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The Mage Conspiracy #2
The Dragon's Mercy
A harrowing escape. A cunning hero. An unlikely alliance. The Red Dragon Warrior is a tactician without peer. The Blue Dragon Warrior is a mage without equal. Kelsa escapes from the dungeon of the vengeful empress, but how can she dodge an entire city full of enemies? Dare Kelsa tie her fate to the two warriors? The enemy is snapping at her heels. Kelsa must thread a tangled urban maze with nothing but her wits and a dagger. A path of indecision, torment, and betrayal stretches before her. One wrong step, one false word, will lead to her capture. The Dragon Warriors are quite willing to reveal their how to lunge into danger, parry overwhelming attacks, and cut her way to freedom, but only if Kelsa surrenders herself as a living puppet. Venture into the realm of The Dragon's Mercy, the second epic fantasy intrigue of The Mage Conspiracy series. Discover a dark world where love and lies cut deeper than any sword. Praise for The Dragon's Mercy "Amazing story telling. To write with such fluid ability to portray the Male and female minds so well is a gift." - Chad "Fast-paced, entertaining, and psychologically intense." - Erin Kahn "This is a story full of action, adventure, humor, humanity, heartbreak, and redemption. Every page worth reading!" - Saundra Wright "The story does not disappoint. It is well written with a strong plot and an excellent storyline, and has action and drama, excitement and adventure." - Stella C "Kelsa and Corbin can't seem to catch a break in this action-packed amazing addition to the series!" - Stephanie F The Mage Conspiracy Series 1. The Knight's Secret 2. The Dragon's Mercy 3. The Soldier's Heart 4. The Tyrant's Peace (pending) 5. The Mage's Armor (pending) P. The Scion's Delight
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2018
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 24, 2019
Book 2 does not disappoint. Again, I laughed, cried and thought. I enjoyed getting to know the existing characters better and meeting new characters. The action is fast paced. Did not want to put it down. Looking forward to Book 3.
May 1, 2019
A book by Jeffrey Bardwell is always a good time: exciting, dangerous, gritty, and multi-layered. As you might expect if you've read Rotten Magic and/or The Knight's Secret, The Dragon's Mercy is fast-paced, entertaining, and psychologically intense.
That said, it's not my favorite of his novels (yep, that's still Rotten Magic, which I LOVE) and I think I prefer the first novel in this series--The Knight's Secret--which was a killer story, to this one.
I realize that there was a lot of backstory in this novel, and maybe that makes sense for the second book in a series, now that I think about it. I also realize that the characters went on an emotional/psychological journey and there was important character development that happened. Still, when I finished this book I felt like nothing was accomplished.
The characters spend most of the book evading capture and trying to escape the city, to little avail. They also spend a lot of time talking when it seems like they should be, I don't know, running for their lives?
But back to what I loved about this book, which was quite a bit. I found the flashbacks fascinating, when we go back into the characters' memories and see the childhood of Minny and May (Minerva and Maven).
The twin sisters' conflicted relationship forms the center of this book, and I found their bond / rivalry deeply compelling. They were best friends that could read each other's thoughts, and yet, they were also rivals: for attention, for success, and finally, for the man Corbin Destrus.
This all gets pretty messed up when one of the sisters--Maven--impersonates Corbin Destrus and doesn't let the other sister--Minerva--in on the secret. (You can imagine the awkwardness that ensues.)
Minerva the soldier is a compelling character, as is Maven the mage. Clever, determined, ambitious, and deeply flawed (I'm all about those flawed characters: see every review I've ever written), they demand the reader's respect, even if we can't quite come to love them.
At the same time, both sisters have such a thirst for success and such a need for love that we can't help seeing something of ourselves in them, and maybe even finding something to love--or at least empathize with.
Meanwhile, Kelsa takes a backseat to the two larger-than-life sisters. I imagine that girl is going to go through some identity crises in the future, now that she's magically impersonated Corbin and Minerva for extended periods of time.
Then again, Kelsa's pretty boss and I feel like she can probably handle it. Still, I'm interested to see what happens to her character in the coming books, and hoping she gets to take the spotlight as Kelsa eventually.
All in good time, though--the buildup is pretty intense and I wouldn't trade it.
That said, it's not my favorite of his novels (yep, that's still Rotten Magic, which I LOVE) and I think I prefer the first novel in this series--The Knight's Secret--which was a killer story, to this one.
