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Champions of the Dawning Dragons #2
Centyr Dominance
Moira Illeniel was the name she lived by, but her true heritage was more complicated than that. From birth, she was the secretly adopted daughter of the most powerful wizard in the world, but few knew that her true birthright came from the Centyr lineage. Traveling to Dunbar to discover the fate of her vanished father, Moira must face the darker aspects of her power. Forced to fight a foe unlike anything seen before in Lothion, she will learn the reason for the warnings her mother’s shade gave her—why certain abilities should never be used and some lines never crossed—for some doors once opened, might never be closed again.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2016
372 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Michael G. Manning
30 books2,087 followersMichael Manning was born in Cleveland, Texas and spent his formative years there, reading fantasy and science fiction, concocting home grown experiments in his backyard, and generally avoiding schoolwork.
Eventually he went to college, starting at Sam Houston State University, where his love of beer blossomed and his obsession with playing role-playing games led him to what he calls 'his best year ever' and what most of his family calls 'the lost year'.
Several years and a few crappy jobs later, he decided to pursue college again and was somehow accepted into the University of Houston Honors program (we won't get into the particulars of that miracle). This led to a degree in pharmacy and it followed from there that he wound up with a license to practice said profession.
Unfortunately, Michael was not a very good pharmacist. Being relatively lawless and free spirited were not particularly good traits to possess in a career focused on perfection, patient safety, and the letter-of-the-law. Nevertheless, he persisted and after a stint as a hospital pharmacy manager wound up as a pharmacist working in correctional managed care for the State of Texas.
He gave drugs to prisoners.
After a year or two at UTMB he became bored and taught himself entirely too much about networking, programming, and database design and administration. At first his supervisors warned him (repeatedly) to do his assigned tasks and stop designing programs to help his coworkers do theirs, but eventually they gave up and just let him do whatever he liked since it seemed to be generally working out well for them.
Ten or eleven years later and he got bored with that too. So he wrote a book. We won't talk about where he was when he wrote 'The Blacksmith's Son', but let's just assume he was probably supposed to be doing something else at the time.
Some people liked the book and told other people. Now they won't leave him alone.
After another year or two, he decided to just give up and stop pretending to be a pharmacist/programmer, much to the chagrin of his mother (who had only ever wanted him to grow up to be a doctor and had finally become content with the fact that he had settled on pharmacy instead).
Michael's wife supported his decision, even as she stubbornly refused to believe he would make any money at it. It turned out later that she was just telling him this because she knew that nothing made Michael more contrary than his never ending desire to prove her wrong. Once he was able to prove said fact she promptly admitted her tricky ruse and he has since given up on trying to win.
Today he lives at home with his stubborn wife, teenage twins, a giant moose-poodle, two yorkies, a green-cheeked conure, a massive prehistoric tortoise, and a head full of imaginary people. There are also some fish, but he refuses to talk about them.
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Eventually he went to college, starting at Sam Houston State University, where his love of beer blossomed and his obsession with playing role-playing games led him to what he calls 'his best year ever' and what most of his family calls 'the lost year'.
Several years and a few crappy jobs later, he decided to pursue college again and was somehow accepted into the University of Houston Honors program (we won't get into the particulars of that miracle). This led to a degree in pharmacy and it followed from there that he wound up with a license to practice said profession.
Unfortunately, Michael was not a very good pharmacist. Being relatively lawless and free spirited were not particularly good traits to possess in a career focused on perfection, patient safety, and the letter-of-the-law. Nevertheless, he persisted and after a stint as a hospital pharmacy manager wound up as a pharmacist working in correctional managed care for the State of Texas.
He gave drugs to prisoners.
After a year or two at UTMB he became bored and taught himself entirely too much about networking, programming, and database design and administration. At first his supervisors warned him (repeatedly) to do his assigned tasks and stop designing programs to help his coworkers do theirs, but eventually they gave up and just let him do whatever he liked since it seemed to be generally working out well for them.
Ten or eleven years later and he got bored with that too. So he wrote a book. We won't talk about where he was when he wrote 'The Blacksmith's Son', but let's just assume he was probably supposed to be doing something else at the time.
Some people liked the book and told other people. Now they won't leave him alone.
After another year or two, he decided to just give up and stop pretending to be a pharmacist/programmer, much to the chagrin of his mother (who had only ever wanted him to grow up to be a doctor and had finally become content with the fact that he had settled on pharmacy instead).
Michael's wife supported his decision, even as she stubbornly refused to believe he would make any money at it. It turned out later that she was just telling him this because she knew that nothing made Michael more contrary than his never ending desire to prove her wrong. Once he was able to prove said fact she promptly admitted her tricky ruse and he has since given up on trying to win.
Today he lives at home with his stubborn wife, teenage twins, a giant moose-poodle, two yorkies, a green-cheeked conure, a massive prehistoric tortoise, and a head full of imaginary people. There are also some fish, but he refuses to talk about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 30, 2016
This book will have you hooked from the first page till the last page. It will take you to another world, one where the unexpected happens and the expected is thrown wildly out of the water in ways that will leave you wanting more. Characters are developed in fine clarity and great purpose that has you cheering for them the whole way through the book.
Overall, this book is not just a book, it is a masterpiece that is breathtaking and beautifully constructed with just a wee bit of chaos and evil. This book will leave you hanging on the edge and counting down the days till the next one is released.
Overall, this book is not just a book, it is a masterpiece that is breathtaking and beautifully constructed with just a wee bit of chaos and evil. This book will leave you hanging on the edge and counting down the days till the next one is released.
May 30, 2016
As typical with Michael G Manning, this book is nothing but true greatness. His character development in this book is epic. He leaves you desperate for the next in line. He is the first I've come across to write multiple series all based upon one family with the original character still somehow involved even if the story lines are thousands of years apart. You will not be disappointed in this series.
May 30, 2016
I have been a fan of Michael G Manning's work from his first book in the Mageborn Series, and once again he has served us an incredible tale. Mort's oldest daughter, Moira, is the focus of this book and boy has she grown up! A woman of great power and will, Moira sets out to find her father and before long....well, you need to read the book. You won't be disappointed! Michael has written a fascinating story with many dark twists and turns that has left me eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series!
May 2, 2020
Honestly probably closer to a 3.5 if not slightly better. I really enjoyed the last few chapters of the books. The issue I have with this series right now isn't bad writing or a bad story. These are amazing books. Michael G. Manning is an incredible writer. He does incredibly well writing these teenagers. But. That's where the problem is for me. Thornbear got a higher rating from me only because it is slightly less annoying reading a male teenager than a female teenager. Really love the story but this series has been a challenge due to it being from very accurate teenage perspectives.
Still love the story and the series! Sorry for the 3 star.
Still love the story and the series! Sorry for the 3 star.
June 2, 2016
I am writing this review because of two reasons:
1. Michael G Manning promised me to write faster (so I dont have to wait till 2017 for the third book) if I would write a review.
2. The Mageborn universe (realm?) is an amazing one and I count the author among my favorites.
I finished this book in a little less than a week, and lately I have had very little time available to read. I'll tell you this, If I had had the time I would have finished this book in one go.
I feel like with every book Michael is becoming a better writer. He know perfectly how to create amusing and engaging stories. He makes you care about the characters, and when you least expect it he punches you in the face with a lot of emotions. Yet he does not shy away of darker stuff, he combines all sorts of emotions and doesnt overdose on one. Often I am reading stories that I find predictable to a certain amount, but with these books I find my self reading on, and reading on to find out what will happen to our heroes.
In this book we follow Moira on a journey to find her father. On this journey Moira must do certain things, that other people would frown upon, and even fear her if they know what she could do. It's not all about her discovering new powers, but also dealing with the fact that her brother is become more and more like her father, and jealousy plays a big role in the earlier part of the story. When Moira starts to discover her own powers, she also discovers that in another way then Matthew she is a lot like her father. She even is talking to herself, much like Mort did in the Mageborn books. She just takes it a step further ;-)
In short the universe is amazing, and there are a lot of plot lines being setup. (Some are resolved (filled in would be better choice, no plot is ever completely finished) in this book but where started in other books. If you like fantasy, wizards, dragons and have a good sense of humor you will find yourself reading this books more than once.
For now i'll just have to wait for the next books to come out, until then I feel certain I'll make time to reread the entire series.
1. Michael G Manning promised me to write faster (so I dont have to wait till 2017 for the third book) if I would write a review.
2. The Mageborn universe (realm?) is an amazing one and I count the author among my favorites.
I finished this book in a little less than a week, and lately I have had very little time available to read. I'll tell you this, If I had had the time I would have finished this book in one go.
I feel like with every book Michael is becoming a better writer. He know perfectly how to create amusing and engaging stories. He makes you care about the characters, and when you least expect it he punches you in the face with a lot of emotions. Yet he does not shy away of darker stuff, he combines all sorts of emotions and doesnt overdose on one. Often I am reading stories that I find predictable to a certain amount, but with these books I find my self reading on, and reading on to find out what will happen to our heroes.
In this book we follow Moira on a journey to find her father. On this journey Moira must do certain things, that other people would frown upon, and even fear her if they know what she could do. It's not all about her discovering new powers, but also dealing with the fact that her brother is become more and more like her father, and jealousy plays a big role in the earlier part of the story. When Moira starts to discover her own powers, she also discovers that in another way then Matthew she is a lot like her father. She even is talking to herself, much like Mort did in the Mageborn books. She just takes it a step further ;-)
In short the universe is amazing, and there are a lot of plot lines being setup. (Some are resolved (filled in would be better choice, no plot is ever completely finished) in this book but where started in other books. If you like fantasy, wizards, dragons and have a good sense of humor you will find yourself reading this books more than once.
For now i'll just have to wait for the next books to come out, until then I feel certain I'll make time to reread the entire series.
May 31, 2016
After a shortish wait from Thornbear, we get the next installment of the Champions of the Dawning Dragons series.
I was quite interested to see what happens to Gram and Alyssa after how book 1 ended.
The story is told from mostly Moira's point of view and let's delves a bit deeper into the secrets of the Centyr lineage. Moira, Matthew, Gram and Chad goes to investigate the disappearance of Mordecai which leads them directly into danger and adventure. Moira finds out how powerful she is as well as the consequences of using her abilities.
The story was well written and it left me with an array of feelings when I finished it. Can't wait for the next installment.
I was quite interested to see what happens to Gram and Alyssa after how book 1 ended.
The story is told from mostly Moira's point of view and let's delves a bit deeper into the secrets of the Centyr lineage. Moira, Matthew, Gram and Chad goes to investigate the disappearance of Mordecai which leads them directly into danger and adventure. Moira finds out how powerful she is as well as the consequences of using her abilities.
The story was well written and it left me with an array of feelings when I finished it. Can't wait for the next installment.
May 31, 2016
Another brilliant tale from Michael G Manning. His ability to keep the reader empathising with a much loved character's transformation from kind, caring and sensible child, into almost epic psychotic, vengeful woman is extraordinarily. Moira's quest gives us cause to wonder if she's going to have any redeeming qualities left. As I turned the final page, I still query whether the end justifies the means, but I am sure the answer to this, and several other events, will be answered in the next book in the series. Fortunately, MgM also has the extraordinary ability to pull humour out within the darkest moments, which leaves you emotionally wrecked. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at times. Loved this book so much I am reading it again.
June 10, 2016
a demon in disguise
Moira, Matthew and their friends are struggling to find their father. Matthew stays behind near the cave where Alyssa was last seen to work some magic, sending the others on to Dunbar. hoping for help from the king, Moors makes her way into the throne room. and it is there that her Centyr blood awakens as she tries to save an entire city with just a touch of aythar.
Michael promised and more than delivered. the Count's children and friends have powers unsuspected and with magic so much more common place, Michael is allowing these characters to shine without forgetting any of the original premises. eagerly awaiting book three!!!
Moira, Matthew and their friends are struggling to find their father. Matthew stays behind near the cave where Alyssa was last seen to work some magic, sending the others on to Dunbar. hoping for help from the king, Moors makes her way into the throne room. and it is there that her Centyr blood awakens as she tries to save an entire city with just a touch of aythar.
Michael promised and more than delivered. the Count's children and friends have powers unsuspected and with magic so much more common place, Michael is allowing these characters to shine without forgetting any of the original premises. eagerly awaiting book three!!!
September 8, 2016
The writing is good and I liked the central plot of Moira trying to find her missing father. I would have given it 4 stars if not for a few things. A glaring editing error concerning the hidden cottage, a mysterious?/ominous?/threatening? whisper by Mordecai to Moira Centyr that was never explained, the missing son and no one worries that he might be in danger, especially after all that has happened, and worse of all, the unexpected cross-over from pure fantasy to a mish-mash of fantasy and sci-fi. I couldn't give this book more than 3 stars.
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July 3, 2016Loved it!
I have been a fan of Michael for some years now. Never missed a release. This one took me much longer than I would have liked, but time has been an issue . All I can say, is I loved every word. True to the Authors writing, you grow to know and love another character, this time, Moira.
Michaels craft has improved like a good wine over the years. I cannot wait for the conclusion!
I have been a fan of Michael for some years now. Never missed a release. This one took me much longer than I would have liked, but time has been an issue . All I can say, is I loved every word. True to the Authors writing, you grow to know and love another character, this time, Moira.
Michaels craft has improved like a good wine over the years. I cannot wait for the conclusion!
June 7, 2016
Another great one...
I really like this author, and the world he has created. Been waiting for this one. Didn't disappoint. These have a nice flowing nature and seem more simple, because of that, then they actually are. This is like the summer of releasing, many wonderful titles coming out and certainly glad I got this 1. Recommended
I really like this author, and the world he has created. Been waiting for this one. Didn't disappoint. These have a nice flowing nature and seem more simple, because of that, then they actually are. This is like the summer of releasing, many wonderful titles coming out and certainly glad I got this 1. Recommended
July 23, 2016
Love these stories
Michael Manning keeps me on the edge of my seat,well really the edge of my bed, I read in bed. This story line in about the children from Mageborn series. Now I have to get the stories about the Count's ancestors.
Michael Manning keeps me on the edge of my seat,well really the edge of my bed, I read in bed. This story line in about the children from Mageborn series. Now I have to get the stories about the Count's ancestors.
May 31, 2016
I couldn't put the book down once I started. Mr. Manning is a genius. The growth of the characters, one in particular is spectacular. Dark. But spectacular. I cannot wait for more of this series
June 1, 2016
Fantastic continuation of the epic world of Mageborn, loved every microsecond.
December 27, 2016
Great follow on story that's stands up on its own
And makes you want to learn more
I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Definitely going to keep following this series
And makes you want to learn more
I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
Definitely going to keep following this series
July 7, 2018
Finished the book and it was interesting to see the evolution of the characters, the books keep getting darker or better said the characters keep getting dark. This book is focused on Moira an how on the search for the whereabouts of his father she grows on her powers and learns how her kind grow in power for what everybody in ancient times “bad”. The conclusion of the books leaves many questions that will for shire make a great opening for the next installment. I have it in queue so will read it in a few weeks but I enjoyed it.
December 26, 2022
It is an amazing story with alot of characters development. The 3 stars come in cause of just how some of the characters just think with their hormones due to their teen age nature. And for some reason I start to believe that they are no consequences for some of the characters. The villain is more like a computer type virus rather than a fantasy villain. And in this one unlike thornbear the chemistry of the characters is a bit off which is saying something for a book. It does feel a little bit forced hence the 3 stars. But it does keep you engaged.
May 9, 2025
Absolutely devastated about mordacai in this book because of how much I enjoyed the mageborn series but it’s also really nice to not feel so strongly about their characters and focus more on the children. I really enjoyed Moria’s story arch and I can’t wait to see how it progressed in the next book. I listened to the audio versions so far but I think I might read the physical book next to get more invested in the story. Also loved to hear more about the hunter and their powers as a collective. I’m excited to see where this goes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
This one took a dark turn that made me feel uncomfortable. Despite the author's attempt to resolve things, I have my doubts. Fighting fire with fire sounds good until the enemy starts catapulting babies over the ramparts, [this metaphor is offered as an alternative to spoilers].
There's plenty of action, and the growing sense of scale makes for an easy read... aside from the moral challenges. I'm off to read book three.
This one took a dark turn that made me feel uncomfortable. Despite the author's attempt to resolve things, I have my doubts. Fighting fire with fire sounds good until the enemy starts catapulting babies over the ramparts, [this metaphor is offered as an alternative to spoilers].
There's plenty of action, and the growing sense of scale makes for an easy read... aside from the moral challenges. I'm off to read book three.
October 24, 2019
Absolutely incredible
Another fantastic, wonderful book to completely lose myself in. Each of the previous books are linked , all have been written so well. I'm dreading the moment when I finish all of Michael G Manning 's books. He better get writing , because I'm now downloading the next book.
Another fantastic, wonderful book to completely lose myself in. Each of the previous books are linked , all have been written so well. I'm dreading the moment when I finish all of Michael G Manning 's books. He better get writing , because I'm now downloading the next book.
August 18, 2017
An enjoyable book that makes me angry I'm out of Mageborn Universe books at the moment. I loved Moria's arch is wonderful. I'm more excited about future books than this one, but this one was the hook. A full review of this book will post on my website in time.
October 27, 2017
Great series for friends of fantasy
Great action, likable rich characters. Thanks M.Manning for some worthwhile entertainment. Can’t wait to get into the next book. This marks My second series read by this author.
Great action, likable rich characters. Thanks M.Manning for some worthwhile entertainment. Can’t wait to get into the next book. This marks My second series read by this author.
July 5, 2017
W: Hay menciones a una saga anterior. Mención de Incesto entre hermanos y violacion.
May 17, 2018
Absolutely gripping!
Cannot wait to see what book 3 has in store. Captivating characters and compelling story line that will have you hooked
Cannot wait to see what book 3 has in store. Captivating characters and compelling story line that will have you hooked
May 24, 2018
I couldn't stop....brilliant from the very start..
October 20, 2018
Michael G Manning did it again... Can't wait to see where this story goes...
November 3, 2018
Love the adventure
Not sure yet liked or followed all those fighting scenes in Dunbar. They were kind of boring. Overall, a good book
Not sure yet liked or followed all those fighting scenes in Dunbar. They were kind of boring. Overall, a good book
November 8, 2018
Morality.
April 10, 2019
outstanding
June 7, 2019
Good book, alternate perspecitve then the first book and looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews