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Magic of Dust and Movement #1
A Treacherous Motion
A princess determined to be won, a prince strangled by duty, a sabotaged magic
In Elowen’s world, every movement stirs an invisible gust of magic. But as a princess, she’s never been encouraged to study the craft. Her role is to marry for alliance, a necessity she’s accepted…mostly. If only the dutiful seriousness of her betrothed didn’t blind him to the fact that she still has a heart to be won.
Prince Theodore is used to bearing others’ responsibilities, given his older brother’s tendency to disappear. He’s never yet failed to silence the distraction of emotions and do his duty. So why do both Elowen and the promised alliance feel out of his reach? And why is his failure slowly crushing him?
With the magic of the land tilting steadily out of balance, and a series of disasters threatening the fragile peace between their kingdoms, the pair can’t afford to focus on matters of the heart. But they’re in greater danger than they know. Only when the threat becomes personal does Theo realize the truth—he’d give anything not to lose the princess he never fully had. Even his heart.
A Treacherous Motion is the first book in YA fantasy romance series Magic of Dust and Movement. In the land of Ryki, magic is generated by movement, and peace is precarious. Each book features a different couple and plenty of sweet romance, unique magic, and heart-stopping adventure as they fight for their kingdoms and their hearts.
In Elowen’s world, every movement stirs an invisible gust of magic. But as a princess, she’s never been encouraged to study the craft. Her role is to marry for alliance, a necessity she’s accepted…mostly. If only the dutiful seriousness of her betrothed didn’t blind him to the fact that she still has a heart to be won.
Prince Theodore is used to bearing others’ responsibilities, given his older brother’s tendency to disappear. He’s never yet failed to silence the distraction of emotions and do his duty. So why do both Elowen and the promised alliance feel out of his reach? And why is his failure slowly crushing him?
With the magic of the land tilting steadily out of balance, and a series of disasters threatening the fragile peace between their kingdoms, the pair can’t afford to focus on matters of the heart. But they’re in greater danger than they know. Only when the threat becomes personal does Theo realize the truth—he’d give anything not to lose the princess he never fully had. Even his heart.
A Treacherous Motion is the first book in YA fantasy romance series Magic of Dust and Movement. In the land of Ryki, magic is generated by movement, and peace is precarious. Each book features a different couple and plenty of sweet romance, unique magic, and heart-stopping adventure as they fight for their kingdoms and their hearts.
- GenresFantasyFairy Tales
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Deborah Grace White
45 books373 followersDeborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2026
great plot and characters
I liked the way the plot against the kingdom and the alliance unfolded — and especially displays of honor and compassion from the characters.
I liked the way the plot against the kingdom and the alliance unfolded — and especially displays of honor and compassion from the characters.
April 11, 2026
A Treacherous Motion is the second story I’ve read by Deborah Grace White, and I continue to enjoy her work. She developed a unique fantasy world with an interesting plot, and of course a charming romance is at the heart of the story. I’m looking forward to reading the rest in the series, as well as the other works by her.
The one part of the story I had some difficulty with was the female protagonist. Overall, I would say I liked her, but at times I found Elowyn childish, confrontational, and unwilling to acknowledge her own faults. This culminated near the end of the story, and I started skimming when Theo was apologizing for his faults and Elowyn did not. I also felt it unnecessary when in the middle of a big climactic scene, she stops to say she belongs to Theo, but then they immediately deny the statement. The timing doesn’t fit, and it was unnecessary when they counteracted it. For these reasons I would give the story a four.
Overall though, this was a good story. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold, learning more about the world, and watching the characters fall in love. I would recommend this story for those interested in a clean, fantasy romance with a touch of faith.
The one part of the story I had some difficulty with was the female protagonist. Overall, I would say I liked her, but at times I found Elowyn childish, confrontational, and unwilling to acknowledge her own faults. This culminated near the end of the story, and I started skimming when Theo was apologizing for his faults and Elowyn did not. I also felt it unnecessary when in the middle of a big climactic scene, she stops to say she belongs to Theo, but then they immediately deny the statement. The timing doesn’t fit, and it was unnecessary when they counteracted it. For these reasons I would give the story a four.
Overall though, this was a good story. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold, learning more about the world, and watching the characters fall in love. I would recommend this story for those interested in a clean, fantasy romance with a touch of faith.
April 12, 2026
I loved this book! A Treacherous Motion has become one of my favorite books written by Deborah Grace White. It was intriguing and quickly captured my attention. Definitely a book that I did not want to end! The world building was fascinating and well done! I have been intrigued with the world of Ryki since reading Ties of Dust. The magic system in this book is interesting and creative. I loved Elowen and Theo. They were fantastic main characters. I don’t always love miscommunication in books. But theirs was natural with having an arrange betrothal. Their relationship was endearing and the bumbling was adorable. I loved how the romance played out in this. Swoony and just kisses only! Looking forward to Xavier’s story next.
April 7, 2026
🌟 4.5 stars 🌟
I loved stepping back into the world of Ryki. Theo and Elowen’s story felt a bit slower than Ties of Dust but no less engaging. The intrigue and mystery that shaped the plot kept me captivated the whole way through. Even the romance, while slow going due to their ignorance of each others feelings/thoughts towards each other wasn’t tedious but it worked well with the plot and the moments of honesty towards the end were just perfect and made me fall in love with both characters even more. I’ve really enjoyed reading Deborah’s books and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Xavier’s story next!
I loved stepping back into the world of Ryki. Theo and Elowen’s story felt a bit slower than Ties of Dust but no less engaging. The intrigue and mystery that shaped the plot kept me captivated the whole way through. Even the romance, while slow going due to their ignorance of each others feelings/thoughts towards each other wasn’t tedious but it worked well with the plot and the moments of honesty towards the end were just perfect and made me fall in love with both characters even more. I’ve really enjoyed reading Deborah’s books and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Xavier’s story next!
April 5, 2026
Vulnerability fixes everything
It's so terrifying to have a story that really shoves home the point that you need to be vulnerable with people to see who they are. But that was what they both needed to learn they were crazy about each other. Of course, having to do their entire courtship in public certainly made matters worse! I do think the perspective labels were ridiculously obvious though.
It's so terrifying to have a story that really shoves home the point that you need to be vulnerable with people to see who they are. But that was what they both needed to learn they were crazy about each other. Of course, having to do their entire courtship in public certainly made matters worse! I do think the perspective labels were ridiculously obvious though.
April 14, 2026
Motion Creates Magic
Fans of unique magical systems and royal romances will want to pick up this book.
While I felt frustrated that Elowen and Theo avoided communicating and always assumed the worst, I enjoyed the “forced betrothal” trope and the realistic way they overcame their misconceptions.
The larger series dilemma became clear in this book, and it will be interesting to see it resolved while navigating the other royal engagements and alliances still to come.
Fans of unique magical systems and royal romances will want to pick up this book.
While I felt frustrated that Elowen and Theo avoided communicating and always assumed the worst, I enjoyed the “forced betrothal” trope and the realistic way they overcame their misconceptions.
The larger series dilemma became clear in this book, and it will be interesting to see it resolved while navigating the other royal engagements and alliances still to come.
April 3, 2026
Enjoyable
Usually miscommunication drives me nuts in books, but it all felt very human and relatable. The characters are fun, and the plot was interesting. I would have enjoyed a bit more connecting leading up to them falling in love, but I prefer slow burn to insta love. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Usually miscommunication drives me nuts in books, but it all felt very human and relatable. The characters are fun, and the plot was interesting. I would have enjoyed a bit more connecting leading up to them falling in love, but I prefer slow burn to insta love. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
April 21, 2026
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
April 1, 2026
loved it!
Great story! Can’t wait for the next one! Makes me want to reread the prequel too! It is stand alone though and enjoying it does not require reading any other books :)
Great story! Can’t wait for the next one! Makes me want to reread the prequel too! It is stand alone though and enjoying it does not require reading any other books :)
April 1, 2026
amazing!
The story was so good and I loved the cameo from the previous book! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!
The story was so good and I loved the cameo from the previous book! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!
April 7, 2026
Excellent!
I can not express how very excited I am about this series! The magic of this world is so interesting. I can hardly wait for the next story!
I can not express how very excited I am about this series! The magic of this world is so interesting. I can hardly wait for the next story!
May 14, 2026
This book could also named "no one listens to the princess and it all goes to hell" because seriously the number of people in her life that just dismiss every thought that she has is astounding.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews