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Plot Summary: Bonita Torres is a fresh-faced college grad who is having no luck job hunting in NYC, and knowing how to use magic hasn’t even helped her so far. Just when desperation is starting to kick in, Bonnie gets a call to be at a certain office at a certain time, and despite the vague tidings, she attends the interview, which results in a job with the newly formed Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations (PUPI). She is joined by four other new hires, each with a unique skill set, and their training time is over when PUPI is asked to investigate a double suicide as a possible homicide.

I’m of two minds with regards to Hard Magic. On one side, I recognize that this is an intelligent, realistic kind of urban fantasy, and readers who enjoy shows like CSI or paranormal investigations plots will enjoy Laura Anne Gilman’s practical approach to her magical world. The magic users may be referred to as Talent, but learning to use the magic is pure, hard work. Readers who like ensemble casts will also enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork between all the characters, and in that regard this urban fantasy is unique; the heroine doesn’t have to go it alone.

So that’s all on the plus side. On the negative side, I found it to be fairly slow going and even a bit dull through some parts. A surprising amount of the story involves the recruits� training, and it’s not terribly interesting stuff, although I will say that Ms. Gilman is utterly convincing when describing how magic works. She breaks it down to an almost scientific level, so nerdy readers could groove on the authenticity.

The story ended on a down note, almost like an old-fashioned detective noir, and again, I’m torn on whether I approve or not. Part of me loves it, and the other part of me says it’s better to end installments on high notes. What makes me want to try book two, Pack of Lies (February 2011), is the stellar cast of the PUPI team. I can see this series becoming a paranormal mystery powerhouse, with all kinds of interesting interpersonal relationships between the team members down the road. I’m splitting the rating on this one - 3.5 stars.