Lover of Thorns and Holy Gods

Master of Crows #2.5

by Grace Draven

A trilogy of short stories from the worlds of 'Entreat Me' and the Master of Crows and Wraith Kings series.

Strong Blood: Ballard de Sauveterre (from 'Entreat Me') crosses time to share a drink with Silhara of Neith (from Masters of Crows) and discovers a connection that spans generations.

Crow Awakened: A short follow-up to 'The Brush of Black Wings' in which a terrified Silhara finally learns why his beloved wife Martise is fading before his eyes.

A Matter of Trust: A cultural divide is resolved in the most delightful way between Brishen and Ildiko Khaskem. Takes place after 'Radiance' and before 'Eidolon'.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Short Stories, Novella, Magic, Anthologies

45 pages, ebook

First published July 20, 2016

About the author

I'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.

I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.

Reviews

[Saswati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Matter Of Trust: 3.75 stars 🌟✨

After finishing and loving Radiance, I needed another glimpse of one of my favourite couples!

This short read set between books 1 and 2 in the Wraith Kings series wasn't at all what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. 💖

[Seffra · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Thanks so much to Grace Draven for bestowing upon me this wonderful collection of her short stories!

These short stories were filled with fluff. Fluff so pure and beautiful that had me grinning from ear to ear as I read Draven's wonderful words.



STRONG BLOOD

I've read this story quite a while back when Grace released this on her website. Although, I did quite enjoy re-reading this story since I loved Ballard and I want more of that man. Silhara and Ballard together in one scene was awesome to read. I also loved how funny they were together too. They were just two men bonding over their awesome wives.

CROW AWAKENED

Oh man, oh man, oh man... I was not prepared for this one!!!! Silhara and Martise were awesome in Master of Crows and The Brush of Black Wings . So reading about them after these wonderful stories was awesome. I loved returning to their world and once again meeting Anya and Gurn. This story was great in the sense that we get to experience Silhara's love for his wife once again and it was pure magic. I won't spoil why Martise's health is deteriorating because that reveal in itself was a beauty.


A MATTER OF TRUST

WOOOOOOOAAAHHHHHH



GRACE DRAVEN, I was not prepared for this steamy...and I mean STEAMY interlude between Brishen and Ildiko when I cracked their story open!

There's something about this couple that just makes me fall in love with them all over again once I read their names. I love Brishen something fierce and Ildiko is a great woman. These scene was amazing and I loved seeing them do mundane things like getting ready for bed, going to dinners etc. I love how Brishen and Ildiko interact with one another. It's done with such ease yet there is still some trepidation there because of what occurs in this story. Their love story was a slow burn in Radiance but their intensity seriously shows after they've found where they're supposed to be with one another. I love these too so much!

All in all, these stories deserve the 5 stars because of how awesome and seamless the writing is. These couples deserve this, "fluff" as I call it, because they've all been through so much hardships whether it be Demons, tortures and curses. Grace Draven still holds that gift, that magic in her writing and I will never stop reading her beauties!

[Talltree · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars only for the Brishen/Ildiko story

[RedL. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 Ildiko and Brishen forever! stars

I have been in a Grace Draven roll, and first-time scenes as well, apparently. This short-stories compilation from the worlds of Entreat me, Master of Crows and Radiance, was a morsel-treat, yet still a treat and I really enjoyed it. It is always a pleasure to see more of beloved couples and get curious of new ones.

I haven’t read Entreat me yet but the opening Strong Blood made me definitely curious, that Louvaen descends from Silhara would be enough reason for me to do so. She sounded a bit like a bully but I’m not surprised considering the genes, and the way Ballard is totally taken with her, I’m sure theirs will make for interesting romance. And I got to see a bit more of Silhara, bonus point!

Crow Awakened made me giggle. I just knew THAT was what was going on with Martise. Once again I was welcomed by their love and devotion, by Silhara’s strong feelings in every situation, his fear of losing his wife and by his amazing magic. I know he's an asshole for a lot of people, I like him, I understand him. I can’t wait to see more of their future together!

Brishen and Ildiko, as usual, stole all my fangirl squeeing in their A Matter of Trust. A delicious, hot little scene with pitiless sex gossiping, curiosity and a first oral sex moment for Brishen. I love those two sooo much, I can never have enough of their companionship and intimacy. Yep. Keep them coming!

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

For one more time I'm amazed by GD's talent. How complicated and intricate are her stories and how deep she knows her characters...

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like old friends

It has been awhile since I have read the three Grace Draven novels affiliated with these short stories, but it was like visiting old friends. All the personalities and peccadilloes just shine through. Look at me, I am smiling. :-)

[Tiffany Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and adore anything this woman writes, and these glimpses are just as wonderful! I've already had the pleasure of reading CROW AWAKENED and STRONG BLOOD in the past, but if you haven't, you might be a little lost, so it's best if you were to read MASTER OR CROWS and ENTREAT ME so you can familiarize yourself with the characters and story. Grace entwined these worlds together with many years apart, and you won't be disappointed!

Now for A MATTER OF TRUST, I was completely tickled by this! I couldn't keep the smile from my face as I read the gossip of the human women that made Ildiko blush and raise her curiosity. Scenes between Ildiko and Brishen are some of the most tender, sweet, and loving moments I've ever read. A friendship blossomed into real love, and this gave us a glimpse of something very intimate between two lovers. It's a wonderful addition/surprise! Be sure to read RADIANCE if you have not!

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three short stories from three of Grace Draven's worlds. Two of them are among my favourite retreats when I'm in a bad mood, the third is something that's been on my to-read list for quite some time. If you loved Louvaen and Ballard (Entreat Me) and Ildiko and Brishen (The Wraith Kings series) you'll love this book. Just like I did! Warning: Ildiko and Brishen's story contains some explicit sex so you might want to skip reading it in public ;)

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthology of Shorts and extras;

Strong Blood ** 2 stars
This is just a short slice of life story where Silhara (from Master of Crows) meets with Ballard (from Entreat Me) for magical trade. Their conversation veers sideways after a few drinks into stories of their wives. Cute.

Crow Awakened **** 4 stars
A short extra to 'A Brush of Black Wings'. It's predictable but still wonderfully tender and romantic.
Silhara fears for his wife's health...

A Matter of Trust, (Wraith King 1.5) ***** 5 stars
This wasn't what I was expecting. Super sexy...

[Jeffe Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three terrific short stories from Grace Draven (caveat: writing buddy and dear friend), each giving a window into the three different series worlds she has currently going. And, at long last, THAT scene between Ildiko and Brishen I'd been waiting for!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories for three books I adored. It was nice to get a little more of our favorite characters. You don’t need to read this if you don’t feel like it but I love Grave’s work so much, I had to.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ for 'A Matter Of Trust'

I've only read the last out of the three little stories here, as it is the only one set within the Wraith Kings series. It's just a couple of scenes of Ildiko and Brishen together after the ending in Radiance, but before Eidolon begins.

It was sweet, and spicy, and all around a wonderful addition to this fantastic fantasy romance.

4 / 5 ⭐️

[Jess • justpeachyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

giggling over the title now that I know where it came from lol

super cute and short HEA bonus chapter/Hallmark special collection for 3 of my favorite Grace Draven books 🤗

[Ahlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Brishen/Ildiko story

[Natah•There's NO such thing as Too Many Books• · Rating 4 out of 5]

re read 27/02/2022

keeping the rating below <3

----------------------------

Strong Blood: 5 stars because I love Ballard so much. Nice twist about Louvaen.
Crow Awakened: 2 stars, still don't care for Silhara and Martise.
A Matter of Trust: 5 stars for the best couple ever! HOT HOT HOT!!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Matter of Trust :

Do I live for Idilko/Brishen smut?
...
You bet your grey Kai ass I do.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only one of these lovely stories was new to me; but I happily read all three and loved them all again.

I cannot wait for Serovek and Anhuset's story...

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for A MATTER OF TRUST

The story is so short??? I WANT MORE-

but anyway I love it. Gimme more bonus scenes of Ildiko and Brishen navigating married life.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 2 novellas were good, interesting and can't wait to see where this all fits in later on.
The Brishen and Idilko novella, MWAH CHEFS KISS I love them, so good and spicy.

[j · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet ❤️

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Three lovely short stories from different Draven worlds. I'd read and enjoyed the first, Strong Blood, previously.

The second, Crow Awakened, features Silhara and Martise from Master of Crows. In it, Silhara is frantic that his beloved Martise is dying and he is determined to save her. Their love and devotion for each other shine through as they face their fears.

The final story, A Matter of Trust, revisits one of my favorite couples, Brishen and Idilko from Radiance. In this story, a visit with a neighbor and a group of gossiping women raise some intriguing questions for Idilko that she is eager to explore with Brishen.

All in all, three very short but delightful vignettes with some of Draven's best characters.

[Becca Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me at BRISHEN AND ILDIKO and that was that. Theirs was the only story I read, but it was worth buying the whole thing for that alone, for it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Classic Brishen in all his loving delightfulness that makes you wanna take him home and keep him. Classic Ildiko in all her pluckiness and intrepidness that makes you wanna cheer for her even in the slices of life.

[Melindeeloo]

If you are a Draven fan you'll have already read two of the three short stories here. The new one is an Idilko and Brishen quickie. My favorite is one of the oldies Crow Awakened a nice Silhara and Martisse story that ties to her second Wraith King book.

[Z-squared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just a little book of short stories, one each about characters from Grace Draven's other books, namely Entreat Me, the Master of Crows series and the Wraith Kings series, which starts with Radiance.

Having just finished Radiance, I wanted another short little dose of Brishen and Ildiko, so I grabbed this one. All three stories are sweet little pieces, written for pleasure's sake rather than to tell any great story. I didn't care. I really enjoyed all three, although you really need to read the three books linked about to get that enjoyment from there.

A small warning, where the blurb about Brishen and Ildiko's story talks about cultural differences, to be totally honest here, it's about sex. A really sweet and fun story about sex, but there's not a lot else to it. Just enjoy it for what it is.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a set of three short stories. There are two from Master of Crows and one from Wraith Kings. The Wraith Kings one doesn't add anything in particular to the series. The two Master of Crows ones do add to the timeline of the series. I did enjoy the stories and am glad I picked this up. I'm about to read book three of Wraith Kings, so when I saw I had this I thought I should read it. I can't say I would recommend paying money for this but if you pick it up, I think you'll enjoy a little gimps at these great characters.

[Diandra Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silhara, está desesperado com a saúde de Martise, mas apesar de o mago saber muitas coisas, lhe escapam algumas bem óbvias e esse conto é sobre isso.
Apesar de minúsculo, é bom. Poderia ser bem clichê, por causa do tema, mas não foi. Bela cena final.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved revisiting these worlds and characters, though I do wish the stories themselves were a little longer. They really are short stories, when I went in expecting novellas.

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars based only on A MATTER OF TRUST .

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matter of trust
Okay. This was hot 💀