What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Magic
Four strangers. A shared moment long forgotten. A bond forged in desperation.
On the first day of the Festival of Counting, the beginning of the royal census that takes place every ten years, the royal city is filled to overflowing. Everyone is happy, excited, and proud to be counted amongst those who live in the glorious kingdom of Orhanis.
Then a demon strikes, killing thousands in mere seconds and leveling the city. As the royal castle burns, only four men remain to drive the demon away—and in their desperation, accidentally bind themselves together in a legendary Oath, unable to part ways until they find and kill the demon once and for all.
Mahzan, the King's Jester, an orphan who clawed his way to the top and hides a fearsome magic... Sule, the notorious North Captain, who sacrificed everything to live as a strong, capable, highly respected man... Cemal, a priest who traveled the continent bent on revenge and now lives lost... and Binhadi, the mercurial shadow mage with a dark history and bloody ties to the throne...
Four men used to standing apart, standing alone, who must learn to stand together if they hope to save themselves and all of Orhanis.
On the first day of the Festival of Counting, the beginning of the royal census that takes place every ten years, the royal city is filled to overflowing. Everyone is happy, excited, and proud to be counted amongst those who live in the glorious kingdom of Orhanis.
Then a demon strikes, killing thousands in mere seconds and leveling the city. As the royal castle burns, only four men remain to drive the demon away—and in their desperation, accidentally bind themselves together in a legendary Oath, unable to part ways until they find and kill the demon once and for all.
Mahzan, the King's Jester, an orphan who clawed his way to the top and hides a fearsome magic... Sule, the notorious North Captain, who sacrificed everything to live as a strong, capable, highly respected man... Cemal, a priest who traveled the continent bent on revenge and now lives lost... and Binhadi, the mercurial shadow mage with a dark history and bloody ties to the throne...
Four men used to standing apart, standing alone, who must learn to stand together if they hope to save themselves and all of Orhanis.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2018
54 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,945 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
meganderr.com
patreon.com/meganderr
meganderr.blogspot.com
facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Read
April 2, 2018Is it just me, or have Megan Derr's books been getting more and more 'out there' with respect to character devices? I'm awaiting the next book, presumably about an asexual intersex dolphin who finds romantic connections with xer demisexual gay-for-you mate along with a pansexual tree. I'll pass on that one, too.
April 6, 2018
I struggled quite a bit with this one. Normally I can fall into the world Megan Derr builds as easily as I fall into bed but not this time.
While the story was complex and entertaining I felt little chemistry at the beginning. Sule and Mahzan just irritated me with the constant bickering, and Cemal and Binhadi were rather bland in comparison.
I did warm up to them all towards the end but to be honest I was rather glad to be finished.
I was also a little disappointed in the ending but that's purely my own feelings, I prefer complete HEAs. Also the up to date chapter at the end threw me especially as we went back to the story time line after. It just didn't read smoothly for me.
So while not one I can see myself re reading, not a fan of polygamy I did end up enjoying the later half of this one.
While the story was complex and entertaining I felt little chemistry at the beginning. Sule and Mahzan just irritated me with the constant bickering, and Cemal and Binhadi were rather bland in comparison.
I did warm up to them all towards the end but to be honest I was rather glad to be finished.
I was also a little disappointed in the ending but that's purely my own feelings, I prefer complete HEAs. Also the up to date chapter at the end threw me especially as we went back to the story time line after. It just didn't read smoothly for me.
So while not one I can see myself re reading, not a fan of polygamy I did end up enjoying the later half of this one.
April 21, 2018
Not only romance, although elements of it are quite erotic and the menage share an emotional as well as physical connection. The bulk of the story is a suspenseful action/adventure set in a detailed fantasy world.
June 8, 2018
A great, full-length fantasy adventure, chock-full of magic, intrigue, betrayals, plot twists, and romance. Although I loved the heck out of it, the only reason it gets four stars instead of five is that the ending left me feeling rather melancholy.
May 26, 2020
I always enjoy Derr’s books and always want to read more, unfortunately she has like a million and it always overwhelms me to pick one. I’ve been eye balling this one for awhile and finally decided to give it a shot.
I really did enjoy the world building and the build up to the romance, unfortunately the ending really drug on for me. I was also a little bummed that things ended the way they did, but honestly it would have been to clean and easy if it didn’t end that way. So while I didn’t like it, I respect it.
Maybe a full review later.
I really did enjoy the world building and the build up to the romance, unfortunately the ending really drug on for me. I was also a little bummed that things ended the way they did, but honestly it would have been to clean and easy if it didn’t end that way. So while I didn’t like it, I respect it.
Maybe a full review later.
May 17, 2025
-0.5 for the ending
February 13, 2025
13/2/25 reread (3.5 stars)
i dunno - the more i reread the more i realize how (not) great this book is...like i love the setting and the ideas but the mc's have no chemistry and no time to develop beyond the basics...the ending is surprising and interesting, but tbh not a fan of open endings :/ the plot and action is decent tho
reread:
this is one of the books where, even though you know the plot is a bit wonky and the characters a bit underdeveloped, there's just something charming and endearing and so fairytale-like with the quest-type storyline - although this book has its flaws, i'll still miss it and someday reread again <3
original review:
i usually enjoy megan derr's books and this is not an exception. the characters didn't feel as if they had much chemistry, but i appreciate how their relationship came together. there wasn't strong character development imo. the whole novel was action-packed and pretty fun to read anyhow.
the plot was well done, idk why but i didn't expect petrocia coming into the mix. the world building could have been better and more detailed, i was curious about the origin of their magic and the types of mages that exist. also i question the significance of the mc's first encounter??
i dunno - the more i reread the more i realize how (not) great this book is...like i love the setting and the ideas but the mc's have no chemistry and no time to develop beyond the basics...the ending is surprising and interesting, but tbh not a fan of open endings :/ the plot and action is decent tho
reread:
this is one of the books where, even though you know the plot is a bit wonky and the characters a bit underdeveloped, there's just something charming and endearing and so fairytale-like with the quest-type storyline - although this book has its flaws, i'll still miss it and someday reread again <3
original review:
i usually enjoy megan derr's books and this is not an exception. the characters didn't feel as if they had much chemistry, but i appreciate how their relationship came together. there wasn't strong character development imo. the whole novel was action-packed and pretty fun to read anyhow.
the plot was well done, idk why but i didn't expect petrocia coming into the mix. the world building could have been better and more detailed, i was curious about the origin of their magic and the types of mages that exist. also i question the significance of the mc's first encounter??
April 8, 2018
I'm not having the easiest time summarizing my feeling about this book, but I'm gonna try and write a review regardless.
Probably ~3.5 stars for me.
Dragon Magic is a book about four men who get thrown together by devastating circumstances and, whether they want to or not, end up having to save their kingdom as a tightly knit group.
Those four men are Mahzan, the King's Jester, quick witted and with a sharp tongue; Sule, a young commander with a fiery temper; Cemal, a cheerful priest with a bloody past full of revenge, and mysterious and severe Binhadi, one of the king's advisor mages with a dark family history.
The POVs are alternating mostly between Mahzan, Sule and Cemal with Binhadi's POV only coming very late into the mix. I did not mind those changes and I thought it served the story very well. I did have clear favourites among those four, but I enjoyed reading all of their POVs and all of them were interesting characters in their own right.
I overall liked their relationshop. There was a heavier focus on Mahzan/Sule and Cemal/Binhadi, though the lines blurr more and more as the plot passes a certain big event. I liked that is was a polyam relationship, and I wish there had been more of a focus of the individual ways they interact, but given the surrounding circumstances I can see how that would have distracted from the plot though.
Overall the book was easy to read, but there were a few minor editing errors, plot holes and the worldbuilding wasn't always done smoothly. I mostly wasn't confused, but I wish there had been more background information on the magic for example (which is supposed to be rare and partly dangerous, but almost every character in the book is a mage and it's not clear how people learn about their magic) or how far sexism/gender roles go in the culture, or how big the role of the church plays in the kingdom.
Previously to reading I heard that the ending of the book was "polarizing", and I understand what is meant by that. I was quite afraid that it would be a bad ending - towards the end all seems rather hopeless - and while I wouldn't exactly say that it's a happy ending, it definitely isn't bad either. The style of the epilogue is an interesting choice, and I can see how some people might not like it, but it made the ending better for me personally.
Despite its flaws, I enjoyed Dragon Magic quite a lot with its charming characters, interesting magic and very deep personal bonds.
Probably ~3.5 stars for me.
Dragon Magic is a book about four men who get thrown together by devastating circumstances and, whether they want to or not, end up having to save their kingdom as a tightly knit group.
Those four men are Mahzan, the King's Jester, quick witted and with a sharp tongue; Sule, a young commander with a fiery temper; Cemal, a cheerful priest with a bloody past full of revenge, and mysterious and severe Binhadi, one of the king's advisor mages with a dark family history.
The POVs are alternating mostly between Mahzan, Sule and Cemal with Binhadi's POV only coming very late into the mix. I did not mind those changes and I thought it served the story very well. I did have clear favourites among those four, but I enjoyed reading all of their POVs and all of them were interesting characters in their own right.
I overall liked their relationshop. There was a heavier focus on Mahzan/Sule and Cemal/Binhadi, though the lines blurr more and more as the plot passes a certain big event. I liked that is was a polyam relationship, and I wish there had been more of a focus of the individual ways they interact, but given the surrounding circumstances I can see how that would have distracted from the plot though.
Overall the book was easy to read, but there were a few minor editing errors, plot holes and the worldbuilding wasn't always done smoothly. I mostly wasn't confused, but I wish there had been more background information on the magic for example (which is supposed to be rare and partly dangerous, but almost every character in the book is a mage and it's not clear how people learn about their magic) or how far sexism/gender roles go in the culture, or how big the role of the church plays in the kingdom.
Previously to reading I heard that the ending of the book was "polarizing", and I understand what is meant by that. I was quite afraid that it would be a bad ending - towards the end all seems rather hopeless - and while I wouldn't exactly say that it's a happy ending, it definitely isn't bad either. The style of the epilogue is an interesting choice, and I can see how some people might not like it, but it made the ending better for me personally.
Despite its flaws, I enjoyed Dragon Magic quite a lot with its charming characters, interesting magic and very deep personal bonds.
May 21, 2019
A slow start, and I was initially perturbed by the conflict between the characters, but once I settled in . . . what a wonderful fantasy, full of action and adventure, and (OMG!) polyamorous romance.
I've always enjoyed Megan Derr's fantasies, but this added a little something different to what I was used to. Fantastic.
I've always enjoyed Megan Derr's fantasies, but this added a little something different to what I was used to. Fantastic.
March 28, 2018
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one elses*
This was a good read about four misfits on a quest for justice. They find something priceless along the way but will they embrace their connection or run from it?
It took me a while to get into this one but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The bond between the four men was beautiful and their mind link during their sexy times was erotic and intense. All the guys have issues - none of them have truly been seen or accepted but they see, accept and care for each other like they never have before.
I really enjoyed this one - it was unique and innovative. The characters were sassy, feisty and funny.
This was a good read about four misfits on a quest for justice. They find something priceless along the way but will they embrace their connection or run from it?
It took me a while to get into this one but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The bond between the four men was beautiful and their mind link during their sexy times was erotic and intense. All the guys have issues - none of them have truly been seen or accepted but they see, accept and care for each other like they never have before.
I really enjoyed this one - it was unique and innovative. The characters were sassy, feisty and funny.
October 25, 2019
I really liked this book about a group of people who really don't have anything in common who come together for the greater good. The ending left me feeling betrayed but otherwise I did like it.
March 10, 2018
Once again, Megan Derr strikes.
I absolutely loved this book.
Which is becoming routine with whatever this author writes.
I am not obsessed with her books. Not. At. All.
The dynamic between the four men is absolutely delightful, and all four characters are lovable in completely different ways.
I have to admit a certain preference for Mazhan and Binni, but then I have a tendency to like stubborn and overtly dramatic Derr characters *cough cough*bitchy rune witches, stewards and wolf-elves*cough cough*.
So four misfits united in a quest to rid an ancient land of a very powerful evil. Expect humour, dramatics, inappropriate use of shadows and mind links, fire swords and a happy ending with a surprising twist.
Warning: contains high level of sass.
I absolutely loved this book.
Which is becoming routine with whatever this author writes.
I am not obsessed with her books. Not. At. All.
The dynamic between the four men is absolutely delightful, and all four characters are lovable in completely different ways.
I have to admit a certain preference for Mazhan and Binni, but then I have a tendency to like stubborn and overtly dramatic Derr characters *cough cough*bitchy rune witches, stewards and wolf-elves*cough cough*.
So four misfits united in a quest to rid an ancient land of a very powerful evil. Expect humour, dramatics, inappropriate use of shadows and mind links, fire swords and a happy ending with a surprising twist.
Warning: contains high level of sass.
April 7, 2018
3.5 stars.
For the most part I enjoyed this tale of four men and the magic that binds them together, leading to love and adventure and plenty of other things along the way. Mostly because I liked the characters.
Mahzan is showy and flamboyant and I loved him. He’s argumentative and loves being the centre of attention, but I rarely found him annoying. He helped keep things interesting and his magic definitely made the bond more convenient. Because I liked Mahzan so much, it took me a long time to warm to Sule, the surly soldier. He does have his reasons for being so stoic and grumpy – thanks to his family’s refusal to believe that he is actually a man, despite their transphobic beliefs – but he also has an exceedingly short temper, can be prone to arrogance and often bickers with Mahzan for no apparent reason.
Cemal, by comparison, is an absolute marshmallow and a sweetheart with a tragic past but a wicked sense of humour. Then there’s Binhadi, the man whose POV we see the least and who has the deepest most complicated secrets. As with Sule, it took me a while to warm to Binhadi, mostly because I was expecting him to spring surprises at any moment.
The four make for an interesting group, and I enjoyed seeing how their partnership grew over the course of the book. When the romance happened, it felt natural, and I liked seeing how Binhadi especially changed as their bond deepened.
However, the pacing is a choppy, with a lot of time and distance skipped over, especially towards the end, and the plot veered heavily from the quest to the romance, then back to the quest again as it seemed to remember these four were brought together for a reason. Some of the action scenes were a bit confusing to follow too, while others were quick and rather too convenient. As for the ending – where suddenly we’re thrown into the future to look back at history – that left me feeling really unsatisfied with how things turned out and definitely left me wanting to know more about what really happened to them all.
So it’s a mixed one. I loved the characters and the idea is great, but the plot didn’t quite hold up all the way through and the ending was rather disappointing. I liked it, but couldn’t quite love it as much as I wanted to.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
For the most part I enjoyed this tale of four men and the magic that binds them together, leading to love and adventure and plenty of other things along the way. Mostly because I liked the characters.
Mahzan is showy and flamboyant and I loved him. He’s argumentative and loves being the centre of attention, but I rarely found him annoying. He helped keep things interesting and his magic definitely made the bond more convenient. Because I liked Mahzan so much, it took me a long time to warm to Sule, the surly soldier. He does have his reasons for being so stoic and grumpy – thanks to his family’s refusal to believe that he is actually a man, despite their transphobic beliefs – but he also has an exceedingly short temper, can be prone to arrogance and often bickers with Mahzan for no apparent reason.
Cemal, by comparison, is an absolute marshmallow and a sweetheart with a tragic past but a wicked sense of humour. Then there’s Binhadi, the man whose POV we see the least and who has the deepest most complicated secrets. As with Sule, it took me a while to warm to Binhadi, mostly because I was expecting him to spring surprises at any moment.
The four make for an interesting group, and I enjoyed seeing how their partnership grew over the course of the book. When the romance happened, it felt natural, and I liked seeing how Binhadi especially changed as their bond deepened.
However, the pacing is a choppy, with a lot of time and distance skipped over, especially towards the end, and the plot veered heavily from the quest to the romance, then back to the quest again as it seemed to remember these four were brought together for a reason. Some of the action scenes were a bit confusing to follow too, while others were quick and rather too convenient. As for the ending – where suddenly we’re thrown into the future to look back at history – that left me feeling really unsatisfied with how things turned out and definitely left me wanting to know more about what really happened to them all.
So it’s a mixed one. I loved the characters and the idea is great, but the plot didn’t quite hold up all the way through and the ending was rather disappointing. I liked it, but couldn’t quite love it as much as I wanted to.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
April 8, 2018
I have been looking forward to this book since I read the snippet from Ms. Derr's blog. It certainly was an interesting story with interesting flash back and story.
I do like how the MC, Mahzan, was Jester. I do like how Ms. Derr wrote him and his acts, even if there wasn't much of the acts to be written about before disaster strikes. Cemal was an interesting character. Sule was irritating at time. And Binhadi was kinda typical noble character...
I kinda thought from the get go that the assumption of who the culprit was, was kinda flimsy and implausible, given the logistic of it.
I am not sure I bought the turning point in the their relationship though... At least, I didn't notice any hints of attractions from Sule toward the rest of the gang, .
I did enjoy the book for the most part. The magic system was interesting. The history was rich. The ending was... understandably not clean cut. With an interesting thing happen before the final scene.
It is still an entertaining read. I am not sure if I really like the last act but it was acceptable. If you like Ms. Derr work, you will probably like this one as well.
I do like how the MC, Mahzan, was Jester. I do like how Ms. Derr wrote him and his acts, even if there wasn't much of the acts to be written about before disaster strikes. Cemal was an interesting character. Sule was irritating at time. And Binhadi was kinda typical noble character...
I kinda thought from the get go that the assumption of who the culprit was, was kinda flimsy and implausible, given the logistic of it.
I am not sure I bought the turning point in the their relationship though... At least, I didn't notice any hints of attractions from Sule toward the rest of the gang, .
I did enjoy the book for the most part. The magic system was interesting. The history was rich. The ending was... understandably not clean cut. With an interesting thing happen before the final scene.
It is still an entertaining read. I am not sure if I really like the last act but it was acceptable. If you like Ms. Derr work, you will probably like this one as well.
April 3, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The beginning started a bit slow for me. Once the story got going, it was very hard to put down. I really liked all the main characters. I think Mahzan and Cemal were my favorites. Sule was very hot headed and the bickering between him and Mahzan got to be very irritating, especially in the beginning of the story. Binhadi was the one that it was hardest to get to know, but once we get insight to his character he became much more sympathetic.
I really enjoyed the sweeping nature of the story. It takes place over several months. I loved that it took them such a long time to get from place to place. It gave the story a more realistic feel. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It left me with a bit of an unfinished feeling which I didn’t like. I am hoping that the author will write more in this world and give a definitive conclusion to this tale.
All in all, it was highly enjoyable and I highly recommend it, especially if you are a fan of fantasy and Megan Derr in particular.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The beginning started a bit slow for me. Once the story got going, it was very hard to put down. I really liked all the main characters. I think Mahzan and Cemal were my favorites. Sule was very hot headed and the bickering between him and Mahzan got to be very irritating, especially in the beginning of the story. Binhadi was the one that it was hardest to get to know, but once we get insight to his character he became much more sympathetic.
I really enjoyed the sweeping nature of the story. It takes place over several months. I loved that it took them such a long time to get from place to place. It gave the story a more realistic feel. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It left me with a bit of an unfinished feeling which I didn’t like. I am hoping that the author will write more in this world and give a definitive conclusion to this tale.
All in all, it was highly enjoyable and I highly recommend it, especially if you are a fan of fantasy and Megan Derr in particular.
December 26, 2021
Had a lot of potential, but ended up being ultimately dissatisfying. It really lacked breathing room, and had everything mushed together and delivered in a very formulaic way-like the author just wanted to get from point A to B as fast as possible, instead of giving everything enough time to really sink in.
I think it would’ve done a lot better as a series, with at least 3 books. The way that everything was told, I quickly lost interest in the characters and the story, only finishing it to neatly conclude my experience.
It had a lot of potential, but was just too rushed for me to really be taken into the world and everything that was happening.
I think it would’ve done a lot better as a series, with at least 3 books. The way that everything was told, I quickly lost interest in the characters and the story, only finishing it to neatly conclude my experience.
It had a lot of potential, but was just too rushed for me to really be taken into the world and everything that was happening.
September 1, 2018
The pacing felt off and there was little chemistry between the characters.
December 22, 2018
Not my favourite Derr - she normally does pure fluff very well, but perhaps too many POVs here, they kind of blended into one another
April 15, 2020
I enjoyed this tale of four men and the magic that binds them together. Orhanis is a land of magic, though not everyone embraces it. We begin with the Counting, a time of census for the citizens, and people crowding to the city where Mahzan, one of the king's jesters is entertaining the masses. He's a cunning man with hidden magic, and the ability to soothe the tempers of many. He notices key members of the crowd, including Sule--the Captain of the North Guard, Cemal, a jokey priest, and Binhadi, last of the shadow mages in his family. Each of these men holds magic--secretly in the case of all but Binhadi.
It's not long before a fearmonger (an ancient demon) turns up and kills...most everyone in the king's hall and throughout the castle and royal city. The jester, the captain, the priest and the mage are spared by linking their magic talents, and sending the fearmonger into temporary retreat. This inadvertently binds the four into a magical oath. Over time, they discover the extent of their bond, which binds and magnifies their powers until they face and defeat the fearmonger. And, thus begins the quest.
Their travels and trials bind them ever closer, bending their partnership into physical companionship. The menage, when it comes to be, is well-developed from mutual hardships and intimacy shared. Mahzan leads the pack here, happy for companionship wherever he can find it. Sule, due to internalized transphobia from his family, is a little more reticent. They travel the country of Orhanis trying to discover the origin of the fearmonger, and uncovering the violent history of their nation and the current rulers.
Their suspicions and struggles are magnified through a mental link, part of the growing bond. This allowed each man to truly see the heart of the others, and make a real effort to support one antoher. When their battle with the fearmonger comes, they are ready to sacrifice all--and create the most fearsome magic their world has ever seen. Treachery has infiltrated Orhanis, however, and the Epilogue set into the distant future gives the reader insight into the effects of the battle. A few reviewers were frustrated about this POV switch, but for me it confirmed the evil festering in Orhanis was still present, and there was a plan to eradicate it once and for all. I enjoyed this adventure. There were issues with pacing, at times, and the many POVs was a tiny challenge, but I felt the creativity of the quest and the deep characterization outweighed the flaws in editing.
It's not long before a fearmonger (an ancient demon) turns up and kills...most everyone in the king's hall and throughout the castle and royal city. The jester, the captain, the priest and the mage are spared by linking their magic talents, and sending the fearmonger into temporary retreat. This inadvertently binds the four into a magical oath. Over time, they discover the extent of their bond, which binds and magnifies their powers until they face and defeat the fearmonger. And, thus begins the quest.
Their travels and trials bind them ever closer, bending their partnership into physical companionship. The menage, when it comes to be, is well-developed from mutual hardships and intimacy shared. Mahzan leads the pack here, happy for companionship wherever he can find it. Sule, due to internalized transphobia from his family, is a little more reticent. They travel the country of Orhanis trying to discover the origin of the fearmonger, and uncovering the violent history of their nation and the current rulers.
Their suspicions and struggles are magnified through a mental link, part of the growing bond. This allowed each man to truly see the heart of the others, and make a real effort to support one antoher. When their battle with the fearmonger comes, they are ready to sacrifice all--and create the most fearsome magic their world has ever seen. Treachery has infiltrated Orhanis, however, and the Epilogue set into the distant future gives the reader insight into the effects of the battle. A few reviewers were frustrated about this POV switch, but for me it confirmed the evil festering in Orhanis was still present, and there was a plan to eradicate it once and for all. I enjoyed this adventure. There were issues with pacing, at times, and the many POVs was a tiny challenge, but I felt the creativity of the quest and the deep characterization outweighed the flaws in editing.
December 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this. Interesting world and magic.
Especially liked the Oathbond. I've read/seen stuff like that before and love it. There was certain tensions that, as a reader, it's frustratingly obvious, but makes sense for the characters. They are strangers after all. Their months of travel really helped push the story along without going into too much detail and getting the characters to know each other better.
Forgiveness is always too quickly given when a character is gravely injured. But it kinda makes sense here.
Soo many typos. Needs a lot of editing. A lot.
Few annoying/unnecessary/weird things which are spoilerish (one definitely is):
I love how Mahzan reacts to Sule and that whole scene, and Sule's reaction in turn.
"You were growing tiresome with your secret that is not a secret, and even if it had been, it's not a very interesting secret."
Especially liked the Oathbond. I've read/seen stuff like that before and love it. There was certain tensions that, as a reader, it's frustratingly obvious, but makes sense for the characters. They are strangers after all. Their months of travel really helped push the story along without going into too much detail and getting the characters to know each other better.
Forgiveness is always too quickly given when a character is gravely injured. But it kinda makes sense here.
Soo many typos. Needs a lot of editing. A lot.
Few annoying/unnecessary/weird things which are spoilerish (one definitely is):
I love how Mahzan reacts to Sule and that whole scene, and Sule's reaction in turn.
"You were growing tiresome with your secret that is not a secret, and even if it had been, it's not a very interesting secret."
May 9, 2018
Although Megan Derr is essentially an automatic buy for me, I was a little nervous about this book due to the multiple partnership. I usually have a hard time understanding the connection between that many people and often I feel the relationship is unbalanced. HOWEVER, I loved this book. The world building was incredible, as always. What I love about Derr's books is that she doesn't require pages and pages of explanation of how the world is built. Things happen, and the world is revealed in every character's words, actions, and situation. I loved each of the characters a little differently; the hardest one to love was Sule, but I loved him in the end. And, their relationship was perfect for me. It was a delicate balance between each of their needs, wants, and characters. To me, it made sense that the beginning of the relationship was a disaster - they were thrown together and didn't grow together. However, by the end, there was a true balance between the four of them.
The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the ending. Suddenly, I'm 200 years in the future, and it took a moment for me to understand what was going on. Then, I wanted to know more. Do they overthrow? Does it work? And, like all good stories, I wanted to know how it happened - how they went from renegades to 200 years in the future. Perhaps a sequel? ;)
The only thing that disappointed me about this book was the ending. Suddenly, I'm 200 years in the future, and it took a moment for me to understand what was going on. Then, I wanted to know more. Do they overthrow? Does it work? And, like all good stories, I wanted to know how it happened - how they went from renegades to 200 years in the future. Perhaps a sequel? ;)
March 31, 2020
This is not a light romance. This is not an easy book. But this is an awesome epic fantasy with a romantic foursome thread.
The world building is strong, we get to know the world gradually without the information overload some writers are so fond of.
The main characters are great, they are realistic with their own set of problems and strength, though the supporting cast can be a little bit flat and functional, but this is not a series, there is no place for getting into the past of unimportant characters.
The story line is a bit like it was stolen from some RPG. Here is your quest, go, level up, and win. There is a twist at the end but not that surprising as it could have been. Also the ending left me wanting. There is no happily ever after for out heros.
Even though I have some criticism, the book is great, especially if you like character driven stories because unfortunately despite the genre it turned out as such. It is a bit strange to put a fourway gay romance into an epic fantasy setting. Especially because epic fantasy should be about the epic. The fall and rise of kingdoms and empires and kings. Not the everyday struggle of the lowly hero.
Since I love both epic fantasy and gay romance this one hit the spot for me, but if you don't like any one of those things, this book is not for you.
The world building is strong, we get to know the world gradually without the information overload some writers are so fond of.
The main characters are great, they are realistic with their own set of problems and strength, though the supporting cast can be a little bit flat and functional, but this is not a series, there is no place for getting into the past of unimportant characters.
The story line is a bit like it was stolen from some RPG. Here is your quest, go, level up, and win. There is a twist at the end but not that surprising as it could have been. Also the ending left me wanting. There is no happily ever after for out heros.
Even though I have some criticism, the book is great, especially if you like character driven stories because unfortunately despite the genre it turned out as such. It is a bit strange to put a fourway gay romance into an epic fantasy setting. Especially because epic fantasy should be about the epic. The fall and rise of kingdoms and empires and kings. Not the everyday struggle of the lowly hero.
Since I love both epic fantasy and gay romance this one hit the spot for me, but if you don't like any one of those things, this book is not for you.
March 22, 2018
I’ve long been fan of Megan Derr’s writing and this book is another to my collection of my favorites. I admit I was curious how she’ll handle four protagonists all falling in love, but it was magical.
The story was compelling, with it’s seemingly simple goal that took twists and turns. It felt like I was playing an RPG and I loved it, even if I saw some of the plot twists coming, I still enjoyed the ride immensely.
I adored all four of the protagonists, always looking forward to the next chapter and switching of povs. I usually have no trouble chosing a favorite in an ensemble, but here I did. All of them had their own strengths and weaknesses, with different needs and goals. Four characters also give a large number of different group dynamics with various relationships. There was Mahzan and Sule’s bickering with the underlying sexual tension. There was Binhadi and Cemal’s quiet and calm banter full of admiration. Mahzan and Cemal’s openly flirtatious banter was a joy. Plus there was the mind-link, which added the possibility of unwanted thoughts, but also flirting and bickering. All emotions ran high and it was magnificent. I also loved the casual trans, demi and bi representation, but Derr excels at those, so I wasn’t surprised.
The story was compelling, with it’s seemingly simple goal that took twists and turns. It felt like I was playing an RPG and I loved it, even if I saw some of the plot twists coming, I still enjoyed the ride immensely.
I adored all four of the protagonists, always looking forward to the next chapter and switching of povs. I usually have no trouble chosing a favorite in an ensemble, but here I did. All of them had their own strengths and weaknesses, with different needs and goals. Four characters also give a large number of different group dynamics with various relationships. There was Mahzan and Sule’s bickering with the underlying sexual tension. There was Binhadi and Cemal’s quiet and calm banter full of admiration. Mahzan and Cemal’s openly flirtatious banter was a joy. Plus there was the mind-link, which added the possibility of unwanted thoughts, but also flirting and bickering. All emotions ran high and it was magnificent. I also loved the casual trans, demi and bi representation, but Derr excels at those, so I wasn’t surprised.
March 29, 2018
Gosh, this is very slow build but once we get there (to all the smexy), it is hot! It is heavy! And there's four of us all to negotiate with the feelings, and the touching.
But because Derr does such a good job of setting up the characters and the relationships, there are lots of connection already established.
I liked that initially the mystery, the politics, the characters took centre stage, so we got to know all the four protagonists' fears and insecurities as well as their strengths and loyalties. If I did have a niggle, it was that some of this was a bit repetitive. Yes yes we know Mazhan's first reaction is always anger, yes, Bindi is closed off, and so on. But they are so adorable when they try to protect each other, it was ok.
Once the four began exploring their physical relationships, the story lost a bit of momentum, and I found the ending a little anti-climatic. But also a bit clever. so, that's an interesting conundrum, from my point of view.
I always love this author's style and writing, so you'll enjoy it too if you are a fan. Thanks Netgalley for advanced copy. Was released yesterday on the 28th of March.
But because Derr does such a good job of setting up the characters and the relationships, there are lots of connection already established.
I liked that initially the mystery, the politics, the characters took centre stage, so we got to know all the four protagonists' fears and insecurities as well as their strengths and loyalties. If I did have a niggle, it was that some of this was a bit repetitive. Yes yes we know Mazhan's first reaction is always anger, yes, Bindi is closed off, and so on. But they are so adorable when they try to protect each other, it was ok.
Once the four began exploring their physical relationships, the story lost a bit of momentum, and I found the ending a little anti-climatic. But also a bit clever. so, that's an interesting conundrum, from my point of view.
I always love this author's style and writing, so you'll enjoy it too if you are a fan. Thanks Netgalley for advanced copy. Was released yesterday on the 28th of March.
April 1, 2018
3.5* rounded up.
I love Megan Derr's book, but this one wasn't quite as cup of tea as usual.
The book has interesting plot and several truly surprising plot twist (at least one which left me with my mouth open), but I had troubles connecting to characters sometimes.
There is lot of joking around in the book about Mahzan, one of the main heroes, being annoying and... well, he really felt annoying. Some parts of the book were great but in some parts I was close to shouting "if you would just act like reasonable adults, but noooo, you must be shouty drama queens".
I do understand that was often the point author was trying to make (since the characters themselves admit they are overdramatic QUITE often), but it wasn't fun for me to read, more like frustrating. However, I would chalk this up more to my reading preferences than to overall quality of the book.
Its still a good read, kudos for diversity and surpring plot twist. I am giving 3.5* because of the above mentioned frustration and because the ending didn't leave me wanting for more about this setting and its people, as most Megan Derr books usually do.
I love Megan Derr's book, but this one wasn't quite as cup of tea as usual.
The book has interesting plot and several truly surprising plot twist (at least one which left me with my mouth open), but I had troubles connecting to characters sometimes.
There is lot of joking around in the book about Mahzan, one of the main heroes, being annoying and... well, he really felt annoying. Some parts of the book were great but in some parts I was close to shouting "if you would just act like reasonable adults, but noooo, you must be shouty drama queens".
I do understand that was often the point author was trying to make (since the characters themselves admit they are overdramatic QUITE often), but it wasn't fun for me to read, more like frustrating. However, I would chalk this up more to my reading preferences than to overall quality of the book.
Its still a good read, kudos for diversity and surpring plot twist. I am giving 3.5* because of the above mentioned frustration and because the ending didn't leave me wanting for more about this setting and its people, as most Megan Derr books usually do.
April 8, 2018
I loved this book! I really did. The middle did drag a little bit. However, the ending more than made up for it. I was so sad when Binhadi (poor grumpy baby)
June 12, 2023
Here it is ladies and gentleman. Receiving one of my rare 5 star reviews.
Dragon Magic clearly earns all 5 stars and does so with heart and style.
The world building is wonderful. This is a wonderful traditional quest story in a remote and dangerous setting.
The personality of are main characters is varied and the skill of the author gives them very believable and witty banter that makes the reader fall in love with them and their own slow burn progression to first friendship and then love progresses in a reasonable and believable way. By the end I was utterly in love myself.
Neither the story is sacrificed for the sake of the relationships not the relationships for the sake of the story progression.
And so this perfect balance leads me to the 5 stars.
To be corny, if you miss out on experiencing Dragon Magic you'll miss out on the magic.
Dragon Magic clearly earns all 5 stars and does so with heart and style.
The world building is wonderful. This is a wonderful traditional quest story in a remote and dangerous setting.
The personality of are main characters is varied and the skill of the author gives them very believable and witty banter that makes the reader fall in love with them and their own slow burn progression to first friendship and then love progresses in a reasonable and believable way. By the end I was utterly in love myself.
Neither the story is sacrificed for the sake of the relationships not the relationships for the sake of the story progression.
And so this perfect balance leads me to the 5 stars.
To be corny, if you miss out on experiencing Dragon Magic you'll miss out on the magic.
September 15, 2023
MMMM romance and paranormal adventure. Four mages with varying abilities are bound together by circumstance. They start out constantly sniping at each other, and end up working together and being lovers. It was a combination road trip and quest.
I did not like the ending. First there was a small peek at the far future with unfamiliar characters. Then we resumed with the original quad, right after they had fought their last battle. The story simply stops there.
A few sentence. Fragments. Wrong verb tense. Missing words ("...he just barely saw the sword in time to." In time to what? Duck, presumably. Also, "...when he pulled you of the well." Out, presumably.). Eminent is used twice for imminent. (I think the author has made this same error previously.) Laying for lying. Facre for face. Taught for taut.
I did not like the ending. First there was a small peek at the far future with unfamiliar characters. Then we resumed with the original quad, right after they had fought their last battle. The story simply stops there.
A few sentence. Fragments. Wrong verb tense. Missing words ("...he just barely saw the sword in time to." In time to what? Duck, presumably. Also, "...when he pulled you of the well." Out, presumably.). Eminent is used twice for imminent. (I think the author has made this same error previously.) Laying for lying. Facre for face. Taught for taut.
May 8, 2023
An acceptable m/m/m/m fantasy. I was 65% in when I started skimming descriptions of clothing, and sex scenes, which is farther along than average, so. It felt a bit rushed at the end. I liked the twists and turns and the worldbuilding, and most of the four main characters, most of the time.
One issue is the penultimate scene? Should have been the epilogue. Big whoops.
Another is that there is an annoying amount of antagonism, enough that I had to decide several times to continue reading despite it. I know why the author did it, but knowing was little help.
The last mistake is, what are supposed to be thoughts are italicized, but some of those are just third person prose as usual. It's an annoying copy edit fail to this reader.
Ultimately, yeah. Good.
One issue is the penultimate scene? Should have been the epilogue. Big whoops.
Another is that there is an annoying amount of antagonism, enough that I had to decide several times to continue reading despite it. I know why the author did it, but knowing was little help.
The last mistake is, what are supposed to be thoughts are italicized, but some of those are just third person prose as usual. It's an annoying copy edit fail to this reader.
Ultimately, yeah. Good.
February 19, 2025
Genuinely, my only complaint is that we skipped over the first MM's between Cemal and Binhadi. Even as someone on the Ace spectrum, I was disappointed. Given all that happened leading up to it, it HAD to have been a deeply emotional scene and Im sad that it was faded out. I get it, its all 4 Ms, but still.
Other than that, like, gracious, 6 stars (that 6th one is a nod to the fact that I read one of the WORST MMMM's right Before opening this one. As in, this book deserves all 5 on its own, but gets an extra simply for being laughably better than the other). The ONLY reason it took me a few days (instead of one) to read it is because I got tricked into adulting.
Happy, Thank You, More Please.
Other than that, like, gracious, 6 stars (that 6th one is a nod to the fact that I read one of the WORST MMMM's right Before opening this one. As in, this book deserves all 5 on its own, but gets an extra simply for being laughably better than the other). The ONLY reason it took me a few days (instead of one) to read it is because I got tricked into adulting.
Happy, Thank You, More Please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews