Identity Discovery: Magical Gains by Nicola E. Sheridan

Title: Magical Gains
Series:
Author: Nicola E. Sheridan
Publisher: Damnation Books, LLC
Desription: Imran is sexy. He is available, but taking anything from him is illegal and could land you in prison or, at the very least, with an extraordinarily large tax bill. Imran is a Genie and Primrose a government employee, and in a world where magic is heavily governed to ensure equality for all, their relationship appears doomed from the start. When Primrose finds herself the unwilling mistress of a hot male Genie, her stifling suburban lifestyle is shattered. Thrust into the steamy Free Zone, filled with lascivious Satyrs and treacherous Sirens, Primrose discovers that three wishes can give her anything she needs, but can they give what she truly wants?

Review: I absolutely love Nicola E. Sheridan's writing. This is the second book of hers that I have read and I just cannot put them down once I start. I think I might be in love with genie books because of her now. Magical Gains is the precursor to Magical Creations (which you can see my review for at http://www.identitydiscovery.net/2012/02/wordy-wednesday-magical-creations.html and a character interview with Lugh who is ALSO in this book at http://www.identitydiscovery.net/2012/03/magical-creations-interview-with-lugh.html). You do not have to read them in order though in order to enjoy both stories.

This story is about Primrose Brasco who works for the Australian government in the Magical Culture department. She is engaged to a rugby player and also government employee named Ian Beckwith. Both of them are completely human which I am thinking is pretty much a requirement for the Australian government. In this world, Genies are pretty much coveted and hidden. All magical creatures have to register with the government in order for their powers not to be abused and unbalance the economy. No one is allowed to gain fame and fortune via magical means without having to pay a magical gains tax (hence the name of the story). Abdul Imran, the genie of the story is unregistered. He tries very hard not to register because he does not want to be passed along to anyone whom he does not deem worthy. He also could be imprisoned for some of the wishes he has granted in the past. That said, Imran sees Primrose as she passes the antiquities shop that his lamp is being sold at. He instantly is infatuated with her and uses him magic to entice her to come into the store to buy his lamp. Apparently he is normally better at researching the person he wishes to be his master because he was completely unaware that Primrose worked for the government and therefore is completely unable to accept his wishes. He also didn't pay attention to the diamond ring on her hand, which you can guess is a problem for a genie who normally has very close relationships with his mistresses.

Their genie/mistress relationship is strained by Imran's intense desire to be with Primrose and Ian being an abusive and ungrateful fiance. It takes a few months for Primrose to realize that she cannot tolerate Ian any longer. Imran's influence has only the effect of helping Primrose to feel more wanted and show her that she deserves better. Unfortunately, Imran also "helps" his mistress to get away from Ian by magical means and then to flee the country when the government figure outs that she is harboring an unregistered magical being. Things go crazy as everyone Primrose runs into thinks that she is a lady of "virtue" and wants to remove that virtue while Imran goes in search of his lamp. A rogue magician has claimed his lamp and intends to drain him of all his energy, but he must also find Primrose and force her into making her wishes. It get pretty hectic, but you will be engrossed right away and thrilled with the ending! I am looking forward to my next Nicola E. Sheridan read.

Interview with the author, Nicola E. Sheridan:

1. What inspired you to write about genies?
I was inspired to write about Genies because of a biscuit advertisement here in Australia. In it, a girl has a sexy genie and all she wants is a packet of biscuits from him. What a waste, biscuits would be the very last thing I'd wish for... Anyway, it got me thinking that if Genies were real, the Government would find a way to tax their wishes, or magic... and voila "Magical Gains" evolved. Here's the youtube clip of the ad, Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkTFrwnL5eA
2. What mythologies did you pull from for your stories?
I love mythology, and I spend a lot time researching. For "Magical Gains" I particularly used a lot of creatures from Greek and Persion Mythology (Satyrs, Harpies, Sirens, Manticores etc.) I tend to look at the mythological creatures and the histories surrounding them and develop personalities and tempraments from it, then imagine how they would fit into our society if they were real... I am never bored!
3. Will Primrose really be able to return to work after this adventure?
What a great question! I've never been asked this one before! Yes, I think Primrose could return to work if she wanted to, but chances are she won't want to... I think she'll have other things on her mind.
4. Will Imran have to register now that he has been discovered and is hopefully living happily ever after with Primrose?
Almost certainly. However, if I know Imran and I think I do... I imagine he's playing every trick in the book to still avoid registering, and having plenty of fun while he's doing it.
5. What happened to Ian? With the boss out of the picture, will the government come after him for failing that RMIT test?
Poor Ian, he's such a prat. Without Quillian's protection, he was forced into a short stint in Cerebral Management, to discover the reasons behind his failed RMIT test. The results were inconclusive, so Ian was re-instated as Assistant Manager on the condition he has regular RMIT tests. As a result of his incarciration in Cerebral Managment, he suffered anxiety and depression for while. Under his brother and mother's advice, he reluctantly began seeing a therapist and has started yoga. His father is disgusted, but Ian no longer cares. He is currently planning a trip to an Ashram in India and has quit Rugby.
6. What happened to Omar after Imran left?
Literally as soon as Imran left, Omar picked himself and tried to return his home to some semblance of normality. He was so angry with the situation he blocked all thoughts of Imran and Primrose from his mind. With the help of Phil and Lugh, he re-fortified his house and for a while fell into the old, boring rhythms of his secretive existance. Omar soon tired of this, and began to formulate a plan to alleviate his loneliness. To do this he went in search of a Nephilim, and his search eventually took him to London where he met Antigone Watson... and the rest is in "Magical Creations" :)
7. Do you have plans for a third story in this series? How about one for Lugh? ;P
Yes, actually the third in the Magic Series, is due for release on the 1st of November 2012! (no cover art yet available). It's called "Magical Redemption" and is based on the sub-character of Lucian - the devilishly handsome and mean DemonSpawn (from "Magical Creations"). As for Lugh...well, I think he's developing his own fan-club... and certainly will get his own story one of these days... Thank you Phaedra for having me :)