no, especially when he learns what the mysteries are - everything from the Tunguska Incident to the Philadelphia Experiment, to whatever the hell it was really happened at Roswell. But that means he needs to survive working alongside old friends and old enemies ...especially when the spies start dying, one by one ...And one of them is going to haunt him ...for the rest of his life. THE SPY WHO HAUNTED ME is the third of the Secret Histories: a riveting roller-coaster ride through the dark side.



My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoy this series. We got to meet some new characters, including Walker, who comes from Green's Nightside series.

The story was good, the characters were fun, but the ending was too abrupt for me.

I do however very much look forward to the next in the series.


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Madhouse: Cal Leandro #3 by Rob Thurman

Madhouse: Cal Leandro, Book 3 by Rob Thurman


From the back of the book

My brother had spent a lifetime - mine, at least - telling me that I was normal, that I wasn't a monster. With his help, I';d finally realized that as long as I could remain who I was, I could survive what I was. It was only bad genes.......

Half-human Cal Leandros and his brother, Niko, aren't exactly prospering with their preternatural detective agency. Who could have guessed that business would dry up in New York City, where vampires, trolls, and other creepy crawlies are all over the place?

But now there's a new arrival in the Big Apple. A malevolent evil with ancient powers, dead set on making history with on orgy of blood and murder, is picking off humans like sheep. And for Cal and Niko, this is one paycheck they're going to have to earn..if they live long enough to collect it.

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book in this series. I was happy that the author gave us more background on Goodfellow and Promise. I like that the guys are bringing more people (beings) into their circle of trust. I like Ishiah and the possibilities of what he is and how he fits into the story.



Loved the ending and very much looking forward to the next book "Deathwish" due out in February, I believe.


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Finder by Emma Bull

Finder by Emma Bull


American Library Association Best Books for Young AdultsVOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy amp; HorrorWelcome to Bordertown. A hybrid community of misfits, oddballs and runaways. Where humans, elves and halflings co-exist. Where magic and the brutal realities of survival clash and mix. For Orient and Tick-Tick, it's just home. Death and dark magic hang ov er the city. A seductive new drug lures young runaways to their destruction. A mysterious plague spreads through the streets. And beneath the clock tower on High Street, Bonnie Prince Charlie lies slain by an unseen hand. A cop named Sunny Rico exploits Orient's talent for finding objects to track the killer and leads both herself and him into the darker secrets of Elflands' immigrant citizens.

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Having just finished reading 'Elsewhere' & 'Nevernever', two other books set in Bodertown, I had a background of the setting and characters when I started this book. That made it enjoyable. This book was not quite as engrossing as the other two, but it was still a fun Borderland read. The story was very emotionally charged and that is what kept me reading. I do feel like I may have missed some of Tink & Orient's story in earlier Borderland books, that may have made this one even more interesting. But still it was a pretty good read and leaves me looking for the earlier Borderland books.


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Elsewhere by Will Shetterly

Elsewhere by Will Shetterly


When Ron runs away, he ends up in Bordertown, a grim city that lies between the real world and the world of faerie, a place where elf and human gangs stalk the streets side by side, and where magic works better than technology. If the city doesn't kill him, it just may teach him what it is to be human.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had a little trouble getting into this book, but I would guess that it was because there are a number of books in the 'Borderland' series that come prior to this book. I would guess that they are loosely tied, but probably would have made it a little easier to get into this book. That being said, once I did get past the fact that I might have missed something prior to the events in the book it got GOOD. I love the characters and the idea behind Bordertown. I am looking forward to reading more about Ron/Wolfboy and all of his friends in the next installment- Nevernever.






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Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews


From the Publisher
Mercenary Kate Daniels cleans up urban problems of a paranormal kind. But her latest prey, a pack of undead warriors, presents her greatest challenge. [close] Mercenary Kate Daniels cleans up urban problems of a paranormal kind. But her latest prey, a pack of undead warriors, presents her greatest challenge. [close]

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent new urban fantasy series. This is much darker than the typical urban fantasy out there but quite enjoyable.



This story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia an undetermined number of years in our future. At a time when magic and technology coexist in a very unstable environment. A time when magic takes over for periods of time that causes technology not to work and even be destroyed by the waves of magic. A time when vampires are creatures that are used by humans as weapons and werecreatures are monsters that try to hold on to humanity by The Code.



The main character, Kate, is a bit of a mystery. A very powerful woman who fights evil, but on her own terms. She gets pulled into a battle when her Guardian is killed that leads to an alliance with The Lord of the Beasts, Curran, a werelion who is the King of the werecreatures.



An excellent read and I was very lucky that the second in the series 'Magic Burns' came up on my wishlist at PBS today and I should have it soon. Looking forward to it!!










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Moonshine (Cal Leandros #2) by Rob Thurman

Moonshine by Rob Thurman


From the Publisher
After saving the world from his fiendish father's side of the family, Cal Leandros and his stalwart half-brother Niko have settled down with new digs and a new gig-bodyguard and detective work. And in New York City, where preternatural beings stalk the streets just like normal folk, business is good. Their latest case has them going undercover for the Kin-the werewolf Mafia. A low-level Kin boss thinks a rival is setting him up for a fall, and wants proof. The place to start is the back room of Moonshine-a gambling club for non-humans. Cal thinks it's a simple in-and-out job. But Cal is very, very wrong.

Cal and Niko are being set up themselves-and the people behind it have a bite much worse than their bark...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this second book more than the first. The characters have been developed and the storyline was interesting.



When Cal's would be girlfriend, George-- a psychic-- is kidnapped, Cal, Niko and their friends are forced into a battle with the Kin. The Kin are werewolves who rule the city. As Cal and group chase after a crown with unknown powers they are forced to battle all sorts of monsters, some of their own making.



A very good read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.


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Nightlife (Cal Leandros book 1) by Rob Thurman

Nightlife by Rob Thurman


From the Publisher
In New York, there's a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park, and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse on the Upper East Side. Of course, most humans are oblivious to this, but Cal Leandros is only half-human. His father's dark lineage is the stuff of nightmares-and he and his entire otherworldly race are after Cal.

He and his half-brother Niko have managed to stay a step ahead for three years, but now Cal's dad has found them again. And Cal is about to learn why they want him, why they've always wanted him: He is the key to unleashing their hell on earth. The fate of the human world will be decided in the fight of Cal's life....

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been reading a lot of Urban Fantasy books lately an this one was pretty good. The premise is a little different than most. Instead of being about a hero who is out to save the world from the monsters, we have a monster who is running to save himself. Or at least that is what he thinks.



Cal is a half breed. A one of a kind. He is half human and half Auphe, which is an elf, but a very dark version of an elf. Cal grows up with his older half-brother, Niko, taking care of him, knowing that he is different, but not really knowing why or how. One day when he is 14 years old he finds out exactly what he is and why he was created. From that point on he and Niko are on the run for their lives.



Eventually the Auphe catch up with them in New York City and a full scale war ensues. Then the world saving kicks in.



A good read, with a very interesting character change up about 2/3 of the way through, which I thought was interesting and brave on the part of the author.



Quite a few very interesting characters who I became involved with and want to hear more about. Looking forward to the next book, which I am starting now.


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Unshapely Things (Connor Grey #1) by Mark Del Franco

Unshapely Things by Mark Del Franco


From the Publisher
In the alleys of the decrepit Boston neighborhood known as the Weird, fairy prostitutes are turning up dead. The crime scenes show signs of residual magic, but the Guild, which polices the fey, has more "important" crimes to investigate and dumps the case on human law enforcement.

Boston police call in Connor Grey, a druid and former hotshot Guild investigator-whose magical abilities were crippled after a run-in with a radical environmentalist elf. As Connor battles red tape and his own shortcomings, he realizes that the murders are not random, but part of an ancient magical ritual. And if Connor can't figure out the killer's M.O., the culmination of the spell might just bring about a worldwide cataclysm.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good book. It took me a little while to get into it, but that was because it is a new series by a new author and I often find the whole set up of a series and the details of the world a bit boring. The premise is modern day Boston where Faerie has merged with our world in the past, bringing all sorts of magical creatures with it. I quite enjoyed the fact that this Urban Fantasy is all about magical creatures, and does not have the normal vamps, weres, etc in it.



The author does a good job setting up the background for this new series if you can get past the basic set up. The characters are very strongly developed and I really like the flits, especially Stinkwort/Joe.



Connor Grey reminds me a bit of Harry Dresden, but only because he is a bit of an inept magic user. Connor is not a wizard, but a Druid and he has lost his magical abilities due to an accident involving and elf, a nuclear power plant and a magical ring. Since he can no longer work for the Guild (kind of a magical police force) he helps out the Boston PD on cases that involve the Fey.



As the story became more involved I really began enjoying it more and more. The last quarter of the book was even a 'can't put it down' read. I really look forward to the next book in the series in the hopes that the author continues with his trend towards a great Urban Fantasy series.


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Claimed By Shadow by Karen Chance

Claimed By Shadow by Karen Chance


From the Publisher
Clairvoyant Cassie Plamer has inherited new magical powers-including the ability to travel through time. But it's a whole lot of responsibility she'd rather not have. Now she's the most popular girl in town, as an assortment of vamps, fey, and mages try to convince, force, or seduce her-and her magic-over to their side. But one particular master vampire didn't ask what Cassie wanted before putting a claim on her. He had a spell cast that binds her to him, and now she doesn't know if what she feels for him is real-or imagined...

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent book. It has been a while since I have read a 'so good you can not put it down' book, but this one qualified!!



This book takes up right where the first, 'Touch the Dark' left off. We follow Cassie on an action filled adventure in her attempt to avoid becoming the new Pythia. The book starts off with breathtaking action and never lets up, right to the ending.



The author worked out the few wrinkles that hindered her first book -- no long winded vamp politics to bore us this time around!!



This is one of the better Urban Fantasies that I have read recently and I am looking forward to the release of the next in the series!!


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