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Discord Jones #5
Black Magic Shadows
Her long-dreaded date with Thorandryll complicates Discord Jones' final case of the locating a stolen magic mirror. While searching, Discord discovers a secret battle raging beneath the quiet surface of Santo Trueno, one which could change it forever. Discord's efforts to oust her unwelcome visitor only emphasizes how far down the supe-world rabbit hole she's fallen. The struggle to understand how the past year's events will impact her future begins as she accepts a new bond—with the gargoyles.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2015
37 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Gayla Drummond
29 books237 followersPuppy rescuer and equine slave who loves visiting other worlds through reading and writing.
You can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayladrummon... or drop by her website at http://gldrummond.com.
You can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayladrummon... or drop by her website at http://gldrummond.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 13, 2015
While working for Arcane Solutions, Discord Jones, a natural mage, has made friends or allies among a number of different species in a short period of time. And through these different connections she’s learning more about what she can do. Some feel this is a bad thing while others just want to use her.
Her new client is pretty rude; a character you will enjoy disliking. The elf had lent a magic mirror to a museum as part of a new exhibit and it’s been stolen and Arcane Solutions is being hired to find and return it. You know the one; it’s in the Snow White story. The author definitely makes this mirror interesting.
There is a lot of learning taking place for Cordi in this story; why the elf prince is pushing for marriage, a connection she didn’t know she had to gargoyles, why she’s seeing Merriven as well as who her ancestors are. It will be interesting to see where this new knowledge takes her. Her relationship with Logan also gets re-established and I like how it’s being handled.
I like Cordi a lot. She’s determined, capable and yet still humble and caring. And she’s not afraid to say what she thinks, at least to those who cross the line. She thinks before she acts and weighs the consequences.
My only criticisms, and they are small, is that her friends go along with Cordi’s plans, often too easily. Most of the details of bringing up issues or altering plans are dealt with off screen. So in this story they sound too much like ‘Yes men.’ The other is that she now teleports practically everywhere. That’s being used a little too often.
I zipped through this quickly and can’t wait for the next book.
Her new client is pretty rude; a character you will enjoy disliking. The elf had lent a magic mirror to a museum as part of a new exhibit and it’s been stolen and Arcane Solutions is being hired to find and return it. You know the one; it’s in the Snow White story. The author definitely makes this mirror interesting.
There is a lot of learning taking place for Cordi in this story; why the elf prince is pushing for marriage, a connection she didn’t know she had to gargoyles, why she’s seeing Merriven as well as who her ancestors are. It will be interesting to see where this new knowledge takes her. Her relationship with Logan also gets re-established and I like how it’s being handled.
I like Cordi a lot. She’s determined, capable and yet still humble and caring. And she’s not afraid to say what she thinks, at least to those who cross the line. She thinks before she acts and weighs the consequences.
My only criticisms, and they are small, is that her friends go along with Cordi’s plans, often too easily. Most of the details of bringing up issues or altering plans are dealt with off screen. So in this story they sound too much like ‘Yes men.’ The other is that she now teleports practically everywhere. That’s being used a little too often.
I zipped through this quickly and can’t wait for the next book.
August 15, 2015
Still kind of fun, but this series is getting perilously close to becoming both a repetitive "case of the week" and "The World Revolves Around Me!" type affair.
Seriously, it seems that everything that happens in the series now is either directly related to something Discord did at some point that has snowballed out of control, or someone else is trying to do something to Discord and they try and mask their role in it by creating really convoluted plots that have a huge chance of failure.
Considering how well known Discord is becoming in the larger supernatural (and certain parts of the human) community, despite what she thinks of the matter, I am wondering how long she can actually stay as just a regular P.I. A lot of people seem to want her dead or controlled some how and whilst Mr Whitehaven/ Lord Kadon may offer some protection, it's pretty easy to set things up so Discord would constantly be walking in to traps or ambushes every time she left the office. Not only is that a danger for her, but it puts her potential clients and a whole bunch of innocent bystanders at potential risk too and that seems to be exactly what Discord spends most of her time and energy in preventing. Of course I also wonder how long Discord can stay a P.I when she doesn't actually fulfil the terms of the contract she and her client sign
I'd also like to see Discord stop blundering around quite so much and maybe put some effort in to learning her powers and educating herself on the wider world post-Melding instead of constantly bugging her Witch-friends with every minor thing. It was kind of charming and amusing to watch her cluelessly bumbling around making mistakes when she was just some nobody P.I, but it's really time that she started to grow up and take responsibility for her own actions instead of expecting her boss to constantly smooth things over for her. Now she's a known, powerful and divisive element in the city and she has a ton of responsibilities and obligations towards the Tigers, Tase and the Gargoyles, her human family, and anyone else she's made alliances with (such as Derrick and Stone), but she never seems to actually invest time in any of them unless her job directly calls for it (and/or she wants a favour) and their continued well-being seems to hinge on one 23 year old woman who is still upset she lost 3 years of her teens to a mystical coma and couldn't go to Senior Prom.
I also noticed this installment didn't seem to be as well edited as earlier ones as a few missing words or typos of the their/ they're and yours/ you're variety crept in. There were also some choppy scene changes and superfluous side scenes that could have been rolled in to other ones (for example it felt like Discord went home to let her dogs out a lot in this one and whilst there she'd get some sort of work-related epiphany or a Meaningful Conversation with Logan, even though she'd just been at the office or having dinner with Logan not 30 minutes ago in the previous scene).
I'm interested in reading the next in the series, but my initial enthusiasm is beginning to rapidly wear off in the face of rinse-and-repeat disasters and a huge amount of coinky-dink plot contrivances. It's not that nothing is happening in the greater story arc between all the books, it's just that I think things need a bit of a shake up because the format is no longer fit for the escalating scale of the story.
Seriously, it seems that everything that happens in the series now is either directly related to something Discord did at some point that has snowballed out of control, or someone else is trying to do something to Discord and they try and mask their role in it by creating really convoluted plots that have a huge chance of failure.
Considering how well known Discord is becoming in the larger supernatural (and certain parts of the human) community, despite what she thinks of the matter, I am wondering how long she can actually stay as just a regular P.I. A lot of people seem to want her dead or controlled some how and whilst Mr Whitehaven/ Lord Kadon may offer some protection, it's pretty easy to set things up so Discord would constantly be walking in to traps or ambushes every time she left the office. Not only is that a danger for her, but it puts her potential clients and a whole bunch of innocent bystanders at potential risk too and that seems to be exactly what Discord spends most of her time and energy in preventing. Of course I also wonder how long Discord can stay a P.I when she doesn't actually fulfil the terms of the contract she and her client sign
I'd also like to see Discord stop blundering around quite so much and maybe put some effort in to learning her powers and educating herself on the wider world post-Melding instead of constantly bugging her Witch-friends with every minor thing. It was kind of charming and amusing to watch her cluelessly bumbling around making mistakes when she was just some nobody P.I, but it's really time that she started to grow up and take responsibility for her own actions instead of expecting her boss to constantly smooth things over for her. Now she's a known, powerful and divisive element in the city and she has a ton of responsibilities and obligations towards the Tigers, Tase and the Gargoyles, her human family, and anyone else she's made alliances with (such as Derrick and Stone), but she never seems to actually invest time in any of them unless her job directly calls for it (and/or she wants a favour) and their continued well-being seems to hinge on one 23 year old woman who is still upset she lost 3 years of her teens to a mystical coma and couldn't go to Senior Prom.
I also noticed this installment didn't seem to be as well edited as earlier ones as a few missing words or typos of the their/ they're and yours/ you're variety crept in. There were also some choppy scene changes and superfluous side scenes that could have been rolled in to other ones (for example it felt like Discord went home to let her dogs out a lot in this one and whilst there she'd get some sort of work-related epiphany or a Meaningful Conversation with Logan, even though she'd just been at the office or having dinner with Logan not 30 minutes ago in the previous scene).
I'm interested in reading the next in the series, but my initial enthusiasm is beginning to rapidly wear off in the face of rinse-and-repeat disasters and a huge amount of coinky-dink plot contrivances. It's not that nothing is happening in the greater story arc between all the books, it's just that I think things need a bit of a shake up because the format is no longer fit for the escalating scale of the story.
May 18, 2015
I edited this, so you can take my review with as much of a grain of salt as you like... But I think Gayla is really hitting her stride as a story-teller in this series. Each story is self-contained, yet builds the characters' story arcs in believable, engaging ways that have me very much looking forward to each new installment.
October 26, 2016
*fist pump* I KNEW IT! Kinda. I was close enough to being right that it totally counts.
October 12, 2024
An interesting mystery in an enjoyable world. More series-secrets are revealed, with some painfully corny moments. TW talk of SA.
January 4, 2016
Trouble knows no bounds when you're Discord Jones. In "Black Magic Shadow" Cordi finds herself cursed with seeing visions and hearing voice from none other than the dead vampire, Merrivan. Unfortunately, she doesn't know about the curse until she talks to several of her friends including the gargoyles. Additionally, if this is not enough, Thorandryll has called in his favor for Cordial to have dinner with him. However, what's she discovers is that she will be his date at a Hugh political soiree he is hosting and he is pushing to control her by trying to get her to agree to marry him. Like that is going to happen! (Lol)
Mr. Whitehaven also assigned Cordi a case of locating and retrieving a magical mirror for a stuck up female Elf who insults her at every turn. My, my, my, this girl never seems to catch a break. Of course, after discovering the curse that is on her, she and Logan finally get to have their first date. They are taking things slowly and that's a good thing to do.
This installment really allowed the reader to get a better glimpse into some of the lives and abilities of some secondary characters I've been curious about such as the gargoyles, Thorandryll's true interest in Cordial, her ancestors, and Danielle, the shifter in competition for Logan's heart. Once again there were plenty of comedic moments, action, and twists and turns making for once entertaining read. I'm a little saddened because I am moving on to read book six which is the last book until the next one will be published. It's my own fault because I've been gobbling down each installment within hours of other (the perks of being on vacation). For those of you who wants a series that will keep you totally enamored, check out the Discord Jones series. You won't regret it.
Mr. Whitehaven also assigned Cordi a case of locating and retrieving a magical mirror for a stuck up female Elf who insults her at every turn. My, my, my, this girl never seems to catch a break. Of course, after discovering the curse that is on her, she and Logan finally get to have their first date. They are taking things slowly and that's a good thing to do.
This installment really allowed the reader to get a better glimpse into some of the lives and abilities of some secondary characters I've been curious about such as the gargoyles, Thorandryll's true interest in Cordial, her ancestors, and Danielle, the shifter in competition for Logan's heart. Once again there were plenty of comedic moments, action, and twists and turns making for once entertaining read. I'm a little saddened because I am moving on to read book six which is the last book until the next one will be published. It's my own fault because I've been gobbling down each installment within hours of other (the perks of being on vacation). For those of you who wants a series that will keep you totally enamored, check out the Discord Jones series. You won't regret it.
July 6, 2015
Elves aren't Discordia Jones favorite people. So when her boss hands her a case to investigate, she's not exactly thrilled but will find the client's magic mirror which has been stolen from the local museum. However, her case isn't the only thing occupying her time. It seems someone has put a hex on her and it's making her see the vampire that almost killed her not too long ago.
Having read the first four books in this series, there was no way I was going to miss reading this one. I loved the start and Discordia discussing the magic mirror with her client. Her frustration for elves is hilarious and it's no wonder because of her many interactions with Thorandryll, their prince. He's such an arrogant man, always trying to manipulate her. Why can't he see just once that she's never going to bend to his will no matter how hard he tries?
The plot was strong, though not as good as the first four books, but overall I still enjoyed this new installment to the Discordia Jones series. Moreover, what I really liked was the addition of a new character, which opens up many possibilities for future books. Especially with the way Black Magic Shadows ended and Discordia being chosen as someone capable of holding the legendary sword, Excalibur.
I would recommend this series to fans that love a strong heroine determined to solve a case no matter what obstacles stand in her way. Start with Arcane Solutions, then Something to Curse About, which is followed by Save the Last Vamp for me, Frost and Bothered and finally this book.
Having read the first four books in this series, there was no way I was going to miss reading this one. I loved the start and Discordia discussing the magic mirror with her client. Her frustration for elves is hilarious and it's no wonder because of her many interactions with Thorandryll, their prince. He's such an arrogant man, always trying to manipulate her. Why can't he see just once that she's never going to bend to his will no matter how hard he tries?
The plot was strong, though not as good as the first four books, but overall I still enjoyed this new installment to the Discordia Jones series. Moreover, what I really liked was the addition of a new character, which opens up many possibilities for future books. Especially with the way Black Magic Shadows ended and Discordia being chosen as someone capable of holding the legendary sword, Excalibur.
I would recommend this series to fans that love a strong heroine determined to solve a case no matter what obstacles stand in her way. Start with Arcane Solutions, then Something to Curse About, which is followed by Save the Last Vamp for me, Frost and Bothered and finally this book.
November 21, 2018
ARC
Black Magic Shadows begins with Cordi and her partner having a new case. This time they are looking for a missing mirror, and it could have been any elf, demon, or other magical creature out there it seems. Not only is she having to worry about that, but she’s also seeing things, and thinks she’s losing her mind. Then there is the elf who won’t leave her along, and she greatly misses Logan. Things start to heat again for Cordi in this adventure filled paranormal series.
Black Magic Shadows was a book I had been greatly looking forward to. I think this book started out great. It had me really hooked on the story line, and all of the drama in Cordi’s life. I do however, feel like towards the end it sort of started speeding up pretty quickly without a lot of depth to it, and not much explaining in detail either.
But other than that I really enjoyed the whole story. I loved getting to see old characters from previous books, and a few new characters as well. It was a really good read, and I look forward to more in this series! I just hope there will be a little more romance in the next one!
Black Magic Shadows begins with Cordi and her partner having a new case. This time they are looking for a missing mirror, and it could have been any elf, demon, or other magical creature out there it seems. Not only is she having to worry about that, but she’s also seeing things, and thinks she’s losing her mind. Then there is the elf who won’t leave her along, and she greatly misses Logan. Things start to heat again for Cordi in this adventure filled paranormal series.
Black Magic Shadows was a book I had been greatly looking forward to. I think this book started out great. It had me really hooked on the story line, and all of the drama in Cordi’s life. I do however, feel like towards the end it sort of started speeding up pretty quickly without a lot of depth to it, and not much explaining in detail either.
But other than that I really enjoyed the whole story. I loved getting to see old characters from previous books, and a few new characters as well. It was a really good read, and I look forward to more in this series! I just hope there will be a little more romance in the next one!
June 30, 2015
I have come to love the characters and world of Discord Jones, they have come to feel like family. This instalment takes on a big leap in character and story and I hugely enjoyed it. When we first started Discord's journey she had a small band of friends, now she has a wide support network and those she regards as if family. The journey from young and fairly naive to wiser and more experienced is delightful. I love the addition of the gargoyles, and I am greatly enjoyed Discord's changing perspective of those around her, especially the vampires. As we begin the story Discord thinks she is going mad, we know of course she isn't but she does not, and I found it very human and relatable as she discovers she isn't. I am loving Logan even more than I did and it makes me want more instalments right now! These books are full of delightful characters and I highly recommend them to all.
July 7, 2015
I loved the character development that continues in book 5. I'm especially impressed with the breadth and depth of characters that have been appearing since book 1, continue to make appearances throughout the books, and are joined by new "cast members". Cordi's relationship with Logan is thrown in even more contrast to the one she had with Nick (not a fan), and Logan is as sweet and hot as can be.
Four stars not five because the ending just kind of fizzled out for me... still a great book, though!
Four stars not five because the ending just kind of fizzled out for me... still a great book, though!
August 17, 2015
These are just a touch on the short side, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. They are well written with likeable characters, and even well done characters we love to hate. The stories are creative and don't rely heavily on police procedurals, and I've been enjoying that the world unfolds as the heroine is learning it.
The story's written in reason for the heroine's abilities to increase is believable and the author does an admirable job of not turning her into a mary sue in the process.
I consider this series a lucky find, and will continue reading it as it's available.
The story's written in reason for the heroine's abilities to increase is believable and the author does an admirable job of not turning her into a mary sue in the process.
I consider this series a lucky find, and will continue reading it as it's available.
May 17, 2016
Ok, I bought all the books in this series in january and I've read the whole serie already twice.
I like it a lot. Also it gets better in rereading it.
Yes the main character is really young (and being three years in a coma does put her in borderline minor area) and almost always she behaves like a 35 years old woman. Also, advancing in the serie, she starts becoming a dog hoarder, but that's a very good thing in my opinion.
That's the only minor problems with the serie.
The rest is just awesome
I like it a lot. Also it gets better in rereading it.
Yes the main character is really young (and being three years in a coma does put her in borderline minor area) and almost always she behaves like a 35 years old woman. Also, advancing in the serie, she starts becoming a dog hoarder, but that's a very good thing in my opinion.
That's the only minor problems with the serie.
The rest is just awesome
May 19, 2015
Discord is Awesome
Discord is given a job that reveals more daemon interference but that's just part of her adventure. She's told she should marry her elf frienemie Mr. Snooty Pants so she can be controlled... what did you say? Discord is having none of that... Can you blame her? It doesn't go over well with the Unseelie Queen. There's much more to love about this latest addition and readers will enjoy the ride and secrets that are revealed. Great read and well written.
Discord is given a job that reveals more daemon interference but that's just part of her adventure. She's told she should marry her elf frienemie Mr. Snooty Pants so she can be controlled... what did you say? Discord is having none of that... Can you blame her? It doesn't go over well with the Unseelie Queen. There's much more to love about this latest addition and readers will enjoy the ride and secrets that are revealed. Great read and well written.
June 14, 2015
Good book
I love Discord but did not like the way she was portrayed in this book. I know she is young, but the book was peppered with bubble headed snark. If the author continues in this vie., she will lose me as a reader. Discord has many powers and that comes with great responsibility! She doesn't have to act serious all the time,but I think she has to be a little more mature to be believable.
I love Discord but did not like the way she was portrayed in this book. I know she is young, but the book was peppered with bubble headed snark. If the author continues in this vie., she will lose me as a reader. Discord has many powers and that comes with great responsibility! She doesn't have to act serious all the time,but I think she has to be a little more mature to be believable.
August 10, 2015
I love the gargoyles and the insights into natural mages. The dragon was a cool touch.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Logan love interest. I want him to be the long-term choice, but there are so many fun potentials and Cordi is ONLY 23....20 if you discount her time in a coma.
I can't help but draw parallels to Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan/Hollows series, but not in a bad way.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Logan love interest. I want him to be the long-term choice, but there are so many fun potentials and Cordi is ONLY 23....20 if you discount her time in a coma.
I can't help but draw parallels to Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan/Hollows series, but not in a bad way.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
October 30, 2015
Another great book by Gayla on our favorite character Discord Jones. Discord is still finding out more and more about herself and her powers and those pesky elves want to try and keep her under wraps just for their on nefarious purposes.
The book overall is very short, but nonetheless, I still enjoyed it quite well.
The book overall is very short, but nonetheless, I still enjoyed it quite well.
June 20, 2015
I love this series
Cordi is pretty awesome. The characters and world building are fun and unique.. recommend reading the series in order. If you're a fan then enough said, I'll be awaiting the next book, the stories and characters are delightful..I would read these books again and again, very entertaining.
Cordi is pretty awesome. The characters and world building are fun and unique.. recommend reading the series in order. If you're a fan then enough said, I'll be awaiting the next book, the stories and characters are delightful..I would read these books again and again, very entertaining.
August 7, 2015
Seriously awesome
Why ? Why so short ? Did I do something bad, miss Drummond ?! I want more Discord Jones. It was a good story, we saw an insecure Discord qho finally realized that she is a big shot. For once she isn't all banged up at the end of a book. Ok I'll stop here, buy the book and support the author.
Why ? Why so short ? Did I do something bad, miss Drummond ?! I want more Discord Jones. It was a good story, we saw an insecure Discord qho finally realized that she is a big shot. For once she isn't all banged up at the end of a book. Ok I'll stop here, buy the book and support the author.
January 2, 2016
Not impressed - but book 6 is better. There's fun and then there's torturous inanity - this series has straddled the two never taking itself too seriously which was its strength [including some cleverly unique concepts and some really embarrassingly stupid ones] but this installment definity crossed into the inane. I was very close to giving up on series.
June 2, 2015
Fun, smart, humorous- I love Discord! My only problem is that I find Logan indifferent. Thorandryl on the other hand is very interesting... But oh well, I enjoy this series so much, no matter the love interest.
July 11, 2016
Not as good as the previous books, but still good. I like how not every villain battle ends with discord being brutalised. However, it does make for a less powerful story somehow.
Yay team tiger!
Also, looking forward to possible foreshadowed shape shifting.
Yay team tiger!
Also, looking forward to possible foreshadowed shape shifting.
October 5, 2015
This book was like a long elevator ride to the a action packed adventure and sex you're trying to get to. It should have been cheaper than all the other books. We didn't even get to see her hone any of her skills.
November 7, 2015
Good quick read
Better than the previous book. Character growth significant and in line with the plot. Would like to see more books in the series as long as they are not contrite and tell a good story. Thanks
Better than the previous book. Character growth significant and in line with the plot. Would like to see more books in the series as long as they are not contrite and tell a good story. Thanks
July 5, 2016
These are light fluffy books that are a bit too straightforward. There's no hidden motives, and no twists; just a mystery, some clues, and then a resolution. But despite that, I still find myself enjoying it *shrug*
June 10, 2015
Honestly this should have been a novella because nothing exciting happened or ground breaking for that matter ..I actually feel robbed
May 21, 2015
a bit short :-(
May 26, 2015
Fun read
This is a good tale of magic and adventure. Some good twists and light romance makes the story worth reading.
This is a good tale of magic and adventure. Some good twists and light romance makes the story worth reading.
August 25, 2015
This book, by far, is my favorite of the series. I love the whole set of characters and the world. I hope another book might be released.
June 28, 2015
It was a little jumbled, but I liked it. And I wan't more, so I hope there will be more books coming in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews