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The Portal #3
Blood of The Sorceress
Their Love was destiny. Was a curse to be their undoing?
As an ancient king’s favorite harem slave, Lilia committed the worst of all possible crimes: loving another man. When the king discovered her treason, her lover was sentenced to lose his soul and linger in eternal imprisonment, and Lilia herself was executed alongside her sisters. While they reincarnated through countless lifetimes, she lingered alone between worlds for thousands of years, waiting for the moment to rescue her beloved Demetrius.
Now that moment has come. Demetrius has broken free, but without his soul and in the thrall of the same high priest who betrayed them so long ago; he has become an icy, uncaring cad, devoting himself solely to pleasure and power. Somehow Lilia must convince him to reclaim his humanity, to abandon the enemy tempting him to give in to his selfish desires–or her life will be lost alongside his, both of them condemned to eternal damnation, eternal isolation, their love lost one final and irrevocable time.
As an ancient king’s favorite harem slave, Lilia committed the worst of all possible crimes: loving another man. When the king discovered her treason, her lover was sentenced to lose his soul and linger in eternal imprisonment, and Lilia herself was executed alongside her sisters. While they reincarnated through countless lifetimes, she lingered alone between worlds for thousands of years, waiting for the moment to rescue her beloved Demetrius.
Now that moment has come. Demetrius has broken free, but without his soul and in the thrall of the same high priest who betrayed them so long ago; he has become an icy, uncaring cad, devoting himself solely to pleasure and power. Somehow Lilia must convince him to reclaim his humanity, to abandon the enemy tempting him to give in to his selfish desires–or her life will be lost alongside his, both of them condemned to eternal damnation, eternal isolation, their love lost one final and irrevocable time.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 22, 2013
About the author
Maggie Shayne
396 books2,598 followersI live in the teeny, tiny town of Taylor, NY, (Alliteration Alert!) though my mailing address is Cincinnatus, my telephone exchange is Truxton and I pay taxes and vote in Cuyler. All of these are at least in the same rural county in the southern hills of New York State; Cortland County. There are more cattle than people here. The nearest “big” cities are Syracuse and Binghamton and they are an hour away, in different directions, and not really all that big by most standards, though they both seem humongous to me. I look out my window to see rolling, green, thickly forested hills, wildflower laden meadows and wide open blue, blue skies. My road is barely paved. The nearest neighboring place is a 700 acre dairy farm.
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
My house is a big, century old farmhouse. I moved in here after my divorce in 2006. Just a little over a year later, the house, which I had named, SERENITY, burned. It was 99% gutted, and I lost my two dogs, Sally, an 11-year-old great Dane, and Wrinkles, my 14-year-old, blind bulldog. This was the culmination of my Dark Night of the soul, which had seemed to hit me all at once in 2006-2007. My mother died that year, after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was only 60. The youngest of my five daughters had left home that same year, and while that’s not a tragedy at all, it felt like one to me. Then came the divorce. And finally there was the fire--it seemed my darkest night wasn’t quite finished with me after all. I had lost almost everything before that point, and as I poked through the wet ashes and soot the next day, I realized that I had now been stripped all the way to the bone.
No better time to start over. (And no, I didn’t come to that realization that day--there were a few days of wallowing in pity first, particularly the day after the fire, when I hit a deer and smashed up my car, which I was practically living in!)
That’s when I started to laugh. Just sat on the side of the road as the deer bounded, uninjured and carefree, out of sight, and laughed. It was just too ridiculous at that point, to do anything else!
And from there, I picked myself up, and brushed myself off, and said, okay, there’s only one way to go from here. Forward. And that’s what I did. There I was at the age of harrurmphemmph, living in my one, mostly undamaged remaining room, with a dorm-sized mini-fridge, a futon, a TV, my cat (nine lives!) and a laptop. And not much else. (Though thank goodness the room that survived the fire, was a room that had its own attached bathroom!)
Since then I have rebuilt my beloved home, which really has become my haven, my “Serenity.” I share it now with my fiancé, Lance, and we have accumulated quite the little family together. “Little” being a relative term. We have a pair of English Mastiffs, Dozer and Daisy, who weigh 203 pounds and 208 pounds respectively, and a little pudgy English Bulldog named Niblet, who is bigger than both of them, inside her mind. We also have the aforementioned cat, Glorificus (“Glory” for short,) who adores her canine pups and keeps them firmly in line. And we've acquired a pair of stray cats as well, a mother and son, Luna (Lulu for short) and Butters aka Buddy. Lulu showed up pregnant during a lunar eclipse, had a litter, and vanished again. We found homes for all the kittens except one. Butters. We got him fixed and kept him. A few months later, Lulu returned, again expecting. This litter was born on the "Monster Moon." Again, all the kittens were spayed and neutered and placed in homes, and this time we got Lulu to the vet in time to spay her before the cycle could repeat.
Glory is not amused.
She has a story of her own, my old Glory cat, having been with me before the Dark Times descended, she went through it all with me, moved with me, survived the fire, and remains with me still. She's tolerating the newcomers. Barely.
My partner is an artist, a mechanic, a welder and an inventor, and the rumors are true, he is much younger than I
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 19, 2012
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC received from NetGalley
Immediately upon finishing this book my exact words were: "Whoa! I've read a lot of good books in my time. A LOT. Heck, I've read a ton of amazing Maggie Shayne books! But The Portal series has literally blown me away, and this installment..... I'm speechless right now. It literally took my breath away, made my heart pound so hard it almost hurt, and gave me goosebumps besides. Absolutely incredible!!"
THE PORTAL series is truly epic. Full of magick, romance, intrigue, action and heart. It pulls you along and doesn't let go and makes you yearn for the next installment immediately upon finishing the one at hand. Blood of the Sorceress, being the final book of the series was perfectly set, wrapped everything up beautifully, and even opened the way for a spin-off series should Maggie ever decide she might like to do one. *fingers crossed*
I hate that I can't go on and on about the book as a whole, but I just can't without spoilers. I can tell you that there is a romance that has endured eons, a family that loves each other unconditionally despite their troubles, a villain that is absolutely despicable, action and intrigue that, while somewhat expected, were perfectly set into the storyline, supporting characters that you love and need, and prose that makes you wish you didn't ever have to put the book down.
I would recommend Blood of the Sorceress and the entire PORTAL series starting with the eNovella prequel, Legacy of the Witch, to EVERYONE and hope that others will get just as carried away on this spellbinding journey has I have. These books are already getting a bit worn and I can foresee them becoming quite ratty as the years wear on, whether that be realistically or metaphorically with the eBook versions, simply because they deserve a re-read (or 2 or 3...) and more than deserve to be shared!
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Blood of the Sorceress a very well deserved 5 Skulls. I'm sad to see the series end, but I am honored to have been a part of the journey!
*eARC received from NetGalley
Immediately upon finishing this book my exact words were: "Whoa! I've read a lot of good books in my time. A LOT. Heck, I've read a ton of amazing Maggie Shayne books! But The Portal series has literally blown me away, and this installment..... I'm speechless right now. It literally took my breath away, made my heart pound so hard it almost hurt, and gave me goosebumps besides. Absolutely incredible!!"
THE PORTAL series is truly epic. Full of magick, romance, intrigue, action and heart. It pulls you along and doesn't let go and makes you yearn for the next installment immediately upon finishing the one at hand. Blood of the Sorceress, being the final book of the series was perfectly set, wrapped everything up beautifully, and even opened the way for a spin-off series should Maggie ever decide she might like to do one. *fingers crossed*
I hate that I can't go on and on about the book as a whole, but I just can't without spoilers. I can tell you that there is a romance that has endured eons, a family that loves each other unconditionally despite their troubles, a villain that is absolutely despicable, action and intrigue that, while somewhat expected, were perfectly set into the storyline, supporting characters that you love and need, and prose that makes you wish you didn't ever have to put the book down.
I would recommend Blood of the Sorceress and the entire PORTAL series starting with the eNovella prequel, Legacy of the Witch, to EVERYONE and hope that others will get just as carried away on this spellbinding journey has I have. These books are already getting a bit worn and I can foresee them becoming quite ratty as the years wear on, whether that be realistically or metaphorically with the eBook versions, simply because they deserve a re-read (or 2 or 3...) and more than deserve to be shared!
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Blood of the Sorceress a very well deserved 5 Skulls. I'm sad to see the series end, but I am honored to have been a part of the journey!
July 28, 2019
After reading the first two books, I couldn't wait to read this one. While I didn't love this one as much as I did the others, I still enjoyed finishing the series with Lilia's story. I recommend reading them all in order.
November 11, 2015
I've arranged my thoughts on this novel into a haiku:
"Powerful as love,
A rift in friendship's fabric
Preserves shame and guilt."
"Powerful as love,
A rift in friendship's fabric
Preserves shame and guilt."
March 24, 2025
Blood of the Sorceress is the third book in Shayne's series, The Portal. This paranormal romance features Lilia and Demetrius.
This was the epic finale of the series, although the author does leave room for another installment. In reading the first two books, I made the false assumption that book three would be Lilia's story but that there would be a book four where the three sisters battle the big bad. Everything happens here! I loved the sisters coming back together, and finding their strength from their ancient familial bonds. I was frustrated that Demetrius didn't seem to remember Lilia after everything she had done for him, but my patience was rewarded. Their love was not one that would fizzle out with time; their love was forever.
I appreciated how the author brought Indira, Tomas, Magdalena and Ryan back into the story, and I liked the new characters - Gus and Sid, who for some reason make me think of Cinderella's field mice. LOL! I was also happy to see Selma once more. This ending was everything I wanted it to be, and more. I still want more though, because witches and romance. I'll definitely be checking out other works by Shayne and would encourage you to do so as well.
This was the epic finale of the series, although the author does leave room for another installment. In reading the first two books, I made the false assumption that book three would be Lilia's story but that there would be a book four where the three sisters battle the big bad. Everything happens here! I loved the sisters coming back together, and finding their strength from their ancient familial bonds. I was frustrated that Demetrius didn't seem to remember Lilia after everything she had done for him, but my patience was rewarded. Their love was not one that would fizzle out with time; their love was forever.
I appreciated how the author brought Indira, Tomas, Magdalena and Ryan back into the story, and I liked the new characters - Gus and Sid, who for some reason make me think of Cinderella's field mice. LOL! I was also happy to see Selma once more. This ending was everything I wanted it to be, and more. I still want more though, because witches and romance. I'll definitely be checking out other works by Shayne and would encourage you to do so as well.
July 30, 2018
Demetrius and Lilia have a tough road ahead of them. She has to get him to willingly ask for his soul back and become human. But other forces are telling him that she is tricking him into giving up his immortality and powers so that she can have them.
I figured out who Father Dom and Gus were about a quarter of the way into the book. But it was still great to read and find out what they would do.
The ending leaves it open to a possible continuation of the series even though everything pertinent is resolved. I fell in love with all of the characters in this series, so I hope that sometime in the future there will be more books.
I figured out who Father Dom and Gus were about a quarter of the way into the book. But it was still great to read and find out what they would do.
The ending leaves it open to a possible continuation of the series even though everything pertinent is resolved. I fell in love with all of the characters in this series, so I hope that sometime in the future there will be more books.
March 16, 2025
This is the third book in this series, and even though I’ve read this before many, many years ago, I enjoyed it like it was my first time. The last of the sisters, Lilia, now has her job to do, and that is to convince Demetrius to accept the last piece of his soul. Not everyone wants her to succeed, and they’ll stop at nothing to doom them all. I quite enjoyed this book, even if I think it was probably my least favorite of the three. I was sad at something that happened in the book, but there was a surprise that took me a little too long to figure out. LOL! Great ending to a lovely series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 22, 2018
The problem with this book is we’ve had the whole trilogy building up to this great love that has defied death for centuries. It falls flat. The heroine comes across quite ditzy, and although there are reasons for them not instantly deeply connecting, it never quite sold me. I still really enjoyed aspects of the entire trilogy but this was a bit of a letdown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
Mi ha deluso di brutto. Il ripetere continuamente la storia delle 3 streghe a Babilonia me lo ha reso noioso; Demetrius mi è sembrato ramollito di brutto e anche il finale....ci voleva un cambiamento.
Serie non consigliata.
Serie non consigliata.
July 29, 2018
Omg
Year she brought everyone together it was perfect. The struggles are real immortality or life either way a decision must be made best one so far has me thinking there is going to be more.
Year she brought everyone together it was perfect. The struggles are real immortality or life either way a decision must be made best one so far has me thinking there is going to be more.
April 10, 2020
Great culmination of the trilogy, but is there more?
November 30, 2023
Great story
Love her stories which have you guessing what happens next. Read all her stories and can't wait to read more.
Love her stories which have you guessing what happens next. Read all her stories and can't wait to read more.
August 6, 2017
A great story, again...Lillia & Demetrius are a wonderful couple who prevail against an ancient evil. I -am- curious if this series continues in some way like it seems to end with, as I would love to know more about the characters in this series. Maggie Shayne is a very talented storyteller!!
December 11, 2023
My favorite thing about Maggie's writing, especially the epic witchy love stories is her writing. She actually writes as someone who practices which is important to those who are witchy.Her books, are easy fast reads leaving you wanting more!! If you are looking for witchy magical with some🌶🌶 reading this is the series!! She's amazing author who writes romance for many genres!!
December 16, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
For thirty-five hundred years Lilia has been trapped between worlds while her sisters reincarnated over and over again. She's been waiting for the right moment to set into motion the events that will bring her lover back from the hell he was sentenced to. And now that moment has finally come, but not without complications as once he was revived without any memory, he quickly slipped out of Lilia's grasp and into a life of greed, pleasure, and power. She only has a limited amount of time to convince him to take the remainder of his soul back from her or their last chance to be together will be gone forever. The clock is ticking.
I have to admit I wasn't really feeling the relationship between Lilia and Demetrius. A lot of that had to do with the way the two of them acted individually. Lilia was so utterly single minded in her pursuit of getting him back, even whenever it put her sisters in danger. Honestly that kind of put a sour taste in my mouth. I understand that she loved him and really believed in him, I just would have preferred her to have a little more consideration for what was happening to everyone else in the way. As far as Demetrius, even if you put all the nasty stuff he did before he was "restored" aside, he still wasn't a very likable character at first. I just mean that he was way too quick to believe the priest and treat Lilia like crap all the while acting rather selfish and entitled. Luckily, it didn't take too long for my opinion to start to turn around as they slowly started to redeem themselves. To be honest, I think that growth and progression made the book even more enjoyable than if I had of instantly fallen in love with the two of them. I've just always had a soft spot for the path to redemption and this book really fits that bill.
When it comes to bad guys, sometimes it can be hard to "impress" me as I think I've become a little bit jaded from all of the books I've read. I mean there are only so many different "big bads" you can read about before they start to blend together a little bit, and the impact is lessened. However, that was absolutely not the case in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. The big bad is so terrible it gave me the willies. I mean his very presence just seems slimy and oily, like something you can't get out of your skin. Every time they described his rotundness I just pictured this fat hairy and disgusting man licking his lips and I literally cringed. There was some major shuddering going on while I was reading this book. It's been a very long time since I have wanted to see a bad guy defeated as much as I did in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. Even though this is a paranormal romance, and a happy ever after is expected, I was still rather worried about how he would get his comeuppance at the end as nothing would have been harsh enough for that vile creature. But I guess that is a testament to Maggie Shayne's writing skills in her ability to craft such a three dimensional evil man.
I really enjoyed this trilogy, between the great cast of characters, the intriguing nature of the magic used, and the overall reincarnation story line. Each book was a treat getting to see each sister take their turn in reuniting with their long lost loves. But what really made this series stand apart from other paranormal romances was the way it built up over the course until it all came to a head in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. A lot of the time I prefer Urban Fantasies because of the series build up, although it can be frustrating to have the delayed gratification in the relationship department. So, since this series is the best of both those worlds, it truly is a rare gem that should not be missed.
For thirty-five hundred years Lilia has been trapped between worlds while her sisters reincarnated over and over again. She's been waiting for the right moment to set into motion the events that will bring her lover back from the hell he was sentenced to. And now that moment has finally come, but not without complications as once he was revived without any memory, he quickly slipped out of Lilia's grasp and into a life of greed, pleasure, and power. She only has a limited amount of time to convince him to take the remainder of his soul back from her or their last chance to be together will be gone forever. The clock is ticking.
I have to admit I wasn't really feeling the relationship between Lilia and Demetrius. A lot of that had to do with the way the two of them acted individually. Lilia was so utterly single minded in her pursuit of getting him back, even whenever it put her sisters in danger. Honestly that kind of put a sour taste in my mouth. I understand that she loved him and really believed in him, I just would have preferred her to have a little more consideration for what was happening to everyone else in the way. As far as Demetrius, even if you put all the nasty stuff he did before he was "restored" aside, he still wasn't a very likable character at first. I just mean that he was way too quick to believe the priest and treat Lilia like crap all the while acting rather selfish and entitled. Luckily, it didn't take too long for my opinion to start to turn around as they slowly started to redeem themselves. To be honest, I think that growth and progression made the book even more enjoyable than if I had of instantly fallen in love with the two of them. I've just always had a soft spot for the path to redemption and this book really fits that bill.
When it comes to bad guys, sometimes it can be hard to "impress" me as I think I've become a little bit jaded from all of the books I've read. I mean there are only so many different "big bads" you can read about before they start to blend together a little bit, and the impact is lessened. However, that was absolutely not the case in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. The big bad is so terrible it gave me the willies. I mean his very presence just seems slimy and oily, like something you can't get out of your skin. Every time they described his rotundness I just pictured this fat hairy and disgusting man licking his lips and I literally cringed. There was some major shuddering going on while I was reading this book. It's been a very long time since I have wanted to see a bad guy defeated as much as I did in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. Even though this is a paranormal romance, and a happy ever after is expected, I was still rather worried about how he would get his comeuppance at the end as nothing would have been harsh enough for that vile creature. But I guess that is a testament to Maggie Shayne's writing skills in her ability to craft such a three dimensional evil man.
I really enjoyed this trilogy, between the great cast of characters, the intriguing nature of the magic used, and the overall reincarnation story line. Each book was a treat getting to see each sister take their turn in reuniting with their long lost loves. But what really made this series stand apart from other paranormal romances was the way it built up over the course until it all came to a head in BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS. A lot of the time I prefer Urban Fantasies because of the series build up, although it can be frustrating to have the delayed gratification in the relationship department. So, since this series is the best of both those worlds, it truly is a rare gem that should not be missed.
September 3, 2012
Originally Posted on Bewitching Bibliophile
Rated:4.5 Stars
I'm totally in love with this series, these books are just amazing. I can't wait to here more from the sisters again. I really enjoyed reading this book, and having the whole story come together. I laughed with the characters and could totally understand why the rest of the family wasn't on his side at first, I mean just the history there is almost too much to make trusting him easy. Even with that history they were willing to back their sister while keeping a keen eye on Demetrius. As I was reading I kept trying to guess who Gus was then a couple of things happened that let me know who he was way before the reveal.
The second sisters' story I missed but I can't wait to complete it.. I mean I know what happenes in the overall story but the specifics of her tale are still a mystery and I can't wait to unravel it Lena sounds like an amazing woman.
This book is well written, the magic, the love it's all well done and believable, I mean it is written by Maggie so yeah, of course it's good. I truly loved how Maggie shared so much good information about witchcraftt and she makes thier rituals so beautiful. I did however have two minor issues with the book
1)the main character states that she's willing to give him back his soul even if it means letting him go, then promptly puts a spell on him when he makes a move to throw her out. No madam that's not playing fair is it?? And I thought this was about choice??
2) the mention of 3500 years, 35 centuries over and over again. We get it you waited a long damn time for the right conditions. We get that you loved him even past death and beyond, but umm is this going to come up every time y'all fight?? But then she makes the statement that there is no obligation for him to return your love Yeah no pressure AT ALL
Holy Crap that man was Goddess blessed awful. How does one call themselves a holy man but advocate so much pain and suffering? Not just once either, sir have you learnt nothing in the past few centuries?? I hope Father Don rots in a hell of his own making.
I really enjoyed the series and meeting Amarrah again was good. I just feel so overwhelmed bu the love expressed in the story. I was drawn into the story and I have loved it since reading, I'm purchasing all of them for my shelves soon. I highly recommend, especially now heading into fall, it's a perfect Halloween Read.
Rated:4.5 Stars
I'm totally in love with this series, these books are just amazing. I can't wait to here more from the sisters again. I really enjoyed reading this book, and having the whole story come together. I laughed with the characters and could totally understand why the rest of the family wasn't on his side at first, I mean just the history there is almost too much to make trusting him easy. Even with that history they were willing to back their sister while keeping a keen eye on Demetrius. As I was reading I kept trying to guess who Gus was then a couple of things happened that let me know who he was way before the reveal.
The second sisters' story I missed but I can't wait to complete it.. I mean I know what happenes in the overall story but the specifics of her tale are still a mystery and I can't wait to unravel it Lena sounds like an amazing woman.
This book is well written, the magic, the love it's all well done and believable, I mean it is written by Maggie so yeah, of course it's good. I truly loved how Maggie shared so much good information about witchcraftt and she makes thier rituals so beautiful. I did however have two minor issues with the book
1)the main character states that she's willing to give him back his soul even if it means letting him go, then promptly puts a spell on him when he makes a move to throw her out. No madam that's not playing fair is it?? And I thought this was about choice??
2) the mention of 3500 years, 35 centuries over and over again. We get it you waited a long damn time for the right conditions. We get that you loved him even past death and beyond, but umm is this going to come up every time y'all fight?? But then she makes the statement that there is no obligation for him to return your love Yeah no pressure AT ALL
Holy Crap that man was Goddess blessed awful. How does one call themselves a holy man but advocate so much pain and suffering? Not just once either, sir have you learnt nothing in the past few centuries?? I hope Father Don rots in a hell of his own making.
I really enjoyed the series and meeting Amarrah again was good. I just feel so overwhelmed bu the love expressed in the story. I was drawn into the story and I have loved it since reading, I'm purchasing all of them for my shelves soon. I highly recommend, especially now heading into fall, it's a perfect Halloween Read.
January 21, 2013
Blood of the Sorceress by Maggie Shayne
4 STARS
Blood of the Sorceress is book 3 in The Portal series.
It does a good job tying up the loose ends and filling in the blank spots. Thier is a few love scenes in the book that I skipped over. Thier was plenty of drama,romance,magic and action.
The characters that in previous books that I really did not care about I learned to care and see why they acted that way. The new characters especially Gus and Sid I liked.
Demetrius is now free naked and alone. He only has the three items that the first two witches used to hold part of his soul with him. Demetrius finds a empty cottage and takes clothes,a bus ticket to New York, and some money.
He ends up living on the street with a old homeless man Gus his only friend. Who does not really believe his story.
Lilia can only be brought into the world by Demetrius using his gifts and powers. Then she only has a short time to convince him to give up his powers and imortality to live on earth with her till they die a natural death. She can not tell him that if he does not agree to give up his powers and accept the part of his soul she holds by a certain date they both will die.
Demetrius and Gus are dreaming what they would do if they won the lottery when the knife and the chalis started to glow. A voice in his head told him what to do. When he followed the voice Lilia appeared naked into the alley with him. He ran from the witch into a drunk driver.
Who was a really rich and wanted to run for public office soon. So he gave Demetrius a mansion to live in for a year. Stock in his company, house staff for 3 year and money to take care of thier needs in arizonia.
Same time that Lilia came to earth so did the wizard who cursed Demetrius and killed the 3 witches. He came and took over the Priest who was in a comma body. He Plans to stop them again.
I did not put the book down unless I had to till it was finshed. If you have read the first 2 books of the series this is a must have to see it closed. Hopefully you will like it as well too.
I was given this ebook to read in return asked to give honest review from Netgalley.
01/22/2013 PUB Harlequin MIRA ISBN-10: 0778314219 352 pages
4 STARS
Blood of the Sorceress is book 3 in The Portal series.
It does a good job tying up the loose ends and filling in the blank spots. Thier is a few love scenes in the book that I skipped over. Thier was plenty of drama,romance,magic and action.
The characters that in previous books that I really did not care about I learned to care and see why they acted that way. The new characters especially Gus and Sid I liked.
Demetrius is now free naked and alone. He only has the three items that the first two witches used to hold part of his soul with him. Demetrius finds a empty cottage and takes clothes,a bus ticket to New York, and some money.
He ends up living on the street with a old homeless man Gus his only friend. Who does not really believe his story.
Lilia can only be brought into the world by Demetrius using his gifts and powers. Then she only has a short time to convince him to give up his powers and imortality to live on earth with her till they die a natural death. She can not tell him that if he does not agree to give up his powers and accept the part of his soul she holds by a certain date they both will die.
Demetrius and Gus are dreaming what they would do if they won the lottery when the knife and the chalis started to glow. A voice in his head told him what to do. When he followed the voice Lilia appeared naked into the alley with him. He ran from the witch into a drunk driver.
Who was a really rich and wanted to run for public office soon. So he gave Demetrius a mansion to live in for a year. Stock in his company, house staff for 3 year and money to take care of thier needs in arizonia.
Same time that Lilia came to earth so did the wizard who cursed Demetrius and killed the 3 witches. He came and took over the Priest who was in a comma body. He Plans to stop them again.
I did not put the book down unless I had to till it was finshed. If you have read the first 2 books of the series this is a must have to see it closed. Hopefully you will like it as well too.
I was given this ebook to read in return asked to give honest review from Netgalley.
01/22/2013 PUB Harlequin MIRA ISBN-10: 0778314219 352 pages
January 4, 2013
I received this book as an e-arc from Netgalley for my honest review. This book was AMAZING!! By far the best out of the entire Portal series. Many questions were answered that I had from reading the other books in this series. The whole series was tied together perfectly in this one book. It had me on the edge of my seat up until the end and I couldn’t have asked for a better read. Of course I love all of Maggie’s books but I have completely fallen in love with this entire series. It will definitely be one that I read over and over and not get tired of. My only wish is that the series could continue but I realize all great things must come to an end at some point. I would definitely recommend this book and series to anyone that loves paranormal/romance/suspense type books.
Their love was destiny. Was a curse to be their undoing?
As an ancient king's favorite harem slave, Lilia committed the worst of all possible crimes: loving another man. When the king discovered her treason, her lover was sentenced to lose his soul and linger in eternal imprisonment, and Lilia herself was executed alongside her sisters. While they reincarnated through countless lifetimes, she lingered alone between worlds for thousands of years, waiting for the moment to rescue her beloved Demetrius.
Now that moment has come. Demetrius has broken free, but without his soul and in the thrall of the same high priest who betrayed them so long ago; he has become a ravaging demon, devoting himself solely to pleasure and power. Somehow Lilia must convince him to reclaim his humanity, to abandon the enemy tempting him to give in to his cruel desires—or her life will be lost alongside his, both of them condemned to eternal damnation, eternal isolation, their love lost one final and irrevocable time.
Their love was destiny. Was a curse to be their undoing?
As an ancient king's favorite harem slave, Lilia committed the worst of all possible crimes: loving another man. When the king discovered her treason, her lover was sentenced to lose his soul and linger in eternal imprisonment, and Lilia herself was executed alongside her sisters. While they reincarnated through countless lifetimes, she lingered alone between worlds for thousands of years, waiting for the moment to rescue her beloved Demetrius.
Now that moment has come. Demetrius has broken free, but without his soul and in the thrall of the same high priest who betrayed them so long ago; he has become a ravaging demon, devoting himself solely to pleasure and power. Somehow Lilia must convince him to reclaim his humanity, to abandon the enemy tempting him to give in to his cruel desires—or her life will be lost alongside his, both of them condemned to eternal damnation, eternal isolation, their love lost one final and irrevocable time.
August 9, 2012
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
With BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS, Maggie Shayne’s passionate and dramatic The Portal series concludes in the most intense, action packed, and deeply romantic book yet. Lilia and Demetrius’ love spans eons from Ancient Babylon to modern day New York, continuing the series themes of reincarnation, identity, and above all else redemption.
As much as I’ve enjoyed this series and its love conquers all message, there were a few parts that didn’t sit as well with me. There was a comment about the poor and downtrodden that implied that they were responsible for their plight due to negative thoughts, and that if they employed the ‘power of positive thinking’ all their problems would disappear. It smacked too much of THE SECRET and felt a little preachy for a paranormal romance.
That comment aside, Demetrius was by far my favorite hero in the series. He starts out as a true anti-hero (although I never saw him as quiet as ruthless and selfish as the description implies) and his slow awakening back to the man he was before he lost his soul was riveting. His journey was the most arduous and, at times, seemingly futile. Even with Lilia’s near obsessive determination to save him, I was concerned it wouldn’t be enough.
Of course this is a romance, so you can expect a truly satisfying–if hard won–happily ever after. BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS was a perfect ending to an enchanting series and I would recommend The Portal series to any fan of paranormal romance and epic love stories.
Sexual content: multiple sex scenes
With BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS, Maggie Shayne’s passionate and dramatic The Portal series concludes in the most intense, action packed, and deeply romantic book yet. Lilia and Demetrius’ love spans eons from Ancient Babylon to modern day New York, continuing the series themes of reincarnation, identity, and above all else redemption.
As much as I’ve enjoyed this series and its love conquers all message, there were a few parts that didn’t sit as well with me. There was a comment about the poor and downtrodden that implied that they were responsible for their plight due to negative thoughts, and that if they employed the ‘power of positive thinking’ all their problems would disappear. It smacked too much of THE SECRET and felt a little preachy for a paranormal romance.
That comment aside, Demetrius was by far my favorite hero in the series. He starts out as a true anti-hero (although I never saw him as quiet as ruthless and selfish as the description implies) and his slow awakening back to the man he was before he lost his soul was riveting. His journey was the most arduous and, at times, seemingly futile. Even with Lilia’s near obsessive determination to save him, I was concerned it wouldn’t be enough.
Of course this is a romance, so you can expect a truly satisfying–if hard won–happily ever after. BLOOD OF THE SORCERESS was a perfect ending to an enchanting series and I would recommend The Portal series to any fan of paranormal romance and epic love stories.
Sexual content: multiple sex scenes
September 4, 2012
Fantastic finale to the Portal Series. I really enjoyed reading them all. Each were related to the other, but also very different from each other.
This one centers on Demetrius and Lilia, to the actual two people that this tale begins with.
Demetrius finally being free, but not free. His senses and feelings on things we take for granted is filtered. He can’t enjoy what most humans feel until he receives the last piece of his soul. Lilia holds that piece, but Demetrius doesn’t know if he can trust her, and anyone for that matter.
This book is filled with suspense, lies, betrayals, romance, magic, bonding and relationships. There is so much to this last installment. Can Demetrius make the right decision before it’s too late? This was nail biting to the end. Lots of twists and turns. It was also very hard to put down. And even an opening for a future spin-off of this amazing series.
Maggie does such a great job brining in the world of Wiccans and witchcraft. It’s so fascinating and easy to follow too.
Thank you Maggie for such an amazing series. Hopefully we’ll see Lilia, Indira, Lena and the rest of the characters in a future spinoff.
This one centers on Demetrius and Lilia, to the actual two people that this tale begins with.
Demetrius finally being free, but not free. His senses and feelings on things we take for granted is filtered. He can’t enjoy what most humans feel until he receives the last piece of his soul. Lilia holds that piece, but Demetrius doesn’t know if he can trust her, and anyone for that matter.
This book is filled with suspense, lies, betrayals, romance, magic, bonding and relationships. There is so much to this last installment. Can Demetrius make the right decision before it’s too late? This was nail biting to the end. Lots of twists and turns. It was also very hard to put down. And even an opening for a future spin-off of this amazing series.
Maggie does such a great job brining in the world of Wiccans and witchcraft. It’s so fascinating and easy to follow too.
Thank you Maggie for such an amazing series. Hopefully we’ll see Lilia, Indira, Lena and the rest of the characters in a future spinoff.
December 31, 2012
Blood of the Sorceress was the final book in the Portal Series and I am so sad to see it end. Lilia and her sisters will forever be in my heart.
Maggie Shayne is a true sorceress when it comes to the written word. Her imagination is genuine and her ability to craft a magical world filled with such love and power is unrivaled. The Portal series is undeniably the most extraordinary witchcraft story on the market today.
Blood of the Sorceress had me sitting on the edge of my seat with a prayer in my heart that these two characters would find that happy ending that we all strive for every day. Demetrius has been through the worst kind of hell and Lilia has held on to hope when all has seemed lost. They have the kind of epic love that refuses to die and I felt like I have been right beside them throughout their journey.
The Portal Series holds a special place on my bookshelf as well as in my heart. I hope that you take the time to read this remarkable story about three witches who against all odds right a tremendous wrong and live to love for the rest of their lives.
Maggie Shayne is a true sorceress when it comes to the written word. Her imagination is genuine and her ability to craft a magical world filled with such love and power is unrivaled. The Portal series is undeniably the most extraordinary witchcraft story on the market today.
Blood of the Sorceress had me sitting on the edge of my seat with a prayer in my heart that these two characters would find that happy ending that we all strive for every day. Demetrius has been through the worst kind of hell and Lilia has held on to hope when all has seemed lost. They have the kind of epic love that refuses to die and I felt like I have been right beside them throughout their journey.
The Portal Series holds a special place on my bookshelf as well as in my heart. I hope that you take the time to read this remarkable story about three witches who against all odds right a tremendous wrong and live to love for the rest of their lives.
November 21, 2012
I received a review copy of this book through Netgalley. So glad I did because I don't know if I could have been able to handle the wait after finishing Daughter of the Spellcaster - which I also loved.
This entire series is amazing. It has everything I want in a book - lots of magic and action, good guys fighting evil beings, a beautiful, intense romance that transcends through time (3,500 years). I liked the characters so much, by the time I was finished with the book, I felt like they were my friends. I hated reaching the end of this book.
And even though this book is exciting and entertaining, there's also a much deeper message contained in the story - about learning to appreciate life, and valuing what we have rather than craving something more, because in the end that "something more" might be meaningless. I like when a book does that: makes me think and arrive at some deeper understanding about life and love and all that.
This entire series is amazing. It has everything I want in a book - lots of magic and action, good guys fighting evil beings, a beautiful, intense romance that transcends through time (3,500 years). I liked the characters so much, by the time I was finished with the book, I felt like they were my friends. I hated reaching the end of this book.
And even though this book is exciting and entertaining, there's also a much deeper message contained in the story - about learning to appreciate life, and valuing what we have rather than craving something more, because in the end that "something more" might be meaningless. I like when a book does that: makes me think and arrive at some deeper understanding about life and love and all that.
August 10, 2012
You know when you read a book and you get so enthralled in the story that you curl up into a wee ball and bite the head off anyone who tries to talk to you or interupt your reading? Well that was me with this book. After a few pages I got sucked in right until the end. My muscles are still all sore!
I absolutely loved this. From start to finish it was everythng I hope it would be. I can't lie & say I didn't see how the story would go cause I did, even the little twists. I can say that this is my favourite Maggie Shayne book of all the ones I have read so far and I trully hope she revisits the characters in the future. the trilogy ended perfectly, all loose ens where tied up, it was an action packed journey that I will be revisiting again and again. It's certainly earned it's place on my keeper shelf!
I absolutely loved this. From start to finish it was everythng I hope it would be. I can't lie & say I didn't see how the story would go cause I did, even the little twists. I can say that this is my favourite Maggie Shayne book of all the ones I have read so far and I trully hope she revisits the characters in the future. the trilogy ended perfectly, all loose ens where tied up, it was an action packed journey that I will be revisiting again and again. It's certainly earned it's place on my keeper shelf!
September 12, 2012
I read and reviewed Mark of the Witch and Daughter of the Spellcaster, the first two books in The Portal trilogy. Mark of the Witch was a fantastic beginning and I was super excited about the series until reading Daughter of the Spellcaster.
Daughter of the Spellcaster was just as bad as Mark of the Witch was good. After reading and being so disappointed in Daughter of the Spellcaster I had no relatively no interest in reading Blood of the Sorceress but hoped that Maggie Shayne would end the series and well as she started it. That was wishful thinking Blood of the Sorceress was a weak, boring read and ended up being a DNF for me.
*ARC PROVIDED BY HARLEQUIN VIA NETGALLEY*
Daughter of the Spellcaster was just as bad as Mark of the Witch was good. After reading and being so disappointed in Daughter of the Spellcaster I had no relatively no interest in reading Blood of the Sorceress but hoped that Maggie Shayne would end the series and well as she started it. That was wishful thinking Blood of the Sorceress was a weak, boring read and ended up being a DNF for me.
*ARC PROVIDED BY HARLEQUIN VIA NETGALLEY*
October 2, 2014
Serie The Portal n. 3
Lettura E&L
Finalmente ho finito questo libro.
Tre stelle perchè sono generosa, anzi no facciamo due. Alla fine l'idea non è male, il problema è come è stato scritto.
Noioso, senza colpi di scena (a parte le ultime pagine), personaggi senza spina dorsale (vedi Demetrius) piagiucolosi (vedi Lilia)un cattivo che boh sempra più un nonnetto con le paturnie, e gli altri inesistenti. Si lo so l'ho demolito, ma è che mi aspettavo di più nn solo da questo volume, ma da tutta la serie, che a parte il prequel e il primo che promettevano dopo non ha avuto nessuna evoluzione.
Se avete altro da leggere, leggetelo pure, questa serie può aspettare.
Lettura E&L
Finalmente ho finito questo libro.
Tre stelle perchè sono generosa, anzi no facciamo due. Alla fine l'idea non è male, il problema è come è stato scritto.
Noioso, senza colpi di scena (a parte le ultime pagine), personaggi senza spina dorsale (vedi Demetrius) piagiucolosi (vedi Lilia)un cattivo che boh sempra più un nonnetto con le paturnie, e gli altri inesistenti. Si lo so l'ho demolito, ma è che mi aspettavo di più nn solo da questo volume, ma da tutta la serie, che a parte il prequel e il primo che promettevano dopo non ha avuto nessuna evoluzione.
Se avete altro da leggere, leggetelo pure, questa serie può aspettare.
March 24, 2025
It took centuries for the end of their story to be told and it was quite an ending. Honestly, I think one of my favorite parts was seeing how far the other sisters had come and how their bond allowed then to let Lilia in from the start. Then finding out Selma had always been their mother was one of those feels moments. The characters were a great mix of both good and evil and while I anticipated Demetrius's path from the first mention of the lottery ticket, it was still good. We are left wondering when the marks come back if things are really over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2012
I wasn't too shocked with whom reincarnated into Father Dom's body, but Gus, yup that was a total shocker. I absolutely adore authors who can surprise their readers so with that unexpected twist, this story deserved a 5 star rating.
Demetrius and Lilia, their journey back together didn't wow me but not every love story can be an earth shattering journey. Even though I wasn't completely blown away by these two, I still liked their tale and how the Portal Series ended or is this really the end. The final pages had me wondering and I'm sure it will have you wondering too.
Demetrius and Lilia, their journey back together didn't wow me but not every love story can be an earth shattering journey. Even though I wasn't completely blown away by these two, I still liked their tale and how the Portal Series ended or is this really the end. The final pages had me wondering and I'm sure it will have you wondering too.
March 30, 2013
Was an awesome series couldn't put it down, her storytelling weaves the story so seamlessly I just had to read all three books together but I did love this one the best the relationship between Demetrius and Lilia just felt more solid then it had in the previous two books. The passion also came across more strongly in this book then it did in the other two, the villains though we're creative it was more psychological then overt. A series I well recommend.
January 8, 2013
I eventually finished this series, I´m more happy about that than satisfied for the books that were part of that series, I wonder why I keep on reading from times to times.
Ho finalmente finito questa serie e sono piú felice di questo che dei libri che ne facevano parte, a volte (spesso) mi chiedo perché continuo a leggerli.
Ho finalmente finito questa serie e sono piú felice di questo che dei libri che ne facevano parte, a volte (spesso) mi chiedo perché continuo a leggerli.
March 15, 2013
Compared to the previous books in the series which give a mix of the logical reality versus fantastic magic, this book is all about raw emotion and pure magic all around making reality what it is.
A captivating story that at least kept me reading, just wanting to know how this long and hard journey would finally end!
A captivating story that at least kept me reading, just wanting to know how this long and hard journey would finally end!
December 26, 2013
Heart Pounding Good! Wow! Third book in the series and it did not disappoint. I was reading thinking this has to end good, it's the last in the series, but Whoa...I was freaking out it was so intense! Maggie Shayne, don't do that to me...OK, you can do again. It was so good! Each book was awesome but this one is over the top! And did it tease that there was a possible next book..Oh I hope so.
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