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D'Vaire #2
Sentinel's Dagger
Sentinels are as dangerous as they are mysterious. Not satisfied with the rumors that abound, the two necromancers at the Dragon Court of D’Vaire make the courageous decision to summon their soul bound assassins only to discover the two are mates. Ripped from isolation, Gavrael and Gedeon were never taught about matebonds. They quickly realize their old lives have ill-prepared them to understand the complexity of their new connection. Before the pair can grapple with the concept of loving, an old foe returns intent on settling the score against Grand Warlock Dra’Kaedan and the D’Vaire family. Gavrael and Gedeon soon discover it takes more than their trusty daggers to finally lay the past to rest.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2017
About the author
Jessamyn Kingley
54 books140 followersJessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.
Visit her website at: www.jessamynkingley.com
Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13768...
Visit her website at: www.jessamynkingley.com
Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13768...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2018
What a gorgeous cover. Can't take my eyes off it!!! That being said, I cannot rave about this book enough. Excellent world-building with layered characters and a great storyline that kept me riveted. I fell for Gavrael and Gedeon and, yes, for everyone else. I was glued to every word from beginning to end, and I absolutely can't wait for the next in this series. And Idris!!! Idris needs a book! Just saying...
September 10, 2017
Saying this book is weaker than the series' first is like saying that peanut-butter cups are weaker than butterfingers; they're both excellent, so I won't bother. The book was great.
The focus of this book is really on the characters, the two sentinels relationship and the continuing story of the other members of the D'Vaire family as revealed through the sentinels' eyes. Since this is essentially a romantic character study with only a minor antagonist subplot, that allowed the author to do something we rarely see in fiction regardless of genre: have a stupid enemy. So often are we subjected to an over-the-top criminal genius whose omnipotence (usually until the climax) is matched only by his or her omniscience that to read an antagonist featuring exactly zero of those traits was refreshing. Also, I really enjoyed the light-hearted and adorable prose, and you can certainly say that Kingley has quite an imagination.
The focus of this book is really on the characters, the two sentinels relationship and the continuing story of the other members of the D'Vaire family as revealed through the sentinels' eyes. Since this is essentially a romantic character study with only a minor antagonist subplot, that allowed the author to do something we rarely see in fiction regardless of genre: have a stupid enemy. So often are we subjected to an over-the-top criminal genius whose omnipotence (usually until the climax) is matched only by his or her omniscience that to read an antagonist featuring exactly zero of those traits was refreshing. Also, I really enjoyed the light-hearted and adorable prose, and you can certainly say that Kingley has quite an imagination.
November 29, 2020
Fun story, but I wish there were tighter plotting
I liked this book, but there are a couple of loose ends with this plot that I’m confused about. Why didn’t Dra’Kaedan recognize the area around Idris’ home since it was supposed to be so close to Mallent castle? And, for that matter, why didn’t anyone think to look for Latarian (or news of her) in her grandfather’s old domains? Why didn’t Dra’Kaedan feel the moment that he lost connection to Remy? Why does no one seem to care that an entire race of supernaturals is being imprisoned and isolated to only be used as tools for the necromancers?
These questions may be answered in future books, but I felt that they could/should have been addressed at some point in this book.
I liked this book, but there are a couple of loose ends with this plot that I’m confused about. Why didn’t Dra’Kaedan recognize the area around Idris’ home since it was supposed to be so close to Mallent castle? And, for that matter, why didn’t anyone think to look for Latarian (or news of her) in her grandfather’s old domains? Why didn’t Dra’Kaedan feel the moment that he lost connection to Remy? Why does no one seem to care that an entire race of supernaturals is being imprisoned and isolated to only be used as tools for the necromancers?
These questions may be answered in future books, but I felt that they could/should have been addressed at some point in this book.
May 23, 2019
Still having trouble with the writing style.
A good plot and world building but let down by inconsistencies and flat dialogue.
It's difficult to keep who's who straight but that could just be me.
The sex was over done and boring and read like bad porn.
But I find myself still curious about some of the cast so it looks like I'll read on lol
A good plot and world building but let down by inconsistencies and flat dialogue.
It's difficult to keep who's who straight but that could just be me.
The sex was over done and boring and read like bad porn.
But I find myself still curious about some of the cast so it looks like I'll read on lol
December 12, 2019
I can't tell if the writing got slightly better or if I just enjoyed the characters more than the first book but this is a solid 3.5. I'm rounding up to 4 because bonus points for not forcing an introvert character to suddenly become an extrovert because of a relationship.
Still no burning desire to continue the series but hey, I'm on a marathon at this point sooo I'm downloading book 3 now.
Still no burning desire to continue the series but hey, I'm on a marathon at this point sooo I'm downloading book 3 now.
October 19, 2020
A lot happens throughout this book. Blodwen finally gets up the courage with the help of her mate and family, to summon her sentinel Gavrael. Gavreal after being confined for ninety seven years in what I would call a prison since he can not leave his room. I honestly did not and still do not understand why the sentinels are confined away from anyone, even their own kind as it was never revealed as to why. It seems cruel and inhumane.
Gavrael does not know how to communicate as it evident from the moment he appears. I felt so bad for him. He’s sorely lacking in social skills. Blodwen’s mate decides to summon his sentinel as well who ends up being Gavrael’s mate. The majority of the story is Gedoen being mad at Gavrael and Gavrael struggling not to piss his mate off.
Latarian is back and devises a plan to get power but is thwarted and finally dealt with like she should have been at the beginning. The D’Vaires gain two new members as result. Idris a warlock and Edion a Cwylld elf who has suffered greatly.
Though I liked the story I felt Gavrael and Gedoen’s back and forth to be annoying as it seemed too drawn out to me, not to mention the way the sentinel’s are confined. I found the actual information about the sentinel’s to be severely lacking in this book but hope there’s more information to be uncovered in future books.
Great read.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
Gavrael does not know how to communicate as it evident from the moment he appears. I felt so bad for him. He’s sorely lacking in social skills. Blodwen’s mate decides to summon his sentinel as well who ends up being Gavrael’s mate. The majority of the story is Gedoen being mad at Gavrael and Gavrael struggling not to piss his mate off.
Latarian is back and devises a plan to get power but is thwarted and finally dealt with like she should have been at the beginning. The D’Vaires gain two new members as result. Idris a warlock and Edion a Cwylld elf who has suffered greatly.
Though I liked the story I felt Gavrael and Gedoen’s back and forth to be annoying as it seemed too drawn out to me, not to mention the way the sentinel’s are confined. I found the actual information about the sentinel’s to be severely lacking in this book but hope there’s more information to be uncovered in future books.
Great read.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
December 8, 2024
Much better than book one. A solid 3.
In this world necromancers summon their sentinel, an elite warrior, from another plane of existence to protect them when the shit hits the fan. Two necromancers who have never summoned their's before are living at the D'Vaire compound and decide to do so, one out of curiosity, the other to overcome her fear of them. That's how Gavrael and Gedeon are summoned from their gray, dreary, prison like world into the vibrant home of the D'Vaire clan. And surprise! They're fated mates!
I did like this book and the two MCs. As unmated sentinels, they never felt sexual attraction, or any connection to others. To suddenly have these feelings (and the physical reactions that follow) make a funny story full of miscommunication.
A solid story. On to the next.
In this world necromancers summon their sentinel, an elite warrior, from another plane of existence to protect them when the shit hits the fan. Two necromancers who have never summoned their's before are living at the D'Vaire compound and decide to do so, one out of curiosity, the other to overcome her fear of them. That's how Gavrael and Gedeon are summoned from their gray, dreary, prison like world into the vibrant home of the D'Vaire clan. And surprise! They're fated mates!
I did like this book and the two MCs. As unmated sentinels, they never felt sexual attraction, or any connection to others. To suddenly have these feelings (and the physical reactions that follow) make a funny story full of miscommunication.
A solid story. On to the next.
November 11, 2018
I did not love this book as much as the first, bust just barley.
This authors world building is fantastic, not only that but to me she is pretty unpredictable. When another author would have written the next book on someone already introduced to cast, this author decided to use to characters we haven’t met yet.
The only thing I didn’t like was how Gavrael was treated in the beginning of the book and how the author just let the blame fall on him because he didn’t know how “speak what he is thinking”. I don’t know it just didn’t feel right to me. The author makes us feel so bad for him and yet brushed it off with an easy conclusion....
This authors world building is fantastic, not only that but to me she is pretty unpredictable. When another author would have written the next book on someone already introduced to cast, this author decided to use to characters we haven’t met yet.
The only thing I didn’t like was how Gavrael was treated in the beginning of the book and how the author just let the blame fall on him because he didn’t know how “speak what he is thinking”. I don’t know it just didn’t feel right to me. The author makes us feel so bad for him and yet brushed it off with an easy conclusion....
October 25, 2019
Rating: 4 stars
While good, I didn’t like it quite as much as I did the first book in the series. I think the problem stemmed with Gavrael and Gedeon’s courtship. It was pretty painful to read. I really felt for Gavrael and his inability to communicate properly but it wasn’t easy to read. I also felt that Gedeon could have handled the situation better. The parts that didn’t deal with Gavrael and Gedeon’s mating were much better. I loved that we continue to get different character’s perspective not just the two MCs. So while not perfect it ultimately was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
While good, I didn’t like it quite as much as I did the first book in the series. I think the problem stemmed with Gavrael and Gedeon’s courtship. It was pretty painful to read. I really felt for Gavrael and his inability to communicate properly but it wasn’t easy to read. I also felt that Gedeon could have handled the situation better. The parts that didn’t deal with Gavrael and Gedeon’s mating were much better. I loved that we continue to get different character’s perspective not just the two MCs. So while not perfect it ultimately was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
December 30, 2018
Love this series!
Filled with magic and sorcery and dragons, this series makes you feel happy after reading it which is a win in my book! Loved to read of Gavreal and Gedeon’s new lives is the house of dragons and their mate bond. For two people trained to be protectors and assassins, neither imagined love would be in their future. They didn’t even know the meaning of the word before being summoned to the house. I love how we continue to read about former book’s characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!!
Filled with magic and sorcery and dragons, this series makes you feel happy after reading it which is a win in my book! Loved to read of Gavreal and Gedeon’s new lives is the house of dragons and their mate bond. For two people trained to be protectors and assassins, neither imagined love would be in their future. They didn’t even know the meaning of the word before being summoned to the house. I love how we continue to read about former book’s characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!!
July 22, 2019
2 necromancers find out they're mated and lo and behold, so are their sentinels.
This was one of the funnier reads of the series. The sentinels are fresh from the compound (where there is no real interaction with the outside world). They try to navigate the world they land in, while dealing with their relationship.
Another one with stellar world development and great family ties. Really enjoyed it.
This was one of the funnier reads of the series. The sentinels are fresh from the compound (where there is no real interaction with the outside world). They try to navigate the world they land in, while dealing with their relationship.
Another one with stellar world development and great family ties. Really enjoyed it.
April 17, 2019
Much better
Book 2 was much better than book 1.... I am truly fascinated with these characters... Poor Gav I felt all his anxiety and understood his fears... The plot thickens as more characters are introduced and I'm looking forward to the next book... The only thing I didn't like was I felt Lavandria got off to easy... She should have suffered for real! Off to book 3
Book 2 was much better than book 1.... I am truly fascinated with these characters... Poor Gav I felt all his anxiety and understood his fears... The plot thickens as more characters are introduced and I'm looking forward to the next book... The only thing I didn't like was I felt Lavandria got off to easy... She should have suffered for real! Off to book 3
October 24, 2019
While the main couple in this book is different, this book is a continuation from the characters & plot line developed in the first book. I really loved how all the characters from book one continue to have a relevant presence in this one! The main couple was adorable and I'm happy they got their HEA! This was a great sequel and I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
June 10, 2020
Second book of this series and seems like the author's style is characters who have lived for decades or even centuries thinking, feeling, and acting like teens and a plot driven by misunderstandings and lack of communication skills and bad decision-making by characters who have lived for decades or even centuries. Thrilling. Still better than the first book, though.
December 5, 2018
Greed and revenge....
They both will destroy you, if your not careful. This was a nice read, no a great book 2 in the D'Vaire series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
They both will destroy you, if your not careful. This was a nice read, no a great book 2 in the D'Vaire series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
January 2, 2020
This world is awesome
It's like all your magical folks in one book and it's awesome. This book gives you a satisfying HEA for our two main characters and gives you great glimpses into the characters we already loved
It's like all your magical folks in one book and it's awesome. This book gives you a satisfying HEA for our two main characters and gives you great glimpses into the characters we already loved
January 25, 2020
Still loving being on this world... loved the Sentinels ❤️
Read
January 6, 2024Gav & Gedeon. Sentinel and Sentinel
June 9, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
When I’d first read the first book in this series, I enjoyed it quite a bit; I loved the characters and the world building and pretty much liked the story the entire way through. So, when I‘d found there was a sequel out, I was excited to get back into the series. In the previous book, Sentinels were mentioned briefly but it was pretty well acknowledged that not much is known about them besides some very generalized information. In Sentinel’s Dagger, you get the chance to learn more about these elusive members of magic kind while wrapping up one of the major loose ends from the previous novel.
So, there was a lot I liked about this one. Like I said, not much was known about the Sentinels and I really relished the chance to see their ‘race’ expanded upon here. Gavrael and Gedeon were a great addition to the D’Vaire family; there were really polar opposites of each other in most ways but that also made them kind of perfect for each other. I loved Gavrael; he was the one character I was rooting for the entire book and I really liked seeing as he opened up and started to relax around the other members of the household. Things were also resolved with that #$*&! from the last book also and I liked the closure that finally gave to Dra’Kaedan.
On the downside of things, however, I found myself with a few problems regarding Gavrael and Gedeon’s relationship. It just felt totally one sided to me and I didn’t care for that at all. Gavrael did everything he could think of to make Gedeon happy, brought him food, cleaned up after him etc but I didn’t see that reciprocated and, after a while, Gedeon kind of seemed to be a bit of a selfish prat to me after a while. Also, the fact that all the characters let that stupid #$*&! pull of one last ridiculous stunt at the end instead of just hogtieing her immediately upon discovery just irked me something terrible. I mean, come on guys; you know she’s an evil witch and yet you still turn your backs to her. *shakes head*
Overall, despite my nit picking, I liked the story and enjoyed my foray back into the world the author has created. If you enjoy fantasy and are looking for something between high fantasy and urban fantasy, this could be one you’ll enjoy. I’d recommend reading the first book, however, as the events that take place in it directly affect things that happen in this one.
When I’d first read the first book in this series, I enjoyed it quite a bit; I loved the characters and the world building and pretty much liked the story the entire way through. So, when I‘d found there was a sequel out, I was excited to get back into the series. In the previous book, Sentinels were mentioned briefly but it was pretty well acknowledged that not much is known about them besides some very generalized information. In Sentinel’s Dagger, you get the chance to learn more about these elusive members of magic kind while wrapping up one of the major loose ends from the previous novel.
So, there was a lot I liked about this one. Like I said, not much was known about the Sentinels and I really relished the chance to see their ‘race’ expanded upon here. Gavrael and Gedeon were a great addition to the D’Vaire family; there were really polar opposites of each other in most ways but that also made them kind of perfect for each other. I loved Gavrael; he was the one character I was rooting for the entire book and I really liked seeing as he opened up and started to relax around the other members of the household. Things were also resolved with that #$*&! from the last book also and I liked the closure that finally gave to Dra’Kaedan.
On the downside of things, however, I found myself with a few problems regarding Gavrael and Gedeon’s relationship. It just felt totally one sided to me and I didn’t care for that at all. Gavrael did everything he could think of to make Gedeon happy, brought him food, cleaned up after him etc but I didn’t see that reciprocated and, after a while, Gedeon kind of seemed to be a bit of a selfish prat to me after a while. Also, the fact that all the characters let that stupid #$*&! pull of one last ridiculous stunt at the end instead of just hogtieing her immediately upon discovery just irked me something terrible. I mean, come on guys; you know she’s an evil witch and yet you still turn your backs to her. *shakes head*
Overall, despite my nit picking, I liked the story and enjoyed my foray back into the world the author has created. If you enjoy fantasy and are looking for something between high fantasy and urban fantasy, this could be one you’ll enjoy. I’d recommend reading the first book, however, as the events that take place in it directly affect things that happen in this one.
January 11, 2023
Book two of the D'Vaire Coven series lives up to the promise of book one. Although the center is two new characters, the author takes the time to flesh out most of the characters of book one (with the exceptions being Dra'Kaeden's brother and Aleksander's male cousin. They seem a bit one dimensional, thrown in when a reaction is needed).
Blodwen and Trystan call their sentinels and Gavrael and Gedeon are welcomed into the clan. Gedeon is an almost instant fit. But Gavrael has trouble fitting in and articulating his needs. It gets no better when Gav and Geddie recognize each other as mates. Gav's fears and inability to speak without insulting the man almost ends the mating before it begins.
With a little familial interference, and stubborness on Geddie's part, the two are finally on their way to a HEA.
A good read. An enjoyable series.
Blodwen and Trystan call their sentinels and Gavrael and Gedeon are welcomed into the clan. Gedeon is an almost instant fit. But Gavrael has trouble fitting in and articulating his needs. It gets no better when Gav and Geddie recognize each other as mates. Gav's fears and inability to speak without insulting the man almost ends the mating before it begins.
With a little familial interference, and stubborness on Geddie's part, the two are finally on their way to a HEA.
A good read. An enjoyable series.
March 30, 2020
I loved the first book in the series but it took me longer to warm up to this book. I liked it but did not love it as much as the first. I would say the first 70% was 4 stars but the last 30% was 5 stars. Update 2/27/20. Having reread this book I am changing my rating to 5. I love this series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews