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Arcane #2
Dark Secrets
Six years ago, Haidyn Mast left his home and his betrothed Anisa to follow his magical calling. Too weak to join the Arcane Guild and too ashamed to return home, he has made a life as a prostitute—to all outward appearances. In truth, he sells his mind but not his body, using magic to let his clients experience their most secret fantasies while his hands stay clean. Even the Lawman, the arbiter of justice in Reseda, is one of his clients, but Haidyn would rather not know the extent of that man's depravity.
Though successful, Haidyn is shunned as a whore and his lack of formal training is causing his power to grow out of control. He's ready to retire and leave the city, but when he sees his Anisa standing at the Lawman's side, he knows he must rescue her from the abusive enforcer. Risking his life and his sanity, he devises a plan, knowing that failure will mean death for him, and a lifetime of torment for her…
Though successful, Haidyn is shunned as a whore and his lack of formal training is causing his power to grow out of control. He's ready to retire and leave the city, but when he sees his Anisa standing at the Lawman's side, he knows he must rescue her from the abusive enforcer. Risking his life and his sanity, he devises a plan, knowing that failure will mean death for him, and a lifetime of torment for her…
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2013
155 people want to read
About the author
Shona Husk
97 books620 followersShona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 18, 2014
Too ashamed to return home from a failed attempt to join the powerful Arcane Guild, Haidyn tries to rebuild his life far from those he loves, including Anisa, the girl her left behind. Becoming a prostitute by using his magical abilities, he has amassed a sizable fortune, opened a successful brothel for those with eclectic tastes, and making a name for himself, but upon hearing that Anisa has married one of his most depraved clients, his heart tells him to save her from the mistake she has made, before it’s too late.
Why should she trust him? Why should she believe him? What are her feelings towards him after he deserted her all those years ago? Will their romance be rekindled? What if she discovers what he has become?
Dark Secrets by Shona Husk feels like an alternate world kind of read, steampunkish, with a touch of historical western romance. Her writing is tense, taut and brings forth a world where the talents and lives of her characters become completely viable and believable. If Shona Husk creates a villain, there is no doubt about it-that character is bad, through and through.
Publication Date: February 18, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 82 pages
Available from: Amazon
Why should she trust him? Why should she believe him? What are her feelings towards him after he deserted her all those years ago? Will their romance be rekindled? What if she discovers what he has become?
Dark Secrets by Shona Husk feels like an alternate world kind of read, steampunkish, with a touch of historical western romance. Her writing is tense, taut and brings forth a world where the talents and lives of her characters become completely viable and believable. If Shona Husk creates a villain, there is no doubt about it-that character is bad, through and through.
Publication Date: February 18, 2013
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 82 pages
Available from: Amazon
January 18, 2013
Haidyn Mast knows the Lawman’s wickedness well. He has been servicing him for years. He was mostly content with his life until the day he discovers the Lawman’s new wife is his one and only love, Anisa. Immediately realizing he must free Anisa from what is sure to be a horrible fate, he will do everything in his power to make sure she survives. Will Anisa see to forgive him for leaving her all those years ago? Will she come with him or stay to face her fate?
Shona Husk weaves a vibrant tale, building an intensely authentic but very foreign world for you to explore with your imagination . Dark Secrets is a very shadowy story of a corrupt and tormented place on the brink of war. With magic users and law wielders jockeying for power, everyone else is disposable. It will be interesting to see where this series will head next.
This ARC copy of Dark Secrets was given to me by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date February 18, 2013.
Shona Husk weaves a vibrant tale, building an intensely authentic but very foreign world for you to explore with your imagination . Dark Secrets is a very shadowy story of a corrupt and tormented place on the brink of war. With magic users and law wielders jockeying for power, everyone else is disposable. It will be interesting to see where this series will head next.
This ARC copy of Dark Secrets was given to me by Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date February 18, 2013.
September 4, 2025
This is the second book in a series, of which I did not read the first. I am unsure if these two were meant to be stand-alones in the same world or not. I am assuming so since each story follows different characters. This is also an old review copy, and apparently, you can't get this on the Kindle any longer; it is available on Audible.
Ok, enough of that. This story follows Haidyn, who left home as a young adult to join the Arcane Guild, but he was "weak" and they rejected him, making him turn into a prostitute, eventually becoming the owner of the establishment. He discovered his first and only love is in town and married to a horrible man who secretly comes to the brothel to see Haidyn. Stuff happens, and Haidyn is determined to rescue his lady love from the horrible man. So this story is so incredibly boring. I didn't like any character. I didn't know how the magic system worked. I didn't know or understand a lot. We have this complicated story that is under 100 pages long, and it's supposed to be cohesive and make you ship these characters. I just didn't. I guess there is a reason this isn't available any longer. Intriguing premise, not the best execution.
Ok, enough of that. This story follows Haidyn, who left home as a young adult to join the Arcane Guild, but he was "weak" and they rejected him, making him turn into a prostitute, eventually becoming the owner of the establishment. He discovered his first and only love is in town and married to a horrible man who secretly comes to the brothel to see Haidyn. Stuff happens, and Haidyn is determined to rescue his lady love from the horrible man. So this story is so incredibly boring. I didn't like any character. I didn't know how the magic system worked. I didn't know or understand a lot. We have this complicated story that is under 100 pages long, and it's supposed to be cohesive and make you ship these characters. I just didn't. I guess there is a reason this isn't available any longer. Intriguing premise, not the best execution.
February 1, 2013
Il mondo in cui e' ambientato Dark Secrets e' insolito e affascinante rispetto ad altri paranormal fantasy, direi anche abbastanza crudo in certi suoi aspetti.
Haidyn e' un giovane uomo dotato di poteri magici, che lascia la sua casa e la fidanzata per tentare di entrare in una delle corporazioni dei Lord della magia, per imparare a utilizzare le sue capacita', ma viene rifiutato. Spinto dal suo orgoglio ferito decide di non fare ritorno a casa e non trova il coraggio di affrontare la sua fidanzata e dirle come sono andate le cose. Si ritrova a dover vivere per la strada senza soldi e un lavoro e per sopravvivere decide di utilizzare la sua magia, prostituendosi per dare piacere alla gente. Grazie alla sua capacita' di creare illusioni, alterando la percezione delle cose che pensano e credono di fare le persone, non arriva mai a dover avere un vero contatto fisico, durante i suoi incontri con i clienti, ma questo continuo infrangere le barriere mentali, fa accrescere i suoi poteri senza che lui abbia la capacita' di mantenere il controllo che gli occorre e rischia di impazzire.
Col trascorrere del tempo, nella città in cui risiede e' riuscito a diventare il proprietario di una casa di piacere, ma l'uomo della legge, che governa la citta' si invaghisce di lui. E' un uomo violento e malvagio, che mantiene una facciata di rispettabilità, nascondendo la sua vera natura e i suoi vizi, tranne che con Haydin, che conosce i suoi segreti.
Quest'ultimo sa di avere i giorni contati, sia perché teme che prima o poi l'uomo che lo tormenta possa decidere di eliminarlo, sia perché corre il rischio di non riuscire più a tenere nascosti i suoi poterei magici.
Ma quando pensa di fuggire per rifarsi una vita dal passato riemerge Anisa, la ragazza che in passato aveva abbandonato, ora sposa dell'uomo della legge tanto odiato.
Haydin si rende conto di non averla mai dimenticata e dopo averla incontrata si rende conto la donna sarà destinata a un terribile destino di violenza e soprusi, da parte del marito.
Non può cancellare gli errori del passato, ma può tentare di aiutare Anisa adesso, mettendo a rischio la propria vita.
La storia come ho detto e' interessante, Haydin ha una storia travagliata e il suo atteggiamento e' a volte contraddittorio rispetto a quello che pensa di se stesso ed e' diventato, il suo spirito e' integro, non sopporta i soprusi ed e' generoso e attento nei confronti delle persone che lavorano con e per lui. Cerca di riscattare i suoi errori spinto dai sentimenti che prova per la donna che ama.
Anisa potrebbe sembrare debole e insicura, ma in realtà e' una donna coraggiosa, che va al di la' delle apparenze e dei pregiudizi.
La società in cui vivono e' ambigua, le apparenze sono fondamentali, ma sotto sotto regna la violenza e l'ipocrisia.
Forse il libro non e' riuscito a esprimere il suo pieno potenziale, a causa della sua brevità, e per questo alcuni aspetti non si sono potuti approfondire, comunque nel complesso mi e' piaciuto.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Carina Press per la gentile preview.
The world, in which is set Dark Secrets, is unusual and fascinating than other paranormal fantasy, it's also quite raw in some aspects.
Haidyn and 'a young man gifted with magical powers, who leaves his home and girlfriend for groped to join one of the guilds of the Lord of magic, to learn how to use his abilities, but he is rejected. Driven by his wounded pride decides not to return home and he doesn't find the courage to face his girlfriend and tell her how things went. He must to live on the streets with no money and a job to survive. He decides to use his magic, he sells himself to give pleasure to people. Thanks to his ability to create illusions by altering the perception of things people think and believe they are doing , he never comes in real physical contact during his meetings with customers, but this continuous break the mental barriers, does increase his powers without that he has the ability to keep the control he needs and he is likely to go crazy.
In the city in which he resides and he managed to become the owner of a house of pleasure, but the lawman, which governs the city falls is obsessed with him. he's a man of violence and evil, which maintains a facade of respectability, hiding his true nature and his vices, except with Haydin, who knows his secrets.
The latter knows that his days are numbered, because he's afraid that sooner or later the man who torments him to decide to murder him, and because he runs the risk of not being able to keep hidden his poterei magic.
But when he thinks to escape to rebuild his life, from the past resurfaces Anisa, the girl who had once abandoned, now married the lawman so hated.
Haydin realizes that he had never forgotten her, and after meeting her he realizes that she will be doomed to a terrible fate of violence and abuse by the husband.
He cannot erase the mistakes of the past, but can groped to help Anisa now, risking his lives.
The story, as I have said, is interesting, Haydin has a troubled history and his attitude is sometimes contradictory to what he thinks of himself, but his spirit is intact, ne cannot stand the abuses and he's generous and caring towards people who work with and for him. Seeks to redeem his mistakes driven by his feelings for the woman he loves.
Anisa might seem weak and insecure, but she's a brave woman that goes beyond appearances and prejudices.
The society in which they live is'ambiguous, appearances are crucial, but underneath thers is violence and hypocrisy.
Perhaps the book is not able to deliver its full potential, because of its brevit, however, on the whole I' liked.
I thank Netgalley and Carina Press for kindly preview.
