This is My New Happy Place: A Review of Ace of Shades by Deborah Wilde
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things supernatural and humorous, I must confess—I was drawn to Ace of Shades (Magic After Midlife Book 7) like a moth to a flame. Deborah Wilde’s knack for creating relatable characters caught me off guard in the previous installments, so I was eager to dive into this final chapter in Miriam Feldman’s life. And let me tell you, it was everything I hoped for and more.
Miriam, our wonderfully neurotic, list-loving heroine, finds herself in a breathtakingly chaotic spiral. She’s on a mission in the mysterious land of Gehenna (that’s right, it’s definitely not on Google Maps), tasked with battling celestial threats while managing a hot new romance with a wolf shifter named Laurent. Who would have thought my midlife crisis could be this fun? The humor interwoven with paranormal chaos makes for a reading experience that feels as exciting as it is relatable. After all, who among us hasn’t felt our life is one big, daunting mission at times?
One of the standout themes of the book is vengeance versus personal growth. Miriam is on a quest to confront the angels who ruined her past, but in doing so, she also learns a lot about herself. Wilde skillfully juxtaposes her mission for revenge with moments of self-discovery, which kept me invested in both the action and her emotional journey. The stakes are high, which adds tension to what could otherwise be a lighthearted romp.
Wilde’s writing is like a well-constructed spell—inviting and immersive. Her narrative is filled with clever wit, and she has a particular gift for creating dynamic character relationships. Each character, no matter how "side" they appear, feels integral to the story. Seeing Miri interact with characters like Sadie and Emmett not only develops the plot but enriches the overall thematic tapestry of love, friendship, and acceptance.
One line that has stuck with me is Miri reminding herself, "Positive thinking—it’s not just for dreamers; it’s for fighters." It’s a simple mantra, yet it reverberated with the reader’s heart and mind, reminding us to embrace our strengths, no matter how small, when facing life’s challenges.
This series has delighted many readers, as echoed in various reviews pointing to the unrushed pacing and character depth. Many have echoed my sentiments about how enjoyable and fulfilling it feels to wrap up a series that truly feels like home.
So, who should pick up Ace of Shades? If you appreciate a good dose of humor with your magic, find solace in stories that explore midlife experiences, or simply love a well-written fantasy adventure, this book—and the series as a whole—is for you. It’s a delightful celebration of second chances, love, and the wisdom only time can gift.
As the last page turned, I found myself a little nostalgic to leave behind Miri and her found family, but acutely aware that every journey has its end—sometimes to make space for new beginnings. In closing, I can’t help but feel grateful to Deborah Wilde for crafting such a beloved escape. Here’s to wishful thinking—may we have more adventures in this whimsical universe one day!