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Changing Magic #1
The Use
The Throne of the High King stands empty.... and so are the nurseries of the High Court Elves.
A solution to both must be found before the magic of the Empire fails.
Eioth, Lord of the North West, has found a very odd book sitting openly in a library. The Use and Complexity of Sex Magic is a scholarly study of that most obscure, frequently derided and almost unknown branch of magic.
For an Elemental Scholar of Eioth's rank and ability the exploration of Sex Magic begins as a simple exercise in curiosity ... soon it may become the solution to all the problems of the Empire.
But first he needs to find one special woman.
A solution to both must be found before the magic of the Empire fails.
Eioth, Lord of the North West, has found a very odd book sitting openly in a library. The Use and Complexity of Sex Magic is a scholarly study of that most obscure, frequently derided and almost unknown branch of magic.
For an Elemental Scholar of Eioth's rank and ability the exploration of Sex Magic begins as a simple exercise in curiosity ... soon it may become the solution to all the problems of the Empire.
But first he needs to find one special woman.
431 pages, ebook
First published November 7, 2011
97 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 4, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much, it has a high fantasy feel with elves and a strict class system. The mature advisory and description implies that it is erotica. Although the sex scenes are graphic, there are way fewer than I expected, and I don't know that I would classify it as such. For me, this is a good thing. There is a lot of politics and political manipulation near the end of the book.
The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue, and some of her roles are improbable as she moves up the caste system in this world. But this is a romance novel, so I forgive it some predictability.
Although this is the start of the series, it appear that the second book in the series features different main characters. Thus I feel like this book stands perfectly well alone.
The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue, and some of her roles are improbable as she moves up the caste system in this world. But this is a romance novel, so I forgive it some predictability.
Although this is the start of the series, it appear that the second book in the series features different main characters. Thus I feel like this book stands perfectly well alone.
July 7, 2025
Finished Reading December 30, 2015
4.75 stars
Are there problems with this book? Yes, a couple. But they are insignificant. Why? Because the story and the writing more than overcome them. I only remember 2 or 3 small editing problems & there is a section in the story that is bogged down just a bit.
However, DO NOT let what I just said keep you from reading this book! You would be missing out on a great adventure into a unique world filled with intrigue and amazing characters. This book is a treasure. With great skill the main characters, Eioth and Halidan, are created on these pages to become genuine, their world authentic and easily seen in your minds eye. So many elements brought together that will satisfy you on so many levels.
A Fully Satisfying Read!
Purchased from Amazon December 26, 2015
4.75 stars
Are there problems with this book? Yes, a couple. But they are insignificant. Why? Because the story and the writing more than overcome them. I only remember 2 or 3 small editing problems & there is a section in the story that is bogged down just a bit.
However, DO NOT let what I just said keep you from reading this book! You would be missing out on a great adventure into a unique world filled with intrigue and amazing characters. This book is a treasure. With great skill the main characters, Eioth and Halidan, are created on these pages to become genuine, their world authentic and easily seen in your minds eye. So many elements brought together that will satisfy you on so many levels.
A Fully Satisfying Read!
Purchased from Amazon December 26, 2015
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October 6, 2015
One of the problems with reading books on my Kindle is that I don't always remember authors' names, since they aren't constantly in front of me the way they are in a printed book. Consequently, I was worried about whether this awesome premise could be pulled off well by *any* author. If I had realized in advance that the author in question was also the author of Ridiculous, I would have had far less trepidation.
First, I've got to caution the reader that this book does contain descriptions of sex. That should be obvious from the blurb, but if it isn't, you've now been warned. On the other hand, this book does not contain anywhere near the copious amounts of really pointless sex that the average romance novel does. In fact, most of the episodes of sex are more-than-usually realistic (yes, just "comfortable" *snerk*) and also serve the purpose of examining the characters' relationship with each other, rather than merely providing random titillation.
But even more surprising to me than the proper use of sex (pun intended) was the fact that this story's fantasy universe actually *works.* It has a believable past and a logical present. It has its own literature and fashion. It has a religion that is neither awesome nor evil and that is taken believably for granted by the characters. And (impressively) it doesn't try to reach so far beyond the needs of the story that it becomes confusing. I look forward to finding out more about this universe (before too long, I hope), but this book gave me enough to understand the story at hand completely.
In short, I was amazed. And then, at the end, my Kindle popped up its little "buy other books by this author" thingy, and I realized that I already had. In addition to Ridiculous, I also spotted a novel that's been sitting around on my Kindle for a while--thus far unread, but not for much longer: First Destroy All Giant Monsters.
It's nice (and rare) to find an author who is so very much on one's own wavelength.
December 6, 2015
Fun and unexpected
Every time I thought to be disappointed by some fantasy or romance trope the author seemed to be employing, I was delighted to discover it be turned on its head. A wonderfully fun read, with a great understanding of the genre allowing the tropes to be usurped for good use.
Every time I thought to be disappointed by some fantasy or romance trope the author seemed to be employing, I was delighted to discover it be turned on its head. A wonderfully fun read, with a great understanding of the genre allowing the tropes to be usurped for good use.
January 27, 2016
Almost rated this four stars, and I'll get to why in a moment.But first, this is labeled as number one, and I would assume it is part of a series? Except, for the life of me, I couldn't find a sequel? I'm very disappointed in that. *Update: Totally found a sequel. It's listed on Amazon but not on Goodreads. The Changing Use of Magic. Not I'm off to go read that, too.*
Anyway, the world this book is set in is lovely and interesting. I would love to see more of it.
The plot was an interesting blend of fantasy and romance. Parts of it did seem to drag a little, and I don't know that I was sold on the romance. Which may have been due to the dialogue. At parts, the dialogue between the two main characters was borderline ridiculous and felt pretty unrealistic. It was the type of flowery dialogue that you wouldn't hear in real life but that seems very popular in romances. To me, it's disorienting and throws me out of the scene. It's also why I decided on three stars instead of four.
However, I don't want to end on a bad note, so I will say that the first attempt at the magic getting a little botched was nicely done.You can't expect things to go perfectly the first time. Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the world. I just thought the dialogue could be more natural.
Anyway, the world this book is set in is lovely and interesting. I would love to see more of it.
The plot was an interesting blend of fantasy and romance. Parts of it did seem to drag a little, and I don't know that I was sold on the romance. Which may have been due to the dialogue. At parts, the dialogue between the two main characters was borderline ridiculous and felt pretty unrealistic. It was the type of flowery dialogue that you wouldn't hear in real life but that seems very popular in romances. To me, it's disorienting and throws me out of the scene. It's also why I decided on three stars instead of four.
However, I don't want to end on a bad note, so I will say that the first attempt at the magic getting a little botched was nicely done.You can't expect things to go perfectly the first time. Overall, I enjoyed the plot and the world. I just thought the dialogue could be more natural.
March 21, 2013
Although this is not the genre that I typically pick up, I loved this book. Sometimes fantasy can be tedious for me because of extensive world-building details, which often detract from the story involved. That was not the case for this book though. The imagery and "world-building' was clear without being obtrusive. I LOVED the love story between the two main characters and I truly hope that the author continues their story with a series.
January 1, 2016
I couldn't put it down
A story of deceit and love. It was heart warming to follow the life of Halidan. From being a teacher, losing her position and her father in a matter of days. Not knowing where she would or what she would do with her life, her prospects were dim. Then she receives an offer of employment from a High Lord which leads to.....
A story of deceit and love. It was heart warming to follow the life of Halidan. From being a teacher, losing her position and her father in a matter of days. Not knowing where she would or what she would do with her life, her prospects were dim. Then she receives an offer of employment from a High Lord which leads to.....
April 2, 2012
Loved it! Sexy, fun, well-written, entertaining. Can't wait for D.L. Carter's next book to come out.
August 16, 2012
I didn't finish. It was terrible and cheesy.
February 28, 2013
I enjoyed the book and am glad there are more coming.
March 15, 2015
Something to do with magic or trick is interesting, because it makes us motivated to get it and guess the mystery is in it.
August 30, 2017
Stayed up late to finish reading. Such an imagination D.L. Carter has! Mortal Halidan tor Ephraim doesn't know what she's in for when she catches the eye of High Lord Eioth (High Court Elvan), who is a bit randy after finding and reading an obscure book about Sex Magic. He's impressed by her intellect and knowledge. They are both lonely individuals who find themselves falling in love. There are some short yet explicit sex scenes, but that is not the focus of the story. There is the court intrigue of a wannabe High King. There is the discovery of unpleasant and astonishing reminders of Eioth's late (dead some 60 years) father's hatred of his own son. There is the warming loyalty of body guards "collected" by Halidan. More!
March 17, 2020
A good fantasy story. I liked the characters and it was an interesting world. I didn't always buy into the relationship between the two main characters but they did work well together. The problems in their relationship were built on realistic different viewing of the circumstances that are a result of class and cultural povs instead of contrived misunderstandings.
The amorous adventures of the bastard rogue were funny. I love that a solution to a major plot point was found in those stories.
The amorous adventures of the bastard rogue were funny. I love that a solution to a major plot point was found in those stories.
May 13, 2020
Really enjoyable story. I loved the characters (though just occasionally Halidan seemed to be contrary for the sake of it), appreciated greatly the growing self-knowledge and redemption of Eioth, and thought the sex scenes were well done and benefitted from actually mattering to the plot. The world-building was interesting, and the magic systems intriguing. I am looking forward to the next book (which I bought immediately on finishing this one), and fear for my sleep tonight as well.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
June 11, 2017
Hated it
The world of these elves were ruled but prejudice and abuse the the moral and mix blood races. The high Lord had no control over his own house very clearly his servents didn't listen to him or respect him and he just let it slide by saying that he hated the head servent. The heroine a complete prude with no redeeming qualities. I could not finish reading it just made me angry.
The world of these elves were ruled but prejudice and abuse the the moral and mix blood races. The high Lord had no control over his own house very clearly his servents didn't listen to him or respect him and he just let it slide by saying that he hated the head servent. The heroine a complete prude with no redeeming qualities. I could not finish reading it just made me angry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2017
I had started this with some trepidation because of the 'adult content' advisory at the beginning of the book as 'erotica' is not a genre that appeals to me.
But there was a distinct plot and story line that held my interest and thankfully there were very few 'steamy' passages.
The lead female character tended to get a bit irritating at times but her intelligence and love of books made up for it.
But there was a distinct plot and story line that held my interest and thankfully there were very few 'steamy' passages.
The lead female character tended to get a bit irritating at times but her intelligence and love of books made up for it.
May 14, 2019
a decent read but it wavered periodically and there was at least one rather important continuity error that I noticed even in the midst of a sinus infection. I see that there's another edition that claims to have been reedited so ymmv. I can't even remember when I purchased this but know it was before the new edition. I find myself unwilling to spend five bucks on a new edition just to find out if it's been fixed.
okay for aayesha
okay for aayesha
July 14, 2019
Wonderful fantasy an romance
I love all of D. L. Carter’s books but this is one of my favorites. The heroine is smart and fun and the hero is a great match for her. I find myself not only wanting more books with these characters but wanting to read the, alas nonexistent, novels quoted at the beginnings of each chapter.
I love all of D. L. Carter’s books but this is one of my favorites. The heroine is smart and fun and the hero is a great match for her. I find myself not only wanting more books with these characters but wanting to read the, alas nonexistent, novels quoted at the beginnings of each chapter.
September 17, 2018
Loved this book, am a big fan of D.L. Carter! Enjoy the writing of "Ridiculous Series", as well as other Carter's books. I liked the style of writing, the characters and plots. Looking forward to book 2!
December 2, 2019
A fantasy twist on the billionaires secretary story.
This is a story of elves & magic, sex & politics. A lot of the book is erotica with a medieval fantasy theme but the actual story is quite interesting too so worth a read.
This is a story of elves & magic, sex & politics. A lot of the book is erotica with a medieval fantasy theme but the actual story is quite interesting too so worth a read.
April 10, 2020
What a great book
I am so glad I discovered D. L. Carter books. I have really enjoyed all three I have read. I know if you enjoy a good romance novel of just a darn good story, you will like this book.
I am so glad I discovered D. L. Carter books. I have really enjoyed all three I have read. I know if you enjoy a good romance novel of just a darn good story, you will like this book.
August 18, 2017
Loved it!
This was a really good book! I am looking forward to the next in the series. Good characters and interesting plot
This was a really good book! I am looking forward to the next in the series. Good characters and interesting plot
July 24, 2020
This book introduces a creative magic system, conflict between to 'races' and a nice character arc for the protagonists.
July 23, 2021
A great book
I couldn't put this book down and that doesn't happen very often.
The writing is good and The Story flows
I couldn't put this book down and that doesn't happen very often.
The writing is good and The Story flows
July 28, 2021
Good story ...👏
Couldn't put it down... Good story . I would recommend that you read this book. I wanted it to go on and not end
Couldn't put it down... Good story . I would recommend that you read this book. I wanted it to go on and not end
January 23, 2024
Wonderful magic, never read anything like this before
March 23, 2017
I Adore DL Carter
My favorite stories for certain but in this one there is so much imagination as the author has included a snippet from another appropriate series of nine volumes of slightly nefarious romance & shenanigans of a grown man who was bastard child. Enveloped in a colorful world of fairy and mortal, a forbidden romance blooms and more trouble begins...very entertaining!!! Love it. <3
My favorite stories for certain but in this one there is so much imagination as the author has included a snippet from another appropriate series of nine volumes of slightly nefarious romance & shenanigans of a grown man who was bastard child. Enveloped in a colorful world of fairy and mortal, a forbidden romance blooms and more trouble begins...very entertaining!!! Love it. <3
February 17, 2013
Spoiler Alert
"The Use" is a typical fantasy love story with the ending clear nearly from page 1: some noble guy meets a low class lady that by some fantastical twist behaves and looks like a noblewoman. They get together, have sex and a child and the guy becomes king.
I have to admit though that Carter inserted some quite good detours otherwise I would have stopped reading right away.
But there are quite a few parts that seem quite illogical to me. For example how does a woman not know what it means to be in love (even being brought up by a very protictive father)?
The second issue I didn't like: all the book is about racism. Even though Carter seems to detest racism–here pictured between elves and humans—she still favours the idea of better and worse bloodlines (High Court & Low Court elves). The book is all about keeping the blood pure and not mingling bloodlines and not only as a point of view from the "bad guys". Halidan, the female main character, looks like an elven woman (implying that otherwise she wouldn't have been fit for Eioth).
Luckily I got the book for free on Amazon. Otherwise I would have regretted spending any money.
"The Use" is a typical fantasy love story with the ending clear nearly from page 1: some noble guy meets a low class lady that by some fantastical twist behaves and looks like a noblewoman. They get together, have sex and a child and the guy becomes king.
I have to admit though that Carter inserted some quite good detours otherwise I would have stopped reading right away.
But there are quite a few parts that seem quite illogical to me. For example how does a woman not know what it means to be in love (even being brought up by a very protictive father)?
The second issue I didn't like: all the book is about racism. Even though Carter seems to detest racism–here pictured between elves and humans—she still favours the idea of better and worse bloodlines (High Court & Low Court elves). The book is all about keeping the blood pure and not mingling bloodlines and not only as a point of view from the "bad guys". Halidan, the female main character, looks like an elven woman (implying that otherwise she wouldn't have been fit for Eioth).
Luckily I got the book for free on Amazon. Otherwise I would have regretted spending any money.
November 30, 2012
If you see the previous cover and title of this book, don't let it mislead you, as it is actually the name of one of the books read by a main character in the story... and not even the most interesting one book from which we see snippets.
This is a quite wonderful fantasy story that is set 'not in our world.' The characters are high court elves, low court elves, mixed race and mortals.
The laws of the land are not fair to all and the heroine finds out in a very personal way, just how imperfect they can be. In the course of events, she meets the hero and the results of their paths joining course are truly fascinating.
There is bigotry, political nonsense, diverting tales of yore, romance, love, betrayal, insanity and more. The world building is rich, giving you detail, without overloading you with information. The characters are well-rounded and I could have easily fallen in love with a number of them... and hated a few others.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
This is a quite wonderful fantasy story that is set 'not in our world.' The characters are high court elves, low court elves, mixed race and mortals.
The laws of the land are not fair to all and the heroine finds out in a very personal way, just how imperfect they can be. In the course of events, she meets the hero and the results of their paths joining course are truly fascinating.
There is bigotry, political nonsense, diverting tales of yore, romance, love, betrayal, insanity and more. The world building is rich, giving you detail, without overloading you with information. The characters are well-rounded and I could have easily fallen in love with a number of them... and hated a few others.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews