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Twin Magic #2
The Witches' Covenant
Erich, Ariel and Astrid have begun their life together, but all is not well.
Ariel and Astrid have discovered that sharing a husband is a greater challenge than they anticipated, a challenge that is exacerbated by a difficult winter trip to Wittenberg, where Erich hopes to enter the service of Frederick III, Elector of Sachsen. But their trip is soon interrupted by unexpected complications.
In the town of Marburg, a century-old agreement that has kept the peace between the Landgraviate of Hessen and a band of witches in the forest is beginning to unravel. The young Landgrave, Philip, needs to consolidate his authority, and the witches want something from him that he does not dare surrender.
Erich and his wives are drawn into this conflict, and in the process discover a mystery that seems tied to their unique magical bond—a mystery that may threaten its very existence if they cannot resolve it.
In this second installment in the bestselling Twin Magic series, Michael Dalton spins together magic, steampunk, and traditional German fairy tales into another entertaining alternate history adventure.
Ariel and Astrid have discovered that sharing a husband is a greater challenge than they anticipated, a challenge that is exacerbated by a difficult winter trip to Wittenberg, where Erich hopes to enter the service of Frederick III, Elector of Sachsen. But their trip is soon interrupted by unexpected complications.
In the town of Marburg, a century-old agreement that has kept the peace between the Landgraviate of Hessen and a band of witches in the forest is beginning to unravel. The young Landgrave, Philip, needs to consolidate his authority, and the witches want something from him that he does not dare surrender.
Erich and his wives are drawn into this conflict, and in the process discover a mystery that seems tied to their unique magical bond—a mystery that may threaten its very existence if they cannot resolve it.
In this second installment in the bestselling Twin Magic series, Michael Dalton spins together magic, steampunk, and traditional German fairy tales into another entertaining alternate history adventure.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2015
68 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Michael Dalton
82 books323 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 31, 2015
Get your dance cards ready, there are a lot of absolutely necessary characters to keep track of in Michael Dalton’s The Witches’ Covenant. Part fairytale, part magical fantasy and part steampunk, get ready to follow Erich and his twin mage wives as they undertake a journey across lands that are less than welcoming and find themselves embroiled in an ancient agreement that could easily be broken when the self-absorbed landgrave, Philip decides to try to trick a band of witches by not holding to the letter of their longstanding agreement. Was his act that of a brash young ruler or was there both twisted evil and surprising kindness in his choices?
What is going on in the town of Marburg? A stop at a magical pond has changed Ariel’s powers, is this permanent? Deadly? A blessing? How does it tie in to what Philip has done? Will these three need to unravel what has been done in order to continue on their journey or does a user of dark magic have other plans for them ? Will a lowly, orphaned kitchen maid find a joy she could only dream of, thanks to Erich, Ariel and Astrid’s tenacity?
Michael Dalton has hit his stride with The Witches’ Covenant and brought home a magical tale of mages, witches and changelings while still paying attention to each scene with carefully worded descriptions that pull the reader in, completely. A wonderful tale pulled together perfectly as each layer unfolds towards that final bow at the end. Speaking of endings? Cleverly done, with one little strand hanging loose, just ready to be stitched into the next tale of Twin Magic.
I received this copy from Michael Dalton in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Twin Magic - Book 2
Publication Date: March 20, 2015
Publisher: Michael Dalton
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Print Length: 220 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
What is going on in the town of Marburg? A stop at a magical pond has changed Ariel’s powers, is this permanent? Deadly? A blessing? How does it tie in to what Philip has done? Will these three need to unravel what has been done in order to continue on their journey or does a user of dark magic have other plans for them ? Will a lowly, orphaned kitchen maid find a joy she could only dream of, thanks to Erich, Ariel and Astrid’s tenacity?
Michael Dalton has hit his stride with The Witches’ Covenant and brought home a magical tale of mages, witches and changelings while still paying attention to each scene with carefully worded descriptions that pull the reader in, completely. A wonderful tale pulled together perfectly as each layer unfolds towards that final bow at the end. Speaking of endings? Cleverly done, with one little strand hanging loose, just ready to be stitched into the next tale of Twin Magic.
I received this copy from Michael Dalton in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Twin Magic - Book 2
Publication Date: March 20, 2015
Publisher: Michael Dalton
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Print Length: 220 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 18, 2019
Rating 3.0 stars
This story was okay, but wasn't really what I was hoping for. I wanted to learn more about Erich, Astrid and Ariel. While the story started off with them, toward the end it seemed like they were only supporting characters. There were some issues with the marriage between the three
The story was pretty okay, but again I wanted the story to be about Erich, Astrid and Ariel. While they were in the story, I can't really say it was their story. The story was about something else and they were just involved, but it really didn't have anything to do with them. It has been 4 years since this book came out, so I don't think there is going to be another installment.
This story was okay, but wasn't really what I was hoping for. I wanted to learn more about Erich, Astrid and Ariel. While the story started off with them, toward the end it seemed like they were only supporting characters. There were some issues with the marriage between the three
The story was pretty okay, but again I wanted the story to be about Erich, Astrid and Ariel. While they were in the story, I can't really say it was their story. The story was about something else and they were just involved, but it really didn't have anything to do with them. It has been 4 years since this book came out, so I don't think there is going to be another installment.
February 5, 2021
3.5. Not as good as the first one, and the jumping around of viewpoints/time wasn't really what I signed up for. This one ended with a big hanging chad, but since it's been over 5 years I have to assume this series has been abandoned. Honestly, read the first one and stop there as the characters don't advance significantly here. That's forgivable in a middle book, but the plan didn't come together so it goes nowhere.
January 18, 2020
Author fell into a classic trap
This happens a lot, the author has some success with their first book and then decides to show everyone how clever they are by adding perspectives. It almost always fails, like this one did. After the 5th new character perspective showed up I stopped caring anymore. It makes no sense to write an entire chapter of backstory for a character that interrupts the flow of the main character story line.
This happens a lot, the author has some success with their first book and then decides to show everyone how clever they are by adding perspectives. It almost always fails, like this one did. After the 5th new character perspective showed up I stopped caring anymore. It makes no sense to write an entire chapter of backstory for a character that interrupts the flow of the main character story line.
July 30, 2018
Liked the whole series, though it was kind of odd that Ariel didn't say anything about mystic/purple magic stuff. It kind of contradicted with what we knew about the sisters, not to mention they even asked about it.
January 19, 2021
A good read
I enjoyed this second installment pretty well. I could see how the transitions between perspectives had people confused but still thought the book covered the idea and story well. I wish the next one was ready
I enjoyed this second installment pretty well. I could see how the transitions between perspectives had people confused but still thought the book covered the idea and story well. I wish the next one was ready
April 9, 2021
Damn it
Such a good story, nice twisting and involved plot, excellent back stories on the primary and most of the secondary characters. I'm 6 years to late to harass the author for the next book
Such a good story, nice twisting and involved plot, excellent back stories on the primary and most of the secondary characters. I'm 6 years to late to harass the author for the next book
January 31, 2021
Good book
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
February 15, 2021
A good time!
This book continues the adventure with interesting plot twists and intrigue! More of the characters various abilities are revealed to enjoyment of readers.
This book continues the adventure with interesting plot twists and intrigue! More of the characters various abilities are revealed to enjoyment of readers.
May 2, 2021
Good book
Good book, but now with even more drama. No action this time. All drama then more drama. Then relationship iseues.
Good book, but now with even more drama. No action this time. All drama then more drama. Then relationship iseues.
July 15, 2023
Surprise!
There were many surprises in this book. Some were difficult to follow but finally it made sense. Wait for next issue!
There were many surprises in this book. Some were difficult to follow but finally it made sense. Wait for next issue!
July 16, 2024
good series
Great series. Hoping number 3 appears eventually.
Nice mix of historical and romantic style fiction.
Nice change from more modern based works.
Great series. Hoping number 3 appears eventually.
Nice mix of historical and romantic style fiction.
Nice change from more modern based works.
March 11, 2015
Erich, Ariel, and Astrid has begun their life together as husband and wives. Erich is one lucky man to have such beautiful women and skilled mages as his wives. A few problems came up between Ariel and Astrid, Astrid not wanting to always make love to her husband sometimes she just wants to cuddle and be happy. But Ariel loves making love to her husband and tries to do it as often as she can. They all decided to go on a trip and seek employment in a village far away from their own and they want to make it there before winter and snow comes. Welp, they got held up in the town of Marburg, because Ariel kinda went haywire. They passed through a forest with a place full of the flow and Ariel decided to touch the spring that was there. Everything changed about her, and Erich and Astrid didn't know what was up with her.
In Marburg there is a tale of a Witches Covenant taking children from their homes and replacing them with changelings. But Louis decided to strike a deal with these witches and keep the town from having all their babies taken. The witches are allowed to pick out one baby every 10 years, and this deal has been passed down for generations. But now Phillip thinks he can outsmart the witches and give them the wrong baby and all hell breaks loose.
The main characters are still Erich, Ariel, and Astrid, but a few more are in the picture to move the story along. Sabine, Hans, Giancarlo, Julia, and Phillip. Sabine is the so called witch taking babies because of what she done years ago. She loved Louis and wanted to marry him but he was to busy and cared more for his land then her, so she decided to take matters in her own hands and that is how the Witches Covenant came to be. Sabine isn't bad, she isn't mean either, she just wants to be free. Hans decided to go on a adventure with Giancarlo, he is sweet and caring. Giancarlo wanted to apologize to Erich, Ariel, and Astrid for turning them in to Erich's brother. Then you have sweet Julia, she didn't mean for what happen to her, but Phillip is her lord and she just wanted to make him happy. Phillip is selfish and doesn't care for anyone but himself really.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book. The only thing that caught me off guard was the ending. The ending was so short and simple, I wanted to know if their father and his friend would find them and tell them the news. But I will have to wait for the third book I guess!
In Marburg there is a tale of a Witches Covenant taking children from their homes and replacing them with changelings. But Louis decided to strike a deal with these witches and keep the town from having all their babies taken. The witches are allowed to pick out one baby every 10 years, and this deal has been passed down for generations. But now Phillip thinks he can outsmart the witches and give them the wrong baby and all hell breaks loose.
The main characters are still Erich, Ariel, and Astrid, but a few more are in the picture to move the story along. Sabine, Hans, Giancarlo, Julia, and Phillip. Sabine is the so called witch taking babies because of what she done years ago. She loved Louis and wanted to marry him but he was to busy and cared more for his land then her, so she decided to take matters in her own hands and that is how the Witches Covenant came to be. Sabine isn't bad, she isn't mean either, she just wants to be free. Hans decided to go on a adventure with Giancarlo, he is sweet and caring. Giancarlo wanted to apologize to Erich, Ariel, and Astrid for turning them in to Erich's brother. Then you have sweet Julia, she didn't mean for what happen to her, but Phillip is her lord and she just wanted to make him happy. Phillip is selfish and doesn't care for anyone but himself really.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book. The only thing that caught me off guard was the ending. The ending was so short and simple, I wanted to know if their father and his friend would find them and tell them the news. But I will have to wait for the third book I guess!
March 22, 2015
Independent Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Erich,Astrid and Ariel begin their new life together with a trip to a new city for Erich to find work. Life as a thresome is not easy, with the only way for them to join, is as three. There is no two-time. An overnight stay in a stop over on the way turns into something more sinister, something more deadly, something that could possibly tear them apart, and cause the deadth of yet another baby.
I found this as good as, but not better than book one, The Wizard's Daughters. Its tone is different, hence the filing on the darker/grittier shelf.
Astrid and Ariel find themselves involoved in a centuries old bargain with a witch that is stealing children. When that bargain comes a little close to home for the ruling Philip, he tries to cheat the witch out of her prize, but the witch is not to be stopped and she will have her child. Astrid and Ariel find their colour changes, and their power too, and, while this is not yet fully answered in this book, I really need to know what will happen to them, how this will effect them, because clearly, its very important if thier father is running across the country in the dead of winter. So I'm hoping that comes in book three, and I get a chance to read it too.
Full of magic and mystery, full of lots of characters and their part in this story starting off seperate and coming together. It has some violence, more so than book one, I thought, but again, relatively clean. There are some characters based on real people, and it tells you about that in the back of the book, but I didn't read it. A little more history here, too.
4 stars, same as book one.
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Erich,Astrid and Ariel begin their new life together with a trip to a new city for Erich to find work. Life as a thresome is not easy, with the only way for them to join, is as three. There is no two-time. An overnight stay in a stop over on the way turns into something more sinister, something more deadly, something that could possibly tear them apart, and cause the deadth of yet another baby.
I found this as good as, but not better than book one, The Wizard's Daughters. Its tone is different, hence the filing on the darker/grittier shelf.
Astrid and Ariel find themselves involoved in a centuries old bargain with a witch that is stealing children. When that bargain comes a little close to home for the ruling Philip, he tries to cheat the witch out of her prize, but the witch is not to be stopped and she will have her child. Astrid and Ariel find their colour changes, and their power too, and, while this is not yet fully answered in this book, I really need to know what will happen to them, how this will effect them, because clearly, its very important if thier father is running across the country in the dead of winter. So I'm hoping that comes in book three, and I get a chance to read it too.
Full of magic and mystery, full of lots of characters and their part in this story starting off seperate and coming together. It has some violence, more so than book one, I thought, but again, relatively clean. There are some characters based on real people, and it tells you about that in the back of the book, but I didn't read it. A little more history here, too.
4 stars, same as book one.
**same worded review appears on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
April 12, 2015
***Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a review.***
What's Good: it's a fast-moving, multi-layered, complex story that I read in one sitting. Plot has a lot of meat to it. Politics, intrigue, (not-so) chance encounters- there's a lot of the stuff I like to read about going on here. The magic system is intriguing and is the setting- which draws from real world events and figures. There's some pretty interesting characters- I liked Sabine and Giancarlo a lot- and aside from the main arc there's some nifty sub-plots in the works as well.
What's Bad: there's so much going on here, you need a scorecard to keep track of it all. It's only the second book, so there's no reason not to provide a summary of the first book or a glossary to bring new readers up to speed. I was completely lost at times for not knowing who's who or what's what so just had to accept it and keep rolling. The constantly shifting perspectives and frequent head-hopping also muddled things a bit.
What's Left: The sexual dynamics will throw you for a loop at first. Even though there's a reason for two sisters marrying the same man and simultaneously sleeping with him, without the context from the first book to frame it you'll be shaking your head for a good chunk of the book. Once you get past that (if you can), there's a lot to like here. I'm definitely interested to read the first one and the next when it comes out.
What's Good: it's a fast-moving, multi-layered, complex story that I read in one sitting. Plot has a lot of meat to it. Politics, intrigue, (not-so) chance encounters- there's a lot of the stuff I like to read about going on here. The magic system is intriguing and is the setting- which draws from real world events and figures. There's some pretty interesting characters- I liked Sabine and Giancarlo a lot- and aside from the main arc there's some nifty sub-plots in the works as well.
What's Bad: there's so much going on here, you need a scorecard to keep track of it all. It's only the second book, so there's no reason not to provide a summary of the first book or a glossary to bring new readers up to speed. I was completely lost at times for not knowing who's who or what's what so just had to accept it and keep rolling. The constantly shifting perspectives and frequent head-hopping also muddled things a bit.
What's Left: The sexual dynamics will throw you for a loop at first. Even though there's a reason for two sisters marrying the same man and simultaneously sleeping with him, without the context from the first book to frame it you'll be shaking your head for a good chunk of the book. Once you get past that (if you can), there's a lot to like here. I'm definitely interested to read the first one and the next when it comes out.
April 5, 2015
The Witches Covenant is set in an alternate version of the 16th century. It's disparate plots revolve around witchcraft, magic and steampunk in a fictionalised version of Germany.
I rather enjoyed this book. It was an intriguing mix of history and magic, involving genuine historical figures in an alternative view of the time. There were some really great ideas within the text and the plot tied together really well. It managed to incorporate the back plot of several protagonists with verve and skill.
There were a few negative issues, I did feel that the magic needed more explanation and several of the plot points seemed rushed. I also could not understand why certain characters were acting the way they did. I feel this could be attributed to the fact that it is the second book in this series and possibly characters and situations were fleshed out in the first book.
With that said, these pacing and character issues did not detract from my enjoyment of the book and I do recommend it.
I rather enjoyed this book. It was an intriguing mix of history and magic, involving genuine historical figures in an alternative view of the time. There were some really great ideas within the text and the plot tied together really well. It managed to incorporate the back plot of several protagonists with verve and skill.
There were a few negative issues, I did feel that the magic needed more explanation and several of the plot points seemed rushed. I also could not understand why certain characters were acting the way they did. I feel this could be attributed to the fact that it is the second book in this series and possibly characters and situations were fleshed out in the first book.
With that said, these pacing and character issues did not detract from my enjoyment of the book and I do recommend it.
April 14, 2015
Readable tale but the protagonists are passive for much of the story. The story happens around them rather than to them. Some threads are not resolved, so the book is somewhat of a setup for the next book (we hope.)
March 23, 2015
I really liked this book. Full review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews