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Wandmaker
Cebrus had thought his quest would take him to new parts of the land. He didn’t know it would lead him to the prince of his dreams. When Prince Silvan catches sight of the sexy wandmaker it’s love at first glance. However, it takes a battle, a journey and an encounter with a fantastical beast before the two lovers can find their middle ground.
Silvan is determined to do anything to marry his mate even if he has to go against a king and give up everything to keep the man he has claimed for his own.
Silvan is determined to do anything to marry his mate even if he has to go against a king and give up everything to keep the man he has claimed for his own.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2015
20 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
175 books1,285 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 29, 2016
2.5 Stars
I was really hoping I would get the same feel I got when I read The Dragon Groomer. I loved that one. This one . . . not so much and I was bummed.
The story felt very rushed and relied on the reasoning of "because" to move things along.
Book: The wand says we're mates
Me: How does that work, that's a new thing that hasn't come up before
Book: It works, well, you know, just because it does
Book: I love you forever and always and my dick and I cannot live without you
Me: But, y'all barely met, how can you be sure
Book: Well, because my boner told me so and it's my boner, so I listen
Book: Soooooo, that whole dragon thing happened and now you're whole life will change
Me: Wow, that's a super big deal, how are you going to adjust
Book: S'all good, I'll change my whole life, you know, because
Book: Soooooo, that whole other dragon thing happened and the way everything was changing is now BS and this other change thing is now gonna happen
Me: But the whole life changing thing from a couple of pages ago isn't even a thing yet
Book: Yeah, so I changed my mind and I like this better
Me: Oh for fuck's sake
It ended at 85% but not necessarily at the end. I guess I should say it was over at 85% but there was no ending. Probably just because I guess.
So, no, this was not like The Dragon Groomer which had fully fleshed out characters and an actual story I got wrapped up in and while that's a bummer I'm just going to say it was a miss for me and try another by this author.
I was really hoping I would get the same feel I got when I read The Dragon Groomer. I loved that one. This one . . . not so much and I was bummed.
The story felt very rushed and relied on the reasoning of "because" to move things along.
Book: The wand says we're mates
Me: How does that work, that's a new thing that hasn't come up before
Book: It works, well, you know, just because it does
Book: I love you forever and always and my dick and I cannot live without you
Me: But, y'all barely met, how can you be sure
Book: Well, because my boner told me so and it's my boner, so I listen
Book: Soooooo, that whole dragon thing happened and now you're whole life will change
Me: Wow, that's a super big deal, how are you going to adjust
Book: S'all good, I'll change my whole life, you know, because
Book: Soooooo, that whole other dragon thing happened and the way everything was changing is now BS and this other change thing is now gonna happen
Me: But the whole life changing thing from a couple of pages ago isn't even a thing yet
Book: Yeah, so I changed my mind and I like this better
Me: Oh for fuck's sake
It ended at 85% but not necessarily at the end. I guess I should say it was over at 85% but there was no ending. Probably just because I guess.
So, no, this was not like The Dragon Groomer which had fully fleshed out characters and an actual story I got wrapped up in and while that's a bummer I'm just going to say it was a miss for me and try another by this author.
March 14, 2015
I have a love/hate relationship with this author. She writes really great stories and they convey so much in a small period of time BUT..... MOST OF HER STORIES COULD BE SOOOO MUCH MORE!!! Amber why don't you flesh out your half stories and write a full length novel?!?!? I can only imagine the greatness that would come out!
I'm sorry... this is a review. Well, like many of her stories (which I happen to really enjoy... most of the time) it had great world building and enjoyable characters. My only problem is I felt like this was half a book. What happens once he ? Just what happens after they finally accept they love each other? What happens after the beginning???
Till next time Amber....
Happy Reading! Lynz
I'm sorry... this is a review. Well, like many of her stories (which I happen to really enjoy... most of the time) it had great world building and enjoyable characters. My only problem is I felt like this was half a book. What happens once he ? Just what happens after they finally accept they love each other? What happens after the beginning???
Till next time Amber....
Happy Reading! Lynz
March 21, 2015
What a cool story this turned out to be! Filled with magic, a quest, a surprising turn of events, and then a totally unexpected twist, this tale had me laughing, then fascinated, and very, very entertained. There are a lot of stories about wizards and mages and all kind of magic users, but this one focuses on a wandmaker – in a world where that is an important profession. I had never thought about the role and skills of a wandmaker, so gradually understanding the world the author has created around this idea was a total delight. It all made a lot of sense, and was funny and interesting to boot – what more could I ask for?
Cebrus is a wandmaker of some renown – his family has generations of experience and he is a master at what he does. His descriptions of fixing other, less gifted artisans’ mistakes were hilarious. His ability to defend himself was impressive, so when he runs into the somewhat arrogant prince who thinks Cebrus will fall to his knees to show his gratitude for being “chosen” by him, his reaction is not at all what the prince expects. And yet – there is something between these two that has them both making unusual decisions and compromising where they might have been stubborn before.
Silvan is a bit of a spoilt prince, used to getting what he wants, so when Cebrus turns out to be very much a man of his own making, SIlvan is shocked. He is also determined and stubborn, so he does not let Cebrus turn him away without comment. Silvan is great in the way he supports Cebrus, and comes up with some unexpected decisions as they jointly discover the secrets of magic in their world.
If you like magic and those who wield it, if a new and different world with slightly unusual rules appeals, and if you’re looking for a read that is fun, adventure-filled, and full of surprises, then you will probably like this novella.
Cebrus is a wandmaker of some renown – his family has generations of experience and he is a master at what he does. His descriptions of fixing other, less gifted artisans’ mistakes were hilarious. His ability to defend himself was impressive, so when he runs into the somewhat arrogant prince who thinks Cebrus will fall to his knees to show his gratitude for being “chosen” by him, his reaction is not at all what the prince expects. And yet – there is something between these two that has them both making unusual decisions and compromising where they might have been stubborn before.
Silvan is a bit of a spoilt prince, used to getting what he wants, so when Cebrus turns out to be very much a man of his own making, SIlvan is shocked. He is also determined and stubborn, so he does not let Cebrus turn him away without comment. Silvan is great in the way he supports Cebrus, and comes up with some unexpected decisions as they jointly discover the secrets of magic in their world.
If you like magic and those who wield it, if a new and different world with slightly unusual rules appeals, and if you’re looking for a read that is fun, adventure-filled, and full of surprises, then you will probably like this novella.
April 19, 2015
Wandmaker
OR
Nope That Really is Just a Euphemism
I wanted to like this. I really did. It has all of these earmarks of things that I would really like. Fantasy! Gay people! Magic! Quests that certain parties think are dumb, causing potential conflict! Even dragons!
But the whole thing is so rushed. Everything feels glossed and slapped together. There are shortcuts taken everywhere. Even the romance is horribly rushed. Instead of showing us two characters growing together, we get a classic 'FATED PAIRING, now they can bang.' AND EVEN THAT FEELS RUSHED.
I don't know, I would say this is one of those 'novel exists as an excuse for smexy times' except there's a lot of plot. A lot of things things happen, but the characters are barely even sketches of characters. It reads more like the outline of a book than an actual book.
OR
Nope That Really is Just a Euphemism
I wanted to like this. I really did. It has all of these earmarks of things that I would really like. Fantasy! Gay people! Magic! Quests that certain parties think are dumb, causing potential conflict! Even dragons!
But the whole thing is so rushed. Everything feels glossed and slapped together. There are shortcuts taken everywhere. Even the romance is horribly rushed. Instead of showing us two characters growing together, we get a classic 'FATED PAIRING, now they can bang.' AND EVEN THAT FEELS RUSHED.
I don't know, I would say this is one of those 'novel exists as an excuse for smexy times' except there's a lot of plot. A lot of things things happen, but the characters are barely even sketches of characters. It reads more like the outline of a book than an actual book.
January 25, 2015
Good book. .I liked the setting. it was kind of a historical, pre technology magical fantasy land. The story was good but towards the end it kind of took a weird turn and became less about Cebrus and Silvan and more about some dragons and stuff lol. Then it just abruptly ends without any real completion. I wish the story had more of a natural ending for the couple instead of the kind of ending where they SAY the ending we want will happen in the future.
I wish there had actually been the wedding that they were talking about the entire freaking book.
I wish there had actually been the wedding that they were talking about the entire freaking book.
January 16, 2015
2.5 stars but not enough for a round up to 3. I really had high hopes for this book and it kills me to give Amber Kell anything less than three stars but the writing was just not up to Ms. Kell's standard.
The premise of the story was great. I enjoyed the use of modern style dialogue in a fantasy story but the whole thing seemed rushed and the ending was very abrupt.
The premise of the story was great. I enjoyed the use of modern style dialogue in a fantasy story but the whole thing seemed rushed and the ending was very abrupt.
May 15, 2016
I enjoyed Wandmaker tremendously. It was a unique idea and had a twist or two to keep the reader interested. I look forward to reading the second in this newest series from Ms Kell.
January 25, 2015
For some reason this felt unfinished. It read more like an outline instead of a finished story. It was just ok for me.
October 7, 2017
Wandmaker
A gay wandmaker and his prince…
Cebrus Starn is a wandmaker, which means that he has the power to help others use their own magic, but not to access his own. Cebrus has heard of a unique way for a wandmaker to become magical and dreams of doing just that. In order to fulfil this dream he has set out on a quest to find the famed Mallif trees. Along the way Cebrus meets Prince Silvan who becomes a confident suitor. Will Cebrus stay with Silvan, or travel on? Will the two dally for a while, then part? What of Cebrus' quest? Is it a fantasy, or will Cebrus actually access his magic?
Amber Kell has a reputation for sweet gay romances, and this novella is no exception. The story has a definite fairy tale atmosphere, and the reader is charmed by the simplicity of the romance. A prince of course must have his consort: the logic impels. Of course there are complications along the way and there is certainly a point of surprise. Kell's prose is simple and smooth, and flows along very easily, enticing the reader along. Unfortunately the story is over all too soon, but then fairy tales are often short. Sometimes Kell takes Cebrus' point of view, and sometimes Silvan's, allowing for comparison and contrast and some humour. While there are some moments of exciting adventure, much of the story is devoted to coy exchange between the lovers.
Cebrus is unassumingly talented. He has special powers and knowledge which give him confidence, but not in an arrogant way. He will be liked by quiet achievers. The reader certainly wants Cebrus to achieve his goals, whatever he decides they may be. His humour and sense of fun also make him likable. Silvan is more of the alpha type, but not without tenderness. He definitely knows his own mind and knows how to organise things. He is brave and friendly, though his position sometimes leads him to make decisions that are harsh. Silvan will appeal to the adventurous athletic type reader.
Life does not always carry us in the direction we would expect, but happiness can be found if we continue following our path to the end. Like many fairy tales this novella is about hidden depths transformation. Life is a quest and who knows where it leads. Of course this story is also about romance. Most find their prince, although of course few princes will be rich and powerful. But then again it is nice to dream and joint Kell in her game of 'what if?'
While this is a sweet romance sex is plainly depicted, so this is not a fairy tale for children or the reserved.
I enjoyed this trip into fantasyland and an happy to award this book five stars.
July 24, 2017
This one definitely could have benefited form more pages. Everything happened so fast and there were such leaps in events and emotions that at times it felt like whole scenes were just chopped out of the story. And as a reader there were several whiplash moments as things just came out of left field and for much of story I kept saying "wait...what?". There wasn't a lot of character or story development going on and it all just seemed rushed, like a half-formed thought. I liked the world and the characters I just really wish that there was more. A lot more.
April 2, 2018
DNF at 47%. I just couldn’t. The relationship was way, way too possessive and “I will make him mine”.. It was just uncomfortable to even read. I’m fine with intense love stories, but not with something that feels like it removes a partner’s agency or treats them as a possession. Just not pleasant to read. So, I stopped.
January 7, 2019
Fun. A lot of fun.
Ending was a bit 'meh' but the lead up was awesome and I really enjoyed Cebrus and Silvan's romance.
I like Amber Kell's work because it is quick and well written with fun af characters. She's my cheeseburger writer for M/M romance; not as filling or game changing as a bbq bacon lover's burger, but never gonna disappoint.
Ending was a bit 'meh' but the lead up was awesome and I really enjoyed Cebrus and Silvan's romance.
I like Amber Kell's work because it is quick and well written with fun af characters. She's my cheeseburger writer for M/M romance; not as filling or game changing as a bbq bacon lover's burger, but never gonna disappoint.
January 25, 2020
This story is more complex than anything I've previously read by this author. Good complexity to the MCs, although the supporting characters could use a bit of work (cough cough Jerril cough). Also, some nice bits of wandlore here. I would love to read Flame's story -- off to see if it's written yet!
October 31, 2020
This was such a sweet and magical story. Cebrus was a wandmaker and during his quest he finds a prince, Silvan, who ends up being his bonded mate. There were a few surprises and twists along the way and I found this book to be very intriguing and definitely entertaining. Wonderful and adventurous.
November 19, 2019
Cool concept.
May 15, 2019
I can see I’ll have to get use to the wtf plot twists. Keeps things interesting but yeah. Didn’t see that coming. I liked both the Wand maker and the prince. The king not so much. Short and sweet.
February 25, 2017
I love magic, mythical creatures, and dragons. I love them more when it's not just lets go slay the mythical beast type quest. This has everything I was looking for in a short wonderfully magical read.
Now the there are a couple of places that seem to drag just a touch but I also have a very short attention span so it probably just me. ^_^ over all I'd give it 4.5 out 5 stars
Now the there are a couple of places that seem to drag just a touch but I also have a very short attention span so it probably just me. ^_^ over all I'd give it 4.5 out 5 stars
April 5, 2016
Title: Wandmaker
Author: Amber Kell
Publisher: Amber Kell
ISBN: 9781310774836
Buy Link: http://www.amberkellbooks.com/index.p...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Cebrus had thought his quest would take him to new parts of the land. He didn’t know it would lead him to the prince of his dreams. When Prince Silvan catches sight of the sexy wandmaker it’s love at first glance. However, it takes a battle, a journey and an encounter with a fantastical beast before the two lovers can find their middle ground.
Silvan is determined to do anything to marry his mate even if he has to go against a king and give up everything to keep the man he has claimed for his own.
Summary:
Through out history, many craftsmen have traveled from town to town plying their trade just like Cebrus did. The way he fashioned wands from different types of wood and used his magical skills match the wand to their new owner was fascinating. The visual description of the process brought it to life fir the reader. Prince Silvan choose Cebrus for his own at first sight, but he got more than he ever imagined in the bargain. Cebrus was determined to complete his search for a mythical wood that could give him the ability to access his own magic because wandmakers never could. What he was looking for was not exactly what he expected and it may change his life forever. This story went in a direction that I never expected and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book in the series.
Author: Amber Kell
Publisher: Amber Kell
ISBN: 9781310774836
Buy Link: http://www.amberkellbooks.com/index.p...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Cebrus had thought his quest would take him to new parts of the land. He didn’t know it would lead him to the prince of his dreams. When Prince Silvan catches sight of the sexy wandmaker it’s love at first glance. However, it takes a battle, a journey and an encounter with a fantastical beast before the two lovers can find their middle ground.
Silvan is determined to do anything to marry his mate even if he has to go against a king and give up everything to keep the man he has claimed for his own.
Summary:
Through out history, many craftsmen have traveled from town to town plying their trade just like Cebrus did. The way he fashioned wands from different types of wood and used his magical skills match the wand to their new owner was fascinating. The visual description of the process brought it to life fir the reader. Prince Silvan choose Cebrus for his own at first sight, but he got more than he ever imagined in the bargain. Cebrus was determined to complete his search for a mythical wood that could give him the ability to access his own magic because wandmakers never could. What he was looking for was not exactly what he expected and it may change his life forever. This story went in a direction that I never expected and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book in the series.
March 7, 2015
I love MAGIC and all the lore that go with it. One of the things I enjoyed about Harry Potter was the Wandmaker shop and hoped to learn more about that particular brand of magic. Amber Kell definitely took it upon her self to make that magical craft absolutely fascinating and all done within a lovely story between a wander like Cebrus and an interesting character as Prince Silvan. She was able to capture within 86 pages so many twist and turns and yet create another romantic mating match. Prince, Magic Wands and Dragons oh my!!!! Bravo Amber I hope to find myself a Cebrus one day also. I will keep my fingers cross.
March 12, 2015
I enjoyed this short story, about a wandmaker who meets his prince, his mate, when he is least expecting it.
This story resonated with me, I remember being young, with no responsibilities, able to travel and party when I liked, and not feeling at all ready to settle down; and that is exactly how Cebrus finds himself.
I wasn't expecting the end of Cebrus's quest to finish as it did, and I was pleased with the twist, but must admit that I would have liked an epilogue which told of the wedding and maybe a couple more sexy dragons to wet my appetite for a possible sequel.
This story resonated with me, I remember being young, with no responsibilities, able to travel and party when I liked, and not feeling at all ready to settle down; and that is exactly how Cebrus finds himself.
I wasn't expecting the end of Cebrus's quest to finish as it did, and I was pleased with the twist, but must admit that I would have liked an epilogue which told of the wedding and maybe a couple more sexy dragons to wet my appetite for a possible sequel.
August 7, 2016
It’s a cute, fantasy-themed story, very much in the vein of classical Amber Kell, with a superpowered bottom who hesitates to commit to the buff, strong guy who is completely smitten with him.
I really enjoyed the fairy tale feel and the funny aspects. The ensuing love, of course, is more instant than not, but then that’s not the main focus for me here. It’s enough that I like the protagonists and get the sense that they actually care for each other.
It is the magical quest and associated details that really make this story fun for me.
I really enjoyed the fairy tale feel and the funny aspects. The ensuing love, of course, is more instant than not, but then that’s not the main focus for me here. It’s enough that I like the protagonists and get the sense that they actually care for each other.
It is the magical quest and associated details that really make this story fun for me.
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March 15, 2018I don't get it. So many things happening in the story, but the characters act like, "Oh well, life gives me lemons, so I'll just have to deal with it." What was the point of Jerril? He appears, he does something awful, and then stuff happens, but that whole plot point could be cut out and it would not affect the story at all. I liked the dragon wandmaker plot, just wished the events weren't so randomly thrown in and led to something.
February 23, 2015
Wandmaker
I just fell in love with Silvan and Cebrus. Silvan is the son of king and Cebrus is a very talented wandmaker. When Cebrus made a wand for Silvan they ended up being bond mates. It was cute watching these two fall in love with each other. I can not wait to see if Flame will find his mate in a future book I hope. Erin
I just fell in love with Silvan and Cebrus. Silvan is the son of king and Cebrus is a very talented wandmaker. When Cebrus made a wand for Silvan they ended up being bond mates. It was cute watching these two fall in love with each other. I can not wait to see if Flame will find his mate in a future book I hope. Erin
July 19, 2017
Don't judge the book by its cover. This cover is just pathetic! If you want something light, hot (but not overly so), a little sweet and entertaining read, this book is for you. As it was for me) despite the cover)) I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 16, 2015
Wandmaker
I Loved it I can't wait to read more of this I really hope there's more ...I will be watching for more.......I hope it's soon too.
I Loved it I can't wait to read more of this I really hope there's more ...I will be watching for more.......I hope it's soon too.
January 31, 2015
I read this as a blog story and adored it then, it's been expanded all to the good, it's got hot men, magic and Dragons. What more do you need?
January 17, 2015
An enjoyable fantasy. I particularly liked the idea of the wandmakers and am looking forward to the next instalment.
February 3, 2015
Good book
Good storyline. Usually you do not have much h of a story but Amber Kell writes a very good story. Her books aregreat
Good storyline. Usually you do not have much h of a story but Amber Kell writes a very good story. Her books aregreat
June 2, 2015
interesting story with a twist. liked the mix of m/m romance and fantasy. would look forward to a sequel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews