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Cloak Mage #1
Cloak of Dragons
My name is Nadia, and I’m an errand girl.
Except my boss is the High Queen of the Elves.
And my errands for her involve spying on people. Or stealing things. Or hunting down monsters. Or, on occasion, killing people.
But this time she wants me to solve a murder.
And unless I find the killer, I’m going to be his next target…because dragons never forgive a murder.
Except my boss is the High Queen of the Elves.
And my errands for her involve spying on people. Or stealing things. Or hunting down monsters. Or, on occasion, killing people.
But this time she wants me to solve a murder.
And unless I find the killer, I’m going to be his next target…because dragons never forgive a murder.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2019
229 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
404 books669 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 2, 2019
Nadia is back, in a new series. Spoilers ahead for the first.
It opens with Nadia helping Riordan and some other Shadow Hunters with a hunt for a man summoning Shadowlands monsters using a magical book.
Shortly thereafter, Tarlia has a little job for Nadia -- finding a murderer of a dragon. And Riordan has another job, finding out where the book from the hunt came from.
It involves a medical technology company that was shut down over a century ago, Russian bogatyrs in art, a singer who does not believe that Nadia does not listen to music, someone who apologizes before trying to kill, and more.
It opens with Nadia helping Riordan and some other Shadow Hunters with a hunt for a man summoning Shadowlands monsters using a magical book.
Shortly thereafter, Tarlia has a little job for Nadia -- finding a murderer of a dragon. And Riordan has another job, finding out where the book from the hunt came from.
It involves a medical technology company that was shut down over a century ago, Russian bogatyrs in art, a singer who does not believe that Nadia does not listen to music, someone who apologizes before trying to kill, and more.
September 4, 2024
Reading these pulpy action thrillers feels a bit like binging on triple chocolate cookies. It's a fun sugar rush and difficult to stop, even if it isn't particularly nutritious for the brain. And I Can Stop Anytime I Want To. (He says, quickly hiding empty cookie packets)
This one felt more repetitive of the previous series than most. I hope that's just because he's trying to kick off the new series as a more standalone entry point.
This one felt more repetitive of the previous series than most. I hope that's just because he's trying to kick off the new series as a more standalone entry point.
January 3, 2024
These books are a pleasure to read. This is a bit of a repetition of previous reviews. There is lots of action with interesting characters and story. But in this book we have dragons. As usual everything works together perfectly
December 9, 2023
I haven't kept up with Nadia but had no problem reading this story! Very good!
April 22, 2025
Free on Kindle and Kobo, April 22, 2025.
February 3, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*
Sequel to the Cloak of Games series. -- I'd read all the novels and most of the short stories in that series before I read this one. You don't need to read all of the short stories and I think you can just read this without reading the original series and not get lost.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.75*
Sequel to the Cloak of Games series. -- I'd read all the novels and most of the short stories in that series before I read this one. You don't need to read all of the short stories and I think you can just read this without reading the original series and not get lost.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
April 13, 2020
This looks like book 1 of a trilogy, but it's really book 1 of a second series, following a twelve-volume first series with the same protagonist. The author plays fair: The book stands alone well enough, and the references to what went before are interesting, rather than confusing or distracting.
It is three-hundred-and change years since the Conquest. In 2013 several million Elves (fleeing defeat in their home world) broke through a barrier and conquered Earth. This isn't likely to change. Most of the races beyond the rift are far less pleasant than the Elves. Besides, Elves have magic and Humans mostly don't. Nadia is one of the exceptions, and the queen has coopted her - and expects her to do odd jobs. In "Cloak of Dragons", the odd job is investigating the murder of a dragon.
Moeller's books are a good length for his style. They are short enough (about three hundred print-equivalent pages) that each book contains one complete story without many digressions or side stories or unexpected plot twists. The writing is competent and flows well. I'd give it three stars ("liked it") - except that I then went and read the previous twelve-book series, so I guess it flows better than I thought.
It is three-hundred-and change years since the Conquest. In 2013 several million Elves (fleeing defeat in their home world) broke through a barrier and conquered Earth. This isn't likely to change. Most of the races beyond the rift are far less pleasant than the Elves. Besides, Elves have magic and Humans mostly don't. Nadia is one of the exceptions, and the queen has coopted her - and expects her to do odd jobs. In "Cloak of Dragons", the odd job is investigating the murder of a dragon.
