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A young warrior. A reluctant mage. A city of secrets. In the heart of Brookhaven, a city shrouded in shadows and secrets, a pervasive malevolence lurks, poisoning every corner of its existence. The Blackwatch, guardians of the realm, stands as the city's last defense. At the center of this turmoil is Ryn Weaver, her fervent desire to be a warrior in the watch overshadowed by a twist of fate.During her Proving, a crucial rite to join the esteemed Blackwatch Order, Ryn is unexpectedly Paired with Dagan Drake, a Tribunal Mage bearing his own burdens. Their alliance, marked by reluctance and constraint, thrusts Ryn into a realm of danger and uncertainty. Bound by an unchosen destiny, she and Dagan must unite to fulfill his capturing a traitor threatening the very fabric of their world.Forced into an area of conflict, Ryn faces rogue mages, relentless adversaries, and the haunting presence of a malevolent traitor. Can she earn the respect of her reluctant partner and validate her identity as a true warrior, or will the encroaching darkness claim them both?Embark on a journey filled with magical combat, bold heroes, and non-stop action in Proven, the first book in The Blackwatch Chronicles. If you like electrifying action, rich characters, and magical battles, then you'll love H.M. Clarke's series starter. Buy Proven to share in the adventure today!
- GenresFantasyMagicParanormal
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2019
293 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Clarke
45 books57 followersIn a former life, H M Clarke has been a Console Operator, an ICT Project Manager, Public Servant, Paper Shuffler and an Accountant (the last being the most exciting.)
She attended Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, where she studied for a Bachelor of Science (Chem), and also picked up a Diploma in Project Management while working for the South Australian Department of Justice.
In her spare time, she likes to lay on the couch and watch TV, garden, draw, read, and tell ALL her family what wonderful human beings they are.
She keeps threatening to go out and get a real job (Cheesecake Test Taster sounds good) and intends to retire somewhere warm and dry - like the middle of the Simpson Desert. For the time being however, she lives in Ohio and dreams about being warm...
She is also a bit of a video game nerd and, is into Star Trek, Midsomer Murders and Harry Potter, and she absolutely adores the TV show Almost Human
She attended Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, where she studied for a Bachelor of Science (Chem), and also picked up a Diploma in Project Management while working for the South Australian Department of Justice.
In her spare time, she likes to lay on the couch and watch TV, garden, draw, read, and tell ALL her family what wonderful human beings they are.
She keeps threatening to go out and get a real job (Cheesecake Test Taster sounds good) and intends to retire somewhere warm and dry - like the middle of the Simpson Desert. For the time being however, she lives in Ohio and dreams about being warm...
She is also a bit of a video game nerd and, is into Star Trek, Midsomer Murders and Harry Potter, and she absolutely adores the TV show Almost Human
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 12, 2022
I enjoyed the story, but the telling was clunky - grammatical errors, weird phrasings, and just general clunkiness. Like, the characters in a conversation would say the other person's name every time they replied. I don't know, it was odd.
But the story is a good one if you can get past that. I know that kind of thing drives some people utterly bananas though.
But the story is a good one if you can get past that. I know that kind of thing drives some people utterly bananas though.
Read
June 28, 2024Just choose ONE verb tense already, and stick with it.
Also, it's a bad idea to have one character make jokes about another character's limited vocabulary, when ALL of the characters have limited vocabulary. It's not the characters. (If I have to read "Bellus" or "ass" one more time....)
This book needed a better editor. It's a shame, really, because the plot was quite interesting. I might have stuck with it despite the poor writing, except that the characters use way too much filthy language.
Also, it's a bad idea to have one character make jokes about another character's limited vocabulary, when ALL of the characters have limited vocabulary. It's not the characters. (If I have to read "Bellus" or "ass" one more time....)
This book needed a better editor. It's a shame, really, because the plot was quite interesting. I might have stuck with it despite the poor writing, except that the characters use way too much filthy language.
May 26, 2020
Kept waiting for this to get better. There were a lot of errors in the book which I can overlook if the story can carry it's weight, but this sadly didn't. DNF at 90%. I think this book needed to be fleshed out a lot more.
May 2, 2025
What a ride of a first book!
I really enjoyed the first of this series! Ryn is a new warrior completing her training to become a Blackwatch guard. She only has one trial to pair her with a mage for life, simple right? Not when Dagan, who wasn't supposed to be in their training grounds, is the one she pairs with. He is not pleased as he has gone out of his way to be his own person, but the pairing is irreversible. So many shenanigans ensue for this pair as they try to figure this new dynamic out. I really loved their new dynamic. Ryn is inquisitive and loves to know the answers to all the questions. While Dagan is reluctant to share any secrets, he slowly learns to trust her and the friends that she has made in her schooling. It was an interesting dynamic between the two and then all the additional friends that make up their merry band. The author did a great job creating a world and fascinating characters, but there are so many questions that lead into the next book, I'm excited to see where it goes.
"You look like someone who likes to get into a lot of trouble.” She glared at him a moment longer and then burst out laughing. “You are not far wrong there.”
I really enjoyed the first of this series! Ryn is a new warrior completing her training to become a Blackwatch guard. She only has one trial to pair her with a mage for life, simple right? Not when Dagan, who wasn't supposed to be in their training grounds, is the one she pairs with. He is not pleased as he has gone out of his way to be his own person, but the pairing is irreversible. So many shenanigans ensue for this pair as they try to figure this new dynamic out. I really loved their new dynamic. Ryn is inquisitive and loves to know the answers to all the questions. While Dagan is reluctant to share any secrets, he slowly learns to trust her and the friends that she has made in her schooling. It was an interesting dynamic between the two and then all the additional friends that make up their merry band. The author did a great job creating a world and fascinating characters, but there are so many questions that lead into the next book, I'm excited to see where it goes.
"You look like someone who likes to get into a lot of trouble.” She glared at him a moment longer and then burst out laughing. “You are not far wrong there.”
June 28, 2020
Needs an editor or fire the one you hired.
Good start, good characters & great storyline. Needs an editor. It felt like the author is trying to build maybe a love triangle but didn’t know how to accomplish that and that seemed to be her problem with all the subplots she had going on. Start a subplot the fizzle out. Grammar was off too. Characters weren’t developed enough.
But what was there is intriguing enough to have me read the second book but if it doesn’t improve I’ll probably stop reading.
Good start, good characters & great storyline. Needs an editor. It felt like the author is trying to build maybe a love triangle but didn’t know how to accomplish that and that seemed to be her problem with all the subplots she had going on. Start a subplot the fizzle out. Grammar was off too. Characters weren’t developed enough.
But what was there is intriguing enough to have me read the second book but if it doesn’t improve I’ll probably stop reading.
May 5, 2020
Grammatical errors straight out the gate made it an automatic “remove from device”. Didn’t get past the first five pages.
August 22, 2020
Good plot, superficial characters, constant verb tense errors
The ongoing misuse of the present tense within paragraphs that were about the past was distracting and annoying. Please have an editor fix these errors.
The action is fine but the characters were too superficial to keep my interest. I wanted to stop several times, but kept going so I could write a fair review.
I won't read other books by Clarks.
The ongoing misuse of the present tense within paragraphs that were about the past was distracting and annoying. Please have an editor fix these errors.
The action is fine but the characters were too superficial to keep my interest. I wanted to stop several times, but kept going so I could write a fair review.
I won't read other books by Clarks.
October 27, 2023
Ryn has worked hard to achieve her goal to become a " Blackwatch " Constable. In order to reach this status, the only test left is what is called " The Provings" where cadets are let loose in a predefined environment to, not only, face a battle and emerge victorious but to be paired for life with a mage.
Dagan is a Magister with the Tribunal who is on a mission to apprehend a dangerous traitor mage. Resting, for a second, he hears the cries of a woman and, upon investigating, finds Ryn caught up in a fight with numerous foes. Upon reflection, he decides to lend a hand and, at the end of the fight, finds himself paired with Ryn.
The author uses her gift to create a story encompassing good versus evil, regulated versus unregistered, hesitation versus action and, friendship versus following.
The plot is action as well as emotion filled. The twists and turns grip the reader and keeps him or her focused on the escalating events and situations making the book a page turner that I highly recommend and rate 5 Stars. I look forward to reading the sequel in this series.
Dagan is a Magister with the Tribunal who is on a mission to apprehend a dangerous traitor mage. Resting, for a second, he hears the cries of a woman and, upon investigating, finds Ryn caught up in a fight with numerous foes. Upon reflection, he decides to lend a hand and, at the end of the fight, finds himself paired with Ryn.
The author uses her gift to create a story encompassing good versus evil, regulated versus unregistered, hesitation versus action and, friendship versus following.
The plot is action as well as emotion filled. The twists and turns grip the reader and keeps him or her focused on the escalating events and situations making the book a page turner that I highly recommend and rate 5 Stars. I look forward to reading the sequel in this series.
July 13, 2020
This book DOES. NOT. QUIT. Loved it! Perfect storyline set up for an epic adventure with a band of friends. Straight out of the gates it escalated with breakneck speed, all while engaging the reader with the main characters. Perfect read for lovers of questing stories with a splash of intrigue, akin to The Sword of Truth series.
Agree with reviewers noting some errors in the text- hopefully they’ll get repaired. Occasionally takes a minute to discern who is speaking in particular conversations, but the plot carries you through. I will absolutely be searching out book 2.
Agree with reviewers noting some errors in the text- hopefully they’ll get repaired. Occasionally takes a minute to discern who is speaking in particular conversations, but the plot carries you through. I will absolutely be searching out book 2.
February 11, 2024
slow going
The story was good, but it was so slow certainly for most of the book. I kept wishing that something interesting would happen other than a multitude of sword and mage fights. However, towards the end of the book the pace picked up and I found I quite enjoyed it. Now I want t read the second book. It may be that this first book needed to establish the backstory and characters. I found similarity in some of the names confusing, as in Kuma and Kimba. I still don’t know which is male and which is female.
The story was good, but it was so slow certainly for most of the book. I kept wishing that something interesting would happen other than a multitude of sword and mage fights. However, towards the end of the book the pace picked up and I found I quite enjoyed it. Now I want t read the second book. It may be that this first book needed to establish the backstory and characters. I found similarity in some of the names confusing, as in Kuma and Kimba. I still don’t know which is male and which is female.
July 27, 2025
Drivel
I don’t know where to start with how bad this book is. From page to page I had to keep re-reading to try to understand what was actually happening. The constant tense changes certainly didn’t help, or the continuous dialogue which seemed often just to go in circles, or the focus changing from one part of a fight to another to another. I could go on. I did finish it, but only because I am determined like that. I suspect if you were twelve it might be ok, but this is definitely not for grown ups. Won’t be picking up the next one!
I don’t know where to start with how bad this book is. From page to page I had to keep re-reading to try to understand what was actually happening. The constant tense changes certainly didn’t help, or the continuous dialogue which seemed often just to go in circles, or the focus changing from one part of a fight to another to another. I could go on. I did finish it, but only because I am determined like that. I suspect if you were twelve it might be ok, but this is definitely not for grown ups. Won’t be picking up the next one!
October 3, 2020
Good read
I received this book for free and am providing my unbiased review. This book follows Katherine, a Blackwatch new graduate who becomes unexpectedly paired with a Wilder Mage rather than with one of her classmates. The story flows well, unfolding smoothly from event to event. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed it. There were a few typos, but they were not distracting.
I received this book for free and am providing my unbiased review. This book follows Katherine, a Blackwatch new graduate who becomes unexpectedly paired with a Wilder Mage rather than with one of her classmates. The story flows well, unfolding smoothly from event to event. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed it. There were a few typos, but they were not distracting.
February 26, 2021
Adventure at every page
The cadets need to be paired off - a mage and a warrior. Kathryn thinks it would be one of her two friends, but at the last minute, a ringer shows up. Dagen is anything but a normal Blackwatch constable. Kathryn is going to have fun with this one. And so are we!
The cadets need to be paired off - a mage and a warrior. Kathryn thinks it would be one of her two friends, but at the last minute, a ringer shows up. Dagen is anything but a normal Blackwatch constable. Kathryn is going to have fun with this one. And so are we!
March 19, 2022
Good but stilted
This is an alright start for a series but it doesn't flow very well. Lots of hurry up and wait, going on. The characters seem likeable enough. A lot of hints of Ryn being "touched by destiny" or some similar trope. Interested to know how she came to be friends with the crow. Hopefully that part of the next one.
This is an alright start for a series but it doesn't flow very well. Lots of hurry up and wait, going on. The characters seem likeable enough. A lot of hints of Ryn being "touched by destiny" or some similar trope. Interested to know how she came to be friends with the crow. Hopefully that part of the next one.
September 11, 2022
This was a very enjoyable read. The world building, the storytelling, and the believable/likeable characters all came together well. The editing was mostly effective, though some time tenses were a bit confusing to me, and some word selections (bought up vs brought up) questionable. If I could, I'd give 4.5 stars, but they only shine in whole numbers.
November 27, 2022
Great, Action-Packed Book!
This is a great book of fantasy! I really felt like I could picture the world where Ryn and Dagan were. While a made-up world, the story is very believable and I felt myself invested in and rooting for the characters.
I am excited to read the next book to see how the story unfolds!
This is a great book of fantasy! I really felt like I could picture the world where Ryn and Dagan were. While a made-up world, the story is very believable and I felt myself invested in and rooting for the characters.
I am excited to read the next book to see how the story unfolds!
December 11, 2022
A wonderful story
Badly needs editing. Badly needs editing 29 words limit. Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing. Badly needs editing 29 words limit. Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing
Badly needs editing. Badly needs editing 29 words limit. Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing. Badly needs editing 29 words limit. Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing Badly needs editing
December 21, 2022
Shockingly good
I came across HM Clarke via a group recommendation and figured Id read it as a way to pass the time. Oh my hat! Its so much more than you expect! I adore Ryn and cant wait to see where she and Dagan end up! If there isnt a love twist somewhere I will be very disappointed!
I came across HM Clarke via a group recommendation and figured Id read it as a way to pass the time. Oh my hat! Its so much more than you expect! I adore Ryn and cant wait to see where she and Dagan end up! If there isnt a love twist somewhere I will be very disappointed!
June 14, 2025
Fantastic start to a fantasy series.
I found this book really easy to jump into. The author dropped me into a well realised world with two main characters that I quickly became invested in.
I'm already looking forward to following more of Ryn and Dagan's adventures!
Id definitely recommend this to any fantasy fans!
I found this book really easy to jump into. The author dropped me into a well realised world with two main characters that I quickly became invested in.
I'm already looking forward to following more of Ryn and Dagan's adventures!
Id definitely recommend this to any fantasy fans!
January 23, 2022
Good story, more young adult type writing
The story itself was pretty interesting and has potential. The writing is rather amateur and reads like a young adult book. The characters are fairly flat. The female MC isn't very bright which always annoys me.
The story itself was pretty interesting and has potential. The writing is rather amateur and reads like a young adult book. The characters are fairly flat. The female MC isn't very bright which always annoys me.
February 2, 2023
great book
Good character development, and foundation laying. No boredom or drifting attention while reading! I like the authors writing style, descriptions give you a clear picture of surroundings while not distracting from the story.
Good character development, and foundation laying. No boredom or drifting attention while reading! I like the authors writing style, descriptions give you a clear picture of surroundings while not distracting from the story.
November 12, 2023
An unlikely pairing, leads to Ryn always feeling like she needs to prove herself. She is always asking questions from her new Pair Dagan. Since she has no idea who he is & this special mission he is on, & hes not about to tell her. When a fellow Blackwatch goes missing, Ryn & a few other Blackwatch retrace her steps to a brothel, where answers are not very forth coming. This book follows as Ryn & Dagan search for this missing Blackwatch member, which inevitably leads to some troubling information for Dagan.
Very well written book, I loved every minute of it, & I could not put it down. I would read this again. I recommend to fantasy, adventure, & magic lovers.
Very well written book, I loved every minute of it, & I could not put it down. I would read this again. I recommend to fantasy, adventure, & magic lovers.
July 2, 2019
This book was just meh. It took me way to long to read it. I never warmed up to Ryan or Dagon.
The most interesting thing was Peck, the crow and the Brothers Vannik and Bron.
The most interesting thing was Peck, the crow and the Brothers Vannik and Bron.
January 23, 2020
Great read
A female warrior with a bird pairs with a wild mage.They receive help from two new pairs plus a grey horse and master spy. Wonderful adventure
A female warrior with a bird pairs with a wild mage.They receive help from two new pairs plus a grey horse and master spy. Wonderful adventure
May 5, 2020
Loved the book. Was wondering when the next one is being released.
May 10, 2020
Quite enjoyable
Was an easy read with interesting storyline and characters with substance and with whom this reader could easily relate. Will definitely read the next book.
Was an easy read with interesting storyline and characters with substance and with whom this reader could easily relate. Will definitely read the next book.
May 10, 2020
Adventure unfolds
A great book with subtle twists and turns. Friends aren't always what they appear, they can be better than what they seem.
A great book with subtle twists and turns. Friends aren't always what they appear, they can be better than what they seem.
October 17, 2021
Very good!
Fast paced book with great character development and lots of action, without extraneous graphic sex and/or violence. Definitely worth reading.
Fast paced book with great character development and lots of action, without extraneous graphic sex and/or violence. Definitely worth reading.
June 21, 2022
Good read
It wasn't bad at all kinda slow at the middle but the end made up for it magic intrigue and good fighting action all a very nice first book in my humble opinion
It wasn't bad at all kinda slow at the middle but the end made up for it magic intrigue and good fighting action all a very nice first book in my humble opinion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews