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The King's Wolf #1
Touched by Magic
Reandn was a guard in the high king's service. He had a respected position, a beloved wife, and a son who loved and admired him. Then little boys started disappearing from the castle keep. Reandn was put in charge of the investigation, and soon he was hot on the trail of the evil person responsible. Then Reandn's life was destroyed by magic.
But magic wasn't supposed to exist anymore, and only one woman truly believed his story - Rethia, she with the funny colored eyes. A healer now, she too was set apart from the rest. As a small child, she had been there when the unicorns left, taking the magic with them.
Now, the unicorns want to bring the magic back into the world. But Reandn, who knows what harm magic can do, will attempt everything in his considerable power to make sure his world is not again - Touched by Magic.
But magic wasn't supposed to exist anymore, and only one woman truly believed his story - Rethia, she with the funny colored eyes. A healer now, she too was set apart from the rest. As a small child, she had been there when the unicorns left, taking the magic with them.
Now, the unicorns want to bring the magic back into the world. But Reandn, who knows what harm magic can do, will attempt everything in his considerable power to make sure his world is not again - Touched by Magic.
340 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
124 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Doranna Durgin
114 books226 followersDoranna Durgin is an award-winning author (the Compton Crook for Best First SF/F/H novel) whose quirky spirit has led to an extensive and eclectic publishing journey across genres, publishers, and publishing lines. Beyond that, she hangs around outside her Southwest mountain home with horse and highly accomplished competition dogs. She doesn't believe in mastering the beast within, but in channeling its power--for good or bad has yet to be decided! She says, “My books are SF/F, mystery, paranormal romance, & romantic suspense. My world is the Southwest, and my dogs are Beagles!”
Doranna’s most recent releases encompass the three books of the Reckoners trilogy--a powerful ghostbuster raised by a spirit, her brilliantly eccentric backup team, a cat who isn't a cat, and a fiercely driven bounty hunter from a different dimension who brings them together when worlds collide.
Doranna’s most recent releases encompass the three books of the Reckoners trilogy--a powerful ghostbuster raised by a spirit, her brilliantly eccentric backup team, a cat who isn't a cat, and a fiercely driven bounty hunter from a different dimension who brings them together when worlds collide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 14, 2016
This is the first of two books in a medieval fantasy involving wizards, magical unicorns, and the king's elite warriors (wolves). The author knows horses and includes numerous grooming and training scenes. I liked the characters well enough, but the plot felt too slow at times. I got restless. The plot involves children and adults vanishing, so I wanted to see the heroic wolf-leader Reandn (aka Dnny) make progress towards resolution faster.
Plus, the talented narrator read the audiobook fairly slowly, with pauses between sentences and more pauses within sentences, between the "he said" part of the sentence and the actual dialogue. He needs to pick up the tempo a bit. Otherwise, a solid performance.
This first book came to a solid conclusion, with no cliffhanger. I might try book two.
Plus, the talented narrator read the audiobook fairly slowly, with pauses between sentences and more pauses within sentences, between the "he said" part of the sentence and the actual dialogue. He needs to pick up the tempo a bit. Otherwise, a solid performance.
This first book came to a solid conclusion, with no cliffhanger. I might try book two.
February 12, 2016
First off, I won this book from the Early Reviewers on LibraryThing.
Reandn lives in world where magic has disappeared, or so everyone believes. When two boys and a young maiden disappear, Reandn head the group of Wolves who try to find out what happened to the missing people. He also has spells that make him dizzy and he passes out. He doesn't know what causes the spells. But when his son and then his wife disappears, he finds out who is doing the magic. But no one believes him. And just like his wife and son, he too disappears.
Reandn finds himself in a different town and among people he doesn't trust. Some want to help him even though he doesn't want it. He meets up with a pair of sisters who help heal him. One wants the unicorns to come back......
Will Reandn get his wish and destroy the person who killed his wife and son? And will the unicorns come back?
Reandn lives in world where magic has disappeared, or so everyone believes. When two boys and a young maiden disappear, Reandn head the group of Wolves who try to find out what happened to the missing people. He also has spells that make him dizzy and he passes out. He doesn't know what causes the spells. But when his son and then his wife disappears, he finds out who is doing the magic. But no one believes him. And just like his wife and son, he too disappears.
Reandn finds himself in a different town and among people he doesn't trust. Some want to help him even though he doesn't want it. He meets up with a pair of sisters who help heal him. One wants the unicorns to come back......
Will Reandn get his wish and destroy the person who killed his wife and son? And will the unicorns come back?
April 23, 2016
Dan Reandn hides his blinding headaches, visions and the noise piercing his brain from everyone. But his wife Adela realizes something is wrong, as does his Wolf pack leader, Saxe. As the pain intensifies and the source of its cause is revealed, Reandn loses his wife and adopted son to the evil magic of Ronsin. Transported to another place far south of his home, Reandn vows to avenge her death. But this is no small task as the world still believes that magic died out years ago. Reandn is the only one who knows it’s back and the destruction it can cause. He also knows that Ronsin will try to stop him through any means possible.
Originally released in the mid 90’s, Touched by Magic is the first book in Doranna Durgin’s Magic Rising series. As with most fantasies, the battle between good and evil is paramount, but the ethical issues raised is what intrigues me most. When good people crave power, even for benevolent reasons, is there a danger that their morality will vanish? Who deserves magical power and who does not are questions that Reandn and others must grapple with.
This theme provides a solid foundation for an otherwise a simple plot. The hero’s family is killed and he wants revenge while evidence of magic grows around him. It’s the obstacles and threats along the way that fill the pages. There isn’t a steady buildup of tension and action in this book, but rather ups and downs until the final encounter with Ronsin. There could have been more action and danger, but it’s still an enjoyable read.
Originally released in the mid 90’s, Touched by Magic is the first book in Doranna Durgin’s Magic Rising series. As with most fantasies, the battle between good and evil is paramount, but the ethical issues raised is what intrigues me most. When good people crave power, even for benevolent reasons, is there a danger that their morality will vanish? Who deserves magical power and who does not are questions that Reandn and others must grapple with.
This theme provides a solid foundation for an otherwise a simple plot. The hero’s family is killed and he wants revenge while evidence of magic grows around him. It’s the obstacles and threats along the way that fill the pages. There isn’t a steady buildup of tension and action in this book, but rather ups and downs until the final encounter with Ronsin. There could have been more action and danger, but it’s still an enjoyable read.
July 5, 2016
I did not care for this book. While the premise was interesting and the main character's reaction was initially and intriguing place to go forward from, the plot was so full of inexplicable holes the story kept falling through them. And then banging around down there like a dragon that had swallowed pots and pans instead of the maiden it was trying for.
The characters swiftly became one dimensional, the moody, can't explain or else the plot will be resolved in two seconds, hero...
the " I mean you no harm. You can trust me!" mentor figure , who for the life of him won't explain why or how he can be trusted and instead goes about steadfastly refusing to tell the simplest of facts to his own grandson...
And then the Girl with the bad attitude that... oh, let's not even go there.
The only character I could get behind at all was the one who... well, no body talked to her much either, let alone explain anything! But who cares, the and all is well.
The rest of you characters go stick your head in the creek, because I'm glad this book is FINALLY over!!!
The characters swiftly became one dimensional, the moody, can't explain or else the plot will be resolved in two seconds, hero...
the " I mean you no harm. You can trust me!" mentor figure , who for the life of him won't explain why or how he can be trusted and instead goes about steadfastly refusing to tell the simplest of facts to his own grandson...
And then the Girl with the bad attitude that... oh, let's not even go there.
The only character I could get behind at all was the one who... well, no body talked to her much either, let alone explain anything! But who cares, the and all is well.
The rest of you characters go stick your head in the creek, because I'm glad this book is FINALLY over!!!
July 24, 2019
3 and a bit stars rounded up because I'm in that sort of mood today.
One of the things that strikes me as a great sadness is that with the rush of recent fantasy writers and novels (by 'recent' I really mean the last decade or so), a lot of books written in the last 20 or so years of the 20th century have been forgotten and a lot of readers have never heard of them. Sure, we're all familiar with the big names of fantasy: Tolkien, Leiber, Moorcock (and if you haven't read them, why are you reading the review of a fantasy book?) and the writers of epics that came after: Feist, Brooks, Eddings, Williams, and prolific writers like Gemmell.
But have you heard of Angus Wells? Michael Scott Rohan? Peter Morwood? Anne Lesley Groell? Or even this author, Doranna Durgin? If the answer is 'no' then that's a great shame, because there's a whole swath of good to great fantasy novels you're missing out on.*
Anyway, the basic plot of this obscure, slim novel: years ago, the unicorns left the world, taking the magic with them. Ever since there's been no magic - at least, that's what everyone thinks. 18 years or so later, Reandn has a respected position as a high ranking member of the King's Wolves (sort of a fighter/ranger unit). When small children start disappearing from the castle, he's in charge of the investigation. But then his wife and adopted son vanish, and Reandn himself is transported hundreds of miles away to the south, by magic that no longer exists.
I liked this story; it had engaging characters and a fast-moving plot. I want to say it was competently written, but that sounds so condescending I won't. Look, I enjoyed it, OK? Reandn himself is a likeable character, and I give the author full marks for including a generous sized female healer in this book as a realistic character, not the comic relief or a background character you only see once.
This book works perfectly well as a standalone, but there is a sequel, Wolf Justice, which I'm just about to read now.
I believe this book has been republished since 1996, but take my advice and check out the second hand bookshops and charity shops every now and then: you never know, you may find your next favourite author inside a tatty paperback cover.
*These novels are good in my opinion, which is the only one I care about here; if you try one of these authors and don't like them, you clearly have bad taste and there's nothing I can do about that.
One of the things that strikes me as a great sadness is that with the rush of recent fantasy writers and novels (by 'recent' I really mean the last decade or so), a lot of books written in the last 20 or so years of the 20th century have been forgotten and a lot of readers have never heard of them. Sure, we're all familiar with the big names of fantasy: Tolkien, Leiber, Moorcock (and if you haven't read them, why are you reading the review of a fantasy book?) and the writers of epics that came after: Feist, Brooks, Eddings, Williams, and prolific writers like Gemmell.
But have you heard of Angus Wells? Michael Scott Rohan? Peter Morwood? Anne Lesley Groell? Or even this author, Doranna Durgin? If the answer is 'no' then that's a great shame, because there's a whole swath of good to great fantasy novels you're missing out on.*
Anyway, the basic plot of this obscure, slim novel: years ago, the unicorns left the world, taking the magic with them. Ever since there's been no magic - at least, that's what everyone thinks. 18 years or so later, Reandn has a respected position as a high ranking member of the King's Wolves (sort of a fighter/ranger unit). When small children start disappearing from the castle, he's in charge of the investigation. But then his wife and adopted son vanish, and Reandn himself is transported hundreds of miles away to the south, by magic that no longer exists.
I liked this story; it had engaging characters and a fast-moving plot. I want to say it was competently written, but that sounds so condescending I won't. Look, I enjoyed it, OK? Reandn himself is a likeable character, and I give the author full marks for including a generous sized female healer in this book as a realistic character, not the comic relief or a background character you only see once.
This book works perfectly well as a standalone, but there is a sequel, Wolf Justice, which I'm just about to read now.
I believe this book has been republished since 1996, but take my advice and check out the second hand bookshops and charity shops every now and then: you never know, you may find your next favourite author inside a tatty paperback cover.
*These novels are good in my opinion, which is the only one I care about here; if you try one of these authors and don't like them, you clearly have bad taste and there's nothing I can do about that.
October 25, 2021
Magic Rising 1
Enjoyable book, can be a standalone book but I will read the next in the series soon.
Little bit hard going at the beginning and my version could do with a bit of editing, more description required of some events at the start, however, once the story started flowing the characters came into their own, the story flowed really well. I did enjoy this book, I have another book from this author to read 'Dun Lady's Jess then I will pop back to this series.
Enjoyable book, can be a standalone book but I will read the next in the series soon.
Little bit hard going at the beginning and my version could do with a bit of editing, more description required of some events at the start, however, once the story started flowing the characters came into their own, the story flowed really well. I did enjoy this book, I have another book from this author to read 'Dun Lady's Jess then I will pop back to this series.
December 27, 2017
It's very hard to write about this book and not give away a major spoiler, around which much of the plot is reliant. I will just say that I thought this book was awesome, it sat on my phone for ages and I kept choosing other things to read instead and once I was in it, I couldn't work out why I'd delayed.
January 8, 2018
An epic fantasy
A world which has lost its magic comes into it again. Reandn is First in a patrol for King's Keep. He starts getting some odd sensations (which I personally would describe as migraines).
A world which has lost its magic comes into it again. Reandn is First in a patrol for King's Keep. He starts getting some odd sensations (which I personally would describe as migraines).
March 13, 2018
Wolf's Rights!
A little hard to get into at first, but that may be because I went audio with this book and I'm not used to following along that way. I'm intrigued enough that the second book is in my reading que... it is a very interesting story.
A little hard to get into at first, but that may be because I went audio with this book and I'm not used to following along that way. I'm intrigued enough that the second book is in my reading que... it is a very interesting story.
July 26, 2020
This book is not for me. I just could wrap my mind about this book. It started out okay but became really very boring. I didn't like the characters but the Audible narrator was good. Not a book I like at all.
June 7, 2017
why did i put this on my shelf? Not my thing at all
June 9, 2018
This was good. I liked Reandn's character. He stayed true the whole time to who he was. I don't know what he will decide, but he will at least move on.
November 13, 2018
Wanted more magic.
September 9, 2019
I had a hard time getting into this book, but it ended up being worth it.
August 1, 2020
This book started a little slow and took some time to connect with the main character..... but once I did, I really enjoyed this story.
December 12, 2020
Where did you get theidea tat I read this book? This is the 3rd, possibly the 4th you have said I've read and I haven't. You need to check more carefully!
November 11, 2021
enjoyed it
Quite an enjoyable book, lots of interesting characters and action to make you think. I liked the main characters and getting to know them.
Quite an enjoyable book, lots of interesting characters and action to make you think. I liked the main characters and getting to know them.
September 19, 2024
It was a fun read. I think I will try the second book.
February 25, 2017
Magic left the world suddenly a number of years ago. But Reandn discovers it might not be entirely gone. After losing all he loves because of it, Reandn is very antagonistic about it ever coming back.
September 17, 2022
Reandn is a King's Wolf, a patrol leader in the elite force of ranger-like soldiers. He is put in charge of the investigation when children start disappearing with no trace. He also has dizzy spells, with headaches and vertigo that he tries to hide from everyone around him. His own adopted son becomes a victim, and when he confronts the person he believes responsible, he finds that his wife is the latest victim, and Reandn himself is transported to a town hundreds of miles away- by a magic that is not supposed to exist in this land anymore. He is determined to return and take his revenge on the wizard who killed his wife, son, and the other missing people, but he keeps bumping up against the idea of magic returning. Something Reandn absolutely does not want to see happen.
This was a decent book. The plot is somewhat similar to other magical fantasy tales, although it does have its own twists. The characters are fine, although Reandn did get on my nerves a bit, with his constant despondence over his wife's death. Yes, he loved her and losing her had to be a blow, but the depths he sank to emotionally seemed too much of a contrast to the tough, somewhat cynical Wolf he is described as. But this is something of a light romance as well as magic fantasy and that's not usually my thing, so maybe it's me being cynical and jaded! At any rate, there is a good mix of characters here, including the typical enigmatic mentor who has an agenda of his own that he would involve Reandn in, and a capable, tough healer woman character who is not perfect and beautiful. The parts of the book dealing with the horses are nice, since the author knows horses and writes realistically about them. It can read a little slow in spots, but there is a fair bit of action throughout to balance that. The ending is resolved well, without a cliffhanger (although there is a second book).
I enjoyed the book, and for those who like fantasy, magic, unicorns (though they only make a small appearance they are a factor in the plot), and a decent story, this might just fit the bill.
This was a decent book. The plot is somewhat similar to other magical fantasy tales, although it does have its own twists. The characters are fine, although Reandn did get on my nerves a bit, with his constant despondence over his wife's death. Yes, he loved her and losing her had to be a blow, but the depths he sank to emotionally seemed too much of a contrast to the tough, somewhat cynical Wolf he is described as. But this is something of a light romance as well as magic fantasy and that's not usually my thing, so maybe it's me being cynical and jaded! At any rate, there is a good mix of characters here, including the typical enigmatic mentor who has an agenda of his own that he would involve Reandn in, and a capable, tough healer woman character who is not perfect and beautiful. The parts of the book dealing with the horses are nice, since the author knows horses and writes realistically about them. It can read a little slow in spots, but there is a fair bit of action throughout to balance that. The ending is resolved well, without a cliffhanger (although there is a second book).
I enjoyed the book, and for those who like fantasy, magic, unicorns (though they only make a small appearance they are a factor in the plot), and a decent story, this might just fit the bill.
August 3, 2015
Interesting story, wonderful characters, intriguing land where magic once was common and an evil wizard that it is easy to hope will get his comeuppance from the good characters that play major roles in the story all can be found in this story.
This is the first book in the Magic Rising series and as with all of the books I have read by this author I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. This series has great potential for many more books if the author feels like writing them. The characters and places have been introduced, friendships have been discussed, possibilities for the future have been mentioned and the potential for strife between good and evil through magic have been tantalizingly been made known. I look forward to finding out what will happen to the characters I got to know in this book as other books in the series are released.
Thank you to LibraryThing for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
This is the first book in the Magic Rising series and as with all of the books I have read by this author I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. This series has great potential for many more books if the author feels like writing them. The characters and places have been introduced, friendships have been discussed, possibilities for the future have been mentioned and the potential for strife between good and evil through magic have been tantalizingly been made known. I look forward to finding out what will happen to the characters I got to know in this book as other books in the series are released.
Thank you to LibraryThing for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
October 17, 2015
The good and evil of magic
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world of Keland is introduced slowly so as to not be overwhelming, as can sometimes happen with overly ambitious Fantasy authors. The characters are well developed with depth of emotions and diversity of experiences. The book begins by introducing us to the ranks of Wolf, Hound, and Dragon patrol soldiers - human lawmen and lawwomen whose work suits the names of their groups. We get to know the hero in his home element before his world comes crashing down and he is literally transported to the opposite end of the country. I loved the many adventures, the kindness of strangers, and deep love within families. There is something for everyone in this book. I could not put it down and finished it in two days. Now to get some food and sleep!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The world of Keland is introduced slowly so as to not be overwhelming, as can sometimes happen with overly ambitious Fantasy authors. The characters are well developed with depth of emotions and diversity of experiences. The book begins by introducing us to the ranks of Wolf, Hound, and Dragon patrol soldiers - human lawmen and lawwomen whose work suits the names of their groups. We get to know the hero in his home element before his world comes crashing down and he is literally transported to the opposite end of the country. I loved the many adventures, the kindness of strangers, and deep love within families. There is something for everyone in this book. I could not put it down and finished it in two days. Now to get some food and sleep!
February 27, 2013
Usually the cover would put me off, but it was free on Amazon, and the description piqued my interest. Glad it did! I found it a nice, small-scale fantasy set in quite a generic but warmly-invisaged world (see below). Author clearly loves horses, but also treats people quite well, and the adventure moves along well, though with a few (plausible) pauses and changes of direction.
One thing I did get was that, central magical premise apart, the world was closer to the American Old West than medieval/rennaisance Europe in many respects (technology aside). They mention nobility, but they are far off and there is no sense of feudalism or even much class structure. Just an observation.
One thing I did get was that, central magical premise apart, the world was closer to the American Old West than medieval/rennaisance Europe in many respects (technology aside). They mention nobility, but they are far off and there is no sense of feudalism or even much class structure. Just an observation.
August 10, 2016
When I first started this I was a little unsettled in terms of wondering if the wolves were people or animals - I think that might be just me getting confused though! Once I managed to get my head past this I was able to enjoy a fun and honest fantasy novel. The world Durgin created is one that I can understand and she didn't try and include too much detail or too many characters. The characters were allowed to develop as the novel went on so that as a reader I could connect with several of them. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I want to know how the reintroduction of magic into the world will change it and impact upon the characters.
August 24, 2015
I'd say this was an interesting Fantasy book.However,I think the author could have spent more time at the beginning developing the story line for the Kings Wolves, Dragons and Hounds, since I initially didn't know if the story was dealing with Were creatures or Humans. While I had some confusion with the story at the beginning,I really got into the story as it evolved and new characters were introduced.(although I never did feel anything for the evil Magician who ruined Reandn's life).I can certainly see a great potential for future books and I look forward to others in the series as they're released.
Thank-you to Library thing for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
Thank-you to Library thing for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
March 15, 2016
When children go missing in the village, and then his wife and her friend, Reandn, a King's Wolf goes in search of them. All the while he is suffering a mysterious malady that knocks him out for days. The kingdom has not had magic for years but it seems that it is returning somehow and Reandn is allergic to it. It makes it very hard to fulfill the mission he has set for himself.
An interesting concept but a slow beginning. Can't say I ever felt for any of the characters. Perhaps when my reading list gets shorter (not much chance there) I will try reading the second book just to see if it gets more interesting.
An interesting concept but a slow beginning. Can't say I ever felt for any of the characters. Perhaps when my reading list gets shorter (not much chance there) I will try reading the second book just to see if it gets more interesting.
December 5, 2012
I'm once again woefully behind in housework not to mention writing but I have no complaints. I spent too many hours last night and most of my free time today reading Touched by Magic. I applaud the author for NOT taking the easy way out, and for writing an honest story filled with real people. I see this is the start of a collection of fantasy stories and predict many more sleepless nights. Time well spent.
Grab your favorite beverage, keep snacks close at hand, turn off the television and immerse yourself in magic.
Grab your favorite beverage, keep snacks close at hand, turn off the television and immerse yourself in magic.
March 31, 2023
A beautiful book, both sad and hopeful, with good realistic characters and a fairly strong plotline, not to mention a new-to-me take on magic. The story does sag a bit in the middle (that muddle in the middle) and as the sagging begins, proofreading errors follow along. Editing quality returns toward the end, but then the problem was too easily solved. None of it was enough to destroy my enjoyment of the story, which does stand alone. And the unicorns and horses helped make this a good, good read.
June 10, 2015
What can I say? It's genre fiction. Light reading, a little incoherent, rushed through the end. More emphasis on physical fighting than the more interesting aspects of the story, which could have been more evolved. Seemed to be a lot of attempts at world-building at the beginning that could have been better woven throughout the story, and better world-building later, when the story became more engaging. Pacing was a real problem with this book Also, it could have used better proofreading.
Nevertheless, after a rough start, fine for afternoon/weekend/summertime reading.
Nevertheless, after a rough start, fine for afternoon/weekend/summertime reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews