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Tales from Verania #3
The Consumption of Magic
This edition is out of print. For current Paperback edition see: The Consumption of Magic
Sequel to A Destiny of Dragons Sam of Wilds faced the Dark wizard Myrin and lived to tell the tale. Granted, the battle left him scarred, but things could be a hell of a lot worse. It’s not until he reunites with Morgan of Shadows and Randall that he realizes just how much worse things could be. Because the scars have meaning and hint at Myrin’s true plans for Sam and the Kingdom of Verania. With time running out, Sam and his band of merry misfits—the unicorn Gary, the half-giant Tiggy, Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart, and the dragon known as Kevin—must travel to the snowy mountains in the North and the heart of the Dark Woods to convince the remaining dragons to stand against Myrin. Along the way, Sam learns secrets of the past that will forever change the course of the future. A reckoning is coming for Sam of Wilds, and there is nothing he can do to stop it.
Sequel to A Destiny of Dragons Sam of Wilds faced the Dark wizard Myrin and lived to tell the tale. Granted, the battle left him scarred, but things could be a hell of a lot worse. It’s not until he reunites with Morgan of Shadows and Randall that he realizes just how much worse things could be. Because the scars have meaning and hint at Myrin’s true plans for Sam and the Kingdom of Verania. With time running out, Sam and his band of merry misfits—the unicorn Gary, the half-giant Tiggy, Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart, and the dragon known as Kevin—must travel to the snowy mountains in the North and the heart of the Dark Woods to convince the remaining dragons to stand against Myrin. Along the way, Sam learns secrets of the past that will forever change the course of the future. A reckoning is coming for Sam of Wilds, and there is nothing he can do to stop it.
450 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2017
330 people are currently reading
4593 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Klune
68 books60.5k followersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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April 30, 2018 Updated 4/30/18:
The audiobook for The Consumption of Magic, narrated by Michael Lesley, is live!
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Th...
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Consumption-Ma...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
The audiobook for The Consumption of Magic, narrated by Michael Lesley, is live!
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Th...
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Consumption-Ma...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
March 26, 2018
Okay, let's just get the elephant in the room out in the open, shall we?
In the last book, David's dragon laid a huge prophecy out to gnaw on our brains.
A warning. All of you will not survive until the end. There will be loss, Sam. And it will burn like nothing has ever burned before. You must remember to keep in the light, even when the dark begins to curl around your feet.Then Sam spent the rest of that book pondering on the fact that, unless something truly miraculous happens, someday Ryan will die and he will be left alone. And he outright refused to let that happen, EVER.
So in this book, there was this gigantic, ominous shadow clouding the story.
Sam knew that the star dragon had guaranteed that at least one of them would die and that Ryan, the love of his life and cornerstone, would be his greatest loss.
And doesn't that shit just bring a story right on down, folks?
Yet, for the majority of this story, when I wasn't worrying about who might die, the story felt pretty upbeat, with tons of humor and snark, which I loved. It was almost like revisiting "The Lightning-Struck Heart" again. At least for me.
I particularly loved the prologue of the book, which retold the story of Morgan rescuing Sam from the slums, but in significantly more detail than we were given before. I adored that entire section of the book and seeing "Nox" in the periphery there, Lord, all the feels.
In the first 85% (or so), the story stresses the camaraderie and love between all of the people in Sam's life and it was truly epic. It actually made me forget about most of the foreboding shit that could hit at any given moment.
We saw that Gary and Kevin were still fighting, but beginning to get over themselves, Justin was starting to soften a bit and had even begun repairing his friendship with Ryan, much to Sam's big ole' jealous chagrin. Plus, we were starting to see a different side of Randall, other than him being cantankerous 24/7/365.
And the Lady Tina DeSilva was still a raging twatwaffle of the highest degree.
TJ also gave us a full-blown (slight pun intended) sex scene, and let me tell you, the man does NOTHING by half measure. He's normally all chaste and semi-virginal on-page, but sweet Jesus, of course he's going to take it over the top and write a *double-penetration* scene, the one time that he actually goes there.
And TJ, you rocked that shit, bitch! ;- )
We then found out more details as to how Morgan and Randall had imprisoned Myrin in the shadow realm and about a betrayal that led to his escape and subsequent rise in power.
Myrin himself only made the briefest of appearances on-page in this book; however, the impact while he was there, just... GOD. Talk about a game changer. : (
Yes, the events of the last 15% of the story TRULY SUCKED DONKEY BALLS. Big time. It was painful and awful and not to be repeated, but probably necessary to cement the seriousness of the threat that Myrin represented to the lives of *everyone* in Verania.
The epilogue made me want to buy a ticket to Virginia to hunt TJ down, but the "Sam?" at the very end of the book made me pull up short on that thought.
Overall, this was an amazingly entertaining and very touching story of friendship, love and loss, which I loved so hard, you wouldn't believe.
So I'd rate it at a solid 4.5 stars, only hesitating from giving it a full 5 stars due to the "I WANT TO FUCKING KILL TJ" factor.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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November 19, 2017
This is the the second (third?) book of the Destiny Fuck Yeah! trilogy, and I have been dying to get my hands on it. I have also been pretty nervous, about the hints TJ kept dropping.
He told us there were going to be some big changes in this book....He told us we would get to know Justin a bit better, and he warned us about the emotions we would be feeling while reading this one. He wasn't wrong....damn my emotions and Wookie Cry Face !!
This books opens right where "A Destiny of Dragons" left us. Now I am going to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, because I don't want to ruin things for all the readers, who are anxiously waiting to read this baby.
All you really need to know is, that even though there will be times you want to reach for a drink, there are also plenty of funny moments...
There will be some new and awesome characters introduced, and Sam's "best friend 5eva" Justin, plays a much bigger part in this one (I can't help but love that broody little prince!!)
![[crop output image]](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1511087313ra/24481506.gif)
There is an amazingly sexy and (dare I say) "kinky" sexscene, that I did not expect (though it made me very very happy) I don't even care that TJ wrote it just because he was annoyed :P
This book will make you laugh (ugly) cry and even scream, but in the end...I agree with my dear friend Susan ...it was neccesary.
I have very high expectations for the final book in this series, and thankfully TJ is not making us wait too long !!
I highly recommend this one, but don't forget...this is not a stand alone and you will need to start with the most awesome book of all books "The Lightning Struck Heart" !!!
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
October 27, 2017
I will summarize my entire reading experience of this book in one sentence.
Just one.
Here it is: TJ is a RAT BASTARD!
He warned us. He said we'd want to kill him after what he does in Book 3, and that's why Book 4 would be published only a few months behind it.
Believe him.
If I didn't love his writing so much, I'd be sending him hate mail.
But I digress......
I liked this one better than Book 2. It's got a maturity to it that shows Sam's growth. (And, yes, I said maturity even though this group regularly talks about incest, bestiality, and gang bangs as running jokes). Spoiler - Gary doesn't really know what bestiality means and has been using it wrong!
Not only is there a maturity to Sam's thoughts and POV, this story was written so that there was another side character. It was a shadow. It was darkness. Klune, in the way that he has shown his talent before, weaves this shadow lurking around every word. Every action. Every thought. I never let my guard down, not for the entire book. There was always this sense of foreboding. It was done really well.
Sam and Ryan are still as in love as ever (and getting kinkier, btw). Gary and Kevin are still as ridiculous as ever. Tiggy is still as loveable as ever.
And guess who played much bigger roles in Book 3? Randall and Justin. I dug it. They are becoming more integral to the story arcs.
And then it happened. The other shoe dropped. I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew what would happen.
I've survived Wolfsong, FFS, I can survive this.
It wasn't the level of angst of Wolfsong, IMHO, but it was different than that book.
It's where he left it.
And then he leaves us with the blurb for Book 4. Strategic man, he is. It's spoilery. Don't you dare skip to the end of this story to read it!
But now I'm scared. I'm scared about where he left off. I'm scared about the fallout of what has happened. And I'm scared for Book 4.
Devious, evil genius.
Just one.
Here it is: TJ is a RAT BASTARD!
He warned us. He said we'd want to kill him after what he does in Book 3, and that's why Book 4 would be published only a few months behind it.
Believe him.
If I didn't love his writing so much, I'd be sending him hate mail.
But I digress......
I liked this one better than Book 2. It's got a maturity to it that shows Sam's growth. (And, yes, I said maturity even though this group regularly talks about incest, bestiality, and gang bangs as running jokes). Spoiler - Gary doesn't really know what bestiality means and has been using it wrong!
Not only is there a maturity to Sam's thoughts and POV, this story was written so that there was another side character. It was a shadow. It was darkness. Klune, in the way that he has shown his talent before, weaves this shadow lurking around every word. Every action. Every thought. I never let my guard down, not for the entire book. There was always this sense of foreboding. It was done really well.
Sam and Ryan are still as in love as ever (and getting kinkier, btw). Gary and Kevin are still as ridiculous as ever. Tiggy is still as loveable as ever.
And guess who played much bigger roles in Book 3? Randall and Justin. I dug it. They are becoming more integral to the story arcs.
And then it happened. The other shoe dropped. I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew what would happen.
I've survived Wolfsong, FFS, I can survive this.
It wasn't the level of angst of Wolfsong, IMHO, but it was different than that book.
It's where he left it.
And then he leaves us with the blurb for Book 4. Strategic man, he is. It's spoilery. Don't you dare skip to the end of this story to read it!
But now I'm scared. I'm scared about where he left off. I'm scared about the fallout of what has happened. And I'm scared for Book 4.
Devious, evil genius.
October 29, 2017
"Because it’s always been you, Sam. I promise. I promise. I promise, because when I look upon these stars, there is nothing I wish for more than you."
Did you hear that sound? It was the sound of my heart shattering . And that other sound? That would be TJ cackling, the evil rat-bastard. I'm not going to tell you why my heart is in bitty bits on the floor, though. I wouldn't do that to you. Or to TJ. Lets just suffice it to say I want book 4 right the frak now! Also, I might be plotting TJ's demise...just a little. But don't worry, I'll give TJ a chance to redeem himself -- we'd better get an EPIC happy at the end of book 4, though. Just sayin'.
Where do I even begin with this review? The Consumption of Magic was everything I hoped it would be, and also everything I feared it would be...scratch that...TJ managed to show me fears I didn't even know I had.
"Stone crumbles."
If there's a theme I can pin down here, it would be 'consequences'. Sam has to face the consequences of, not only his actions, but also the past actions of Morgan and Randall. Mistakes have been made and secrets kept and feelings of betrayal cut deep.
Sam learns, though. He does. He sees the hypocrisy of being angry over secrets kept from him, even as he keeps secrets of his own. The weight of the prophesy and all the consequences he must face threaten to crush him, but Sam pushes on because he must.
"“In the end,” [...] “it is about the choices you make. Never forget that.”
We still have our Merry Band of Misfits (I capitalized it, so you know it's a thing) and TJ's trademark banter, for both comedy relief and because Sam would never succeed without them. Gary, Tiggy (my favorite half-giant ever), Kevin, and, of course, Ryan, who is the reason that Sam pushes on. Even Justin has a role to play in The Consumption of Magic and, I totally did not expect this, but Justin is becoming more likable. He, too, has grown into himself.
The Consumption of Magic felt even more epic than it's predecessors; heavier, darker. I carried with me a feeling of foreboding for the entire length of the book; holding my breath and just waiting. And our Sam of Wilds has grown as a person, so much. Remember, this is Sam's Hero's Journey. His quest. His destiny. TJ managed to both surprise me and leave me in shock. He pulls no punches, here.
In fact, I am left reeling at the ending of The Consumption of Magic. And I hate TJ just a little bit for putting me through that. And by a little, I mean I am feeling a bout of glitter-rage coming on.
Verdict: The Consumption of Magic was even better than A Destiny of Dragons and packed a stronger emotional punch. A punch I'll probably be feeling for days to come.
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ARC of The Consumption of Magic was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2020
4.5 Hearts
I’m going to keep this short and simple. If you love Klune and if you want adventure and epic love and magic, then pick up this series or don’t delay in finishing it!!
In essence, my review is just me reiterating what I’ve said for the first two installments. Though there are a multitude of shenanigans and inappropriateness and sheer madness, at its core this series is all about family, friends, and love made better and possible through the goodness of one zany wizard apprentice who is the glue that holds things together.
As always, Michael Lesley wonderfully brings this story to life with his unbelievably talented narration, giving distinct voices to every character, some who are now indelibly branded into my brain and whom I’ll never ever forget - most notably Kevin, Gary, and Tiggy (I love you big guy and giants rule)!
Klune doesn’t shirk on the emotions, the humor, and never on the feels that range from swoony to devastating to sheer amazement as to what he has created here!
Whether you read this or listen or both, hold onto your seats for one entertaining ride! This is definitely a buildup to the grand finale coming up in A Wish Upon the Stars, as this concludes with a gawd awful punch to the gut and heart. I so look forward to seeing the bad guys get their due comeuppance in only the grand style that I know Klune will deliver!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
I’m going to keep this short and simple. If you love Klune and if you want adventure and epic love and magic, then pick up this series or don’t delay in finishing it!!
In essence, my review is just me reiterating what I’ve said for the first two installments. Though there are a multitude of shenanigans and inappropriateness and sheer madness, at its core this series is all about family, friends, and love made better and possible through the goodness of one zany wizard apprentice who is the glue that holds things together.
As always, Michael Lesley wonderfully brings this story to life with his unbelievably talented narration, giving distinct voices to every character, some who are now indelibly branded into my brain and whom I’ll never ever forget - most notably Kevin, Gary, and Tiggy (I love you big guy and giants rule)!
Klune doesn’t shirk on the emotions, the humor, and never on the feels that range from swoony to devastating to sheer amazement as to what he has created here!
Whether you read this or listen or both, hold onto your seats for one entertaining ride! This is definitely a buildup to the grand finale coming up in A Wish Upon the Stars, as this concludes with a gawd awful punch to the gut and heart. I so look forward to seeing the bad guys get their due comeuppance in only the grand style that I know Klune will deliver!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for a honest review
November 13, 2024
Relisten #9
The dragons in this series are the best characters ever written lol.
Relisten #8
♥️😭♥️😭♥️😭♥️
relisten #7
All of you will not survive....
Relisten #6
Still a jerk
Relisten #5
TJ you're still a jerk 😭😭
Relisten #4
TJ KLUNE IS A JERK!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Relisten #3
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Relisten #2
OMG THIS BOOK HAS ALL THE FEELS 😭😭😭😭😭
The friendships, the love, the suspense, the betrayal, the hurt!!! Especially the hurt.
If you've read this book you'll know what I'm talking about.
Sam is on a quest to harness the dragons of verania, and defeat The Man in Shadows.
He has mostly succeeded, but not before his heart breaks😭
Also Justin😍. I love that little asshole so much.
Can I petition that Justin and Moishe end up together? I have a feeling that Moishe is a Prince or something who's in hiding.
The dragons were all so cool here. Randall was very Randally
Last but not least.... the sex scene.
Ya'll.... I know TJ wrote it just to spite a reader who called him out on his low steam books. And can we say #NailedIt? Because holy shitballs it was HAWT.
Fin
The dragons in this series are the best characters ever written lol.
Relisten #8
♥️😭♥️😭♥️😭♥️
relisten #7
All of you will not survive....
Relisten #6
Still a jerk
Relisten #5
TJ you're still a jerk 😭😭
Relisten #4
TJ KLUNE IS A JERK!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Relisten #3
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Relisten #2
OMG THIS BOOK HAS ALL THE FEELS 😭😭😭😭😭
The friendships, the love, the suspense, the betrayal, the hurt!!! Especially the hurt.
If you've read this book you'll know what I'm talking about.
Sam is on a quest to harness the dragons of verania, and defeat The Man in Shadows.
He has mostly succeeded, but not before his heart breaks😭
Also Justin😍. I love that little asshole so much.
Can I petition that Justin and Moishe end up together? I have a feeling that Moishe is a Prince or something who's in hiding.
The dragons were all so cool here. Randall was very Randally
Last but not least.... the sex scene.
Ya'll.... I know TJ wrote it just to spite a reader who called him out on his low steam books. And can we say #NailedIt? Because holy shitballs it was HAWT.
Fin
May 5, 2018
TJ Klune has long hinted that we would be mad at him by the end of this book. There is a lot that happens to build off where we've been in The Lightning-Struck Heart and A Destiny of Dragons and, because it's the penultimate in Sam's trilogy (quadrilogy?), it brings the reader much closer to what seems to be building toward the inevitable ending.
I've promised no spoilers. Which is so hard - you don't even know. BUT SO NECESSARY. I mean it, I went into this only knowing the hints TJ's been giving over the last few months as I'vestalked followed his blog and Facebook page, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I wouldn't have wanted someone to warn more about what happens in The Consumption of Magic, because, even though it damn near killed me, it fits so brilliantly into this story.
So what can I tell you? Well, I can give you hints TJ himself has let slip -
* I can tell you Prince Justin is back with the group in a major way and he's redeemed a lot (in my opinion)...
* I can tell you that Consumption has some of the biggest action scenes from the series...
* I can tell you the mated Northern Dragons are everything you could hope they'll be and more...
* I can tell you it has the longest sex scene TJ's ever written...
* I can tell you it has some twists that you won't see coming.
* And I can tell you by the time you finish you will have run through an entire gamut of emotions: You will laugh, gasp, hope, and suffer from Wookiee Cry Face.
This was my initial reaction after reading -
I'm having a hard time processing my feelings for this. I'm absolutely fucking heartbroken. I know they are just characters, but I have read and listened to the stories in this series so often I could recite whole chapters verbatim. And I love these characters, okay? I love them. And this...I thought I could see it coming. I thought I knew what was going to happen. I didn't. Not at all. And my fucking heart. is. broken.
5 devastated stars
These were my emotions while reading this:
This is NOT a standalone. Get the others. Read this. READ THIS.
RECOMMENDED
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania #3) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
“How did you think this was going to end?” Randall asked, as if he had all the time in the world. “What did you think you were going to accomplish here?”
I've promised no spoilers. Which is so hard - you don't even know. BUT SO NECESSARY. I mean it, I went into this only knowing the hints TJ's been giving over the last few months as I've
So what can I tell you? Well, I can give you hints TJ himself has let slip -
It's funny and action-packed and sad and ridiculous and things will happen that you won't see coming, things that will change Verania forever.
* I can tell you Prince Justin is back with the group in a major way and he's redeemed a lot (in my opinion)...
* I can tell you that Consumption has some of the biggest action scenes from the series...
* I can tell you the mated Northern Dragons are everything you could hope they'll be and more...
Dragons sucked. I couldn’t believe I used to be so enchanted by them.
Fuck them. Fuck them all.
* I can tell you it has the longest sex scene TJ's ever written...
* I can tell you it has some twists that you won't see coming.
* And I can tell you by the time you finish you will have run through an entire gamut of emotions: You will laugh, gasp, hope, and suffer from Wookiee Cry Face.
This was my initial reaction after reading -
I'm having a hard time processing my feelings for this. I'm absolutely fucking heartbroken. I know they are just characters, but I have read and listened to the stories in this series so often I could recite whole chapters verbatim. And I love these characters, okay? I love them. And this...I thought I could see it coming. I thought I knew what was going to happen. I didn't. Not at all. And my fucking heart. is. broken.
5 devastated stars
These were my emotions while reading this:
A warning. All of you will not survive until the end. There will be loss, Sam. And it will burn like nothing has ever burned before. You must remember to keep in the light, even when the dark begins to curl around your feet.
This is NOT a standalone. Get the others. Read this. READ THIS.
RECOMMENDED
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania #3) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 8, 2018
How can people actually hate a wizard apprentice who is a hilarious twink with best friends who are a gay unicorn and half giant?
I mean, come on? What's not to LOVE?
But, it is happening in this book. There is a group of anti-Sam protesters rising in the city who are petitioning the king to kick his ass to the curb. They even started throwing tomatoes as Sam walked by.
"The ... fruiting," Morgan said, lips twitching, "was an unfortunately misguided attempt at protest by the group known as the We-Hate-Sam-A-Lots."
Those bitches! Well, unless they were just trying to get Sam to eat healthier. Maybe that's what it was.
Oh, except the name gives them away. Nope, I have to stay with my original thoughts.
Those bitches!
So, in this book things go a little downhill for our gang. I guess it was bound to happen eventually. Things can't be giggles and sunshine and rainbows all the time. Although I have to wonder why not? Why do bad things have to happen to good twinks? I guess that's a question that philosophers will be trying to answer for the rest of time.
I'm just saying. This book is like one of those "special" episodes of Blossom or whatever. Where Joey gets testicular cancer and loses all his hair in chemo and shit..? (Did you miss that one?)
Just, ugh!
Does everything have to get all dark and depressing?
Wow. Okay, so I see the answer to my question is Yes. If the f-ing printer can't stay out of the dark abyss of depression, then what are our odds?
Obviously, by now, you are understanding that this book has a darker tone than the others in the series. Bad things happen. Feelings and angst are everywhere. I think they even take a side-trip to Hot Topics on their way through the haunted forest.
Dammit Mom! It's NOT a phase! I NEED that Nightmare Before Christmas dress to express myself. I will totally wear it when I'm older. Please give me my allowance for doing nothing but sitting in my room listening to My Chemical Romance and writing my poetry!
Anyway...
Yeah, it gets sad. And, it ends sad.
It's a good thing the world news is so cheerful right now, huh?
um, so on to the next book where the damn happy, love, and rainbows better return or I'll cut a bitch.
Oh. Well.
That's much better. I feel better now.
Thank you, internet! You are my best friend.
I mean, come on? What's not to LOVE?
But, it is happening in this book. There is a group of anti-Sam protesters rising in the city who are petitioning the king to kick his ass to the curb. They even started throwing tomatoes as Sam walked by.
"The ... fruiting," Morgan said, lips twitching, "was an unfortunately misguided attempt at protest by the group known as the We-Hate-Sam-A-Lots."
Those bitches! Well, unless they were just trying to get Sam to eat healthier. Maybe that's what it was.
Oh, except the name gives them away. Nope, I have to stay with my original thoughts.
Those bitches!
So, in this book things go a little downhill for our gang. I guess it was bound to happen eventually. Things can't be giggles and sunshine and rainbows all the time. Although I have to wonder why not? Why do bad things have to happen to good twinks? I guess that's a question that philosophers will be trying to answer for the rest of time.
I'm just saying. This book is like one of those "special" episodes of Blossom or whatever. Where Joey gets testicular cancer and loses all his hair in chemo and shit..? (Did you miss that one?)
Just, ugh!
Does everything have to get all dark and depressing?
Wow. Okay, so I see the answer to my question is Yes. If the f-ing printer can't stay out of the dark abyss of depression, then what are our odds?
Obviously, by now, you are understanding that this book has a darker tone than the others in the series. Bad things happen. Feelings and angst are everywhere. I think they even take a side-trip to Hot Topics on their way through the haunted forest.
Dammit Mom! It's NOT a phase! I NEED that Nightmare Before Christmas dress to express myself. I will totally wear it when I'm older. Please give me my allowance for doing nothing but sitting in my room listening to My Chemical Romance and writing my poetry!
Anyway...
Yeah, it gets sad. And, it ends sad.
It's a good thing the world news is so cheerful right now, huh?
um, so on to the next book where the damn happy, love, and rainbows better return or I'll cut a bitch.
Oh. Well.
That's much better. I feel better now.
Thank you, internet! You are my best friend.
October 28, 2017
I was a bit disappointed in the second book. That’s why I was so happy I loved this one! I felt like everything was finally coming together. While book 2 was all gloom and doom, this one felt more hopeful.
I’ll put the rest in a spoiler tag, even though I won’t say anything about the plot. I just know that most people don’t want to know a thing.
I absolutely loved the path this book took and after reading the blurb of the final book I already know it will be amazing. There is so much potential for awesomeness.
This has turned out to be an amazing series (I was a bit doubtful after reading the second book, but we're right on track with this one!), and I can’t wait for the next book. I need it NOW!
------------------------------
An ARC of The Consumption of Magic was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I’ll put the rest in a spoiler tag, even though I won’t say anything about the plot. I just know that most people don’t want to know a thing.
I absolutely loved the path this book took and after reading the blurb of the final book I already know it will be amazing. There is so much potential for awesomeness.
This has turned out to be an amazing series (I was a bit doubtful after reading the second book, but we're right on track with this one!), and I can’t wait for the next book. I need it NOW!
------------------------------
An ARC of The Consumption of Magic was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 12, 2021
Book: The Consumption of Magic
Author: T.J. Klune
Type: Book 3 in 'Tales from Verania'
POV: First Person - Sam
Genre: MM Fantasy Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!
Age: Sam - 21; Ryan - 26.
Holy shit! In true Sam style, I can't even with this book right now. That was a hell of a roller coaster ride, full of failure, lust, love, heartbreak, and sacrifice.. T.J. Klune did it yet again. 'The Consumption of Magic' had it all: suspense, intrigue, romance, action, and mystery. You name it, it's there. I laughed (hysterically), I cried (okay I sobbed), and I went "aaawwww" so many times I lost count. The characters were great, the storyline was hilarious and surprisingly heart wrenching which I did not expect. I laughed one minute and cried the next and man, did this one had a sexy surprise in it. Whew, I'm fanning myself just thinking about it. I simply adore this whole world. It was pretty much the whole package for me. I’m absolutely thrilled with this story, and whether you read the book or listen to the audio version, I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy romance. It’s not too light, not too dark, and definitely sexy.
Only Sam could come up with that one. Somehow he has worn his way into my heart. Sam and his band of misfits. He’s not just funny, he is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough of him. His journey has been beautiful and heartbreaking. The last 10% of this book had my crying (read sobbing). I was absolutely riveted. Yes, this will have tears sneaking out of your eyes before you notice them. Totally unexpected, but worth it. My emotions are shredded by that cliffhanger. I just... Why?? Why did he have to die?? I so didn't expect that. It left me wanting more. I love reading this series--it’s a great mindless escape filled with witty banter, fun characters, and some romance. Such fun!
I've felt at a loss on how to explain my feelings for these books as I've read them. When picking up a series such as this one, I'm always a little wary/nervous. Because I've started so many of them but I start to lose interest somewhere along the way. That was not the case with this one. I really enjoyed all the books and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love the last one too. Overall, I thought this was a great continuation of this series. I am enjoying these characters more and more as the story evolves.
My favorite scenes;
1.
2.
3.
4.
Follow my blog for more reviews: Crazy, Candid Chattering
Author: T.J. Klune
Type: Book 3 in 'Tales from Verania'
POV: First Person - Sam
Genre: MM Fantasy Romance
Rating: 4 Stars!
Age: Sam - 21; Ryan - 26.
Life is like this: it aches. It’s biting, and you ache from it. You are strong, because they tell you that you are. You are stronger than anything they’ve ever seen. You have to be. It is what is expected of you.
Holy shit! In true Sam style, I can't even with this book right now. That was a hell of a roller coaster ride, full of failure, lust, love, heartbreak, and sacrifice.. T.J. Klune did it yet again. 'The Consumption of Magic' had it all: suspense, intrigue, romance, action, and mystery. You name it, it's there. I laughed (hysterically), I cried (okay I sobbed), and I went "aaawwww" so many times I lost count. The characters were great, the storyline was hilarious and surprisingly heart wrenching which I did not expect. I laughed one minute and cried the next and man, did this one had a sexy surprise in it. Whew, I'm fanning myself just thinking about it. I simply adore this whole world. It was pretty much the whole package for me. I’m absolutely thrilled with this story, and whether you read the book or listen to the audio version, I highly recommend it to fans of fantasy romance. It’s not too light, not too dark, and definitely sexy.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I would love it,
If I could put my penis in you.
Only Sam could come up with that one. Somehow he has worn his way into my heart. Sam and his band of misfits. He’s not just funny, he is absolutely hilarious and I cannot get enough of him. His journey has been beautiful and heartbreaking. The last 10% of this book had my crying (read sobbing). I was absolutely riveted. Yes, this will have tears sneaking out of your eyes before you notice them. Totally unexpected, but worth it. My emotions are shredded by that cliffhanger. I just... Why?? Why did he have to die?? I so didn't expect that. It left me wanting more. I love reading this series--it’s a great mindless escape filled with witty banter, fun characters, and some romance. Such fun!
“You are not doing this,” Ryan growled. “I’m not going to just stand there and watch while you flirt with a man who’s not even as big around as my cock.”
“Oh my,” Gary said, staring down at Ryan’s crotch. “Hello, Knight Commander.”
I've felt at a loss on how to explain my feelings for these books as I've read them. When picking up a series such as this one, I'm always a little wary/nervous. Because I've started so many of them but I start to lose interest somewhere along the way. That was not the case with this one. I really enjoyed all the books and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love the last one too. Overall, I thought this was a great continuation of this series. I am enjoying these characters more and more as the story evolves.
My favorite scenes;
1.
"Tell me of your conquest. Leave no details out."
Kevin must have heard the come fuck me in Gary's voice, because he leered down at him in a way that made me intensely uncomfortable.
"They came out of the trees," he purred, eyes flashing. "And I told them that if they didn't turn around and march themselves right back to where they'd come from, that they would draw their last breath upon the field in which they stood."
"Oh my," Gary whispered.
"You should just ignore his erection," I told Ryan.
Ryan looked scandalized. "I was until you said that."
"And then I pulled myself to my full height, my muscles rippling and glistening in the sunlight-"
"Why were your muscles glistening?" I asked. "That doesn't even make any sense."
Gary glared at me. "It makes perfect sense. Just because you lack an imagination doesn't mean the rest of us have to suffer along with you."
"I'm just saying. Why was he glistening? Did he rub oil on himself - I shouldn't have said that."
"That's exactly what I did," Kevin said. "I was glistening because of the oil that I spurted on myself in anticipation of battle. I was hot and hard and moist and shiny-"
"I can't stop staring at it," Ryan said.
"We were good while we lasted," I said to him. "I understand if you don't think I can satisfy you anymore after seeing it. I know you're a bit of a size queen."
2.
"You," the Great White said. "Dragon."
"Who is he talking to?" Kevin whispered to me.
I sighed. "You're the only other dragon here."
"Oh. Shit. Right. Okay. I've got this. Watch and learn."
"Wait! Don't do that weird thing where you talk like-"
"Greetings, O massive one," Kevin said. "I hear ye spaketh to me. I shall spaketh to thee in return so that thou and thine may spaketh together in conversationeth like dragons of old. Eth."
"Godsdammit," I muttered.
"I'm so good at negotiation," Kevin whispered to me.
"We're not negotiating!"
He ignored me. "Hear ye, hear ye, oh gigantic dragon! In exchangeth for your services in destroying the villain knowneth as Myrin, I offer to you a favor in return!"
"And what favor is this?" the Great White asked.
"Maybe you should stop talking," I suggested to Kevin. "Seeing as how he could eat us both in a single bite."
"Don't be ridiculous, pretty," Kevin said. "I'm a dragon. He's a dragon. We're practically best friends already. Besides, I know how to handle situations just like this." He raised his voice again as he addressed the Great White. "Thou are truly a gracious dragon. And I promise, no trickery to attract thou thither."
"That's not even a word!"
"It is so a word! Forgive him, oh significant one! He knoweth not of what he spaketh. He is a human, so therefore he is naturally stupideth and tiny and smells odd, but I like him, so I put up with him. Thou art understandeth me?"
3.
Lady Tina DeSilva is another story. One day, and one day soon, I will stand before her and have my revenge. She will plead for mercy, and I will deny her request and say unto her, "Behold, you cankerous bitch! I stand before you as your ending!"
I began to cackle evilly.
That lasted only a few seconds, because it sounded as if a small chicken was being strangled.
I made a mental note to work on my evil laugh.
4.
"And you're not going to read over my shoulder?" I asked him suspiciously.
It was the afternoon, and we were seated in the labs. I was hunched over my Grimoire, trying my best to hide the page that I'd randomly turned to away from him. (DEAR DIARY, I THINK RYAN SMILED AT ME TODAY. OR HE WAS SMILING AT SOMEONE BEHIND ME OR HE HAD GAS. I DON'T KNOW. IT WAS MADE OF ACTUAL SUNSHINE REGARDLESS.)
"I'm not going to read over your shoulder." He wasn't amused.
"Pinkie swear?" I asked, holding up said digit.
He glared at it like it was the most offensive thing he'd ever seen. Then, surprising the hell out of me, he extended his own pinkie, hooked it with mine, and shook our hands up and down twice.
I gaped at him as he dropped my hand.
"You tell anyone that I did that," he said, "and I'll reverse your anus."
"Meep," I said. "Okay, but follow-up question. Would it make me look like I had a tail or - and that must be your I'm About to Reverse Your Anus Face, so I'll just shut up now. And yes, before you ask, that was capitalized, so it's true now."
Follow my blog for more reviews: Crazy, Candid Chattering
April 3, 2018
**WOOT** I’m amazed to enjoy this tale so, so much, because, really, fantasy romances and quests with so many OTT characters, creatures and events are not my usual tastes. But NO ONE can write banter and OTT mixed with so many feels like TJ Klune.
And Holly Molly : this 3rd part of the Verania Tale is crazy, hilarious, swooning, fast-paced, riveting. But the weight of Sam’s destiny is looming and hurt, real hurt is coming.
No time to review more : I’m going straight to read book 4 with Josy. Do not disturb !!
**Note for Lisa : thank you s much for this present and for sure, you cannot have less fun than I had, yeah !!!. <3**
And Holly Molly : this 3rd part of the Verania Tale is crazy, hilarious, swooning, fast-paced, riveting. But the weight of Sam’s destiny is looming and hurt, real hurt is coming.
No time to review more : I’m going straight to read book 4 with Josy. Do not disturb !!
**Note for Lisa : thank you s much for this present and for sure, you cannot have less fun than I had, yeah !!!. <3**
March 29, 2025
✅ Characters
✅ Banter / Humor
✅ Found family
✅ Magic and dragons
✅ Betrayals
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
✅(🆗) Some lengths near the middle
❗️❗️ Kind of cliffhanger
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one(s), some blood and mild gore (mostly Kevin and Tiggy smashing people...)
Ouch.
That ending was tough.
This book is similar to the second one in the sense that Sam is focused on rallying the other dragons to him, and spends most of the book traveling to find them and convince them that he is a better option than letting Myrin take over Verania. The last part was much more intense though, things started to move quicker, and now I am just happy to have the fourth book on my Kindle already because that ending was just cruel and brutal.
Sam’s ramblings are as funny as ever. It kept the tone of the book light, despite things getting darker and more intense. The Darks are attacking, and people are dying, but we can always count on Sam to make us smile with his inane and unending ramblings. The fact that the others tend to follow suit just makes it even funnier. Funny ramblings aside though, I found that the middle part of the book felt a little long at times. Some inner monologues and conversations seemed a bit repetitive, or that just dragged on and I struggled to remain as invested in the book.
Sam and Ryan continue to show us what true love means. Their relationship is far from being perfect. They argue and keep secrets from each other (well, Sam keeps secrets more than Ryan…), but in the end, they always have each other’s back when it counts and they know they love each other despite the hardships they might encounter. There was not a lot of smut in this book, partially because Ryan and Sam were apart for a while, but what little smut we have is spicy and hot. There was a whole chapter dedicated to Sam and Ryan fucking the brains out of each other…
Justin is also warming up to Sam. It seems that nobody can resist his charms for long… Except maybe Lady Tina (iykyk). I loved seeing how Sam was adamant that Justin and him were now BFF, and how Justin pretended that he still hated Sam, but anyone could see that he was putting up a front. I think Justin got a taste of what it felt like to be a part of Sam’s crazy family and he liked it. He liked not being all alone anymore, and he also changed and matured a lot since the first book. I am eager to see him grow into the prince and future king he is meant to be, and I am also eager to see how he will deal with the aftermath of what happened at the end of this book.
Sam's found family remains at the center of this series, and it is a group we cannot help but fall in love with. They are all so intense, funny, and pure (well, some of them are). From Gary's angry bouts to Tiggy's pure heart, it is impossible not to love every moment they spend together. I also like how the group is slowly growing, they started with a trio and added Kevin, Ryan, and Justin, and it only made them stronger in the end... and a little crazier too.
Sam and Randall being forced to spend time together was more interesting than I thought it would be. They have a platonic grumpy x sunshine relationship and they made me laugh out loud many times. Randall is starting to warm up to Sam, or at least to show him that he might care about him… Just a little bit. He was also the one who was able to pry Sam’s secrets from him and make him understand that nothing good would come out of keeping those secrets from the ones he loved. I love that old grumpy wizard. He takes no shit from anyone and while he acts like a jerk to Sam most of the time, we can see that he means well, and he truly wants to help him and his group of friends.
The time Sam spent with Randall also allowed him to see things from Randal and Morgan’s perspective and helped heal their strained relationship.
This series is perfect for anyone looking for an epic yet hilarious adventure. It is full of humor and banter, with a wonderful found family, a lot of feelings, some badass magic, sassy dragons, and fighting too. I can’t wait to see where the fourth book takes us!
1. The Lightning-Struck Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Tragic Life of Lady Tina DeSilva ⭐⭐⭐
2. A Destiny of Dragons ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Banter / Humor
✅ Found family
✅ Magic and dragons
✅ Betrayals
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
✅(🆗) Some lengths near the middle
❗️❗️ Kind of cliffhanger
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one(s), some blood and mild gore (mostly Kevin and Tiggy smashing people...)
Ouch.
That ending was tough.
This book is similar to the second one in the sense that Sam is focused on rallying the other dragons to him, and spends most of the book traveling to find them and convince them that he is a better option than letting Myrin take over Verania. The last part was much more intense though, things started to move quicker, and now I am just happy to have the fourth book on my Kindle already because that ending was just cruel and brutal.
“Okay, here’s the plan. I’m going to try and talk our way out of this.”
“That is an awful plan.
Sam’s ramblings are as funny as ever. It kept the tone of the book light, despite things getting darker and more intense. The Darks are attacking, and people are dying, but we can always count on Sam to make us smile with his inane and unending ramblings. The fact that the others tend to follow suit just makes it even funnier. Funny ramblings aside though, I found that the middle part of the book felt a little long at times. Some inner monologues and conversations seemed a bit repetitive, or that just dragged on and I struggled to remain as invested in the book.
“Kiss-ass,” I muttered.
“I like you,” Randall said. “For now.”
“Eep,” Ryan said.
“You’re a knight commander,” I hissed at him. “Find your balls, Foxheart!”
Sam and Ryan continue to show us what true love means. Their relationship is far from being perfect. They argue and keep secrets from each other (well, Sam keeps secrets more than Ryan…), but in the end, they always have each other’s back when it counts and they know they love each other despite the hardships they might encounter. There was not a lot of smut in this book, partially because Ryan and Sam were apart for a while, but what little smut we have is spicy and hot. There was a whole chapter dedicated to Sam and Ryan fucking the brains out of each other…
Justin is also warming up to Sam. It seems that nobody can resist his charms for long… Except maybe Lady Tina (iykyk). I loved seeing how Sam was adamant that Justin and him were now BFF, and how Justin pretended that he still hated Sam, but anyone could see that he was putting up a front. I think Justin got a taste of what it felt like to be a part of Sam’s crazy family and he liked it. He liked not being all alone anymore, and he also changed and matured a lot since the first book. I am eager to see him grow into the prince and future king he is meant to be, and I am also eager to see how he will deal with the aftermath of what happened at the end of this book.
Sam's found family remains at the center of this series, and it is a group we cannot help but fall in love with. They are all so intense, funny, and pure (well, some of them are). From Gary's angry bouts to Tiggy's pure heart, it is impossible not to love every moment they spend together. I also like how the group is slowly growing, they started with a trio and added Kevin, Ryan, and Justin, and it only made them stronger in the end... and a little crazier too.
Randall ignored me, which was probably the best way to deal with me.
“You’re a good man, Sam. I know that I— I know that I don’t say it often. Or ever. But I am proud of you and the man you’ve become.”
I grinned at him. “Should we hug?”
He glared at me.
Sam and Randall being forced to spend time together was more interesting than I thought it would be. They have a platonic grumpy x sunshine relationship and they made me laugh out loud many times. Randall is starting to warm up to Sam, or at least to show him that he might care about him… Just a little bit. He was also the one who was able to pry Sam’s secrets from him and make him understand that nothing good would come out of keeping those secrets from the ones he loved. I love that old grumpy wizard. He takes no shit from anyone and while he acts like a jerk to Sam most of the time, we can see that he means well, and he truly wants to help him and his group of friends.
The time Sam spent with Randall also allowed him to see things from Randal and Morgan’s perspective and helped heal their strained relationship.
This series is perfect for anyone looking for an epic yet hilarious adventure. It is full of humor and banter, with a wonderful found family, a lot of feelings, some badass magic, sassy dragons, and fighting too. I can’t wait to see where the fourth book takes us!
1. The Lightning-Struck Heart ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.5 The Tragic Life of Lady Tina DeSilva ⭐⭐⭐
2. A Destiny of Dragons ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
November 22, 2020
Re-read 11/21/2020
The ending still makes me cry like a freaking baby. I swear. But I love them all so much!!!!!
Re-read 02/05/2020
Holy shit.
This is the worst. I'm a mess. That ending was still the hardest thing to read. Ever.
I'm still going to go cry in a corner. And fml because I'm probably going to start book 4 and I have work tomorrow. Ugh
___________
5 stars.
Edited to add: I hate myself. I just reread the ending. And now I'm bawling. Again. Dammit.
First of all, fuck you very much TJ.
I really, really, really hate you right now.
Because, seriously?
Why?
Just...why?
I mean...really?
I'm speechless right now. And heartbroken.
My eyes are leaking water as I think about what to write and start remembering everything I went through the last 20% or so.
But I will say this; The Consumption of Magic was so much better then the second book. And that much funnier. And so much more emotional. Honestly, I didn't think that could happen, but it did. Tiggy, Gary, Kevin, Ryan, Randall, Morgan, Justin and Sam were just the best thing ever. Their conversations, banter, journey is the funniest shit ever, I tell you.
If I haven't already mentioned it, I love Sam. I adore the hell out of this guy. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He really is what made this story so much more memorable and one that will stay with me for a long time.
I loved that TJ (I still hate you) focused on their relationship more this time around. That it wasn't just focused all the drama or the destiny (though it still was quite a lot lol). It was more serious. He showed us their ups and downs. Their adorable moments that made you swoon. The moments where you wanted to shake them and make them see some sense.
As much as I hate his guts right now and think he's an asshole, I can see where TJ was coming from. Even though he warned us that we'll hate him, I was not prepared at all. At. All. Which is one of the reasons why I have really high expectations for the next book. Because of what Klune put us through, the next one better be magical - no pun intended.
The ending still makes me cry like a freaking baby. I swear. But I love them all so much!!!!!
Re-read 02/05/2020
Holy shit.
This is the worst. I'm a mess. That ending was still the hardest thing to read. Ever.
I'm still going to go cry in a corner. And fml because I'm probably going to start book 4 and I have work tomorrow. Ugh
We were human. We breathed. We lived. We laughed. We broke. And in the end, we loved each other down to our very souls. We moved with a strange grace, the dance of life that pushed us together, and didn’t we just cling to each other? Didn’t we just hold on as tightly as we could in fear that at any possible moment, we’d be torn away?
___________
5 stars.
Edited to add: I hate myself. I just reread the ending. And now I'm bawling. Again. Dammit.
Life is like this: it aches. It’s biting, and you ache from it. You are strong, because they tell you that you are. You are stronger than anything they’ve ever seen. You have to be. It is what is expected of you.
First of all, fuck you very much TJ.
I really, really, really hate you right now.
Because, seriously?
Why?
Just...why?
I mean...really?
I'm speechless right now. And heartbroken.
“...I think this is bigger than just you or me. It’s my destiny. And I still hate that word so, so much. Because it’s not fair. I never wanted this. I never asked for this. But it was given to me, regardless.”
My eyes are leaking water as I think about what to write and start remembering everything I went through the last 20% or so.
But I will say this; The Consumption of Magic was so much better then the second book. And that much funnier. And so much more emotional. Honestly, I didn't think that could happen, but it did. Tiggy, Gary, Kevin, Ryan, Randall, Morgan, Justin and Sam were just the best thing ever. Their conversations, banter, journey is the funniest shit ever, I tell you.
“You’re not his mentor,” Ryan said. “Morgan is. Why would you need to teach him anything?”
Randall cocked his head at Ryan. Ryan blanched. “Uh. Why would you need to teach him anything, my lord head wizard Randall. Please don’t melt my face off.”
“Kiss-ass,” I muttered.
“I like you,” Randall said. “For now.”
“Eep,” Ryan said.
“You’re a knight commander,” I hissed at him. “Find your balls, Foxheart!”
...
“You came to Meridian City because you were worried about me.”
“Go fuck yourself,” he said coolly.
“Nah,” I said, ready to take our friendship to the next level. “I’ve got your ex-boyfriend for that.”
If I haven't already mentioned it, I love Sam. I adore the hell out of this guy. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He really is what made this story so much more memorable and one that will stay with me for a long time.
So I said Malakasham and Flora Bora Slam and Abra Wham, because everyone knew that you had to say magic words until magic happened.
I loved that TJ (I still hate you) focused on their relationship more this time around. That it wasn't just focused all the drama or the destiny (though it still was quite a lot lol). It was more serious. He showed us their ups and downs. Their adorable moments that made you swoon. The moments where you wanted to shake them and make them see some sense.
“Because it’s always been you, Sam. I promise. I promise. I promise, because when I look upon these stars, there is nothing I wish for more than you.”
As much as I hate his guts right now and think he's an asshole, I can see where TJ was coming from. Even though he warned us that we'll hate him, I was not prepared at all. At. All. Which is one of the reasons why I have really high expectations for the next book. Because of what Klune put us through, the next one better be magical - no pun intended.
November 25, 2017
Unicorn Gang Bang Review with my pals Chelsea and Ann!
That… Fucking… Asshole!
That was my first thought upon finishing this book. It was quickly followed by “Bastard!” and “He’s just a big ole meanie!” (all of which was said, of course, in the most loving way possible) My heart was shredded at the end of this story and I now have an unbridled need to read the next book as soon as possible.
I’m finding it hard to write a proper review without spoiling anything so I’m just going to tell you how I felt while reading. I went through the whole gamut of emotions and the notes I made pretty much speak for what I was feeling at the time.
It went something like this:
· Only TJ has the ability to make me laugh out loud while simultaneously breaking my heart.
· “Shit toast monkey fucker,” LOL!
· OMG!
· Stupid Knight Delicious Face and his stupid words making me cry.
· I ♥ Justin 5eva
· OMG Kevin!
· Damn you, Kevin! Making me cry
· OMG
· I hate everything right now
· OMG!!!!!
· AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· This is what made me wookie cry. Gah!
· That… Fucking… Asshole!
Now, after seeing this, you might be thinking The Consumption of Magic was nothing more than a big angst fest filled with tears and sadness, but it really wasn’t. For the most part, it was a light-hearted comedy that had me bursting into laughter at the most inappropriate moments. That is, when I wasn’t swooning at the heart melting romance. TJ pulled out all the stops with the romance in this one, my friends. Ryan made some of the most romantic proclamations that were so heartfelt I couldn’t help but shed more than a few tears, which was unfortunate for me as I read most of this at work.
To quote Gary:
Sam did a lot of growing up in this book. He’s still the adorable little asshole we’ve come to love, just maybe a tad more mature than in the previous installments. And his love for Ryan has grown even stronger than ever.
HaveHeart for life, motherfuckers!
TJ Klune is a Master Storyteller (capitalized so you know it’s true) who took my heart on the most amazing adventure. Yeah, it got a few bumps and bruises along the way, but it was returned mostly intact… mostly. I can’t wait to see what shenanigans he will think up next. All I can say is… bring it. I can take it. My heart is strong! I don’t need any hand-holding. I am a strong, independent unicorn who don’t need no mens… er… wait. *cough* Excuse me. Got a little carried away there for a minute. What was I saying? Oh. Yeah. That’s right.
Read this book!
See Chelsea and Ann's reviews on the blog!
That… Fucking… Asshole!
That was my first thought upon finishing this book. It was quickly followed by “Bastard!” and “He’s just a big ole meanie!” (all of which was said, of course, in the most loving way possible) My heart was shredded at the end of this story and I now have an unbridled need to read the next book as soon as possible.
I’m finding it hard to write a proper review without spoiling anything so I’m just going to tell you how I felt while reading. I went through the whole gamut of emotions and the notes I made pretty much speak for what I was feeling at the time.
It went something like this:
· Only TJ has the ability to make me laugh out loud while simultaneously breaking my heart.
· “Shit toast monkey fucker,” LOL!
· OMG!
· Stupid Knight Delicious Face and his stupid words making me cry.
· I ♥ Justin 5eva
· OMG Kevin!
· Damn you, Kevin! Making me cry
· OMG
· I hate everything right now
· OMG!!!!!
· AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
· This is what made me wookie cry. Gah!
· That… Fucking… Asshole!
Now, after seeing this, you might be thinking The Consumption of Magic was nothing more than a big angst fest filled with tears and sadness, but it really wasn’t. For the most part, it was a light-hearted comedy that had me bursting into laughter at the most inappropriate moments. That is, when I wasn’t swooning at the heart melting romance. TJ pulled out all the stops with the romance in this one, my friends. Ryan made some of the most romantic proclamations that were so heartfelt I couldn’t help but shed more than a few tears, which was unfortunate for me as I read most of this at work.
To quote Gary:
“You great big bag of assholes,” […] “How dare you say something romantic and sweet and wonderful like that!”
Sam did a lot of growing up in this book. He’s still the adorable little asshole we’ve come to love, just maybe a tad more mature than in the previous installments. And his love for Ryan has grown even stronger than ever.
But even with all of that, even with the weight of everything resting upon my shoulders, I didn’t regret anything that had led me to this moment. To this man standing in front of me.
HaveHeart for life, motherfuckers!
TJ Klune is a Master Storyteller (capitalized so you know it’s true) who took my heart on the most amazing adventure. Yeah, it got a few bumps and bruises along the way, but it was returned mostly intact… mostly. I can’t wait to see what shenanigans he will think up next. All I can say is… bring it. I can take it. My heart is strong! I don’t need any hand-holding. I am a strong, independent unicorn who don’t need no mens… er… wait. *cough* Excuse me. Got a little carried away there for a minute. What was I saying? Oh. Yeah. That’s right.
Read this book!
See Chelsea and Ann's reviews on the blog!
March 24, 2018
*4,5 stars*
So much love, so much pain, so much dark and light, and so much craziness.
Yes, this book went out on a punch to the guts. But I expected that after the reviews ...the cliffhanger ... and that was also the reason why I waited, waited AND WAITED all this time to read it. Because ... not knowing meant I could sleep for four months. I still timed it badly. It's another four days until the final book is coming out.
FOUR blooming WHOLE days to continue where Mr. Klune left us. Darn. Somebody distract me.
Somebody tell me ....
a joke. If possible not one with sexual innuendo because ... that'll remind me.
Or a story. If possible not one about friendship and love. Because that'll remind me.
Or a tragedy. If possible not one about sacrifice and responsiblities. Because that'll remind me.
Or anything else actually. Because I can't turn my brain, my thoughts and hopes off.
Somebody - please make those four days pass quickly.
So much love, so much pain, so much dark and light, and so much craziness.
Yes, this book went out on a punch to the guts. But I expected that after the reviews ...the cliffhanger ... and that was also the reason why I waited, waited AND WAITED all this time to read it. Because ... not knowing meant I could sleep for four months. I still timed it badly. It's another four days until the final book is coming out.
FOUR blooming WHOLE days to continue where Mr. Klune left us. Darn. Somebody distract me.
Somebody tell me ....
a joke. If possible not one with sexual innuendo because ... that'll remind me.
Or a story. If possible not one about friendship and love. Because that'll remind me.
Or a tragedy. If possible not one about sacrifice and responsiblities. Because that'll remind me.
Or anything else actually. Because I can't turn my brain, my thoughts and hopes off.
Somebody - please make those four days pass quickly.
August 4, 2018
I didn't love this one as much as the first two books in the series, just felt a little drawn out in some places. But I'll be reading about my favorite wizard and his gay unicorn and knight delicious face as long as T.J. Klune keeps writing them. :D
April 4, 2018
OK... First off just gotta say I really hate the ending to this book... that said I also have to admit it was pretty damn good. Though I still hate it... part of that is I just Did Not See It Coming... talk about being blindsided... Now... my first instinct is to leave my review at that... cuz let face it I seriously and I mean like drop dead seriously HAVE to start reading book 4.
But I will say at least a little bit more about this book. It delivered in every way, the insanity, the humor, the suspense, The Boner-Inducing Ryan/Sam Sex (note it's capitalized) and the Heart-Boner Feels!
So now on to book four and to find out if I will need therapy or not (no real question there heck I always need therapy).
But I will say at least a little bit more about this book. It delivered in every way, the insanity, the humor, the suspense, The Boner-Inducing Ryan/Sam Sex (note it's capitalized) and the Heart-Boner Feels!
So now on to book four and to find out if I will need therapy or not (no real question there heck I always need therapy).
May 29, 2018
4.5 Stars
In this third installment of Klune's impressively written Tales From Verania series, the Kingdom of Verania is under the increasing threat of the dark wizard Myrin’s evil plans. Our young hero, Sam of Wilds, wizard’s apprentice and all-around legend extraordinaire, is still very much in the midst of the action and danger regarding his so-called pesky destiny as the foretold "chosen one" (who is meant to stop said evil plans from coming to fruition). Life obviously isn’t as fun and carefree for Sam and his friends as it once was, but their deeply loyal and loving makeshift family are all determined to work together to thwart the bad guys’ plans in any way they can, even if it means not all of them will make it out the other side alive.
I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout most of this story simply because I felt the weight of this heavy foreboding cloud looming over these much beloved characters. It made me uneasy waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it certainly did drop before all was said and done.
I’ll admit I shed a lot of tears throughout this story. As those who know me will be aware, I highly rank any book that can bring me to emotional ruin, and although I didn’t quite reach ugly-cry breakdown mode, I certainly felt myself being deeply affected by the pure emotion of several powerful scenes over the course of this story.
I’d be remiss not to mention how much I loved the prologue of this book, which chronicled when Morgan of Shadows first came to find Sam all those years ago in the slums, and how Sam and his parents were whisked away to Castle Lockes for a better life. These scenes were sweetly sentimental and surprisingly emotional. I loved witnessing these pivotal moments between Morgan and Sam, and also between Sam and Nox . It really was the start of everything to come and I thought it was a great way to open this story with the powerful kick it needed.
For me, this series began as something fun, fantastical, adventurous, and extremely comical, and even though it’s still a little bit of all of those things, it’s impressively grown into this truly epic high-stakes fantasy saga that is both deeply emotional and highly captivating.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
In this third installment of Klune's impressively written Tales From Verania series, the Kingdom of Verania is under the increasing threat of the dark wizard Myrin’s evil plans. Our young hero, Sam of Wilds, wizard’s apprentice and all-around legend extraordinaire, is still very much in the midst of the action and danger regarding his so-called pesky destiny as the foretold "chosen one" (who is meant to stop said evil plans from coming to fruition). Life obviously isn’t as fun and carefree for Sam and his friends as it once was, but their deeply loyal and loving makeshift family are all determined to work together to thwart the bad guys’ plans in any way they can, even if it means not all of them will make it out the other side alive.
I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout most of this story simply because I felt the weight of this heavy foreboding cloud looming over these much beloved characters. It made me uneasy waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it certainly did drop before all was said and done.
I’ll admit I shed a lot of tears throughout this story. As those who know me will be aware, I highly rank any book that can bring me to emotional ruin, and although I didn’t quite reach ugly-cry breakdown mode, I certainly felt myself being deeply affected by the pure emotion of several powerful scenes over the course of this story.
I’d be remiss not to mention how much I loved the prologue of this book, which chronicled when Morgan of Shadows first came to find Sam all those years ago in the slums, and how Sam and his parents were whisked away to Castle Lockes for a better life. These scenes were sweetly sentimental and surprisingly emotional. I loved witnessing these pivotal moments between Morgan and Sam, and also between Sam and Nox . It really was the start of everything to come and I thought it was a great way to open this story with the powerful kick it needed.
For me, this series began as something fun, fantastical, adventurous, and extremely comical, and even though it’s still a little bit of all of those things, it’s impressively grown into this truly epic high-stakes fantasy saga that is both deeply emotional and highly captivating.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
January 16, 2020
I think I might have died a little bit last night.
Something inside, my soul, my heart or maybe both, just a piece, shriveled up and died.
I often think I'm emotionally broken. I mean, I get it and I feel but not always and not necessarily appropriately. Sometimes the things that should make me really sad or maybe even break down and cry just don't. I know I should feel sad or more but, well, I don't. I spend a lot of time not in the real world so, well, I think I just don't know how to deal so I don't. Anyway.
Last night I broke down in sobs that were heard miles away. My heart shattered and I did not think I'd be able to go on and guys, I still had some pages to read. I cried and I cried and I cried. And then I finished the book.
So yeah. It's the next morning and I'm still a little shook.
I prefer being emotionally broken honestly.
So, that, yeah, here's what happened to me. I was close to finishing this. I wanted to make sure I had the next book ready to go so I went to the series page and I saw this "Nearly a year ago, blinded by grief and betrayal...". Now guys, that is all I saw. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't want to read the blurb, but going to the series page to pull up the next book, well, I saw that. And then I realized I was almost finished this book and OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND WHO IS IT GOING TO BE AND OH MY GOD I JUST CAN'T but really, it was even worse than I ever could have even prepared myself for.
So, this was excellent and killed a small piece of me. But, it's like the end just put this shadow over the first 80+% of the book and I don't even know what else to say, and I'd love to remember how wonderful the rest of the book was and tell you all about it, but I can't so I'm just not going to say anything at all except that I loved it even though it wrecked me.
Something inside, my soul, my heart or maybe both, just a piece, shriveled up and died.
I often think I'm emotionally broken. I mean, I get it and I feel but not always and not necessarily appropriately. Sometimes the things that should make me really sad or maybe even break down and cry just don't. I know I should feel sad or more but, well, I don't. I spend a lot of time not in the real world so, well, I think I just don't know how to deal so I don't. Anyway.
Last night I broke down in sobs that were heard miles away. My heart shattered and I did not think I'd be able to go on and guys, I still had some pages to read. I cried and I cried and I cried. And then I finished the book.
So yeah. It's the next morning and I'm still a little shook.
I prefer being emotionally broken honestly.
So, that, yeah, here's what happened to me. I was close to finishing this. I wanted to make sure I had the next book ready to go so I went to the series page and I saw this "Nearly a year ago, blinded by grief and betrayal...". Now guys, that is all I saw. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't want to read the blurb, but going to the series page to pull up the next book, well, I saw that. And then I realized I was almost finished this book and OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND WHO IS IT GOING TO BE AND OH MY GOD I JUST CAN'T but really, it was even worse than I ever could have even prepared myself for.
So, this was excellent and killed a small piece of me. But, it's like the end just put this shadow over the first 80+% of the book and I don't even know what else to say, and I'd love to remember how wonderful the rest of the book was and tell you all about it, but I can't so I'm just not going to say anything at all except that I loved it even though it wrecked me.
August 30, 2018
That was... I am... Yeah...
Great addition to the series. I loved seeing all of these people again, they feel like family, or at least like someone you want to best friends 5eva with.
I did want to throttle Sam more than once, and I loved that his 'people' called him out on his shit, but the secret-keeping... Ohhh, the secret-keeping *sad face*
I'm just gonna leave this here, am pretty speechless and sad that it is over and that we have to wait to the spring for 'the end'.
It IS okay though, because the journey is wonderful.
Great addition to the series. I loved seeing all of these people again, they feel like family, or at least like someone you want to best friends 5eva with.
I did want to throttle Sam more than once, and I loved that his 'people' called him out on his shit, but the secret-keeping... Ohhh, the secret-keeping *sad face*
I'm just gonna leave this here, am pretty speechless and sad that it is over and that we have to wait to the spring for 'the end'.
It IS okay though, because the journey is wonderful.
August 27, 2020
I was terrified of this book to be honest because I just knew something was going to happen and it was going to be big. Oh boy.
In this book the truth comes out, our dear Sam of Wilds revealed all of his secrets, things that were haunting him for a long time. I really liked the time he spent with Randall, they really bonded and opened up. I loved knowing a bit more about Randall, I couldn’t even imagine how he was still holding up after everything with Myrin.
I love the gang so much and I was so happy Justin was with them, we needed more of him. Weirdly enough I disliked him a lot in book 1 even though everyone says I’m just like him (liars). But now I truly like him and his friendship with Sam is adorable. Best friends 5eva.
Ryan and Sam are so sweet, I love their relationship so much, it’s full of love, support and it’s fresh, funny, gods reading about them is amazing.
And that ending… Stones do crumbles and sacrifices are required sadly. I’m looking forward to seeing where this adventure will go!
In this book the truth comes out, our dear Sam of Wilds revealed all of his secrets, things that were haunting him for a long time. I really liked the time he spent with Randall, they really bonded and opened up. I loved knowing a bit more about Randall, I couldn’t even imagine how he was still holding up after everything with Myrin.
I love the gang so much and I was so happy Justin was with them, we needed more of him. Weirdly enough I disliked him a lot in book 1 even though everyone says I’m just like him (liars). But now I truly like him and his friendship with Sam is adorable. Best friends 5eva.
Ryan and Sam are so sweet, I love their relationship so much, it’s full of love, support and it’s fresh, funny, gods reading about them is amazing.
And that ending… Stones do crumbles and sacrifices are required sadly. I’m looking forward to seeing where this adventure will go!
November 3, 2024
2024 Audio
Yeah, this is still good. Added to my annual re-read shelf so I don't go FOUR YEARS WITHOUT READING IT!
2020 audio
The ending. 😭😭😭😭😭
Dec 2018 audio review
Update: I can't believe I forgot to mention Jolly Sparkledust who was super generous and gifted me this audio. Big HUGS! This was the perfect present and I am very happy and grateful. I will be re-listening to the series for years and years to come. Mwah! <3
Is a review even necessary? If you don't already know how awesome this series is, then at this point you're not going to care about how awesome book 3 audio is. And if you DO know how awesome the series is, you are more than likely to already own the audio. So, yeah. All the stars! And that ending makes me want to cry and then run immediately to audible and buy the next book. But I am waiting, waiting!, because I need to get thru my regularly scheduled book list. :)
Nov 2017 ebook review
Ok, I can see where the anger towards TJ is coming from. As I said in an update earlier, this book is much more serious in tone than those before it. Yes of course there are LOL moments, and Sam and Gary and Tiggy are still ridiculous and Kevin is still Sam's stepdad, (haha), and Justin and Sam and Best Friends 5eva! And Ryan is Sam's true love and cornerstone. They go on an Adventure! together and find the Lesbian dragons, and find the Great White Dragon. Comedic is too light a word for all they went thru. But along with that is the more serious nature of what Sam's Destiny entails. And it ain't pretty.
Myrin is still the Big Bad and I was sooooo on the edge of my seat anxious as the ending drew near.
.
This series just gets better and better and I need the next book NOW!! Like right now, immediately. Surely someone has a copy somewhere. I have to know how things go on from here. I know how this book ends so I can only imagine how the next one starts! I am wailing here for some pity and someone to give me the next book. This, this right here MUST be why people are cursing TJ because the next book isn't out yet. Diabolical Mr. Klune. I see who you are now, you are the Dark Shadow come to ruin us and drive us insane with the waiting.
For those who didn't click on the spoiler, you may want to think about waiting to read this until the next book comes out because you might end up bald pulling your hair out in frustration. Just sayin'.
Yeah, this is still good. Added to my annual re-read shelf so I don't go FOUR YEARS WITHOUT READING IT!
2020 audio
The ending. 😭😭😭😭😭
Dec 2018 audio review
Update: I can't believe I forgot to mention Jolly Sparkledust who was super generous and gifted me this audio. Big HUGS! This was the perfect present and I am very happy and grateful. I will be re-listening to the series for years and years to come. Mwah! <3
Is a review even necessary? If you don't already know how awesome this series is, then at this point you're not going to care about how awesome book 3 audio is. And if you DO know how awesome the series is, you are more than likely to already own the audio. So, yeah. All the stars! And that ending makes me want to cry and then run immediately to audible and buy the next book. But I am waiting, waiting!, because I need to get thru my regularly scheduled book list. :)
Nov 2017 ebook review
Ok, I can see where the anger towards TJ is coming from. As I said in an update earlier, this book is much more serious in tone than those before it. Yes of course there are LOL moments, and Sam and Gary and Tiggy are still ridiculous and Kevin is still Sam's stepdad, (haha), and Justin and Sam and Best Friends 5eva! And Ryan is Sam's true love and cornerstone. They go on an Adventure! together and find the Lesbian dragons, and find the Great White Dragon. Comedic is too light a word for all they went thru. But along with that is the more serious nature of what Sam's Destiny entails. And it ain't pretty.
Myrin is still the Big Bad and I was sooooo on the edge of my seat anxious as the ending drew near.
.
This series just gets better and better and I need the next book NOW!! Like right now, immediately. Surely someone has a copy somewhere. I have to know how things go on from here. I know how this book ends so I can only imagine how the next one starts! I am wailing here for some pity and someone to give me the next book. This, this right here MUST be why people are cursing TJ because the next book isn't out yet. Diabolical Mr. Klune. I see who you are now, you are the Dark Shadow come to ruin us and drive us insane with the waiting.
For those who didn't click on the spoiler, you may want to think about waiting to read this until the next book comes out because you might end up bald pulling your hair out in frustration. Just sayin'.
November 26, 2017
Godsdammit.
Only the Klune can make me run the gamut of SO many emotions in one book. I’m not even talking the series, just this one installment. When I read Lightning Struck Heart back in 2015 I had no idea the level of EVERYTHING this series would become. It’s so, so much. I mean that in the best possible way. In a scary commiserate way , I get Lady Tina (HaveHeart forever Motherfuckers! Don’t even with me Lady Tina) and that is never something I should say as a grown ass adult. But, I am invested here beyond just idle curiosity about what will come next. This is visceral now. My head and my heart are ecstatic and heartbroken in turn. I’m amused and despondent all in one page. I’m from SoCal, my people are not meant for this. By nature we give very few fux about things in general but when we feel passionately, it’s ridiculous. My car may not start, I may end up with a leak in my roof and my hot water heater may explode all in one day and my reaction will be “It’llbeallright” All One Word. But 30% in, 87% in for The Consumption of Magic? I’m ruined.
I knew heartache was coming in The Consumption of Magic, but the tone of the story stayed so Sam, that the foreboding knowledge of what I was in store for was not overwhelming. The story is not here for the angst, it is balanced perfectly with the humor I love and the feels I crave, so I wasn’t just sitting on pins and needles (ouch and ewwww) waiting for Myrrin to fuck up all the things, I enjoyed every conversation and revelation from beginning to end.
What I love about this series, and this is a characteristic that makes a series a series for me, is that, yes there are secondary characters, but they are not secondary to the MC. Every story gives me more of someone and the dimension of the overall arc intensifies. Randall and Kevin have their “things”. Randall is an impatient grouch and Kevin is a horny hoarder with inappropriate familial ideals. But, in The Consumption of Magic, I learned so much more about both of them and their stories were just as important as Sam’s. Sam has his destiny that he loathes, but every characters destiny is intertwined and I can only shudder in awe of the spreadsheets the author must have for every detail for every character. Plus, when I get to know each player more, they don’t change, they just build and I love getting to know them on deeper levels. (Mind out of the gutter Kevin).
Now, on to the fuckery.
Firstly, how dare you? You know who you are and ohmygawd, how dare you? I wouldn’t say the story ends on a cliffhanger, I mean the overall arc does, but The Consumption of Magic does not, it ends as it should, but damn. I had (and I’m copying Jenni Lea here with the bullets):
Sorrow
Anger (again, how dare you)
Surprise/Shock
Hope
Love
Frustration
More Love
ANXIETY
Honestly, this needs to be about me now as I channel my inner Gary. How the actual fuck am I expected to wait until 2018 to get my next fix? I think we can all agree that 2017 has been a bit of a dumpster fire, so I am really looking forward to what comes next. I have theories, which are utter bullshit, but it’s what one does when one is Lady-Tina-Level consumed.
The series continues to be it’s amazing self, we all pretty much already knew that to be a thing. Just hop on for the ride and soak it up. TJ Klune is a master wordsmith. He has the ability to make me forget I’m even reading. I’m there, I’m in the thick of it all and he has a true gift that I appreciate beyond measure. So, now we can all discuss and wallow in our fandom together and overanalyze everything as we wait impatiently for 2018.
**a copy of this magic was provided for an honest review**
Only the Klune can make me run the gamut of SO many emotions in one book. I’m not even talking the series, just this one installment. When I read Lightning Struck Heart back in 2015 I had no idea the level of EVERYTHING this series would become. It’s so, so much. I mean that in the best possible way. In a scary commiserate way , I get Lady Tina (HaveHeart forever Motherfuckers! Don’t even with me Lady Tina) and that is never something I should say as a grown ass adult. But, I am invested here beyond just idle curiosity about what will come next. This is visceral now. My head and my heart are ecstatic and heartbroken in turn. I’m amused and despondent all in one page. I’m from SoCal, my people are not meant for this. By nature we give very few fux about things in general but when we feel passionately, it’s ridiculous. My car may not start, I may end up with a leak in my roof and my hot water heater may explode all in one day and my reaction will be “It’llbeallright” All One Word. But 30% in, 87% in for The Consumption of Magic? I’m ruined.
I knew heartache was coming in The Consumption of Magic, but the tone of the story stayed so Sam, that the foreboding knowledge of what I was in store for was not overwhelming. The story is not here for the angst, it is balanced perfectly with the humor I love and the feels I crave, so I wasn’t just sitting on pins and needles (ouch and ewwww) waiting for Myrrin to fuck up all the things, I enjoyed every conversation and revelation from beginning to end.
What I love about this series, and this is a characteristic that makes a series a series for me, is that, yes there are secondary characters, but they are not secondary to the MC. Every story gives me more of someone and the dimension of the overall arc intensifies. Randall and Kevin have their “things”. Randall is an impatient grouch and Kevin is a horny hoarder with inappropriate familial ideals. But, in The Consumption of Magic, I learned so much more about both of them and their stories were just as important as Sam’s. Sam has his destiny that he loathes, but every characters destiny is intertwined and I can only shudder in awe of the spreadsheets the author must have for every detail for every character. Plus, when I get to know each player more, they don’t change, they just build and I love getting to know them on deeper levels. (Mind out of the gutter Kevin).
Now, on to the fuckery.
Firstly, how dare you? You know who you are and ohmygawd, how dare you? I wouldn’t say the story ends on a cliffhanger, I mean the overall arc does, but The Consumption of Magic does not, it ends as it should, but damn. I had (and I’m copying Jenni Lea here with the bullets):
Sorrow
Anger (again, how dare you)
Surprise/Shock
Hope
Love
Frustration
More Love
ANXIETY
Honestly, this needs to be about me now as I channel my inner Gary. How the actual fuck am I expected to wait until 2018 to get my next fix? I think we can all agree that 2017 has been a bit of a dumpster fire, so I am really looking forward to what comes next. I have theories, which are utter bullshit, but it’s what one does when one is Lady-Tina-Level consumed.
The series continues to be it’s amazing self, we all pretty much already knew that to be a thing. Just hop on for the ride and soak it up. TJ Klune is a master wordsmith. He has the ability to make me forget I’m even reading. I’m there, I’m in the thick of it all and he has a true gift that I appreciate beyond measure. So, now we can all discuss and wallow in our fandom together and overanalyze everything as we wait impatiently for 2018.
**a copy of this magic was provided for an honest review**
November 21, 2017
The ultimate Klunatic gangbang over on the blog with Ann and JL!
Well fuck me sideways! This is the most epic series of epicness ever written!!! This series and especially this book had me feeling all the feels! Literally everything. I love and adore these characters, I laugh with them and definitely cry with them. I feel slightly nauseated by Gary and Kevin's sex and more than slightly aroused by Ryan and Sam's. I. Am. Invested! Just like everyone else who reads this series!
Now onto my deep dark confession....
I did it.
I did what everyone tells you not to do.
I maaayyy have sneaked a looksie at the last page.
Don't shoot don't shoot!
I know I know, but hear me out. I am not a heart-wrecking reader, it stresses me the fuck out, so much so that I can't rate a book highly if I'm too busy fighting off heart attacks.
So I sneaked, because I love this series and I didn't want to hate it. It was the right choice for me because I loved every word, was still wholeheartedly consumed (see what I did there) by it and still felt shocked, sad and suspended when I was reading the end but... I didn't need to take a bunch of valium to make it through. So, WIN.
Now if you are much hardier than me and can actually handle some serious emotion. Don't spoil this for yourselves. I can promise you'll hurt but not break. You will want to continue the series…. But maybe wait until the last book comes out.
Comedies without deeper feelings just don't make good romances or stories, having both is what makes this series and especially this book so wonderful!
An easy 5 hearts if ever there was one!
And just because this book deserves a picture in it's review,
See all our reviews here.
Well fuck me sideways! This is the most epic series of epicness ever written!!! This series and especially this book had me feeling all the feels! Literally everything. I love and adore these characters, I laugh with them and definitely cry with them. I feel slightly nauseated by Gary and Kevin's sex and more than slightly aroused by Ryan and Sam's. I. Am. Invested! Just like everyone else who reads this series!
Now onto my deep dark confession....
I did it.
I did what everyone tells you not to do.
I maaayyy have sneaked a looksie at the last page.
Don't shoot don't shoot!
I know I know, but hear me out. I am not a heart-wrecking reader, it stresses me the fuck out, so much so that I can't rate a book highly if I'm too busy fighting off heart attacks.
So I sneaked, because I love this series and I didn't want to hate it. It was the right choice for me because I loved every word, was still wholeheartedly consumed (see what I did there) by it and still felt shocked, sad and suspended when I was reading the end but... I didn't need to take a bunch of valium to make it through. So, WIN.
Now if you are much hardier than me and can actually handle some serious emotion. Don't spoil this for yourselves. I can promise you'll hurt but not break. You will want to continue the series…. But maybe wait until the last book comes out.
Comedies without deeper feelings just don't make good romances or stories, having both is what makes this series and especially this book so wonderful!
An easy 5 hearts if ever there was one!
And just because this book deserves a picture in it's review,
See all our reviews here.
December 8, 2020
This book was just as fabulous as the previous ones, if rather more sad at times. There's a whole lot of heart and heartbreak here, and I think even despite the prophecy warning of the last few books, I was still reeling when things came to pass.
We also see more of the dragons in this, and see more of the dynamic between R and S and even Justin. They're all kind of starting to find their places in the world, and realise they can't defeat destiny's path... Or, can they?
As always the humour and sass is my fave and we also get a pretty intense sex scene here (at last haha) which was fairly hilarious and crazy.
As always I strongly recommend and can't wait to continue through TJ's works as time goes on. :) 5*s
We also see more of the dragons in this, and see more of the dynamic between R and S and even Justin. They're all kind of starting to find their places in the world, and realise they can't defeat destiny's path... Or, can they?
As always the humour and sass is my fave and we also get a pretty intense sex scene here (at last haha) which was fairly hilarious and crazy.
As always I strongly recommend and can't wait to continue through TJ's works as time goes on. :) 5*s
December 9, 2017
The Verania series is an in-your-face blend of silliness and seriousness. And I'll be honest, there were times in this installment when I wished the silliness were reined in a little. The 50-year-old nag in me sighing in exasperation, "Would you attention whores knock it off and get back to the point?" I swear, when all the protagonists are in one room, I sympathize the most with Randall and Morgan.
But the thing is, TJ Klune doesn't give a fuck. And the series is so full of honest don't-give-a-fuckness, that even when everyone's mouth is ten steps ahead of their brain, it's so much fun.
Also, fuck Tina.
But the thing is, TJ Klune doesn't give a fuck. And the series is so full of honest don't-give-a-fuckness, that even when everyone's mouth is ten steps ahead of their brain, it's so much fun.
Also, fuck Tina.
October 29, 2025
it’s 11:02 pm and I’m crying my eyes out, my nose is clogged, my ears are blocked, my heart is bleeding
SOMEONE TELL ME THIS IS A FUCKING JOKE??? BECAUSE I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THIS! IT WAS ALL A DREAM RIGHT?? THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS DID NOT HAPPEN. TJ YOU BETTER FUCKING FIX THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW
SOMEONE TELL ME THIS IS A FUCKING JOKE??? BECAUSE I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THIS! IT WAS ALL A DREAM RIGHT?? THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS DID NOT HAPPEN. TJ YOU BETTER FUCKING FIX THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW
May 5, 2018
I'm not even going to lie, I have listened to this multiple times since I bought it approximately six minutes after it went live on Audible. I'm not even a little bit sorry. I'm actually on my fourth listen right now.
And yes, I have cried at the end every. single. time.
Michael Lesley - you're a genius and a truly gifted performer. Kudos and bravo, sir! (And, can I just say Pat and Leslie - brilliant!)
TJ Klune has long hinted that we would be mad at him by the end of this book. There is a lot that happens to build off where we've been in The Lightning-Struck Heart and A Destiny of Dragons and, because it's the penultimate in Sam's trilogy (quadrilogy?), it brings the reader much closer to what seems to be building toward the inevitable ending.
Never fear, there are no spoilers here. Which is so hard - you don't even know. BUT SO NECESSARY. I wouldn't have wanted someone to warn more about what happens in The Consumption of Magic, because, even though it damn near killed me, it fits so brilliantly into this story.
So what can I tell you? Well, I can give you hints TJ himself has let slip -
* I can tell you Prince Justin is back with the group in a major way and he's redeemed a lot (in my opinion)...
* I can tell you that Consumption has some of the biggest action scenes from the series...
* I can tell you the mated Northern Dragons are everything you could hope they'll be and more...
* I can tell you it has the longest sex scene TJ's ever written...
* I can tell you it has some twists that you won't see coming.
* And I can tell you by the time you finish you will have run through an entire gamut of emotions: You will laugh, gasp, hope, and suffer from Wookiee Cry Face.
This was my initial reaction after reading the book -
I'm having a hard time processing my feelings for this. I'm absolutely heartbroken. I know they are just characters, but I have read and listened to the stories in this series so often I could recite whole chapters verbatim. And I love these characters, okay? I love them. And this...I thought I could see it coming. I thought I knew what was going to happen. I didn't. Not at all. And my heart. is. broken.
5 devastated stars
This series is phenomenal, no lie, but the audio elevates this to a whole other level. This is NOT a standalone. BUY THIS SERIES. Read this. LISTEN TO THIS.
"A warning. All of you will not survive until the end. There will be loss, Sam. And it will burn like nothing has ever burned before. You must remember to keep in the light, even when the dark begins to curl around your feet."
RECOMMENDED.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 30, 2017
Amazonaute asked me this on a thread in MM Romance and Gay Fiction:
"Lori, did consumption of magic seem to be a proper book to you? Fit to be published?"
My answer was "No" and followed by what's below.
Klune can write when he sets his mind to the task. There is a good book buried under the layers of irritating sexual innuendo and stupid, distracting, dialogue. Yet, just when he gets a decent bit of serious plot going, Klune allows his characters to go flying off the rails again. It's almost like he's afraid of allowing them to actually mature into adults.
_Klune desperately needs an editor who will sit on his tendency to go off into nonsense and keep him on track. While I like his writing and his humor, I would love to see him actually grow in his ability to write and right now that is not happening. It shows in how he approaches and avoids pushing his characters into the next level. There may be some hope there, as Sam has finally been forced to deal with one of life's awful realities, but we won't know until next year with the last book if he actually does grow from this lesson. Maybe a year away from his friends will help with this._
Currently, all of the characters, with the possible exception of Justin?, are stuck in adolescence. ALL OF THEM*. Sam is the worst of the bunch and several characters tell him straight to his face just how spoiled he is, but Sam, being Sam, only hears what he wants to hear. _He needs a bit of grounding - a down to earth type of grounding. Randall tried, but he just did not have the umph it would take to get through to Sam's hard headed naivete._
*I can't believe it took me three books to figure out that Kevin is still essentially a teenager himself, with his preoccupation with sex and all that. Grrrrr.
- And another annoying thing - the whole "bad touch" business drives me nuts. Yes, there are touchy things about touch and some people, myself included, who really don't appreciate being touched without permission, regardless of the type of touch. Yet, Sam & Co. take this to new heights and Sam, especially, doesn't seem to see that he's just as bad as the people he complains about when it comes to unwanted touching. I'm sorry, but if you just walk up to me and start hugging me for no good reason, even if you think it's a good reason, I will do everything in my power to get out of the hug and away from you. I really wish Justin had just popped off and punched Sam more than once through this story. Grrrrrrr.
Thanks to Amazonaute for the question!
"Lori, did consumption of magic seem to be a proper book to you? Fit to be published?"
My answer was "No" and followed by what's below.
Klune can write when he sets his mind to the task. There is a good book buried under the layers of irritating sexual innuendo and stupid, distracting, dialogue. Yet, just when he gets a decent bit of serious plot going, Klune allows his characters to go flying off the rails again. It's almost like he's afraid of allowing them to actually mature into adults.
_Klune desperately needs an editor who will sit on his tendency to go off into nonsense and keep him on track. While I like his writing and his humor, I would love to see him actually grow in his ability to write and right now that is not happening. It shows in how he approaches and avoids pushing his characters into the next level. There may be some hope there, as Sam has finally been forced to deal with one of life's awful realities, but we won't know until next year with the last book if he actually does grow from this lesson. Maybe a year away from his friends will help with this._
Currently, all of the characters, with the possible exception of Justin?, are stuck in adolescence. ALL OF THEM*. Sam is the worst of the bunch and several characters tell him straight to his face just how spoiled he is, but Sam, being Sam, only hears what he wants to hear. _He needs a bit of grounding - a down to earth type of grounding. Randall tried, but he just did not have the umph it would take to get through to Sam's hard headed naivete._
*I can't believe it took me three books to figure out that Kevin is still essentially a teenager himself, with his preoccupation with sex and all that. Grrrrr.
- And another annoying thing - the whole "bad touch" business drives me nuts. Yes, there are touchy things about touch and some people, myself included, who really don't appreciate being touched without permission, regardless of the type of touch. Yet, Sam & Co. take this to new heights and Sam, especially, doesn't seem to see that he's just as bad as the people he complains about when it comes to unwanted touching. I'm sorry, but if you just walk up to me and start hugging me for no good reason, even if you think it's a good reason, I will do everything in my power to get out of the hug and away from you. I really wish Justin had just popped off and punched Sam more than once through this story. Grrrrrrr.
Thanks to Amazonaute for the question!
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