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Twin Magic #1
The Wizard's Daughters
When down-on-his-luck swordsman Erich von Jülich-Berg accepts a job protecting Walther the Artificer on a trip from his village to the Free City of Köln, his only motivation is to replenish his empty purse.
Walther’s twin daughters Ariel and Astrid, skilled mages in their own right, are in search of a husband. But marriage for mages carries with it unique challenges, for their mate will be chosen solely by their place in the magical Flow—not their hearts.
Erich soon finds himself caught up in a drama that will return him to a painful and dangerous place in his life that he thought he had long left behind, and pull him into the lives of two unusual women he soon grows to care about—but cannot have.
In this unique alternate history adventure set in pre-Reformation Germany, Michael Dalton spins a twisted but entertaining steampunk fairy tale that is sure to entertain old fans and new.
Walther’s twin daughters Ariel and Astrid, skilled mages in their own right, are in search of a husband. But marriage for mages carries with it unique challenges, for their mate will be chosen solely by their place in the magical Flow—not their hearts.
Erich soon finds himself caught up in a drama that will return him to a painful and dangerous place in his life that he thought he had long left behind, and pull him into the lives of two unusual women he soon grows to care about—but cannot have.
In this unique alternate history adventure set in pre-Reformation Germany, Michael Dalton spins a twisted but entertaining steampunk fairy tale that is sure to entertain old fans and new.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2014
About the author
Michael Dalton
84 books345 followersMichael Dalton is a professional journalist and editor.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
Michael wrote his first piece of fiction in third grade, for which he was immediately accused of plagiarism by his teacher. Since then, he has been writing more or less steadily, interrupted only by occasional demands of work and family.
Michael lives with his family and multiple pets in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 15, 2015
This is the first novel in what I hope will be an unusual series. It's not anywhere near as explicit as my other novels—it's best described as somewhat racy at worst. That said, there are some "unorthodox" things going on this in this book, though saying more would constitute a spoiler.
August 17, 2019
Rating 3.5 stars
This book was pretty good. I would put it mainly in the paranormal romance category though. There is magic in the book but it is not explained in great detail. There is a little bit of steampunk with artificers creating metal constructs. There is also swordplay. The story takes place in an alternate reality germany in around 1500 AD. The main character is Erich who is a sell sword down on his luck needing work. He arrives in town and finds work for the local artificer who is planning on taking his daughters to a nearby town soon to find a husband. They are mages and they have to marry mages in order for the power to grow. If they marry a person who can't control the flow ( what they call the ability to use magic) then their magic will be blocked. There is one catch.
Overall a pretty good story and I am somewhat interested in where it goes from here.
This book was pretty good. I would put it mainly in the paranormal romance category though. There is magic in the book but it is not explained in great detail. There is a little bit of steampunk with artificers creating metal constructs. There is also swordplay. The story takes place in an alternate reality germany in around 1500 AD. The main character is Erich who is a sell sword down on his luck needing work. He arrives in town and finds work for the local artificer who is planning on taking his daughters to a nearby town soon to find a husband. They are mages and they have to marry mages in order for the power to grow. If they marry a person who can't control the flow ( what they call the ability to use magic) then their magic will be blocked. There is one catch.
Overall a pretty good story and I am somewhat interested in where it goes from here.
December 28, 2014
Is it an adventure? Steampunk? Fantasy? Is it steamy, spicy, quirky, and a little mind-boggling? Does it completely entertain in the best way? The answer is yes, The Wizard’s Daughters by Michael Dalton is…all of the above.
Erich, a skilled and once wealthy swordsman is down to his last coin. He is hired by a gentleman wishing to take his twin daughters to “the city” to find well-matched husbands for these beautiful young women. Erich’s charge is to assure safe travel for Walther and his daughters, as thieves, monsters and who knows what could be met upon the road. It’s a job well suited to Erich’s skills, right? It isn’t the dangers on the road that worry him, but the dangers of their destination. Seems that Erich is keeping secrets that may just rear their ugly heads in his dreams, or worse, if he is recognized in the city he fled from years before.
The twins are also hiding a secret, as talented mages, it is well-known that only a mage that harmonizes their abilities can wed them. The problem arises because they are identical twins, who work better together than alone. Could it be possible this hunt for husbands could have a slight kink to it?
Michael Dalton has told a witty tale, twisted it up a bit and added just enough heat and spice to make a delightfully wicked read with an inspired solution! If you like your fantasy with wit, charm, danger and a brave knight, willing to take one for the team, you will enjoy The Wizard’s Daughters and their magical surprises. Their poor father.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Twin Magic - Book 1
Publication Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Michael Dalton
Genre: Adult Fantasy/Steampunk
Print Length: 184 pages
Available from: Amazon |Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Erich, a skilled and once wealthy swordsman is down to his last coin. He is hired by a gentleman wishing to take his twin daughters to “the city” to find well-matched husbands for these beautiful young women. Erich’s charge is to assure safe travel for Walther and his daughters, as thieves, monsters and who knows what could be met upon the road. It’s a job well suited to Erich’s skills, right? It isn’t the dangers on the road that worry him, but the dangers of their destination. Seems that Erich is keeping secrets that may just rear their ugly heads in his dreams, or worse, if he is recognized in the city he fled from years before.
The twins are also hiding a secret, as talented mages, it is well-known that only a mage that harmonizes their abilities can wed them. The problem arises because they are identical twins, who work better together than alone. Could it be possible this hunt for husbands could have a slight kink to it?
Michael Dalton has told a witty tale, twisted it up a bit and added just enough heat and spice to make a delightfully wicked read with an inspired solution! If you like your fantasy with wit, charm, danger and a brave knight, willing to take one for the team, you will enjoy The Wizard’s Daughters and their magical surprises. Their poor father.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Twin Magic - Book 1
Publication Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Michael Dalton
Genre: Adult Fantasy/Steampunk
Print Length: 184 pages
Available from: Amazon |Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 7, 2018
Entertaining
The book was solid and I enjoyed it. The characters were ok but still needed some fleshing out the best character was the mercenary captain. Overall well written and worth reading.
The book was solid and I enjoyed it. The characters were ok but still needed some fleshing out the best character was the mercenary captain. Overall well written and worth reading.
March 24, 2023
I don't know why in particular, but I just really liked this book. There's nothing special about it, but the writing was solid and I liked the milieu and characters. It was very engaging, for me anyway, and that's what it comes down to in the end: entertainment value.
February 17, 2015
Awesome read you can't stop cheering for the Mc and the twins.
November 27, 2014
I absolutely loved this story! For those who are fans of fantasy, Dalton does a great job situating the reader in a world of feudalism and magic. The story starts off with the arrival of an almost broke swordsman who is looking for work. There are hints that he may have an interesting past that he is hiding from. Erich goes to work for a mage named Walther who has decided to take his twin mage daughters to the city of Koin in order to find a husband for them. Erich serves as their bodyguards on the trip and adventures abound. I don't want to give any spoilers but this fantasy has adventure, magic, love, and trials the travellers must undergo in order to come into their full powers. Wonderful writing and exciting adventures make this book a must-read for lovers of fantasy!
March 16, 2015
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Astrid and Ariel are identical twins, save for a freckle on the nose. Their magic is intertwined, they need to marry a mage whsoe magic matches both theirs, as they cannot be seperated. They nneed to go to Kóln to find this mage. Erich is hired to guard the girls and their father on this trip. But somehwere along the way, he falls in love with the girls. Girls he cannot have for he is no mage. He has secrets too, and secrets have a way of catching up with you.
An absolute pleasure to read, this, it really was. Veyr different to my usual reads, and it made for a refreshing change.
Fantasy meets magic meets steampunk meets alternative reality meets *almost* young adult, A little bit of everything and much of what usually puts me off a book, to be honest!
Its the details, that made this book for me. The detail of Walther's work with his automations. The details of the girls magic and their abilities. Its the detail of Erich's upbringing and the devastating fight with his brother.Its the amazin and ingenious detail of how Erich was able to take both girls at the same time! Clever that, really clever!
I have book two to read, The Withces Covenant, and I look forward to that.
I would like to say this though. From reading the other reviews, I gather this author usually writes more explicit work, a more steamier book. I usually prefer my books that way inclined. BUT here, I did not miss it. It has passion and romance, yes, but the details are left out. Again making my point, its the details that make this book, or rather, lack there of!
This is a prime example of how I like to be proven wrong, that you should not judge a book by its Amazon filing, its genre, because sometimes, just sometimes, you get a surprise like this one.
4 stars
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Astrid and Ariel are identical twins, save for a freckle on the nose. Their magic is intertwined, they need to marry a mage whsoe magic matches both theirs, as they cannot be seperated. They nneed to go to Kóln to find this mage. Erich is hired to guard the girls and their father on this trip. But somehwere along the way, he falls in love with the girls. Girls he cannot have for he is no mage. He has secrets too, and secrets have a way of catching up with you.
An absolute pleasure to read, this, it really was. Veyr different to my usual reads, and it made for a refreshing change.
Fantasy meets magic meets steampunk meets alternative reality meets *almost* young adult, A little bit of everything and much of what usually puts me off a book, to be honest!
Its the details, that made this book for me. The detail of Walther's work with his automations. The details of the girls magic and their abilities. Its the detail of Erich's upbringing and the devastating fight with his brother.Its the amazin and ingenious detail of how Erich was able to take both girls at the same time! Clever that, really clever!
I have book two to read, The Withces Covenant, and I look forward to that.
I would like to say this though. From reading the other reviews, I gather this author usually writes more explicit work, a more steamier book. I usually prefer my books that way inclined. BUT here, I did not miss it. It has passion and romance, yes, but the details are left out. Again making my point, its the details that make this book, or rather, lack there of!
This is a prime example of how I like to be proven wrong, that you should not judge a book by its Amazon filing, its genre, because sometimes, just sometimes, you get a surprise like this one.
4 stars
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
January 11, 2015
A decent first work.
I enjoyed the book in the end but it does suffer certain faults. The need for better editing stands out. Certain plot points were a bit too predictable and could easily have been improved with minor changes. Many points in the story came off as rushed. The book probably could have been twice as long; expanding upon the weeks they spent before leaving for the journey, expanding on the journey itself, and focusing more on building a more in depth camaraderie between Erich and the girls. The girls needed more screen time in general as their characters felt particularly flat. I think it also would have been better served had this book ended with them discovering that they're matched. Then the next book could have delved more into the nature of their match and how it happened, why it works, etc. This has the bones of a good book, hopefully the author will better his craft with the next.
I enjoyed the book in the end but it does suffer certain faults. The need for better editing stands out. Certain plot points were a bit too predictable and could easily have been improved with minor changes. Many points in the story came off as rushed. The book probably could have been twice as long; expanding upon the weeks they spent before leaving for the journey, expanding on the journey itself, and focusing more on building a more in depth camaraderie between Erich and the girls. The girls needed more screen time in general as their characters felt particularly flat. I think it also would have been better served had this book ended with them discovering that they're matched. Then the next book could have delved more into the nature of their match and how it happened, why it works, etc. This has the bones of a good book, hopefully the author will better his craft with the next.
April 7, 2019
First...why isn't everyone talking about this book? It is brilliant in the best ways possible. I love the different perspectives, which have been so perfectly integrated that one can read with great ease.
The storyline is amazing! I fell in love with the subtle wittiness throughout the book and the descriptions are just perfect. The book is one of those I will always carry with me and knowing there is more ahead in the Twin Magic series has me excited.
Dalton is a great author and I can't wait to read more of his works. I would recommend this book to anyone who is into steampunk and fantasy, but everyone should read it anyway as it is definitely a great read.
The storyline is amazing! I fell in love with the subtle wittiness throughout the book and the descriptions are just perfect. The book is one of those I will always carry with me and knowing there is more ahead in the Twin Magic series has me excited.
Dalton is a great author and I can't wait to read more of his works. I would recommend this book to anyone who is into steampunk and fantasy, but everyone should read it anyway as it is definitely a great read.
December 10, 2014
I like that the main protagonist is a serious guy with backbone, but isn't controlled by his emotions. Only this "duplication" was a little bit weird and I just cant picture it.
October 3, 2015
What is a great book? A book that makes you say just one more page.
May 5, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up for the series.
I've read most of Dalton's books at this point. His best series are Demon Hunter and Makalang but ironically these are also the series that highlight his biggest flaw: he doesn't do long series very well, after 3-4 books the writing just becomes ridiculous, especially the need to keep adding girls to the harem.
He does better when he keeps to shorter series and duologies like this one or Master of Thieves, but then the problem is that his characters just aren't as memorable. Dalton has two major strengths: 1) his fantasy settings which are pretty unique, especially for HaremLit, 2) and the erotica.
In The Wizard's Daughters/Covenant he has reformation-era German artificers who use Welsh spells for a magic system Robin McKinley would be proud of, stuffed with lore beyond what's relevant to the plot. I enjoyed that kind of writing, but others may not. The problem for me is that the erotica is very light, as Dalton himself admits, but still there. It doesn't quite know whether to be erotica or fantasy, and since it was written 7 years ago without ever making a third book, I gather that was a problem he never solved.
What would be cool is if Dalton came back to this series one day and, just like MoT, connected it to one of his other series (Empyrea). The obvious choice would be Demon Hunter which is also very witchy, although the magic system is different. Maybe a background character from DH is actually from this universe originally?
I've read most of Dalton's books at this point. His best series are Demon Hunter and Makalang but ironically these are also the series that highlight his biggest flaw: he doesn't do long series very well, after 3-4 books the writing just becomes ridiculous, especially the need to keep adding girls to the harem.
He does better when he keeps to shorter series and duologies like this one or Master of Thieves, but then the problem is that his characters just aren't as memorable. Dalton has two major strengths: 1) his fantasy settings which are pretty unique, especially for HaremLit, 2) and the erotica.
In The Wizard's Daughters/Covenant he has reformation-era German artificers who use Welsh spells for a magic system Robin McKinley would be proud of, stuffed with lore beyond what's relevant to the plot. I enjoyed that kind of writing, but others may not. The problem for me is that the erotica is very light, as Dalton himself admits, but still there. It doesn't quite know whether to be erotica or fantasy, and since it was written 7 years ago without ever making a third book, I gather that was a problem he never solved.
What would be cool is if Dalton came back to this series one day and, just like MoT, connected it to one of his other series (Empyrea). The obvious choice would be Demon Hunter which is also very witchy, although the magic system is different. Maybe a background character from DH is actually from this universe originally?
March 30, 2023
Amazing Blend of Action, Magic and Historical Fiction
Michael Dalton proves, again, he is the presiding dean of action, spicy romance and fantasy. The Wizard's Daughters provides a strong storyline with likeable, believable characters and distasteful yet properly motivated villains.
Erich is a sellsword, i. e., a traveling mercenary whose prowess with weapons is unmatched. A noble by birth, he has fled the wrath of his eldest brother, whom he crippled in a rage duel over twenty years earlier.
Now, Erich gets hired by a wizard to protect the mage's stunning twin daughters, Ariel and Astrid. Because they are bloodline mages themselves, the twins can neither marry nor enjoy a fling with nonmagical folk (muggles, as Harry Potter might call Erich's type). To mate with a non-mage causes disastrous results, perhaps even death of all players.
Unfortunately, the girls and Erich fall madly in love. But fortunately, they find a glitch in the fabric of their wizarding world, an escape clause.
But then there's that pesky elder brothe, who sends wave after wave if hired swords after Erich to drag him back home for excruciating revenge.
You've got to read this. I couldn't stop. It is NOT a harem novel, it's an action-packed, masterfully written, fantasy-history drama with a few delicately spiced scenes.
Loved this book. Starting to read volume 2, now.
HIGHLY recommend.
Michael Dalton proves, again, he is the presiding dean of action, spicy romance and fantasy. The Wizard's Daughters provides a strong storyline with likeable, believable characters and distasteful yet properly motivated villains.
Erich is a sellsword, i. e., a traveling mercenary whose prowess with weapons is unmatched. A noble by birth, he has fled the wrath of his eldest brother, whom he crippled in a rage duel over twenty years earlier.
Now, Erich gets hired by a wizard to protect the mage's stunning twin daughters, Ariel and Astrid. Because they are bloodline mages themselves, the twins can neither marry nor enjoy a fling with nonmagical folk (muggles, as Harry Potter might call Erich's type). To mate with a non-mage causes disastrous results, perhaps even death of all players.
Unfortunately, the girls and Erich fall madly in love. But fortunately, they find a glitch in the fabric of their wizarding world, an escape clause.
But then there's that pesky elder brothe, who sends wave after wave if hired swords after Erich to drag him back home for excruciating revenge.
You've got to read this. I couldn't stop. It is NOT a harem novel, it's an action-packed, masterfully written, fantasy-history drama with a few delicately spiced scenes.
Loved this book. Starting to read volume 2, now.
HIGHLY recommend.
December 26, 2017
SOME PARTS FOR 18+ ONLY. In the early 1500s of Germanic Europe, Walther the Artificer, a mage who builds automatons powered by magic crystals, has a pair of identical twin daughters, Ariel and Astrid, who are emergent elemental mages in their own right and at an age where they need to be matched with a husband compatible with their natural mystical flow. His plan is to transport them to a major university of mages where a compatible mage should be available, but he needs protection for him and his daughters on the journey, so he contracts with Erich, a capable and independent swordsman, to be a guard on the journey. However, Erich has a secret history that puts an additional target on him and his charges. This is an interesting alternative blend of fairy tale and steampunk in the historic pre-reformation age, but bringing in an occasional mention of the Ten Commandments and Martin Luther in a tale with a basic foundation of magic spells and universal flow might throw some readers off. The characters are strong, making it easy for readers to emotionally connect with them. The action and swordplay are exciting moments to form a mainly enjoyable read. Yet, a creative sexual segment near the end of the book may also throw some readers off as well.
June 17, 2021
This one definitely falls into the "surprisingly good" category of random freebie. Set in an alternate version of early Reformation era Germany, it features a swordsman in need of a job, a mage in need of a guard for a journey, and said mage's twin daughters in need of a husband. The magic seems quite intriguing, though both it and the characters could use a bit more fleshing out. I quite liked how the romance aspect was handled (and that it didn't take up all that much space), but could have done without the sex scenes. Things just got too... anatomically weird, shall we say, to make for what I would consider an enticing scene.
January 15, 2024
Pretty good with a surprise, not surprising ending
A guy falling for two girls, who are falling for him, but they're mages and he's not so it an impass. Still circumstances conspire to make a path forward.
I read this in one sitting and l am glad that there is a sequel. I just finished reading some of the author's other books and he's really impressing me.
A guy falling for two girls, who are falling for him, but they're mages and he's not so it an impass. Still circumstances conspire to make a path forward.
I read this in one sitting and l am glad that there is a sequel. I just finished reading some of the author's other books and he's really impressing me.
June 4, 2017
Fun idea
I have only ever come across the idea of a non-mage gaining magic related strength by becoming something like a familiar one other time, but he had to become a leopard (big cat?) before he could. Also you guaranteed the lack of infidelity, thank you.
I have only ever come across the idea of a non-mage gaining magic related strength by becoming something like a familiar one other time, but he had to become a leopard (big cat?) before he could. Also you guaranteed the lack of infidelity, thank you.
May 4, 2018
TLDR: Perfect guy in a rough spot is not yet discovered to be special.
-1: Things are included for the sake of the story. This way of storytelling does not feel natural to me.
-1: The light-heartedness at the beginning was appreciated. It does sadly not carry over.
-1: Flat characters.
-1: Things are included for the sake of the story. This way of storytelling does not feel natural to me.
-1: The light-heartedness at the beginning was appreciated. It does sadly not carry over.
-1: Flat characters.
May 12, 2018
Good first book
When I found the first I was skeptical and the opening of the book did feel slow. But after continuing reading, it started to get interesting all the way to the end.
Really enjoyed the main characters.
Will go and pick the second book.
When I found the first I was skeptical and the opening of the book did feel slow. But after continuing reading, it started to get interesting all the way to the end.
Really enjoyed the main characters.
Will go and pick the second book.
May 2, 2021
Good book
Good characters. Each was unique and well developed. The story was short and to the point. About 200 pages, but it was packed with intrigue and action. This is a action drama story. Lots of family drama. Interesting twist at the end. Thankfully it was not grimdark.
Good characters. Each was unique and well developed. The story was short and to the point. About 200 pages, but it was packed with intrigue and action. This is a action drama story. Lots of family drama. Interesting twist at the end. Thankfully it was not grimdark.
May 14, 2023
In my opinion this book easily exceeds any of Dalton's more recent works in quality. The cast is kept small, so each character feels more real. More attention is paid to the setting. Just all around a good book.
November 20, 2017
Fun little read.
September 20, 2018
Good story. Interesting magic world.
June 9, 2019
Fun book
Fun book with an interesting take on magic and a cool twist of historical events/ people. Enjoyable short read. Great for a quick fix.
Fun book with an interesting take on magic and a cool twist of historical events/ people. Enjoyable short read. Great for a quick fix.
September 14, 2019
Magical mages, good read.
November 2, 2020
Interesting but not engaging
The story concept was interesting but the telling is lacking in character development to mage characters engaging. Will not likely read sequel.
The story concept was interesting but the telling is lacking in character development to mage characters engaging. Will not likely read sequel.
February 14, 2021
A fantastic first entry!
The book was fun and entertaining throughout. It keeps you guessing and wanting to know more at every turn. It was a joy to read!
The book was fun and entertaining throughout. It keeps you guessing and wanting to know more at every turn. It was a joy to read!
February 23, 2021
Great
This was great.I really like the characters and an alternate universe that is similar to ours with subtle differences. Keep up the good work
This was great.I really like the characters and an alternate universe that is similar to ours with subtle differences. Keep up the good work
July 17, 2021
Interesting story
I enjoyed this story the character and development and can't wait to read the next book. This is one of the good beginnings of great writings.
I enjoyed this story the character and development and can't wait to read the next book. This is one of the good beginnings of great writings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews