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Blackwood Pack #9
Mystic Guardian
The Blackwood Pack saga continues… This is part of an on-going series by Amazon International Bestselling Author, Mary Rundle – catching up on previous titles is advised. Readers of previous books will enjoy meeting old friends once more as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for one another and helping shifters everywhere.
Carson never dreamed his six bothers would get their fated mates before he did and now, hanging on with the barest of hope he’d be next, he ends up devastated when it doesn’t happen. Unable to cope with seeing so many happy couples around him at the pack house in California, he accepts a job offer in France, intent on building a new life—only to discover the Fates have not forgotten him at all. After graduating from university, Remy, a low-level warlock leaves the world of magic behind, believing there’s no place in it for him. Encouraged by his parents, to accept a job offer at the Chateau des Flammes winery, he begins working for Arthur MacDùghlas, the dragon shifter owner, finally finding a place for himself in the world.
Happy with his new position, Remy’s life abruptly changes when his parents unexpectedly die and he becomes the guardian of his three younger brothers. Muddling through the unexpected role of fatherhood, he finally finds his footing until…his life is upended once again when Carson, his fated mate arrives on his doorstep.
Shocking surprises, treacherous plots, an action-packed rescue, and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossib
Carson never dreamed his six bothers would get their fated mates before he did and now, hanging on with the barest of hope he’d be next, he ends up devastated when it doesn’t happen. Unable to cope with seeing so many happy couples around him at the pack house in California, he accepts a job offer in France, intent on building a new life—only to discover the Fates have not forgotten him at all. After graduating from university, Remy, a low-level warlock leaves the world of magic behind, believing there’s no place in it for him. Encouraged by his parents, to accept a job offer at the Chateau des Flammes winery, he begins working for Arthur MacDùghlas, the dragon shifter owner, finally finding a place for himself in the world.
Happy with his new position, Remy’s life abruptly changes when his parents unexpectedly die and he becomes the guardian of his three younger brothers. Muddling through the unexpected role of fatherhood, he finally finds his footing until…his life is upended once again when Carson, his fated mate arrives on his doorstep.
Shocking surprises, treacherous plots, an action-packed rescue, and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossib
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2020
67 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mary Rundle
22 books172 followersA few years ago, I wrote my first book, Dire Warning. Readers loved it and I was on my way to chronicle the Blackwood Pack, seven brothers who are gay wolf shifters in search of their fated mates—stories about love at first sight with twists and turns, angst and humor, romance and adventure and, of course, happy endings. Since then, the pack has expanded, allowing more stories to be told and different paranormals to be included. The series has become, as one reader described it…an “Epic Saga.”
Now, twelve books later, Lord Manetu has just been published. I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box. My story ideas come to me as if they were being channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures, and are not reluctant to let it all out when it comes to revealing steamy details. My writing style is free-wheeling and uninhibited and my readers tell me they love it that way; that it makes them feel like they’re right in on the action and a member of the Blackwood Pack.
I live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order. I read a lot (good for the mind) and love gardening (good for the soul). And I’m always happy to hear from my readers and can be reached through Facebook, my private Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, or my website.
Now, twelve books later, Lord Manetu has just been published. I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box. My story ideas come to me as if they were being channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures, and are not reluctant to let it all out when it comes to revealing steamy details. My writing style is free-wheeling and uninhibited and my readers tell me they love it that way; that it makes them feel like they’re right in on the action and a member of the Blackwood Pack.
I live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order. I read a lot (good for the mind) and love gardening (good for the soul). And I’m always happy to hear from my readers and can be reached through Facebook, my private Facebook Group, Twitter, Instagram, or my website.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 9, 2020
Wow, just wow
After finding this series as a recommendation in a reader group I belong to, I can wholeheartedly say i love Jackson, his brothers and the rest of the Blackwood Pack.
Each book mostly gravitates around a particular pairing and there HEA, while still keeping us up to date with previous fated pairs and there goings on, with an over-arching storyline throughout the whole series which continues on a HFN standing for now, which as a reader you can feel building quite nicely with each book.
With 9 books already out, number 10 already announced, and as long as the author is happy to continue, as a reader of all books so far, I can see at least 3 more after that. If your a fan of long running stories, this is a perfect addition to anyones collection.
After finding this series as a recommendation in a reader group I belong to, I can wholeheartedly say i love Jackson, his brothers and the rest of the Blackwood Pack.
Each book mostly gravitates around a particular pairing and there HEA, while still keeping us up to date with previous fated pairs and there goings on, with an over-arching storyline throughout the whole series which continues on a HFN standing for now, which as a reader you can feel building quite nicely with each book.
With 9 books already out, number 10 already announced, and as long as the author is happy to continue, as a reader of all books so far, I can see at least 3 more after that. If your a fan of long running stories, this is a perfect addition to anyones collection.
April 11, 2020
I have followed this author from her first book. Each time she has gotten better at drawing me further and further into this story line.But this book by far has been the best yet. A few of my favorite things. There introduction of previous characters and the parts they play in the new story, the subtle way she introduced new story line in to her writing. She is just a true talent in this reader opinion.
June 16, 2020
Mary Rundle has woven a tale of romance, adventure, and Fate around the Blackwood Pack of shifters and their mates. Mystic Guardian is book 9 in the series. Plot, character, and world building lean heavily on development built throughout the series—there are no standalone books in this series. While each book is a complete story, as with all the best series, there is an ongoing backstory. Each book wraps up leaving a few loose ends that add to the overall story arc. It was great to see relationships from previous books as they continued to grow and I like multiple POVs. However, there were so many POVs and storyline jumps in this book that it was jarring at times.
Carson is troubled by his sorrow-filled past but still has hope that Fate will bless him with a mate of his own. He waits and watches as his siblings find love and all the gifts that come with it. Beginning to feel left out, he makes a decision to move forward with his life and takes a job opportunity half a world away from his family.
Remy believes his low-level magic relegates him to a life without a mate. He accepts this and puts all of his effort into raising his younger siblings and into the job he needs to support them. He lives a life filled with uncertainty and fear of discovery.
Carson and Remy are fated to be together and their struggles make the union all the more meaningful. There are several chapters of backstory and character development before these two appear together on page. Their story is an enjoyable read; however, it is frequently interrupted with storyline and POV shifts to keep the reader current on events taking place on both sides of the globe.
Rating Average = 3.4
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 4
2) Character development: 4
3) World building: 4
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 3
5) Chemistry between main characters: 3
6) Romantic elements: 3
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 3
9) Editing/Grammar: 3
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4 (HFN)
Carson is troubled by his sorrow-filled past but still has hope that Fate will bless him with a mate of his own. He waits and watches as his siblings find love and all the gifts that come with it. Beginning to feel left out, he makes a decision to move forward with his life and takes a job opportunity half a world away from his family.
Remy believes his low-level magic relegates him to a life without a mate. He accepts this and puts all of his effort into raising his younger siblings and into the job he needs to support them. He lives a life filled with uncertainty and fear of discovery.
Carson and Remy are fated to be together and their struggles make the union all the more meaningful. There are several chapters of backstory and character development before these two appear together on page. Their story is an enjoyable read; however, it is frequently interrupted with storyline and POV shifts to keep the reader current on events taking place on both sides of the globe.
Rating Average = 3.4
1) Plot development propels reader forward: 4
2) Character development: 4
3) World building: 4
4) Fulfilling sense of drama-suspense-adventure: 3
5) Chemistry between main characters: 3
6) Romantic elements: 3
7) Consistency throughout: 3
8) Formatting and layout: 3
9) Editing/Grammar: 3
10) Wrap up loose ends: 4 (HFN)
February 6, 2021
Awesome as always. I love this series. It is one of the best because Ms. Rundle is great about making each book not only about the main couple but also about lots of the other characters. It is also great to keep getting more info about previous couples. I can not wait for the next book to come out. I will be reading this book a few more times while I wait. 6/18/20..Just finish my second read through. It is such an awesome series. I just love how involved every story is. It is a story series that is hard to stop once you start reading.
April 22, 2020
I loved this addition to the Blackwood Pack. This is definitely not a stand alone book you need to start from book one to understand what is going on. It's so worth it. This series is very intricate and each book continues to build on our over arching story. I was right in who the next Blackwood Pack member to get their story would be. I will be waiting as patiently as possible for its release. This series is totally on my to be bought list.
April 11, 2020
another great book
May 19, 2020
Enjoyed this new book to the serries
September 2, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I've said it before: this series just keeps getting better!
This series is best read in order. Like the previous books, Mystic Guardian is a complex story with a lot going on. Carson is sure he will never find his fated mate. Remy unexpectedly has to care for his two brothers. When fate brings these two together, Remy doesn’t believe that he can have a fated mate, after all he’s just a low-level warlock. Carson is devastated when Remy rejects him. It takes some serious talking to Remy by Mystia to convince him to give Carson a chance.
Wow, there is so much going on in this story that I couldn’t possible recap all of it. If you like complicated story lines, with great plot points and a wide variety of great characters, I can really recommend this series and this book. The epilogue has a great teaser for the next book in this series and I can’t wait until it comes out as an audiobook!
Nick J. Russo has been doing all of the audiobooks in this series and he is doing a fantastic job. There are many different characters, with many different accents, and he gives each of them a unique voice so that it’s easy to tell who is speaking. I can’t say enough good things about this audiobook.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting Sept. 7, 2022)
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I've said it before: this series just keeps getting better!
This series is best read in order. Like the previous books, Mystic Guardian is a complex story with a lot going on. Carson is sure he will never find his fated mate. Remy unexpectedly has to care for his two brothers. When fate brings these two together, Remy doesn’t believe that he can have a fated mate, after all he’s just a low-level warlock. Carson is devastated when Remy rejects him. It takes some serious talking to Remy by Mystia to convince him to give Carson a chance.
Wow, there is so much going on in this story that I couldn’t possible recap all of it. If you like complicated story lines, with great plot points and a wide variety of great characters, I can really recommend this series and this book. The epilogue has a great teaser for the next book in this series and I can’t wait until it comes out as an audiobook!
Nick J. Russo has been doing all of the audiobooks in this series and he is doing a fantastic job. There are many different characters, with many different accents, and he gives each of them a unique voice so that it’s easy to tell who is speaking. I can’t say enough good things about this audiobook.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author/narrator.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting Sept. 7, 2022)
June 21, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
November 26, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with Carson in the previous books and this one just cemented why. His heart is pure gold. Remy was just as sweet. My biggest complaint about this book is it felt like it was too much about things leading up to the next book. I wanted more Carson and Remy together. But when you have so much going on with the ongoing plot line, I get why we see less of individual couples. And boy, is there a lot going on. I’m ready to see Josiah get what’s coming to him! And I can’t wait to see more of all the Blackwood pack. All the couples are great. Even Kieran has grown on me when he’s in small doses. I can’t wait to see Remy and his brothers meet the others of the Blackwood pack, especially the pups.
April 12, 2020
Total Rating: 3.4 Stars out of 5
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 3 🌟🌟🌟
Rating Review Rollout:
(1) Blurb vs Story matchup: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(2) Character Development: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(3) Danger/Drama/Thrills/Chills: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(4) Editing/Proofreading: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(5) Entertainment Value: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(6) Feeling the Words: 4 🌟🌟🌟
(7) Flow of the Story: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(8) Keeps my Attention: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(9) MC Appeal: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(10) MC Backstory: 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(11) MC Chemistry: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(12) MC Love Connection: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(13) Plot Worthiness: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(14) Sexy Sex Scenes: 3 🌟🌟🌟
(15) Wrap Up of Loose Ends: 3 🌟🌟🌟
April 15, 2020
I love and have anxiously waited for each story in this series. The last couple of books though have been a little frustrating. I really wish we got more time with the main characters of each book. Carson and are my didn't even me until around 50% through and then had very little page time after that. While I love multiple points of view, maybe it's so many storylines at once that gets to me a little. I will definitely be eager to read more though.
August 14, 2020
Another great book in the series
I really enjoyed this book.
It was a little different than the other books in the series. A slightly different pace with a great story.
I am so happy with finally got to Carson's book and his mate, Remy was absolutely great and fit perfectly with him. I really enjoyed the instant family Carson got and can't wait to see more of them in the future.
I can't wait for the next book in the series, to see how the overall story arc progresses
I really enjoyed this book.
It was a little different than the other books in the series. A slightly different pace with a great story.
I am so happy with finally got to Carson's book and his mate, Remy was absolutely great and fit perfectly with him. I really enjoyed the instant family Carson got and can't wait to see more of them in the future.
I can't wait for the next book in the series, to see how the overall story arc progresses
February 16, 2022
🌟 Awesome!
There are just so many exciting things going on throughout this series! Every time I think the gifts can't get any more impressive well of course I'm wrong! The last of the brothers finally gets his mate and their pairing is...well you'll have to read it to find out ;) There are also some interesting new people introduced and I can't wait to see what happens next....so off I go!
There are just so many exciting things going on throughout this series! Every time I think the gifts can't get any more impressive well of course I'm wrong! The last of the brothers finally gets his mate and their pairing is...well you'll have to read it to find out ;) There are also some interesting new people introduced and I can't wait to see what happens next....so off I go!
March 4, 2021
Good read
Don't get me wrong I rally liked this book but it was not my favourite. First 10 chapters were slow but as I kept reading it I finally got into it but was disappointed how it ended because it just stopped abruptly almost like a chapter was missing then went to the epilogue which actually talked about the next book which left me confused.
Don't get me wrong I rally liked this book but it was not my favourite. First 10 chapters were slow but as I kept reading it I finally got into it but was disappointed how it ended because it just stopped abruptly almost like a chapter was missing then went to the epilogue which actually talked about the next book which left me confused.
July 2, 2023
Mystic Guardian, the 9th book in the Blackwood Pack series, is a quick romp that lays out the mating of the last brother, the final chapter of Fionn's challenges, and the start of one of the cousin's mating. Not over the top with few emotional outbursts and one Dragon hangover. Almost felt a little slow.
February 14, 2023
Witches, Warlocks, And Family
The Fates are bestowing gifts again to those who earn these rewards!
Mystia and Oracle work together again. Black magic, and those who use it, must be stopped!
The Fates are bestowing gifts again to those who earn these rewards!
Mystia and Oracle work together again. Black magic, and those who use it, must be stopped!
September 9, 2020
Oh Mah Gawd!
This series is AMAZING! I love how there are multiple characters and multiple situations going on! Mary Rundle is one seriously talented writer! Highly recommended!
This series is AMAZING! I love how there are multiple characters and multiple situations going on! Mary Rundle is one seriously talented writer! Highly recommended!
January 3, 2021
6 'This has to get a six star rating for the series overall. Loved Carson and Remys book this series just gets better and better' stars.
April 2, 2021
Too Many Plots and Characters
So many plots going on at the same time that it was hard to keep up with what I was reading to get the just of this story!
So many plots going on at the same time that it was hard to keep up with what I was reading to get the just of this story!
June 28, 2022
My only real issue is that our MC's didn't meet until about 50% into the book.
November 30, 2024
Title is deceiving
Although the book has a main couple to focus on, it really is about the whole Blackwood family. You really need to read all the other books to understand.
Although the book has a main couple to focus on, it really is about the whole Blackwood family. You really need to read all the other books to understand.
May 18, 2025
Once again... Love ♡
May 29, 2021
WOW
Didn't see that coming! WOW! Carson's fated mate was definitely worth waiting for. Can't wait to see where the rest of their story goes!
Didn't see that coming! WOW! Carson's fated mate was definitely worth waiting for. Can't wait to see where the rest of their story goes!
June 25, 2022
2.75 Stars . . .
Far to many POV and Plots going on all at once. Some of them very unnecessary for this specific books storyline.
The story also had very little time to play out and develop. This books main couple just didn't have enough of a story to be enjoyable or satisfying at the end. It just felt abrupt and rushed.
I'm very interested about the next story but I'm not sure if I want to go through maybe a dozen POV to get the full story.
Far to many POV and Plots going on all at once. Some of them very unnecessary for this specific books storyline.
The story also had very little time to play out and develop. This books main couple just didn't have enough of a story to be enjoyable or satisfying at the end. It just felt abrupt and rushed.
I'm very interested about the next story but I'm not sure if I want to go through maybe a dozen POV to get the full story.
February 19, 2021
I have loved this series from the start, having reread most of them more than twice. This story was just as good but I had issues with editing that I hadn't encountered with this author before. Hoping it's just a fluke because I am really looking forward to #10.
August 6, 2023
First read: December 28, 2021
Second read: August 6, 2023
Second read: August 6, 2023
April 5, 2024
3.75 ⭐
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews