In South Dakota, a group of scientists, mostly physicists, work on an energy field dubbed the “Source’. The Department of Defense and the CIA fund the research. However, the group sends false reports claiming work on a mining project, but the President of the United States McKay has heard whispers of a different agenda and sends an agent to uncover the truth.

Agent Teri Belner observes something that frightens her so much she knows she must warn the President that these scientists in South Dakota need to be stopped at any cost. However, before she can accomplish her mission, the scientists unleash the Source, which shuts down all electrical power in the world. Some humans are converted into monsters with New York lawyer Cal Griffin desperately trying to find help for his sister caught in the transformation process.

This novel is reminiscent of King’s The Stand, but clearly leaves threads for a sequel or two. The tale is loaded with high levels of suspense and action but readers will have to buy the next book for the many unanswered questions. The heroes and heroines of MAGIC TIME seem real and many receive empathy for their plight. Marc Scott Zicree and Barbara Hambly will keep readers enthralled from start to finish with this paranormal work of delicious urban fantasy.

Harriet Klausner