Dark Lord of Kismera

Knights of Kismera #1

by Tamara H. Hartl

Easy-going Drace MacKinnon loves his job playing a hero knight in an equestrian themed dinner theater in Las Vegas. Fate, a dragon and an ancient god have other plans for him. Abducted by magic, Drace is thrust into the medieval world of the Were, shape-shifting warriors. Leading them is the woman warrior, Ki, whose spirit matches the lioness she can become. While beautiful, she is also arrogant and deadly. Forced together to fight an old enemy of her people, love becomes their destiny. A love that is hard to keep.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2015

About the author

Paranormal Romance novelist, Tamara Hartl was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia in the beautiful town of Floyd.

Tamara has worked in the horse industry most of her life in both training and breeding farms, but currently works for a major saddle company in Yoakum, Texas.

She now lives in south Texas with her husband, Ritchie. She has two daughters, Jennifer and Cassidy, who are her world.

Of course Tamara still has horses (too many) along with a menagerie of animals. The majority of the cats and dogs are rescues. The chickens are just a hobby that rewards her with chicken antic stories and fresh eggs.

She loves to read when she has a spare moment or two . She lists Diana Gabaldon as one of her favorite authors along with Linda Lael Miller, Nora Roberts, and James Rollins.

Read a LONG excerpt of her latest book, Keeper of the Dragon's Tears, no strings attached! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hwfrosj1ff

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Lord of Kismera is a fast paced, reach out and grab you to the end kind of tale. It is wonderfully written. This author pulls at your heart. I love the Outlander series by Diane Gabaldon, this book is in the same theme, and a great go-to for in between the Outlander books. I have loaned my printed copy out several times and everyone has said the same as I have. They love it. When is the next book. I couldn't put it down. If you have a couple of hours to chill, take this book with you. You won't be disappointed.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with this. I’d like it, then I’d love it, then I’d get bored of it. Lather, rinse, repeat. I think part of this comes from the fact that I really enjoyed the general plot, but there were some “flaws” in the writing. However, I don’t know how much I can fault the writing style because there’s nothing too severely wrong with it, it’s just not my personal preference. Plus, I don’t know how much of it comes down to my having received an ARC/early copy of it (I think/hope? There’s an awful lot of typos in there...) Besides, for all the “flaws” there were several lines in there that made me stop and just stare in awe they were so beautifully written or “deep.”
One thing that did bother me with regards to the writing, however, was the amount of repetition of certain phrasings and such. This may still generally boil down to not being my personal preference, but I really wished there was a bit more variety in things as I found the majority of the times I grew bored were full of such repetitions. There’s even a scene quite late in there that I swear I’d read before, word for word. I had to stop and make sure I hadn’t accidentally flipped back to an earlier part or something (all too easily done on my Kindle).
I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. There were times they felt a little bit too perfect, but it didn’t really bother me too much as they did show weaknesses as well. My only real complaint is that Drace just seems to adjust to his new surroundings a bit too well. I suppose that falls under the “too perfect” category, but it was definitely something that bugged me more than the rest.
Speaking of characters, though (and I suppose this also falls under writing style), I definitely would’ve preferred to follow one character the whole time, or follow a few in more regular rotations, rather than jumping from head to head at random intervals. I mean, it’s all useful information given, but sometimes I had to pause and figure out who I was following.
The pacing was... ok. The first big bit of action felt pretty fast to me, especially considering all the build up to it. Almost a blink and you miss it sort of thing. Actually, even trying to think back on it now, I don’t remember too much of it... This isn’t necessarily a complaint as I’m not usually big on crazy action sequences, but I felt there should’ve maybe been just a bit more to it to better balance things out and give a slightly better payoff for the buildup.
The sex scenes caught me a bit off guard. Especially the first one. It seems the characters went from not really liking each other to hopping into bed without much of a middle ground. And then... the scenes didn’t really stop. I’m not opposed to sex scenes, but I feel like there should’ve been a bit more warning on this one (maybe there was in other reviews and I just didn’t see them...) Plus, I feel like this could’ve done with less sexual content and still functioned just as well.
All of THAT said, however, I did enjoy this overall, and look forward to reading the next one to see what adventures the characters get to go on next!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

******I receive this book DARK LORD OF KISMERA from NETGALLEY- in exchange for an honest opinion. This is mismousey's very honest opinion of TAMARA H HARTL book.
OMG HOT READ What can I say this is the most ATTENTION GRABBING EDGE OF YOUR SEAT PAGE TURNER! From the very first when you open the book an start reading -the author has captured you. And holds you hostage till the very end. you find yourself reading this mind blowing out of this world book till there is no more. Then you are left still wanting more and more. The Dark Lord of Kismera is about a young man by the name of Drace -he has a horse by the name of Pride. Now he works in Vegas as a Knight - a Dark Knight . This one night he is spirited away into the past. To the land of Kismera- he has a job to do . Ka'Ril had sent for Drace they needed his assistance. Their leader Ki is known as Lady Ki and she is of the Clan Lion-kin. Dark Lord is there story Drace and Ki''s. How they come to meet. Fall in love- were ripped apart from one another. And fought to get back together. Or did they?
What happens in each of their worlds while they are away from each other? Does Ki get back to Drace? Does Drace finally give up on his one true love?
This is a must read for all!!! The setting-characters- research the author has done - Everything about this TREMENDOUS-GENIUS OF A BOOK!!! MAKES THIS A MUST READ AND A BEST SELLER!!!
I recommend this book this all readers-especially those that love fantasy paranormal time travel. Mismousey gives this book a very firm rating of 80 out of 5 stars.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drace MacKinnon portrayed the Black Knight in a demonstration of medieval combat for the Normandy Hotel And casino in Las Vegas. Vashi was Drace’s new squire as he couldn’t get out of his armor he wore by himself. Drace and the horse Pride had been performing in the theater of the Normandy Hotel And casino together for three years. Then one day Joe was coming at him with his lance high during a performance. Drace tried to stop pride and both fell. When he came too Vashti was there helping him. Then Drace realized they weren’t at the theater.Vashti started to explain she was of the elvish race and was a sorceress. Vashti and her master needed Drace’s help . Vashti also explained they were on a different plane. Then Vashti’s husband Ka’Kil joined them to travel with them to the castle. Drace met Lady Ki and her brother. Then he met Kashti’s master Nimbus who was an ice dragon. Nimbus tells Drace he is the dark lord of a legend and must fight by Lady Ki’s side to fight men from the south that were greedy.
This was a good story. I like the plot as well. To be put on any other plane was definitely different. But a dragon and elves and quests and armor and greed and so much more in this story does keep your attention that is for sure or at least mine. Also Drace’s inability to leave these beings knowing all would die without his help there’s even a talking dragon. Also like the characters a lot especially Drace and all the ins and outs he goes through. I recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book was provided by the publisher/author for an honest review.

I adore time traveling stories! Relying on yourself and going against time, place and reality. Lovers of Brenda Joyce Masters of Time, Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series and Dianne Gabeldorn's Outlanders series will enjoy this outstanding book.

Drace MacKinnon was a hero knight in a Vegas show. Riding horses and performing was his career for three years. One night before his performance he was given a new squire, Vashi, to help with his armor. An incident occurred during his permanence and when he woke, Vashi was there to aid him, but they weren't in Vegas anymore. Thrust back through time; Drace meets Lady Ki and his loyalty, long lost love and their existence hang in the balance.

The world changed quickly, but the author adapts to the twist and maintains a well-balanced environment. Steep knowledge of the period, armed with cunning twist and turns and the addition of SHIFTERS, had me going all giddy inside. We all know how I love shifters! What is not to like about this storyline?

Well, hang on to your seat! The love found within the pages has a fight ahead of them. The test of time... travel. Dare to get your feet, heart and mind, wet with gut-wrenching anticipation. Grab some popcorn and your favorite drink!! Dive in!

5 Stars and the tip of the Nerd Girl Hat!!

*This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.

[Jennifer Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest Review.

DARK LORD OF KISMERA is an Amazing! The characters and world building is very well-done, and it balances out the story nicely. I loved the Dragons in the story. They balance out the story beautifully. This book shows that love has no boundaries. Drace is a medieval performer in Las Vegas, and is called the Dark Lord. He is from a different plane than Ki a shape-shifter who turns into a lioness. Now they brought Drace to their plane to help with a threat that will be coming from the South, and he is to help to eliminate the threat. He falls in love with Ki and he thinks everything is going their way. Until he is hurt very badly and the only way to save him is send him back to his plane. Once there he cannot go back. He will grieve, thinking Ki forever lost to him. He finds someone to help him find a way back. This story is awesome!! It shows that love knows no bounds when you need to find the one you love. There is a lot of action, magic, and folklore in the story. I recommend this book to everyone. TAMARA H. HARTL is an author to watch out for. She is going to go far. I give DARK LORD OF KISMERA 5/5 STARS. Don't miss out on this great read. Get it today! You will not be disappointed.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Lord Of Kismera by Tamara H. Hartl is, in a word, amazing. I won a copy of this book and when I started reading it I thought...what the ____ is this! And I still couldn't classify it even after reading it. It's a little scifi, a bit fantasy with a dash of paranormal romance. Drace and Ki's story is loaded with action, adventure, humor and sizzle. That wasn't enough for author Tamara H. Hartl, she then went on and gave this book characters that are awesome, from the main characters to the least important, they all had wonderfully written personalities. Dark Lord Of Kismera will probably make you chuckle, it may have you shedding a tear, but you won't be bored. If this book was an amusement park ride, it would be a roller coaster. Ms Hartl has impressed me with her storytelling abilities. I loved this book! I look forward to reading more from Tamara H. Hartl in the future. Dark Lord Of Kismera is book 1 of the Knights Of Kismera Series but it can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I won the book from a Books N Pearls giveaway.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rarely have I found such a nicely balanced novel that grabs my attention from page one. I wasn’t expecting this novel to be as amazing as it was nor can I find words to adequately describe it. It fits into so many genres with ease. It is listed as romance and fantasy, but it has a heavy dose of action as well. You would think that this would subtract from characters and story, but the novel is well written. The world is developed and as someone who enjoys fantasy, I loved the author’s interpreted world, creatures, and mythology. The characters are also multidimensional and dynamic.

While I am a huge fan of fantasy, the romance is what really completed this novel for me. The author really knew what she was doing. Bottom line, if you are looking for a well-rounded fantasy romance with enjoyable characters and a fantastical world, this is definitely a novel for you.

[Britainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and I loved it! Ms. Hartl paints a beautiful and descriptive canvas. I especially liked how well the fantasy world of Kismera was introduced and incorporated. The amount of fantasy, paranormal, and romance was in perfect alignment. Drace was compelling, sexy, and sweet. Ki was strong, resilient, and vulnerable at times. I was not sure how to feel about Maggie's character. I do not think she is vital to the story and, honestly, I get frustrated with how their interactions evolved throughout the book. I also thought it was quite long. Dark Lord of Kismera could be multi-book series itself. Not that I'm complaining! For me the mark of a good series starter is whether or not I want to continue reading the series. I whole-heartedly want to continue reading the Knights of Kismera series!

Thank you NetGalley.com for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you read a the back of a book you have such high hopes for the book and when you get it home and start reading it, and you're like WOW this is going to be great, Then 2 chapters in your like yuck what happened, but your not ready to give up yet, you need to know more. This has happened to me in this book. I would bounce back and forth between loving and disliking it The writing was great the story was just not my cup of tea!

[Lori Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read about Drace, who plays a knight in a show in Las Vegas and Ki, who is a shape shifter in a different time. Drace finds himself in Ki's world where he must help her and her people. After taking the challenge, can he go back to his world or stay with Ki, who he has fallen in love with? A very page turning story that you don't want to end. I loved it!

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just an old funny dude! I read about 33% of Dark Lord. Half was about the mateing life of said individual, sigh I did not sign on for a course in fornication! Thanks to Netgalley for the exposure.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
What a brilliant story. Pulled me in from the start and held me right to the end. Can't wait to read the second book.

[Susan Rooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed book three in Tamara H. Hartl’s Knights of Kismera series I was eager to finally read Dark Lord of Kismera, the book that started it all. (Yes, I began the series backwards, but that hasn’t hurt my enjoyment of it one bit.) So when the prologue of this one ended with a fun surprise, I knew I was in for another treat.

An imaginative mix of high fantasy and romance, plus mythological elements, the book features the very appealing hero Drace MacKinnon. Drace is abruptly transported from his modern American life into a much earlier time on another plane of existence, where he soon finds himself living in the midst of a clan of shapeshifters. These magical folk usually bear a humanlike form but have the ability to transform into lions. Their leader is the fierce and beautiful Ki, equally formidable as a woman and a warrior. It’s clear that Drace and Ki are meant for each other, and before long they begin a relationship that binds them so closely it seems destined to last all their lives, and to span their different worlds and any obstacles that might get in their way. And there are certainly obstacles. Their love demands sacrifice, that terrible choices must be made, and Hartl writes movingly of these, making us feel all the anguish of those choices.

Readers looking for steamy romance won’t be disappointed. Love scenes abound, and they’re sensual and electrifying, but the book has much else to offer, too. It’s populated with lively, vivid characters (including Drace’s stallion, Pride) whose personalities and desires drive the story forward. Drace is perhaps the best example of this. He is the Dark Knight of the title, a brave, strong warrior, an expert, tireless lover, but as the book goes on, he proves also to be loyal, sensitive and kind, with impressive intellectual depth and curiosity. Getting to know him is a pleasure, as the layers are slowly peeled back.

Tamara Hartl has created an immersive world. Dark Lord of Kismera is a fast-moving tale of adventure, with fantastical beings, magic, battles, suspense, plenty of passion and even a healthy dose of humor to lighten the mood. Next I look forward to enjoying her Lexin’s Quest!

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drace MacKinnon plays the Dark Knight in a Las Vegas dinner show. One night he discovers that he has a new squire Vashi and something goes wrong in his performance. He wakes to find that Vashi is really an elven sorceress and she was sent to get Drace. He is needed to fight with the Lady Ki to save her home from invaders from the south. As they fight a connection happens between Ki and Drace. But fate doesn’t have them staying together too long when Drace is injured and has to return home to be cured.

This book is filled with a little bit of everything. Traveling between planes, fighting invaders, and the love between a lion shifter and human. Drace adapts really well to his new surrounding and is willing to help out Lady Ki. Ki is a strong, independent woman yet the perfect match for Drace. And when Drace was hurt, I was hoping that he would find his way back to Ki.

This is a great fantasy story with the perfect balance of romance and action. This is one to check out. Since I read Keepr of the Dragon’s Tears I was excited to see how this series first started and I was not disappointed. I can’t wait to get into Lexin’s Quest.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

[Salina Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big romance novel fan, but I enjoyed the male oriented aspect of this book very much! It was also a fun read!

[Tansy Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads givaway. It is a good read. The characters are relatable. I recommend it.