4.4 (4,419 ratings)

Touched by Fire: Magic Wars: Demons of New Chicago, Book 1

Name: Touched by Fire: Magic Wars: Demons of New Chicago, Book 1
Rating: 4.4 (4419 reviews)
Author: Kel Carpenter
ISBN: B08QRBH26D

by Kel Carpenter

witches

About this book

For a decade, Piper has survived the ruins of New Chicago by hunting the supernatural elite who enslaved her world. As a ruthless bounty hunter, she relies on her wits, her guns, and a deep-seated hatred for those who wield magic. She is a heroine who bites back, never backing down from a fight, and her life is defined by a singular, dangerous mission.

Everything changes when a routine demon summoning goes catastrophically wrong. Piper finds herself unwillingly bonded to a powerful, enigmatic entity who might be a demon or something far more divine. Forced into an uneasy alliance with the very creature she was meant to kill, she is thrust into a high-stakes game of survival where the only way out is through a lethal bargain.

This gripping urban fantasy kicks off the Magic Wars series with a perfect blend of slow-burn paranormal romance and relentless action. If you love enemies-to-lovers tension, snarky heroines, and gritty world-building, this is your next obsession. Piper is a complex, formidable lead whose journey from cold-blooded killer to nuanced survivor is as addictive as the mystery unfolding in the dark alleys of New Chicago. Dive in if you dare.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B08QRBH26D

Reader Reviews

Now this book is worth reading !

December 6, 2020

Trying not to give spoilers, but here are the highlights of what I loved about this story. 1: A strong female character who shoots first and doesn't bother taking names. She stays strong and doesn't turn into one of those weepy, save me women the second the male lead shows up( I hate when authors do that). She saves herself and actually doesn't give in to men at all. 2: The story is genuinely interesting. A post modern world after magic wars. Not completely original but her take on and the...

Would recommend

October 22, 2020

This book was recommended to me and it was a good one. I like the main character and how ruthless she is. At least that's how she is portrayed in the beginning. She becomes more nuanced as the book progresses. Relevant plot details are revealed in a spaced out manner though it very rarely comes as a surprise. Who her boss was came as no surprise for example. I suppose I wish things weren't so obvious. When they are written as something that can't be deduced and then \"revealed\" it kinda loses...

Outstanding Story!!!!!

June 6, 2025

Absolutely loving this story. It has so much action, drama and suspense. It starts off right out the gate with pulling me in and keeping me glued to it. I love Piper and her personality. The mystery surrounding her and her life only fuels the story further. It is extremely well written and developed. That ending was something else. I can’t wait to see what happens next. ) 2 people found this helpful

Good, not great

August 7, 2025

I feel like everything in Piper's story fell together too easily. It just so happened that the witch she kidnapped pledges her undying loyalty because she had a vision she'd only survive with Piper? It also feels like nothing progressed with Piper and Ronan through the story, their relationship stayed stagnant the entire time. Overall it was entertaining enough to read, but I don't think the series is for me. ) One person found this helpful

Locked and Loaded

March 21, 2024

\"Some people were driven by power and some by ambition and some by glory. I was driven by guilt. Unending, all-consuming guilt. Acknowledging it didn’t change it. Talking about it didn’t change it. I made choices, and now I had to live with them. Even if it destroyed me.\" You are immediately sucked into this story, right from page one. The FMC, Piper Fallon, is a complete badass. She is a supernatural bounty hunter who knows how to use a gun and get the job done. The story takes place in...