Black Swan Collected Tales, Books 1-6

This is my absolute favorite series, it sticks with you, keeps you guessing, and is just absolutely fantastic! I've been hooked since book 1 (My Familiar Stranger) and they just keep getting better!!

Pam James

937 reviews21 followers

December 6, 2013

My Familiar Stranger
This book was so good I could not put it down. I love all the dimensions it takes you to! If you are into paranormal romance you definitely need to get this book & the sequel. I am a forever fan now!!! So now I have read this book 2 times. It is even better the second time around. I fell for Storm the 1st time. The second Time I found Rammel Hawking totally charming!!!Lets not forget about Istvan Baka what a sexy Vampire!!! Please if you have not read this Yet get your free copy NOW!!! It is totally Riveting!!!
The Witch’s Dream
This book was a riveting sequel. You must read A Familar Stanger 1st.We are following Litha into even more dimensions.
"I don't think you believed me when I said I could be entertaining. I'm going to prove it." "Well, it's not that looking at you without clothes on isn't entertaining. Because certainly it is, but, strictly speaking, I meant something more along the lines of..." She put her fingers to his lips to shush him and smiled. "Okay. Turn around now." He turned his head and his mouth dropped open of its own accord. Thousands upon thousands of fireflies hovered over the river and danced in the trees on the other side. They swooped, darted, and flitted. It was a spectacle that was magical beyond imagination.* He* laughed out loud, a sound so joyful and so rare it startled him, almost making him jump like a puppy with a grown dog's bark. In that moment, he realized he'd never felt that before - that special happiness that transcends life on earth taking you to a place in spirit called rapture. When he turned to look at Litha, there were fireflies encircling her, lighting her face. So that's what love looks like. When he thought about the fact that he might have missed this, might have missed out on loving Litha.... This made my heart beat fast & I just melted & fell a little more in Love with another Black Swan Knight. Loved this book!!!!
A Summoners Tale
Love Victoria Danann's Books! This was a continuation from The Order of the Black Swan series. What an Adventure this book was! I did not know what a summoner was. I was pleasantly surprised to find out. This is Baka's story.. I found out what a Charger is.It is a type of Horse. Was so excited to see this. This book is so well written that I could picture the whole thing in my mind like I was watching a movie. Must mention it has Vampire, Elves, Demon's, Witches,Berserkers, & Wolves!!! This is a must read. It has Romance,Fantasy, & Paranormal!!! Get your copy & get lost in this tale Just like I did!!! I received an early copy of this book for an honest review. I am honestly glad I was able to read & review this wonderful book for Victoria!
Moonlight
"What is this?" she asked, running her hand over the jacket. "Sheepskin." She looked at him with genuine amusement. "So when you wear this, you're literally a wolf in sheep's clothing.“
There are so many “Quotes” I Love in this book. This is one of my favorites. Victoria has pure genius. Her writing just draws you in. I sighed, cried, laughed out loud!!!! I sat on the edge of my seat. I was so entertained. I say Harry Potter look out because The Order of the Black Swan is here!!! I believe these are the books to read.
If you want adventure, suspense, Romance, Action, Dimension, travel, Did I mention True Love!!!
I have been reading since I was 13 (41 years ago). I have read tens of thousands of books.
I have my favorite Authors. Truthfully Victoria is Now #1.
This book has a diverse set of personalities & characters!
Werewolves, Elves, Fae, Demons, Vampire, Berserkers, Witches, Lets not forget Knights. Hunky Knights at that!
Victoria grabs you from the 1st sentence to the last. I did not want to put it down! I have already read it twice, and no I did not miss anything because it is so gripping you just want to soak up every word!! Since reading this series I do not need Calgon to take me away anymore! Come join me in being a Forever Fan.
Gathering Storm
How do I do justice to the brilliance that is Victoria Danann.
I have to say is this is a fabulous book. This is what I wrote right after reading the book. “ So my heart is still pounding!!! I still have tears in my eyes. This is the best damn book ever!! (So Far) Victoria Danann you are a genius!! I am going to have to lull a little bit till I can do justice to the best review I have ever given!! I hope I am worthy of this!! I have Highlighted about 1/2 of this book. You are too much”… This is straight from my heart.
In this book all of our favorites from The Order of the Black Swan saga are back. We get to know some of the characters better. We get to watch what happens with our sweet Elora Rose (Rosie).Watching Glen evolve fascinates me. There are times in this book I gasp out loud. I laughed out loud! I cried. I snickered. I sat on the edge of my seat. Yes I literally sat on the edge of my seat. The suspense was so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. From page 1 I was enthralled!
I have to say I got more than a little mad at my favorite Demon! Deliverance Don’t You Ever Do That Again! I got a big chuckle from the Animal House Guys!! They are so inventive! I was disappointed in the Z team. Of course our favorite heroine rises to the occasion. I was also impressed with some new trainees. Wakey, Falcon & Spaz. I can’t wait to see what they get into in the future.
Now go get your copy so you also can have a pounding heart & enjoy one of the best books written!!! I hope my review reflects my feelings.
As always from your Forever Fan Pam James….
A Tale of Two Kingdoms
I thought Gathering Storm was the best! But Victoria Topped it again!
Be Still My Heart!!! Love Story… Romeo & Juliet… Cleopatra & Mark Antony…
Cinderella & Prince Charming… You may have thought Those were the greatest Love stories ever told.
Well Think again!!! Good thing I was sitting Made me week in the knees. She brought out all my emotions again & again..
“My love.” He closed his eyes when he heard her voice, like a lick of honey. “There you are.” “Here I am.”
He pulled her into his arms and stared at her face like he’d never seen her before. She did the same with him. The crisp morning air laden with Scotia moisture made breath visible.
They stepped onto a grass path in front of a thatch roof cottage, next to a stream, with blooming flowers that would put most botanical gardens to shame.... This is The dimension & spot I would love to get lost in for awhile…
These are a few passages from the book. Made me melt a bit. If you are looking for a true love this is it! I was spent when I got done reading this! Soo Gooood!
Now If My review of all these books have not convinced you to get this set of 6 books. Then go Begone! Get the books anyway you will love them!!!!!
From a Victoria Danann Forever Fan…. Pam James

Karin Sedor

10 reviews

To say that this is a good series does not even begin to do it justice. As I have said before, before reading this series by Victoria Danann, I have never written a book review before, because out of the hundreds of books that I have read, I never felt strongly enough about a story or writer to get involved. This series gives you some of everything, mystery, suspense, murder, love, vampires, werewolves, elves, fae and so much more. The characters are so life like that the reader feels like they are part of the story and the characters are friends. I am so proud and excited to be a member of the A Team, street team for Victoria so I can share this with everyone I know.

Tifinie Henry

91 reviews4 followers

This is my favorite series by far. I love to read anything paranormal but paranormal romance is really my choice. Several years ago there was a series that asked if you were for the vampire side or the werewolves side. Now this is not a series of just vampires or werewolves, Victoria Danann covers all of the paranormal characters and does so expertly. All of her characters are well developed and interesting which makes this series more fun to read. From the first book, My Familiar Stranger (permaFREE for e-readers) to the latest release, A Tale Of Two Kingdoms (individual release date to be announced) I was unable to put the books down until completed. Ms Danann is taking me on a journey with her exceptional talent for storytelling and I for one can not wait to see what she has for us next. If jumping up and down, yelling "buy this, buy this" would help get you to purchase this fabulous collection I would. I know you will become a forever fan like I am.

Michelle Stein

25 reviews

January 21, 2014

This is my favorite Series! I am in love with EVERYTHING The Order of the Black Swan Series has to offer! I have been hooked since page 1 of book one, MY FAMILIAR STRANGER (which is also permaFREE!)! Each story will make you fall in love with each character more & more! I will never get tired of reading and sharing this amazing series. <3
Don't believe me?! Read the first book MFS and tell me you can just stop at one story.. Because I sure couldn't! ;)

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Nelta

510 reviews7 followers

If you are looking for a well written series of books that are intriguing, compelling and real page turners then look no further than Victoria Danann's Order of the Black Swan series. You will fall in love with the characters and their personal stories as you read each book in this series.....

Cindy

10 reviews1 follower

I love these books!!! It's a little of everything... fantasy, adventure, romance. They always leave me wanting more!!!

Kim

83 reviews11 followers

Absolutely adore this series and highly recommend it!!

Stephanie

1,475 reviews81 followers

September 6, 2016

Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...

This post reviews book 6. Other titles in the series are reviewed individually. They're all excellent!

A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Some Slightly Star-Crossed Lovers

I have Victoria back on Sunday for a guest post and the contest will continue through then.

After discovering Victoria’s series via a book tour last spring, I have become quite ravenous for the Order of the Black Swan. The series has everything including action, love, paranormal species and abilities, political intrigue and now our very own star-crossed lovers.

Let me pause briefly to remind everyone that this series is actually presented in serial format and best read in order. Victoria recommends it and so do I. To facilitate this the first book in the series is permanently free for nook and kindle. And next week the deal on the boxed set of all the current books in the series for .99 is pretty amazing.

While I will attempt not to spoil any of the series, it will be nearly impossible to discuss this story without giving up some goods on the others.

In this book pretty much the only Order employees we see are Ram, Ellora, Glen and Litha. A TALE of TWO KINGDOMS really belongs to Aelsong and Duff. Other characters only appear in so much as they serve the story here. Rosie and Glen appear at the start, and their actions probably will come back to us in a future book. But the lack of a huge cast is very useful in focusing the storyline.

Duff, Crown Prince of the Fae kingdom of Scotia and Aelsong, Ram’s sister, and a princess of the Irish Royal Family of Elves meet in a prior installment in the series. When the two are mated it’s apparent that there’s more happening here than a random act of nature, it is a biological imperative. Forbidden access to each other the mates will surely perish.

But, what do you do if you’re royal and the heir to the throne and your mate is the “enemy?” In our HUMAN past daughters’ of royal households were the fodder of treaty negotiations. But, apparently that isn’t the way of the fae.

Consciously or not, Victoria has done something clever: The taxonomic classification of fairies and elves in our world is pretty loose. Often in our stories the fae refer to almost any kind of magical being like elves, fairies, brownies, hobgoblins, dwarfs, and such, but sometimes they are regarded as separate species. Often both have pointed ears. I think it is interesting and fun that Victoria plays on this identity confusion in trying to identify the roots of the war between the fairies and elves.

After all, when Ellora needs blood in a previous story there is only fairy available and it works fine. This all on its own tells us something, no? Victoria is pointing out our own laxity on defining these species. If they aren’t distinct, why can’t they be the same?

The more human aspect of the relationship — the driving need to be together and the steps the couple takes to become a couple makes for a very romantic “fairy tale” set within a modern world where even fairies and elves have a hard time believing “fairy tales.” It points to our need for magic and our disbelief in it.

Other bits were extremely well done. While Victoria’s voice is always different and unusual, in this narrative of a modern fairy tale she excells. The sometimes expository nature of her writing is not overly done and it works in this kind of story-telling. It put me in mind of a fairy tale.

There is a bit about creator beings stepping in and being assigned Earth as a sort of social engineering project was the weakest part. I understood the need for it but the execution confused me. Some of the loose ends — like Rosie’s and Glen’s doing were frustrating. But, the over riding message is that the lives of individuals do matter and can make a huge difference. And, that Love — romantic, familial, friendship-based, is a very strong force in the universe. It can be both selfish and altruistic. Lack of love brings out the worst in people and true love can bring out the best.

I really love this series like an old friend now. I am thrilled about the Omnibus offering and hope you take advantage of it. For me, this is a must read.

Rose

1,453 reviews14 followers

Black Swan 1-6
When it comes to Paranormal these books have everything! Vampire, Vampire hunters, Elves, Fae, Werewolves, Demons, Angels, Berserkers, Witches, parallel universes, modern day Knights, star-crossed lovers, centuries old feuds… Also, through all of these books (which must be read in order) not only do we meet new characters but we get to follow the the lives of those we have come to love in each book!

My Familiar Stranger: We meet Elora Laiken just after her entire family has been murdered. She's pushed into a swirling vortex with no idea what to expect on the other side. She is told by her teacher "I'm sending you off world where you will be safe." "Look for someone very like me..." She has no idea what he means or what to expect.

We also meet The Order of the Black Swan. Most importantly, B Team: Rammel Hawking, Engel Storm, & Chaos Caelian (Kay). These men are hunks of the first order. When Elora materializes on the floor at their feet the adventure begins.

A Witch’s Dream: This book starts where My Familiar Stranger left off. We get to meet a witch & a demon. We learn about a new form of travel. We also see how a young Storm is recruited into the Order. Baka (whom we met in Book 1) is now cured & is making up for lost time with the women. We learn about Demon’s & riding the passes & it just keeps getting better…

A Summoner’s Tale: In this book we learn so much more about Baka’s life, before he became Vampire & after he was infected. We get to meet Heaven McBride, who is assigned to Baka as his assistant & she wants nothing to do with him & has no problem letting him know this. Until…

Moonlight: From the first page, as usual, I was laughing. I still have a hard time believing the animosity between the elves & fairies! Hope we will soon hear some more about that. This book will make you laugh & make you cry. There are so many twists & turns one would expect to get lost but never fear, Victoria keeps us all on the right track.

In this book we learn more about Stalkson Grey & the Elk Mountain werewolves & we meet his love. We meet Deliverance, a Demon. And boy do we have some surprises in store there. We find that Sol is looking for his replacement & we are in for a big surprise who he assigns as the temporary Sovereign of Jefferson Unit. And, WOW, Litha's pregnancy sure has some surprises.

Gathering Storm: I believe I laughed & cried more throughout this book than in any of the others. The twists & turns were unbelievable. So many things that I just didn't expect to happen, all the way to the end. A definite 5* book. I’d give it more if I could!!!

A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Just when I think I have a handle on where Victoria Danann might being going with this series she surprises me (& all her other devoted fans). All I can say about this one is WOW!!!! Such a fantastic series!!!

Dee Bowerman

20 reviews1 follower

This series has grabbed me and swept me away since page one of MY FAMILIAR STRANGER and I am happy to say the story goes on and I love it even more. Some series keep the same story going and never gives you the end of the plot, but with this collection the story/adventure ends and you get the next part in their lives. You WANT MORE of the story and to see what the characters do next, not necessarily need the next book to see if so and so made it out of the pit or if the star crossed lovers ever get together. I am hooked on these books for that reason. After each book I am so happy with it I can't wait for the next. A definately must read!!!

Lisa Lopez

95 reviews4 followers

September 9, 2014

I very rarely ever read a book more than once. I just re-read this series as a whole and have completed the newest book included in this collection : A Tale Of Two Kingdoms. Just when I thought Victoria Dannan could not create an even deeper story line that made you stop and go wow, she did. The beginning of this book was phenomenal and caught me off guard. She not only created a multitude of new characters, but dropped some hints that made me stop and have to re read the paragraph again regarding that vampire. If you are looking for a phenomenal read and an author who can keep you turning pages then you have found one. Mrs. Dannan will entertain you with quotes that will have you saying "Great Paddy" and laughing so hard you will not want to be drinking anything that will come through your nose while reading. This series is full of love, hate, sex ( I so love peanut butter now), vampires staked with a mere toothpick, sexy dancing elves, fire starting half witch/ half sex demon women, a vampire who is also a romance novelist, inter-dimensional assassins, kids that would make any mom proud, great music, and a love that spans dimensions. That is just the tip of the iceberg as far as what this world that Mrs. Dannan invites us into has to offer.

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Ellen Sandberg

109 reviews5 followers

This is a sensational series. They should be read in order and now you can get all six! You will be so glad you did. Each book is wonderful and you will be eager to get to the next one. They are the best kind of addiction. They will make you laugh, cry, and sit at the edge of your seats. The tales are about honour, love, friendship, and loyalty. I care about the characters and what happens to them. The series is filled with adventure and action. I think it will appeal to both men and women. Do yourself a favour and get this collection.

If you want a more details, I have reviewed the first 5 books under their individual titles- My Familiar Stranger, The Witch's Dream, A Summoner's Tale, Moonlight, and Gathering Storm. As soon as A Tale of Two Kingdoms is up as an individual title in January, I will post that review as well.

I have given each book 5 stars. I wish there were more stars I could give them.

Maggie Nolan

15 reviews6 followers

September 12, 2014

This is a really great series! I have thoroughly enjoyed all six of these books. Each book has a slightly different feel based on the direction the story is taking, but they weave together like a fine tapestry. Victoria Danann is a master story-teller who has created an endearing group of friends, coworkers, and lovers who also happen to be paranormals. Although many of the characters are linked professionally, a few others are only linked by their hearts and......uh...well never mind. This is the series that hooked me on Paranormal novels. The stories in this series will make you cry and laugh, worry and cheer for the characters.
One of the best things about buying this collection right away is that you will get book 6 before its released individually. Hint: This book focuses on Song and Duffy and it's a romp! This would be a great "self gift" for Christmas and perhaps for friends as well!

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Laurel Wistrom

343 reviews9 followers

I wish I could write the review these books and the author, Victoria Danann deserve. I have read this series and it is the best series ever. It is not your typical paranormal type series. Each book introduces new people while keeping you updated on the old characters. You have a witch/demon who has a sex demon for a father. A vampire that is changed back to human to be changed back to vampire, well you get my picture. These books allow you to become a part of another world and escape your stresses for a while. I got the first book My Familiar Stranger free and immediately went searching for the rest of the books. Victoria has a way of spinning a story that is uniquely hers and it will absorb you into the story. Her characters will become your friends and you will love them all. I recommend this set of books to everyone!

Gina Whitney

Author 20 books891 followers

I am a paranormal junkie. I read and write. I could only hope one day to write such a fantastic adult paranormal series. Her writing flows. Her characters are well rounded and have depth. Her storyline is creative and fun loving. Throughout this series we get to revisit our favorite characters...which I love. I can't recommend this series enough. One-clicking is a no brainier. Just make sure you get your housework done, because you will NOT be able to put this series down. Yep, it's that great!! Be prepared to laugh-out-loud and fall in love with a certain elf(Sir Ram)...he's it for me;) Is he no' ladies?

Bleumoon

252 reviews8 followers

Buy one for you and one for a friend!

This series is just too good not to share! There is something for everyone in these books. Don't think for a minute that they are just PNR there is mystery, action, adventure... yes there is romance but not any romance EPIC romance (oh and some steamy stuff too). There are knights and vampires and demons and fae and witches... all packed into these volumes that I bet you wont be able to read just once! And when you do reread you will pick up on things you might have missed the first time through! Amazing series! Just keeps getting better and better!

SammieSue

507 reviews15 followers

Absolutely Amazing!!! What more can I say? This is by far one of the best series that I have EVER read!!! It definitely has you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what will happen next and highly anticipating the next book! Victoria is one AMAZING writer and she keeps you coming back for more!

Sarah

7 reviews2 followers

Seriously the books keep getting better and better!!!!!! I LOVE this series!!! Way to good to pass this awesome collection up!!

Anna-marie

365 reviews14 followers

This has to be the most exciting Paranormal series I have ever read. It has everything you could ask for & keeps giving more.

The 6 books in this collection draw you into the lives & loves of the Knights of The Order Of the Black Swan. They keep humans safe from the Paranormal Creatures, that threaten them. They are a funny & loving group of men & their women folk are amazing. You also get to meet A sexy Vampire & an even sexier Demon. These books have them all, Vampire, Demons, Witches Elves & Fae, and they all work so well into the stories, which get better & better as the series progresses.

I was hooked after reading My Familiar Stranger & could not put any of them down. I read The Tale of Two Kingdoms In 5 hours.

Victoria Danann really knows how to tell a story. Stories full of Heart Warming & Heart Breaking moments, True love & Unbreakable loyalty.

I DARE anyone who has read the first book, not to be hooked.

Lady M.C.

10 reviews1 follower

Merissa (Archaeolibrarian)

I have had a heck of a week! My story goes from bad to worse this week and I survived it thanks to my favorite author Victoria Danann! I read her books while waiting to hear my answers at work and in my personal life, even though the storm is not over her books helped me stay calm.

I have read all of the Black Swan books and just love how each book is individual from the others! Yes it's a series and it HAS to be read in order, however; I just love that Ms. Danann's characters are not the usual suspects, like the Romance Book Writer that happens to be a Vampire. And that toothpick "Show me your fangs" that was epic! I got to laugh and cry but loved every emotion it brings out of me, especially when I don't want to deal with real life.

I Can't wait for more books on this series!

Shanna

37 reviews3 followers

September 6, 2016

This is one of my favorite series. I loved the entire series and cant wait to read each book in the series that comes out. The first book My Familiar Stranger is what started it all for me. Once I read that book I had to have all the others. If you get this set you will not be disappointed, I love all the characters and the world that Victoria has built with this series. I cant wait to see what happens next :)

Robyn

56 reviews7 followers

December 11, 2013

Like alot of other Black Swan fans I stumbled onto My Familiar Stranger and was hooked within the first few pages. Ms. Danann paints pictures with her words and you are drawn into the dimensions she has created. Be sure to read the books in order so that you get the full tapestry of the story. With the action and adventure these are more than just 'romance' books; there is something in them even for the most manly of men! Waiting with great anticipation for the next installment.

Brandy

203 reviews4 followers

September 23, 2014

If you have not had the great opportunity to read this great set of books you are missing out this set is amassing. You get drawn in and will fall in love with each one of the people in the book! Please read them you know what I'm talking about, this I s a start and lose track of 1/2the day set of books.

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Jen

8 reviews1 follower

December 7, 2013

An amazing adventure. Victoria Danann has written a magnificent story about characters that I have come to love. Book 1 My Familiar Stranger will "drag you in" and before you know it you are anxiously awaiting book 7.

Laura Wolf

1,126 reviews7 followers

December 11, 2013

I LOVE ME SOME BLACK SWAN!!!!! Love these books. If you get the chance read them it's well worth it!

4,188 reviews119 followers

December 11, 2013

Review to follow once I can actually find the words to describe what this means to me :D

Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading

1,495 reviews26 followers

The Order of the Black Swan Paranormal Romance Series has everything you are looking for and more!

-Extremely well defined characters that you can both identify with as well as live vicariously through. Even by the end of the first book, I felt I knew these characters and wanted to know what happened to them next. I felt completely invested in their story.

-Romance and relationships that are more than just sex. You go through each couple’s ups and downs. You feel excited at the high points and devastated at the lows. You root for true love and romance.

-Action and Adventure! There is never a dull moment in the life of a Black Swan Knight, or anyone associated with the order. The books more forward at a fantastic pace and keep you reading to find out what will happen next. With that said, while she does leave you wanting more and filled with anticipation, Victoria Danann does not leave you with a cliff hanger. Your need for more is based solely on your own drive to find out what happens next to the characters you have grown to love.

So, if you love some paranormal hotties, including vampires, elves, werewolves and some other delicious surprises, and are looking for a series to really sink your teeth into, the Order of the Black Swan is it!

Katrina

24 reviews