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Dominion of Magic

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From the brilliant trio that brought you Pledge comes a whole new kind of story years in the making.

Introducing Dominion of Magic --- an occult, dark fantasy, romance where the heroines save themselves.

The Wheel Turns On...

With it, a dark prophecy that sends Lysette, Julian, and Beatrice on a chilling journey from their grand mansion in the Outer Banks, NC, to the infamous sites of witch hunts throughout history.

As the leader of her coven, Lysette, her brother Julian, and Beatrice, entwined by past love and present duty, must outmaneuver Lysette's ex-husband, Eiren Connolly. Once a beloved member of their circle, Eiren has now embraced dark magic, leading a malevolent coven in a ruthless hunt for a powerful relic. Their quest leads them to the haunted streets of Canterbury, England, the eerie shadows of Triora, Italy, the mystical lands of Okinawa, Japan, and finally, to Salem, MA, where Beatrice's courage is tested as never before.

With each step, they draw closer to the relic, but Eiren's dark influence grows stronger. In a race against time, where historical horrors blend with their own fears, will they secure the relic and ensure the safety of all witches, or will Eiren's shadow engulf them all? Dive into this dark romantic adventure where history's whispers and love's resilience are put to the ultimate test.

This is book one in the Dominion of Magic duology

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

12 people are currently reading
180 people want to read

About the author

Eleanor Rose

10 books14 followers
Eleanor Rose is a celebrated author in the fantasy genre, known for her dynamic storytelling that prominently features queer couples. Her dedication to representation extends beyond the pages of her novels, as she actively advocates for the accurate portrayal of transgender individuals and those living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).

Eleanor's literary journey began with her debut fantasy novel, "Pledge," which was released on October 3rd and met with widespread acclaim. The book marked the beginning of an enchanting series following the adventures of Gabe and Ollie, characters who have resonated deeply with readers. The anticipation for the continuation of their journey is palpable, as Eleanor has already hinted at plans for the next installment.

Beyond her writing, Eleanor is an enthusiastic traveler, with a particular fondness for exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe. These travels serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her writing, enriching her narratives with vivid descriptions and diverse perspectives.

When not traversing continents, Eleanor finds solace and creativity in her cozy casita nestled in the Southwest. This tranquil haven is where she weaves her spellbinding tales, often accompanied by the quiet company of her beloved cats. Her affection for these feline companions is not just limited to her personal life; it also finds expression in her writing, where cats often play significant roles.

Eleanor Rose's unique blend of passionate advocacy, rich storytelling, and a life filled with adventure and warmth makes her a distinct and cherished voice in the world of fantasy literature.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
800 reviews124 followers
April 27, 2024
I basically never read fantasy books, all the world building goes over my head and I find it overwhelming and confusing. I actually started this book and stopped and told everyone I can't read it but I got a bit of encouragement to give it a second try and I am glad I did.

The beginning is a bit confusing to figure out who everyone is and who the couples are (this is MF/MF with two separate couples). But I'd say after several chapters I started to understand what was happening. There was a lot of action/adventure and traveling around on a quest. I really liked all the characters and I really liked the authors' writing style. I loved the plot twist it caught me completely by surprise and the last 20% was actually really hard to put down.

I really think people who like fantasy, action, and adventure will really like this. I don't read it often, but I ended up enjoying this. I have a few fantasy friends I am excited to be able to recommend a book to for once (and also my husband who only reads fantasy and gets mad I won't buddy read with him, finally a book we can both enjoy)
Profile Image for Thais • tata.lifepages •.
632 reviews1,065 followers
May 14, 2024
Review 4.5 stars! ❤️

This is an adult occult dark fantasy romance perfect for those looking for a witchy read with a villainous love interest 😈 Prepare yourselves for morally grey characters, dark versus light witches, prophecies, LGBTQ+ rep, OCD rep and tons of heartbreak filled with tension and pining 👀

Dominion of Magic is very character driven (my favorite type of stories). The characters are practically immortal so we have lots of timeline and POV jumps to cover all that background, but after the one third of the book you know all the characters like the back of your own hand and I couldn’t put the book down! 😍 I love the close bond between Lysette and her coven, but specially loved her complicated relationship with her charming dark witch ex-husband: Eiren. Their interactions were sooo good (perfect blend of longing with “i love you but you are my enemy”).

also can I say that I am a sucker for the lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers trope (I first read this trope with FBAA and have been looking for it ever since 😍).
I cannot wait for the sequel!!

Thank you to the authors for gifting me a copy for review
Profile Image for Kimberlyisaddicted2books .
190 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2024
This book magically came to me in an email with an offer to be on the arc team and I was immediately intrigued, without even reading the synopsis, I began reading it in a fervor, because after each chapter, I just had to know what was next. I thought about the plot and characters in between the moments I couldn't read and as soon as I could, I would pull out my phone and read my e copy on it. I'm not a fan of ebooks, maybe it's because I don't have a reader, but even that didn't keep me away.

Equal parts comedy, tragedy, dark romance, fantasy and fun, we follow two pairs of lovers across centuries and time, to a present moment where all the magic world lies in peril, due to the coven masters of the light and dark and the hazardous love and chemistry that they can't seem to let lie. We watch our beloved characters, each full of magical powers and passion, Bea, Lysette, Julien, and Eiren go to war with each other and themselves, all trying to find a way to save the world as well as save each other (and their selves).

My all time favorite goddess, Hecate, gets some much deserved literary dubs. I enjoyed each character, villains and heroes, though we all are a bit of each, I found the plot thrilling, the love maddening, each word enthralling and addictive to read. I hope to get many more books from all of the authors!
Profile Image for ✩₊*Shelby ⋆ ☾⋆ LiteraryFaery ⁺₊✧.
379 reviews294 followers
May 15, 2024
Dominion of Magic is a dark romantasy with a super unique multi-timeline plot that tells the story of witch clan rivalry stretching across centuries and features TWO separate tumultuous romances!!

You may remember me obsessing over Pledge, another book by this team of authors, in the fall of last year and so I have been SO very excited to finally dive into this book and, unsurprisingly, it proved nothing short of fantastic!!

The worldbuilding is lush but not overwhelming and the storytelling through multiple perspectives has kept me enraptured. I was hooked from the very first chapter, which also somehow tore out my heart and brought me to the brink of tears, even just a few pages in. And after THAT ending, you can bet I'll be continuing this series as soon as possible!!

What to Expect:
—Morally Grey Cast
—Rivals to lovers
—Bisexual Rep
—Diverse characters
—Spicy Romance

Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Lizamongstwords.
34 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2024
Genre: Occult, Dark Fantasy, Romance

A piece of art! This book is not a light read, nor is it an easy one. There’s a lot of time hopping due to the immortal status of our main characters. There are hundreds of years to unpack in this novel. Every single second of this read is worth it! There’s so much emotion in this book. I’m not sure where to start so here are a couple of my favorite quotes to give you a feel for the writing, which was masterfully written between three amazing authors.

“You are too precious to me to lose you doing something so stupid as taking on Sabrina the Teenage Skank. No one kicks my sister’s ass but me, you understand?”

“The twilight blanketed the landscape, a symphony of shadows dancing beneath the waning light as we approached the pinnacle of our journey.”
History of witch trials, unique magic, the everlong fight between light and dark, sisterhood and soooooo much more. Dominion of Magic touches on so many tough subjects and weaves a tale that tugs on your heartstrings. Mental health is a reacurring theme in this book and it tells such an important story.

There’s a lot of emotions with the interconnections of the characters and how those connections drive their choices. I found myself yelling at the characters, swooning over them, crying with them and overall wanting to befriend them, well most of them. Some are infurienting, and when a character elicits certain emotions you know that the writing is well done.

My endnotes include that this was an amazing book, I’m left NEEDING more. Everyone wants more, but I NEED more. I have to know how this story ends. There’s definitely going to be another book, I just hope it comes soon. Please give this book a chance, read it and then talk to me about it because I’m dying to go over theories with friends!
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
788 reviews236 followers
May 19, 2024
Spice: 3 peppers

That feeling when the first chapter of a book still holds you in a pretty hand necklace.

DOMINION OF MAGIC is a dark romantasy with a prophecy and two rival witch clans both looking for a magical artifact. The story follows two established couples and moves on multiple timelines that stretch way far in the past, too, uncovering years and layers of intrigue, heartbreak and drama.

Stress the heartbreak and drama part.

This isn’t the first time I read a book by these wonderful authors, so I was expecting to enjoy it, but something about Dominion of Magic just hit different. The characters are extra wonderful somehow, and I loved all the bi power and rep in the book! My favorite dynamic (if we ignore what happened in the first chapter because again, hand necklace) is without a doubt the one between Lysette and Eiren, who belong to rival witch clans and yet they used to be married. And I say used to, but these two are still very much obsessed with each other so there is the mother dragon of all angst between them. Eiren also has some quotes that make me weak in the knees, and he’s the type of “villainous” morally gray character that I’m always successfully a goner for. Absolutely brilliant, and I loved his storyline throughout the years so much.

Thank you to the authors for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
75 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2024
Do you want witches, dark magic, and all the reprentation? Dominion of Magic should be your next read! This occult dark fantasy hit the spot.

It takes you on a quest to save the world that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I found it was hard to put down and constantly needed to know what was next. It beautifully illustrated the many facets of love and the devastation of heartbreak.

I felt the world was easy to jump into without all the world building required of high fantasy. I think it would be a great read to step into the world of fantasy for the first time.

The plot twist was a jaw dropper that I definitely did not see coming! I need more, please!

Thank you to the authors for this beautiful book.

P.S. Kelby, me and my big feet see you! The struggle is so real!!

“Absolutely. But it’s a masochistic love in all fairness. Finding fab heels in my size is like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Kelby shared, her tone tinged with a hint of lament. “Apparently we are still living in a world where no one is considering that some women’s feet used to be men’s feet.”
Profile Image for Alyssa.
229 reviews
June 25, 2024
Oh Eíren they can’t make me hate you. (I’m a dark romance reader whoops.)

And oh Bea, they could never make me like you… which is unfortunate since half of the book is in her POV.

Okay let’s get into it!! First off, this was such a compelling read! I didn’t want to put it down, I just wanted to figure out what happened next, there was some huge shocking things in the back end which definitely set up for a next book. So the ending is pretty open, but also could be potentially a squeal if the authors decide to do so?

Things I enjoy: I really enjoyed Lysette’s character, we see a strong coven leader who battles which her innate dark magic she was born with but, desires to use only light. She is strong but is weak to one man in her life, her ex husband Eíren who is a psychopath frankly, but I’m into it. I enjoy the world and getting to see the difference of where they are. Overall, I just love how the story was written we learned about these different characters and the battle for the magical ring, which I’m still not sure what it really does tbh.

Things I didn’t really like: (most of these are my own personal beef, don’t let this discourage you from reading this masterpiece!!!)
I personally hated the time jumps mid chapter!! I feel like it disrupted the flow of the book to me, I think it should have been a whole separate chapter. I also really didn’t like Bea, idk I just have beef with her. I hate how black and white she was about everything, she couldn’t rationalize and just have a conversation with people, ESPECIALLY Julien. Like girl just talk to them pls, that is all we are begging you to do. She was very frustrating to me so I found it wasn’t enjoyable to be in her head at all. Also I didn’t like one final reveal at the end :/ it kind of came out of nowhere for me and I just felt it wasn’t needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed the debut novel by these authors! I got the pleasure of meeting two of them in person recently and they are so sweet, I loved this book and I look forward to reading more works in this fantastic story that was created.
Profile Image for Chelsea Frey.
116 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2024
If you love magic, adventure, and witches this book is for you! I did enjoy this book, however the 1st half was difficult to get into. There was a lot of information going on to try and follow and to connect the dots. The 2nd half however I flew through! The plot twist was very well done and the ending leaves your jaw on the floor.
Profile Image for Romance Entranced.
14 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2024
Favorite quote:

"I need you. You are my compass and my shield. You make me brave, and you make me weak. And by the heavens and all that has made me, I love when you make me weak.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story captivated me with its surprising plot twists that left me dumbstruck, in tears or shouting expletives. The characters are wonderfully crafted, each with their own depth where I found myself both falling in love or feeling betrayed. Their journeys are depicted so vividly and intensely that I felt as though I was part of the story. I especially appreciated the representation of LGBTQ relationships and mental health issues which are handled with sensitivity and insight.

I've gone from a fan of contemporary romance to a dark fantasy enthusiast thanks to this trio! It's become my top read of the year—I've already devoured it three times!

🌙✨️

🖤 Dive into "The Dominion of Magic" for a journey where love's strength and the echoes of history battle against the tide of darkness. Will you join Lysette, Julian, and Beatrice in their quest to safeguard their world?
Profile Image for Ve (ve_xo).
672 reviews112 followers
July 6, 2024
I’m obsessed with this Dark Fantasy, perfect for lovers of the occult on a quest to find an important object. I have been pulled into the story of rivals, members of opposite clans that can’t help but love each other. 🤭😍

🔮Things you’ll find in DOMINION OF MAGIC:

* Rivals to lovers
* Amazing Bi Rep!
* Diverse characters
* Witches and adventure
* Romance

The beginning of the story was a little bit on the slower side but as the world building came together and the characters developed I started to grasp the story better. The thing I loved the most of course is the morally grey characters. Absolutely love falling for the grey character! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Huge thanks to the author for gifting me a copy! All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
698 reviews347 followers
May 19, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book is an ode to bi power and morally gray (black?) characters, and I am living for all of it!

Dominion of Magic is a dark romantasy where a prophecy sets two rival covens on a quest to find a magical artefact. But things aren't so easy because the relationships between these covens are tangled and messy. The leader of the "dark magic" coven used to be in the "light magic" coven and he was more than just a friend. He was married to the light magic leader, and to this day feelings make being enemies...complicated. But will love prevail on ambition and power?

I fell deeply in love with this novel. I've read another book by this wonderful trio of authors and loved it, but there is something about Dominion of Magic that just tickled me in all the right ways. For starters, the witch lore. I am a sucker for witches, and it was so interesting to follow these characters along multiple timelines and touching down on important locations of the Witch Trials throughout history. This past/present narration also allowed to really get into the heart of these characters, who have centuries of experience and tangled relationships that lead them to the events of the present. Seeing where they were coming from, the significant events that shaped their drives and desires, left me feeling like I knew these characters intimately (and of course I couldn't be more wrong because THOSE FINAL REVEALS 🤯)

The characters were by far the book's greatest strength. One of the most iconic and devastating ones was Eiren, the villain. Behind every good villain is a story of pain, betrayal and heartbreak, and Eiren's was no exception. I was feeling for him the entire book for everything he's gone through, and admittedly I was impressed with his ambition and his motivation to reach his goals, no matter the cost. Sure, he pushed the line sometimes...but maybe we can fix him...? One thing is for sure, villain lovers have a sweetheart in this one.

Special mention also goes to the leading ladies, Lysette and Bea. These two are the embodiment of girl power in every sense of the word. Although very different, these are women driven by passion who wear their hearts on their sleeve. But at the end of the day? They'd go through hell and back for one another. Such a fantastic example of women supporting women, and I will just leave this here: if Eiren can't be fixed, I wouldn't be opposed to a shift in this friendship dynamic. Not one bit.

Thank you to the authors for gifting me a copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for F. Keely.
3 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
diving into Dominion of Magic felt like stepping into a world tailor-made to resonate with my experiences and interests. From the creators of Pledge, this book isn't just another fantasy epic; it's a deeply personal journey that hits right at the core of complex identities and relationships.

First off, the bi representation in this book is phenomenal. It’s not just thrown in as an afterthought; it’s integral to the characters' identities and their interactions. Seeing a fantasy narrative embrace such fluidity in sexual identity without making it the sole focus is both refreshing and deeply affirming.

