Bloodmagic

Blood Destiny #2

by Helen Harper, Saskia Maarleveld (Narrator)

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Magic, Dragons, Romance

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 27, 2012

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so so good as are all the books in the series loved it.

This was a great book with alot going on murderer,shifters,magic etc, this series has it all and if your like me and can be a little worried about starting a series with so many books, you won't be disappointed, all five books are all five star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reads and completely worth it.


Attention Audible🎵 users This series is now on the plus catalogue 7/2/23
🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

Happy Reading 📕📒📚📓📚📙📔📗📚📘📕📔📙📚📓📒📗📘📒📙📚📕📗📘📖

[Lucie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ Characters
✅ New secondary characters
✅ Pace
✅ Plot
✅ Shifters and other paranormal creatures
✅ Slight expansion of the world-building
✅🆗 Romance (kind of)

Strong 3.5 stars I think...

I was a lone wolf. Or at least a lone dragon anyway. We liked to work alone. Others would merely cramp our style. Or steal our treasure.

After being forced to leave the Cornwall pack, Mack is on the run from the Brethren, and on her own for the first time in her life. Of course, she can’t just have a quiet uneventful life in the backcountry, as more and more people are looking for her. The Brethren are after her because she is a rogue shifter, Corrigan has a personal interest in her, a mysterious fae is following her around, and even the mages are taking an interest in her.

While the plot is not bad, I feel that the story didn’t progress that much. The final part with the Brethren pack and the mysterious sickness was pointless and over with way too soon and too easily in my opinion. We didn’t have the time to be afraid for them and the tension didn’t build up, it was just a basic: here is a problem, Mack finds a solution in a few hours, problem solved. End of the crisis. I still don’t see why this sub-plot was added to the book honestly.

I want to say that I like Corrigan, but we saw so little of him, it's hard to really know what he is like or to truly get attached to him. Sure, I like his sexy charisma and his suaveness, but he was really more of a secondary character in this book.

Solus is the one new secondary character that took more room in the book, and I have to say that I am intrigued by him, and I hope to see more of him in the next book. I missed Alex in this one, but I liked Solus, so I hope that at least one of them, if not both, will be part of the plot in the third book and that they will not just be pushed aside to make room for yet another secondary character that will take a liking to Mack.

While I still like Mack as a main character, and I like how even though she is a solitary person that tends to push others away, she is selfless and loyal when it comes to the people she cares about. Sadly, her anger issues are still annoying me. As a grown-up (because I do believe that she is in her 20s?), she needs to start learning to control her mouth and her temper. I do not mind the feisty side of her, but it just seems to get her into trouble because she can’t ever control it. Her aversion to nicknames is also getting a little out of hand. I get it, she doesn’t like nicknames, but snapping at a stranger because he calls you “love” or “darling”? Just ignore it, girl, it's not worth the energy, and it just shows how little control you have over your temper when you get mad for something so silly and simple as a nickname.

I said in my review of the first book that I enjoyed slow-burn romances, but I would still have liked it for Mack and Corrigan to spend more time together. I love this game of cat and mouse they are forced to play because Mack is still trying to hide her true identity from Corrigan, but after two books of him pursuing her and her lusting after him, I was hoping for a little more progress in their relationship before they got separated again (because I imagine that they will not spend much time together in the next book either with the way things are looking).

If you are looking for a paranormal romance, this series might not be for you, because even though I do believe that there will be romance at some point, after 2 books there is still nothing romantic going on between Mack and Corrigan. Some sexual tension on the few occasions they crossed paths, but nothing more.



1. Bloodfire ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Follow me on Instagram 🙂

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I've Changed*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Second re-read: 23.07.19
I actually find myself disliking the not so human Mackenzie ‘Mack’ ‘Red’ ‘Kitten’ Smith (24?). I don't like her temper, nor her personality. She's quit to snap and I just can't connect with her. She's also way too high on herself (see quote). Overall, the series has potential, but I've changed so much (clearly) and my opinions have changed (obviously).

Other Characters:
→ Corrigan, Lord Alpha of the Brethren (the leaders of the shapeshifter world). Werepanther.
→ John, had been alpha in Cornwall for thirty-two years, and was universally liked and respected by the pack. A weretiger. Was a father figure to Mack.
→ Tom, Mack's sparring buddy and Cornwall pack member. Werewolf.
→ Julia, Cornwall pack member and makes herbs. She became the alpha after in Cornwall after John was killed.
→ Betsy, a werelynx shifter the same age as Mack and Cornwall pack member.
→ Johannes ‘J’, Cornwall pack member and cook, but a terrible one(?).
→ Anton, Cornwall pack member and a werebear. Hates Mack. Becomes alpha of Cornwall at the end of book one after Julia is hurt.
→ Staines, the Brethren’s Head of Strategic Deployment.
→ Lucy, one of the Brethren and a honey badger.
→ Alexander Floride, a mage from the city.
→ Solus (Lord Sol Apollinarus), a Seelie fae.
→ Mrs. June Alcoon, owner of Clava Books, a witch/clairvoyant/mage who sometimes see potential futures.
→ Maggie May, friend of June and can do a few magic tricks. A mage.
→ The Arch-Mage ‘Your/His Magnificence’ of the Ministry. The man in charge.
→ Martha, a mage of the Ministry.

“Why did he come after me?”
He rubbed his neck. “Well, rogue shifters are kind of a problem.”
Huh. A bit like rogue mages perhaps? These otherworlders really didn’t like anyone who tried to break ranks.
“And, you know,” Tom continued, “you can do stuff.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Do stuff?”
“Yeah. You can fight harder than almost anyone else. Almost more than Corrigan.”
I snorted at that. Almost more than Corrigan? Hell, on a good day – when I’d not been beaten up already by half the world - he’d better watch his back.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Urban Fantasy (M/F)
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - No.
Favorite character? - Corrigan.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not after this.
New Rating - 2.5 stars.

Re-read: 13.03.15
This book was a little slow and that's why I'm not giving it full four stars, though I have mixed feelings about how to rate it.. But I love it still and I can't wait to see what will happen next in Mack's life, and of course my sexy Alpha Lord Corrigan :D
Rate: 3.5-4 stars.

[Penny Well Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave the second book a try in hopes that this time there will be some romance in it, but no, again, no romance. So disappointing...

I was looking for an UF Romance, so this series is not for me.


Bloodfire (Blood Destiny #1)

[KaleidoscopicCasey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one, but provides a satisfying answer to “what does a girl who is 1/8 dragon with fire in her blood do when she is on the run from mystical beings.”

^Yeah, because that’s pretty much all this book is about.

Mack, who actually looks more like this…

ran off at the end of the first book and has been bouncing around trying to stay hidden and just make enough money to not become homeless. Corrigan, the Lord Alpha has labeled her a rogue were (mostly so that he can justify that he is searching for her) because he still doesn't know what she is and he thinks she ran off to get away from the new alpha of her pack.

She can’t tell anyone her real name and she certainly can’t tell anyone she is part dragon. First, she gets fired from bartending bc some guy gets a little grabby and feisty Mack doesn’t put up with that crap. Then, she moves on and gets a different cash-in-hand job at a dusty little books store with a strange owner that seems to know a little too much about the Lore. Mack has bad luck when it comes to trying to lay low though and of course she manages to catch the attention of a Fae and get herself on the Ministry of Mages radar after a helpful neighbor witch releases Mack’s inner fire power on accident.


By this point in the story her guilt and need to hide had started to get on my nerves so it’s good that she has to go all 007 on the Ministry’s hideout. Some other stuff happens… silly pointless facts at the beginning of the story that were awkwardly and obviously exaggerated suddenly become the answer to all of the problems… blah blah blah

…
…
…
You know what, this review is not going the direction I had planned, but none of what I’ve written is inaccurate so I’m leaving it.
This book was better than just okay, but I did not like it as well as the first one. I thought some of the “revelations” in the book were too obvious and there were some things that just didn’t make sense in the framework of the story, but it was still entertaining.
I didn’t care for the cliffhanger at the end of this one so I don’t know when I will get around to reading the rest in the series which is unfortunate because Mack is a fun mc and I am curious to see what happens when Corrigan manages to get his paws on her.

[Tina ♥ Bookaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ich muss gestehen, als ich das Buch bei netgalley aufgrund des Inhalts angefordert habe, war mir nicht ganz bewusst, dass es sich um einen zweiten Teil handelte. Was aber kein Problem war, da die Autorin es geschickt geschafft hat, die wichtigen Handlungspunkte aus Band 1 kurz zu erzählen, wodurch man sich auch ohne Vorkenntnisse gut auskannte.

Es beginnt damit, dass Mack sich in Inverness versteckt und dazu einen Job in einer kleinen Buchhandlung einer alten Dame annimmt, die sich mit Kräuterkunde auskennt. Bald schon aber steckt Mack in der Tinte und ihre Chefin landet in einer Art Koma. Nun kann ihr nur noch ein Fae helfen und irgendwie gerät sie dabei zwischen die Fronten der Gestaltwandler und der Magier.

Das Buch beginnt nicht so spannend wie man es nun vermuten möchte. Generell hat das Buch einen eher trägen Schreibstil, alles entwickelt sich furchtbar zäh und langsam. Zu Beginn musste ich sogar ein paar Seiten nur überfliegen, um weiter zu kommen. Doch dann nach ca. dreiviertel konnte es mich doch etwas mehr packen, auch wenn nie ganz der Funke übergesprungen ist. Leider konnte ich mit der Hauptfigur nicht ganz etwas anfangen. Ich fand ihr Verhalten oft sehr widersprüchlich. Einerseits gibt sie sich stets kampfbereit und großkotzig, dann ist sie wieder ist sie ängstlich und übervorsichtig, bei Dingen, wo es unnötig ist. Außerdem war ihre Beziehung oder die Anziehung zu Lord Corrigan das gleiche Hin und Her. Zuerst versteckt sie sich ständig vor ihm und hat Angst, und plötzlich bekommt sie Gefühle für ihn und das nach gefühlten paar Stunden.

Das Ende war dann ganz okay, aber konnte mich dennoch nicht überzeugen, noch die restlichen Bände der Reihe zu lesen. Sie war wohl nichts für mich.

[Treece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3 1/2 stars


Not bad, not superior, yet it was certainly entertaining. Not a lot happens except incidents and blunders, more fun world-building and meeting/adding more characters on an already lengthy roster.

Mac Attack --I love this nickname!--learns more about her hidden 'talents', makes new friends and more enemies while being so unerringly good to people who don't always deserve a nice word or action. Her strong moral code and sense of honor often override her self-preservation and good sense. Still, these are the things that make her endearing. While Corrigan is just delish. Mmm, hmm. Maybe that is why I will continue reading on to see how it all develops between these two.

Until then, on to book three-

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I own the audiobook

The cover is beautiful and magical! Love it!!

I listened to this ebook while mowing quite a while ago, but life interfered for a while before I could get my review written. This is the 2nd book in the series. This is a series for adults.

Initially, I was confused about what was going on. I think this is because I have not read book 1 yet. I do own the book though. I plan on reading book 1 and maybe listening to book 2 again afterward because you never know what I might have missed in my confusion. I was thoroughly entertained by the story and narrator whose accent I love.

The book had plenty of mystery and intrigue. The book was entertaining, and I definitely want to read the whole series to see what happens with Mack.

I recommend this book to paranormal fans because it has a bit of everything and is definitely a wonderful story.

[Taz-xo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how I feel after a Corrigan & Mack scene...

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban Fantasy, not Sexcapades.


If you are looking for urban fantasy/paranormal 'romance', as in books written by, Kresley Cole, J.R. Ward, Thea Harrison, and Larissa Ione, that focus on the characters romantic pursuits of each other; than this might not be the series for you. As these authors deal with just one couple per book and need to propel the physical relationship quickly. I adore these authors but have been reading in this genre long enough to understand who writes what type of urban fantasy/paranormal romance.

If you like 'romantic' build up from authors like Ilona Andrews, Kristen Painter, and Patricia Briggs where a relationship is built block by block. Where the heroine and hero antagonize each other more than swoon. Then this is a series to put on your radar.

Harper has a heroine in Mack who really is clueless when it comes to what she is. She is clueless as to who she is. She has been hiding all her life and had been hit with lots of revelations but not a lot of answers. So she struggles and makes mistakes. She is a character who has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She really is scared to death, but as best as she can, she puts a brave face on the situation.

New characters are introduce in this book, as she struggles to live after leaving Cornwall. Corrigan is sprinkled into the text at just the right moments.

This book is a bridge from Mack's old life to her future.

If you aren't convinced by reviews at the time of posting 12/17/15 BloodFire the first book in the series is free.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really could be a fabulous series, IF… Mack didn’t do the most absurdly stupid things! At almost the beginning of this story, after something happens to her new friend, she is warned to get away fast... Now she knows if she doesn’t, she could be killed, but does she think through that? NO! If she had, she would realize that her friend really would be okay because the person after her is actually trying to protect that very same friend! Instead, however, she does the very dumbest of things and waits around (and of course gets captured etc. etc.). That was such a ridiculous plot point that I had trouble buying into anything that happened throughout the rest of the story, as it all revolved around that choice. It’s not the only dumb choice she makes, however, they just keep coming until I wonder if this poor gal has any common sense at all!

Still, I’ve already purchased the next book and I am super curious about how the Corrigan plot-line will work out so I’ll probably keep reading - and pulling my hair out.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon AKA NixieNut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did quite enjoy book 1 but I enjoyed this book so much more and finished the book quite eager to head straight to book 3. This instalment felt like it had a little bit more direction than the first book and the story flowed really well. I liked Mack a little bit more in tis book also. I felt like we got to see a different side of her from previous and I also liked that we got to see some other types of supernaturals also.

Definitely a good continuation to this series and I give it 4 stars

[PageTurner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The grammar and spelling is horrible!!! It really took away from my enjoyment of this story. Mack felt like a broken record with the "I must keep my secret or the brethren will kill everyone." That excuse fell a little flat after two books especially when she spilled the beans so easily to the Fae. The book is ok but I'm still not sold on the series.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack has set out on her own for the first time in her life. And everyone is trying to kill her. Not to mention having to do normal things like work and eat. And then all of the balls she is juggling crashed to the ground as all hell breaks loose. And I am glad I had the next book loaded and ready.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Clarabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello ! J'ai donc enchaîné avec ce deuxième tome après une rapide relecture du premier (disponible en audio). L'occasion de rappeler que @playhardigan n'a jamais édité les suivants. Voilà voilà. Moi, rancunière ? Du tout. 😄

Revenons à nos moutons. Maintenant que Mackenzie a pris la fuite, elle se cache en Écosse et travaille dans une petite librairie avant que ses ennuis la rattrapent. Son mystérieux lignage est de nouveau au cœur des plus intenses spéculations. Cette fois, ce sont les Mages qui débarquent pour la contraindre à tout déballer. Toutefois, c'est aussi un Fae qui accourt pour lui prêter main forte. Ouep, c'est suspect. Surtout qu'on se demande ce que devient Corrigan. Le Seigneur Alpha rumine sa frustration en remuant ciel et terre pour retrouver l'humaine. Plus il la traque, plus elle se cache. Il y a hélas très peu de scènes quand ils sont ensemble mais ces instants rares sont jubilatoires. Par contre, l'histoire de la fièvre rouge est traitée à la légère. Trop vite. C'est aussi le souci général du roman : son rythme est inégal. Certains passages sont longs. Certaines attitudes de Mac sont irréfléchies. Ça ne casse pas le délire non plus (car j'ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture). C'est tout simplement perfectible !

On garde cependant de bonnes vibrations sur ce livre et on bave sur Corrigan. Merci de votre attention. 😄

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable sequel to Bloodfire, taking Mack into more scrapes and adventures while giving us more information about her mysterious origins. A nicely snarky protagonist. Recommended for fans of shape-shifting, paranormal adventures.

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

18/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Katyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but ... unlike the last book, where I mostly liked the secondary characters... in this book the entire secondary cast seemed to slowly turn into assholes, and all the new characters were definitely assholes.

And it gets tiresome watching them bully Mack. That's her life, a constant chain of one person after the next bullying her. And the fact that the mages act so fucking sanctimonious when they LITERALLY CAUSED THIS ENTIRE SITUATION makes me loathe them, frankly.

It better turn around, or it will wreck the series for me.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I'll continue. I only read this book for the romance, but it's progressing too slowly. And based on the reviews I've read of upcoming books, apparently the romance doesn't get any better. So, this is the end for me.

[Kei · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly didn't think that the main character's disposition could turn even more unpleasant...
The plot is jumpy and chaotic, and is heading into the 'every single faction in this world wants her because she is such a unique snowflake' territories, which is beyond disappointing.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do we have to go on and on with the relationship thing never quite happening? Who are these people, the Virgin Mary? Pleeeaesssse..

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still more of a 2.5 than a 3 but I'm intrigued enough to go on if it's also on KU.

Some of the actions of each group seem a little ... not ridiculous ... but forced overkill for plot purposes?

She's not quite TSTL but she's definitely getting a Mary Sue fan club.

[Loucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'ai nettement préféré ce deuxième tome au premier. L'héroïne est toujours assez impulsive et pas très futée par moment. Mais elle est moins désagréable et prétentieuse. J'ai apprécié les personnages secondaires, anciens et nouveaux. Quant à l'histoire, elle m'a suffisamment intéressée pour que je la lise rapidement et me donner envie de lire la suite.

[Von.Wörtern.gefesselt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abwechslungsreich, genug Action und man lernt so viel von der Welt kennen. Ich freue mich auf den 3.Teil der Gott sei Dank diesen Monat noch erscheint!

[Echo's Journey Through Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this was pretty great! This wasn't as good as the first one but I still really enjoyed it.

I love the world-building and love how you learn more about our main character Mack. This was a bit slower at some parts but it still kept me intrigued. I really like Mack as a character and the fact that she is part dragon (and supposedly the only one of her kind) is pretty cool.

Love the magic system and how this has all kinds of shape-shifters and a fairy as well. I also sense a romance developing in the next books. You get a hint of some attraction at least between Mack and Corrigan who is the shape-shifter pack's Alpha, and I'm all here for it!

I'm excited to see how the story continues so will definitely pick up the third book at some point, as an audiobook as well because I really like the narrator.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bloodmagic" is another fabulous addition to the 'Blood Destiny' series. I just love the snarky humor in the series as well as Mack, the main character. The world building is exquisite and the action is so great it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Mack has been struggling to make it on her on as a rogue. She has been working as a waitress at a bar; but, when a customer feels her up just one too many times, she manhandles him. The boss is none too pleased and fires her. She is desperate to find a way to survive but no one will hire her. That is until she stumbles into a dusty old bookstore and meets Mrs. Alcoon, the owner. Mrs. Alcoon is a bit strange but hires Mack on a part time basis. While Mack is somewhat relieved, soon she encounters a fae, Solus, who desperately wants to know what she is. He even goes so far as to transport her into the bedroom of the Lord Alpha himself, Corrigan as a means of blackmailing her. She finally relents and surprisingly he keeps her secret.

Then, one day, Mrs. Alcoon enlists the assistance of a friend of hers to help Mack shield her scent. Unfortunately, the necklace the woman places on her neck causes Mack to manifest the power of fire at her fingertips and puts Mrs. Alcoon in a coma stasis until the Ministry of Mages can investigate. Mack enlists Solus' assistance in whisking her away to safety while she attempts to deal with the Mages. Now she is on the run from the Alpha, the Mages and the human police. If she is to survive, she will have to learn to control her anger and call upon every ounce of strength she can muster.

There is plenty of action in this story and as I stated earlier, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. If there was a drawback, it would be that I was hoping for a bit of romance rather than romantic tension. Although, I am hoping that book three will deliver it. If you want a good paranormal/ Urban Fantasy read, the Blood Destiny series just might be the one for you. However, I do recommend that you begin the series in order.

[Lindsay Minus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry can't do it. Mack is entirely so immature and annoying. She literally thinks everything is about her and it's got old. Her temper tantrums got old. Her temper she can't control got old. Her making dumb decision over and over again got old. I refuse to believe she is not a child. None of her actions make sense. Second series ive read from this author whr the female lead made me dnf. I won't continue this story nor will attempt this author again

[Danya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, BLOODMAGIC is an extremely mediocre urban fantasy - disappointing, since the first book was promising.

Having read Helen Harper's most recent series, The Lazy Girl's Guide to Magic, I recommend reading that instead. It's fun, clever, and competently written...which is a lot more than I can say for BLOODMAGIC.

[Jennie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t have anything against the author but you don’t have to make the heroine kept repeating that her name is Mack in every freakin’ page. It’s really annoying and not funny. And one of the many problems i have on her is that she lashes at everything and everyone which just makes me want to punch her to wake her up.