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Chronicles of Arandal #1
Dark Magic
Marrying her father's barbaric enemy for political gain is not the future that Princess Devon imagines for herself. She prefers escaping into the world of magic and legend described in books—books that suggest just how a princess could take the safety of a kingdom into her own hands.
When Devon awakens one night to find the mysterious Galladar in her chamber, the lines between myth and reality begin to blur. Before he disappears into the night, the two share an intimate encounter that leaves her determined to follow her heart.
Devon leaves the castle on a quest to find the mythical dragon who can free her kingdom forever and release her from her father's plan. She's prepared to do whatever it takes to make her future her own. However, when she finds Galladar again, will she be forced to choose between her kingdom and her happiness?
22,000 words
When Devon awakens one night to find the mysterious Galladar in her chamber, the lines between myth and reality begin to blur. Before he disappears into the night, the two share an intimate encounter that leaves her determined to follow her heart.
Devon leaves the castle on a quest to find the mythical dragon who can free her kingdom forever and release her from her father's plan. She's prepared to do whatever it takes to make her future her own. However, when she finds Galladar again, will she be forced to choose between her kingdom and her happiness?
22,000 words
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca York
323 books449 followersRuth Glick (born 1942) is a best-selling author of healthy cookbooks and has also written dozens of romantic suspense romance novels under the pen name Rebecca York.
Ruth earned a B.A. in American Thought and Civilization from George Washington University and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Maryland. Although she always wanted to become a writer, Glick was convinced that her lack of spelling skills meant that her goal was unattainable. As a stay-at-home mother, she took a community college course to help her choose a career. The course made it very clear that writing was her primary interest. Glick began writing articles for newspapers and magazines, but after several years decided to try writing fiction. Her first book, a kids' science fiction book, was finally purchased by Scholastic Inc..
Since then, Glick has become a highly successful author of over 50 romantic suspense and paranormal novels. Many of her novels are published under the Harlequin Intrigue line, and in June 2003, she became one of the first authors published under Berkley's new Sensation imprint. Before 1997, she often collaborated with Eileen Buckholtz and Kathryn Jenson.
Glick also is a highly regarded author of cookbooks focusing on healthy eating. She sometimes hires trained chefs to test the recipes that she creates, and makes sure that every recipe is tested at least three times before it appears in one of her cookbooks.
Glick is the head of the Columbia Writers Workshop. She and her husband, Norman Glick, live in Columbia, Maryland, where Ruth collects rocks, and enjoys cooking, walking, reading, gardening, travel, and Mozart operas. They have two grown children, Elissa and Ethan, and two grandsons (Jesse and Leo).
Ruth earned a B.A. in American Thought and Civilization from George Washington University and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Maryland. Although she always wanted to become a writer, Glick was convinced that her lack of spelling skills meant that her goal was unattainable. As a stay-at-home mother, she took a community college course to help her choose a career. The course made it very clear that writing was her primary interest. Glick began writing articles for newspapers and magazines, but after several years decided to try writing fiction. Her first book, a kids' science fiction book, was finally purchased by Scholastic Inc..
Since then, Glick has become a highly successful author of over 50 romantic suspense and paranormal novels. Many of her novels are published under the Harlequin Intrigue line, and in June 2003, she became one of the first authors published under Berkley's new Sensation imprint. Before 1997, she often collaborated with Eileen Buckholtz and Kathryn Jenson.
Glick also is a highly regarded author of cookbooks focusing on healthy eating. She sometimes hires trained chefs to test the recipes that she creates, and makes sure that every recipe is tested at least three times before it appears in one of her cookbooks.
Glick is the head of the Columbia Writers Workshop. She and her husband, Norman Glick, live in Columbia, Maryland, where Ruth collects rocks, and enjoys cooking, walking, reading, gardening, travel, and Mozart operas. They have two grown children, Elissa and Ethan, and two grandsons (Jesse and Leo).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 23, 2015
Not a bad book, but it felt very basic, like the author forgot to go back through and expand the story. It's a complete plot and all, but very brief, less than 77 pages. It's the story of Princess Devon meeting a hot stranger who talks to her of the legends of dragons while he woos her. She gets the idea that a dragon will save her kingdom from the dirty barbarian invaders. Etc.
It reads like a basic fairy tale with sex. Anatomically correct sex talk/descriptions, no euphemisms.
Why'd I read it? Dragons
It reads like a basic fairy tale with sex. Anatomically correct sex talk/descriptions, no euphemisms.
Why'd I read it? Dragons
August 31, 2011
Paint-by-Numbers Plot, Squick-Inducing Romance
Princess Devon's daddy is not much of a king... or so the story tells us. He keeps his daughter locked up to preserve her virginity for some future marriage brokering. She's so innocent and pure but she's well educated. A shrinking violet who's not afraid to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her people. Only she is afraid and she's just strengthened by the mysterious man who keeps magically entering her room for some no-penetration pleasuring.
Yeeeeah... I picked this one up because I've been wanting to sample some dragon romances and the novella length seemed like it'd allow for a nice bite. Instead the readers gets saddled with a TSTL heroine who bounces between brave, educated noblewoman and panicked virgin who's dying to shed the chastity belt (not literally, thank goodness). When the hero keeps magically appearing in her room she does the idiotic thing and instead of screaming or getting the guards she lets him sample her goods. But no penetration... she has to stay a virgin to save her kingdom. Dad's at war with a barbarian horde and plans to trade her off to their leader to save their people.
Instead of doing anything smart Devon decides to dress up as a boy and run away in search of some legendary dragon she was able to learn about in her secretive studies of magic. But there are rape-hungry barbarians outside of the keep and the mysterious magic guy doesn't want her to find the dragon. This story is about as original as white bread. I kept hoping I'd be surprised but it was mostly nausea inducing not-intercourse sex tempered with a TSTL heroine's fumblings and a boring hero shrouded in mysteriousness because without that he'd be pointless.
It's unusual I dislike a story and feel like I need to rant about the things I found problematic but this is the first story I wanted to throw across the room in ages. If you like TSTL virgin heroines that scream 'special snowflake' and lots of erotic scenes with lots mentions of fluids pick this one up. Otherwise I'd suggest a pass and pick up The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance and read York's short "The Sacrifice" which is very similar in storyline to this one but far better in execution.
**Notes: ARC received from NetGalley.
Princess Devon's daddy is not much of a king... or so the story tells us. He keeps his daughter locked up to preserve her virginity for some future marriage brokering. She's so innocent and pure but she's well educated. A shrinking violet who's not afraid to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her people. Only she is afraid and she's just strengthened by the mysterious man who keeps magically entering her room for some no-penetration pleasuring.
Yeeeeah... I picked this one up because I've been wanting to sample some dragon romances and the novella length seemed like it'd allow for a nice bite. Instead the readers gets saddled with a TSTL heroine who bounces between brave, educated noblewoman and panicked virgin who's dying to shed the chastity belt (not literally, thank goodness). When the hero keeps magically appearing in her room she does the idiotic thing and instead of screaming or getting the guards she lets him sample her goods. But no penetration... she has to stay a virgin to save her kingdom. Dad's at war with a barbarian horde and plans to trade her off to their leader to save their people.
Instead of doing anything smart Devon decides to dress up as a boy and run away in search of some legendary dragon she was able to learn about in her secretive studies of magic. But there are rape-hungry barbarians outside of the keep and the mysterious magic guy doesn't want her to find the dragon. This story is about as original as white bread. I kept hoping I'd be surprised but it was mostly nausea inducing not-intercourse sex tempered with a TSTL heroine's fumblings and a boring hero shrouded in mysteriousness because without that he'd be pointless.
It's unusual I dislike a story and feel like I need to rant about the things I found problematic but this is the first story I wanted to throw across the room in ages. If you like TSTL virgin heroines that scream 'special snowflake' and lots of erotic scenes with lots mentions of fluids pick this one up. Otherwise I'd suggest a pass and pick up The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance and read York's short "The Sacrifice" which is very similar in storyline to this one but far better in execution.
**Notes: ARC received from NetGalley.
August 23, 2011
It is a 2.5 story. Read it like a fairy tale and don't expect much; it's only 77 pages.
Favorite Lines: “The smell of fire and brimstone invaded Devon’s sleep, and for a moment she thought she had died and gone to a place of punishment.” (p. 7, egalley)
Odds are you’ve heard of Rebecca York. She’s written more than 80 romance books and short stories. Well, heads up! She’s got a new story available through Carina Press.
First thing you need to know, Dark Magic is a short, (Ya hear me!) short story. Don’t expect a drawn out romance. It’s straight to the sexuality. Second thing you need to know, read it like an adult version of a fairy tale. If you’re looking for anything else you may be disappointed. The characters are two-dimensional and the story is rushed. But the sex is hot and sexual tension fills the pages of the book.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t satisfied with the book. But I had a little trick. When I’d get disgusted with the book’s predictability, I’d literally have to put the book down and think it’s a fairy tale. I don’t know that lowering my expectations made the story better, but it made it readable. In the end, I will never read the book again. What did you think about it?
Scooper Speaks
Favorite Lines: “The smell of fire and brimstone invaded Devon’s sleep, and for a moment she thought she had died and gone to a place of punishment.” (p. 7, egalley)
Odds are you’ve heard of Rebecca York. She’s written more than 80 romance books and short stories. Well, heads up! She’s got a new story available through Carina Press.
First thing you need to know, Dark Magic is a short, (Ya hear me!) short story. Don’t expect a drawn out romance. It’s straight to the sexuality. Second thing you need to know, read it like an adult version of a fairy tale. If you’re looking for anything else you may be disappointed. The characters are two-dimensional and the story is rushed. But the sex is hot and sexual tension fills the pages of the book.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t satisfied with the book. But I had a little trick. When I’d get disgusted with the book’s predictability, I’d literally have to put the book down and think it’s a fairy tale. I don’t know that lowering my expectations made the story better, but it made it readable. In the end, I will never read the book again. What did you think about it?
Scooper Speaks
October 10, 2011
Lotta Story, Little Space - That's Magic
In the darkest days of the kingdom of Arandal, the castle is under siege from the barbaric Lubantans. For two weeks the castle has stood against the forces from the south, but food is running out and their stranglehold is unwavering. Princess Devon, daughter of the king, is in despair as she kneels in her room and prays to her goddess for guidance and assistance.
A sound from her room is the only response and she whirls to see a large, imposing figure shadowed against the wall. As the man steps forward, the princess is torn between fear and an unfamiliar yearning. He is a stranger, but before she can call for a guard, he's on her, and the dark intent in his eyes holds her in thrall.
His name is Galladar and despite herself, he stirs her soul and, for a few blessed moments, makes her forget. Then he disappears. But not before he reminds her of an ancient tale of magic and mystery, of dragons and maiden sacrifice, of protection for a long-lost kingdom. Not before he seals her fate and gives her soul wings, condemns and frees her, and makes her burn. Not before he sets her on a path that will alter kingdoms and change...everything.
~*~
One of the reasons I don't read all that many short stories and novellas, or care much for anthologies that feature them, is that too often the stories seem very two dimensional or lacking in the sort of depth of history and world building, plot and character development that I prefer. That was far from the case in York's short but delicious little story Dark Magic.
I was impressed at how quickly but thoroughly York snapped the world and backstory into place, dropping the reader into the tale towards the end of a hopeless defense of a kingdom and using that as character motivation and story progression. Princess Devon was nicely fleshed out as an innocent with a fiery spirit and fighting nature. Galladar was a seductive mystery who actually benefited by the lack of development. They had chemistry and individuality I appreciated.
The plotline, too, was surprisingly robust considering the short length. Maybe it's not the most original plot, but I've got a weakness for dragons and I liked how it all came together. No, it didn't answer all my questions, and the story ended more with hope for the future than absolutes, but I can't honestly imagine how it could have ended any differently in such a short tale.
For a short story, Dark Magic offered a surprisingly well-rounded world and likable characters, a plot that appealed, and a sexually charged romance that ended with promise for a future. I honestly couldn't have hoped for much more.
Disclosure: An ARC of this novella was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
In the darkest days of the kingdom of Arandal, the castle is under siege from the barbaric Lubantans. For two weeks the castle has stood against the forces from the south, but food is running out and their stranglehold is unwavering. Princess Devon, daughter of the king, is in despair as she kneels in her room and prays to her goddess for guidance and assistance.
A sound from her room is the only response and she whirls to see a large, imposing figure shadowed against the wall. As the man steps forward, the princess is torn between fear and an unfamiliar yearning. He is a stranger, but before she can call for a guard, he's on her, and the dark intent in his eyes holds her in thrall.
His name is Galladar and despite herself, he stirs her soul and, for a few blessed moments, makes her forget. Then he disappears. But not before he reminds her of an ancient tale of magic and mystery, of dragons and maiden sacrifice, of protection for a long-lost kingdom. Not before he seals her fate and gives her soul wings, condemns and frees her, and makes her burn. Not before he sets her on a path that will alter kingdoms and change...everything.
~*~
One of the reasons I don't read all that many short stories and novellas, or care much for anthologies that feature them, is that too often the stories seem very two dimensional or lacking in the sort of depth of history and world building, plot and character development that I prefer. That was far from the case in York's short but delicious little story Dark Magic.
I was impressed at how quickly but thoroughly York snapped the world and backstory into place, dropping the reader into the tale towards the end of a hopeless defense of a kingdom and using that as character motivation and story progression. Princess Devon was nicely fleshed out as an innocent with a fiery spirit and fighting nature. Galladar was a seductive mystery who actually benefited by the lack of development. They had chemistry and individuality I appreciated.
The plotline, too, was surprisingly robust considering the short length. Maybe it's not the most original plot, but I've got a weakness for dragons and I liked how it all came together. No, it didn't answer all my questions, and the story ended more with hope for the future than absolutes, but I can't honestly imagine how it could have ended any differently in such a short tale.
For a short story, Dark Magic offered a surprisingly well-rounded world and likable characters, a plot that appealed, and a sexually charged romance that ended with promise for a future. I honestly couldn't have hoped for much more.
Disclosure: An ARC of this novella was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
September 12, 2011
Dark Magic by Rebecca York
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Devon has never fit in with her family or the people in the village. Her father is the King and will use her for his own benefit. He has groomed her brother to take his place but has refused to let her study the subjects she wants with her brother. Now they are under siege by the Lubantans and her father plans on trading her to the leader to save his hide.
She is visited by Galladar in her room and she realizes that he has some form of magic. He shows her ways to pleasure a lover without losing her virginity. He leaves her craving more, he is intelligent , sexy, and is genuinely interested in what she has to say.
As Devon discovers what her father has planned for her, she makes the only decision she can – she runs away. She has read the story of how the dragon saved the castle hundreds of years ago and she hopes that the dragon is real and he will accept her sacrifice. Along the way, she is discovered by some Lubantans and they almost raped and killed her. Galladar arrives in time to save her and get her to safety.
He tries to talk her out of seeking the dragon but she insists that it’s her only option to save her father’s people. She is surprised but not shocked to see that Galladar is the Dragon. He tries to scare her into returning but she holds her ground. He accepts her sacrifice and keeps his word but she has no plans on leaving, she has to convince him they can have a future together.
Devon is unique and doesn’t fit in with anyone. She covets knowledge about History, Philosophy, and Politics but her father wants her to learn sewing, weaving & embroidery like the other women. She is a caring individual that wants to do the right thing for her people, even if that means sacrificing herself. She is drawn to Galladar, he has some magic in him plus he sees her for who she really is. He is as drawn to her and she is to him.
Galladar is a sexy dragon that lives alone in the caves. He defeated the dragon of the legends and has taken his place. He is lonely and afraid to grow old alone. He is drawn to Devon because she makes him believe that they could have a future together.
I have read and enjoyed books in both Rebecca York’s 43 Lightstreet and werewolf series for years. I thought this was a fun short read with interesting characters. Overall I enjoyed Dark Magic and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Devon has never fit in with her family or the people in the village. Her father is the King and will use her for his own benefit. He has groomed her brother to take his place but has refused to let her study the subjects she wants with her brother. Now they are under siege by the Lubantans and her father plans on trading her to the leader to save his hide.
She is visited by Galladar in her room and she realizes that he has some form of magic. He shows her ways to pleasure a lover without losing her virginity. He leaves her craving more, he is intelligent , sexy, and is genuinely interested in what she has to say.
As Devon discovers what her father has planned for her, she makes the only decision she can – she runs away. She has read the story of how the dragon saved the castle hundreds of years ago and she hopes that the dragon is real and he will accept her sacrifice. Along the way, she is discovered by some Lubantans and they almost raped and killed her. Galladar arrives in time to save her and get her to safety.
He tries to talk her out of seeking the dragon but she insists that it’s her only option to save her father’s people. She is surprised but not shocked to see that Galladar is the Dragon. He tries to scare her into returning but she holds her ground. He accepts her sacrifice and keeps his word but she has no plans on leaving, she has to convince him they can have a future together.
Devon is unique and doesn’t fit in with anyone. She covets knowledge about History, Philosophy, and Politics but her father wants her to learn sewing, weaving & embroidery like the other women. She is a caring individual that wants to do the right thing for her people, even if that means sacrificing herself. She is drawn to Galladar, he has some magic in him plus he sees her for who she really is. He is as drawn to her and she is to him.
Galladar is a sexy dragon that lives alone in the caves. He defeated the dragon of the legends and has taken his place. He is lonely and afraid to grow old alone. He is drawn to Devon because she makes him believe that they could have a future together.
I have read and enjoyed books in both Rebecca York’s 43 Lightstreet and werewolf series for years. I thought this was a fun short read with interesting characters. Overall I enjoyed Dark Magic and give it 3½ Flaming Hearts.
October 2, 2011
Review posted here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2011/10/book-review-dark-magic-by-rebecca-york.html
Dark Magic is about a princess named Devon. She has been conditioned to be the perfect wife. But that is not what she wants. She loves to read, she loves magic, and she loves to learn about things outside of sewing and how to keep a man happy. But the day comes when her castle is under attack by barbarians and her heartless father’s only defense; give the enemy’s leader Devon so he will stop the attack. Amongst those barbarians is a man named Galladar who is smitten by Devon and has the power to bring the war to a halt. So Princess Devon wants to find the dragon that can help her people and she has no problem sacrificing herself to him. Princess Devon will go from being a pampered princess into the woman she wants to be.
I really enjoyed this short story. It was sweet and hot all at once, I mean very hot. There was a beginning and end. I didn’t feel left out and sometimes I feel left out with short stories. The plot is pretty simple and predictable. But it was a nice. The characters were nice. Galladar was tough but I wish there was more of him. I really enjoyed Devon. She was raised to be a princess and do what she is told. But she yearned to be a scholar, to know about philosophy, politics, astronomy and more. I like that she never gave up. Even when she was in a very sticky situation, she fought tooth and nail and wound out on top, with a little help.
Overall, this is a 77 page story that was straightforward. It may be predictable, but it wasn’t boring and gives you a little bit of everything you need. So if you are looking for a pick me up for your paranormal romance needs, I recommend this short, sweet and sexy read to you.
Dark Magic is about a princess named Devon. She has been conditioned to be the perfect wife. But that is not what she wants. She loves to read, she loves magic, and she loves to learn about things outside of sewing and how to keep a man happy. But the day comes when her castle is under attack by barbarians and her heartless father’s only defense; give the enemy’s leader Devon so he will stop the attack. Amongst those barbarians is a man named Galladar who is smitten by Devon and has the power to bring the war to a halt. So Princess Devon wants to find the dragon that can help her people and she has no problem sacrificing herself to him. Princess Devon will go from being a pampered princess into the woman she wants to be.
I really enjoyed this short story. It was sweet and hot all at once, I mean very hot. There was a beginning and end. I didn’t feel left out and sometimes I feel left out with short stories. The plot is pretty simple and predictable. But it was a nice. The characters were nice. Galladar was tough but I wish there was more of him. I really enjoyed Devon. She was raised to be a princess and do what she is told. But she yearned to be a scholar, to know about philosophy, politics, astronomy and more. I like that she never gave up. Even when she was in a very sticky situation, she fought tooth and nail and wound out on top, with a little help.
Overall, this is a 77 page story that was straightforward. It may be predictable, but it wasn’t boring and gives you a little bit of everything you need. So if you are looking for a pick me up for your paranormal romance needs, I recommend this short, sweet and sexy read to you.
March 4, 2012
Princess Devon has been raised in a time and place where women are good for only marriage, the 'womanly arts', and producing children. Her home is under siege by barbarians, and her father's answer to the problem is to arrange a marriage between Devon and the leader of the barbarians. But a dark clad stranger entering her rooms, combined with the legend of a dragon who - with the offering of a virgin sacrifice - will help her people, pushes Devon to escape the castle and a life that has never been her choice.
If it means saving her people, then Devon is willing to give up her own life. Not for her father, but for the people he rules, and for her brother who will one day take the throne.
This one falls closer to a 2.5 than a 3. I generally enjoy Rebecca York books, but this one didn't grab me the way her work often does. The plot felt a little stilted and forced. It didn't help that the narrator truly didn't fit the story. So, the combination almost pushed me to the point of switching off half way through. Her tone was too formal for the story and lacked passion during the more sensual scenes.
If it means saving her people, then Devon is willing to give up her own life. Not for her father, but for the people he rules, and for her brother who will one day take the throne.
This one falls closer to a 2.5 than a 3. I generally enjoy Rebecca York books, but this one didn't grab me the way her work often does. The plot felt a little stilted and forced. It didn't help that the narrator truly didn't fit the story. So, the combination almost pushed me to the point of switching off half way through. Her tone was too formal for the story and lacked passion during the more sensual scenes.
July 24, 2011
Barbarians are attacking Princess Devon's people.... and there is nothing she can do to help. As she sits in her room, she is visited by a strange and handsome man. He kisses and touches her in ways she's never felt before. And he talks of dragons and magic forbidden by her father. Galladar comes and goes like magic and awakens feelings Devon didn't know existed.
When Devon learns that her father plans to give her to the barbarian leader in exchange for peace, she goes on the run. Legends tell of a dragon who may be able to help her people in exchange for a virgin sacrifice. Devon decides she will be that sacrifice.
It's no great surprise when we do meet the dragon. The story is predictable, though fairly pleasant to read. Essentially, the dragon awakens Devon to being a woman, while her innocence and goodness open up possibilities for him that he has never imagined. Short, sweet, with a small pinch of sexy. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
When Devon learns that her father plans to give her to the barbarian leader in exchange for peace, she goes on the run. Legends tell of a dragon who may be able to help her people in exchange for a virgin sacrifice. Devon decides she will be that sacrifice.
It's no great surprise when we do meet the dragon. The story is predictable, though fairly pleasant to read. Essentially, the dragon awakens Devon to being a woman, while her innocence and goodness open up possibilities for him that he has never imagined. Short, sweet, with a small pinch of sexy. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
July 31, 2011
This is a quick little story about the sacrifice of one to benefit the many.
Devon, a princess, whose kingdom is at war. She finds out that her father is prepared to give her to the enemy to stop the war. When Devon hears this she remembers an old myth, about a dragon, that is her last ditch to save her people.
While all this is happening a mystery man keeps popping into her room. This man starts to awaken the woman in her making her know there is no way that she do what her father is planning and she escapes to search for the dragon.
You can totally tell where the story is going at this point, but it doesn't matter. You want to see Devon discover it for herself and to see what her reaction is going to be.
It is surprising how Devon takes control of this situation and gets just what she wants and makes the dragon see hope.
Devon, a princess, whose kingdom is at war. She finds out that her father is prepared to give her to the enemy to stop the war. When Devon hears this she remembers an old myth, about a dragon, that is her last ditch to save her people.
While all this is happening a mystery man keeps popping into her room. This man starts to awaken the woman in her making her know there is no way that she do what her father is planning and she escapes to search for the dragon.
You can totally tell where the story is going at this point, but it doesn't matter. You want to see Devon discover it for herself and to see what her reaction is going to be.
It is surprising how Devon takes control of this situation and gets just what she wants and makes the dragon see hope.
July 26, 2011
Dark Magic by Rebecca York is a paranormal romance due to be released in digital format on August 1 2011. This romance takes the feel of a historical novel, castles and arranged marriage, and combines it with legends and lore come to life. Galladar is a tortured hero, convinced that he is doomed to become bitter, lonely and evil as others of his kind have before. Devon’s innocent and giving nature might just be his key to a brighter future. Dark Magic has some great, sizzling scenes, and some things that are common problems in romance.
My entire review is available here on Associate Content.
My entire review is available here on Associate Content.
August 15, 2011
Dark magic is a great fantasy novella. I'm not normally into reading dragon stories, but this one had a nice twist. Devon is a compassionate princess and really cares for the people of her kingdom. She decides to sacrifice herself to the resident dragon in hopes that he will bring peace to the land. Before leaving, she meets Galladar who ignites a passion in her that she never knew existed. On her quest, she discovers the truth of just who the mysterious stranger is and what he wants from her. I liked the dragon mythology in this one. The dragon is almost vampire-like which is something I haven't read before. It is a very quick and satisfying read. I definitely recommend it.
July 2, 2012
Not one of York's better efforts. I didn't really feel much between our couple and they never felt like they truly connected, which meant I didn't connect to them. And the dialogue was positively dreadful! And so very lame at many parts. I listened to the audio of this one and I did not like the narrator at all. Normally I love British accented voices but hers just did not work for this story. Not much emotion in her voice and the odd pronunciations just through me out of the story. Maybe I'd have liked this better had I read the ebook myself, but I certainly didn't enjoy enough for a reread.
January 1, 2015
The end could have been developed a bit more - the male lead seems to accept Devon's "we will live happily ever after" just a bit to easily - this could have been developed a bit more, and then the ending could have come
August 20, 2011
Meh. It was alright. If you like Rebecca Yorks work in general, you might like it more than I did.
Thanks to netGalley for giving me access to this title.
Thanks to netGalley for giving me access to this title.
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August 19, 2012review to come on Book Chick City
September 24, 2012
This short is sweet, and, very romantic. The Hero, Galladar, is of that legends are made of. Our heroine, Devon is sweet, honorable, and selfless when it comes to saving her people. Loved it!
March 13, 2013
Note: 3.5/5
Very good for an "erotic" (lot of sex) short story.
Very good for an "erotic" (lot of sex) short story.
December 22, 2016
Virgin stuff ick. Dragon stuff yay! I might like to continue with this series since it's short.
May 12, 2018
It was good...
But something was missing. I don't know if it was length or something else. I am going to try this author again.
But something was missing. I don't know if it was length or something else. I am going to try this author again.
September 29, 2011
Enjoyable as light reading, but I guess I'm just not into "shifter" stories.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews