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The Artifactor #2
The Dreamer's Curse
With an un-cursed prince and king back on the throne, Sevana goes back to her usual routine without worry. But her peaceful days don’t last for long. A hunter from a small northern village comes to her, pleading for help. The people in his village are disappearing during the night, transported great distances in their sleep, and they don’t know why.
Transportation magic such as this hasn’t been seen since the days of great magic, hundreds of years past. On top of that, the power levels that Sevana sees are insanely high—far higher than any modern magic can reach. Sevana drops everything, racing toward the small village of Chastain, praying that she can find the source for all of this and stop it.
Otherwise, the magical backlash might destroy Windamere.
Transportation magic such as this hasn’t been seen since the days of great magic, hundreds of years past. On top of that, the power levels that Sevana sees are insanely high—far higher than any modern magic can reach. Sevana drops everything, racing toward the small village of Chastain, praying that she can find the source for all of this and stop it.
Otherwise, the magical backlash might destroy Windamere.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2014
147 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 15, 2019
Good story but in my opinion, not as enjoyable as the first book!
December 9, 2018
Love anything by Raconteur!
December 9, 2021
Could’ve Been A 5 ⭐️, But…
I greatly enjoyed this book for a good 80+%, but the wrap up spoiled this.
It did indeed finish up any lose ends, but it felt sudden, rushed, and very abrupt in the way the main drama ended.
From one page turn to the next, it was if it was hastily completed and left this reader feeling bewildered, confounded, and utterly confused. It truly made one feel disoriented, as if an entire section had inexplicably dropped off the radar.
This isn’t enough to cause me to stop reading further into the series, or more from Raconteur, but it definitely didn’t have the warm glow generally accompanied upon finishing a novel.
I greatly enjoyed this book for a good 80+%, but the wrap up spoiled this.
It did indeed finish up any lose ends, but it felt sudden, rushed, and very abrupt in the way the main drama ended.
From one page turn to the next, it was if it was hastily completed and left this reader feeling bewildered, confounded, and utterly confused. It truly made one feel disoriented, as if an entire section had inexplicably dropped off the radar.
This isn’t enough to cause me to stop reading further into the series, or more from Raconteur, but it definitely didn’t have the warm glow generally accompanied upon finishing a novel.
March 22, 2024
Fun fantasy book with a problem to solve
This was a fun book two in the Artifactor series. We get to see more of Sevana and her motives. I love seeing behind her layers and we get more of that in this story.
The curse was fascinating and I loved the creativity of solving it. The magic as always is fascinating.
Super fun and Sevana is sassy as always! Love it!
This was a fun book two in the Artifactor series. We get to see more of Sevana and her motives. I love seeing behind her layers and we get more of that in this story.
The curse was fascinating and I loved the creativity of solving it. The magic as always is fascinating.
Super fun and Sevana is sassy as always! Love it!
August 25, 2020
Good story, highly recommended
I really like Honor Raconteur's story telling. Her stories have a good plot, they're well written, and are stories I can recommend to my mother, my teenaged boys and my elementary school grandchildren. Highly recommended
I really like Honor Raconteur's story telling. Her stories have a good plot, they're well written, and are stories I can recommend to my mother, my teenaged boys and my elementary school grandchildren. Highly recommended
September 26, 2023
Content:
Language: None that I recall (if there is any it's maybe one H***)
Violence: Mild. People get knocked about, bruises etc. There is some death but it's offscreen and not described other than "bodies".
Sexual: None. Hugs, cuddles for warmth, nothing romantic in this one.
About a 3.5 but rounded up.
Took me a bit to get to this next book because listening to the audiobook of The Child Prince (book 1) made me incredibly ornery.
But I always end up going to Honor Raconteur when I'm in need of a cozy fantasy that I know won't get too intense and will have fun banter and humor. She's my safe author and I really appreciate it.
The premise of this book made me bounce in my seat a bit, as having a curse that fun. Also, I enjoyed seeing Sevana's Master in this one as a character rather than just on the 'caller'. He's rather different than I thought he'd be.
Decker and his wolf were my favorite new characters. He was not in the book enough for me, and he was there quite a bit. And I was sad that Kip wasn't featured much at all. This book saw Sevana being a bit more human and less acerbic than the first book. She was truly unlikable a few times in the first book and that makes for a hard read when the main character is someone you can't enjoy tagging along behind. She's a bit softer in this one, or perhaps it's that we follow behind her the entire time in this book, whereas at least half or more of the first book was following Bel.
It lagged a bit right after the halfway mark in pacing, getting a bit too long in the 'we have yet another problem to fix on the way to getting the big issue solved'. But I still enjoyed the meandering little ride. Again, I know what to expect now with Raconteur's books, so I read them when I know I'm in the mood for them. ie: slow paced, character banter-y fantasies that are clean.
Also, interested to see about that little hint that
Language: None that I recall (if there is any it's maybe one H***)
Violence: Mild. People get knocked about, bruises etc. There is some death but it's offscreen and not described other than "bodies".
Sexual: None. Hugs, cuddles for warmth, nothing romantic in this one.
About a 3.5 but rounded up.
Took me a bit to get to this next book because listening to the audiobook of The Child Prince (book 1) made me incredibly ornery.
But I always end up going to Honor Raconteur when I'm in need of a cozy fantasy that I know won't get too intense and will have fun banter and humor. She's my safe author and I really appreciate it.
The premise of this book made me bounce in my seat a bit, as having a curse that fun. Also, I enjoyed seeing Sevana's Master in this one as a character rather than just on the 'caller'. He's rather different than I thought he'd be.
Decker and his wolf were my favorite new characters. He was not in the book enough for me, and he was there quite a bit. And I was sad that Kip wasn't featured much at all. This book saw Sevana being a bit more human and less acerbic than the first book. She was truly unlikable a few times in the first book and that makes for a hard read when the main character is someone you can't enjoy tagging along behind. She's a bit softer in this one, or perhaps it's that we follow behind her the entire time in this book, whereas at least half or more of the first book was following Bel.
It lagged a bit right after the halfway mark in pacing, getting a bit too long in the 'we have yet another problem to fix on the way to getting the big issue solved'. But I still enjoyed the meandering little ride. Again, I know what to expect now with Raconteur's books, so I read them when I know I'm in the mood for them. ie: slow paced, character banter-y fantasies that are clean.
Also, interested to see about that little hint that
June 21, 2020
I'm reviewing all 5 books in this series together as they whilst all wonderful, complete stories in their own right, each one is as good as the last, and it is the impression of the characters, the world and their interactions that stand out.
I think Sevana might possibly be my most favourite character of Honor Raconteur's so far (maybe heading it up with Jamie and Mei). She is a child prodigy, fully aware that it is her brain and not her innate magic that make her so special. In fact, unusually for so many starring characters her magic ability is fairly weak and this frustrates Sevana greatly a times. She is not as egotistical as you might think (although never humble!) and goes on a very long journey of growing up and personal growth throughout these 5 books. She unwittingly makes allies where ever she goes and I love that she is always solving a problem, even if she should really be looking out for herself. The world here is also delightful, with magic, fae, Gods of differing pantheons, and a rich cultural diversity. Each story is complete, although Sevana is very much on her own journey and some story lines over lap.
Honestly I could rave about these books at length and although I read these as a borrow, I will be buying them as I can see that they will become a comfort reread. What more can I say to recommend?
I think Sevana might possibly be my most favourite character of Honor Raconteur's so far (maybe heading it up with Jamie and Mei). She is a child prodigy, fully aware that it is her brain and not her innate magic that make her so special. In fact, unusually for so many starring characters her magic ability is fairly weak and this frustrates Sevana greatly a times. She is not as egotistical as you might think (although never humble!) and goes on a very long journey of growing up and personal growth throughout these 5 books. She unwittingly makes allies where ever she goes and I love that she is always solving a problem, even if she should really be looking out for herself. The world here is also delightful, with magic, fae, Gods of differing pantheons, and a rich cultural diversity. Each story is complete, although Sevana is very much on her own journey and some story lines over lap.
Honestly I could rave about these books at length and although I read these as a borrow, I will be buying them as I can see that they will become a comfort reread. What more can I say to recommend?
February 21, 2022
I enjoyed this one more than book 1, it feels a bit more adult. Which is possibly because the annoying Bellami only has a cameo in this one, I didn't feel the burning need to scream "JUST FUCKING KILL THE DAMNED BRAT ALREADY" constantly, which was a nice change.
Sevana is an interesting character, and as I said in the review of the first book, I suspect she is neuroatypical, which I enjoy being neurodiverse myself.
Sarsen—a fellow artifactor she apreticed with—makes an appearance, and I find her likable. Master—I don't think we ever get his name—the artifactor she apprenticed with, also shows up. Though he is less fleshed out than Sarsen, and appears to fill the role as somewhat of a father figure for Sevana. We have yet to really learn anything of her background before she started aprenticing, which I don't mind but I do hope it will be delved into in future books.
All in all, pretty decent. These books aren't really challenging or complex, they are just rather light and relaxing audiobooks one can listen to in the background. The plot of this one definitely felt more focused and tight than that of the first book. There is a mysterious curse, Sevana is hired to solve it. Hijinks ensue along the way, pretty garden variety plot. I'll keep reading these and finish the series at some point, though I'm in no rush
Sevana is an interesting character, and as I said in the review of the first book, I suspect she is neuroatypical, which I enjoy being neurodiverse myself.
Sarsen—a fellow artifactor she apreticed with—makes an appearance, and I find her likable. Master—I don't think we ever get his name—the artifactor she apprenticed with, also shows up. Though he is less fleshed out than Sarsen, and appears to fill the role as somewhat of a father figure for Sevana. We have yet to really learn anything of her background before she started aprenticing, which I don't mind but I do hope it will be delved into in future books.
All in all, pretty decent. These books aren't really challenging or complex, they are just rather light and relaxing audiobooks one can listen to in the background. The plot of this one definitely felt more focused and tight than that of the first book. There is a mysterious curse, Sevana is hired to solve it. Hijinks ensue along the way, pretty garden variety plot. I'll keep reading these and finish the series at some point, though I'm in no rush
October 7, 2021
The author has a highly competent MC and tells a good story, what more could you want? In this book the MC is contacted by a town that has been "cursed" such that town residents are being teleported ever increasing distances when they dream. Part of what I like about this book is that the world is not at stake which means the MC could actually fail.
My only issue with this story is both subjective and (most likely) unreasonable. You see, while I found this story interesting, I did not find it compelling. As a result I will not be rushing off to buy the next book in the series. I will, however, look over the author's other titles in the hope of finding something. (This series was my first time reading Honor Raconteur's works so I just took what was readily available and was pleasantly surprised. Now I'll put some effort into checking out the author's offerings.)
My only issue with this story is both subjective and (most likely) unreasonable. You see, while I found this story interesting, I did not find it compelling. As a result I will not be rushing off to buy the next book in the series. I will, however, look over the author's other titles in the hope of finding something. (This series was my first time reading Honor Raconteur's works so I just took what was readily available and was pleasantly surprised. Now I'll put some effort into checking out the author's offerings.)
June 17, 2022
2022 bk 183. Almost as good as the first novel in the series. The main character is growing more use to working with others, but not afraid to take the lead. I enjoyed the addition of Sky as the juvenile, but somehow felt dissatisfied with the ending of his story - which led to my dissatisfaction with the ending of the book. It was an addition that seemed an add on. I think the novel would have been stronger if it had ended earlier - and then a #.# short story telling Sky's story would have been better - or to carry it over into the next novel. The story was still well worth the read and an I enjoyed learning a bit more of the history and magical history of this universe!
February 1, 2021
More great reads from this author
I really like the gentle tone of these books. The tension within the plots is well handled. Somehow it makes the Fantasy World seem real. At last a world U would like to visit and shop for cool magical artifacts. Anyone who appreciates good storytelling will enjoy these books. However, you do need to read them in order.
I really like the gentle tone of these books. The tension within the plots is well handled. Somehow it makes the Fantasy World seem real. At last a world U would like to visit and shop for cool magical artifacts. Anyone who appreciates good storytelling will enjoy these books. However, you do need to read them in order.
December 13, 2021
Surprise
I enjoyed the first book and was afraid the second would not be as interesting because the main character was different. The story is as good. The narrator is pleasant and will improve with practice. I look forward to reading and listening to the next three books in the series.
I enjoyed the first book and was afraid the second would not be as interesting because the main character was different. The story is as good. The narrator is pleasant and will improve with practice. I look forward to reading and listening to the next three books in the series.
January 13, 2023
Dependably enjoyable
Standard fantasy authors rely on quest and conquest; Raconteur's metier is problem-solving, a welcome respite from a tedious norm. Each book is an untaxing but fully enjoyable read. I will never not want more.
(HR, please note: "simplistic" is not synonymous with "simple".)
Standard fantasy authors rely on quest and conquest; Raconteur's metier is problem-solving, a welcome respite from a tedious norm. Each book is an untaxing but fully enjoyable read. I will never not want more.
(HR, please note: "simplistic" is not synonymous with "simple".)
April 26, 2020
Lovely Tale
A fine addition to the Artifactor series. A solid story with an excellent ending. I enjoy the way the author weaves characters and actions together to draw you into the narrative.
A fine addition to the Artifactor series. A solid story with an excellent ending. I enjoy the way the author weaves characters and actions together to draw you into the narrative.
June 13, 2020
This series is devine
Sev is the right mixture of grumpy and loveable. She has built, unwittingly, a strong ally base and fanciful but believable quandaries to solve. Reading one right after the other one .
Sev is the right mixture of grumpy and loveable. She has built, unwittingly, a strong ally base and fanciful but believable quandaries to solve. Reading one right after the other one .
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February 12, 2021Proof read books prior to publication.
Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication. Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication. Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication.
Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication. Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication. Please have the books proofread PRIOR to publication.
August 8, 2022
Wonderful follow up story.
I liked the continuation from the first book, developing the characters and strengthening the ethos of the book. It was different enough to be interesting without losing the thread.
I liked the continuation from the first book, developing the characters and strengthening the ethos of the book. It was different enough to be interesting without losing the thread.
August 9, 2024
another good read
Glad to have kept reading this series, this has been another enjoyable read. Still loving the MCs character pov and attitude. Also, happy to see the command words changed from symbol mashups to just nonsense words, makes them less of a brain derailer.
Glad to have kept reading this series, this has been another enjoyable read. Still loving the MCs character pov and attitude. Also, happy to see the command words changed from symbol mashups to just nonsense words, makes them less of a brain derailer.
May 10, 2019
Quirky fun
Very enjoyable series, love the quirky main character and all the zany mishaps and challenges that befall her. Glad there are more in the series.
Very enjoyable series, love the quirky main character and all the zany mishaps and challenges that befall her. Glad there are more in the series.
June 12, 2019
I loved this series. I read all 5 of them. I am currently reading The Void Mage by Honor Raconteur. That book is going well also.
March 22, 2020
Sevana vs. Ancient Artifact
An entertaining read. I don't think it was quite as good as the first book in the series, but it is still fun.
An entertaining read. I don't think it was quite as good as the first book in the series, but it is still fun.
June 1, 2021
Awesome!
Loved it just like I thought I would! If you love sarcastic main characters and magic this series is the best!
Loved it just like I thought I would! If you love sarcastic main characters and magic this series is the best!
February 5, 2022
Eh, I’m rounding up but I had fun. Her work is light perhaps but they’re enjoyable and good spirited reads. 🙂
April 24, 2022
Amazing story
I love Honor's stories. An amazing mind this woman has. She was story teller in many of her past lives.
I love Honor's stories. An amazing mind this woman has. She was story teller in many of her past lives.
June 4, 2022
The Dreamer’s Curse
Great next book in the series. Enjoyed the char yams the plot. Easy to read. I would recommend reading this book.
Great next book in the series. Enjoyed the char yams the plot. Easy to read. I would recommend reading this book.
July 3, 2022
Ancient and powerful and unknown magic. A good deed at the end!
October 2, 2022
Fascinating series
This is well written. With twists and turns to keep you guessing and entertained! Just love this series of magic and fairytale creatures.
This is well written. With twists and turns to keep you guessing and entertained! Just love this series of magic and fairytale creatures.
October 16, 2022
Quite fun.
December 30, 2022
This was another really great adventure! I had such a great time reading it!
March 18, 2023
Book 2 is better
So plot twists could not stop for lunch. This artifactor has her hands full.!!! Can't wait to find out what will happen in book 3
So plot twists could not stop for lunch. This artifactor has her hands full.!!! Can't wait to find out what will happen in book 3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews