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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 books384 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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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 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.
June 30, 2026
I had such high hopes for this book, I feel so bad for giving it 2 stars, but I truly was so dissapointed lol.
First off, I kind of expected to see the marriage take place pretty quickly, and then we'd see Theo and Elowen adjusting and getting to know each other, and their struggles with marrying a complete stranger while also dealing with whatever conflicts arose in the kingdom. So I was a little... bored honestly 😂 with the direction things went. It just felt like a lot of... kind of the same things, you know? Oh but what really got me was the lack of communication between Elowen and Theo! The constant misunderstandings and assumptions and how they wouldn't clear them up! Don't get me wrong, I totally get having misunderstandings, and I expected it some, but it was seriously ridiculous how much of this book was them *not communicating*. And then when they finally talked and had a moment and were being vulnerable, it wasn't till over halfway through the book! But I was like "yes, this is what I've been waiting for! Maybe it will be uphill from here!"
But then Theo was pretty much absent the rest of the book because he was poisoned... You're telling me after countless situations of misunderstandings and 300 pages of frustration, we get *one* moment with them being open and finally showing their true selves to each other, and that's IT? And then all of a sudden they're both totally in love and the walls are dropped and... that's it?
Idk. Am I just too picky? I was just so annoyed that we didn't get to see them *talk* about their issues, and grow past them throughout the book. I feel like then them suddenly acting so in love and confessing as much would've made more sense. But Elowen spent the majority of the book annoyed with Theo, and he spent the majority of it pushing away all his feelings and snuffing down his growing affection. So... it just didn't make sense for that all to just... suddenly be gone, you know?
And parts of the ending just felt corny in my opinion. Especially
Elowen: I belong to you, Theo.
Theo: Elowen you don't belong to anyone.
Elowen. I know. I'm just speaking in a language Bertrand understands. I'm trusting you to know me and hear what I'm actually saying.
Like... what?? 🤣🤣 that part just made no sense to me. Then why did she even say it? Who cares what Bertrand thinks and understands? Idk. I just found myself annoyed and trying to finish the book cuz I was so close to the end lol
Anyway, this is the second book by Deborah Grace White that I've not been impressed with, so that's a little discouraging lol But I have a few others of hers I intend to read, so hopefully they'll be much better 🙏
First off, I kind of expected to see the marriage take place pretty quickly, and then we'd see Theo and Elowen adjusting and getting to know each other, and their struggles with marrying a complete stranger while also dealing with whatever conflicts arose in the kingdom. So I was a little... bored honestly 😂 with the direction things went. It just felt like a lot of... kind of the same things, you know? Oh but what really got me was the lack of communication between Elowen and Theo! The constant misunderstandings and assumptions and how they wouldn't clear them up! Don't get me wrong, I totally get having misunderstandings, and I expected it some, but it was seriously ridiculous how much of this book was them *not communicating*. And then when they finally talked and had a moment and were being vulnerable, it wasn't till over halfway through the book! But I was like "yes, this is what I've been waiting for! Maybe it will be uphill from here!"
But then Theo was pretty much absent the rest of the book because he was poisoned... You're telling me after countless situations of misunderstandings and 300 pages of frustration, we get *one* moment with them being open and finally showing their true selves to each other, and that's IT? And then all of a sudden they're both totally in love and the walls are dropped and... that's it?
Idk. Am I just too picky? I was just so annoyed that we didn't get to see them *talk* about their issues, and grow past them throughout the book. I feel like then them suddenly acting so in love and confessing as much would've made more sense. But Elowen spent the majority of the book annoyed with Theo, and he spent the majority of it pushing away all his feelings and snuffing down his growing affection. So... it just didn't make sense for that all to just... suddenly be gone, you know?
And parts of the ending just felt corny in my opinion. Especially
Elowen: I belong to you, Theo.
Theo: Elowen you don't belong to anyone.
Elowen. I know. I'm just speaking in a language Bertrand understands. I'm trusting you to know me and hear what I'm actually saying.
Like... what?? 🤣🤣 that part just made no sense to me. Then why did she even say it? Who cares what Bertrand thinks and understands? Idk. I just found myself annoyed and trying to finish the book cuz I was so close to the end lol
Anyway, this is the second book by Deborah Grace White that I've not been impressed with, so that's a little discouraging lol But I have a few others of hers I intend to read, so hopefully they'll be much better 🙏
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.
May 22, 2026
Mysterious and Fun
I was so excited for another book in this fascinating world with its unique movement driven magic system and this book did not disappoint. The characters are complex and likeable, mysteries abound including in matters of the heart, and magic is acting strangely just as the MCs prepare to enter into a marriage alliance. There are court politics, sibling dynamics, a tournament, and lots of adventures. Can a strait-laced dutiful prince and a princess who wants a dash of romance with her duty come together to form an alliance and save their kingdoms and nabe even their own hearts?
There is also a cameo from the prequel, Ties of Dust, but this book can be fully read and enjoyed on its own. It has minimal fantasy violence, no gore, and clean no spice romance. A Treacherous Motion is a promising start to a series i am excited to revisit as more books are released in it.
I was so excited for another book in this fascinating world with its unique movement driven magic system and this book did not disappoint. The characters are complex and likeable, mysteries abound including in matters of the heart, and magic is acting strangely just as the MCs prepare to enter into a marriage alliance. There are court politics, sibling dynamics, a tournament, and lots of adventures. Can a strait-laced dutiful prince and a princess who wants a dash of romance with her duty come together to form an alliance and save their kingdoms and nabe even their own hearts?
There is also a cameo from the prequel, Ties of Dust, but this book can be fully read and enjoyed on its own. It has minimal fantasy violence, no gore, and clean no spice romance. A Treacherous Motion is a promising start to a series i am excited to revisit as more books are released in it.
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.
June 2, 2026
Sweet Return to a Fun World
I really enjoyed returning to this world of Dust and its magic of movement. I’ll admit that both of the main characters were infuriating at times, but it isn’t always easy to process trauma and try to have a measure of control over your life. You get a conclusion instead of a cliffhanger, but there is definitely room for the next stories to take place, and I can’t wait!
I really enjoyed returning to this world of Dust and its magic of movement. I’ll admit that both of the main characters were infuriating at times, but it isn’t always easy to process trauma and try to have a measure of control over your life. You get a conclusion instead of a cliffhanger, but there is definitely room for the next stories to take place, and I can’t wait!
June 7, 2026
Kisses only
This worlds magic system is quite interesting but the magic takes a backseat as we mostly get relationship building. The FMCs brother was quite rude as was Bertram. On the one hand I don’t see how she turned out to be a strong woman when the people in her life doubt her and don’t take her seriously but on the other hand she constantly deceives her family to get her way and wonders why they don’t believe her.
This worlds magic system is quite interesting but the magic takes a backseat as we mostly get relationship building. The FMCs brother was quite rude as was Bertram. On the one hand I don’t see how she turned out to be a strong woman when the people in her life doubt her and don’t take her seriously but on the other hand she constantly deceives her family to get her way and wonders why they don’t believe her.
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.
May 22, 2026
An excellent start to the series
Hated the villain from the beginning but loved the romantic suspense between the ice prince and princess. I can't wait to read the second book.
Hated the villain from the beginning but loved the romantic suspense between the ice prince and princess. I can't wait to read the second book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews