Magic in the Blood by Michael Foster is the third and final volume of the Wild Side Trilogy. We’re with 14-year-old Alicia, who finds her world permanently changed after the collapse of the barrier between Earth and the magical realm of the Wild Side. As magic begins to spill into the human world, Alicia discovers she holds a unique and powerful magic tied to the land itself: magic that could either restore balance or cause destruction. Her beloved lakeside home becomes the battleground for a growing threat: a bitter, destructive force from the Wild Side determined to annihilate everything she loves. With magic now part of everyday life and danger creeping ever closer, Alicia must learn to harness her abilities and defend the people and places she cares about most. This finale blends adventure, environmental metaphor, and emotional growth as Alicia’s coming-of-age takes on world-shaping consequences.

Author Michael Foster has a way of spinning his story that feels so effortless, but is packed with intent to awaken emotions and the imagination. This makes for a truly heartfelt and imaginative conclusion to a trilogy that seamlessly blends environmental themes with magical adventure without ever feeling like a gimmick or a lecture. Part of the art of doing this is in the character creation and energy around Alicia, whose narrative focus makes everything she learns about the world around her feel natural. We see the challenges and triumphs of the plot through her eyes, and Foster’s worldbuilding continues to shine as Alicia shows us the rich contrasts between natural wonder and magical danger. The epic and deeply personal journey also moves at a great pace to build on some very important themes, and the action-packed twists take us through a moving exploration of responsibility, identity, and the power of connection to home and nature. Overall, Magic in the Blood is a very special read that fans of the existing series won’t want to miss, and I’d recommend the series in general to fantasy fans seeking a new author.

Alicia still remembers the effort she put into trying unsuccessfully to convince her parents of the Wild Side's existence. Now that she must return there, she already dreads the impending confrontation. The barrier between the magical realm and her world has broken; if she does not return to that strange place, she will face consequences later. The young, magically gifted chosen one does not realize that her determination to find a permanent solution to this problem will ultimately lead to the revelation of secrets better left alone, pitting her against an old foe who is determined to settle scores with her once and for all. Only time will tell if Alicia is ready for the gargantuan task ahead of her in Magic In The Blood by Michael Foster.

Magic In The Blood is the final book in Michael Foster's Wild Side series. The novel opens with a detailed recap of the previous books, providing context for new readers. The world-building is exceptionally rich as it highlights the flora and fauna of the Wild Side, subtly comparing it to Alicia's world. Alicia's origin story is relatively brief, mainly due to the recaps. Foster creates believable family dynamics in Alicia's emotionally charged arguments with her mother and father regarding the authenticity of her previous trips to the magical realm. This heightens the suspense and provides continuity by drawing both old and new readers into the mystery of why her parents refuse to believe her. He describes the battle scenes vividly, leaving little to the imagination for action and fantasy enthusiasts. The author combines intense drama and fantasy in a unique narrative.

Magic in the Blood by Michael Foster is the third book in the Wild Side Trilogy. When the barrier separating the real and magical worlds comes down, Alicia discovers she has a rare magic that gives her great power. She sets off on a journey with her father and Tawny, her cougar companion, to find the Ancients and learn how to fix the damage she caused. But there’s danger coming that could forever destroy both worlds. Her journey teaches her much, not least how to use her strong powers, but she also learns exactly what’s needed to save everyone. Can Alicia right the wrongs and save the magical and real worlds from total destruction?

Magic in the Blood by Michael Foster is the final Wild Side story, and although I didn’t read the first two, I found this one easy to keep up with. However, I recommend reading all three books in the right order to get the full story. This is a well-written book with some amazing characters, all developed to the point where you feel like you know them as well as you know your own friends and family. The writing is compelling and engages you all the way through, its descriptive nature taking you on Alicia’s journey with her. It has plenty of action and adventure. It is perfectly written for a YA audience, although, as an older adult, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it’s made me want to read the first two books in the trilogy before I read this one again.

Magic in the Blood by Michael Foster is the third book in The Wild Side Trilogy, continuing the journey of Alicia, a teenage girl whose connection to the mystical realm known as the Wild Side becomes more powerful. Set against the backdrop of the forests and mountains of Idaho, the novel reflects Foster’s appreciation for wilderness, blending real-world nature with fantastical elements inspired by Indigenous mythology and environmental awareness. Alicia has grown from a curious and defiant girl into a young woman with a deep sense of responsibility. Her bond with the Wild Side allows her to see and interact with creatures and forces invisible to most, but with that gift comes danger. The tension builds steadily as Alicia navigates high school, relationships, and the increasing intensity of her visions, all while trying to decipher her role in the struggle to come.

Michael Foster’s prose is clear and often poetic when describing the natural world. He captures the Idaho landscape with affection and detail, immersing readers in pine forests, glacial lakes, and mist-covered ridgelines. Environmental themes are present throughout, with subtle commentary on preservation, respect for tradition, and the interconnectedness of all life. Alicia’s power is not one of domination but of empathy and harmony, a refreshing departure from more typical fantasy tropes. Magic in the Blood is an adventure and a coming-of-age story, full of quiet insight and escalating suspense. It is a thoughtful continuation of Alicia’s journey and a reminder of the magic that still exists in the world, if only we are willing to see it.