Moeller's books are a good length for his style. They are short enough (about three hundred print-equivalent pages) that each book contains one complete story without many digressions or side stories or unexpected plot twists. The writing is competent and flows well. I'd give it three stars ("liked it") - except that I then went and read the previous twelve-book series, so I guess it flows better than I thought.
June 20, 2019
I love that you are continuing Nadia's story!
You've created the perfect circumstances to continue her story without it all seeming overdone. So few authors seem able to pull that off. So often after a few books in a series it seems like the same story with the who, what, where and why changed out. Not your books. The world you created allows for such a large variety of different situations that feel natural and believable within the storyline you provided.
Nadia is the one of the best female leads I've read in awhile. She's all the trademark things, like smart, strong, talented, dangerous, loyal, etc. with plenty of other traits and characteristics that make her well rounded and relatable, like vulnerable and lonely at times. She doesn't go from weak and whiny to strong and the hero in a short amount of time. You explain throughout your books and different series, the how and why of who she is, leaving plenty of room to grown and change. She's well rounded, relatable and we'll written. I can't wait to read the next book!
You've created the perfect circumstances to continue her story without it all seeming overdone. So few authors seem able to pull that off. So often after a few books in a series it seems like the same story with the who, what, where and why changed out. Not your books. The world you created allows for such a large variety of different situations that feel natural and believable within the storyline you provided.
Nadia is the one of the best female leads I've read in awhile. She's all the trademark things, like smart, strong, talented, dangerous, loyal, etc. with plenty of other traits and characteristics that make her well rounded and relatable, like vulnerable and lonely at times. She doesn't go from weak and whiny to strong and the hero in a short amount of time. You explain throughout your books and different series, the how and why of who she is, leaving plenty of room to grown and change. She's well rounded, relatable and we'll written. I can't wait to read the next book!
November 15, 2022
This belongs into a fan-fiction forum. Not an actual book.
The MC is uber-powerful with an infinite number of incredible abilities to the point where the author has to constantly make up bullshit to even create any kind of stakes.
But she also has a really horrible past that haunts her and makes her brooding and a bit cynical because that is what the stereotype template calls for.
Every good guy is super smart and awesome and it couldn't be more obvious who will betray the good guys even though I haven't even gotten to any kind of betrayal before dropping the book.
The bad guys are just evil for the sake of it or because that is their purpose.
A lot of stuff gets constantly repeated ad nauseam. I have criticized other books for this sadly somewhat common flaw before but I have never encountered it to such an absurd degree.
I am confident this book has never seen an editor.
I don't see anything here beyond a shallow power fantasy that tries to do everything and accomplishes nothing.
This is honestly how I would have written a caricature about the worst urban fantasy clichées.
The MC is uber-powerful with an infinite number of incredible abilities to the point where the author has to constantly make up bullshit to even create any kind of stakes.
But she also has a really horrible past that haunts her and makes her brooding and a bit cynical because that is what the stereotype template calls for.
Every good guy is super smart and awesome and it couldn't be more obvious who will betray the good guys even though I haven't even gotten to any kind of betrayal before dropping the book.
The bad guys are just evil for the sake of it or because that is their purpose.
A lot of stuff gets constantly repeated ad nauseam. I have criticized other books for this sadly somewhat common flaw before but I have never encountered it to such an absurd degree.
I am confident this book has never seen an editor.
I don't see anything here beyond a shallow power fantasy that tries to do everything and accomplishes nothing.
This is honestly how I would have written a caricature about the worst urban fantasy clichées.
September 4, 2024
4.5 Stars
There is a subset of urban fantasy that I categorize as 'Magic Invades.' In these stories, there is a pivotal event where magic becomes real on Earth.
In a Jonathan Moeller's Cloak Mage series, the magic comes when an Elven Queen breaks through the barriers between worlds and conquers Earth in 2013. Since elves live very long lives, 300 years later, she is still the high queen ruling a stagnant earth where technology has advanced by inches.
Although the books are very much Nadia's story, her husband, Riordan, is a fully formed character who adds significant dynamism to the narrative in the manner Roarke gives to the Eve Dallas books. The passion between the two is palpable, but it is 'fade to black' on the steamy scale.
While the romance brings depth to the narrative, it does not overshadow the action, adventure, and intrigue that keep the pages turning.
Read as part of the Cloak Mage Omnibus One.
There is a subset of urban fantasy that I categorize as 'Magic Invades.' In these stories, there is a pivotal event where magic becomes real on Earth.
In a Jonathan Moeller's Cloak Mage series, the magic comes when an Elven Queen breaks through the barriers between worlds and conquers Earth in 2013. Since elves live very long lives, 300 years later, she is still the high queen ruling a stagnant earth where technology has advanced by inches.
Although the books are very much Nadia's story, her husband, Riordan, is a fully formed character who adds significant dynamism to the narrative in the manner Roarke gives to the Eve Dallas books. The passion between the two is palpable, but it is 'fade to black' on the steamy scale.
While the romance brings depth to the narrative, it does not overshadow the action, adventure, and intrigue that keep the pages turning.
Read as part of the Cloak Mage Omnibus One.
July 31, 2022
This is my first experience with Jonathan Moeller and overall it was a good read. The novel takes a unique spin into the urban fantasy which incorporates wizard like power, dragons, elves and future technology while being rooted in a familiar landscape and setting.
The narration switches between first person protagonist and third person observation and I think the strength is the former. But I understand the duality of narration when there are parallel plot lines. That said, the difference in styles did not cause and fracture from the story telling.
The prose is direct and evocative and the characters are developed enough to be believable, although they do lack some substance.
The plot is swift and complete, ending on a note that can lead to future stories.
A fun read, worth the time invested.
The narration switches between first person protagonist and third person observation and I think the strength is the former. But I understand the duality of narration when there are parallel plot lines. That said, the difference in styles did not cause and fracture from the story telling.
The prose is direct and evocative and the characters are developed enough to be believable, although they do lack some substance.
The plot is swift and complete, ending on a note that can lead to future stories.
A fun read, worth the time invested.
November 25, 2019
New series; same characters
****THIS IS NOT A BRAND NEW SERIES!!!****
I say that because some people don’t always tell you when you walk into the middle. This is a continuation of a 12 book series.
That being said, this works pretty well as a new ‘first book’. New boss, new husband, old enemies mostly dead...it needed to be a new series.
This looks to be a bit slower than the previous books. The danger is less pervasive and the pressure to achieve has shifted.
I recommend you read the previous series, but this is not a bad starting point.
I am going to buy the sequel right now. Best recommendation I can make.
****THIS IS NOT A BRAND NEW SERIES!!!****
I say that because some people don’t always tell you when you walk into the middle. This is a continuation of a 12 book series.
That being said, this works pretty well as a new ‘first book’. New boss, new husband, old enemies mostly dead...it needed to be a new series.
This looks to be a bit slower than the previous books. The danger is less pervasive and the pressure to achieve has shifted.
I recommend you read the previous series, but this is not a bad starting point.
I am going to buy the sequel right now. Best recommendation I can make.
May 23, 2025
This book stands on it's own (sort of) but it's clearly a continuation of a previous series (I think the previous series is Cloak Games but I'm not sure I've gotten all the way back).
The only problem is that the two main characters are a newly married couple who have obviously had adventures before and the refer to them briefly. I've tried to go as far back as I can. I'm now reading Thief Trap, the beginning of a prior series. I'm a bit befuddled but I'm trying to get to the origin story. If you've read this series(series's) and know where it begins, please write to me (joanelloyd@att.net). Thanks for that in advance.
The only problem is that the two main characters are a newly married couple who have obviously had adventures before and the refer to them briefly. I've tried to go as far back as I can. I'm now reading Thief Trap, the beginning of a prior series. I'm a bit befuddled but I'm trying to get to the origin story. If you've read this series(series's) and know where it begins, please write to me (joanelloyd@att.net). Thanks for that in advance.
April 18, 2019
Two thumbs up
This story was really good, and I’m disappointed that the next book isn’t out yet. I want to know what happens next and I don’t want to wait. I’m glad I found Jonathan Moeller all those years ago. It’s been an enjoyable ride. One thing that amazes me, however, is how fast he can churn out books. Yes, there’s the occasional typo, but I think it’s a small price to pay for an enjoyable read.
This story was really good, and I’m disappointed that the next book isn’t out yet. I want to know what happens next and I don’t want to wait. I’m glad I found Jonathan Moeller all those years ago. It’s been an enjoyable ride. One thing that amazes me, however, is how fast he can churn out books. Yes, there’s the occasional typo, but I think it’s a small price to pay for an enjoyable read.
April 24, 2019
Another page turner
I read A LOT. It is mostly for entertainment. I play a lot of games. I run a lot of roleplaying games and make up my own stories. Jonathan Moeller has become one of my favorite authors. Up there with Tolkien, Butcher, Brooks, Correia and Briggs. His stories helped me to get motivated about creating my own stories again and having my friends and children I interact with them... Thank you, Jonathan, you help make my world magical again.
I read A LOT. It is mostly for entertainment. I play a lot of games. I run a lot of roleplaying games and make up my own stories. Jonathan Moeller has become one of my favorite authors. Up there with Tolkien, Butcher, Brooks, Correia and Briggs. His stories helped me to get motivated about creating my own stories again and having my friends and children I interact with them... Thank you, Jonathan, you help make my world magical again.
September 11, 2023
Fantasy future - fantastic magic and high tech people defending against powerful evils. Lots of action with a bit of humor and romance. Purchased set of four books on September 10, 2023 for $0.99. Powerful woman of magic working for the magic queen who rules future Earth and her husband search for who murdered a rich and powerful Dragon.
December 2, 2023
Nadia Moran has begun her new career as a secret agent to the Queen of elves. Her assignment is a doozy--find out who killed key dragon in his own art gallery.
Dragons are really hard to kill, but this one had his skull bashed in.
Her handsome, magical husband Riordan also has a mysterious assignment.
What will happen?
Dragons are really hard to kill, but this one had his skull bashed in.
Her handsome, magical husband Riordan also has a mysterious assignment.
What will happen?
March 30, 2022
This is a great start to the continuation series for Nadia. I particularly enjoy her relationship with the high queen compared to her relationship with Morvilind, much healthier. Have already bought book two and just started to read.
April 26, 2022
good book, easy read
Nice pathway through the plot, I did have to keep checking if this was a part of a series as there are frequent referrals to the heroines past, I don’t think so but it doesn’t really matter. I shall be buying more of the authors books
Nice pathway through the plot, I did have to keep checking if this was a part of a series as there are frequent referrals to the heroines past, I don’t think so but it doesn’t really matter. I shall be buying more of the authors books
April 26, 2019
Three going on four....it was a fun read, not too dark.
May 16, 2019
Very good
As always Jonathon Moeller keeps you on the edge of your seat. His books are fast paced and entertaining. This book doesn’t disappoint.
As always Jonathon Moeller keeps you on the edge of your seat. His books are fast paced and entertaining. This book doesn’t disappoint.
July 16, 2019
3.5 stars
December 6, 2019
Fairly good book, but, if you have read the Cloak Games series, nothing new. Other than adding in dragons, we didn't get all that much new.
December 22, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read
One of his best books so far which I really enjoyed. Looking forward to the next one which I am starting now
One of his best books so far which I really enjoyed. Looking forward to the next one which I am starting now
April 17, 2020
Really enjoyed the transition from what she did before to investigator. The touch with the dragons was nice and I hope we get introduced to other magical creatures.
April 5, 2021
I like how the main characters have developed over the last series into characters that are more interesting and I want to read more about. I found it an enjoyable start to the new series.
April 27, 2022
4/25/22 - It appears that I read this when it was purchased in 2019. I wasn’t as dedicated to leaving reviews then so I guess that’s why it wasn’t reflected here.
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars
July 2, 2025
This is the first book I have read of Jonathan Moeller,
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, and the storyline. Onto "Cloak mage 2" .
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, and the storyline. Onto "Cloak mage 2" .
March 17, 2025
This was a great book that had much excitement that keeps you interested all the way to the end. I highly recommend this to all liking this type.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews