Cold Burn of Magic is a unique young adult urban fantasy romance, but for fans of Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series, the story will have a very familiar feel.

Lila has been on her own since she was 13 years old, making a living as a thief and pickpocket on the fantastic streets of Cloudburst Falls. (The name of the town evokes images of Disneyland or some other amusement park, and it fits because the town makes its money by showing off its magical features to tourists.) When she helps save a stranger's life, she finds herself embroiled in the nasty mob politics, as well as in the middle of several assassination attempts.

Lila is bad ass and snarky, with very little filter even when diplomacy might be needed. It's part of the reason I loved her. The magical system is one-of-a-kind, breathing new air into the urban fantasy genre. It's a relief to read something different from the typical witches, werewolves and vampires.

Perhaps the only unfortunate thing is that, as mentioned above, Cold Burn has many similarities to Estep's Elemental Assassin series, just with a YA bent. (I just started that series and am currently on book 4.) Lila's back story is very similar to Gin Blanco: her mother died when she was 13, she lived on the streets, she had a mentor figure watching out for her, etc. Not only is she magical, but she also is super, super special and extra magical (much like Gin), with extra-rare abilities. For people like me, who have recently read the assassin series, the character may seem a bit stale, but for fans who have not read the series or who haven't read it in awhile, it will feel fresh and fun.

Thanks to Kensington Books via Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.