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Avian Shifters #2
Magpie
Everet has found his perfect place in the nest. As a raven, he’s ideally suited to his new role in the nest’s security flock. Some of the jobs it entails have been far more enjoyable than others, but when he’s called to retrieve a magpie, whose got himself into trouble in a local human club, it becomes a truly life changing experience.
Magpie shifters have always been looked down on by other avians. Just as attracted to shiny things in their human bodies as they are in their avian forms, everyone knows they’ll do anything for money—and they’re not above stealing what they can’t get by more honest means.
Kane knows what being a magpie means, and he’s got the bruises to show for it. When Everet rescues him from his latest scrape, Kane knows better than to believe the raven will actually take an interest in him and his welfare, but it’s just possible that Everet is different to any other man Kane has ever met.
Please note: This book is best to read in order as part of the Avian Shifters series. The previous stories are Duck! and Celebrate.
Magpie shifters have always been looked down on by other avians. Just as attracted to shiny things in their human bodies as they are in their avian forms, everyone knows they’ll do anything for money—and they’re not above stealing what they can’t get by more honest means.
Kane knows what being a magpie means, and he’s got the bruises to show for it. When Everet rescues him from his latest scrape, Kane knows better than to believe the raven will actually take an interest in him and his welfare, but it’s just possible that Everet is different to any other man Kane has ever met.
Please note: This book is best to read in order as part of the Avian Shifters series. The previous stories are Duck! and Celebrate.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2012
37 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
About the author
Kim Dare
160 books1,518 followersKim is a thirty-three year old bisexual submissive from Wales (UK). First published in 2008, she has since released almost 100 BDSM erotic romance titles ranging from short stories to full length novels. Having worked with a host of fantastic e-publishers, she has just moved into self publishing.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
While she has occasionally ventured towards other pairings, Kim's first love is still, and probably always will be, Male/Male stories. But, no matter what the pairing, from paranormal to contemporary, and from the sweet to the intense, everything she writes will always feature three things - Kink, Love and a Happy Ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 21, 2023
I liked the first book better. But this story was still a good one. It had parts in it that broke my heart and also parts that made me smile.
June 29, 2016
Review written June 27, 2016
3.8 Stars - Touching and truly romantic
**********************************************
Once again back in the Nest where the story in book #1-Duck (5 stars) also started. I loved, loved, so very much loved that first in this bird shape-shifter series. Then it was a unforgettable lovely Swan-duckling and a Dom Hawk. This second Magpie is about a tough dark haired Raven (Everet) and a flamboyant gorgeous blond Magpie (Kane)
I had forgotten that a magpie could be so vain. How bad it was Kane thought most about how he got out. His look and appearance and his immediate need for a mirror was so important. Haha! — Pretty cute in the middle of the cruel scary start of this book. The raven Everet is saving poor Kane from humans with hard hands where he was a hired boy-toy. Kane isn't just 'used' by rough (human) men he is as well a addictive drug-user (silver). Everet gets the difficult task by the Nest leaders to take care of the magpie as his own submissive. — Kane isn't easy though.
Not as good as Duck but I enjoyed. — Kim Dare writes "light & tender" D/s for me.
**********************************************
I LIKE - fairy tale like paranormal
3.8 Stars - Touching and truly romantic
**********************************************
Once again back in the Nest where the story in book #1-Duck (5 stars) also started. I loved, loved, so very much loved that first in this bird shape-shifter series. Then it was a unforgettable lovely Swan-duckling and a Dom Hawk. This second Magpie is about a tough dark haired Raven (Everet) and a flamboyant gorgeous blond Magpie (Kane)
# Everet has found his perfect place in the nest. As a raven, he’s ideally suited to his new role in the nest’s security flock.
# Kane knows what being a magpie means, and he’s got the bruises to show for it.
I had forgotten that a magpie could be so vain. How bad it was Kane thought most about how he got out. His look and appearance and his immediate need for a mirror was so important. Haha! — Pretty cute in the middle of the cruel scary start of this book. The raven Everet is saving poor Kane from humans with hard hands where he was a hired boy-toy. Kane isn't just 'used' by rough (human) men he is as well a addictive drug-user (silver). Everet gets the difficult task by the Nest leaders to take care of the magpie as his own submissive. — Kane isn't easy though.
Not as good as Duck but I enjoyed. — Kim Dare writes "light & tender" D/s for me.
**********************************************
I LIKE - fairy tale like paranormal
February 5, 2017
The second installment of the Avian Shifter series introduces us to Kane, a magpie, and Everet, a raven. Magpies like shiny things, so this is for you, Kane, you bratty, little, shiny diamond. Enjoy.
We're introduced to Kane in a not so becoming light. He's been caught stealing… Anyone else just hear Jane's Addiction?… ahem, from the humans and is being beaten to a pulp. Everet, as part of nest security is called to intervene, so Kane doesn't sully the name of avians everywhere.
Kane
Kane is a quicksilver addict, a rent boy, a kleptomaniac and all around BRAT. I can't say I particularly like Kane, though he did grow on me, but I do respect him. He's done the best he can with what's at his disposal. He's cunning and manipulative, resourceful and opportunistic. He's vain. Some might say he's shallow, but I say he's a survivor. He's done what he has to do to endure the unsavory aspects of his life and the people that have treated him like he was disposable. I'm pretty sure he's never had anyone actually care about him, so Everet is like all the rest, right?
Everet
Everet should be sainted for all the shenanigans he puts up with. Kane has a tendency to run away, make scenes, pickpocket other avians and he overreacts often. Somehow Everet stays as placid as a lake. He has the perfect countermove to Kane's antics. It doesn't hurt that Kane's beautiful and frisky. Often. Boundaries and rules are established between the two and Everet is bound and determined to shape his magpie into a worthy member of the nest.
Obviously, I didn't love Magpie as much as I loved Duck!, but Ori's a hard act to follow. I especially didn't care for Kane calling Ori "a slut" or "stupid".
I do like the diversity that Kim's putting into the nest with regard to personality types and relationship dynamics. The character development of Kane and the relationship development between him and Everet both progressed nicely. Everet and Kane compliment each other well and as long as there are shiny things to keep Kane occupied I'm certain they'll be fine.
Looking forward to Ambrose's story, an albatross, who is next up in the Avian Shifter series. Yum!
We're introduced to Kane in a not so becoming light. He's been caught stealing… Anyone else just hear Jane's Addiction?… ahem, from the humans and is being beaten to a pulp. Everet, as part of nest security is called to intervene, so Kane doesn't sully the name of avians everywhere.
Kane
Kane is a quicksilver addict, a rent boy, a kleptomaniac and all around BRAT. I can't say I particularly like Kane, though he did grow on me, but I do respect him. He's done the best he can with what's at his disposal. He's cunning and manipulative, resourceful and opportunistic. He's vain. Some might say he's shallow, but I say he's a survivor. He's done what he has to do to endure the unsavory aspects of his life and the people that have treated him like he was disposable. I'm pretty sure he's never had anyone actually care about him, so Everet is like all the rest, right?
Everet
Everet should be sainted for all the shenanigans he puts up with. Kane has a tendency to run away, make scenes, pickpocket other avians and he overreacts often. Somehow Everet stays as placid as a lake. He has the perfect countermove to Kane's antics. It doesn't hurt that Kane's beautiful and frisky. Often. Boundaries and rules are established between the two and Everet is bound and determined to shape his magpie into a worthy member of the nest.
Obviously, I didn't love Magpie as much as I loved Duck!, but Ori's a hard act to follow. I especially didn't care for Kane calling Ori "a slut" or "stupid".
I do like the diversity that Kim's putting into the nest with regard to personality types and relationship dynamics. The character development of Kane and the relationship development between him and Everet both progressed nicely. Everet and Kane compliment each other well and as long as there are shiny things to keep Kane occupied I'm certain they'll be fine.
Looking forward to Ambrose's story, an albatross, who is next up in the Avian Shifter series. Yum!
August 3, 2016
I enjoyed this immensely.
If you want to know what the book is really about, Cupkita’s review says it all. However, I must say I totally agree with Emma Sea’s review. This was a wasted opportunity.
Yes, I’m aware Duck! is too good to be true but that wasn’t exactly my issue with Magpie. I lowered my expectations as much as possible and I must say it was paid off. I was pleasantly surprised. I could easily dive into Kim Dare’s words effortlessly and into her intoxicating avian world once more. It was pure delight to read about this compulsive thief and shiny things-lover magpie being forced into a D/s relationship with a not-worthy-of-my-time controlled and attractive raven. But little by little, he begins to enjoy the shared time with Everet, coming to a point when he can only think about pleasing his master at all costs.
Some friends say they couldn’t grow fond of Kane but I must say I didn’t have that problem. I loved Kane. His childish wonder at shiny things made me smile and laugh. His doomed nature as a magpie was more endearing than annoying. His hopeless kleptomaniac impulses, his lack of good and bad sense, his bratty snark, his obsessive need of being seductive and appealing until the ultimate consequences.
Their relationship is somehow a Medieval arranged marriage. At first they are clumsy and insecure where they are standing on. But the chemistry is undeniable, and the sex has worth seeing. However, I got the impression it was too rushed. I would have liked to see more of Kane’s evolution, witnessing a more gradual change. From the cheeky mindless slut to the sexy adorable sub. I would have loved to see it in depth.
Instead, I felt we were walking down step by step, each one of them too obvious and noisy. Too noticeable. Too abrupt.
And the book wasn’t entirely realistic. At the beginning of the book, when Everet goes in one dangerous area of the city and taking him in this car… why does he go alone? It would be more sensible to go in a group, like policemen in pairs. It makes no sense to me that only one individual would go so unprotected among threatening humans. Above all when Everet is the Security Chief in the nest. He should have known better.
Then, Kane is a quicksilver junkie, and his withdrawal was so fast and easy I barely had time to register it. Afterwards, the topic is entirely forgotten. It’s mentioned once or twice, but there is no real longing, the issue is pushed aside, as if new chores on sight could erase the old habits at the stroke of a pen.
The “enemies”. The only woman in the story is hilarious. I almost expected her to have a wart on her nose and offer an bright red apple to poor beautiful and trusting Kane. Please. The same goes to Hamilton, he’s the paradigm of what you shouldn’t do as a leader, of what kind of people eventually are erased from the face of Earth to put someone else in his place and nobody would ever complain.
All in all, I honestly adored the book, but it’s far from being perfect in my eyes. Still, I’m looking to reading more books of this series.
*****
PS: The paperback version is bizarre. There the font size is not uniform:
Page 1-40: small size.
Page 41-158: big size.
Page 159-236: small size again, except in page 171 with the two last paragraphs: big size.
If you want to know what the book is really about, Cupkita’s review says it all. However, I must say I totally agree with Emma Sea’s review. This was a wasted opportunity.
Yes, I’m aware Duck! is too good to be true but that wasn’t exactly my issue with Magpie. I lowered my expectations as much as possible and I must say it was paid off. I was pleasantly surprised. I could easily dive into Kim Dare’s words effortlessly and into her intoxicating avian world once more. It was pure delight to read about this compulsive thief and shiny things-lover magpie being forced into a D/s relationship with a not-worthy-of-my-time controlled and attractive raven. But little by little, he begins to enjoy the shared time with Everet, coming to a point when he can only think about pleasing his master at all costs.
Some friends say they couldn’t grow fond of Kane but I must say I didn’t have that problem. I loved Kane. His childish wonder at shiny things made me smile and laugh. His doomed nature as a magpie was more endearing than annoying. His hopeless kleptomaniac impulses, his lack of good and bad sense, his bratty snark, his obsessive need of being seductive and appealing until the ultimate consequences.
Their relationship is somehow a Medieval arranged marriage. At first they are clumsy and insecure where they are standing on. But the chemistry is undeniable, and the sex has worth seeing. However, I got the impression it was too rushed. I would have liked to see more of Kane’s evolution, witnessing a more gradual change. From the cheeky mindless slut to the sexy adorable sub. I would have loved to see it in depth.
Instead, I felt we were walking down step by step, each one of them too obvious and noisy. Too noticeable. Too abrupt.
And the book wasn’t entirely realistic. At the beginning of the book, when Everet goes in one dangerous area of the city and taking him in this car… why does he go alone? It would be more sensible to go in a group, like policemen in pairs. It makes no sense to me that only one individual would go so unprotected among threatening humans. Above all when Everet is the Security Chief in the nest. He should have known better.
Then, Kane is a quicksilver junkie, and his withdrawal was so fast and easy I barely had time to register it. Afterwards, the topic is entirely forgotten. It’s mentioned once or twice, but there is no real longing, the issue is pushed aside, as if new chores on sight could erase the old habits at the stroke of a pen.
The “enemies”. The only woman in the story is hilarious. I almost expected her to have a wart on her nose and offer an bright red apple to poor beautiful and trusting Kane. Please. The same goes to Hamilton, he’s the paradigm of what you shouldn’t do as a leader, of what kind of people eventually are erased from the face of Earth to put someone else in his place and nobody would ever complain.
All in all, I honestly adored the book, but it’s far from being perfect in my eyes. Still, I’m looking to reading more books of this series.
*****
PS: The paperback version is bizarre. There the font size is not uniform:
Page 1-40: small size.
Page 41-158: big size.
Page 159-236: small size again, except in page 171 with the two last paragraphs: big size.
October 4, 2012
TLDR = Average. Exactly the same as one of Dare's shorter books, but spread out over 220 pages.
I can see what Dare was trying to do here, but I'm not convinced it's been succesfully handled.
In keeping with the fairy-tale based nature of the Avian Shifters series, the overall theme is transformation, but instead of Duck!'s pre-determined biological transformation from ugly duckling to swan, here it is the more interesting transformation of junkie rent boy to honest contributing member of society, through domestic labor. More interesting, because self-transformation through work is one of the keystones of folklore, and because Kane's transformation is caused by his cleaning. Kane removes the tarnish of sexwork through removing the tarnish on silver, revealing that which is cared for and appreciated.
So far, not just so good, but actually bloody clever.
But! Dare's writing let down her idea, making it instead bloody annoying. She's written so many ficlets, short stories, and short novellas since Duck! that she can't get this 220 page story to gel.
Insta-Dom
We get told that Everet is a natural Master who is only happy if he is minutely ordering the lives of others, "mak[ing] rules and bully[ing] people into following them" but I haven't seen evidence of this. Everet in volume one seemed like a loyal right-hand man, happiest when working within an established structure. In this book it is stated that his main initiative as security chief in the nest is, rather, to protect the weak against the strong. This still works with him wanting to save Kane, but it doesn't match what we are told about him.
I do like that Everet doesn't know exactly what he's doing, and we see a little bit of that thought process, but I think going straight for for the insanely possessive angle would have worked better. Dare's strength is writing fantasy toppy Doms who guide and mentor (and fuck, of course) young and inexperienced subs. Everet's open vacillation works against this: he makes plans, then breaks them because he can't, or doesn't want to, control himself around Kane. Therefore it would have been better to say that Everet wants Kane because he is sex on legs, and wants to keep him only for himself, forever. This would also allay Kane's fears that some other sub would be better for Everet. Everet isn't a Master, he just loves Kane.
Worst God-awful female character ever: please let this be a joke
There's precisely one female character in the book, and I can barely bring myself to think about her. I can see exactly which fairy-tale she's pulled from, but that scene is ridiculous. As is;
Hamilton
OK, so you know in Sean Michael's Hammer series, when Oliver had a brain tumour and hit Billy's sub and kicked him out of Billy's house? Someone take Hamilton to get an MRI.
But the biggest problem:
Time Compression
It's hard to know over how long the story is set, however it isn't long. At the very most it's a month, but I went through and added up and I think it's only about two weeks. I don't buy this as enough time for Kane to get off drugs (easiest withdrawal ever!), for Kane and Everet to negotiate the lived realities of a complex relationship, for Kane settle into not just one but two successive work routines, and for the nest be convined that Kane is rehabilitated for good.
Dare doesn't have time within this to show Kane and Everet falling in love, and expressing that love through actions, therefore she has to have them tell us how they feel. This makes the end of the book nonsensical. What should be an emotional climax has been forced and pushed, and it just isn't emotional. Or, rather, it is exactly as emotional as one of Dare's 67 page short stories, and completely wastes the potential in a 220 page book. It wastes everything in here. Shifter junkie rent-boy finds redemption and love with security chief who likes rough sex! This should have been fabulous. I'm a sad panda.
So, still entertaining, I liked it, but nothing special.
I can see what Dare was trying to do here, but I'm not convinced it's been succesfully handled.
In keeping with the fairy-tale based nature of the Avian Shifters series, the overall theme is transformation, but instead of Duck!'s pre-determined biological transformation from ugly duckling to swan, here it is the more interesting transformation of junkie rent boy to honest contributing member of society, through domestic labor. More interesting, because self-transformation through work is one of the keystones of folklore, and because Kane's transformation is caused by his cleaning. Kane removes the tarnish of sexwork through removing the tarnish on silver, revealing that which is cared for and appreciated.
So far, not just so good, but actually bloody clever.
But! Dare's writing let down her idea, making it instead bloody annoying. She's written so many ficlets, short stories, and short novellas since Duck! that she can't get this 220 page story to gel.
Insta-Dom
We get told that Everet is a natural Master who is only happy if he is minutely ordering the lives of others, "mak[ing] rules and bully[ing] people into following them" but I haven't seen evidence of this. Everet in volume one seemed like a loyal right-hand man, happiest when working within an established structure. In this book it is stated that his main initiative as security chief in the nest is, rather, to protect the weak against the strong. This still works with him wanting to save Kane, but it doesn't match what we are told about him.
I do like that Everet doesn't know exactly what he's doing, and we see a little bit of that thought process, but I think going straight for for the insanely possessive angle would have worked better. Dare's strength is writing fantasy toppy Doms who guide and mentor (and fuck, of course) young and inexperienced subs. Everet's open vacillation works against this: he makes plans, then breaks them because he can't, or doesn't want to, control himself around Kane. Therefore it would have been better to say that Everet wants Kane because he is sex on legs, and wants to keep him only for himself, forever. This would also allay Kane's fears that some other sub would be better for Everet. Everet isn't a Master, he just loves Kane.
Worst God-awful female character ever: please let this be a joke
There's precisely one female character in the book, and I can barely bring myself to think about her. I can see exactly which fairy-tale she's pulled from, but that scene is ridiculous. As is;
Hamilton
OK, so you know in Sean Michael's Hammer series, when Oliver had a brain tumour and hit Billy's sub and kicked him out of Billy's house? Someone take Hamilton to get an MRI.
But the biggest problem:
Time Compression
It's hard to know over how long the story is set, however it isn't long. At the very most it's a month, but I went through and added up and I think it's only about two weeks. I don't buy this as enough time for Kane to get off drugs (easiest withdrawal ever!), for Kane and Everet to negotiate the lived realities of a complex relationship, for Kane settle into not just one but two successive work routines, and for the nest be convined that Kane is rehabilitated for good.
Dare doesn't have time within this to show Kane and Everet falling in love, and expressing that love through actions, therefore she has to have them tell us how they feel. This makes the end of the book nonsensical. What should be an emotional climax has been forced and pushed, and it just isn't emotional. Or, rather, it is exactly as emotional as one of Dare's 67 page short stories, and completely wastes the potential in a 220 page book. It wastes everything in here. Shifter junkie rent-boy finds redemption and love with security chief who likes rough sex! This should have been fabulous. I'm a sad panda.
So, still entertaining, I liked it, but nothing special.
June 7, 2017
2.5 Stars.
I really had high hopes for this, especially since I loved Duck! despite my usual ambivalence towards BDSM. I thought this was going to be the perfect setup for some wonderful hurt comfort, but instead I was just mostly annoyed and frustrated with one of the main characters.
Kane is a magpie, a bird that’s not too high on the social totem pole. It’s in his very nature to be easily swayed by the superficial and shiny, taking what catches his fancy without thinking about potential consequences. Because of this, magpies are not necessarily expected to be productive members of society, since they’re driven by their undesirable base urges. Kane’s basically sold himself to the highest bidder (and sometimes to whoever is convenient) to get his way, to obtain whatever appeals to him, and to fuel his drug habit. He’s basically at rock bottom and doesn't really give a shit, as long as he can procure his next fix by any means possible. However, his actions bring disgrace to his avian race, and he’s brought to the council to be judged.
Everet is a raven, a natural dominant and predator, and he’s in charge of the nest’s security. He’s ordered to bring Kane back, and for some unknown reason (to himself and to this reader) he feels compelled to vouch for Kane - to rehabilitate him, instead of basically putting him in jail. This is where the domination and submission aspects come to the fore, as Everet inevitably becomes Kane’s safe place, where through a set of rules and positive reinforcement, Kane learns that “being good” gets him rewards and safety, rather than through his usual means of sexual manipulation.
Like with Duck!, I actually enjoyed the D/s aspects, because it totally works within this world and how the avian hierarchy is structured. However, it took me over halfway through to actually find some benevolent feelings towards Kane. His personality and how he related to others, his complete lack of awareness and understanding of his actions, and the selfish drive he had, was an ostentatious caricature of a petulant man-child, that I had to suspend belief that he wasn’t missing some important marbles. Perhaps some other crazy magpie stole them when he wasn’t looking. While completely understandable regarding his innate drives, it tested my old lady nature who’s apparently very intolerant of such behavior.
The best thing about this was of course, Everet. A pillar of strength, a saintly knight in shining armor who again, unbeknownst to me, can hardly resist Kane, only wanting the very best for him, to care for him because obviously, Kane is his. Duh.
So this was not what I expected nor wanted, but I can see how this could work for many, because it obviously has, as seen by the many 4+ star ratings. Kim Dare doesn’t fail in bringing out the best in a D/s dynamic, minus the props and pain, for which I was quite thankful. I did come around to cheering for this couple by the end, but sadly, it really was too little, too late.
I really had high hopes for this, especially since I loved Duck! despite my usual ambivalence towards BDSM. I thought this was going to be the perfect setup for some wonderful hurt comfort, but instead I was just mostly annoyed and frustrated with one of the main characters.
Kane is a magpie, a bird that’s not too high on the social totem pole. It’s in his very nature to be easily swayed by the superficial and shiny, taking what catches his fancy without thinking about potential consequences. Because of this, magpies are not necessarily expected to be productive members of society, since they’re driven by their undesirable base urges. Kane’s basically sold himself to the highest bidder (and sometimes to whoever is convenient) to get his way, to obtain whatever appeals to him, and to fuel his drug habit. He’s basically at rock bottom and doesn't really give a shit, as long as he can procure his next fix by any means possible. However, his actions bring disgrace to his avian race, and he’s brought to the council to be judged.
Everet is a raven, a natural dominant and predator, and he’s in charge of the nest’s security. He’s ordered to bring Kane back, and for some unknown reason (to himself and to this reader) he feels compelled to vouch for Kane - to rehabilitate him, instead of basically putting him in jail. This is where the domination and submission aspects come to the fore, as Everet inevitably becomes Kane’s safe place, where through a set of rules and positive reinforcement, Kane learns that “being good” gets him rewards and safety, rather than through his usual means of sexual manipulation.
Like with Duck!, I actually enjoyed the D/s aspects, because it totally works within this world and how the avian hierarchy is structured. However, it took me over halfway through to actually find some benevolent feelings towards Kane. His personality and how he related to others, his complete lack of awareness and understanding of his actions, and the selfish drive he had, was an ostentatious caricature of a petulant man-child, that I had to suspend belief that he wasn’t missing some important marbles. Perhaps some other crazy magpie stole them when he wasn’t looking. While completely understandable regarding his innate drives, it tested my old lady nature who’s apparently very intolerant of such behavior.
The best thing about this was of course, Everet. A pillar of strength, a saintly knight in shining armor who again, unbeknownst to me, can hardly resist Kane, only wanting the very best for him, to care for him because obviously, Kane is his. Duh.
So this was not what I expected nor wanted, but I can see how this could work for many, because it obviously has, as seen by the many 4+ star ratings. Kim Dare doesn’t fail in bringing out the best in a D/s dynamic, minus the props and pain, for which I was quite thankful. I did come around to cheering for this couple by the end, but sadly, it really was too little, too late.
April 3, 2016
4 Hearts
I absolutely LOVED ‘Duck!’ so I knew it would be hard to read this book and not compare the two. I tried my hardest to read this as a book on its own, to not continue comparing it to ‘Duck!’. I think for the most part I succeeded, but there was always that little part of me that thought, “this is not as good as Duck!”.
I honestly think that was mostly to do with Kane. Kane is a Magpie, and everyone knows they have no morals and will do anything, or anyone, for their little piece of shiny.
“The silver, it’s…” He shook his head. There were no words to describe the way the element seemed to seep through his skin…”
Kane is no different, and he gets himself in a tad too much trouble for stealing and is taken by Everet to the Hamilton nest for punishment.
I guess you could place Kane in the ‘brat’ category but I think he fits the ‘little shit’ category much better. Kane’s character really confused me. I really didn’t like him, he was an arrogant fucker who looked down on those who were lower than he was (which was not many), and manipulated whoever he could, however he could, to get what he wanted.
He was an unashamed whore and thief who didn’t want to change his ways in the slightest. I really didn’t like him, but I still felt sorry for him and understood why he was the way he was. It was quite confusing to, in equal parts, want to smack someone in the face and give them a big cuddle. Kane’s story and thinking processes are slowly revealed to us and that cuddle side starts to strongly overtake the face-smacking side.
Now Everet immediately feels a protective instinct for Kane and offers to take full responsibility of him as his Master instead of Kane needing to face a punishment. Everet is a much better person than me, he has the patience of a… well, a really good master. Which is exactly what he is to Kane. He helps Kane to see his worth while he slowly falls in love with him.
Like all Kim Dare books the sex scenes were sooo hot! God that Silver room scene with the knife (Don’t worry no blood) and the rough fucking….
The D/S relationship is sooooo different from Raynard and Ori’s, but that's probably because Kane has such strong survival instincts that he fights submission until we all feel like killing him. I think that's what makes this so beautiful though. Kane has to overcome so much to be with Everet in the way they both deserve, that you feel as though you’ve achieved something wonderful when you finally see their HEA.
Can't wait for Albatross, gentle giant submissive! I'm there!
I absolutely LOVED ‘Duck!’ so I knew it would be hard to read this book and not compare the two. I tried my hardest to read this as a book on its own, to not continue comparing it to ‘Duck!’. I think for the most part I succeeded, but there was always that little part of me that thought, “this is not as good as Duck!”.
I honestly think that was mostly to do with Kane. Kane is a Magpie, and everyone knows they have no morals and will do anything, or anyone, for their little piece of shiny.
“The silver, it’s…” He shook his head. There were no words to describe the way the element seemed to seep through his skin…”
Kane is no different, and he gets himself in a tad too much trouble for stealing and is taken by Everet to the Hamilton nest for punishment.
I guess you could place Kane in the ‘brat’ category but I think he fits the ‘little shit’ category much better. Kane’s character really confused me. I really didn’t like him, he was an arrogant fucker who looked down on those who were lower than he was (which was not many), and manipulated whoever he could, however he could, to get what he wanted.
He was an unashamed whore and thief who didn’t want to change his ways in the slightest. I really didn’t like him, but I still felt sorry for him and understood why he was the way he was. It was quite confusing to, in equal parts, want to smack someone in the face and give them a big cuddle. Kane’s story and thinking processes are slowly revealed to us and that cuddle side starts to strongly overtake the face-smacking side.
Now Everet immediately feels a protective instinct for Kane and offers to take full responsibility of him as his Master instead of Kane needing to face a punishment. Everet is a much better person than me, he has the patience of a… well, a really good master. Which is exactly what he is to Kane. He helps Kane to see his worth while he slowly falls in love with him.
Like all Kim Dare books the sex scenes were sooo hot! God that Silver room scene with the knife (Don’t worry no blood) and the rough fucking….
The D/S relationship is sooooo different from Raynard and Ori’s, but that's probably because Kane has such strong survival instincts that he fights submission until we all feel like killing him. I think that's what makes this so beautiful though. Kane has to overcome so much to be with Everet in the way they both deserve, that you feel as though you’ve achieved something wonderful when you finally see their HEA.
Can't wait for Albatross, gentle giant submissive! I'm there!
October 7, 2012
4.5 stars - I dithered a bit on giving this 4 or 5 stars and in the end decided this story has so many things going for it, that a 4.5 was in order and I rounded up.
What I liked most:
The author didn't take the easy road and give us a sweet, sweet story that made Duck such a huge success with BDSM and MM fans. No, she chose to give us a prickly character in the form of Kane, a Magpie with tendencies toward addiction and thievery. Kane was not immediately likeable like Ori, rather we were shown just how far a Magpie can sink in society. In my opinion this was brave and in the end brilliant of the author.
In dealing with Kane's addictions and urges built into his species, she gave us a way to give him the benefit of the doubt. Would we fare any better with the lot in life he'd been given? Working to overcome those challenges was not done quickly or easily either. It was a long struggle made possible only by Everet's deeply caring, and constant protection. Everet is the real hero in this story.
I know that as I think back on this book much later it will be with many fond memories and I am likely to remove the 4.5 mention in my review. I find time is the real test of how much a story affected you. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this to all MM and BDSM fans. Most will not be disappointed.
What I liked most:
The author didn't take the easy road and give us a sweet, sweet story that made Duck such a huge success with BDSM and MM fans. No, she chose to give us a prickly character in the form of Kane, a Magpie with tendencies toward addiction and thievery. Kane was not immediately likeable like Ori, rather we were shown just how far a Magpie can sink in society. In my opinion this was brave and in the end brilliant of the author.
In dealing with Kane's addictions and urges built into his species, she gave us a way to give him the benefit of the doubt. Would we fare any better with the lot in life he'd been given? Working to overcome those challenges was not done quickly or easily either. It was a long struggle made possible only by Everet's deeply caring, and constant protection. Everet is the real hero in this story.
I know that as I think back on this book much later it will be with many fond memories and I am likely to remove the 4.5 mention in my review. I find time is the real test of how much a story affected you. Meanwhile, I highly recommend this to all MM and BDSM fans. Most will not be disappointed.
October 19, 2012
3.5 stars
Disclaimer: I really enjoyed Duck, the first book in Kim Dare's Avian Shifters series.
This one, not so much, and I'm not entirely sure why. I think it comes down to a few differences.
1. This is light on the BDSM, and it turns out I preferred the BDSM aspect of Duck to the whole shifter thing. Birds...meh. I like the idea, but they're all just a bit...civilised. I want to see ravens pecking eyeballs out or something, I think. Or is that crows? Whatever it is, I want my birds of prey to be scary, my carrion birds to be creepy, and little twittery sparrowy things to be at the bottom of the literal pecking order.
2. I didn't like Kane. We were told that magpies were thieves and clever, but Kane didn't seem to be very clever at all. It felt like a missed opportunity, because I would have loved to see Kane get one over on the other birds every now and then, instead of being all guilty about his nature. I also didn't like how it's okay to be a bastard if you're a bird of prey -- that's in your nature -- but if you're a magpie then you're a worthless thief and should be reviled.
Mostly I'm going to blame my high expectations for why I didn't love this book. Duck was unlike anything I'd read before, and I really loved the world-building. Here, not so much. It's a well-written book, it just didn't grab my attention the way Duck did.
The half star is awarded for the doctor bird. Because that was clever. :)
Disclaimer: I really enjoyed Duck, the first book in Kim Dare's Avian Shifters series.
This one, not so much, and I'm not entirely sure why. I think it comes down to a few differences.
1. This is light on the BDSM, and it turns out I preferred the BDSM aspect of Duck to the whole shifter thing. Birds...meh. I like the idea, but they're all just a bit...civilised. I want to see ravens pecking eyeballs out or something, I think. Or is that crows? Whatever it is, I want my birds of prey to be scary, my carrion birds to be creepy, and little twittery sparrowy things to be at the bottom of the literal pecking order.
2. I didn't like Kane. We were told that magpies were thieves and clever, but Kane didn't seem to be very clever at all. It felt like a missed opportunity, because I would have loved to see Kane get one over on the other birds every now and then, instead of being all guilty about his nature. I also didn't like how it's okay to be a bastard if you're a bird of prey -- that's in your nature -- but if you're a magpie then you're a worthless thief and should be reviled.
Mostly I'm going to blame my high expectations for why I didn't love this book. Duck was unlike anything I'd read before, and I really loved the world-building. Here, not so much. It's a well-written book, it just didn't grab my attention the way Duck did.
The half star is awarded for the doctor bird. Because that was clever. :)
November 3, 2015
This second book in the Avian Shifter series, the story of a magpie and a raven, is just as amazing as the first. The world-building continues to be excellent, adding a few new touches to an avian culture that is utterly believable and fascinating. This story is about a battle against inner demons for the magpie as well as hope for his redemption, all within a D/s setting that is meant to give structure and clarity where there was none before.
Kane is a magpie. They are total outcasts in avian society, since they are thieves, whores, addicted to drugs and 'the good life', and generally get involved in everything that is unsavory. Kane has been told this is the way it is, has been treated accordingly, and doesn’t even think there is another way for him to live. When Everet saves him from being beaten to death by humans, he is taken into custody in the nest and expects to be able to wheedle his way out of it. Trading sex for favors is a way of life for him – only this time it doesn't work.
Everet, the raven who is the new head of security for the entire nest, is one tough guy. He likes rules, is in charge of upholding them, and wants to control everyone and everything around him. A Dom to the core, who could easily just be a macho idiot, he also has compassion and a sense of justice. Once he has set eyes on Kane, he decides the magpie will be rehabilitated whether Kane likes it or not. He comes up with some very clever rules for Kane to obey and administers them ruthlessly. Never once did I have the feeling he was unjust or cruel, he really did have Kane's best interests at heart. He fights for the man he is beginning to love to the very end, and I adored him for that.
It has been just over 2 years since the first book was published (Duck), and to say I was ecstatic and very hopeful when I discovered there was a sequel would be an understatement. My expectations were high – and I am happy to report they were met. I especially loved that Raynard and Ori from the first book were back and play a crucial role in the developments. If you like books about unusual shifters, if you enjoy getting to know an entirely new world and its rules, and if a relationship that is built on not only trust but a life-saving set of rules that open up entirely new possibilities for a character who seemed irredeemable lost, you will love this book as much as I did. I hope I don’t have to wait another two years for the next sequel, but if they come out at this sort of quality, I have to admit that it's worth it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Resplendence Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kane is a magpie. They are total outcasts in avian society, since they are thieves, whores, addicted to drugs and 'the good life', and generally get involved in everything that is unsavory. Kane has been told this is the way it is, has been treated accordingly, and doesn’t even think there is another way for him to live. When Everet saves him from being beaten to death by humans, he is taken into custody in the nest and expects to be able to wheedle his way out of it. Trading sex for favors is a way of life for him – only this time it doesn't work.
Everet, the raven who is the new head of security for the entire nest, is one tough guy. He likes rules, is in charge of upholding them, and wants to control everyone and everything around him. A Dom to the core, who could easily just be a macho idiot, he also has compassion and a sense of justice. Once he has set eyes on Kane, he decides the magpie will be rehabilitated whether Kane likes it or not. He comes up with some very clever rules for Kane to obey and administers them ruthlessly. Never once did I have the feeling he was unjust or cruel, he really did have Kane's best interests at heart. He fights for the man he is beginning to love to the very end, and I adored him for that.
It has been just over 2 years since the first book was published (Duck), and to say I was ecstatic and very hopeful when I discovered there was a sequel would be an understatement. My expectations were high – and I am happy to report they were met. I especially loved that Raynard and Ori from the first book were back and play a crucial role in the developments. If you like books about unusual shifters, if you enjoy getting to know an entirely new world and its rules, and if a relationship that is built on not only trust but a life-saving set of rules that open up entirely new possibilities for a character who seemed irredeemable lost, you will love this book as much as I did. I hope I don’t have to wait another two years for the next sequel, but if they come out at this sort of quality, I have to admit that it's worth it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Resplendence Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 24, 2012
There are so many different cages in the world and it is interesting to see which ones we choose to lock ourselves into.
Kane-- a young man using a lot of self-destructive crutches to make it thorough life.
Everet-- a nest protector who finds that duty can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Everet's compassion and support of Kane as he struggles to redefine himself and preconceived notions of his kind underline the beauty of this love story.
Kane-- a young man using a lot of self-destructive crutches to make it thorough life.
Everet-- a nest protector who finds that duty can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Everet's compassion and support of Kane as he struggles to redefine himself and preconceived notions of his kind underline the beauty of this love story.
October 25, 2012
I cannot tell a lie....I was on pins and needles waiting for this to be released and I HATED IT!
*look away Kim! I still love you, let me finish, blows kisses*
seriously I didn't get and didn't want to understand Kane. Ugh. What an egocentric, bratty, crabby patty, pretentious, UNGRATEFUL crack head! ....quicksilver... crack ....same ish.
What kind of rent-a-Dom was Everett *seizure eye roll* and a hornet must've flown up Hamilton's urethra because....WTH happened to him? <==== You must explain this Dare-lady! *impatiently tapping my feet*
Ori was SO easy to identify with before and after his transformation. A duck/swan as a consummate submissive...that's digestible and tangible....he was all grace; eager to please...but a magpie? o_O I had to google image magpies! I'm from NYC damn it. I'm a PIGEON expert!!! :P
I didn't fully grasp Kane's character until I read about magpies...until the silver room scene and when the reader meets his trollup of a sister....something just clicked and I THINK I began to understand what Kim was trying to accomplish.
IMHO Ms. Dare is gifted, in her longer books, at depicting a wide variety of submissive and Dominant behavior....Kane, if the reader embraces what submission would look like from his perspective, had to be different than Ori. He had to be defiant yet eager for a strong hand, easily distracted by shiny shit but desperate for focus...a pain in the ass yet so worthy of love. I could say more but I'm shutting my trap now. Go read it for yourself already!
*look away Kim! I still love you, let me finish, blows kisses*
seriously I didn't get and didn't want to understand Kane. Ugh. What an egocentric, bratty, crabby patty, pretentious, UNGRATEFUL crack head! ....quicksilver... crack ....same ish.
What kind of rent-a-Dom was Everett *seizure eye roll* and a hornet must've flown up Hamilton's urethra because....WTH happened to him? <==== You must explain this Dare-lady! *impatiently tapping my feet*
Ori was SO easy to identify with before and after his transformation. A duck/swan as a consummate submissive...that's digestible and tangible....he was all grace; eager to please...but a magpie? o_O I had to google image magpies! I'm from NYC damn it. I'm a PIGEON expert!!! :P
I didn't fully grasp Kane's character until I read about magpies...until the silver room scene and when the reader meets his trollup of a sister....something just clicked and I THINK I began to understand what Kim was trying to accomplish.
IMHO Ms. Dare is gifted, in her longer books, at depicting a wide variety of submissive and Dominant behavior....Kane, if the reader embraces what submission would look like from his perspective, had to be different than Ori. He had to be defiant yet eager for a strong hand, easily distracted by shiny shit but desperate for focus...a pain in the ass yet so worthy of love. I could say more but I'm shutting my trap now. Go read it for yourself already!
November 25, 2017
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed both reading and listening to this story. I have to say that I truly disliked the magpie MC, Kane in the beginning. I hung in there with the story because it was obvious that his redemption was the basis for the arc of the story. He begins as a beat up thief, whore, and addict. Everet, a crow shifter in charge of security, brings him into the Nest for discipline and volunteers to become responsible for him, to become his master. Kane is a complete brat, but slowly, Everet’s influence changes Kane despite everyone’s belief that magpies are thieving whores.
These was little of a D/s relationship here, just the outer shell of one-I had been hoping for more. Although I liked Duck! much better, I still found this enjoyable and got to see cameos of Ori and Reynard. It’s worth your time if you’ve enjoyed the previous Avian Shifters books.
These was little of a D/s relationship here, just the outer shell of one-I had been hoping for more. Although I liked Duck! much better, I still found this enjoyable and got to see cameos of Ori and Reynard. It’s worth your time if you’ve enjoyed the previous Avian Shifters books.
November 15, 2015
This second book in the 'Avian Shifter' series, the story of a magpie and a raven, is just as amazing as the first. The world-building continues to be excellent, adding a few new touches to an avian culture that is utterly believable and fascinating. This story is about a battle against inner demons for the magpie as well as hope for his redemption, all within a D/s setting that is meant to give structure and clarity where there was none before.
Kane is a magpie. They are total outcasts in avian society, since they are thieves, whores, addicted to drugs and 'the good life', and generally get involved in everything that is unsavory. Kane has been told this is the way it is, has been treated accordingly, and doesn’t even think there is another way for him to live. When Everet saves him from being beaten to death by humans, he is taken into custody in the nest and expects to be able to wheedle his way out of it. Trading sex for favors is a way of life for him – only this time it doesn't work.
Everet, the raven who is the new head of security for the entire nest, is one tough guy. He likes rules, is in charge of upholding them, and wants to control everyone and everything around him. A Dom to the core, who could easily just be a macho idiot, he also has compassion and a sense of justice. Once he has set eyes on Kane, he decides the magpie will be rehabilitated whether Kane likes it or not. He comes up with some very clever rules for Kane to obey and administers them ruthlessly. Never once did I have the feeling he was unjust or cruel, he really did have Kane's best interests at heart. He fights for the man he is beginning to love to the very end, and I adored him for that.
After the excellence that were book one and the new short interlude 'Celebrate', I was really looking forward to rereading 'Magpie'. My enjoyment was just as high as when I read this book the first time. I especially loved that Raynard and Ori from the first book were back and play a crucial role in the developments.
If you like books about unusual shifters, if you enjoy getting to know an entirely new world and its rules, and if a relationship that is built on not only trust but a life-saving set of rules that open up entirely new possibilities for a character who seemed irredeemable lost, you will love this book as much as I did. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next sequel, but if they come out at this sort of quality, I have to admit that it's worth it!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kane is a magpie. They are total outcasts in avian society, since they are thieves, whores, addicted to drugs and 'the good life', and generally get involved in everything that is unsavory. Kane has been told this is the way it is, has been treated accordingly, and doesn’t even think there is another way for him to live. When Everet saves him from being beaten to death by humans, he is taken into custody in the nest and expects to be able to wheedle his way out of it. Trading sex for favors is a way of life for him – only this time it doesn't work.
Everet, the raven who is the new head of security for the entire nest, is one tough guy. He likes rules, is in charge of upholding them, and wants to control everyone and everything around him. A Dom to the core, who could easily just be a macho idiot, he also has compassion and a sense of justice. Once he has set eyes on Kane, he decides the magpie will be rehabilitated whether Kane likes it or not. He comes up with some very clever rules for Kane to obey and administers them ruthlessly. Never once did I have the feeling he was unjust or cruel, he really did have Kane's best interests at heart. He fights for the man he is beginning to love to the very end, and I adored him for that.
After the excellence that were book one and the new short interlude 'Celebrate', I was really looking forward to rereading 'Magpie'. My enjoyment was just as high as when I read this book the first time. I especially loved that Raynard and Ori from the first book were back and play a crucial role in the developments.
If you like books about unusual shifters, if you enjoy getting to know an entirely new world and its rules, and if a relationship that is built on not only trust but a life-saving set of rules that open up entirely new possibilities for a character who seemed irredeemable lost, you will love this book as much as I did. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next sequel, but if they come out at this sort of quality, I have to admit that it's worth it!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 4, 2012
First... I hated Hamilton (the eagle leader of the nest) more in this book than the last book. He's a right asshat who needs someone to point out he is neither flawless nor infallible. Just because he is the leader does not mean he is always right.
Okay, I feel much better having gotten that off my chest.
Second, if you haven't read Duck!, it would really help you understand the society and Raynard & Ori better. While they're not the main focus of this story, they do appear multiple times in it.
So, Everet is a raven and the recently made Head of Internal Security for Hamilton's nest. He is sent to bring back a magpie who was kicked out of his previous nest and has been living with humans for too many years. It is an "established fact" that magpies cannot change their thieving, whoring ways and cannot be rehabilitated, so Hamilton is going to send Kane to the nest's cages for life. Instead of letting Kane spend the rest of his life in the cages, Everet vouches to take care of him and share in his fate. Everet is granted full ownership of Kane.
First, he has to help Kane through a withdrawal from a drug called quicksilver. Then he has to teach Kane that he isn't worthless and that he can fight against his natural tendencies and be a good avian, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Kane has to overcome his drug dependency, conditioning, and prejudices before he can become a productive member of the nest.
The story is told from both Everet and Kane's point of view at various times, which works for the most part. The one thing I was disappointed in is that Kane's transition was almost too subtle. Kane never once had the realization that instead of thinking about getting away from Everet, he's suddenly only thinking about keeping him and staying with him. He never had that freak out moment of "that's not me", though he did misinterpret some of what Everet was trying to do/show him and revert to his old ways because of it.
Be that as it may, it was a sweet story, and Everet and Kane did work together.
Finally, there were several glaring typos (you're/your, they're/their, Reynard/Raynard, manor/manner) and some missing words. Enough to notice.
Okay, I feel much better having gotten that off my chest.
Second, if you haven't read Duck!, it would really help you understand the society and Raynard & Ori better. While they're not the main focus of this story, they do appear multiple times in it.
So, Everet is a raven and the recently made Head of Internal Security for Hamilton's nest. He is sent to bring back a magpie who was kicked out of his previous nest and has been living with humans for too many years. It is an "established fact" that magpies cannot change their thieving, whoring ways and cannot be rehabilitated, so Hamilton is going to send Kane to the nest's cages for life. Instead of letting Kane spend the rest of his life in the cages, Everet vouches to take care of him and share in his fate. Everet is granted full ownership of Kane.
First, he has to help Kane through a withdrawal from a drug called quicksilver. Then he has to teach Kane that he isn't worthless and that he can fight against his natural tendencies and be a good avian, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Kane has to overcome his drug dependency, conditioning, and prejudices before he can become a productive member of the nest.
The story is told from both Everet and Kane's point of view at various times, which works for the most part. The one thing I was disappointed in is that Kane's transition was almost too subtle. Kane never once had the realization that instead of thinking about getting away from Everet, he's suddenly only thinking about keeping him and staying with him. He never had that freak out moment of "that's not me", though he did misinterpret some of what Everet was trying to do/show him and revert to his old ways because of it.
Be that as it may, it was a sweet story, and Everet and Kane did work together.
Finally, there were several glaring typos (you're/your, they're/their, Reynard/Raynard, manor/manner) and some missing words. Enough to notice.
February 14, 2014
Hit!!
This is book 2 in Kim Dare’s Avian Shifters series, this one features a Magpie Kane and a Raven Everett. What I immediately liked about this one is the difference between Ori in
and Kane in this story. Ori was quiet, shy, sweet, while Kane is angry, defensive, combative and filled with attitude, drug addict and thief. Of course as you get into the story you learn why Kane is this way and my heart just ached for him. Everet is the in-nest security leader and a Dom. He is exactly what I would expect of a Dom, controlled, tough, take charge and intense and patient. Everet is called to a human bar where a avian shifter (Kane) is accused of stealing and the owner wants him removed. What Everet finds when he gets there is a room of big, mean men beating the crap out of a small magpie shifter (Kane).
Everet makes a decision to take care of Kane and get him healthy and off the drugs, and make him a respectable addition to the nest. Everet doesn’t really have any idea on how to go about that, but there is something about the Magpie he simply can’t resist. So the battle between the two begin! Kane is determined to get out from under Everet and find his next fix. He fights Everet at every step and looks for every opportunity to take advantage. I gotta say, Kane was a difficult guy to like a times, there were moments i just wanted to shake him! But as the story progresses you learn what Kane has gone through, what his life has been and how his family has treated him. I couldn’t really help and love the irritating little guy. But OMG Everet!! What he goes through to prove to Kane he is someone who will take care of him and be there for him, protect him. OMG sniff sniff….
We also get to see Ori and Raynard again in this installment (YAY), I don’t remember disliking Hamilton this much in book 1, but OMG what a big A$$!!!
Overall, a fun and irritating at times read. Highly recommended, 4 stars!
This is book 2 in Kim Dare’s Avian Shifters series, this one features a Magpie Kane and a Raven Everett. What I immediately liked about this one is the difference between Ori in
and Kane in this story. Ori was quiet, shy, sweet, while Kane is angry, defensive, combative and filled with attitude, drug addict and thief. Of course as you get into the story you learn why Kane is this way and my heart just ached for him. Everet is the in-nest security leader and a Dom. He is exactly what I would expect of a Dom, controlled, tough, take charge and intense and patient. Everet is called to a human bar where a avian shifter (Kane) is accused of stealing and the owner wants him removed. What Everet finds when he gets there is a room of big, mean men beating the crap out of a small magpie shifter (Kane).Everet makes a decision to take care of Kane and get him healthy and off the drugs, and make him a respectable addition to the nest. Everet doesn’t really have any idea on how to go about that, but there is something about the Magpie he simply can’t resist. So the battle between the two begin! Kane is determined to get out from under Everet and find his next fix. He fights Everet at every step and looks for every opportunity to take advantage. I gotta say, Kane was a difficult guy to like a times, there were moments i just wanted to shake him! But as the story progresses you learn what Kane has gone through, what his life has been and how his family has treated him. I couldn’t really help and love the irritating little guy. But OMG Everet!! What he goes through to prove to Kane he is someone who will take care of him and be there for him, protect him. OMG sniff sniff….
We also get to see Ori and Raynard again in this installment (YAY), I don’t remember disliking Hamilton this much in book 1, but OMG what a big A$$!!!
Overall, a fun and irritating at times read. Highly recommended, 4 stars!
July 17, 2014
This takes place in the same world as
and Ori and Raynard have prominent enough guest appearences so it makes sense to read Duck! first.
Unlike Duck! it is clearly not an enchanted fairytale, instead it revolves around the same basic concept (change), explores D/s from an entirely different tangent (even though the rules stay the same, which makes the two a super-interesting and insightful read when read back-to-back). It has less sex, and more UST, but that's no bad thing. It also contains one of the hottest punishment scenes I've read so far.
Still, even though this book is a different beast from the first I absolutely loved and devoured it. Less fluff, much more substance and that BDSM-realism that is particular to Dare's writing.
and Ori and Raynard have prominent enough guest appearences so it makes sense to read Duck! first.Unlike Duck! it is clearly not an enchanted fairytale, instead it revolves around the same basic concept (change), explores D/s from an entirely different tangent (even though the rules stay the same, which makes the two a super-interesting and insightful read when read back-to-back). It has less sex, and more UST, but that's no bad thing. It also contains one of the hottest punishment scenes I've read so far.
Still, even though this book is a different beast from the first I absolutely loved and devoured it. Less fluff, much more substance and that BDSM-realism that is particular to Dare's writing.
October 7, 2012
After Duck, I hoped for improvement, because the idea of an avian shifter society has such potential. Unfortunately I got the same- minimal plot, minimal characterization, just sex scenes strung together like a porno movie. This fantasy world could be so interesting if the author explored it and took the time to delve into the details. Wasted opportunity, IMO. If I can't relate to the characters at all, I can't get into the story. Add to that a weak plot, and its just not for me. Too bad. It had a potential to be really interesting but fell so, so short.
December 22, 2013
Not sure how Ms. Dare does it. For the first 60% of the book, I'm thinking, just kill Kane. It's a humane death. He's obviously a strung out thieving whore incapable of redemption. He's also a manipulative brat with poor impulse control. He's despicable in every way. I like Everet. He is so controlled and patient. I honestly can't understand what he sees in Kane. The way Ms. Dare depicts Kane, he's a lost cause.
The caring Everet shows on Kane is impressive. Taking the punishment for Kane is not a surprise to me. It is something I was waiting for with dread in the pit of my stomach. Oddly enough, after reading the whipping scene, I'm thinking...what would that feel like? I still have this desire to be whipped just as brutally. I am a sensation whore. Maybe in April I'll find out. I digress.
Just when I'm ready to yell at Raynard to take over and toss Kane into a cage and throw away the key, Everet does something unexpected. Of course, Ori is the one who came up with it. However, for Everett to take note and give Kane a chance to do something different, it is quite impressive. This is the turning point.
Ms. Dare does an excellent job of creating her characters and keeping them true to design. The way she plays upon the weaknesses and strengths of her characters is truly masterful. I love it. Her world building is more complete in this one too. In her first book, I couldn't understand why there were no females at all. With the explanations here, it makes sense and I'm thrilled. Love it! This m/m paranormal romance is recommended to those who don't mind bratty subs and love a strong caring dominant.
The caring Everet shows on Kane is impressive. Taking the punishment for Kane is not a surprise to me. It is something I was waiting for with dread in the pit of my stomach. Oddly enough, after reading the whipping scene, I'm thinking...what would that feel like? I still have this desire to be whipped just as brutally. I am a sensation whore. Maybe in April I'll find out. I digress.
Just when I'm ready to yell at Raynard to take over and toss Kane into a cage and throw away the key, Everet does something unexpected. Of course, Ori is the one who came up with it. However, for Everett to take note and give Kane a chance to do something different, it is quite impressive. This is the turning point.
Ms. Dare does an excellent job of creating her characters and keeping them true to design. The way she plays upon the weaknesses and strengths of her characters is truly masterful. I love it. Her world building is more complete in this one too. In her first book, I couldn't understand why there were no females at all. With the explanations here, it makes sense and I'm thrilled. Love it! This m/m paranormal romance is recommended to those who don't mind bratty subs and love a strong caring dominant.
November 3, 2012
Rarely have I received as much pleasure from $5.99 as I did when I read Kim Dare’s “Magpie”. Like one of the breed that starred in her latest avian shifter story, I had been eyeing off the bright, shiny offering as soon as it was released, not daring to get too close in case it wasn’t as glittering as the previous book, “Duck”.
I shouldn’t have worried. From the first page, she had me as enthralled with the story as Kane was by any coveted trinket. In fact, as I read, I could identify more and more with his cravings because my love for Kim Dare’s stories are the same.
Deep down, I know there are probably more worthwhile books on the market -- ones that offer deeper characterization, more elaborate plots, more meaningful relationships -- but I can’t resist them. I have them all squirreled away on my ebook reader so I can visit them from time to time, having read each so often that I only need to look at the title to recall exactly what went on. Yet, just like a magpie who can’t resist touching bright shiny things, I’ll re-read them to gain that instant gratification.
Kim Dare is a masterful story teller. True, a harsh critic might say her stories have a sameness to them, but it’s the reassuring kind of sameness that a Master gives to his submissives, giving them exactly what they expect, so they can take comfort from that knowledge. There must be some part of me that needs the kind of reassurance that Kim deals out in spades.
Like “Duck” though, the increased word count allows Kim to offer more than just the quick fix. This is the soup tureen or the magnificent epergne in the middle of the table, rather than the silver cutlery or goblets that grace the edges. Kim’s depiction of the way Kane suffers through his withdrawal, and the patience and steadfastness Everet exhibits as he demonstrates to the thieving magpie that nurture can overcome nature are magnificently crafted.
The scene as Everet accepts punishment on Kane’s behalf won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
A lot of psychology goes into Kim’s writing. Every pairing is different, yet each person gets exactly what they need to make the partnership work. Everet and Kane’s needs bear little resemblance to Raynard and Ori’s which were all about pecking order. I’d love to discover whether this is just instinctive on Kim’s part, or if she has researched what makes people tick.
I even enjoy seeing minor characters behaving badly because I know that their flaws will be addressed in future stories. Her eagle, Hamilton's, pride will definitely come before a fall. I look forward to seeing what she does with him.
Kim has an understanding of people that is sometimes overlooked when discussing her books. Perhaps her characters are just stereotypes, but if so, she always has a wonderfully fresh way of presenting them to the reader.
The only niggle were the three or four typos that jumped out at me. These should have been found by a half-decent copy editor. But these were only minor blemishes on the surface and were easily brushed away. “Magpie” is still a super, shiny bauble.
I shouldn’t have worried. From the first page, she had me as enthralled with the story as Kane was by any coveted trinket. In fact, as I read, I could identify more and more with his cravings because my love for Kim Dare’s stories are the same.
Deep down, I know there are probably more worthwhile books on the market -- ones that offer deeper characterization, more elaborate plots, more meaningful relationships -- but I can’t resist them. I have them all squirreled away on my ebook reader so I can visit them from time to time, having read each so often that I only need to look at the title to recall exactly what went on. Yet, just like a magpie who can’t resist touching bright shiny things, I’ll re-read them to gain that instant gratification.
Kim Dare is a masterful story teller. True, a harsh critic might say her stories have a sameness to them, but it’s the reassuring kind of sameness that a Master gives to his submissives, giving them exactly what they expect, so they can take comfort from that knowledge. There must be some part of me that needs the kind of reassurance that Kim deals out in spades.
Like “Duck” though, the increased word count allows Kim to offer more than just the quick fix. This is the soup tureen or the magnificent epergne in the middle of the table, rather than the silver cutlery or goblets that grace the edges. Kim’s depiction of the way Kane suffers through his withdrawal, and the patience and steadfastness Everet exhibits as he demonstrates to the thieving magpie that nurture can overcome nature are magnificently crafted.
The scene as Everet accepts punishment on Kane’s behalf won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
A lot of psychology goes into Kim’s writing. Every pairing is different, yet each person gets exactly what they need to make the partnership work. Everet and Kane’s needs bear little resemblance to Raynard and Ori’s which were all about pecking order. I’d love to discover whether this is just instinctive on Kim’s part, or if she has researched what makes people tick.
I even enjoy seeing minor characters behaving badly because I know that their flaws will be addressed in future stories. Her eagle, Hamilton's, pride will definitely come before a fall. I look forward to seeing what she does with him.
Kim has an understanding of people that is sometimes overlooked when discussing her books. Perhaps her characters are just stereotypes, but if so, she always has a wonderfully fresh way of presenting them to the reader.
The only niggle were the three or four typos that jumped out at me. These should have been found by a half-decent copy editor. But these were only minor blemishes on the surface and were easily brushed away. “Magpie” is still a super, shiny bauble.
October 9, 2012
Love this book! Duck! Is such a tough act to follow and I was a bit nervous that Kim Dare would have replicated the Duck! Storyline. Thank goodness she didn't! Since I hate posting spoilers I'll just state that Magpie, is a story that teaches self worth, learning to trust and rising above the stereotypes/ labels. Magpie ultimately was a delightful read. Can't wait for more!
November 30, 2017
I feel the need to reread Duck! in an attempt to purge this one from my memory.
May 27, 2015
2015 Re-read:
Ah. Beautiful. Some editing errors aside, this is a perfect book to me.
It’s funny that I was somewhat leery to re-read this one; my memories supplied a lot more difficulty in adjusting to Kane and much more worrying about what might happen than was the case this time around. Maybe because I already knew.
The story states early on (in a clear, foreshadowing kind of way) two of the major upheavals that are going to happen later on. () So perhaps while during my first reading I was on edge about these events, this time I knew to look forward to their catalytic nature and the sheer excitement of what they mean to the characters and the story.
And Kane himself? He was a great character. I still stand by everything I wrote about him last time; I just want to add that he makes for the best kind of flawed character – the kind who is lovable just the way he is. Much as Everet states, there is a lot more to admire in someone who overcomes his demons than either of the alternatives. And Evert himself also learns and changes throughout the story. This is in no way one-sided, even if Kane is the more loudly troubled and troublesome one.
I just adore and love both characters so much. Sweet, lovely romance, with plenty of development and meaning.
Of course, Ori and Raynard also get to shine – each in his own characteristic way. Without taking up too much of the story, they manage to be an integral part of the proceedings instead of a vanity cameo.
I am still not happy with Hamilton. It is one thing to be dismissive of any unranked Avian. In Kane’s case he irrationally goes to actual effort to cause hurt and destroy the man. That did not mesh for me the first time I read this, and it is only slightly better now.
Maybe my mother (who recently read the book and loved it) is right in that Hamilton, despite being proud of having a swan, still resents having to suddenly defer to someone like Ori and even Raynard to an extent.
Well, none of that matters. In the end this is just an awesome book. I’ll definitely put it onto my shiny shelf, now that I’ve cleared up any misconceptions about possibly being uneasy during a single part of it. <3
2012 Review:
Initially it was a big adjustment to realize that, duh, the protagonists here would be nothing like the ones in the preceding volume. Kane’s an avaricious bitch. But yay, Everet. And then Ori and Raynard showed up and I squealed. Sorry, I am still a total idiot about that book (Duck!). But yeah, seeing those two again, especially in the context they held? Yes!
The thing with Ori was (and is) that he’s gentle and kind and forgiving and wishes the best for others. Kane, on the other hand, only notices other people as tools to get what he wants or as obstacles. He has no conscience or compassion. Then again, this is a wonderful description of someone so far gone on the drugs that nothing else matters anymore. Kane only cares about himself and his needs are restricted to getting his fix. Even other things he strives for, such as checking himself in the mirror and slutty clothing and looking for a sugar-daddy or a trick are only the means to that end.
It’s also a neat ploy that Kane absolutely hates Ori, as unjustified as that is. Trying to split up the most wonderful couple ever and actively loathing the sweetest person imaginable? Hell, yeah. This adds such a wonderful reason to completely resent Kane, even as we get to appreciate him more.
In contrast, Kane’s utter fascination with sparkly things is endearing and touching. Disarming, really. I guess it’s the thing that first opened my heart up to him. And later on his focus on Everet.
The good part about Kane’s selfishness is that once Everet’s happiness and wellbeing become important to him, that same selfishness is employed in the pursuit of these things. Because it makes him happy to be with Everet and to make Everet feel good, he does not want to give it up and employs his single-minded self-interest to achieve that goal. It’s not so much sacrifice on his part as a shifting of his own needs.
Oh and I loved the by-play between Raynard and Everet . But Raynard provides a sweet addition to the entire scene, to the entire book.
He and Ori are beautifully essential to everything, yet not so overpowered that they can magic everything into perfection without effort.
Now, Hamilton is a character I really don’t get, from the writer’s point of view. In the first book as well as in this one he’s not the most competent man to run the nest, being somewhat negligent of the species of lower rank. More so in this one, in fact, where genuine malice enters the picture. But at the end of the first book he showed considerable sensitivity towards Ori and actually .
So I’m really not sure who he’s supposed to be. Those aspects of his personality don’t even seem to mesh in an intentionally contradicting way. In this book? He’s pretty much the antagonist. I would even go so far as to call him a villain since his motivations are petty and malevolent at best.
And no, this book was not perfect. There were copy-editing issues and some very minor things. Doesn’t really matter because it still accomplished beautifully what it set out to do. The romance and Kane’s development turned out immensely fulfilling.
Heh, if co-dependency is ever a good plan to model a relationship on, Everet and Kane would be the people to make it believable, even necessary, given who they are. I know that many readers would disagree with me on depicting any such relationship in a positive light but it simply works for them to the point where I can’t imagine it differently.
I remember reading somewhere some quote about falling in love being to find the person whose neuroses complement one’s own. This? Is that. And I loved it. After I’d gotten over Kane being a complete jerk, or rather after Kane had gotten over it, anyway. :P
So is this book a second Duck!? Hell, no. But it does not need to be. I just wish the author would write more full length novels like these. I want!
Ah. Beautiful. Some editing errors aside, this is a perfect book to me.
It’s funny that I was somewhat leery to re-read this one; my memories supplied a lot more difficulty in adjusting to Kane and much more worrying about what might happen than was the case this time around. Maybe because I already knew.
The story states early on (in a clear, foreshadowing kind of way) two of the major upheavals that are going to happen later on. () So perhaps while during my first reading I was on edge about these events, this time I knew to look forward to their catalytic nature and the sheer excitement of what they mean to the characters and the story.
And Kane himself? He was a great character. I still stand by everything I wrote about him last time; I just want to add that he makes for the best kind of flawed character – the kind who is lovable just the way he is. Much as Everet states, there is a lot more to admire in someone who overcomes his demons than either of the alternatives. And Evert himself also learns and changes throughout the story. This is in no way one-sided, even if Kane is the more loudly troubled and troublesome one.
I just adore and love both characters so much. Sweet, lovely romance, with plenty of development and meaning.
Of course, Ori and Raynard also get to shine – each in his own characteristic way. Without taking up too much of the story, they manage to be an integral part of the proceedings instead of a vanity cameo.
I am still not happy with Hamilton. It is one thing to be dismissive of any unranked Avian. In Kane’s case he irrationally goes to actual effort to cause hurt and destroy the man. That did not mesh for me the first time I read this, and it is only slightly better now.
Maybe my mother (who recently read the book and loved it) is right in that Hamilton, despite being proud of having a swan, still resents having to suddenly defer to someone like Ori and even Raynard to an extent.
Well, none of that matters. In the end this is just an awesome book. I’ll definitely put it onto my shiny shelf, now that I’ve cleared up any misconceptions about possibly being uneasy during a single part of it. <3
2012 Review:
Initially it was a big adjustment to realize that, duh, the protagonists here would be nothing like the ones in the preceding volume. Kane’s an avaricious bitch. But yay, Everet. And then Ori and Raynard showed up and I squealed. Sorry, I am still a total idiot about that book (Duck!). But yeah, seeing those two again, especially in the context they held? Yes!
The thing with Ori was (and is) that he’s gentle and kind and forgiving and wishes the best for others. Kane, on the other hand, only notices other people as tools to get what he wants or as obstacles. He has no conscience or compassion. Then again, this is a wonderful description of someone so far gone on the drugs that nothing else matters anymore. Kane only cares about himself and his needs are restricted to getting his fix. Even other things he strives for, such as checking himself in the mirror and slutty clothing and looking for a sugar-daddy or a trick are only the means to that end.
It’s also a neat ploy that Kane absolutely hates Ori, as unjustified as that is. Trying to split up the most wonderful couple ever and actively loathing the sweetest person imaginable? Hell, yeah. This adds such a wonderful reason to completely resent Kane, even as we get to appreciate him more.
In contrast, Kane’s utter fascination with sparkly things is endearing and touching. Disarming, really. I guess it’s the thing that first opened my heart up to him. And later on his focus on Everet.
The good part about Kane’s selfishness is that once Everet’s happiness and wellbeing become important to him, that same selfishness is employed in the pursuit of these things. Because it makes him happy to be with Everet and to make Everet feel good, he does not want to give it up and employs his single-minded self-interest to achieve that goal. It’s not so much sacrifice on his part as a shifting of his own needs.
Oh and I loved the by-play between Raynard and Everet . But Raynard provides a sweet addition to the entire scene, to the entire book.
He and Ori are beautifully essential to everything, yet not so overpowered that they can magic everything into perfection without effort.
Now, Hamilton is a character I really don’t get, from the writer’s point of view. In the first book as well as in this one he’s not the most competent man to run the nest, being somewhat negligent of the species of lower rank. More so in this one, in fact, where genuine malice enters the picture. But at the end of the first book he showed considerable sensitivity towards Ori and actually .
So I’m really not sure who he’s supposed to be. Those aspects of his personality don’t even seem to mesh in an intentionally contradicting way. In this book? He’s pretty much the antagonist. I would even go so far as to call him a villain since his motivations are petty and malevolent at best.
And no, this book was not perfect. There were copy-editing issues and some very minor things. Doesn’t really matter because it still accomplished beautifully what it set out to do. The romance and Kane’s development turned out immensely fulfilling.
Heh, if co-dependency is ever a good plan to model a relationship on, Everet and Kane would be the people to make it believable, even necessary, given who they are. I know that many readers would disagree with me on depicting any such relationship in a positive light but it simply works for them to the point where I can’t imagine it differently.
I remember reading somewhere some quote about falling in love being to find the person whose neuroses complement one’s own. This? Is that. And I loved it. After I’d gotten over Kane being a complete jerk, or rather after Kane had gotten over it, anyway. :P
So is this book a second Duck!? Hell, no. But it does not need to be. I just wish the author would write more full length novels like these. I want!
June 26, 2016
I really liked the first book, Duck!, but I wasn't sure if I could deal with my hatred for the nest again. They are SUCH ass-hats! It was better this time, since the MC Everett is actually the head of security that was put in place as part of Ori and Reynard's mission to make the nest safer and better for the lower ranking avian's. In my review for Duck! I mentioned several unknowns about this world and this nest that kinda drove me crazy, Ms. Dare seemed to make an effort to address a lot of those same issues in this book.
Kane isn't the most likable of characters, but that being said, Everett was pretty wonderful and they sorta balance each other out. Even not liking a lot of Kane's earlier behavior, I do think that his inner struggle was well portrayed and so I didn't get as annoyed at him for some of his actions as I might have thought. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, and liked the components of D/s that were presented. Kane had never mattered to anyone and since his tendency is to run, to him someone taking away his choice and saying he is theirs and they will take care of him felt very safe.
Overall probably not as good as Duck! just cuz I loved that, but this was a solid addition to the Avian shifter world. We saw some developments in the nest, we learned more about this society, and I'm reeeeeally crossing my fingers for Ambrose the albatross to get the next story!
Borrowed on Kindle in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Kane isn't the most likable of characters, but that being said, Everett was pretty wonderful and they sorta balance each other out. Even not liking a lot of Kane's earlier behavior, I do think that his inner struggle was well portrayed and so I didn't get as annoyed at him for some of his actions as I might have thought. I enjoyed how their relationship progressed, and liked the components of D/s that were presented. Kane had never mattered to anyone and since his tendency is to run, to him someone taking away his choice and saying he is theirs and they will take care of him felt very safe.
Overall probably not as good as Duck! just cuz I loved that, but this was a solid addition to the Avian shifter world. We saw some developments in the nest, we learned more about this society, and I'm reeeeeally crossing my fingers for Ambrose the albatross to get the next story!
Borrowed on Kindle in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
October 19, 2012
I love these books. This one had more tension and wasn't nearly as sweet and fairy tale-ish as Duck!, but it had the same lovely imagery and fascinating culture. I'm not going to reiterate the glowing reviews regarding the romantic and erotic parts of this story. The BDSM is a small part, going more into D/s themes like responsibility, trust, and who really has the control.
I am going to meta for a minute, because I can't keep the thoughts from spilling over.
I can't wait to see what else she has in mind for this series!
I am going to meta for a minute, because I can't keep the thoughts from spilling over.
I can't wait to see what else she has in mind for this series!
January 22, 2013
So even though I absolutely loved the sweetness on the first book, I also enjoyed the fact that this book had a completely different tone to it.
The different tone comes the type of character Kane is. He's a magpie and he's led a hard life by letting himself be used in order to buy drugs. He takes drugs, he whores himself out, he steals, he lies... But it was the glimpses into his vulnerable side that made him redeemable in my eyes.
We met Everett in the first and I'm so glad he got his own book because in reading this and getting to know his character a whole lot better, we discover that he is considerate and thoughtful, passionate, protective and possessive, particularly towards Kane.
There was still many unanswered questions but there was a bit more world building in this one in regards to human and their knowledge of the avian species. I'm very intrigued the whole bird dynamic, the hierarchical system and the way the characters traits are a reflection of what species of bird they shift into.
I enjoyed the involvement of secondary characters, especially Ori and Raynard. I love those two. There are many facets to Hamilton. He was compassionate in the first book as he basically brought Ori and Raynard together but in this one, he completely hated Kane and to an extent I can understand why but still I didn't care for him much in this one.
I really hope we get more books in this series. I want Ambrose, who is described as a gentle giant, to get his own happy ever after, especially with the nest's doctor... Here's hoping!
The different tone comes the type of character Kane is. He's a magpie and he's led a hard life by letting himself be used in order to buy drugs. He takes drugs, he whores himself out, he steals, he lies... But it was the glimpses into his vulnerable side that made him redeemable in my eyes.
We met Everett in the first and I'm so glad he got his own book because in reading this and getting to know his character a whole lot better, we discover that he is considerate and thoughtful, passionate, protective and possessive, particularly towards Kane.
There was still many unanswered questions but there was a bit more world building in this one in regards to human and their knowledge of the avian species. I'm very intrigued the whole bird dynamic, the hierarchical system and the way the characters traits are a reflection of what species of bird they shift into.
I enjoyed the involvement of secondary characters, especially Ori and Raynard. I love those two. There are many facets to Hamilton. He was compassionate in the first book as he basically brought Ori and Raynard together but in this one, he completely hated Kane and to an extent I can understand why but still I didn't care for him much in this one.
I really hope we get more books in this series. I want Ambrose, who is described as a gentle giant, to get his own happy ever after, especially with the nest's doctor... Here's hoping!
October 16, 2012
What's it about:Magpie is the second book in Kim's Avian Shifters series. I recommend reading the first book, Duck.// Everet is a Raven shifter and head of security for the nest, which means he's the one who responds to a Magpie shifter in need of help. Kane is the Magpie in question. He loves shiny things and often gets into trouble because of thievery. Kane will have to learn how to become part of the Nest or risk losing everything he is and could be.
Why you should read it: I love Kim Dare's books, especially the paranormal ones. She's known for her hot romances and very well-written BDSM scenes. Compared with her other books, the Avian Shifters series doesn't have very much BDSM. It has more control and D/s elements than chains and whips. Kane is absolutely adorable, and we get to see more of Ori and Reynard! If you're looking for something a bit out of your comfort zone but love shifters and steamy romances, pick up Duck and Magpie.
See what Kim says about Duck and Magpie at HEA
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Why you should read it: I love Kim Dare's books, especially the paranormal ones. She's known for her hot romances and very well-written BDSM scenes. Compared with her other books, the Avian Shifters series doesn't have very much BDSM. It has more control and D/s elements than chains and whips. Kane is absolutely adorable, and we get to see more of Ori and Reynard! If you're looking for something a bit out of your comfort zone but love shifters and steamy romances, pick up Duck and Magpie.
See what Kim says about Duck and Magpie at HEA
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
October 19, 2012
*4.5 STARS*
I couldn't give this one a full 5 stars like I did for Duck! because it was hard for me to get into in the beginning. I felt like it dragged a bit. It picked up for me in the middle and once that happened I was hooked.
I loved Everet and his calm dominance. It was quite sexy. I didn't particularly care for Kane until the end, but he redeemed himself for me. I loved seeing Ori and Raynard again. They are just such a lovely couple.
I really hated Hamilton. I thought he was a dick for no reason. but at the same time, I was hoping that he got brought to his knees by some sub as well. Will he get his own book?
Honestly though, I was truly glad that Kane and Everet got their HEA. Although I didn't like their match in the beginning, I was really rooting for them in the end.
I couldn't give this one a full 5 stars like I did for Duck! because it was hard for me to get into in the beginning. I felt like it dragged a bit. It picked up for me in the middle and once that happened I was hooked.
I loved Everet and his calm dominance. It was quite sexy. I didn't particularly care for Kane until the end, but he redeemed himself for me. I loved seeing Ori and Raynard again. They are just such a lovely couple.
I really hated Hamilton. I thought he was a dick for no reason. but at the same time, I was hoping that he got brought to his knees by some sub as well. Will he get his own book?
Honestly though, I was truly glad that Kane and Everet got their HEA. Although I didn't like their match in the beginning, I was really rooting for them in the end.
October 11, 2012
The thing I admire about Kim Dares BDSM stories are how the BDSM is never there just as a scene. it is integrated into the stories and the characters and you really understand what is the meaning and feelings behind the cuffs, collars and rules. I liked the previous story to this series a little better but this was definitely along the lines of the series theme in spirit. It explores the questions of are we what we are born to be and how do we find a place where who we are can flourish despite social expectations. It had some hot scenes but its the inward emotions that really make her stories shine.
September 30, 2021
I am happy to get back to this series. Sad that there are no more books in the series. I loved that the main character from the first book was a lot in the book after all Ori and Raymond are close to Everett so it is good that the author didn't forget that.
This story is different from the first book. Ori at first was submissive to the bone but here Kane is not. He is Magpie and doesn't give completely to Everett. Both storeys are sad on their own. This one was about drug addiction and how Kane doesn't completely trust people and how he only thinks that Magpies are good for stealing shiny things and seducing sugar daddies. Thankfully Everett shows him differently and Ori somehow helps too.
This story is different from the first book. Ori at first was submissive to the bone but here Kane is not. He is Magpie and doesn't give completely to Everett. Both storeys are sad on their own. This one was about drug addiction and how Kane doesn't completely trust people and how he only thinks that Magpies are good for stealing shiny things and seducing sugar daddies. Thankfully Everett shows him differently and Ori somehow helps too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews