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Black Magic #1
Black Magic
When High Paladin Sorin discovers the brutally dismembered body of his cousin Alfrey, a much loved priest in the royal palace, he is left baffled as to who would do so terrible a thing to so good a man. But to find the answer to that question, he must cooperate with one of the highly despised necromancers, men who practice black magic, sleep in graveyards and feed upon souls …
The necromancer Koray, however, is far from what he expected. He is beautiful, stubborn, and possessed of a tongue sharp enough to cut down even the High Paladin himself. Koray is also possessed of a strength like nothing Sorin has ever encountered, and the power of the Goddess herself.
It does not take them long to realize that solving a murder is the easiest challenge they must face, and in order to save a kingdom they must first unravel centuries of lies and misunderstandings.
The necromancer Koray, however, is far from what he expected. He is beautiful, stubborn, and possessed of a tongue sharp enough to cut down even the High Paladin himself. Koray is also possessed of a strength like nothing Sorin has ever encountered, and the power of the Goddess herself.
It does not take them long to realize that solving a murder is the easiest challenge they must face, and in order to save a kingdom they must first unravel centuries of lies and misunderstandings.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
About the author
Megan Derr
287 books2,987 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
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meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
February 8, 2025
The amount of literal plot, characters and world building that was crammed into these 280 pages is actually astounding. I feel like I have read a 600 page fantasy epic with the world that has been laid out for the reader here. It really is kind of astonishing.
I think that Megan Derr just manages to write the sort of traditional high fantasy (with some of its own unique elements) that really appeals to my tastes. I feel like I've mentioned a few times about how formative Dragon Age: Origins was to the development of my fantasy tastes and and my brain regularly connected the vibes of these two worlds with its demons, priests, paladins, necromancers, warlocks and alchemists all with the guidance of The Goddess.
I feel like this may end up being a common sentiment I have with Derr's work, but my kingdom for this to have been a full length duology to be able to allow for some more breathing and development space in the story between characters and plot points.
I love a paladin/necromancer opposites attract kind of dynamic so Sorin and Koray were such a delight, although I think with some extra time getting to know them I would have found myself even more invested in their romance. I wouldn't have minded a little more grovelling at the end too but I always want a little more grovelling after a misunderstanding lol.
The fact that we got two additional fully developed romances between Cerant and Neikirk as well as Emel and Brekk really highlights how much was squished into this book.
I guess the silver lining to the break neck plot pace is that no plot obstacle really takes that long to resolve lol. Centuries long prejudices to a particular type of magic user -one pretty face and bam all is forgiven haha.
This story is a well written fantasy epic in a pint sized package. I did think is lost some of its potential from how condensed the story was I still had a great time with this world.
I think that Megan Derr just manages to write the sort of traditional high fantasy (with some of its own unique elements) that really appeals to my tastes. I feel like I've mentioned a few times about how formative Dragon Age: Origins was to the development of my fantasy tastes and and my brain regularly connected the vibes of these two worlds with its demons, priests, paladins, necromancers, warlocks and alchemists all with the guidance of The Goddess.
I feel like this may end up being a common sentiment I have with Derr's work, but my kingdom for this to have been a full length duology to be able to allow for some more breathing and development space in the story between characters and plot points.
I love a paladin/necromancer opposites attract kind of dynamic so Sorin and Koray were such a delight, although I think with some extra time getting to know them I would have found myself even more invested in their romance. I wouldn't have minded a little more grovelling at the end too but I always want a little more grovelling after a misunderstanding lol.
The fact that we got two additional fully developed romances between Cerant and Neikirk as well as Emel and Brekk really highlights how much was squished into this book.
I guess the silver lining to the break neck plot pace is that no plot obstacle really takes that long to resolve lol. Centuries long prejudices to a particular type of magic user -one pretty face and bam all is forgiven haha.
This story is a well written fantasy epic in a pint sized package. I did think is lost some of its potential from how condensed the story was I still had a great time with this world.
November 4, 2012
Friends, I appear to be genetically unable to 'get' Megan Derr books. If you are considering this book, please don't be put off by my mild rating. All other evidence suggests you will love it.
***
Enjoyable-enough fantasy with a YA feel (from the lack of depth, the very simplistic plot, and the very little sex). Actually, apart from one (mildly) explicit sex scene, this would be a good tween book: I would have adored it when I was 12. Although the characters and story are dissimilar this reminded me of The Belgariad. EDIT: also Silverthorn, a bit (which totally should have been m/m, btw).
The book is in three sections, and the 'mystery' in the blurb is only in the first third. If you find Scooby Doo to be a whodunit, then you will find this section to be a baffling mystery.
In sections two and three other characters are introduced, until there are five MCs in the gang, and the book becomes more of a classic fantasy-lite let's-all-ride-on-horses-to-yonder-evil-castle narrative.
I enjoyed all the MCs, but moreso when they had their own stories: everyone seeemed to fade a little when brought together, particularly Cerant. Very good slow burn, fed by The Big Misunderstanding, between Sorin and Koray.
The structure let the book down for me. The main point of the book is introduced at the beginning of part two, and has no relationship to the 'mystery' in part one. The final conclusion seemed pretty much unrelated to anything that had gone on beforehand, and this felt like Derr was throwing away the first third of the book. This was frustrating because I can see lots of places where the strands could have been brought together.
There were some really annoying typos and errors e.g. burly for bury.
A relaxing easy read, but I think it's very overpriced for what it is.
2.75 stars.
***
Enjoyable-enough fantasy with a YA feel (from the lack of depth, the very simplistic plot, and the very little sex). Actually, apart from one (mildly) explicit sex scene, this would be a good tween book: I would have adored it when I was 12. Although the characters and story are dissimilar this reminded me of The Belgariad. EDIT: also Silverthorn, a bit (which totally should have been m/m, btw).
The book is in three sections, and the 'mystery' in the blurb is only in the first third. If you find Scooby Doo to be a whodunit, then you will find this section to be a baffling mystery.
In sections two and three other characters are introduced, until there are five MCs in the gang, and the book becomes more of a classic fantasy-lite let's-all-ride-on-horses-to-yonder-evil-castle narrative.
I enjoyed all the MCs, but moreso when they had their own stories: everyone seeemed to fade a little when brought together, particularly Cerant. Very good slow burn, fed by The Big Misunderstanding, between Sorin and Koray.
The structure let the book down for me. The main point of the book is introduced at the beginning of part two, and has no relationship to the 'mystery' in part one. The final conclusion seemed pretty much unrelated to anything that had gone on beforehand, and this felt like Derr was throwing away the first third of the book. This was frustrating because I can see lots of places where the strands could have been brought together.
There were some really annoying typos and errors e.g. burly for bury.
A relaxing easy read, but I think it's very overpriced for what it is.
2.75 stars.
September 24, 2017
Definitely a unique story since it was so divided. It’s almost in different sections – a romance between the two mains, developing romance between others (who I guess will get their own stories?), the mystery the group has to solve together. Throw in strange kingdom politics, racism against certain breeds of magicians and groups, and you get this book. There’s some spark and fun and a little romance thrown in along the way.
Pacing was decent, but the main draw was the unusual world building. Historical paranormal fiction set with knights and castles and kingdoms, oh my, but throw in necromancers who aren’t the typical necromancers we’re familiar with, a bizarre breeding of demons, mad scientists screwing with nature, and you get a fun mixing pot of paranormal beasties that hold the interest even when the pacing slows down.
High Paladin Sorin was a bit hard to take sometimes with his almost unwavering dedication to the cause, but I didn’t want to strangle him long since he did eventually let intelligence and emotion overweigh brainwashing. Geez. The necromancer is filled with some angst (for good reason), but he’s the best character anyway. I dug their budding relationship overall, although it kind of got weighed down in the second half when the book started focusing on other relationships.
Megan Derr seems to like non-traditional sequences and divisions in her books, and this isn’t any different since its divided. Sometimes it stays interesting and sometimes my interest waned a bit. The overall arching mystery was a good one though, even if the relationships were slightly lackluster in comparison.
Pacing was decent, but the main draw was the unusual world building. Historical paranormal fiction set with knights and castles and kingdoms, oh my, but throw in necromancers who aren’t the typical necromancers we’re familiar with, a bizarre breeding of demons, mad scientists screwing with nature, and you get a fun mixing pot of paranormal beasties that hold the interest even when the pacing slows down.
High Paladin Sorin was a bit hard to take sometimes with his almost unwavering dedication to the cause, but I didn’t want to strangle him long since he did eventually let intelligence and emotion overweigh brainwashing. Geez. The necromancer is filled with some angst (for good reason), but he’s the best character anyway. I dug their budding relationship overall, although it kind of got weighed down in the second half when the book started focusing on other relationships.
Megan Derr seems to like non-traditional sequences and divisions in her books, and this isn’t any different since its divided. Sometimes it stays interesting and sometimes my interest waned a bit. The overall arching mystery was a good one though, even if the relationships were slightly lackluster in comparison.
won-t-read-bc-nopes
July 10, 2026Just noping out, and many thanks to @Lola's review of book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have no interest in reading about this couple now that I know book 2 is about ALL of one MC's previous lovers coming up to MC1 and telling him ALL about ALL the sex they had (while the MC they slept with is out of town)...and then the MCs doing those things together.
Who even DOES that? Like really? Who? Do you go up to your exes' current partners and say hey, guess what crazy sex Stuff we used to do together! Let me tell you all about it! ???? Uh, I don't think so???
Confusing AF. I just...No. Not for me.
(If it's your kink, no shame! Have at it! Just...no for me.)
I have no interest in reading about this couple now that I know book 2 is about ALL of one MC's previous lovers coming up to MC1 and telling him ALL about ALL the sex they had (while the MC they slept with is out of town)...and then the MCs doing those things together.
Who even DOES that? Like really? Who? Do you go up to your exes' current partners and say hey, guess what crazy sex Stuff we used to do together! Let me tell you all about it! ???? Uh, I don't think so???
Confusing AF. I just...No. Not for me.
(If it's your kink, no shame! Have at it! Just...no for me.)
November 6, 2012
I discovered Megan Derr this year after a couple of friends sort of pushing her stories to me -- and I ended up loving her stories so much. See, I'm not such a fan of fantasy books. Sure, I enjoy watching "Lords of the Ring" or "Merlin", but don't expect me to actually read those. I like urban taste to my fantasy. So, what Megan Derr does to me is proving some sort of simplicity, so that I can still enjoy her fantasy stories. It's more 'grounded', for lack of the better term.
I don't know if this story is part of a series or that it has been published before. Despite that, I have no problem at all getting into the story, being swept away by the tale of paladins, necromancers, priests, alchemists, and warriors, as they go fighting demons and those practicing black magic.
The book's structure has three parts and two interludes. The mystery in part 1 (the one in the blurb) is easy to guess, and the resolution is a bit rushed. Part two is sort of a foundation for the "mystery" which will be explored more in part 3. Basically, the story revolves around three couples, and their lives are connected to fight evil, with help of the Goddess. I'm sure there are more coherent reviews to explain the story ^^.
Reading Emma's review, I can understand her frustration with the mystery. Because it IS simple and the culprit is not really introduced to us before. However, I don't approach this as mystery though -- I see it more as love story and adventure. I love Megan Derr's grumpy characters and the way she writes practically "clean" sexual intimacy. It's not erotic but for me, that's the charm of her stories.
So verdict? I love it :)
I don't know if this story is part of a series or that it has been published before. Despite that, I have no problem at all getting into the story, being swept away by the tale of paladins, necromancers, priests, alchemists, and warriors, as they go fighting demons and those practicing black magic.
The book's structure has three parts and two interludes. The mystery in part 1 (the one in the blurb) is easy to guess, and the resolution is a bit rushed. Part two is sort of a foundation for the "mystery" which will be explored more in part 3. Basically, the story revolves around three couples, and their lives are connected to fight evil, with help of the Goddess. I'm sure there are more coherent reviews to explain the story ^^.
Reading Emma's review, I can understand her frustration with the mystery. Because it IS simple and the culprit is not really introduced to us before. However, I don't approach this as mystery though -- I see it more as love story and adventure. I love Megan Derr's grumpy characters and the way she writes practically "clean" sexual intimacy. It's not erotic but for me, that's the charm of her stories.
So verdict? I love it :)
June 11, 2013
This rating is for the older version!
July 11, 2026
♾️infinity stars for the first part. 3 stars for the second half. Probably 3.75 stars all said. I don't fucking know.
My experience reading this:
Prologue:
-Absolutely all of this. Let's do ittttt.
0-38%:
-Koray is the most exquisite black cat, a total bitch and he deserves to be. 👸🏻
-Golden boy paladin Sorin being completely flustered by Koray speaking to him that way only to realize.... he's actually really into being bullied by this beautiful, mean as hell, necromancer twink is one of the best things I've read all year.
-Ok, I'm into the magic and the Goddess, but please destroy everyone who is being mean to my baby.
-God why is it so hot every time they snark at each other?
-Ohohoho not Koray being flustered now because Sorin keeps smiling every time Koray verbally eviscerates him.
-Yes!!!! This is the only appropriate use of the enemies to lovers intense argument turns into "I'm gonna shut him up with my mouth" trope.
-Is this going to be my new Roman Empire?
-Oh, ok, a new section....
38-58%:
-No, wait, fucking absolutely not. Why are we following a new couple?
-I guess we need to know what's going on over here with this guy but also... WHY?
-That's great that these new guys are cute and get a sex scene and love each other and how wonderful but where are my babies?
-Fine, the alchemy thing is kind of cool but what are we doing with these demons?
-Another new section... if it's about that third couple I will riot.
58%-end:
-Oh thank god, back to my boys!
-Hmm is Koray maybe being too mean?
-Did that middle section throw me off or are they not being that cute together anymore?
-Wow, ok, we're doing that? I can't decide if I think Koray or Sorin is the worst rn.
-All of these battles are like a single paragraph long and we are really rushing the plot now.
-I kind of like the idea of what the Goddess is doing but this is getting convoluted.
-Are my guys ever gonna get their shit together?
-Oh yay they're getting their shit toge -THE END!
Also, there were things I expected to happen that did not. Why did we never get a scene where Koray tells Sorin that he had personally had a hand in Koray's early trauma? Sorin is just never gonna know that? Why the hell did nothing more come of Ambrose and Rakken's story? The prologue was a banger and that thread just fizzled out? What's happening with the fucking alchemists?
In conclusion; I would die for the first 38%, the banter between them was s tier, I hate that we had that middle 20% of the book from a side couple's POV, it feels like the author gave up the last third and everything was rushed and convoluted, and my boys did not get enough time to be solid together at the end which just felt disrespectful.
And, side note, there were a lot of editing errors in here and I was ignoring them best I could but there was literally a number 6 in the middle of a word at one point and like... come on.
I think I'm the problem. I want so badly to have a strong central romance in a fantasy setting but I am obviously looking in the wrong places.
Pet names: necromancer/My Lord High Necromancer (said sort of condescendingly but then affectionately) and My Lord High Paladin (said condescendingly the whole time lol)
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None. Koray has lived a life of isolation and has never been with anyone sexually or romantically. There's brief mention that Sorin has had lovers in the past but nothing specific or harped on. There's nothing for the other couple either.
ETA: oops, almost forgot that there's a huge misunderstanding where Sorin thinks he's caught Koray with someone else but it's not at all what it looked like to him. He flies into a jealous rage but it's completely unnecessary.
My experience reading this:
Prologue:
-Absolutely all of this. Let's do ittttt.
0-38%:
-Koray is the most exquisite black cat, a total bitch and he deserves to be. 👸🏻
-Golden boy paladin Sorin being completely flustered by Koray speaking to him that way only to realize.... he's actually really into being bullied by this beautiful, mean as hell, necromancer twink is one of the best things I've read all year.
-Ok, I'm into the magic and the Goddess, but please destroy everyone who is being mean to my baby.
-God why is it so hot every time they snark at each other?
-Ohohoho not Koray being flustered now because Sorin keeps smiling every time Koray verbally eviscerates him.
-Yes!!!! This is the only appropriate use of the enemies to lovers intense argument turns into "I'm gonna shut him up with my mouth" trope.
-Is this going to be my new Roman Empire?
-Oh, ok, a new section....
38-58%:
-No, wait, fucking absolutely not. Why are we following a new couple?
-I guess we need to know what's going on over here with this guy but also... WHY?
-That's great that these new guys are cute and get a sex scene and love each other and how wonderful but where are my babies?
-Fine, the alchemy thing is kind of cool but what are we doing with these demons?
-Another new section... if it's about that third couple I will riot.
58%-end:
-Oh thank god, back to my boys!
-Hmm is Koray maybe being too mean?
-Did that middle section throw me off or are they not being that cute together anymore?
-Wow, ok, we're doing that? I can't decide if I think Koray or Sorin is the worst rn.
-All of these battles are like a single paragraph long and we are really rushing the plot now.
-I kind of like the idea of what the Goddess is doing but this is getting convoluted.
-Are my guys ever gonna get their shit together?
-Oh yay they're getting their shit toge -THE END!
Also, there were things I expected to happen that did not. Why did we never get a scene where Koray tells Sorin that he had personally had a hand in Koray's early trauma? Sorin is just never gonna know that? Why the hell did nothing more come of Ambrose and Rakken's story? The prologue was a banger and that thread just fizzled out? What's happening with the fucking alchemists?
In conclusion; I would die for the first 38%, the banter between them was s tier, I hate that we had that middle 20% of the book from a side couple's POV, it feels like the author gave up the last third and everything was rushed and convoluted, and my boys did not get enough time to be solid together at the end which just felt disrespectful.
And, side note, there were a lot of editing errors in here and I was ignoring them best I could but there was literally a number 6 in the middle of a word at one point and like... come on.
I think I'm the problem. I want so badly to have a strong central romance in a fantasy setting but I am obviously looking in the wrong places.
Pet names: necromancer/My Lord High Necromancer (said sort of condescendingly but then affectionately) and My Lord High Paladin (said condescendingly the whole time lol)
Sorin grinned. "That's the third time you've told me thank you, necromancer. Perhaps you have manners after all." "A pity I cannot say the same for your wits," Koray retorted.
"With a tongue like that, I'm surprised you need weapons at all, My Lord High Necromancer. If anyone could reprimand a demon into submission, it would be you." Koray shot him a look violent enough to send the entire army running, but Sorin just grinned.
"Are you always so rude?" Not bothering to cease his glaring at Sorin, Koray said, "I am rude where the situation calls for it. If he calls for it often, then perhaps he should fix those things which warrant the rudeness being inflicted upon him." To Cerant's complete astonishment, Sorin just laughed and playfully chucked Koray under the chin. "I know how to silence you when you get too rude, My Lord High Necromancer. Remember that."
*
*
*
*
*
Safety (may contain spoilers)
SA/rape: None
Other person drama: None. Koray has lived a life of isolation and has never been with anyone sexually or romantically. There's brief mention that Sorin has had lovers in the past but nothing specific or harped on. There's nothing for the other couple either.
ETA: oops, almost forgot that there's a huge misunderstanding where Sorin thinks he's caught Koray with someone else but it's not at all what it looked like to him. He flies into a jealous rage but it's completely unnecessary.
November 2, 2012
Where are the ten stars when you need them????
There are some books you just cannot stop reading and this is one of those. I was gripped by this story, utterly enthralled! I read and hoped that everything will turn for the better, I held my breath when the MCs had to fight, cheered them on when they fell in love, was happy when they found allies in the most unusual places or forms. I cried when one of them was so, so stupid and hoped that both of those stubborn men would see reason (they did... thank God!). I loved everything, the heros and enemies, demons, alechmists, necromancers (I fell a little bit in love with Koray *blushes*), high palladins and priests, I hated the king and my heart went out to Emel and Brekk and in the end I was sooo happy for them.
But my most favorite person was Koray, he's rude, prickly, stubborn, proud but has such a good heart and is willing to see beyond the outer apearance and look in unusual places, he's great :)
When the book ended I couldn't believe it, I wanted and needed more!!! I keep my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel or two!
I could go on for hours how much I loved this book! It's my favorite I read this year! *happy*
There are some books you just cannot stop reading and this is one of those. I was gripped by this story, utterly enthralled! I read and hoped that everything will turn for the better, I held my breath when the MCs had to fight, cheered them on when they fell in love, was happy when they found allies in the most unusual places or forms. I cried when one of them was so, so stupid and hoped that both of those stubborn men would see reason (they did... thank God!). I loved everything, the heros and enemies, demons, alechmists, necromancers (I fell a little bit in love with Koray *blushes*), high palladins and priests, I hated the king and my heart went out to Emel and Brekk and in the end I was sooo happy for them.
But my most favorite person was Koray, he's rude, prickly, stubborn, proud but has such a good heart and is willing to see beyond the outer apearance and look in unusual places, he's great :)
When the book ended I couldn't believe it, I wanted and needed more!!! I keep my fingers crossed that there will be a sequel or two!
I could go on for hours how much I loved this book! It's my favorite I read this year! *happy*
January 11, 2016
One of Derr's stronger fantasy offerings, with a solid set-up and four engaging leads. The plot was addictive enough that I couldn't put it down, and I especially liked the shift to a different couple midway. As is usual for this author, there was little sex, though plenty of banter and sexual tension.
Really, my only complaint was the complete lack of female characters anywhere in the story--the ruling "star of five" are all male and the only two women who had any role at all were evil bitches. I was probably more disappointed because I'd recently read Derr's The High King's Golden Tongue which did an unusually good job shaking up gender roles and expectations. M/M fantasy seems like it should offer fertile ground for reimagining gender roles and dynamics, but unfortunately it far too often falls into the same tiresome, Tolkienesque patterns as the rest of the genre.
Still despite that annoyance (which is not by any means limited to this book), this was an entertaining read and definitely recommended for M/M fantasy fans.
Really, my only complaint was the complete lack of female characters anywhere in the story--the ruling "star of five" are all male and the only two women who had any role at all were evil bitches. I was probably more disappointed because I'd recently read Derr's The High King's Golden Tongue which did an unusually good job shaking up gender roles and expectations. M/M fantasy seems like it should offer fertile ground for reimagining gender roles and dynamics, but unfortunately it far too often falls into the same tiresome, Tolkienesque patterns as the rest of the genre.
Still despite that annoyance (which is not by any means limited to this book), this was an entertaining read and definitely recommended for M/M fantasy fans.
January 11, 2016
Feels rushed and unfinished, and I don't mean the ending. Rollercoaster without breaks :/
2.5 stars, additional 0.5 stars for all the adventure and a much needed comfort read (and it was).
2.5 stars, additional 0.5 stars for all the adventure and a much needed comfort read (and it was).
April 15, 2019
Best book I've read in a while!
December 6, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
I get so excited when a novel by Megan Derr is released, and even though I love when it is part of a series that I already enjoy, every now and then there is one like this, that is part of a new series or a standalone. I love those the most because the part of Megan Derr's novels that are so exciting to me are the world building, and this novel doesn't disappoint on that count. I can only hope that she'll continue in this world too, but then if she doesn't, I know there will be other books to enjoy :)
The key to the first part of this story is in the last paragraph in the blurb -- and pay attention -- "solving a murder is the easiest challenge they face." Readers who aren't as familiar with Megan Derr's work as some might not expect the format and romance in this novel and it might come as a surprise. So in order that you won't be surprised and maybe turned off, not only is this a novel in three parts, but it is also a novel with three romances (though only two of the romances are narrated, the third are other characters, which while important to the story, are less present than the others). The first third of the story is what the blurb talks about and the murder mystery. So I think, in this case, it's pretty important that you pay attention to that line in the blurb that says they find it pretty easy to figure out the culprit (because it is) and that the rest of the book is what is difficult for them.
That mystery is really the setup to the big story, and in a way this works like a series all in one novel. I liked that we were able to read it all together though, and it really brings out the world to be able to see different aspects of it all at once. The different parts introduce new types of magical users to us, all of which bring the world to the place it should be.
The basis of the story is a court of equal parts royalty, warriors and priests. The warriors are called paladins (led by High Paladin Sorin) and use a type of Goddess magic that allows them to fight demons -- once people who used dark magic and turned into thoughtless, remorseless killers intent on draining the souls from people. Then there are the priests, who commune with the Goddess and use healing magic. In the first part of the novel, Sorin finds the brutally dismembered body of his best friend and cousin Alfrey (a priest) in his locked room in the royal palace. The answers are few and in consultation with the high priest, Sorin receives a message from the Goddess that he will need the help of another practitioner of magic, something that the High Priest felt might be some kind of dark magic. Sorin has to continually change his worldview when he meets Koray, a necromancer, because even though he knows that they're evil and one step away from becoming demons, the Goddess tells him that Koray is the one he's meant to deal with. Only the things that he knows about necromancers don't seem to be true. Not only will they have a difficult time finding the culprit and dealing with them, but they'll have an even bigger trouble convincing the rest of the people to open their minds, not just about necromancers, but maybe the way they've been dealing with demons as well.
This is right in line with all of the other books by Derr that I've loved so much. They're such easy reads, easy to get into and I always enjoy the characters. Derr fans will really like this one, and of course like always, I always want other readers who aren't familiar with her work to read it. Definitely Recommended!
I get so excited when a novel by Megan Derr is released, and even though I love when it is part of a series that I already enjoy, every now and then there is one like this, that is part of a new series or a standalone. I love those the most because the part of Megan Derr's novels that are so exciting to me are the world building, and this novel doesn't disappoint on that count. I can only hope that she'll continue in this world too, but then if she doesn't, I know there will be other books to enjoy :)
The key to the first part of this story is in the last paragraph in the blurb -- and pay attention -- "solving a murder is the easiest challenge they face." Readers who aren't as familiar with Megan Derr's work as some might not expect the format and romance in this novel and it might come as a surprise. So in order that you won't be surprised and maybe turned off, not only is this a novel in three parts, but it is also a novel with three romances (though only two of the romances are narrated, the third are other characters, which while important to the story, are less present than the others). The first third of the story is what the blurb talks about and the murder mystery. So I think, in this case, it's pretty important that you pay attention to that line in the blurb that says they find it pretty easy to figure out the culprit (because it is) and that the rest of the book is what is difficult for them.
That mystery is really the setup to the big story, and in a way this works like a series all in one novel. I liked that we were able to read it all together though, and it really brings out the world to be able to see different aspects of it all at once. The different parts introduce new types of magical users to us, all of which bring the world to the place it should be.
The basis of the story is a court of equal parts royalty, warriors and priests. The warriors are called paladins (led by High Paladin Sorin) and use a type of Goddess magic that allows them to fight demons -- once people who used dark magic and turned into thoughtless, remorseless killers intent on draining the souls from people. Then there are the priests, who commune with the Goddess and use healing magic. In the first part of the novel, Sorin finds the brutally dismembered body of his best friend and cousin Alfrey (a priest) in his locked room in the royal palace. The answers are few and in consultation with the high priest, Sorin receives a message from the Goddess that he will need the help of another practitioner of magic, something that the High Priest felt might be some kind of dark magic. Sorin has to continually change his worldview when he meets Koray, a necromancer, because even though he knows that they're evil and one step away from becoming demons, the Goddess tells him that Koray is the one he's meant to deal with. Only the things that he knows about necromancers don't seem to be true. Not only will they have a difficult time finding the culprit and dealing with them, but they'll have an even bigger trouble convincing the rest of the people to open their minds, not just about necromancers, but maybe the way they've been dealing with demons as well.
This is right in line with all of the other books by Derr that I've loved so much. They're such easy reads, easy to get into and I always enjoy the characters. Derr fans will really like this one, and of course like always, I always want other readers who aren't familiar with her work to read it. Definitely Recommended!
November 3, 2012
I actually liked the story better before it was rewritten. I found the MC's less likeable and the story a little bit less exciting. The story didn't really feel like it all came together and reader's didn't get that great detailed moments between Ambrose and Rakken. The air of mystery and subtle dancing about of Koray and Sorin weren't as elegant as the first version and the the character building of the necromancer was gone. That was one of the great things I loved about it before it was rewritten. There were other things that I liked that was replace/rewritten but well it's useless to mention those now.
Don't get me wrong the story was great and was enjoyable if you haven't read the original version before rewrite. My opinion of the book is a bit skewed because of it and I don't mean to sound as if I'm complaining. This story is well worth the read as are a majority(if not all) of Megan's other books. I would have definitely given this book 4 or 4.5 stars had I never laid eyes on it before.
Don't get me wrong the story was great and was enjoyable if you haven't read the original version before rewrite. My opinion of the book is a bit skewed because of it and I don't mean to sound as if I'm complaining. This story is well worth the read as are a majority(if not all) of Megan's other books. I would have definitely given this book 4 or 4.5 stars had I never laid eyes on it before.
November 19, 2020
I liked this one especially the world building. The fantasy setting with knights, castles and the different types of magic was fantastic. The pacing was hit and miss for me - there were times when I was definitely fully engaged and others when my attention would wan just a bit. But overall, I loved the ideas - the necromancers that were different then the typical necromancer you read about, the paladins, the demons and of course the alchemists.
There were a lot of important characters, the MC's (Koray and Sorin) and two other couples which had almost as much time in this book as the MC's. I would almost say that this book had 6 MC's since they were each very important to the story and got a lot of time. I liked the characters but I didn't love any of them. What kept me reading was the world they exist in. Definitely enough to have me continuing this series.
There were a lot of important characters, the MC's (Koray and Sorin) and two other couples which had almost as much time in this book as the MC's. I would almost say that this book had 6 MC's since they were each very important to the story and got a lot of time. I liked the characters but I didn't love any of them. What kept me reading was the world they exist in. Definitely enough to have me continuing this series.
September 29, 2020
DNF 10%
Идея с богиней-шиппером классная, но в остальном скучно и картонно.
Идея с богиней-шиппером классная, но в остальном скучно и картонно.
November 27, 2012
Found it hard not to compare this to fond memories of the previous version. The original had less plot but there was the slow comforting bond between characters that stuck with me, and a feel for Ambrose and his demon. Unfortunately in this new version all that has gone; Sorin and Koray hold hands once and that's the extent of the warmth between them. There's an attempt at a grittier plot but for me it falls short; there's a battle 150men die, then they have tea, it doesn't have impact.
The characters are mere puppets for the Goddess she literally speaks to them, which makes me wonder why Necromancers have been so abused for centuries, if she cared that much she could have just told people to stop it! I never connected to any characters as they lack the depth necessary to make me care, I actually disliked Necromancer Koray in this version; Initially the dialogue is strangely formal but it soon becomes petulant and Koray especially sounds less defensive than adolescent.
The story is divided into three parts and as the characters link with others their personalities thin out and the plot isn't fully cohesive. There's the first 'mystery' from the blurb, that is solved and forgotten, then the threat of demons, then a lot of riding around and suddenly we have an enemy who is identified, introduced and stopped over the turn of a page.
I felt the few sex scenes that there are were unnecessary, the one tacked on the end seemed like it was there out of obligation.
While there are moments/aspects of the book I liked such as the ghosts being made visible which was a nice touch, overall the story fell flat, there’s not enough here to warrant the length or cost and I mourn my favourite moments from the previous version. Derr has a lot of fans who will likely find appeal though and possibly YA readers.
The characters are mere puppets for the Goddess she literally speaks to them, which makes me wonder why Necromancers have been so abused for centuries, if she cared that much she could have just told people to stop it! I never connected to any characters as they lack the depth necessary to make me care, I actually disliked Necromancer Koray in this version; Initially the dialogue is strangely formal but it soon becomes petulant and Koray especially sounds less defensive than adolescent.
The story is divided into three parts and as the characters link with others their personalities thin out and the plot isn't fully cohesive. There's the first 'mystery' from the blurb, that is solved and forgotten, then the threat of demons, then a lot of riding around and suddenly we have an enemy who is identified, introduced and stopped over the turn of a page.
I felt the few sex scenes that there are were unnecessary, the one tacked on the end seemed like it was there out of obligation.
While there are moments/aspects of the book I liked such as the ghosts being made visible which was a nice touch, overall the story fell flat, there’s not enough here to warrant the length or cost and I mourn my favourite moments from the previous version. Derr has a lot of fans who will likely find appeal though and possibly YA readers.
April 16, 2019
4.5 stars
A beautiful fantasy story and a captivating read.
The fantasy elements in here wove together to a caleidoscope of greys instead of black and white. What appeared to be the bogeymen at first turned out to be mislead "normal" people that could be redeemed, what seemed to be the purest of of the pure proved to be able of cruelty and violence. Further, this book played on the claviature of fantasy archetypes (the priest, magician and warrior) in a new and enticing way, combining them with an endearing theological concept.
What I missed most about the plot was a conclusively substantiated motive for the main villain; even though such a motive was being tried to explain, the explanation left me unsatisfied.
In this world,the pairing of two men is just as normal as the pairing of a man and a woman (two women aren't mentioned anywhere, but I'd assume it'd be the same) So the fact that all main characters are in a relationship with another man is in no way a cause of conflict here.
There were six main characters, each of which gets his narrative point-of-view at one point or another. Four of the main characters were nearly perfectly fleshed out, with the last two close behind. Three wonderful love stories, one an enemies-to-lovers theme, one a love-against-all-odds theme and one a master-and-slave-turning-equals theme left hardly anything to be desired. I'd only have wished for the third couple to be drawn as fully as the other two.
The writing was beautiful, clean, smooth, its tone totally fitting the spirit of the fantasy setting. A pity that such a great fantasy read was marred with an abundance of typos, grammar errors and missing words on nearly every single page.
A beautiful fantasy story and a captivating read.
The fantasy elements in here wove together to a caleidoscope of greys instead of black and white. What appeared to be the bogeymen at first turned out to be mislead "normal" people that could be redeemed, what seemed to be the purest of of the pure proved to be able of cruelty and violence. Further, this book played on the claviature of fantasy archetypes (the priest, magician and warrior) in a new and enticing way, combining them with an endearing theological concept.
What I missed most about the plot was a conclusively substantiated motive for the main villain; even though such a motive was being tried to explain, the explanation left me unsatisfied.
In this world,the pairing of two men is just as normal as the pairing of a man and a woman (two women aren't mentioned anywhere, but I'd assume it'd be the same) So the fact that all main characters are in a relationship with another man is in no way a cause of conflict here.
There were six main characters, each of which gets his narrative point-of-view at one point or another. Four of the main characters were nearly perfectly fleshed out, with the last two close behind. Three wonderful love stories, one an enemies-to-lovers theme, one a love-against-all-odds theme and one a master-and-slave-turning-equals theme left hardly anything to be desired. I'd only have wished for the third couple to be drawn as fully as the other two.
The writing was beautiful, clean, smooth, its tone totally fitting the spirit of the fantasy setting. A pity that such a great fantasy read was marred with an abundance of typos, grammar errors and missing words on nearly every single page.
August 10, 2015
3.5 stars
Bickering entertains me only this far.
Bickering entertains me only this far.
January 6, 2018
4 Jan 2018
4th read.
3 May 2017
3rd read. Because I missed Koray and Sorin's bickering.
May 2016
1st read : 10 May 2016
2nd read : 12 May 2016
Ngantuk dan pusing luar biasa hari ini. Cuma tidur 3 jam gara-gara buku ini. Mata ga bisa lepas dari desktop barang sekejap pun saking intensnya ceritanya, terutama saat salah satu idiot bertindak idiot pada kekasihnya, dan aku pun memutuskan untuk tidak tidur sampai aku melihat keduanya berbaikan!
Lucunya, awalnya buku ini sempat ku-pending di pertengahan bab 1. Seperti yg kubilang di review Prisoner yg juga karya Megan Derr itu, awalnya aku memulai Black Magic dulu sebelum Prisoner, tapi akhirnya skip Black Magic dan baca Prisoner karena setelah prolog dan bab 1 buku ini aku kok kurang nafsu baca Black Magic, tapi kuduga karena memang waktu itu pas lagi ga mood baca novel saja. Dan sepertinya memang karena lagi ga mood. Karena di pertengahan bab 1 setelah Sorin ketemu Koray, aku langsung sangat bersemangat bacanya sampai akhir buku! XD Koray adalah tokoh favoritku dari semua tokoh dalam buku ini, soalnya dia tsundere sih, hahaha.
Dan kurasa ini khasnya karya Derr ya. Sama seperti Prisoner yg punya 7 POV, buku ini juga ada banyak POV. Dalam buku ini ada 3 pasangan yg semuanya bergantian dapat giliran buat diintip kepalanya sama pembaca. Tidak membingungkan sama sekali.
Dan sekali lagi aku salut sama kreativitas Derr dalam meramu fantasi. Seingatku, ini pertama kalinya aku baca m/m romance yg tokoh utamanya Necromancer. Dan dalam buku ini, selain ada Necromancer, juga ada Demon, Paladin (pemburu Demon), Priest, Warlock, Alchemist. Tema star-crossed lover buat pasangan Demon x Paladin bikin sedih, dan the unlikely couple lainnya seperti Necromancer x Paladin yg lucu sekaligus bikin gemas karena kebodohan dan kekeraskepalaan mereka dan Priest x Alchemist yg paling adem dan lancar jaya kisah cintanya. Walaupun ini temanya romance, tapi petualangan mereka juga sangat menarik! Jika dibandingkan dengan Prisoner yg pelit di bagian romance-nya, maka buku ini jauh lebih fan service soal romance, dan bagusnya Black Magic ini adalah world building, plot dan para tokohnya dan tentu saja romance-nya. Ini bukan erotica, dan aku senang karena saat ada problem yg muncul, mereka bicara, bukan langsung ML. Dan khas karya Derr itu biasanya seks itu minimal sekali dan kalaupun ada, singkat dan tdk bertele-tele dan tdk luar biasa berbunga bahasanya sampe berlembar-lembar seperti m/m lainnya yg benar2 erotica. Karena di sini Derr fokus di plot cerita. Tapi Derr juga bisa memanjakan pembacanya yg protes karena minimnya lovey dovey moments antara Sorin dan Koray di buku ini dengan membuat novella lanjutannya yg isinya mostly porn antara pasangan idiot itu, lol. Tapi tetap saja menurutku biarpun mostly porn, aku merasa adegannya tdk terlalu bertele-tele dan tdk begitu kelewat puitis dibandingkan m/m lain yg pernah kubaca yg saking kelewat puitis dan panjangnya itu sampe aku skip karena ya itu, bertele-tele banget dan bahasanya bikin aku ga tahan buat muter bola mata dan mau muntah saking gombalnya.
Pokoknya yg suka fantasi dan m/m romance wajib baca yg satu ini deh. Salut sama ide fantasi Derr di sini. Baca buku ini benar2 bikin aku ngerasa lagi baca komik fantasi bikinan orang Jepang, saking kreatifnya fantasinya itu. Aku sampe bisa ngebayangin gimana gambar adegan komiknya. Teori Derr lumayan kompleks sampe aku juga lumayan bingung jelasinnya, dan menurutku lebih seru kalau dibaca sendiri, lol. Oh ya, ini fantasinya bikin aku teringat sama Claymore dan Fullmetal Alchemist, karena Claymore membahas demon dan pemburu demon, sedangkan Fullmetal Alchemist tentang Alchemist dan 'vessel'-nya. Uniknya Black Magic ini adalah di sini Sang Dewi 'menuntun' para pengikutnya yaitu Paladin, Priest, Necromancer, Warlock lewat 'tanda-tanda' langsung pada fisik pengikutnya. Misalnya, sakit kepala yg menyerang High Priest saat ada wahyu atau isyarat darurat dari Dewi, sakit di mata atau jantung saat Dewi 'menegur' pengikut yg bandel dan mengolok-oloknya, atau saat Dewi merasa senang karena High Paladin berhasil menebak apa yg ingin diutarakan Dewi dan Dewi mengekspresikannya dengan cara menghadirkan perasaan senang itu ke dalam benak High Paladin. Hanya High Priest saja yg bisa mendengar Dewi bicara secara langsung padanya, yg lainnya cuma bisa menebak dari tanda-tanda yg diberikan Dewi pada tubuh mereka.
Salah satu yg bikin aku senang dengan m/m fantasy adalah di sini kita ga perlu dengar para tokoh mengeluh soal problema cinta sesama jenis seperti yg lazim ada di kontemporer yg sibuk membahas soal orientasi seksual dan dilema serta masalah yg timbul karenanya, baik dari dalam maupun dari luar. Sudah bosan aku soalnya, secara sudah kenyang baca m/m yg galau soal orientasi seksualnya atau penolakan dari keluarga dan publik, atau kalau ga, in denial kalo dia itu biseksual, makanya aku lagi absen baca YA m/m kontemporer yg mostly topiknya di situ-situ saja. Ngerti sih kalo mostly galau orientasi dan penolakan, tapi kan ga semua gay or bi stres berat soal itu, dan ga semua ortu menentang anaknya gay or bi, namanya juga kepribadian tiap orang kan beda-beda. Ada yg enteng saja menghadapinya, dan yg enteng inilah yg pengen kubaca untuk sementara ini. Ntar suatu saat kalo sudah bosan dengan tipe enteng dan adem soal orientasi seksualnya ini, baru deh kubaca lagi yg tukang galau, hahaha.
4th read.
3 May 2017
3rd read. Because I missed Koray and Sorin's bickering.
May 2016
1st read : 10 May 2016
2nd read : 12 May 2016
Ngantuk dan pusing luar biasa hari ini. Cuma tidur 3 jam gara-gara buku ini. Mata ga bisa lepas dari desktop barang sekejap pun saking intensnya ceritanya, terutama saat salah satu idiot bertindak idiot pada kekasihnya, dan aku pun memutuskan untuk tidak tidur sampai aku melihat keduanya berbaikan!
Lucunya, awalnya buku ini sempat ku-pending di pertengahan bab 1. Seperti yg kubilang di review Prisoner yg juga karya Megan Derr itu, awalnya aku memulai Black Magic dulu sebelum Prisoner, tapi akhirnya skip Black Magic dan baca Prisoner karena setelah prolog dan bab 1 buku ini aku kok kurang nafsu baca Black Magic, tapi kuduga karena memang waktu itu pas lagi ga mood baca novel saja. Dan sepertinya memang karena lagi ga mood. Karena di pertengahan bab 1 setelah Sorin ketemu Koray, aku langsung sangat bersemangat bacanya sampai akhir buku! XD Koray adalah tokoh favoritku dari semua tokoh dalam buku ini, soalnya dia tsundere sih, hahaha.
Dan kurasa ini khasnya karya Derr ya. Sama seperti Prisoner yg punya 7 POV, buku ini juga ada banyak POV. Dalam buku ini ada 3 pasangan yg semuanya bergantian dapat giliran buat diintip kepalanya sama pembaca. Tidak membingungkan sama sekali.
Dan sekali lagi aku salut sama kreativitas Derr dalam meramu fantasi. Seingatku, ini pertama kalinya aku baca m/m romance yg tokoh utamanya Necromancer. Dan dalam buku ini, selain ada Necromancer, juga ada Demon, Paladin (pemburu Demon), Priest, Warlock, Alchemist. Tema star-crossed lover buat pasangan Demon x Paladin bikin sedih, dan the unlikely couple lainnya seperti Necromancer x Paladin yg lucu sekaligus bikin gemas karena kebodohan dan kekeraskepalaan mereka dan Priest x Alchemist yg paling adem dan lancar jaya kisah cintanya. Walaupun ini temanya romance, tapi petualangan mereka juga sangat menarik! Jika dibandingkan dengan Prisoner yg pelit di bagian romance-nya, maka buku ini jauh lebih fan service soal romance, dan bagusnya Black Magic ini adalah world building, plot dan para tokohnya dan tentu saja romance-nya. Ini bukan erotica, dan aku senang karena saat ada problem yg muncul, mereka bicara, bukan langsung ML. Dan khas karya Derr itu biasanya seks itu minimal sekali dan kalaupun ada, singkat dan tdk bertele-tele dan tdk luar biasa berbunga bahasanya sampe berlembar-lembar seperti m/m lainnya yg benar2 erotica. Karena di sini Derr fokus di plot cerita. Tapi Derr juga bisa memanjakan pembacanya yg protes karena minimnya lovey dovey moments antara Sorin dan Koray di buku ini dengan membuat novella lanjutannya yg isinya mostly porn antara pasangan idiot itu, lol. Tapi tetap saja menurutku biarpun mostly porn, aku merasa adegannya tdk terlalu bertele-tele dan tdk begitu kelewat puitis dibandingkan m/m lain yg pernah kubaca yg saking kelewat puitis dan panjangnya itu sampe aku skip karena ya itu, bertele-tele banget dan bahasanya bikin aku ga tahan buat muter bola mata dan mau muntah saking gombalnya.
Pokoknya yg suka fantasi dan m/m romance wajib baca yg satu ini deh. Salut sama ide fantasi Derr di sini. Baca buku ini benar2 bikin aku ngerasa lagi baca komik fantasi bikinan orang Jepang, saking kreatifnya fantasinya itu. Aku sampe bisa ngebayangin gimana gambar adegan komiknya. Teori Derr lumayan kompleks sampe aku juga lumayan bingung jelasinnya, dan menurutku lebih seru kalau dibaca sendiri, lol. Oh ya, ini fantasinya bikin aku teringat sama Claymore dan Fullmetal Alchemist, karena Claymore membahas demon dan pemburu demon, sedangkan Fullmetal Alchemist tentang Alchemist dan 'vessel'-nya. Uniknya Black Magic ini adalah di sini Sang Dewi 'menuntun' para pengikutnya yaitu Paladin, Priest, Necromancer, Warlock lewat 'tanda-tanda' langsung pada fisik pengikutnya. Misalnya, sakit kepala yg menyerang High Priest saat ada wahyu atau isyarat darurat dari Dewi, sakit di mata atau jantung saat Dewi 'menegur' pengikut yg bandel dan mengolok-oloknya, atau saat Dewi merasa senang karena High Paladin berhasil menebak apa yg ingin diutarakan Dewi dan Dewi mengekspresikannya dengan cara menghadirkan perasaan senang itu ke dalam benak High Paladin. Hanya High Priest saja yg bisa mendengar Dewi bicara secara langsung padanya, yg lainnya cuma bisa menebak dari tanda-tanda yg diberikan Dewi pada tubuh mereka.
Salah satu yg bikin aku senang dengan m/m fantasy adalah di sini kita ga perlu dengar para tokoh mengeluh soal problema cinta sesama jenis seperti yg lazim ada di kontemporer yg sibuk membahas soal orientasi seksual dan dilema serta masalah yg timbul karenanya, baik dari dalam maupun dari luar. Sudah bosan aku soalnya, secara sudah kenyang baca m/m yg galau soal orientasi seksualnya atau penolakan dari keluarga dan publik, atau kalau ga, in denial kalo dia itu biseksual, makanya aku lagi absen baca YA m/m kontemporer yg mostly topiknya di situ-situ saja. Ngerti sih kalo mostly galau orientasi dan penolakan, tapi kan ga semua gay or bi stres berat soal itu, dan ga semua ortu menentang anaknya gay or bi, namanya juga kepribadian tiap orang kan beda-beda. Ada yg enteng saja menghadapinya, dan yg enteng inilah yg pengen kubaca untuk sementara ini. Ntar suatu saat kalo sudah bosan dengan tipe enteng dan adem soal orientasi seksualnya ini, baru deh kubaca lagi yg tukang galau, hahaha.
February 26, 2013
~MADE OF MAGIC!~
4.5
Megan Derr has done it again, and I am always amazed when I read one of her books. Black Magic pulled me in from the very beginning, and the author manages to bring another world to life with characters that are unforgettable.
Reviewing a Megan Derr book is always a challenge for me, because there is so much awesome happening that I want to talk about, but then I don't want to give spoilers and ruin the overall enjoyment of the book. Because a fantasy book by this author, the reader should be in the dark when starting. I am going to go ahead and call this one an epic adventure, with sweeping beautiful romances. The blurb gives the impression that it might go one way, but reading it was a completely different experience. The book is divided in three parts, all connected and all dealing with three romances. The romance plays the key role in unlocking mysteries and bringing together a people long divided by hate and miscommunication.
The story consists of Paladins, which are like knights blessed with their goddesses gifts. There is the High Paladin which is Sorin, and he is both ruler and there for guidance. Then there is the High Priest whom speaks directly to Goddess, and the Priests who have the healing energies. The first part of the story deals with Sorin discovering the death of his close friend and priest Alfrey, and that of High Priest. In comes Koray a necromancer whose help is needed, but Sorin believes Koray to be a practitioner of dark magic, but his goddess is saying that with Koray is where the answer lies. Part 2 and 3 brings in discovering of an Alchemist and Warlock and together they are powerful. Now they must catch a villain that is determined to destroy and kill.
The story is filled with magic both good and bad, and the set up of it all coming together is another area in which the author shines. Plot lines all intricately woven, and characters that all manage play a role somehow. Its non-stop entertainment filled with action, and delightful bickering between the MCs. Sorin, Koray, Cerant, Niekirk, Emel, and Brekk will capture your heart.
My only beef is that I wished for Brekk to remain looking like a demon. I was feeling all black skin, wings, and tail *sigh*. Then he went back to being human, not ordinary but still looking all human. I was like NOOO000oooo!
Should You Read It? Yes, all fans of Megan Derr must jump on this one. For its entire dark theme it mostly a romance and I just freaking loved it. I would love more from this world, but if there isn't more I am very satisfied with how it ended and where the couples are in their relationship. Another winning read, by the fab Miss Derr.
4.5
Megan Derr has done it again, and I am always amazed when I read one of her books. Black Magic pulled me in from the very beginning, and the author manages to bring another world to life with characters that are unforgettable.
Reviewing a Megan Derr book is always a challenge for me, because there is so much awesome happening that I want to talk about, but then I don't want to give spoilers and ruin the overall enjoyment of the book. Because a fantasy book by this author, the reader should be in the dark when starting. I am going to go ahead and call this one an epic adventure, with sweeping beautiful romances. The blurb gives the impression that it might go one way, but reading it was a completely different experience. The book is divided in three parts, all connected and all dealing with three romances. The romance plays the key role in unlocking mysteries and bringing together a people long divided by hate and miscommunication.
The story consists of Paladins, which are like knights blessed with their goddesses gifts. There is the High Paladin which is Sorin, and he is both ruler and there for guidance. Then there is the High Priest whom speaks directly to Goddess, and the Priests who have the healing energies. The first part of the story deals with Sorin discovering the death of his close friend and priest Alfrey, and that of High Priest. In comes Koray a necromancer whose help is needed, but Sorin believes Koray to be a practitioner of dark magic, but his goddess is saying that with Koray is where the answer lies. Part 2 and 3 brings in discovering of an Alchemist and Warlock and together they are powerful. Now they must catch a villain that is determined to destroy and kill.
The story is filled with magic both good and bad, and the set up of it all coming together is another area in which the author shines. Plot lines all intricately woven, and characters that all manage play a role somehow. Its non-stop entertainment filled with action, and delightful bickering between the MCs. Sorin, Koray, Cerant, Niekirk, Emel, and Brekk will capture your heart.
My only beef is that I wished for Brekk to remain looking like a demon. I was feeling all black skin, wings, and tail *sigh*. Then he went back to being human, not ordinary but still looking all human. I was like NOOO000oooo!
Should You Read It? Yes, all fans of Megan Derr must jump on this one. For its entire dark theme it mostly a romance and I just freaking loved it. I would love more from this world, but if there isn't more I am very satisfied with how it ended and where the couples are in their relationship. Another winning read, by the fab Miss Derr.
March 29, 2026
I can always rely on Megan Derr to take me on a fantastic journey.
This one is full of Magic and Knights and Demons and Priests and Necromancers. In fact the only thing missing were the Dragons.
But more than just the fantastical and often bloody story line there is love a plenty in this story. Each couple is a joy to read, but my favorite has to be Sorin and Koray. I adored them even while I wanted to shake them.
I was kept immersed in this story from beginning to end. If I had any complaint it was the ending came too fast and left me a little disappointed. I would love to of had a small epilogue updating me on what happened with the Queen and how Emel faired on his journey.
ETA Still feel the same
This one is full of Magic and Knights and Demons and Priests and Necromancers. In fact the only thing missing were the Dragons.
But more than just the fantastical and often bloody story line there is love a plenty in this story. Each couple is a joy to read, but my favorite has to be Sorin and Koray. I adored them even while I wanted to shake them.
I was kept immersed in this story from beginning to end. If I had any complaint it was the ending came too fast and left me a little disappointed. I would love to of had a small epilogue updating me on what happened with the Queen and how Emel faired on his journey.
ETA Still feel the same
September 23, 2014
4.0 Stars
I love Megan Derr's stories. She transports me to wonderful worlds full of mystery and intrigue. Such was the case here. High Paladin Sorin and necromancer, Koray ... just stop. How cool is a world where there are High Paladins and Necromancers??? (Well, necromancers are a bit ewwww but also misunderstood.) In any event, Sorin and Koray couldn't be more different if they tried yet they were lovely together ... once I warmed up to Koray. The mystery was riveting and the world-building, robust.
Bottom line: Megan Derr delivers the goods ... again.
I love Megan Derr's stories. She transports me to wonderful worlds full of mystery and intrigue. Such was the case here. High Paladin Sorin and necromancer, Koray ... just stop. How cool is a world where there are High Paladins and Necromancers??? (Well, necromancers are a bit ewwww but also misunderstood.) In any event, Sorin and Koray couldn't be more different if they tried yet they were lovely together ... once I warmed up to Koray. The mystery was riveting and the world-building, robust.
Bottom line: Megan Derr delivers the goods ... again.
June 25, 2022
Love Megan Derr's work. Her world building skills are epic! This was no exception. Sucked me in from the first chapter and was so hard to be responsible and go to bed at a decent hour instead of reading this right through!
November 9, 2012
One of my favorite books of the year. Megan Derr writes fairy tales and HEAs like no other.
November 25, 2012
4.25 stars.
Can’t believe this is the first book I’ve read by Megan Derr! Really, really liked it!
Can’t believe this is the first book I’ve read by Megan Derr! Really, really liked it!
August 13, 2020
I lOVE Megan Derr period.
Did Not Finish
February 13, 2025DNF 50 something pages
You can tell this is an indie published work because some of the sentences don't make sense which more rounds of editing would have corrected.
The characters felt a bit flat for me. I enjoyed the Prologue where there was lots of drama and we followed different characters.
The plot also jumped around a bit. The MC & ML meet and then in the next paragraph they are suddenly fighting demons together. I felt like I needed time to breathe it was happening so fast.
If you like the following then give this a go by all means:
M/M romance
Medieval fantasy setting
3rd person POV
You can tell this is an indie published work because some of the sentences don't make sense which more rounds of editing would have corrected.
The characters felt a bit flat for me. I enjoyed the Prologue where there was lots of drama and we followed different characters.
The plot also jumped around a bit. The MC & ML meet and then in the next paragraph they are suddenly fighting demons together. I felt like I needed time to breathe it was happening so fast.
If you like the following then give this a go by all means:
M/M romance
Medieval fantasy setting
3rd person POV
May 2, 2022
This has like, almost all my favorite tropes!
I'd highly recommend this to those who enjoy Tavia Lark's Radiance series (and vice versa)!
I'd highly recommend this to those who enjoy Tavia Lark's Radiance series (and vice versa)!
March 13, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
I’m going to be completely honest here. Last year, I tried to read this one and just couldn’t get into it so I set it aside for when I was in the right mood. Then a few days ago, I found it on my kindle and thought, “Oh, a Derr book? Perfect!” and dived right into the story, so engrossed in it that I barely stopped to sleep.
Ms. Derr tells a tale where there are many types of creatures that inhabit the world: Paladins, Necromancers, Demons, Priests, Warlocks and Alchemists. In this world, paladins and priests fight often against demons and necromancers and a different part of the country enslaves alchemists because they’re so ‘dangerous’ they can’t be trusted without a master. The story is complicated and, honestly, goes into several different directions, with twists and turns, harsh moments and sweet moments, and even has a few anxious and funny parts. I don’t want to go into detail because it’s hard to cover everything. What I will say is that this world starts off with every creature being divided and hated or feared. As the story progresses, lies are uncovered, feelings are developed and by the end, powerful forces bond together to make something that revitalized not only the people but the world. This probably sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but it was an AMAZING book and had so much depth and uniqueness that I couldn’t help but love it!
The novel really features only one main couple – Sorin and Koray – and how the two are opposites but have a connection they can’t break. As Sorin is the High Paladin, he’s been engrained to hate and kill necromancers, which is what Koray is. Where Sorin is light and warmth with a sunny smile, Koray is dark and cold, quick to give a sneer. Between them, there’s something deeper than just attraction but there are misunderstandings they can’t seem to work past and confusion that causes them some strain.
There are other characters that make a big impact on the story, though, such as Cerant & Neikirk and Brekk & Emel. While their stories aren’t as deep as Sorin and Koray, readers should be aware that there are multiple couples and POV switches throughout the book to accommodate their parts in the story. The novel takes the reader on a journey where the Goddess is guiding all these characters into saving her people. It was interesting to see how old history was uncovered and how it ended up linking all these people together.
I absolutely loved this story. It was fascinating, captivating and I honestly did not want it to end. Megan Derr has been a favorite author of mine for years now and that hasn’t changed at all. This story was just as great as her other stories I’ve read. If you’re a fantasy lover who likes some action and suspense with a dash of romance, give this one a try because I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
I’m going to be completely honest here. Last year, I tried to read this one and just couldn’t get into it so I set it aside for when I was in the right mood. Then a few days ago, I found it on my kindle and thought, “Oh, a Derr book? Perfect!” and dived right into the story, so engrossed in it that I barely stopped to sleep.
Ms. Derr tells a tale where there are many types of creatures that inhabit the world: Paladins, Necromancers, Demons, Priests, Warlocks and Alchemists. In this world, paladins and priests fight often against demons and necromancers and a different part of the country enslaves alchemists because they’re so ‘dangerous’ they can’t be trusted without a master. The story is complicated and, honestly, goes into several different directions, with twists and turns, harsh moments and sweet moments, and even has a few anxious and funny parts. I don’t want to go into detail because it’s hard to cover everything. What I will say is that this world starts off with every creature being divided and hated or feared. As the story progresses, lies are uncovered, feelings are developed and by the end, powerful forces bond together to make something that revitalized not only the people but the world. This probably sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo but it was an AMAZING book and had so much depth and uniqueness that I couldn’t help but love it!
The novel really features only one main couple – Sorin and Koray – and how the two are opposites but have a connection they can’t break. As Sorin is the High Paladin, he’s been engrained to hate and kill necromancers, which is what Koray is. Where Sorin is light and warmth with a sunny smile, Koray is dark and cold, quick to give a sneer. Between them, there’s something deeper than just attraction but there are misunderstandings they can’t seem to work past and confusion that causes them some strain.
There are other characters that make a big impact on the story, though, such as Cerant & Neikirk and Brekk & Emel. While their stories aren’t as deep as Sorin and Koray, readers should be aware that there are multiple couples and POV switches throughout the book to accommodate their parts in the story. The novel takes the reader on a journey where the Goddess is guiding all these characters into saving her people. It was interesting to see how old history was uncovered and how it ended up linking all these people together.
I absolutely loved this story. It was fascinating, captivating and I honestly did not want it to end. Megan Derr has been a favorite author of mine for years now and that hasn’t changed at all. This story was just as great as her other stories I’ve read. If you’re a fantasy lover who likes some action and suspense with a dash of romance, give this one a try because I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
June 29, 2021
This book surprised me. It's actually a real fantasy book and not a romance with a bit of fantasy, which was what I expected based on my experiences with the m/m genre. The world building and the plot are really good, but I would have loved it to be even deeper, less superficial!
Expect for being predictable, most of what I wrote in my review of Tournament of Losers applies here, too:
I enjoyed the style, the story, the characters and the world building very much. We have one main couple and two other couples (with already established relationships) and the viewpoint varies between all of them, which really fits and makes sure the focus is on the actual plot more than on the romance. Therefore it still feels more like a fantasy book and less like a romance, though it could have been a lot more explicit, detailed and just plain deeper (I love violence, sex and gore, as well as a dark atmosphere ♥ ). Because of the superficiality I would recommend it not only to adults, but teenagers as well [warning though, there is one mention of non-consensual sex - it's just a few sentences but still rather sickening].
My criticism may be harsh, but I truly enjoyed this book, one of my favourites by Derr!
EDIT: After reading it a third time and having read nearly all of Derr's works I don't notice the superficial style that much anymore. I still feel like this could have been much more epic and am a bit saddened by that, but that's just the way Derr writes. The only thing annoying me every damn time is the need for throughout editing.
EDIT2: After my fourth time reading it (it has become one of my comfort reads) I still think it could have been deeper and I was a bit disappointed by the ending, an epilogue would have very much helped in this instance. Nonetheless, I loved it.
Expect for being predictable, most of what I wrote in my review of Tournament of Losers applies here, too:
I enjoyed the style, the story, the characters and the world building very much. We have one main couple and two other couples (with already established relationships) and the viewpoint varies between all of them, which really fits and makes sure the focus is on the actual plot more than on the romance. Therefore it still feels more like a fantasy book and less like a romance, though it could have been a lot more explicit, detailed and just plain deeper (I love violence, sex and gore, as well as a dark atmosphere ♥ ). Because of the superficiality I would recommend it not only to adults, but teenagers as well [warning though, there is one mention of non-consensual sex - it's just a few sentences but still rather sickening].
My criticism may be harsh, but I truly enjoyed this book, one of my favourites by Derr!
EDIT: After reading it a third time and having read nearly all of Derr's works I don't notice the superficial style that much anymore. I still feel like this could have been much more epic and am a bit saddened by that, but that's just the way Derr writes. The only thing annoying me every damn time is the need for throughout editing.
EDIT2: After my fourth time reading it (it has become one of my comfort reads) I still think it could have been deeper and I was a bit disappointed by the ending, an epilogue would have very much helped in this instance. Nonetheless, I loved it.
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