Del Bellator has screwed up. Big time. She’s failed to defeat her enemies the Shadows and has been forced to open a portal between Hell and Earth. Now, demons are flowing onto Earth as fast as lava down a volcano. And the effects are going to be just as deadly.
With the help of her friends and her boyfriend, the powerful Warden of the Underworld, Del must find the portal and close it. And that’s not even her biggest problem. Thousands of demons are now on earth and Del has to figure out how to get rid of them and her enemies the Shadows—without ending up dead and bringing everyone else along with her.
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
Narrator Review: Laurel Schroeder Distinguishable between characters: 5 Stars Impersonating opposite sex: 5 Stars. She is one of the few female narrators that I think does an excellent job in this. Accents: 5 Stars - very small Scottish brogue part. Overall enjoyment of Performance: 5 Stars. Laurel Schroeder is one of my favorite narrators and I highly recommend audiobooks with her as the narrator. Recommend audible version: Yes.
Story Review: This is not a standalone series. You will need to start at book one. Each book picks up right where the last one left off.
Book 5 is the conclusion to Del and Roarke's story. Del's challenge in this book is to completely close the portal and then her and her friends had to battle the remaining 3 shadows and the thousands of demons who managed to go through the portal before she could close it.
This whole series has been non stop action. While the romance was very, very slow. This series is clean enough for a younger audience. Despite having a slow romance, I loved Roarke and Del. Roarke was just so sweet with the way he took care of her and stood by her side as she risked her life over and over. I've really enjoyed this series. The writing was really good and kept me engaged. I will be reading the other two characters stories as well.
Well finally Del gets the chance to close the portal that she was forced to open. I won't lie it's not an easy task and Del will need to go back to her roots and dig deep. Learning to control her magic is just half of her battle though as she still needs to flush the Shadows out. Then there's the slight no scratch that humongous problem of all the Demons flooding into Earth and the consequences of the lack of evil in the Hell dimensions that could truly see the end of Heaven and Hell! I've enjoyed this series primarily for all the mixture of historical and mythological events. There's slightly less of that in this book and also much less travelling around the globe but the author still manages to add a few unusual characters and places. What I found very unusual was the inclusion of a heroine from another author , so if you wish to learn more then a quick check on author Alison Claire might be in order. For now though it's all about Del and her deirfiur as they reach that pivatol point were they along with friends go to war! Expect an epic battle with the possibility of tragedy as once again good stands up to evil! Fun paranormal goodness with just a light touch of romance . I heartily recommend this authors work and just love, love all the historical details included. So I'm eagerly awaiting the next book which will surely star Nix. This voluntary review is of an advance reader copy and my thoughts are my own honest opinion
Phantom Magic by Linsey Hall Dragon Gift: The Seeker #5
In the final episode with Delphine “Del” Bellator as the heroine she manages to close a portal she was forced to open and return balance between good and evil. Cass had her five stories and now Del has had hers. Both of them have found a paranormal partner (probably a life partner) and are going to give the stage to Nix in the next five books.
This was an action-packed fast-paced adventure from beginning to end with mythical, mystical and magical creatures that were represented both good and bad. Evil is fought and thwarted, friends make appearances and it is stated that the Triumvirate – Del, Cass and Nix – are prophesied to save the world. I am looking forward to reading Nix’s story next and highly recommend this book to those who like paranormal urban fantasy with a bit of romance and a whole lot of action.
Thank you to the author for the book – this is my honest review.
In the concluding book of the second set in the Dragon's Gift series The Seeker, Del and her friends take on the Shadows and the thousands of demons that have entered the Earth realm through the portal. We meet a host of old and new "friends" that help Del achieve this enormous task and restore balance to the Underworld. Next up is Nix's story and I can't wait to see what Linsey Hall has in store for her.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.
I can't believe this is the last of Del's story! The action and adventure is unparalleled, keeps getting better and better. I get excited every time I see an update from Linsey Hall, because I'm sure her updates will always bring me one heck of a story!
I'm hoping the epic adventure will flow on to the next deirfur's story, Nix, real soon!!!
What I initially liked about this series was the search for artifacts e.g. in ancient ruins à la Tomb Raider. And of course the banter between the sisters. Unfortunately the TR parts are mostly missing now.
On the other hand I found the continuation errors off-putting and the characters lacked depth. With the exception of the constant battles, this could be a children‘s book. They battle 2.000 demons and win with barely a scratch on them. There are the instant romances, the sisters who never even tease each other much less fight, parents telling the child they barely interacted with and sold to the Monster that they love her and she first tells them she doesn’t know whether she wants a relationship, but she loves them too.
The real fantasy part about this series is this incredibly naive, black and white world, where the only conflicts exist between our heroes and the villains. At first I found this series entertaining and didn’t mind this lack of depth, since it was kind of relaxing to read. But as the series progressed, I found this more and more annoying. I only read this book to finish the series and I skimmed most of it.
this book was sooooo flat, nothing intense, nothing too exciting. like the end of the previous series, it was anticlimactic and too easy to be true.
Recap:
Del and Dr. Garisso trudged through the wood full of traps (snake-like vines, bloodthirsty birds, poisonous trees, and aggressive cats) to find 'the Collectore', Garisso's girlfriend(?). she wanted to ask her about the stone that Roarke took from the machine that could enhanced magic back in the Shadow's stronghold. but the collector also didn't know what it was, only that it was vital and powerful, and she said it'd take time to know what it was.
Del returned to ancient magic, met Roarke, and went to Savannah to look for the portal she unintentionally opened. they arrived at Bonaventure Cemetery (that place was GORGEOUS!) and immediately got attacked by angry ghosts that could harm them but couldn't be harmed, only to be saved by a strange girl named Aleta. they ran and arrived to a house where its owner was attacked by Boo Hag, a skinless skin stealer (i checked, it was creepy), and it attacked Del, but she killed it.
they continue their journey to find the river. there was ghosts there, waiting for a ferryman to cross. the cost to cross was a pinch of their soul, but they paid it and they cross. there was nothing on the other side except for a bar for ghosts. they asked around, starting with a friendly ghost. they asked about the place Oriamor where the portal was but he led them to a supernatural named Zoya Oriamor. turned out, she was an ice elf who guarded Oriamore somewhere in Russia but she left when the place was thick with black magic (legend said a portal from hell would open there hmm).
she said the place was too well-protected by her people and they tried to convince her to guide them there but she refused because she was ordered to be killed on sight. then, demons came, looking for Del. but they fought and Del was forced to reveal her phantom form, receiving insults from the ungrateful ghosts, but at least they convinced Zoya to help them and she said she would meet them tomorrow at Ancient Magic.
they returned back to Magic Bend, enjoying the night and went to Del's previous stronghold to practice shutting the portal. Pondflower came because Del wished her there and she tried to close the portal. however, she couldn't stop it, and suddenly, her mom came to apologize. she said that she realized how wrong she treated Del was and came to help her closing the portal. she said Del had to accept her magic so it would stop resisting and voila, Del managed to close the portal and the place turned pretty.
they returned to ancient magic, met up with zoya, cass, nix, aidan, and flew to eastern Russia using Aidan's jet. when they arrived, Roarke's demon assistant lend them snowmobiles and the adventure begun. it started from geyser that activated when someone passed (nix was the victim), moving ice caves that would opened up and threw them into hell, and giant crabs that could only be killed with fire. they finally arrived to a save house, courtesy of Zoya's friend, Vera, and stayed the night.
Vera said that thousands of demons had passed through the portal and they thought the ice elf were on their side but they were ready to fight them. but at she could turn back time for a few minutes so they could fight lesser demons but not too many because meddling with history was a very bad thing (like they haven't -.- idiots).
after getting some rest, they continued their journey on dog sleds (HUSKIES!). they were only got chased by giant bears and then they arrived to the village. Del easily closed the portal (with little injuries from the weapons that the demons threw at her when they realized what happened) and little fighting with the demons and done. they were called to the council to receive congratulations but they still had to capture the escaped demons. strangely, even though both the alpha council and the magica order sighted more demons, they didn't do anything, obviously they had a plan.
they returned back to ancient magic. the next day, roarke visited the order while del visited the collector because she said she knew more about the rock. it was the most powerful amplifier. del returned to tell her friends this and roarke also came to bear news. he said the order suspected the demons gathered to take them down so there would be no one who would fight them. worse, with the lacks of bad demons in the underworld, the balance between heavens and hells tipped of and would eventually broke so demons would spill to hell and finally, the dead and demons won't stay in the underworld, they'd return to earth.
the made plan to summon all the demons in one place recruit everyone to fight them (the order, the council, the firesouls, the ice faes, the swamp supes in florida, the monsters). but first, the sisters went to the Shadow's stronghold in Germany to kill one of them (?! why only one). the next day, they all meet near the ice fae's village and prepared for battle. then using the Ubilaz demon's power, Del called upon all demons on Earth and the battle begun. Del managed to kill the last two Shadow but Nix was hit with a poisonous electric whip and died. Del couldn't accept what happened so she turned back time for a few minutes so she could read the Shadow's movement and saved Nix.
The battle ended quickly because the demons were too fixated on killing Del so the others could easily killed them with little casualties (and none among the sisters' friends and firesouls). what i really didn't understand was, Del and her sisters were so afraid their power would be revealed so how did they explained her turning back time and calling all those demons with her power? it was just too convenient for the author to black out this details. to celebrate their victory, they threw a party in Del's old house. there, she met her parents. they were allowed to visit from time to time so they could reconnect with her and it was all well and fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Finally somethings are looking up. Del was forced into opening the portal allowing demons to pour freely into Earth but Del was able to close the small one at her family’s home. Now onto the big one. First she wants to make her chances of her side winning by taking out another of the shadows if possible. Del, her friends and allies just need a little luck. This series is awesome. If you love everything supernatural, give this series a read. Start with Dragons’s Gift: The Huntress (5 books), Dragon’s Gift:The Seeker (5 books) and end with Dragon’s Gift: The Protector (5 books). Linsey Hall did a amazing job.
Fab second series. But sort out the missing pages!
Really good series. Thoroughly recommend reading. Just off now to get the second. Several of these books have missing pages and this does need sorting. At least 8 missing in this one, just blank and I'm sure there were in last one as well.
In the course of this series I’ve sometimes had occasion to ask “why didn’t they do X?” Or “how was she able to do Y?” This time I’m pleased to say that nearly every time I found myself asking that, my question was answered not long thereafter. I’m still really confused about all the details as to how Del’s ability to bring back the past works, though, and I still wish Hall hadn’t tried to introduce a history-changing ability into the mix. It’s just too unbalancing and awkward. Hall even has to resort to vague “the Seer says it’ll be bad if we use the ability that way” deus ex machina-type solutions just to keep Del from preemptively ending the story.
I’m fond of Del and Roarke as a couple and I think they have more chemistry than Cass and Aidan. The romance angle in these books is still low-key, though, and definitely PG-rated, so if you’re just here for the urban fantasy you’ll be fine. Honestly I’d be happy to see it bumped up a notch in Nix’s installment.
The fight scenes remain excellent. In fact, it’s kicked up to another level. The climax of the book involves a cast of thousands and I’m surprised it wasn’t reserved for the climax of Nix’s five-book series! It’s hard to imagine where Hall will go from here, frankly.
This is definitely my favorite book by Hall so far. I actually shed a few tears near the end, which is always a good sign! This wraps up the tale of the Shadows, the demon uprising, and Del’s family mysteries, so enjoy!
Everything I ever wanted in a romance and an urban fantasy :). First off if your looking for the extra erotic supernatural romance you normally see these days on kindle, look elsewhere. However look no further for an incredibly well written, suspenseful, keep you up at night because you can’t stop reading, urban fantasy.
Basically Linsey has you loving these 3 girls and their friends from the beginning, and man are these girls not only bad ass, but so are their stories. I couldn’t get enough of all three girls, and just like the rest of us humans they have struggle with themselves almost as much as they do demons mages any other baddies along the way.
Oh yeah and who knew that some one could throw in some Indiana Jones style treasure hunting into the mix and not only make it work but make it just as thrilling and heart stopping as the rest of the action. Speaking of action it’s been awhile since I’ve read supernatural battles that had me hanging on every word. Unique, surprising action mixed with the bad assery of a strong woman as the heroine, not to mention you get three of them. And occasionally the guys help out too ;)
I can’t say enough about all three series, Hunter, Seeker, and Protector, so before this becomes a book about a book, with vaguely written statements and opinions to avoid spoilers, I’m just going to tell you to READ THESE BOOKS!
In this last, and i think best book of this series,Del gets the chance to close the portal that she was forced by the Shadows to open. It certainly wasn't an easy task as Del had to utilize all of her innate and acquired powers and to control her magic.This is just half of her battle though, as she still needs to precipitate a final battle, flushing the Shadows out from hiding. How Del accomplishes this task was remarkable and we come to find that the consequences, if she doesn't succeed, could spell the end of both Heaven and Hell! As I have said in previous reviews, I've certainly enjoyed this series primarily for the mixture of historical and mythological events. So Del and her Deirfiur have reached that pivotal point were they've called upon all their friends and associates and are going to war! Expect an epic battle with the possibility of tragedy as they stand up against evil! Phantom Magic and the series as a whole, was fun paranormal goodness, with just a light touch of romance which I've certainly enjoyed and would heartily recommend Ms. Hall's stories. I'm eagerly awaiting her next book which will surely star Nix. Jack Murphy
"Phantom Magic" is the final book in the Seeker series. This is Del's moment of glory. She is still reeling after she inadvertently opened up the demon portal letting thousands of demons into the world. With the assistance of Roarke, she sets out to locate a place called Oriamor. This takes them to a weird bar where they meet Zoya Oriamor who explains she is the gatekeeper of the town and she is forbidden to return. However, when a hoarse of demons enters the bar and Roarke and Del kills them she decided to side them in their quest to close the door.
Meanwhile, Del and Roarke with the assistance of Dr. Garriso take a powerful stone to the Collector for analysis. She is stumped but keeps the stone to do some research. One thing is clear, Del and her friends are gathering all of the puzzle pieces that will aid them in the upcoming ultimate battle. As they gather their resources it is clear that there is a real possibility that one or more of them may die.
"Phantom Magic" is the perfect ending to Del's story. At its conclusion, you definitely get the feeling that an even greater task is headed their way. It will be interesting to know move on to Nix's story.
The final showdown between the evil shadows and evil demons
How will Del and Rourke and their friends plan to defeat all the evil demons that have stayed on the earth after they have closed the portal in the ice fae City? They have to enlist all their friends and their friends friends to plan their next move and how they're going to draw the evil demons to one spot and defeat them all at the same time. This is the biggest undertaking they've ever done. But they have lots of allies. They also have a time crunch because the balance in hell without the evil demons could upset the whole nature of hell. So they have to plan this in the next couple of days. They have to get everybody on board and every Ally they can to take on the thousands of demons that I've escaped to Earth. Can they do it in time?
A great adventure and ending for Del's part in the triumvirate. I really enjoy the different parts of these stories each of the 3 badass females have a collective part in the triumvirate prophecies and then they are wanting to find out about their past's which is always interesting and then there is the side of romance which I love because it's not in your face like some added romance it's woven well into the story they guy Roarke in Del's case is her other half he is there to support and encourage which turns into love and yes it's quick but hey this is fiction and magic so why not.
Del and her sisters kick butt and everything ends, but not as Del hoped so she turns back time and it ends much better lol that's a very handy trick and now it's Nix's turn and I can't wait.
Del’s story arc is completed with this book, as she finally goes head to head with the shadows, and the demons they freed. There are a few intense encounters with some unusual supernatural beings too- and Pondflower the hellhound definitely steals the show!
This book showcases all of Del’s mysterious powers, as she tries to right the wrongs- it makes for an exciting and action packed adventure. There are still multiple dangerous encounters, (Del probably only nearly dies three times in this book) and lots of magical action. Finally there is a big showdown, some romance and even a cameo from another author’s series! An exciting end to this middle part of the Triumvirate story arc… recommended for urban fantasy lovers.
Del moves from fight to fight in this book, and it seems pretty bleak. Her powers aren't strong enough, she isn't practicing the extra ones she got as a Phantom, and she's afraid of the portal magic. She and Rourke go hunting clues as to where Oriamor is. She has to find it to close the portal. Through twists and turns they find out over 3000 demons have already come through, so closing the portal won't be the finale Everybody, especially Rourke is behind her, believing in her. But do they succeed? Love these books
I enjoyed the season finale of Del's story. She went through a lot in the previous book being forced to fulfil an evil prophesy against her will, and she spent this book resolving it. Things weren't perfect, but she got the job done. I did think the ability to turn time was a little bit cheating but I would have done the same thing in the middle of a battle. Overall for this series - I enjoy the characters, their fun personalities and unbending loyalty to fight for each other. The audio narration is good and I like how each character has a unique voice and sound. The writing is simple and straight forward which works for these quick stories. Though, I would think combining them into fewer longer books with more going on would be better than having to get 5 individual books that are so short (these are 6 hour audiobooks, very short).
Epic! What a blunder! Not only hasn't she defeated the Shadows but she's managed to open a portal from Hell. Dozens of demons are flooding through. Now Del and her sister's (plus their other halves) have to figure out how to stop the Shadows, close the Portal and get rid of the demons on earth. A totally fantastic end to Del's story. Highly recommended.
I'm really into this series (plural). I do think that although I love del and I like Roarke I'm not convinced with them being in love. Just don't feel it.
I felt it with Cass and her boy but not for her sister.
I hope Nix gets a good story and a good partner I'm looking forward to starting it.
Del's dates task comes to a conclusion in "Phantom Magic." Del and co gather allies for the final fight. Del used her gift to draw the demons to the battlefield. With help from allies, Del is able to send the worst demons back to the Underworld and therefore restored the balance.
A great conclusion to Del's journey. Looking forward to Nix's story!
Phantom Magic is the fifth book in Linsey Hall's second Dragon's Gift: The Seeker series. Del is going to need all hands on deck in order to defeat the Shadows and close the portal to the Underworld. Overall, this was an action pack, fast-paced conclusion to Del's series. The next book to read is Fugitive of Magic (Dragon's Gift: The Protector Book 1).
I truly hated for this book to end. This had the most intense battle ever and well of course good always wins out over evil. The love word has passed mutually between Roarke and Del! Yay! I love Linsey's writing style, humorous yet exciting. Every emotion is felt in every word. I'm looking forward to all of the next series. On to learn all about Nix!
Destroying the darkness and evil Shadows plus send all the evil demons....
Del has found a way to destroy the Shadows and send the ancient evil demons back to the Underworld in one last battle. Will these heroes succeed in bringing balance back to the Underworld?
A wonderful series of a powerful young woman coming to terms with her powers plus her destiny.
I thunk I have read to much and need a break. Some thing simple like werewolves or other shape changers. The stories are to darn good and very hard to put down. She has another series on the way and I need to rest. Her writing is fantastic, her stories thick with great 👍 characters. They have over whelmed me. Great time.
To think my addiction to this world started with an unexpected find. I think Del might be my favorite. But this one definitely did not disappoint. I love the character surprises and then arounds. Here's to the next set. Must read this series it is so worth your time.
I do like these books they are easy reading but need to read in order as they are not stand alone I find the writing style easy to read, very much for sitting in the sun to read
SECOND SERIES - DRAGON'S GIFT: THE SEEKER (Del Bellator) 1. Magic Undying 2. Demon Magic 3. Magic Revealed 4. Magic Wild 5. Phantom Magic
I always find Linsey Hall's books to be intriguing and enjoyable. Every now and then, one is particularly good, but I always know I'm going to enjoy the book. Some stand out more than others, but in general, they are fun quick reads. I prefer her Shadow Guild and later works to these series, but they are still enjoyable.
I loved it . I was four books behind when I originally got this one .so I went back to the beginning and just read them all in the last three days. I absolutely love these books