Deck Runner's Gambit

Vegas Arcana Book 1

Fiction - Supernatural
316 Pages
Reviewed on 04/18/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

James Anderson Foster is the creative force behind the Vegas Arcana series, where the glittering chaos of Las Vegas meets the hidden depths of magic and mystery.

Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, James enjoys life with his amazing wife, wonderful children, and a fairly mediocre cat.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Deck Runner's Gambit is a work of fiction in the supernatural, action, and thriller genres, and is the first novel of the Vegas Arcana series. Penned by author James Anderson Foster, the story introduces Malcolm Byrne, whose ordinary life in Las Vegas is shattered when he stumbles upon the hidden world of magic. Forced into a centuries-old battle for power balance, Mal must navigate the city's arcane dangers while forming alliances with those straddling the line between magic and mundanity. As he delves deeper, internal and external threats test him, challenging his perceptions and values in a world where right and wrong blur amidst the city's neon glow.

Author James Anderson Foster has crafted an exhilarating plunge into the mystical underbelly of Las Vegas that seamlessly blends urban fantasy with fast-paced action. The vividly depicted setting of Las Vegas is ideal for this story, its neon lights contrasting with the shadows of arcane dangers lurking beneath and creating a truly convincing sense of magical realism. The central focus of the story is Malcolm's journey of self-discovery, which is told through close narration and some brilliant moments of speech and thought presentation. Readers are treated to his unique attitudes, dialogue, and moral ambiguity, and this keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they root for him amidst the chaos of magical factions and internal conflicts. Foster's expert pacing and intricate world-building add more layers of smoothness to the plot as readers rocket around fantastic twists to a satisfying conclusion, eagerly anticipating the next installment. Overall, I would certainly recommend Deck Runner’s Gambit for a thrilling read.