👻 Ghost Stories

First-Degree Magic

✍️ J M Linkhart
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$22.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A blend of urban fantasy and occult horror set in a modern cityscape.

This entry in the Degrees of Magic series examines the collision of the supernatural with contemporary urban environments. Linkhart constructs a narrative where arcane forces are not distant myths but active participants in modern life. The story prioritizes atmosphere over action, allowing dread to accumulate through careful pacing. It appeals to readers who enjoy gothic fiction and detective work combined with magical elements. The plot relies on uncovering hidden truths and navigating shadowy figures rather than physical combat. This structure creates a steady build of tension suitable for those who prefer psychological depth and mystery.

Key Themes
urban fantasy occult horror gothic fiction
Literary Context

Published in 2025 by Goblin Booth Productions, this book sits within the contemporary urban fantasy genre while drawing on gothic fiction traditions. It explores the intersection of modern city life with historical mysteries and arcane forces.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · H.P. Lovecraft · Neil Gaiman
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Goblin Booth Productions 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798348153519

📝 Description: First-Degree Magic

J M Linkhart presents First-Degree Magic as a work blending urban fantasy with occult horror. This volume belongs to the Degrees of Magic series and explores how supernatural elements intrude upon modern city life. The narrative creates an atmosphere defined by tension and mystery, appealing to readers who enjoy the eerie ambiance typical of ghost stories alongside the visceral dread found in historical mysteries. The text weaves detective work with arcane forces, satisfying fans of gothic fiction. Linkhart structures the plot to allow the sense of the uncanny to build steadily through deliberate pacing. The story focuses on the intersection of past secrets and present dangers, offering a complex experience driven by shadowy figures and hidden truths rather than simple action. This approach suits those who prefer intricate plots over straightforward adventure. Readers seeking fast-paced action or clear-cut resolutions may find this work less appealing. It targets an audience interested in the slow burn of mystery and the integration of magical elements into contemporary settings. The book provides a distinct perspective on how ancient forces operate within modern frameworks, maintaining a focus on atmosphere and character-driven discovery throughout its pages.

💎 Our verdict on First-Degree Magic

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Linkhart constructs a compelling narrative where the collision of the supernatural and urban environments creates a palpable sense of the uncanny. By prioritizing atmosphere over action, the text allows dread to build through careful pacing, satisfying fans of gothic fiction who appreciate intricate plots. The story successfully weaves detective work with arcane forces, offering a complex experience driven by character-driven discovery rather than straightforward adventure. This structure creates a steady tension suitable for readers who prefer psychological depth and mystery, making it a strong choice for those interested in how ancient forces operate within modern frameworks.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is ideal for readers who prioritize atmospheric dread and psychological depth over fast-paced action or clear-cut resolutions. Fans of gothic fiction will appreciate the integration of magical elements into contemporary settings, where arcane forces operate as active participants in modern life. The narrative’s deliberate pacing allows tension to accumulate steadily, appealing to those who enjoy detective work combined with supernatural intrigue. It is best suited for audiences seeking a slow burn of mystery that focuses on uncovering hidden truths and navigating shadowy figures rather than physical combat.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Linkhart constructs a compelling narrative where the collision of the supernatural and urban environments creates a palpable sense of the uncanny. By prioritizing atmosphere over action, the text allows dread to build through careful pacing, satisfying fans of gothic fiction who appreciate intricate plots. The story successfully weaves detective work with arcane forces, offering a complex experience driven by character-driven discovery rather than straightforward adventure. This structure creates a steady tension suitable for readers who prefer psychological depth and mystery, making it a strong choice for those interested in how ancient forces operate within modern frameworks.

You might also like

See more →
Dracula (Masterpiece Library Edition) ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Dracula (Masterpiece Library Edition)
$22.99
92
Read →
Edgar Allan Poe: Collected Works ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe: Collected Works
$24.99
92
Read →
The Haunting of Hill House ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House
$16.99
92
Read →
Our Father's Sins ✨ New
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
1
Nakieta Calhoun
Our Father's Sins
$29.99
88
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist