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Nine Kingdoms #11
The Dreamer's Song
The spellbinding Nine Kingdoms saga continues as a mage without magic and a stable maid without a home face the approaching shadows of darkness and choices that will change them both forever...
Acair of Ceangail, still dodging his reputation as notorious black mage, has undertaken the ultimate quest: ridding the world of a mysterious, terrible dark magic while using no magic of his own. But he never bargained for three maddening complications: attempting to safeguard his beautiful but horse-obsessed companion, Léirsinn; trying not to slay a profoundly irritating prince of Neroche; and slipping in and out of places he knows will spell his doom if he’s caught.
Léirsinn of Sàraichte simply wants to do what needs to be done—find the makers of various spells and rescue her grandfather. But walking side-by-side with Acair brings a terrible revelation about the magic she needs, and what its price will exact from her soul.
Together, Acair and Léirsinn face danger they never could have imagined, culminating in choices that will alter them and the history of the Nine Kingdoms.
Acair of Ceangail, still dodging his reputation as notorious black mage, has undertaken the ultimate quest: ridding the world of a mysterious, terrible dark magic while using no magic of his own. But he never bargained for three maddening complications: attempting to safeguard his beautiful but horse-obsessed companion, Léirsinn; trying not to slay a profoundly irritating prince of Neroche; and slipping in and out of places he knows will spell his doom if he’s caught.
Léirsinn of Sàraichte simply wants to do what needs to be done—find the makers of various spells and rescue her grandfather. But walking side-by-side with Acair brings a terrible revelation about the magic she needs, and what its price will exact from her soul.
Together, Acair and Léirsinn face danger they never could have imagined, culminating in choices that will alter them and the history of the Nine Kingdoms.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2017
About the author
Lynn Kurland
56 books1,577 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 15, 2017
Acair is the son of a black mage and witch. He is conflicted about his black magic heritage but when a strange shadow shows up and prevents him from performing magic, he is more than a little concerned. On a quest, with companions, is no place to be without your abilities.
Leirsinn is a woman who hopes that Acair can find a cure for her grandfather. Her encounter with the shadow gives her the ability to detect magic.
Acair seems to be captivated by Leirsinn but knows she is completely oblivious and doesn’t seem to mind. He watches her carefully and gives her what she needs to nudge her toward change without forcing it on her.
The Dreamer’s Song is a complex, engaging, fantasy. The journey is as much about self-discovery as it about the quest.
This was a difficult series to jump into on book 11. I highly recommend starting from the beginning. It took awhile for me to connect with the characters which I believe would not have been an issue if I had been reading their plight from the start.
I received this ARC copy of The Dreamer's Song from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Dreamer's Song is set for publication December 5, 2017.
Leirsinn is a woman who hopes that Acair can find a cure for her grandfather. Her encounter with the shadow gives her the ability to detect magic.
Acair seems to be captivated by Leirsinn but knows she is completely oblivious and doesn’t seem to mind. He watches her carefully and gives her what she needs to nudge her toward change without forcing it on her.
The Dreamer’s Song is a complex, engaging, fantasy. The journey is as much about self-discovery as it about the quest.
This was a difficult series to jump into on book 11. I highly recommend starting from the beginning. It took awhile for me to connect with the characters which I believe would not have been an issue if I had been reading their plight from the start.
I received this ARC copy of The Dreamer's Song from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Dreamer's Song is set for publication December 5, 2017.
January 5, 2017
I love Acair. Who knew that could happen. He's not nearly as bad as he purports to be - which I think one had to expect when he became the 'hero' in this series. But he's just wicked enough to make me fall in love. His snarky and sarcastic comments and conversations kept me smiling throughout this book.
I can easily see why Léirsinn is smitten. Léirsinn surprised me. A lot, in this book. I didn't expect what happened to happen. Considering that I've become comfortable with these books, this world, that's pretty impressive. I'm still not entirely sure of what exactly happened, but it definitely surprised me the way it happened.
I found, when I started this book, that I'd forgotten quite a lot of the previous book, The White Spell, in the interim. Which was both unfortunate, and awesome. Unfortunate, because it made this book slightly confusing for me - I would NOT recommend starting here. I think you could probably start with The White Spell, and not be too lost - though Acair's "evilness" might be lost on you if you don't see how he behaved in the previous 3 books (Series 3). But picking the series up at this book would be a mistake. Not to mention that you'd miss out on all the wonderfulness that is Morgan and Miach (Series 1).
And it was awesome that I couldn't remember everything, because it gives me a handy, legitimate, excuse to go back and re-read. I can't wait to dive into this again. Lynn Kurland always enchants in the Nine Kingdom Series'. I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this series, and the start of the next. Perhaps Sollier will finally meet his match? I'll never tire of reading books set with characters in this world. No matter who. It's always like coming home.
Early thoughts:
Some confusing moments - not sure why when I only read the previous book a few weeks ago, but maybe I’d forgotten more than I thought.
Review to come.
I can easily see why Léirsinn is smitten. Léirsinn surprised me. A lot, in this book. I didn't expect what happened to happen. Considering that I've become comfortable with these books, this world, that's pretty impressive. I'm still not entirely sure of what exactly happened, but it definitely surprised me the way it happened.
I found, when I started this book, that I'd forgotten quite a lot of the previous book, The White Spell, in the interim. Which was both unfortunate, and awesome. Unfortunate, because it made this book slightly confusing for me - I would NOT recommend starting here. I think you could probably start with The White Spell, and not be too lost - though Acair's "evilness" might be lost on you if you don't see how he behaved in the previous 3 books (Series 3). But picking the series up at this book would be a mistake. Not to mention that you'd miss out on all the wonderfulness that is Morgan and Miach (Series 1).
And it was awesome that I couldn't remember everything, because it gives me a handy, legitimate, excuse to go back and re-read. I can't wait to dive into this again. Lynn Kurland always enchants in the Nine Kingdom Series'. I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion to this series, and the start of the next. Perhaps Sollier will finally meet his match? I'll never tire of reading books set with characters in this world. No matter who. It's always like coming home.
Early thoughts:
Some confusing moments - not sure why when I only read the previous book a few weeks ago, but maybe I’d forgotten more than I thought.
Review to come.
August 23, 2017
Acair of Ceangail is the son of an infamous black mage and a witchwoman. He reluctantly sets off to search for the enigmatic source of the strange shadows cropping up throughout the Nine Kingdoms. A weird, humanoid-shaped spell follows Acair and prevents him from performing any magic. He worries about his beautiful companion’s safety during their perilous quest. Acair revisits the places of his past misdeeds to collect the remnants of himself left behind. Will Acair manage to gather the figments of his lost soul? Can he collect them in time to confront the mysterious person behind the shadows?
Leirsinn of Saraichte is a modest and no-nonsense horsemiss. She desperately hopes Acair of Ceangain can discover a cure for her grandfather’s peculiar malady. Leirsinn embarks on the quest to keep the roguish mageling from harm and to discourage him from using magic. An altercation within the mysterious shadows allows her to detect magic’s presence. Will Leirsinn’s new ability help Acair gather his soul fragments? What other discerning discoveries will she learn on this journey?
Acair is still the scintillating roguish rascal I remember and love from THE WHITE SPELL, book ten. For a man proud of his despicable deeds, he is quite protective of Leirsinn and mindful to her needs. I love how Acair accepts his growing fascination with Leirsinn while she remains oblivious. I adore how in tune he is to Leirsinn’s reservations and how he instinctively takes action to ease her misgivings. But what I enjoy the most about Acair is his interplay with his witchy mother because it is not the usual mother-and-son interaction.
Leirsinn is still the practical and straightforward miss I remember from the previous book. She is, however, slowly adapting to the many changes she encounters on her journey. I like that Leirsinn gradually comes to grips with the new ability she developed, along with the fact that magic truly exists. I also enjoy how she often likens Acair and Mansourah’s bantering to that of surly stallions. I like that Leirsinn starts to realize just what Acair means to her. But what I adore the most about Leirsinn is how she often humors Acair whenever the mageling brags about his dastardly reputation.
THE DREAMER’S SONG is book eleven in Lynn Kurland’s winsome fantasy-romance series, NINE KINGDOMS. I love how the journey ends up more about self-discovery for both Acair and Leirsinn. This tale reminds me of the epic, high-fantasy books where the characters grow into their own while on their quests. The only problem I have with this story is that I really did not want it to end.
THE DREAMER’S SONG is an engaging tale about an unlikely couple learning not only about themselves but each other also. I honestly could not put this book down. I eagerly anticipate the next installment of Acair and Leirsinn’s quest.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Leirsinn of Saraichte is a modest and no-nonsense horsemiss. She desperately hopes Acair of Ceangain can discover a cure for her grandfather’s peculiar malady. Leirsinn embarks on the quest to keep the roguish mageling from harm and to discourage him from using magic. An altercation within the mysterious shadows allows her to detect magic’s presence. Will Leirsinn’s new ability help Acair gather his soul fragments? What other discerning discoveries will she learn on this journey?
Acair is still the scintillating roguish rascal I remember and love from THE WHITE SPELL, book ten. For a man proud of his despicable deeds, he is quite protective of Leirsinn and mindful to her needs. I love how Acair accepts his growing fascination with Leirsinn while she remains oblivious. I adore how in tune he is to Leirsinn’s reservations and how he instinctively takes action to ease her misgivings. But what I enjoy the most about Acair is his interplay with his witchy mother because it is not the usual mother-and-son interaction.
Leirsinn is still the practical and straightforward miss I remember from the previous book. She is, however, slowly adapting to the many changes she encounters on her journey. I like that Leirsinn gradually comes to grips with the new ability she developed, along with the fact that magic truly exists. I also enjoy how she often likens Acair and Mansourah’s bantering to that of surly stallions. I like that Leirsinn starts to realize just what Acair means to her. But what I adore the most about Leirsinn is how she often humors Acair whenever the mageling brags about his dastardly reputation.
THE DREAMER’S SONG is book eleven in Lynn Kurland’s winsome fantasy-romance series, NINE KINGDOMS. I love how the journey ends up more about self-discovery for both Acair and Leirsinn. This tale reminds me of the epic, high-fantasy books where the characters grow into their own while on their quests. The only problem I have with this story is that I really did not want it to end.
THE DREAMER’S SONG is an engaging tale about an unlikely couple learning not only about themselves but each other also. I honestly could not put this book down. I eagerly anticipate the next installment of Acair and Leirsinn’s quest.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
December 9, 2017
For any individual book to carry its weight within a series, it needs its own strong, identifiable, individual plot apart from the overarching series plot that works to move the series plot forward, but it must also hold its own for that individual book. This novel did not supply that necessary, separate plot, in my opinion.
I spent quite a lot of time reading this novel--over several days--because I was having a hard time keeping my interest in it alive--but by the time I did finish? It didn't feel like I'd read a full novel, but the overlong "Act II" of a novel, instead. Rather than a full story within a story, this book felt like a series of events along a journey toward a finale I couldn't bring myself to care about. Being constantly reminded of high series stakes does not a book plot make.
At the end, while there had been some growth in all the individual character arcs for the major characters, there was no book-specific victory or defeat, no progress, really, plotwise; there was only a new development in one of the characters that solves one of the unsolved problems going into the rest of the series and some romantic thread growth. There also seemed a lack of setting details in most scenes, with limited sensory details beyond sight and sound.
I chose to decline featuring this book at my usual review site as books are "recommended" there rather than reviewed and, well... I can't recommend this particular title. That being said, I believe the author is talented and the characters were vivid with great dialogue. I truly believe this book *could* have been better (hence the second star) had it been put through a couple of developmental editing wringers to fix the book-specific lack of plot structure for this individual title within the series.
I spent quite a lot of time reading this novel--over several days--because I was having a hard time keeping my interest in it alive--but by the time I did finish? It didn't feel like I'd read a full novel, but the overlong "Act II" of a novel, instead. Rather than a full story within a story, this book felt like a series of events along a journey toward a finale I couldn't bring myself to care about. Being constantly reminded of high series stakes does not a book plot make.
At the end, while there had been some growth in all the individual character arcs for the major characters, there was no book-specific victory or defeat, no progress, really, plotwise; there was only a new development in one of the characters that solves one of the unsolved problems going into the rest of the series and some romantic thread growth. There also seemed a lack of setting details in most scenes, with limited sensory details beyond sight and sound.
I chose to decline featuring this book at my usual review site as books are "recommended" there rather than reviewed and, well... I can't recommend this particular title. That being said, I believe the author is talented and the characters were vivid with great dialogue. I truly believe this book *could* have been better (hence the second star) had it been put through a couple of developmental editing wringers to fix the book-specific lack of plot structure for this individual title within the series.
February 8, 2021
This story was a slow continuation of the quest started in book 1. There doesn't seem to be a clear goal to the quest other than to discover who is making the soul stealing shadows, and there doesn't seem to be a clear focus on how to go about doing that. Acair, Leirsinn, and Mansourah seem to be traveling from one place to another, have some minor adventure that isn't always helpful to the quest, and never seem to arrive at the heart of the matter of who is the soul stealer and how do they stop him/her. Master Sollier continues to meddle, without giving much aid and there are characters we have no idea who they are or what their purpose is. The romance between Acair and Leirsinn is as slow as the story's pacing, but they do seem to decide they have feelings for one another toward the end of the book. I will probably read book 3 in this series since I have managed to make it through the first two books, but I am hoping for more character development, faster pacing, and clear storyline resolution. All in all I think the author could have tightened this story up in one book like she does with the diPiaget and MacLeod books.
October 11, 2024
i had a fabulous time reading this but i cant deny that it had zero plot. they just wandered between the homes of their ancient and dazzlingly powerful relatives and had charming conversations but moved barely closer towards achieving their goal
September 26, 2018
What a beautiful cover, but you know the old adage about judging books...
January 19, 2018
I LOVE this series, but this is not a favorite book. However, I will read these as long as the author keeps writing them and they have a front and center place on my bookshelf (one of my bookshelves). This is book #11 in the series and they all take place in the Nine Kingdoms which is a land of magic and fantasy. I love being there! The way the series is written, three books feature one couple and their adventures. The next three books feature a different couple in the same world and the same adventure, sometimes simultaneous and sometimes one follows the other. The characters the reader already knows well enter into later books. The romance is light and would be appropriate for a young teen although I don't think they fit into the YA category because the characters are not teens.
This particular book is the second book telling the story of the Black Mage, Acair and Leirsinn who was a horse mistress in her uncle's stable. Acair is on a quest and not one that he wants to be on at all. He committed a terrible evil in two book prior to this one (attempted to draw all the magic from a country for himself) and has been punished for the past year by having to go across the Kingdoms apologizing for all the bad things he has done over the years. If that were not bad enough now he is on a quest where he can not use magic for one year (if he does he will be struck dead by a shadow that follows him everywhere). Yes, it's fantasy and it's wonderful. I just happened to not care as much for Acair and Leirsinn as I have for some of the others in the stories. I got tired of her constantly being in denial of magic (hard to be in denial after flying on a dragon that is really a shape shifting horse) She does have a "gift" herself but is in denial about that too.
Wonderful fun series, just not my favorite of the books.
This particular book is the second book telling the story of the Black Mage, Acair and Leirsinn who was a horse mistress in her uncle's stable. Acair is on a quest and not one that he wants to be on at all. He committed a terrible evil in two book prior to this one (attempted to draw all the magic from a country for himself) and has been punished for the past year by having to go across the Kingdoms apologizing for all the bad things he has done over the years. If that were not bad enough now he is on a quest where he can not use magic for one year (if he does he will be struck dead by a shadow that follows him everywhere). Yes, it's fantasy and it's wonderful. I just happened to not care as much for Acair and Leirsinn as I have for some of the others in the stories. I got tired of her constantly being in denial of magic (hard to be in denial after flying on a dragon that is really a shape shifting horse) She does have a "gift" herself but is in denial about that too.
Wonderful fun series, just not my favorite of the books.
February 22, 2018
Review written by Marie for Ever After Book Reviews!
Okay, I have to be honest. I had never read a book by Ms. Kurland until picking this one up. I know, I know… picking up the eleventh book in the series, am I crazy?! Yeah, probably. But I just had to see what all of the hype was about.
To be honest, it was confusing. I felt like I had been thrown in to a world I didn’t understand, with characters that I knew nothing about… you know, the usual, when you’re beginning something in the middle. There were so many references to what I can only assume was previous books, and I felt really… lost.
However, having been the odd man out, so to speak, I have to give the author some serious kudos. These characters, and this world, while unfamiliar to me, were extremely well-written. Even to the point where I found myself transitioning from completely lost in the forest, to lost in the plot… and in an extremely good way.
The story of Acair and Leirsinn was remarkable. It was full of energy and magic, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I sped through this book a lot quicker than I anticipated, and I was eager to complete it. It’s a journey of fantasy that’s engaging and full of… hope.
Had I not begun this series with book eleven, I’m not sure I would have been all in like I am now. Now, I have gone back and read the first two books and am getting ready to read the third. I am hooked, and honestly, can’t wait for what’s to come next.
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
Okay, I have to be honest. I had never read a book by Ms. Kurland until picking this one up. I know, I know… picking up the eleventh book in the series, am I crazy?! Yeah, probably. But I just had to see what all of the hype was about.
To be honest, it was confusing. I felt like I had been thrown in to a world I didn’t understand, with characters that I knew nothing about… you know, the usual, when you’re beginning something in the middle. There were so many references to what I can only assume was previous books, and I felt really… lost.
However, having been the odd man out, so to speak, I have to give the author some serious kudos. These characters, and this world, while unfamiliar to me, were extremely well-written. Even to the point where I found myself transitioning from completely lost in the forest, to lost in the plot… and in an extremely good way.
The story of Acair and Leirsinn was remarkable. It was full of energy and magic, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I sped through this book a lot quicker than I anticipated, and I was eager to complete it. It’s a journey of fantasy that’s engaging and full of… hope.
Had I not begun this series with book eleven, I’m not sure I would have been all in like I am now. Now, I have gone back and read the first two books and am getting ready to read the third. I am hooked, and honestly, can’t wait for what’s to come next.
***I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own***
October 21, 2017
I’ve never read Lynn Kurland but I’ve heard a lot of good things about her, and her books seem right up my alley. However, I should not have started with her book The Dreamer’s Song. I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley. I was intrigued by the description (“Acair of Ceangail, still dodging his reputation as a notorious black mage, has undertaken the ultimate quest: ridding the world of a mysterious, terrible dark magic while using no magic of his own. But he never bargained for three maddening complications: attempting to safeguard his beautiful but horse-obsessed companion, Léirsinn; trying not to slay a profoundly irritating prince of Neroche; and slipping in and out of places he knows will spell his doom if he’s caught.”)
In my experience this was definitely not a book for someone who had not read the previous 10 books in the series. There were many references to people and events that didn’t make sense to me and that were presumably from previous titles. The world building was too dense and unexplained for this newbie to the Nine Kingdoms.
In addition, I got tired of hearing how black Acair was, and his mother, when neither of them seemed “bad” in the least. Comments about expecting her to poison him and all the “terrible” things he has done weren’t borne out by behavior and deeds in this book.
And the bigger issue for me was I expected a complete story. The tale of Acair and Léirsinn ends very abruptly, presumably to be continued in book 12. I read 229 pages only to be left hanging.
Long-time readers of Lynn Kurland may love The Dreamer’s Song, but it was not the right book for me.
In my experience this was definitely not a book for someone who had not read the previous 10 books in the series. There were many references to people and events that didn’t make sense to me and that were presumably from previous titles. The world building was too dense and unexplained for this newbie to the Nine Kingdoms.
In addition, I got tired of hearing how black Acair was, and his mother, when neither of them seemed “bad” in the least. Comments about expecting her to poison him and all the “terrible” things he has done weren’t borne out by behavior and deeds in this book.
And the bigger issue for me was I expected a complete story. The tale of Acair and Léirsinn ends very abruptly, presumably to be continued in book 12. I read 229 pages only to be left hanging.
Long-time readers of Lynn Kurland may love The Dreamer’s Song, but it was not the right book for me.
December 19, 2017
When I chose to read this novel I will admit I choose it by the gorgeous cover and because I misread and thought it was the First book in the series by a favorite author. Unfortunately I misread the #11 as ONE and thus I started into this series without a bit of background and in the middle of a saga. And I again confess that I didn’t know what was going on - so right off the bat I must say that this is not a stand-alone book. And because I have been a huge fan of author Lynn Kurland for many years I hate giving this a less than favorable rating.
While I was lost for much of the story and not truly knowing who was the good guy over the bad guy, I can generally say that the young horse loving Léirsinn, was my favorite, and I did get to appreciate Acair after awhile specially after being introduced to his mother and grandmother during the latter part of the novel.
I will say that after a while I did begin to enjoy the book more towards the end than the confusion I felt in the beginning and feel I will definitely have to remedy my feeling on this series by starting over again at the beginning.
Marilyn Rondeau
While I was lost for much of the story and not truly knowing who was the good guy over the bad guy, I can generally say that the young horse loving Léirsinn, was my favorite, and I did get to appreciate Acair after awhile specially after being introduced to his mother and grandmother during the latter part of the novel.
I will say that after a while I did begin to enjoy the book more towards the end than the confusion I felt in the beginning and feel I will definitely have to remedy my feeling on this series by starting over again at the beginning.
Marilyn Rondeau
March 30, 2018
I have to admit that this one did not keep my attention like the others did.
I reread all the books ahead of this one to make sure I was up to date on everything that was happening. I found that to be a fantastic experience but I think I might have been a bit burned out with it when I started this one. (there are many similarities between each trilogy)
Though I enjoyed some of the exploits in this middle book, not a lot happens over all. It seems to be a lot of the same thing over and over again. I don't feel that the characters really developed in it, either individually or together. And there is a big cliffhanger - with out the next book available to read.
I am sure this book will become better with the next one to read afterward. It sets up the next one. I will definitely read the next on to find out what happens.
I reread all the books ahead of this one to make sure I was up to date on everything that was happening. I found that to be a fantastic experience but I think I might have been a bit burned out with it when I started this one. (there are many similarities between each trilogy)
Though I enjoyed some of the exploits in this middle book, not a lot happens over all. It seems to be a lot of the same thing over and over again. I don't feel that the characters really developed in it, either individually or together. And there is a big cliffhanger - with out the next book available to read.
I am sure this book will become better with the next one to read afterward. It sets up the next one. I will definitely read the next on to find out what happens.
January 3, 2018
Lynn is one of my most favorite authors and the Nine Kingdoms is a world that never dissapoints. The Dreamer's Song was no exception to this. As much as I didn't want to like Acair I can't help but be fascinated with the way he is changing throughout his and Leirsinn's story. Of course that is perhaps one of the most powerful gifts of Lynn's writing. She has a way of wrapping you up in this subtle and yet wonderful romance that makes you feel the characters without being smoothered in lust. I can't say exactly when it happened but as this book ended I was no longer thinking of Acair as a bad Mage. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what twists happen in the next book for Leirsinn and Acair.
December 9, 2017
A delightful read
Lynn Kurland has written a delightful installment in her Nine Kingdoms series. I'll be honest and say the first in this series wasn't my favorite because Acair was so insufferable. However, in this second book of the trilogy, circumstances and other characters combine to show why he has good reason for being the way he is, and allow him to exhibit more of his redeeming qualities (all the while denying he has any). In this book, Acair became surprisingly likeable. There are also some really fun twists, turns, and outright surprises that made this book hard to put down. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
Lynn Kurland has written a delightful installment in her Nine Kingdoms series. I'll be honest and say the first in this series wasn't my favorite because Acair was so insufferable. However, in this second book of the trilogy, circumstances and other characters combine to show why he has good reason for being the way he is, and allow him to exhibit more of his redeeming qualities (all the while denying he has any). In this book, Acair became surprisingly likeable. There are also some really fun twists, turns, and outright surprises that made this book hard to put down. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
January 18, 2018
This is book 2 in Acair and Leirsinn's story, which began with "The White Spell". I particularly enjoyed the clever repartee between the characters and the blossoming love story between the two protagonists. I also enjoyed getting a bit more of a look at Sollier, a mage who has figured in and out of all of the Nine Kingdom adventures. I found myself being just a bit frustrated, however, because this is an 'interim' book. The overall plot doesn't really move forward much and the reader doesn't learn very much about the secrets that everyone around this couple is keeping. If you're a Nine Kingdoms fan, you will enjoy the story, but don't look for any big revelations in the plot.
December 14, 2017
While reading the other trilogies in this series I never really thought I would come to like Morgan, Runach, and Riuth’s half-brother Acair. He has always been the villain until he put himself in front of a spell to save Aisling.
Now he has his own quest, with another added on top of the original, and you get to see a softer side of him. I love Lèirsinn. I love how she is the one to bring out the softer side of Acair and I love that she is not afraid of him and doesn’t let him leave her behind. I think I like that she asked to be changed to a mage
Now he has his own quest, with another added on top of the original, and you get to see a softer side of him. I love Lèirsinn. I love how she is the one to bring out the softer side of Acair and I love that she is not afraid of him and doesn’t let him leave her behind. I think I like that she asked to be changed to a mage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
2.25 Stars
I don’t know why I keep reading these books... I always really enjoy the first book in each installment, but then the series always goes downhill. :(
I love the Nine Kingdoms, and I thought the first book was finally something different and unique. But here we go again, the female protagonist always in disbelief of magic, blah blah blah. Please, please come up with some new inner dialogue in the next book, Ms. Kurland!
I do have to say I am happy (so far at least), that there is no “SURPRISE! You belong to this long lost kingdom!” nonsense.
I don’t know why I keep reading these books... I always really enjoy the first book in each installment, but then the series always goes downhill. :(
I love the Nine Kingdoms, and I thought the first book was finally something different and unique. But here we go again, the female protagonist always in disbelief of magic, blah blah blah. Please, please come up with some new inner dialogue in the next book, Ms. Kurland!
I do have to say I am happy (so far at least), that there is no “SURPRISE! You belong to this long lost kingdom!” nonsense.
December 13, 2020
Love Acair...But I kept humming the line from the song in The Little Mermaid, “Come on and Kiss The Girl”. LOL. This is a light-hearted romance with lots of adventure and great characters.
The only thing I’d recommend is that, if you haven’t just read the previous books, you might want to do a reread, just to refresh yourself on who some of the characters are. This is not a standalone so picking up from here may cause some confusion, just because some characters from the previous books show up! And that’s a good thing. 😉
The only thing I’d recommend is that, if you haven’t just read the previous books, you might want to do a reread, just to refresh yourself on who some of the characters are. This is not a standalone so picking up from here may cause some confusion, just because some characters from the previous books show up! And that’s a good thing. 😉
March 24, 2018
I still love this series but the story could be told with a lot less repetition. For example, the number of times she’s tempted to swoon at his good looks is absolutely unnecessary. A lot of things are stated repeatedly and it made the story drag on a bit in places. Maybe because we have to listen to the inner monologues of both the main characters? After two whole books of that I just want to know what happens next.
March 26, 2018
while i usually love kurland's books, these last few with Acair and Leirsinn have been just 'meh.' there is FAR too much that gives acair "aha" moments...as if he is just the most dim-witted of mages. but this just cannot be true given who kurland has written to be. therefore it just isn't believable. particularly when these 'brilliant' epiphanies are SO OBVIOUS it hurts. i usually can breeze through these books, but this one was a drag. and, unfortunately, their storyline isn't over yet.
January 18, 2020
More adventure and intrigue as Acair and Leirsinn travel together. He can not use his magic or he will die but he wants to protect the lovely Leirsinn. She wants to rescue her grandfather but in order to do that she must find the makers of certain spells. They continue to encounter danger as Acair's black reputation follow them on their journey. I've enjoyed this 9 kingdom trilogy. Lynn Kurland is one of my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2017
Enjoyed
The Book is well written in the typical style of fast clipped sarcastic comments within the characters, It does not disappoint to that end. Although the plot seems to drag on with the same story line, the same in counters and no new real surprise till the very end. Hopefully, the next book will have some surprises throughout the plot and have an extraordinary ending.
The Book is well written in the typical style of fast clipped sarcastic comments within the characters, It does not disappoint to that end. Although the plot seems to drag on with the same story line, the same in counters and no new real surprise till the very end. Hopefully, the next book will have some surprises throughout the plot and have an extraordinary ending.
May 5, 2018
I love this series. Acair is such a complex character. His confusion as he starts to question his black mage status is endearing. I suspect he will be a grey mage, always up to mischief and mayham but not murder. I have read it 3 times already. I wish we knew if we get the third book this year.
July 30, 2018
I’ve read all of Lynn Kurland’s books. This one she seemed to struggle to get it started. The first 4 chapters were painful for me to get through, then it picked up and finally got going. I had intended to give this a 2 star, since the story line picked up and there was a story to read. Slowly but eventually it got better. Now I’ll have to be patient for the next book in the series.
January 5, 2021
I am tempted to give this 4 stars because I did enjoy the story a lot. However, the main characters made me want to pull my hair out with how much they refused to except reality. Refusing, over and over, to admit what they felt about magic, each other, what was going on. It made me begin to not care despite how much I like this series.
February 21, 2022
Okay, that was quite enjoyable! I'm loving Acair more and more. This was an entertaining read full of wit and humor. Maybe some things were lacking, but honestly I didn't care because Acair was so fun and has some great lines. He does not disappoint.
January 10, 2018
I felt like the book was just getting good then I turned the page on my kindle and it was the end. Too disappointing! I don’t know if I’ll read more of this series of books.
February 11, 2018
Slow starting but once it got going it was the usual fun of the Nine Kingdoms series.
February 13, 2018
Characters
I love the way Lynn Kirk and has grown these two characters. I was surprised to see how well developed the story line and characters are.
I love the way Lynn Kirk and has grown these two characters. I was surprised to see how well developed the story line and characters are.
June 19, 2018
A bit too prosy
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