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Marvels and Magic #3

A Dagger of Twisted Starlight

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Xavier Blackthorne

As a bodyguard, I’ve protected all kinds of people, but I never expected my next client to be the Vice President’s son.

Blake King is all awkward smiles and high walls, but from the moment I meet him, I’m hooked. Keeping him safe should be my top priority, but getting closer to him is quickly becoming my second.

I’ve always kept emotions out of the job, but Blake makes that impossible. When a rogue pack of shifters attacks, it’s clear they want something from him—something I can’t figure out. Now, with danger closing in and no time to waste, I’ll have to risk everything to uncover the truth before it’s too late. Because failure isn’t an option, and neither is letting Blake slip through my fingers.

Blake King

Being the Vice President’s son has perks—like getting assigned a sexy golden dragon shifter as my bodyguard for the summer.

I thought this summer in L.A. would be finish my classes, get a tan, and head back home. Falling for Xavier was not part of the plan. Neither was becoming the target of a deadly secret organization.

Now, we’re in the crosshairs, and we don’t even know why. Trust is hard to come by, but the chemistry between us is impossible to ignore. And as danger closes in, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll survive long enough to figure out what’s really happening—or if I’ll lose myself to Xavier first.
_______
This is a standalone MM urban fantasy romance featuring an adorkable wolf shifter and a buff dragon shifter. It contains found family, first times, high stakes, time shenanigans, versatile partners, and backward baseball caps on buff dragons. It can be read alone.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

62 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Max Walker

39 books9 followers

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5 stars
101 (40%)
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95 (37%)
3 stars
49 (19%)
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7 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ben.
95 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2024
This trilogy is like cheese puff balls; tasty but not a lot of substance to them. But you end up eating so many that you are sad when you’ve finished.

Was it as good as the second? Debatable.
Do I like Xavier better? Absolutely.

Profile Image for Jadyn Simental.
53 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2025
I'm just easy to impress I know, but the writing is so smooth, such a cliche book, the most cliche in the trilogy but it was so nice to take a mental break to read this trilogy. The trilogy itself was not at all what I expected, which was an epic fantasy with a hint of romance. who knew Max Welker could make you fall in love with his characters so well?

this book in particular I tried to prolong, when I wanted to continue reading I didn't let myself because I really didn't want this trilogy to end. when I read series I'm mostly sort of just wanting to finish so I can move on to the next book but I'd this was a never ending series I would comply. It's simply a trilogy that exemplifies reading for pleasure. the writing is so smooth as I mentioned, theres no boring parts, or slow moments. the books are relatively short so there's always something happening. there are a lot of cliche moments that ngl had me cringe but not in the type of way that ruined the book for me in any way.

also this books is everything I need?? like a hint of fantasy, dragons (which say less if there's dragons im in) and vampires and werewolves and fae marvels and shape shifters. it's a version of America with all types of diverse fantasy persona. Each book depicts a member of this infamous family of dragons and each book one brother falls in love and we get both perspectives. The author writes romance as though he's experienced it before which is something I really like. it's a simple read which was amazing especially when I'm at a reading slump. but my only critique is reading this made me want to stop reading books that make me think too much, which may NOT be the best thing for me when I wanna challenge myself ,😂
Profile Image for wis.
33 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2025
glad i finished this series but i probably won’t read any more from this author because it’s frustrating to constantly be picking up on timeline inconsistencies due to what is clearly a lack of editing and the author not remembering what he wrote previously.

-in book 2, blake was already xavier’s charge before maddox and caleb destroyed the paintings. so there’s no way he would have heard the rumor of them stopping the plot prior to xavier coming to pick him up because he was already there. and so he would have been there when they made the plans to go camping, because they would have made them after blake came to stay with the family.
-blake acting like he didn’t know which door was xavier’s horde room when earlier in the book xavier mentioned blake had tried to go in and gotten yelled at for it.

overall, i think i liked this one best? but that’s not really saying much considering they were all fairly mediocre. had really high hopes for this series, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Fay MMBookworm.
3,050 reviews66 followers
October 1, 2024
A fantastic finale to the series.
A great start as Blake meets his bodyguard and get hot and flustered by the gorgeous hunk.
Blake🐺 26 years was the vise president’s son and was getting a new bodyguard since he was heading to Uni for the summer.
Xavier,🐉 28 A dragon was allocated for Blake’s side to keep him safe from threats.
Scenes playout and its not long before they are attacked ruining Blake's attending classes while the threat is around. But that's only the iceberg for what happens next.
A journey to find the dagger before their world ends as they know it as the group sets out. This has a great suspense feeling as dramas keep the storyline alive. Feelings and connections start to happen for Xavier and Blake. I loved their humor in this with their flirting.
Profile Image for eesha.
224 reviews2 followers
Read
November 1, 2025
dnf DEAD EX TROPE ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS im not well adjusted enough to be normal about that in my romance novels. some people are fine with it and good for them. everyone needs to remember that im toxic 💗 like xavier telling blake he was going to propose the week before he died. as some sort of bonding moment.....?😭😭😭😭😭 no thank u. and the plot go too real way too fast i was nawt invested in the slightest. god this would have been so good like maaaann im so upset
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,796 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2024
This is a wonderful story that quickly pulled me in and kept me glued to the pages until the final page was turned Xavier and Blake are intriguing characters I enjoyed getting to know. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy within the pages of this story from action, adventure, magic, and plenty of heat. A story well worth reading.
Profile Image for isthisakink.
1,184 reviews23 followers
November 3, 2024
I loved this series so much. This was an absolutely perfect ending to it, and a great setup for what’s coming next.

But them editing whiffs, though. So many, and so much inconsistency. It really harshed all of the vibes and made me want to slam my head into a desk and/or chuck my reading device across the room.

I’m sorry, I can’t just ignore it. I try every time and I never succeed. I guess it’s just who I am as a person? Maybe this was the wrong copy uploaded? Idk, buddies, but it was rough to wade through.

Aside from that stuff, however, I couldn’t have loved these guys more. There were a few places I would’ve liked a little more detail for my own personal consumption, but that’s just me being my usual information-whore self. Their love and backstories were fantastic. I was worried I’d wind up being annoyed with the bodyguard trope (which happens a lot because it either hits or misses so bad it’s basically comical), but I was pleased with the way this one played out.

4/5. Don’t be mad, my reviews are rough to wade through, too. The big difference here is the book was worth the struggle. My thoughts? Not even close, as it should be. I can’t wait to see who is worthy of the most precious bb War!
Profile Image for Angelique.
358 reviews23 followers
October 3, 2024
**Received this book as an ARC for an honest review**

"Love is something that’s more powerful than gravity itself. It’s worth doing anything you can to hold on to it."

And so we come to the conclusion of the Marvels and Magic series, with another amazing, lighthearted, unexpected and beautiful story.

This time we start off with Xavier Blackthorne, the golden dragon with the ability to manipulate time as he accepts a post to be bodyguard to the Vice president's Son, Blake King, who is also a wolf shifter.

A underlying attraction is unavoidable between the dragon and shifter as they spend more time together than apart and just as Blake feels like this could be a new start after his limited but disastrous dating history, rogue wolves attack during an event at the White House and it's up to Xavier, Blake and the Blackthorne family to uncover why Blake is being targeted.

Some things are not as they seem and the most unexpected of people are involved with this group. After a few brushes with death at the hands of selfish people under a terrible influence, the unraveling of evil puppeteers and the unraveling of feelings will have you eager to read this book in one sitting.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,804 reviews36 followers
October 5, 2024
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I can admit that I now daydream of having a badass dragon boyfriend. Less so on the world-ending chaos that seems to surround them…still dreamy dragons…

Max has brought us a family of amazing dragons who have a strong bond and an even stronger commitment to doing what’s right. Though when Xavier agreed to protect Blake they had no idea what would come at them. But they face it together and it’s quite beautiful.

Xavier is such a kindhearted man. A mamma’s boy who is still feeling the loss of their mother. Wrap that boy in a hug!

Blake is the Vice-President’s son and extremely likeable - spoiled but down to earth and not afraid to get dirty.

It’s a great pairing and the storyline was wild!

Max has promised that though this series is ending we’ll still get to see the Blacktorne Family in the next one with baby brother taking the lead, and for that I am thankful. I’m quite partial to them all.
Profile Image for Melissa.
309 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2024
What the hell's so bad that my dad wants me staying in a castle surrounded by dragons?

The final book in the Marvels and Magic trio is a fun, twisty read! Xaviar, our dragon bodyguard and Blake, the VP's shifter son have an instant easy chemistry! I really enjoyed their banter, and the way they understood each other.

After book 1 and 2's big dramas and political plots (cults, chaos kings, and vampire queens! oh my!) you'd think the Blackthorne family deserves a break, but alas! There are a couple loose ends still to clean up.... Hello Dagger of Twisted Starlight! And creepy hourglass cult! Walker provided some good twists and turns, and a couple false trails to the mystery which I enjoyed.

You should definitely read this series in order to get the best experience!

*advanced read. thoughts and opinions my own*
Profile Image for Darrel Oglesby.
114 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2024
What a fantastic ending to this series. Our favorite dragon heroes are back taking on another possible world ending catastrophe. This time Xavier the beautiful and built golden dragon who shifts time and manipulates sand takes day job as a bodyguard to the next level with his new client Blake. Blake publicly charismatic and well spoken but privately shy, nerdy, and sometimes awkward…..oh and he’s also the son of the vice president. Confronted with past trauma, both characters, and increasingly dangerous situations these two ignite a fire of passion and adventure. This book was everything expected from a Max Walker book action, adventure, mystery, romance, sweet little moments, and fiery hot times. Such a wonderful ending and I think that Xavier and Blake took the place of my favorite of the series couples.
Profile Image for mrs sarah frost.
450 reviews11 followers
October 6, 2024
The end of an amazing series.

Xavier a golden dragon who can manipulate time has been hired as a bodyguard to Blake, a wolf shifter and also the Vice President’s son as he was heading to uni. Their attraction is instant.

After a wolf attack when they attended a party at the White House Xavier, Blake and the Blackthorn family need to work together to find out why they were targeted.

The most unexpected people are revealed to be mixed up with the wolf attack.

WOW Max what an excellent end to the series. Full of twist, turns, hot sexy dragons and great banter

Sad this series has ended but look forward to catching up with Warwick at the academy in a spin off series.

Highly highly recommend
Profile Image for Jilly.
82 reviews
October 3, 2024
Love is something that’s more powerful than gravity itself. It’s worth doing anything you can to hold on to it."

An enjoyable final book in Max Walker's dragon series. This one is dragon shifter Xavier's story, and his romantic interest is a wolf shifter named Blake. When Xavier is hired to protect Blake, the president's son, it sets off a chain of events that forever changes their lives. The guys find themselves drawn to each other immediately. As their bond deepens, they discover mutual respect for each other, and fall in love

The world building is solid, the found family vibes are strong, and the characters and well developed. I very much enjoyed this story!

Profile Image for Aimee .
1,167 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2024
Blake & Xavier

While I did enjoy getting to know Blake and Xavier and see how they came to their HEA. I felt like this series left a few questions and I figure we’ll get more answers in the spin-off but that just doesn’t seem right. I want to know that the Chaos King is gone for good. I wish Warrick was included in this series and not a spin-off. I know Max is an MM author but I’d would have loved to have seen how Dawn and Claire get together since Dawn is a Blackthorne dragon as well. So overall, cute story but I was a bit disappointed.
Profile Image for James Hill.
687 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2024
This book got me is a 4/5. I have read the other books in this series and they were good. This one is a good read as well. This book is about Blake, a wolf shifter, and Xavier, a dragon shifter. Blake is the vice president’s son and Xavier is hired to be his bodyguard. Xavier is instantly attracted to Blake but he does not want to be unprofessional. Things really go bad when some powerful people attract the White House. Xavier takes Blake to his home to protect him. But the danger chases them there as well. Will Blake and Xavier have their chance at happiness?
Profile Image for Edga.
2,231 reviews23 followers
September 30, 2024
Mystery and Romance

An enjoyable final book in Max Walker's dragon series. This one is dragon shifter Xavier's story, and his romantic interest is a wolf shifter named Blake. When Xavier is hired to protect Blake, the president's son, it sets off a chain of events that forever changes their lives. The guys find themselves drawn to each other immediately. As their bond deepens, they discover mutual respect for each other, and fall in love. Max writes a good story, full of passion, danger, humour and mystery. Xavier and Blake's characters are well developed, they work so well together. The world-building draws you in from the beginning, and I enjoyed meeting up with characters from the previous books, especially Xavier's brothers. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, shifter stories, or simply a good love story, you'll enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
746 reviews
September 27, 2024
Xavier and Blake are straight fire. The two are thrown together when Xavier is hired to serve as Blake’s bodyguard. The attraction is instantaneous but trouble soon follows. Blake and Xavier must join forces with the rest of the Blackthorne clan to save the world as they know it. What follows takes the reader on a titillating journey of adventure and betrayal with a heap of steam and falling in love.
3,010 reviews47 followers
September 27, 2024
A Dagger of Twisted Starlight is book 3 in the Magic & Marvels series by Max Walker.
Xavier and Blake come together when Xavier is hired to serve as Blake’s bodyguard. Sparks fly between these two right from the start but trouble also find them.
Their journey is full of adventure and betrayal with a huge helping of steam and falling in love.
I loved going on this adventure with them and seeing them get their well deserved HEA!
2,239 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2024
This is the third and final book in the Magic and Marvels series and it is another great read, this is Xavier and Blake’s story and their chemistry is off the charts as we join them on their magical action packed adventure with plenty of steamy times as they as they fight with a roque pack of shifters and face betrayal while falling in love and trying to save Blake and defeat the society so that they can get their Hea. Great read and series.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,393 reviews21 followers
October 1, 2024
I adored Blake and Xavier and their super sweet, low angst paranormal shifter romance. Blake is a completely adorkable wolf shifter and Xavier is a gorgeously protective dragon shifter. They’re drawn to each other immediately, and as the danger intensifies, so does their chemistry. The world building is solid, the found family vibes are strong, and the characters and well developed. I very much enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Linda.
647 reviews14 followers
October 1, 2024
Xavier is a dragon-shifter bodyguard hired to oversee the protection of the vice president's son, Blake. All Xavier has to do is keep Blake safe on his journey of enjoying college life. Seems like life had other plans for his journey. Evil shifters are after them & no one knows why. They soon find out and the Dragon family of shifters is out to keep Blake & everyone safe. Well written steamy story. I was offered a copy & am giving my honest review.
137 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
Well, the Magic and,Marvel's series is done now. This was the best of the three books, imo. Max had a great story, with great MC's and all the found and real family I have loved. I am looking forward to the Warrick sequel to come. I learned that shifters are humans who can shift to animals, but Dragons are dragons who can shift to humans. What else came across was a great love of mothers. I like that. Oh, and that man can really write great, hot, hot love scenes.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,022 reviews514 followers
May 30, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


A Dagger of Twisted Starlight is the third book in the Magic and Marvels series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I think it’s best understood after reading at least one of the previous books.

Read Veronica's review in its entirety here.
1,468 reviews8 followers
September 28, 2024
Make sure you’ve read the other two in the series to fully understand and enjoy this book.

Blake and Xavier’s story is one of secrets, intrigue, and all the feels. If you figure out what the bad guys are after before it’s revealed then you’re better than me. I was kept on the edge of my seat while reading to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Dave.
612 reviews9 followers
October 26, 2024
That was FUN. We are taken into a fantasy world where most people can transform into wolves or dragons, and one of the main character's uncles is the embodiment of evil. Blake's father, the VP of the US hires Xavier, a dragon changeling, to be wolf changeling Blake's bodyguard, and of course they fall in love. Lots happens in this book, LOTS.
Profile Image for :3.
34 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2025
first my jaw DROPPED when it was the chaos king controlling people. this was such and intresting and amazing way to end this series!!! while there was a few grammatical errors in the first few chapters, this book really made everything from the first two books feel more complete! i cant wait to read warricks spin off story, and im so glad that i picked up these books!! will be reading more from you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bexbookrex .
528 reviews43 followers
October 26, 2025
Time and Dragons

A Dagger of Twisted Starlight is another awesome book in the Magic and Marvels series. A dragon who can manipulate time and a wolf shifter are the sweet couple in this story. They fight against the Chaos King while fighting for their love! Great story! Loved it!
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor - 🤣🤣🤣
Angst - 😭😭😭😭
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,272 reviews19 followers
September 27, 2024
A dagger of twisted starlight was such a fantastic story I loved every word

Xavier and Blake were such amazing characters and the chemistry between them jumped of the pages

The story was magical action packed and intense I loved it so much
Profile Image for Ashley Webb.
255 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2024
This is the 3rd and final book in the series, which I’m a little sad about that. This series has been a lot of fun.
Xavier is a dragon shifter and body guard to Blake, who is a wolf shifter and the vice president’s son. This story follows these two and a few other characters from the first two books as they hunt for a dagger that can turn back time, before it’s too late and the wrong people use it and change the world as they know it.
This book is a relatively quick read. There’s some spice but not so much it takes away from the story.
I definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Simera.
1,787 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2024
Xavier is Blake's new bodyguard. Little did they know that they would have to help save the world along with falling in love.
This can be read as a stand alone but its beter to read th series in order.
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