Haidyn e' un giovane uomo dotato di poteri magici, che lascia la sua casa e la fidanzata per tentare di entrare in una delle corporazioni dei Lord della magia, per imparare a utilizzare le sue capacita', ma viene rifiutato. Spinto dal suo orgoglio ferito decide di non fare ritorno a casa e non trova il coraggio di affrontare la sua fidanzata e dirle come sono andate le cose. Si ritrova a dover vivere per la strada senza soldi e un lavoro e per sopravvivere decide di utilizzare la sua magia, prostituendosi per dare piacere alla gente. Grazie alla sua capacita' di creare illusioni, alterando la percezione delle cose che pensano e credono di fare le persone, non arriva mai a dover avere un vero contatto fisico, durante i suoi incontri con i clienti, ma questo continuo infrangere le barriere mentali, fa accrescere i suoi poteri senza che lui abbia la capacita' di mantenere il controllo che gli occorre e rischia di impazzire.
Col trascorrere del tempo, nella città in cui risiede e' riuscito a diventare il proprietario di una casa di piacere, ma l'uomo della legge, che governa la citta' si invaghisce di lui. E' un uomo violento e malvagio, che mantiene una facciata di rispettabilità, nascondendo la sua vera natura e i suoi vizi, tranne che con Haydin, che conosce i suoi segreti.
Quest'ultimo sa di avere i giorni contati, sia perché teme che prima o poi l'uomo che lo tormenta possa decidere di eliminarlo, sia perché corre il rischio di non riuscire più a tenere nascosti i suoi poterei magici.
Ma quando pensa di fuggire per rifarsi una vita dal passato riemerge Anisa, la ragazza che in passato aveva abbandonato, ora sposa dell'uomo della legge tanto odiato.
Haydin si rende conto di non averla mai dimenticata e dopo averla incontrata si rende conto la donna sarà destinata a un terribile destino di violenza e soprusi, da parte del marito.
Non può cancellare gli errori del passato, ma può tentare di aiutare Anisa adesso, mettendo a rischio la propria vita.
La storia come ho detto e' interessante, Haydin ha una storia travagliata e il suo atteggiamento e' a volte contraddittorio rispetto a quello che pensa di se stesso ed e' diventato, il suo spirito e' integro, non sopporta i soprusi ed e' generoso e attento nei confronti delle persone che lavorano con e per lui. Cerca di riscattare i suoi errori spinto dai sentimenti che prova per la donna che ama.
Anisa potrebbe sembrare debole e insicura, ma in realtà e' una donna coraggiosa, che va al di la' delle apparenze e dei pregiudizi.
La società in cui vivono e' ambigua, le apparenze sono fondamentali, ma sotto sotto regna la violenza e l'ipocrisia.
Forse il libro non e' riuscito a esprimere il suo pieno potenziale, a causa della sua brevità, e per questo alcuni aspetti non si sono potuti approfondire, comunque nel complesso mi e' piaciuto.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Carina Press per la gentile preview.
The world, in which is set Dark Secrets, is unusual and fascinating than other paranormal fantasy, it's also quite raw in some aspects.
Haidyn and 'a young man gifted with magical powers, who leaves his home and girlfriend for groped to join one of the guilds of the Lord of magic, to learn how to use his abilities, but he is rejected. Driven by his wounded pride decides not to return home and he doesn't find the courage to face his girlfriend and tell her how things went. He must to live on the streets with no money and a job to survive. He decides to use his magic, he sells himself to give pleasure to people. Thanks to his ability to create illusions by altering the perception of things people think and believe they are doing , he never comes in real physical contact during his meetings with customers, but this continuous break the mental barriers, does increase his powers without that he has the ability to keep the control he needs and he is likely to go crazy.
In the city in which he resides and he managed to become the owner of a house of pleasure, but the lawman, which governs the city falls is obsessed with him. he's a man of violence and evil, which maintains a facade of respectability, hiding his true nature and his vices, except with Haydin, who knows his secrets.
The latter knows that his days are numbered, because he's afraid that sooner or later the man who torments him to decide to murder him, and because he runs the risk of not being able to keep hidden his poterei magic.
But when he thinks to escape to rebuild his life, from the past resurfaces Anisa, the girl who had once abandoned, now married the lawman so hated.
Haydin realizes that he had never forgotten her, and after meeting her he realizes that she will be doomed to a terrible fate of violence and abuse by the husband.
He cannot erase the mistakes of the past, but can groped to help Anisa now, risking his lives.
The story, as I have said, is interesting, Haydin has a troubled history and his attitude is sometimes contradictory to what he thinks of himself, but his spirit is intact, ne cannot stand the abuses and he's generous and caring towards people who work with and for him. Seeks to redeem his mistakes driven by his feelings for the woman he loves.
Anisa might seem weak and insecure, but she's a brave woman that goes beyond appearances and prejudices.
The society in which they live is'ambiguous, appearances are crucial, but underneath thers is violence and hypocrisy.
Perhaps the book is not able to deliver its full potential, because of its brevit, however, on the whole I' liked.
I thank Netgalley and Carina Press for kindly preview.
February 1, 2013
Originally posted at Strange Bedfellows: PNR Reviews
http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2013/02...
This is the second book in Shona Husk's Arcane series; however, I haven't read the first book, Dark Vow, and I don't think you need to either to enjoy Dark Secrets.
This book is touted as a "Western-style fantasy". I wasn't entirely sure what to expect of that categorization. I mean, I don't particularly like Westerns. Or really, y'know, at all. Reading Deadwood (which is what comes to mind when I think of Westerns) was nothing short of painful for me. So there was trepidation. But this book seems to have taken all the best elements of Westerns and left the more annoying traits behind. You've got lawmen that are unchallenged powers, taverns full of sin, sympathetic prostitutes, demure womenfolk, codes of honor, normalized violence, and a Wild West setting. With magic. And apparently there's this whole genre of "weird Westerns" that wasn't even on my radar, which makes me wonder if I could learn to like cowboys, after all.
Something to consider. For now, I'll just focus on Shona Husk's writing because I know I at least like that. And do I, ever. When I first read the synopsis of the book, I was immediately intrigued. (The whole Western element didn't become apparent until I already had the book.) And this is one of those happy occasions when I can report that my enjoyment of the story completely met my expectations, and then some.
What I liked most was the thorough and intricate world-building. There's a complete reality presented here–‒one with its own language, customs, and social structure. The details are everywhere, yet their placement in the story is so matter-of-fact that you don't question their exoticism. Which is my favorite way to approach a fantasy setting. I appreciate the fact that the author doesn't spend too much time explaining this world; rather, she lets the descriptions and explanations unfold naturally in the course of the story.
The other strong suit at work is Haidyn. He's a very compelling protagonist and an effective narrative lens. It's impossible not to sympathize with him. Like a downtrodden prince, he has a dashing personality that just barely masks a wealth of regret and world-weariness. Moreover, his self-reproach is poignant and endearing. He's a man that's made bad choices, and he knows it. But even when life is kicking him in the teeth, he refuses to go down completely. And he never stops being a good person, no matter his circumstances.
As you may be picking up, this isn't an entirely happy book. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it dark fantasy, there's a definite edge at work that keeps things uncomfortable. It's a constant thread of fear and degeneration coursing through every character, every scene. Nothing to shy away from, mind you. Rather, it keeps the sense of urgency going strong until the very end, when everyone–‒reader included–‒feels like they can finally take a full breath.
This book was received courtesy of NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
http://strangebf.blogspot.com/2013/02...
This is the second book in Shona Husk's Arcane series; however, I haven't read the first book, Dark Vow, and I don't think you need to either to enjoy Dark Secrets.
This book is touted as a "Western-style fantasy". I wasn't entirely sure what to expect of that categorization. I mean, I don't particularly like Westerns. Or really, y'know, at all. Reading Deadwood (which is what comes to mind when I think of Westerns) was nothing short of painful for me. So there was trepidation. But this book seems to have taken all the best elements of Westerns and left the more annoying traits behind. You've got lawmen that are unchallenged powers, taverns full of sin, sympathetic prostitutes, demure womenfolk, codes of honor, normalized violence, and a Wild West setting. With magic. And apparently there's this whole genre of "weird Westerns" that wasn't even on my radar, which makes me wonder if I could learn to like cowboys, after all.
Something to consider. For now, I'll just focus on Shona Husk's writing because I know I at least like that. And do I, ever. When I first read the synopsis of the book, I was immediately intrigued. (The whole Western element didn't become apparent until I already had the book.) And this is one of those happy occasions when I can report that my enjoyment of the story completely met my expectations, and then some.
What I liked most was the thorough and intricate world-building. There's a complete reality presented here–‒one with its own language, customs, and social structure. The details are everywhere, yet their placement in the story is so matter-of-fact that you don't question their exoticism. Which is my favorite way to approach a fantasy setting. I appreciate the fact that the author doesn't spend too much time explaining this world; rather, she lets the descriptions and explanations unfold naturally in the course of the story.
The other strong suit at work is Haidyn. He's a very compelling protagonist and an effective narrative lens. It's impossible not to sympathize with him. Like a downtrodden prince, he has a dashing personality that just barely masks a wealth of regret and world-weariness. Moreover, his self-reproach is poignant and endearing. He's a man that's made bad choices, and he knows it. But even when life is kicking him in the teeth, he refuses to go down completely. And he never stops being a good person, no matter his circumstances.
As you may be picking up, this isn't an entirely happy book. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it dark fantasy, there's a definite edge at work that keeps things uncomfortable. It's a constant thread of fear and degeneration coursing through every character, every scene. Nothing to shy away from, mind you. Rather, it keeps the sense of urgency going strong until the very end, when everyone–‒reader included–‒feels like they can finally take a full breath.
This book was received courtesy of NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2013
I hadn't realised this was part of a series that began with Dark Vow, but even if you haven't read the first book, this one works well as a standalone. There are hints to what happened in the earlier book, but you don't need to know anything about it to get enjoyment out of this one.
Haidyn is a magic user, but he was turned away from the guild because his magic at sixteen wasn't strong enough to be apprenticed to anyone. After his is accosted by a man who won't take 'no' for an answer he pushes back at him with his magic and the man leaves, thinking he has had his pleasure, and gives Haidyn money. The start of Haidyn's career as a whore is born, although he uses his mind not his body. He is still seen as one of the lowest of the low, even though over the years he has earned enough to open his own brothel, or Lust House, and he is very picky about the customers he allows through his door. All of them that is except the Lawman.
Now twenty two, Haidyn's magic is getting out of control and he wants to retire and go somewhere else, leave all of this behind, but then he catches sight of the Lawman's new bride: his very own, Anisa. The Lawman has been a client of Haidyn's for years and he will do whatever it takes to make sure no one finds out, especially his new wife. He will do anything. He is the Law.
The book is told entirely from Haidyn's point of view, in a first person narrative, which is not my favourite. However I have to say that I got so engrossed in the book and Haidyn's struggles that I forgot entirely, a testament to very good writing. Haidyn is one of the ultimate tortured heroes and you really empathise with him and his plight.
Ms. Husk has created a fantasy world unlike any I've ever seen before, some other reviews I've seen mention that it was a type of western/steampunk sort of melding, and I suppose that's as good a description as any. Mind you, I'm not so sure I'd have chosen the book beforehand if I knew that, as I am not a great fan of westerns. Here though, it seems to work. I wasn't thinking of the genre as I read, I was too caught up in the actions and tribulations of the characters.
I read it in a day, I just didn't want to put it down and I wanted to know how things turned out. The world-building is just fleshed out enough to give a feel for the setting, but without getting bogged down with lots of over-description. I loved the lightning boxes, and how the common populace didn't know how that power was gained. You have the official magic users, The Arcane Guild and then you have the Rogues, who if caught are sentenced to hanging. Haidyn knows his magic must remain secret, but with his power growing by the day, you're unsure if he will be able to keep it that way.
The Lawman seemed completely irredeemable, he had no soft edges at all and when you see what he does to people, you have no sympathy for him either. He could have come across as a walking cliché, but he didn't. He was just really that awful and you were rooting for Haidyn the whole time.
A great read and something a bit different in the fantasy genre.
ARC from Netgalley
Haidyn is a magic user, but he was turned away from the guild because his magic at sixteen wasn't strong enough to be apprenticed to anyone. After his is accosted by a man who won't take 'no' for an answer he pushes back at him with his magic and the man leaves, thinking he has had his pleasure, and gives Haidyn money. The start of Haidyn's career as a whore is born, although he uses his mind not his body. He is still seen as one of the lowest of the low, even though over the years he has earned enough to open his own brothel, or Lust House, and he is very picky about the customers he allows through his door. All of them that is except the Lawman.
Now twenty two, Haidyn's magic is getting out of control and he wants to retire and go somewhere else, leave all of this behind, but then he catches sight of the Lawman's new bride: his very own, Anisa. The Lawman has been a client of Haidyn's for years and he will do whatever it takes to make sure no one finds out, especially his new wife. He will do anything. He is the Law.
The book is told entirely from Haidyn's point of view, in a first person narrative, which is not my favourite. However I have to say that I got so engrossed in the book and Haidyn's struggles that I forgot entirely, a testament to very good writing. Haidyn is one of the ultimate tortured heroes and you really empathise with him and his plight.
Ms. Husk has created a fantasy world unlike any I've ever seen before, some other reviews I've seen mention that it was a type of western/steampunk sort of melding, and I suppose that's as good a description as any. Mind you, I'm not so sure I'd have chosen the book beforehand if I knew that, as I am not a great fan of westerns. Here though, it seems to work. I wasn't thinking of the genre as I read, I was too caught up in the actions and tribulations of the characters.
I read it in a day, I just didn't want to put it down and I wanted to know how things turned out. The world-building is just fleshed out enough to give a feel for the setting, but without getting bogged down with lots of over-description. I loved the lightning boxes, and how the common populace didn't know how that power was gained. You have the official magic users, The Arcane Guild and then you have the Rogues, who if caught are sentenced to hanging. Haidyn knows his magic must remain secret, but with his power growing by the day, you're unsure if he will be able to keep it that way.
The Lawman seemed completely irredeemable, he had no soft edges at all and when you see what he does to people, you have no sympathy for him either. He could have come across as a walking cliché, but he didn't. He was just really that awful and you were rooting for Haidyn the whole time.
A great read and something a bit different in the fantasy genre.
ARC from Netgalley
August 21, 2013
I���ve read six books in the past week, three of which are being released today and I now have to review. And because my procrastination likes to have real world consequences, two of those books I really wish I had more time to think about.
Dark Secrets is the first such book.
I read Dark Secrets first, partially because I liked the premise of the book, partially because I was in the mood for fantasy, but mostly because I lurve Shona Husk. If you have a chance to read her Shadowlands series, do so, because that series is off the fucking chain.
So going into this book I had high hopes for a quick little romance read set in a fantasy world with magic and patron gods and miscellaneous other good things.
Allow me to spare you some confusion. This book isn���t really a romance. I mean yes, the main characters actions are prompted by his love for what was basically his high school sweetheart, but that���s basically it. You get a few interactions, and his sucker punch realization that this is the woman he has always and will always love. Very little in the way of developing hearts and budding flowers.
Does this take away from the story?
Not even a little bit.
Instead you get this fascinating look at what one man who���s sold his morals to the highest bidder and what he does post sucker punch. You get to look at the workings of this flawed government system. Of its dirty officials, skewed morals, and rather err��� flexible laws.
Was it the romance I wanted? No. Was it a fantastic fantasy (yes I giggled when I typed that) that I thoroughly enjoyed? Fuck yes.
3.5 Stars. Mild romantic elements with heavy mind altering magic use. Fun for the whole family. If your family is okay reading about pleasure houses.
���
Actually��� Forget I mentioned families.
As a side note, I picked this up without reading book one in the series. There were parts where I was like ���the fuck������ in reference to the world and it���s magic, but not so bad that I wasn���t able to piece things together.
Dark Secrets is the first such book.
I read Dark Secrets first, partially because I liked the premise of the book, partially because I was in the mood for fantasy, but mostly because I lurve Shona Husk. If you have a chance to read her Shadowlands series, do so, because that series is off the fucking chain.
So going into this book I had high hopes for a quick little romance read set in a fantasy world with magic and patron gods and miscellaneous other good things.
Allow me to spare you some confusion. This book isn���t really a romance. I mean yes, the main characters actions are prompted by his love for what was basically his high school sweetheart, but that���s basically it. You get a few interactions, and his sucker punch realization that this is the woman he has always and will always love. Very little in the way of developing hearts and budding flowers.
Does this take away from the story?
Not even a little bit.
Instead you get this fascinating look at what one man who���s sold his morals to the highest bidder and what he does post sucker punch. You get to look at the workings of this flawed government system. Of its dirty officials, skewed morals, and rather err��� flexible laws.
Was it the romance I wanted? No. Was it a fantastic fantasy (yes I giggled when I typed that) that I thoroughly enjoyed? Fuck yes.
3.5 Stars. Mild romantic elements with heavy mind altering magic use. Fun for the whole family. If your family is okay reading about pleasure houses.
���
Actually��� Forget I mentioned families.
As a side note, I picked this up without reading book one in the series. There were parts where I was like ���the fuck������ in reference to the world and it���s magic, but not so bad that I wasn���t able to piece things together.
February 10, 2013
3.5 stars - Haidyn's magic may have been judged too small to win him a place in the Arcane Guild, but his gift has made Haidyn the most successful 'whore' and brothel owner in town – he can make his customersbelieve that he is fulfilling their darkest fantasies. But Haidyn's cushy, if not respectable, life is about to come to an end. When Haidyn discovers that in not returning home to face the shame of his failure, the woman he left behind was wed to Haidyn's most powerful and depraved customer, the Lawman. Haidyn will have to risk his very life to free them both from the grasp of the Lawman who considers it his right to abuse them both.
I enjoyed this second book in Husk's magical Old-West-ish fantasy world. If you missed the first book Dark Vow, you probably won't get as good a sense of this world with its trade guild centric religion, because the world building is more lightly sketched this second time around. But then again part of that is that our leading man Haidyn is in the unenviable position of being an outcast in his world. Still this story worked for me since I remembered enough of the world ruled by the ten Lords and the reason that those whose magic isn't strong enough to win them a place in the Guild keep their gifts hidden. Also I found Haidyn to be a pretty appealing protagonist.
For some reason though I expected Dark Secrets to have a bit more of a romance, Haidyn does reconnect with the love of his life but their relationship is more of a catalyst than a romance, with just a tiny flashback to their time together. Really my nits are because there was enough foundation laid for a much longer story, but did I like the story for what it was and I was happy with both Haidyn's solution to the seemingly no win scenario of avoiding the long arm of the Lawman, and Haidyn's happily ever after. I hope that Husk revisits this world again, because I would like to see more of the battle brewing in the background between the Arcane Guild and the rogue magic users.
ARC via netgalley, release date 2/18
I enjoyed this second book in Husk's magical Old-West-ish fantasy world. If you missed the first book Dark Vow, you probably won't get as good a sense of this world with its trade guild centric religion, because the world building is more lightly sketched this second time around. But then again part of that is that our leading man Haidyn is in the unenviable position of being an outcast in his world. Still this story worked for me since I remembered enough of the world ruled by the ten Lords and the reason that those whose magic isn't strong enough to win them a place in the Guild keep their gifts hidden. Also I found Haidyn to be a pretty appealing protagonist.
For some reason though I expected Dark Secrets to have a bit more of a romance, Haidyn does reconnect with the love of his life but their relationship is more of a catalyst than a romance, with just a tiny flashback to their time together. Really my nits are because there was enough foundation laid for a much longer story, but did I like the story for what it was and I was happy with both Haidyn's solution to the seemingly no win scenario of avoiding the long arm of the Lawman, and Haidyn's happily ever after. I hope that Husk revisits this world again, because I would like to see more of the battle brewing in the background between the Arcane Guild and the rogue magic users.
ARC via netgalley, release date 2/18
February 27, 2013
Haidyn thought he had what it takes to be part of the Arcane Guild. His gifts lie with magic, but when he first tried to join the Guild, he just was not strong enough. Too ashamed to return home a failure, he struck out on his own, and eventually ended up using his abilities to become a prostitute. That was six years ago.
His life isn't exactly happy now, but he has become wealthy in his trade. Things are... passably ok, until he finds out his long lost love has married one of his most depraved clients. He wants desperately to save her from the misery he knows the lawman will inflict. But does he have the power to help her? And will she even want him in her life once she finds out what he has become?
This book is hard to read at times. While Haidyn does not actually have sex with his clients, he must endure some demeaning and disturbing things to get the job done. And while the lawman does not physically get to act out his sick fantasies on him, seeing their sessions play out on the page is uncomfortable reading.
This is book two in Shona Husk's Arcane series, though the only thing it has in common with book one is the world building, which is pretty interesting. It has that alternate-world fantasy feel that seems both futuristic and distant past at the same time. Unfortunately, the romance element doesn't hold up. Haidyn and Anisa have a history, but nothing in their present shows me any feeling between them. It's more like she has no other choice to get away from a horrible situation. That's not much of a love story. They're not even together very much at all. Anisa is the real victim in the story. First Haidyn abandoned her, then she got married off to a monster. At least Haidyn chose his own path.
It was ok. I preferred Dark Vow to this one.
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
His life isn't exactly happy now, but he has become wealthy in his trade. Things are... passably ok, until he finds out his long lost love has married one of his most depraved clients. He wants desperately to save her from the misery he knows the lawman will inflict. But does he have the power to help her? And will she even want him in her life once she finds out what he has become?
This book is hard to read at times. While Haidyn does not actually have sex with his clients, he must endure some demeaning and disturbing things to get the job done. And while the lawman does not physically get to act out his sick fantasies on him, seeing their sessions play out on the page is uncomfortable reading.
This is book two in Shona Husk's Arcane series, though the only thing it has in common with book one is the world building, which is pretty interesting. It has that alternate-world fantasy feel that seems both futuristic and distant past at the same time. Unfortunately, the romance element doesn't hold up. Haidyn and Anisa have a history, but nothing in their present shows me any feeling between them. It's more like she has no other choice to get away from a horrible situation. That's not much of a love story. They're not even together very much at all. Anisa is the real victim in the story. First Haidyn abandoned her, then she got married off to a monster. At least Haidyn chose his own path.
It was ok. I preferred Dark Vow to this one.
*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley
February 18, 2013
While this is the second book in a series it does work as a standalone read. The world intrigued me and I will have to go back to read the first in this world.
Haidyn has some magical ability but it wasn't recognized as being strong enough for him to join the Arcane Guild. It however has been strong enough for him to create a living as a very successful prostitute as he can make people believe they are doing something that they really aren't. He was in love with a girl from his village and betrothed to her but due to his embarrassment of not being accepted to the Guild he decides not to go home. He has been dealing with an incredibly corrupt Lawman that is getting married. When he finds out the woman is his beloved he knows he has to do something to get her away from this horrible man.
This is a very quick read and I found the world they live in to be intriguing enough for me to want to know more about the Guild and the people who are fighting against them. It was a very gritty read with violence and a small amount of romance but the main thing that drew me in was the idea of a society that has an extreme disparity between the haves and have nots. I cringed at how easily disfiguring a person was for them and also how easily they were willing to kill in support of supposed laws.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
Haidyn has some magical ability but it wasn't recognized as being strong enough for him to join the Arcane Guild. It however has been strong enough for him to create a living as a very successful prostitute as he can make people believe they are doing something that they really aren't. He was in love with a girl from his village and betrothed to her but due to his embarrassment of not being accepted to the Guild he decides not to go home. He has been dealing with an incredibly corrupt Lawman that is getting married. When he finds out the woman is his beloved he knows he has to do something to get her away from this horrible man.
This is a very quick read and I found the world they live in to be intriguing enough for me to want to know more about the Guild and the people who are fighting against them. It was a very gritty read with violence and a small amount of romance but the main thing that drew me in was the idea of a society that has an extreme disparity between the haves and have nots. I cringed at how easily disfiguring a person was for them and also how easily they were willing to kill in support of supposed laws.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2013
I have to admit, the cover of this book is what really made me want to read it. I'm not usually influenced by covers in that way, but along with the blurb, I thought that this might make an interesting read, and I wasn't disappointed.
I love a book told from the man's point of view. Since I read a lot of romance that doesn't happen often. Now don't let that comment make you think that this is a romance novella, because it really isn't. Haidyn is the owner of a pleasure palace or lust house, so to speak. He's a prostitute, but he doesn't actually have sex with his clients, he uses magic and his mind to make them think he does.
Freaky, right?
Not many 90 page novellas can boast the action and character development that Shona Husk has done with Dark Secrets.
Haidyn was such an interesting hero. He did what he had to do in order to survive and he did it well, even though he had regrets.
I only wish we could have gotten to know Anisa a bit better, but in a novella, you can't go into the lives of all the characters, even though she's Haidyn's love interest.
Haidyn really took initiative when I saw that his former love is now married to the Lawmaker, who is not such a nice guy. (He has some nasty sexual proclivities)
If you go by the book's blurb you may think that this is going to be an erotic fantasy novella, but it really isn't. There's not a lot of sex here at all, just a pretty great story. I look forward to trying more of this series.
I love a book told from the man's point of view. Since I read a lot of romance that doesn't happen often. Now don't let that comment make you think that this is a romance novella, because it really isn't. Haidyn is the owner of a pleasure palace or lust house, so to speak. He's a prostitute, but he doesn't actually have sex with his clients, he uses magic and his mind to make them think he does.
Freaky, right?
Not many 90 page novellas can boast the action and character development that Shona Husk has done with Dark Secrets.
Haidyn was such an interesting hero. He did what he had to do in order to survive and he did it well, even though he had regrets.
I only wish we could have gotten to know Anisa a bit better, but in a novella, you can't go into the lives of all the characters, even though she's Haidyn's love interest.
Haidyn really took initiative when I saw that his former love is now married to the Lawmaker, who is not such a nice guy. (He has some nasty sexual proclivities)
If you go by the book's blurb you may think that this is going to be an erotic fantasy novella, but it really isn't. There's not a lot of sex here at all, just a pretty great story. I look forward to trying more of this series.
February 19, 2013
Can be read as a stand-alone. In this fantastic world created by Ms. Husk we meet Haidyn Mast. Haidyn Mast left his home and his betrothed six years earlier to make his way in the world. He was off to the big city to join the Arcane (magic) guild. Unfortunately they felt he didn't have enough magic to be of use. Too ashamed to go home he ends up on the street until he finds a use for his gift and becomes a prostitute or at least he appears to be. His gift allows him to give his clients the fantasy and release by making them think they've had the experience. This has allowed him to become the owner of one of the more successful brothels in the city. When he sees his former lady love Anisa come to town to marry the Lawman (one of his more depraved clients) he has to know if she still loves him as much as he still loves her. Will true love conquer all?
I really enjoyed this book. This is a well-built world with recognizable intrigue. The love story was a little reminiscent of Princess Bride but that isn't a bad thing.
I really enjoyed this book. This is a well-built world with recognizable intrigue. The love story was a little reminiscent of Princess Bride but that isn't a bad thing.
March 5, 2013
Dark Secrets by Shona Husk is a novella rather than a novel, but I must say that there is something very compelling about this story and the world that Husk created in the Arcane series.
Haiyden Mast is a prostitute. Well, to be more specific, he is a the proprietor of a whorehouse, but he serves the patrons as well. He just doesn't sell his body. He, in fact, has only made love to one woman, one time and that was his fiance, Anisa. Instead, Haiyden is able to use his magic to give his customers the illusion that they are having sex with him. This keeps the customers happy, helps Haiyden live with himself, but it doesn't help him that all their depraved thoughts come back into his head as well. The worst of the bunch is Brixen - the lawman that Haiyden is forced to endure because of the power he holds. He is a man who is capable of great evil and Haiyden is forced to have him in his head.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
Haiyden Mast is a prostitute. Well, to be more specific, he is a the proprietor of a whorehouse, but he serves the patrons as well. He just doesn't sell his body. He, in fact, has only made love to one woman, one time and that was his fiance, Anisa. Instead, Haiyden is able to use his magic to give his customers the illusion that they are having sex with him. This keeps the customers happy, helps Haiyden live with himself, but it doesn't help him that all their depraved thoughts come back into his head as well. The worst of the bunch is Brixen - the lawman that Haiyden is forced to endure because of the power he holds. He is a man who is capable of great evil and Haiyden is forced to have him in his head.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
January 11, 2013
Haidyn knows the Lawman's depravity so he's horrified to find out his new wife is Haidyn's first (and only) love, Anisa. He can't keep away from her but his insistence on talking to her costs him and his lust house employees freedom at the hands of the Lawman. Haidyn vows to have revenge on the Lawman and free Anisa from his vile hands, but will Anisa agree?
I enjoyed Dark Vow so I was pleased to see a sequel. I can't seem to find a name for the series so I don't know if they're all going to be centred around the Arcane or not. I like the world that Husk has created and, although Arcane seems to be the most exciting trade, I'd quite like to see stories about some of the other unions. That aside, I did enjoy Dark Secrets perhaps a little more than Dark Vow, I can only hope that further books hold true to this.
I enjoyed Dark Vow so I was pleased to see a sequel. I can't seem to find a name for the series so I don't know if they're all going to be centred around the Arcane or not. I like the world that Husk has created and, although Arcane seems to be the most exciting trade, I'd quite like to see stories about some of the other unions. That aside, I did enjoy Dark Secrets perhaps a little more than Dark Vow, I can only hope that further books hold true to this.
June 22, 2013
Ok, so first, Im going to start off by saying that I didnt read the first one, which might be the reason for my 2 star rating. I felt totally lost and while it was a good story, I felt that it just wasnt wrapped too well and there were pieces missing that, even if I hadnt read the first book, should have been explained because from my experience readers actually like to be reminded of what happened in a book that came out months, if not a year, before the next one.
Maybe Ill read the first one then come back and read this one. The rating might go up.
Thanks though, to the publisher on netgalley for allowing me to read this and terribly sorry for the late review. I could have sworn I had written one.
Maybe Ill read the first one then come back and read this one. The rating might go up.
Thanks though, to the publisher on netgalley for allowing me to read this and terribly sorry for the late review. I could have sworn I had written one.
February 3, 2013
I have now read two novellas by Shona Husk and I have really enjoyed both of them. I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and honestly I want to read more. The world created by Husk in this novella is an interesting one and she gave enough information for it to be completely understandable. It was only when I was halfway through reading this that I discovered that it is a sort-of sequel to Dark Vow, which came out in 2011. From what I understand it is different characters in the same city/world setting. So, now I'm going to have to go back and read Dark Vow, as well as getting my hands on more by this great author.
January 11, 2013
I almost fell over myself when I saw this one on Netgalley, because I love Shona Husk's writing, and was a big fan of Dark Vow.. I'd no idea there was even a sequel in the works, so I knew immediately that I had to read this one.
Quite dark, with some very heavy issues at hand, it was just as good as the first, if not better. I loved Haidyn *dreamy sigh*
Full review to follow, but a solid 4.5/5
Quite dark, with some very heavy issues at hand, it was just as good as the first, if not better. I loved Haidyn *dreamy sigh*
Full review to follow, but a solid 4.5/5
February 12, 2013
The story begins six years later after Haidyn left his home and his betrothed to following his magical calling, only to be he was turned away since he was too weak. Instead of returning home, he turned to prostitution of sorts. He uses his magical powers to fulfill his clients’ desires.
One day, he sees his betrothed getting married to who they call the Lawman. This is the Lawman’s second marriage; the first wife had met a dreadful ending to her life. Haidyn takes it upon himself to rescue her…
This book was an interesting read that I really enjoyed
One day, he sees his betrothed getting married to who they call the Lawman. This is the Lawman’s second marriage; the first wife had met a dreadful ending to her life. Haidyn takes it upon himself to rescue her…
This book was an interesting read that I really enjoyed
February 25, 2013
Dnf at 49%. just didn't grab me enough to finish it
December 17, 2013
I enjoy Shona Husk's books but the premise of this one just didn't grab my interest as much.
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