I realize that there was a lot of backstory in this novel, and maybe that makes sense for the second book in a series, now that I think about it. I also realize that the characters went on an emotional/psychological journey and there was important character development that happened. Still, when I finished this book I felt like nothing was accomplished.
The characters spend most of the book evading capture and trying to escape the city, to little avail. They also spend a lot of time talking when it seems like they should be, I don't know, running for their lives?
But back to what I loved about this book, which was quite a bit. I found the flashbacks fascinating, when we go back into the characters' memories and see the childhood of Minny and May (Minerva and Maven).
The twin sisters' conflicted relationship forms the center of this book, and I found their bond / rivalry deeply compelling. They were best friends that could read each other's thoughts, and yet, they were also rivals: for attention, for success, and finally, for the man Corbin Destrus.
This all gets pretty messed up when one of the sisters--Maven--impersonates Corbin Destrus and doesn't let the other sister--Minerva--in on the secret. (You can imagine the awkwardness that ensues.)
Minerva the soldier is a compelling character, as is Maven the mage. Clever, determined, ambitious, and deeply flawed (I'm all about those flawed characters: see every review I've ever written), they demand the reader's respect, even if we can't quite come to love them.
At the same time, both sisters have such a thirst for success and such a need for love that we can't help seeing something of ourselves in them, and maybe even finding something to love--or at least empathize with.
Meanwhile, Kelsa takes a backseat to the two larger-than-life sisters. I imagine that girl is going to go through some identity crises in the future, now that she's magically impersonated Corbin and Minerva for extended periods of time.
Then again, Kelsa's pretty boss and I feel like she can probably handle it. Still, I'm interested to see what happens to her character in the coming books, and hoping she gets to take the spotlight as Kelsa eventually.
All in good time, though--the buildup is pretty intense and I wouldn't trade it.
July 14, 2018
This instalment continues straight after the ending of the last, Kelsa has saved Maven who in turn is now disguised as Corbin.
The plan: get out of the palace, out of the city and find the rebel mages.
Easier said than done. Kelsa doesn't know how to talk, walk... in short... behave like an army woman so she once again needs to make a drastic change. Maven calls forth her sister from the dead to return and take over Kelsa's body and mind.
My take on the book:
To be very honest, I'm not sure. While the writing is very good and the storytelling is compelling, somehow it just doesn't sit right with me.
World-building is good, we go to the where Maven and Minerva grew up and some more of the palace and city. Every scene is well written and clear, giving enough room for your imagination to fill in and picture it all perfectly.
Character development is very good. We meet and get to know the ins and outs of Minerva, how she sees the world, the people and herself. We go through the childhood/early teens of the twins and really get a feel for the bond they have. To feel so close to another, I envy twins a bit now, though I do enjoy the privacy in my own mind thank you very much.
Kelsa again stepping back and I worry for her mental health. Already we see cracks where mannerism and habits from both Corbin and Minerva shine through. What will she have to do in the next book? Will she be able to just be herself or will she have to change yet again? I don't think her mind will be able to handle it.
Pacing and flow were good, though there was a lot of talking. All in all, I think this is what bothered me most. But then again, and I kinda always say this, it might just be me. Maybe I'm just too used to fast-paced stories. So please, do take my opinion as just that... my opinion, not as how you will experience the book or the story in general.
The book itself was well written and I only found some small mistakes here and there, nothing mayor or annoying. There is no sex described in this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, if you loved the first book, you'll love this one! Well written and captivating, unfortunately, just not my cup of tea (or coffee since I hate tea). Enjoy!
The plan: get out of the palace, out of the city and find the rebel mages.
Easier said than done. Kelsa doesn't know how to talk, walk... in short... behave like an army woman so she once again needs to make a drastic change. Maven calls forth her sister from the dead to return and take over Kelsa's body and mind.
My take on the book:
To be very honest, I'm not sure. While the writing is very good and the storytelling is compelling, somehow it just doesn't sit right with me.
World-building is good, we go to the where Maven and Minerva grew up and some more of the palace and city. Every scene is well written and clear, giving enough room for your imagination to fill in and picture it all perfectly.
Character development is very good. We meet and get to know the ins and outs of Minerva, how she sees the world, the people and herself. We go through the childhood/early teens of the twins and really get a feel for the bond they have. To feel so close to another, I envy twins a bit now, though I do enjoy the privacy in my own mind thank you very much.
Kelsa again stepping back and I worry for her mental health. Already we see cracks where mannerism and habits from both Corbin and Minerva shine through. What will she have to do in the next book? Will she be able to just be herself or will she have to change yet again? I don't think her mind will be able to handle it.
Pacing and flow were good, though there was a lot of talking. All in all, I think this is what bothered me most. But then again, and I kinda always say this, it might just be me. Maybe I'm just too used to fast-paced stories. So please, do take my opinion as just that... my opinion, not as how you will experience the book or the story in general.
The book itself was well written and I only found some small mistakes here and there, nothing mayor or annoying. There is no sex described in this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, if you loved the first book, you'll love this one! Well written and captivating, unfortunately, just not my cup of tea (or coffee since I hate tea). Enjoy!
July 22, 2018
This book continues the saga begun in “The Knight’s Secret”, with Kelsa and “Sir Corbin” (Maven magically transformed with the ring, as Kelsa had been in book 1). They escape the prison, and begin to travel. However, they run into difficulty even before they get out of town. Kelsa is transformed into Minerva (or Minerva is resurrected into Kelsa’s body) through whose eyes learn the back story that was referred to throughout the first book. Maven and Minerva , the famous Warrior Mages, are seen as young twins who have a love/hate relationship as different abilities begin to be seen in the young girls as they approach puberty. Significant events are portrayed to help us understand the women they became. They are trained by a Warrior Mage, and prepared to fight alongside the army, as did their trainer. We then learn what happened that set the sisters against each other, explaining several points from the first novel. By doing so, the author continues his world-building.
From the beginning, I was drawn back into the story. This book does a nice job of continuing the story while going back in time to tell us how Maven and Minerva came to be Warriors, what happened to permanently break the sisterly bond, and how Sir Corbin was involved in their lives. Then, the focus is brought back to the present in the story, with Kelsa and Maven trying to escape the Empress’s troups charged with capturing them. Now, I await the third book with eagerness, to find out what happens to Kelsa and Miranda after their trials in this book.
I was given an advanced reader’s copy. I have enjoyed the book and wanted to encourage others who enjoy great epic fantasy to join in reading this series.
From the beginning, I was drawn back into the story. This book does a nice job of continuing the story while going back in time to tell us how Maven and Minerva came to be Warriors, what happened to permanently break the sisterly bond, and how Sir Corbin was involved in their lives. Then, the focus is brought back to the present in the story, with Kelsa and Maven trying to escape the Empress’s troups charged with capturing them. Now, I await the third book with eagerness, to find out what happens to Kelsa and Miranda after their trials in this book.
I was given an advanced reader’s copy. I have enjoyed the book and wanted to encourage others who enjoy great epic fantasy to join in reading this series.
July 14, 2018
BREAK OUT THE BIG GUNS!!!
Hey guys are you ready for this? Probably not, but I'm committed. LOL. Talk about a wake up call. When Jeff does his thing, he does it with style, confidence and limitless possibilities. You have all the action and drama along with the nerve racking moments of confusion. The excitement and adventure take you to a world far removed from ours. The characters are true to form, intriguing and complex with the right balance to keep you glued to your seat as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so vividly detailed that it comes alive before your eyes. Think of it as watching a movie in 3D Technicolor. The twists and turns along with the suspense makes for and interesting storyline with a strong plot that holds your attention until the last word. With such graphic descriptions that really bring this read together with an impressive backdrop that keeps your imagination engaged as well as focus on this page turning bombshell. Jeff did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Awesome job Jeff, thanks for sharing this fantastic read with us.
Hey guys are you ready for this? Probably not, but I'm committed. LOL. Talk about a wake up call. When Jeff does his thing, he does it with style, confidence and limitless possibilities. You have all the action and drama along with the nerve racking moments of confusion. The excitement and adventure take you to a world far removed from ours. The characters are true to form, intriguing and complex with the right balance to keep you glued to your seat as the tale unfolds. The scenes are so vividly detailed that it comes alive before your eyes. Think of it as watching a movie in 3D Technicolor. The twists and turns along with the suspense makes for and interesting storyline with a strong plot that holds your attention until the last word. With such graphic descriptions that really bring this read together with an impressive backdrop that keeps your imagination engaged as well as focus on this page turning bombshell. Jeff did a remarkable job bringing this read together beautifully. Awesome job Jeff, thanks for sharing this fantastic read with us.
July 27, 2018
Action packed, poetically descriptive, thought provoking, in a word typical of Jeffrey Bardwell's writing! Fantastic follow up to The Knight's Secret.
Kelsa and Maven, now wearing Corbin's likeness, are free of the cells, but must still make their way past the Blackguards, out of the palace, and out of the city. Kelsa's goal is to find the rebel mages, and join them, hopefully saving her mother, and convincing Maven to join as well.
Before all that, Maven has to learn to become Corbin to fit her disguise if they are to succeed. Kelsa must convince the officers surrounding them she is one of them, though she knows nothing of being a soldier, if she hopes to get them safely out of the dungeons.
This is a story full of action, adventure, humor, humanity, heartbreak, and redemption. Every page worth reading!
Kindle Unlimited edition
Kelsa and Maven, now wearing Corbin's likeness, are free of the cells, but must still make their way past the Blackguards, out of the palace, and out of the city. Kelsa's goal is to find the rebel mages, and join them, hopefully saving her mother, and convincing Maven to join as well.
Before all that, Maven has to learn to become Corbin to fit her disguise if they are to succeed. Kelsa must convince the officers surrounding them she is one of them, though she knows nothing of being a soldier, if she hopes to get them safely out of the dungeons.
This is a story full of action, adventure, humor, humanity, heartbreak, and redemption. Every page worth reading!
Kindle Unlimited edition
July 12, 2018
Kelsa and Corbin can't seem to catch a break in this action-packed amazing addition to the series! The story picks up where it left off in "The Knight's Secret" and the adventure continues with fighting, drinking, magic, and more! The story also includes a lot of back story between May and Minnie, the twins, (red and blue dragons), childhood. I love the cover! It might be nice if there was something of the present in it and not just the twins from the past but is lovely all the same. I can not wait to see where the story takes us next!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
July 16, 2018
This is the second in a series and my first in this series. the book can standalone but there are some references that are confusing. I cheated and read the characters reminders at the back before reading the book.
Very well written. Not my typical genre to read but enjoyed it immensely. Did kind of figure out where the twin was bout half to 2/3 the way through the book.
To be hones t the blurb confused me when trying to refresh my memory of the book.
This is my honest and freely given review for This ARC copy.
Very well written. Not my typical genre to read but enjoyed it immensely. Did kind of figure out where the twin was bout half to 2/3 the way through the book.
To be hones t the blurb confused me when trying to refresh my memory of the book.
This is my honest and freely given review for This ARC copy.
August 20, 2019
I had hoped for a significant move forward in the story, but as the author himself admits in the postscript, he got far too caught up writing the jail break - again and again and again.
I while they are doubtless well written, I actually found myself skipping forward in the hope of something different happening (which there was admittedly), not quite sure, I will be getting the next volume.
I while they are doubtless well written, I actually found myself skipping forward in the hope of something different happening (which there was admittedly), not quite sure, I will be getting the next volume.
February 21, 2023
Well done, Sir. To write an engaging novel is difficult, only rarely does it happen twice
The first of these introduced a hero and a loving granddaughter, in this book they meet each other.
Well written and with compassion for characters and consequence, a read I have already suggested to some of my more jaded friends. It causes you to stop and think.
The first of these introduced a hero and a loving granddaughter, in this book they meet each other.
Well written and with compassion for characters and consequence, a read I have already suggested to some of my more jaded friends. It causes you to stop and think.
February 15, 2019
The first book of the series was great. The Dragon's Mercy...not so much. Most of the book is bogged down in irrelevant details of the twins childhood. And with 4 souls in 2 bodies you never know who's talking. And in the end, we're right back where we started. I won't buy the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2019
Kelsa learns more about her grandfather's past and how he and her grandmother and her sister interacted in this book. The story is very detailed and full of unexpected twists and turns and the characters are very complex and well described. I received an arc and am voluntarily reviewing it.
July 28, 2018
What another amazing book by this fabulous author. Impossible to put down
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed the switching between characters, a very unusual approach. But only 265 pages is more like a novel than a book
May 15, 2019
The Dragon's Mercy (The Mage Conspiracy #2) by Jeffrey Bardwell is an amazing story that I have in this series. This is book number two in this amazing series and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mages then this story is defnately for you .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews