Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic: The Thirteenth Rib

Written by David J. Schwartz

Narrated by Janina Edwards

On an Earth that saw the weaponization of demons instead of uranium during World War II, a lone agent battles supernatural forces—and enemies within her own government—to unravel a conspiracy that threatens our very existence. This vivid alternate history sets the stage for a modern-day fantasy adventure that’s equal parts Harry Potter and The X-Files.

Across the world, a steady flow of illegally trafficked demons is fueling terrorist attacks known as “Heartstoppers,” which leave bodies lifeless but not technically dead. Authorities have identified Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic, a quaint school on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, as a demon trafficking pipeline. Now it’s up to Joy Wilkins, a young agent from the Federal Bureau of Magical Affairs, to go undercover as a professor and find the source. But when her mentor turns up murdered and the clues point to a secret society known as the Thirteenth Rib, Joy finds herself in the middle of an ancient war that leaves our world hanging in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Nov 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9781480558106

David J. Schwartz

Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, David J. Schwartz spent his childhood making up plots for movies he was too young to see in theaters. Inspired by everything from Borges to roller derby—including fantasy stalwarts such as Anne McCaffrey and Ursula K. Le Guin—Schwartz turned his creativity to writing, becoming a Nebula Award-nominated author. Schwartz regularly attends Midwestern fantasy and science-fiction conventions, such as WisCon and Convergence, and prefers kids and dogs to most adults. After traveling the country, he has settled back in Saint Paul where he hopes to spend the rest of his days.

Reviews for Gooseberry Bluff Community College of Magic

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There was way too much story for this book. That isn't to say that I didn't like it, because I did. I liked it very much. I had fun with it. But there was so much going on, so much to do in the book's universe, that it couldn't be accomplished in the space and format allotted.

I like what the book and the author tried to do. I'll read the sequel I'm assuming will exist. But I really, really hope the next book is tighter.

[arelenriel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is actually one of the best fantasy novels I have read in a long time. Schwartz steps away from the trite and overdone supposedly fantasy genre vampire and werewolf supernatural novels to create a world of magic where the characters are both believable and fantastical. Having read a good many supernatural thrillers I can tell you that Joy Wilson has become one of my favorite supernatural detectives.

While there were some issues with formatting this is simply the nature of the Kindle translation itself and it does not detract from the plot or the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 15 and up. Specifically I would say if you liked Harry Potter, or the Worst Witch series as a child and adolescent you will like this book.

[susancrowe01 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I completed episode 1. I think this is going to be a good story. I have not read any of the Harry Potter books but I see this as being a similar type story.

I just read episode 2. Not too sure about this. There was only one chapter this time and it was kinda slow going. I am really hoping it picks up in the next episode.

ok episode 3 was much better! it's getting good now!! it ended in a terrific cliffhanger. now sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for #4!!

Just finished episode 4. It was really good. This book is getting better as it goes thank goodness. Anxious for Episode 5 now.