One aspect that truly captivated me was the depiction of the couple's intimacy as their relationship gradually disintegrated. The authors masterfully capture the raw, tender moments that remind you of the love that once was, juxtaposed with the growing chasm of misunderstandings and divergent paths. It's a poignant exploration of how even the deepest connections can fray, reflecting the messy, heartbreaking reality of love falling apart.

The use of various magics in the story isn't just for show—it's inspired. Each type of magic serves as a metaphor for the characters' inner conflicts and desires, weaving a rich tapestry that enhances the narrative depth. This magical diversity adds layers to the plot, making the characters' struggles and triumphs even more impactful.

And then there's the villain—oh, the villain! He's a beautifully crafted character whose tragic path you can't help but empathize with, even as you abhor his actions. His story line makes you ponder the classic question quoted in the book: "If he'd just died at his execution, none of this would have happened." This adds a haunting layer of what-ifs and moral ambiguity that stays with you long after the last page.

Overall, Dominion of Magic is more than just a book; it’s a journey through love, identity, and the magic of self-discovery. The bi representation and the intricate portrayal of a relationship's complexities are just some of the reasons this story stands out. If you’re looking for a fantasy that feels both epic and incredibly personal, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Heidi H..
246 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2024
Like composers of orchestral music, the authors of Dominion of Magic have written a rich, layered story that immerses readers in an experience. It's truly masterful how the notes (or words in this case) intertwine to showcase multiple depths to the book.

As readers, we can stay along the main storyline (the melody if you will) and fully enjoy Eíren, Lysette, Julien, and Bea and their adventures. Or, the authors allow us to dig deep into the greater meaning behind our characters' actions as well as life at large (those rich harmonies). What is good? What is evil? What makes us who we are? Is morally gray so bad?

To top it off, they have included great queer representation and mental health representation. Found family is also an important and repeated theme.

I loved this book and am looking forward to book 2 in the series. Until then I know these characters are going to stick with me and I will find myself having "A-ha!" moments.

If you love a leading man who is morally gray, kickass leading women, and diverse characters on a magical mission, get this book!

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Profile Image for Dominique Alvarez.
140 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
I was very fortunate to receive this arc!

When I tell you this book had me in a chokehold, I couldn't put it down. I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next. The emotions this one put me through. I was pulled in from the first page and I didn't want it to end when it did.

The characters! I genuinely loved and hated them respectfully. Each of them were written so well that I was attached to them rather quickly in some form or another. My heart ached with them. I grew angry and felt betrayed when they did.

The twists were everything and I enjoyed each one. I had put down my tablet after each one for a moment to process it all before picking it back up and continuing. They came in ways I wasn't expecting and I'll be over here thinking about them for a while.

Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!
Profile Image for Diksha Pandey.
91 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2024
DOMINION OF MAGIC , a dark magic fantasy where a prophecy sets two rival covens on a quest to find a magical artefact🪄

🌒Things gets messy because these covens do not like each other at all. The leader of 'dark magic' was married to the leader of 'light magic' ,which makes things complicated 😐

🌒This book had so many witches lore that it got really interesting to know such history🧙🏻‍♀️
Seeing where they come from, the significant things that made them who they are made me so much intrigued 🫠🫠

🌒To know the tragic past of Eiren (the villain) made me emphatize with him in a way🤷🏻‍♀️
The beautiful ladies Bea & Lysette are so strong that I was literally cheering for them all the way through 😂

The characters are so diverse and fascinating ✨ I loved how beautifully the ode to the bi power was penned down💗
Profile Image for Tati Alvarez.
Author 9 books204 followers
May 15, 2024
Dominion of Magic was the book I did not know I needed. This character driven story is full of tension and angst. We get the story from multiple POV and timelines, which I adored. It gave me a better understanding of the plot and characters. That ending is going to make you desperate for book two!
Profile Image for kn_cozy_bookworm.
251 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2024
All the stars!
As a reader of pretty much just romance genre I was not expecting much from this book. I’m usually not into fantasy and part of me was like, why did I sign up for this ARC? Especially when I saw this book was four hundred pages! Well shame on me. This book more than exceeded my expectations and I am sure I’m not even going to be able to do it justice here.
The story sucked me in to the point I wasn’t even paying attention to how much of the book I had left. The emotional roller coaster I went through with these characters was insane. This book has great characters with huge depth and character development.
The story jumps from past to present to give the reader such a well thought out and complete view of their lives. The time jumping is done well and I was not confused in the least from it.
The story will keep you guessing and has some great plot twists and I don’t want to give anything away so l I’ll just say that you will love and hate these characters at some point. You will root for them, they will make you angry and break your heart, and they will also give you hope.
This may be a fantasy book, but the way the authors wrote Lysette, Bea, Julian and Eiren? Guaranteed you will feel and resonate with at least one of them. Their hopes, their fears, their struggles, their redemption.
This is book 1 in a duet and I cannot wait for the continuation of this story.
Profile Image for Jessica H.
140 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
Eleanor, Chase, and August have done it again!

If you're looking for a magical book about light versus dark - with a sexy morally charcoal gray villain this is for you.

Dominion of Magic constantly asks the reader whether things are black and white or if there are really shades of gray.

Throughout the book, we get to see glimpses of the past. The love that formed and fractured between Lysette & Eiren and Beatrice & Julien for centuries. Every flashback is intentional and gives readers a deeper look into why these characters make the decisions they do - even if they're completely frustrating.

I wanted to shake Lys every time she accepted Eiren back into her life. Every time she had faith in him, I wanted to smack her! He knew every button to press - and not just in the bedroom. He's a perfect manipulator.

The big reveal shook me and made me gasp as I read, and the last several chapters made my heart race.

As I write this, I can only wonder "Did I finish this book, or did it finish me?"
I truly cannot wait for the Legacy of the Gods to be published.
Profile Image for Ryn Meagher.
472 reviews21 followers
March 29, 2025
Dominion of Magic by Eleanor Rose
A.K.A. The Book That Dragged Me Kicking and Screaming Into Fantasy and I Loved It

I don’t read fantasy. World-building usually makes my brain short-circuit. I even quit this book at first. But after some encouragement, I gave it a second chance—and thank Hecate I did.

The beginning? Confusing. Who’s who? What’s a coven master? Why are there two couples? But once I got past the info dump, I was hooked. The characters are so good. Lysette and her dark witch ex-husband, Eiren, have that perfect lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers tension (equal parts toxic and addictive). The story is packed with action, prophecies, magic, and heartbreak—aka everything you want in a dark fantasy romance.

The last 20%? Impossible to put down. The plot twist? Had me screaming. The romance? Messy and so worth it. Even my eBook-hating soul couldn’t stop devouring this. If you love morally grey characters, LGBTQ+ rep, and witchy drama, read this now. I need the sequel.
Profile Image for Fantasy Fables.
121 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2025
This book hooked me from the start! How could it not when Chapter 1 starts off with this masterpiece - “If he’d just died at his execution, none of this would have happened.”

The main characters are all essentially immortal witches, so be prepared for a lot of jumps back in time. I won’t lie, at first I wasn’t sure how I felt about all of the timeline jumps, but trust that they’re necessary to move the story along!

We got witches, a unique magic system, intriguing backstories, prophecies, tension, pining, tragedy, heartbreak, plot twists galore, and wonderfully morally grey characters - including a charcoal grey villain-shaped love interest. 😈💕

This book was beautifully written and made me feel ALL the emotions. If you’re looking for an occult dark fantasy romance that also includes an abundance of representation - from LGBTQ+ to neurodivergent rep - this is the book for you. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2! 🔮
Profile Image for Marharyta.
228 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
A masterpiece that will wreck you to your core

💕 A literary masterpiece that fulfills its promise to wreck you to your core. From the masterminds who brought you Pledge, this treasured piece of fantasy writing explores the juxtaposition of light versus dark, good versus evil. Is it so black and white? Or can we embrace the duality of the two as one?

This story had me hooked from the very beginning because there are few things better than a good villain origin story. The emotional or psychological betrayal. The immeasurable sense of grief that ultimately leads to a devastating loss of control. Excellent.

The conflict tearing our heroine apart as she refuses to accept that the man she loves cannot be saved. Because maybe he can be? The people around her are dying. Her own darkness is threatening to be released. Can she stop him before it’s too late or will her own weakness for him win out?

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as watching someone drowning in their own internal turmoil, knowing that either way, she losses something dear to her. The complexity and depth of character is sublime. She is both strong and weak. Fearless and afraid. Commanding yet commanded.

This quest wedges a huge crack between those closest to her. The solid foundations of friendships that have lasted for centuries are in danger of crumbling. Worst yet, exploding in a way that will leave none of them whole again. Will they be able to weather this storm together or find themselves at opposing ends of this fight?

The tender moments between our heroine and our villain. Are they sweet? Are they manipulative? Can they be both at the same time? Torn between differing ideologies, can their dissension be mended? Will he be able to put aside his quest? For her? For their love? Or will this obsession end in the destruction of everything and everyone?

I wholeheartedly crave the psychological and emotional conflict that is prevalent in this story. I love the adventures as they travel from country to country, soaking in different languages and cultures. I love the OCD, ND, and LGBTQ representation. I loved not knowing whether or not this story would have a happy ending. Is it even a possibility with everything stacked against them?

The characters are both perfect and flawed at the same time. The relationships honest as they are fuelled with love, hate, resentment, and betrayal. A perfect gem of a story that will leave you breathless, vulnerable, and craving more. Wanting to know how it ends yet never wanting it to be over.
Profile Image for Amy Elizabeth.
50 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2024
Intoxicating, shocking, spicy, drama!

I liked this book a lot. I couldn't wait for the next train to derail! I didn't really root for any one character but they were all a mess and I loved that! The story kept me reading and there were a couple twists I did not see coming. I loved the jump between POVs and time periods and the background of each character and the origin of their powers.

I totally think this could have been a stand alone book, but I'm definitely invested enough to read the next one.
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,139 reviews35 followers
May 8, 2024
Leaves you wanting more.

3.5 Stars on this one for me. I struggled to get into all of the extra information and flash backs but once we got going this book was fantastic.

A dark prophecy
White Orchid versus Black Roses
Battle of Light & Dark Magic

Who can you trust? Who is on your side? Who's love is real? Which side will you be on when everything reaches a peak?

Follow Coven leader Lysette as she deals with the reality of so many crucial decisions. Can she follow the path with her sister or will love change everything?
Profile Image for Myranda | bookswithmyranda.
378 reviews10 followers
May 28, 2024
Hoooooooly cow. This book was so much more than I was expecting. Going in, I knew this would be a dark fantasy and it did not disappoint! Every character in this story had their own faults and flaws, which shows just how utterly human they are, despite their immortality. I loved seeing these characters literally travel the globe through the ages. By the end of the book, I was on my seat and just begging that everything would turn out ok. I was so emotional and on the verge of tears. The way it ended had me yelling, no joke. I need the next book but please go gentle on my fragile heart!
Profile Image for L.D..
Author 8 books81 followers
March 25, 2025
I loved this read! I couldn't put it down at times. I love the love that borders on obsession between Lysette and Eíren *chef's kiss* 🤌🏻 the action and adventure kept me on the edge of my seat! There were times when I wanted to throw my Kindle, especially when it came to Jules and Bea - don't get me started on these two. I also love the witchy vibes and the extra long life span that they enjoyed. The pacing was fantastic and kept me engaged long into the wee hours of the night! I can't wait for Legacy of the Gods!
Profile Image for Rose Wood.
29 reviews2 followers
May 1, 2024
This book was a slow start for me since I don't really read many urban fantasies but I kept with it and it quickly became very interesting. I loved all of the bi-representation and the chemistry between all of the characters. I went through about 15 emotions throughout this entire book. The plot twist was right there in front of me the whole time yet I was blind to it until it happened. I desperately need a sequel to this.
Profile Image for Elana.
71 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2024
Dominion of Magic 💫

Plot 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I wanted to savor this book as long as I possibly could. August Oliver, Chase St. Clare and Eleanor Rose you have wrote a masterpiece! I loved the blend of not only fantasy but dark romance, comedy and occult. Throughout the book the plot twists that took place completely shocked me. This book has a rivalry between good and bad. There is a lot of grey area, and it makes you feel like what would you do if you were in heroines shoes? Something I think that is incredible as well about this book is that it has a lot of diversity in characters from Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ representation, and OCD all of these identities are blended beautifully into the story. The cliffhanger has me in shell shock, I’m beyond ready for the next book. Get ready to have the ride of your life with this one.

Tropes
💜Magic
🖤Friends to Lovers to Exes to…
💜Villains
🖤Morally Gray
💜Greek Mythology
🖤 Various Representations
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 2 books7 followers
August 30, 2025
I’m giving that a 4.75 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨magic
✨ancient gods feud
✨bisexual representation
✨double trouble, turmoil, and betrayal
✨various types of magic
✨secrets, lies, seduction
✨mental illness representation
✨diverse family dynamics

It started with a bang 💥 And a holy fucking shit that cliffhanger!

The first 1/3 was a little slow to start for me with the back and fourth of the main 4 , mostly bickering and getting no where in the big plot, but then it took off. Completely hooked. There were so many throat and turns, and as someone who can usually see things coming ; I didn’t. This book ruined me and I could feel the FMCS pain in my soul, as well as their rage that I hope they harness in book 2.

Seriously by the end I felt myself having to unclench my jaw and stop gripping tf out of my kindle. I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense.




****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,029 reviews34 followers
March 15, 2025
A Haunting, Unforgettable Fantasy That Will Own Your Soul

Dominion of Magic (The Black Rose/White Orchid Trilogy, Book 1) is a mesmerizing blend of gothic romance, high-stakes adventure, and psychological tension. It grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. With echoes of The Da Vinci Code’s relentless treasure hunt and the tragic beauty of The Great Gatsby, this novel immerses readers in a world where love and power intertwine in the most dangerous ways.

At its heart, this story is about obsession, fate, and the impossible choices that define us. Lysette, a coven leader with a past steeped in magic and regret, stands at the crossroads of duty and desire. She is haunted by Eíren, a former lover turned relentless pursuer, whose hunger for power is as consuming as his devotion to her. Their connection is magnetic—filled with longing, betrayal, and the ever-present question of whether love can survive when power is at stake.

Beatrice, Lysette’s fiercely protective friend, serves as both a voice of reason and a warrior in her own right. Her determination to keep Eíren at bay adds an extra layer of tension, forcing Lysette to confront the war between her heart and her responsibilities. Meanwhile, Eíren himself is the perfect villain—seductive, powerful, and utterly convinced that his vision for magic’s future is justified. He doesn’t just chase power; he embodies it, making every scene he enters feel electric with danger.

What makes Dominion of Magic exceptional is its deep, psychological complexity. The novel explores the fine line between love and obsession, loyalty and betrayal, light and dark. As the past collides with the present, the characters grapple with choices that carry devastating consequences. Can Lysette resist the pull of a man who was once her world? Can she stop him before his ambition turns deadly? Or is she fated to fall alongside him?

The book also shines in its representation. With strong LGBTQ+ themes, neurodivergent characters, and an emphasis on mental health, it adds layers of realism to its fantasy world. The found family dynamic is particularly moving, proving that bonds of love and loyalty can be just as powerful as blood ties.

Beyond its gripping narrative and complex characters, Dominion of Magic delivers an immersive experience. The lush descriptions, globe-spanning settings, and intricate magical system create a world that feels as rich and real as our own. The story’s tension never lets up, leading to plot twists that will leave you breathless and emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.

This is not just another fantasy novel—it’s an emotional journey. It forces readers to question where they stand on love, power, and redemption. It lingers long after the final page, leaving you aching for more. If you love dark fantasy filled with morally gray characters, relentless stakes, and romance that burns with equal parts passion and destruction, Dominion of Magic is an absolute must-read.
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