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Desert Cursed #7
Den of Thieves
In a world where supernaturals and humans are separated by walls, there is magic to be magicked and quests that still need questing. Yes, quest as a verb.
I, Zamira “Reckless” Wilson, thought I had done my part. With a little help from those I love, we stopped the bad guys from mucking up our side of the wall. We won the battle and were left standing on this side of the dirt.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
But a curse from long ago, cast to ensure everything in my life would eventually go wrong has now come full circle.
There is darkness in the east, and it flows toward the desert I’ve sworn to protect like a creeping floodwater you cannot see until it is upon you.
That power has stolen Maks's magic.
It has stolen Lila’s ability to shift.
And it has stolen my newfound strength.
We are back to square one, and we are about to face off against an unknown enemy. I have only one thing to say.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”
I, Zamira “Reckless” Wilson, thought I had done my part. With a little help from those I love, we stopped the bad guys from mucking up our side of the wall. We won the battle and were left standing on this side of the dirt.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
But a curse from long ago, cast to ensure everything in my life would eventually go wrong has now come full circle.
There is darkness in the east, and it flows toward the desert I’ve sworn to protect like a creeping floodwater you cannot see until it is upon you.
That power has stolen Maks's magic.
It has stolen Lila’s ability to shift.
And it has stolen my newfound strength.
We are back to square one, and we are about to face off against an unknown enemy. I have only one thing to say.
“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.”
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
981 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
145 books7,348 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 1, 2020
My favorite characters Zam, Maks and Lila are back!! It was some whirlwind of an adventure! Den Of Thieves is my new favorite book now! I loved this series before and thought I couldn't love them any more than I do but I can! I was completely absorbed in this fantastic world and I didn't want to come out how good this was! I kept forgetting to breathe, my heart skipped a beat quite a few times during this action packed, full of danger and fights journey. Lines from Shakespeare just makes this series special and adds a cherry to the top of cake. We got to meet new enemies, monsters and demons along with a new friends. I found some new qualities in Zam which makes me believe that she can save this world for sure.
How am I supposed to wait another year for next installment??
Fortunately Shannon Mayer writes other great series to read while waiting.
How am I supposed to wait another year for next installment??
Fortunately Shannon Mayer writes other great series to read while waiting.
August 25, 2020
I absolutely LOVE this series! I can never get enough of the adventures of Zam,Lili, Balder and Maks and was so excited to read this and boy it did not let me down! Off on a new adventure this time to find some dragon eggs, there’s non stop action and chaos all in an amazing world built by this author that just keeps pulling us back in for more! With new characters introduced and new enemies this Made me laugh and it made me cry but omg I do not want to get off of this rollercoaster! Eagerly awaiting the next book!
December 3, 2020
Didn't like it. A filler book that did not save the dragon hatchlings.
February 23, 2021
Amazing! Starts off a little slow - for this series - but it really picks up. We meet some new baddie monsters and more unicorns! Lila and Zam are one of the best duos out there. Great adventures and wonderful humorous banter.
July 11, 2020
Buckle in for a hell of a ride!!
Shannon Mayer does not disappoint in the 7th installment of the Desert Cursed series!!
We dive back into Zam’s world on the hunt for the hatchlings. This journey takes Zam and her team into the eastern mountains where we see different creatures as well as some new characters. The world building is described effortlessly and it’s easy to envision the creatures, surroundings, and the fighting. Zam captures my attention from the very first page till the very last page. I’m still speechless as I read the last sentence. Bloodyhell it was a fantastic book and I cannot wait for the next installment. So freakin good!!
Shannon Mayer does not disappoint in the 7th installment of the Desert Cursed series!!
We dive back into Zam’s world on the hunt for the hatchlings. This journey takes Zam and her team into the eastern mountains where we see different creatures as well as some new characters. The world building is described effortlessly and it’s easy to envision the creatures, surroundings, and the fighting. Zam captures my attention from the very first page till the very last page. I’m still speechless as I read the last sentence. Bloodyhell it was a fantastic book and I cannot wait for the next installment. So freakin good!!
September 18, 2020
After such an epic battle from the Emperor's Throne, it's hard to pick up the pieces and re-build the drama and suspense. Mayer brilliantly adds a twist to the characters reverting them back to their skills at the beginning of the series which is unique and fresh. It helps keep the main characters from becoming too much of unstoppable powerhouses. It gives more of a sense of danger and mortality which the book desperately needed in order to drive the reader on in the series. It's a bit frustrating as a reader to endure, but I can truly appreciate the brilliance for what it is.
I'm honestly torn over this book for the first time in a while since reading Mayer's works. There was so much suspense, action, drama, the list goes on for the first 6 books in this series that after an epic battle like the last one, it's hard to continue the story when the main villain, and surprise secret villain, has been vanquished. This was Mayer's chance to introduce a whole new world outside of the wall. New characters, new villains, new challenges; yet this book is so much shorter than all of the previous ones. There is plenty of action and new crazy creatures for Zam, Lila, and Maks to battle, but there should have been soooo much more. I listened to the audiobook, and it was almost two hours shorter than all of the other books. And for the first time, there wasn't the same level of foreshadowing of a bigger badder villain for us to expect in the previous books to set the stage for the rest of the series yet to come. Don't get me wrong, she does set up this villain quite well in this book, but we had no obvious hint to them before now. I love this series (more than I EVER thought I would) but I wouldn't be disappointed if it wraps up in another few books so that Mayer can focus on some of her other amazing series'.
I'm honestly torn over this book for the first time in a while since reading Mayer's works. There was so much suspense, action, drama, the list goes on for the first 6 books in this series that after an epic battle like the last one, it's hard to continue the story when the main villain, and surprise secret villain, has been vanquished. This was Mayer's chance to introduce a whole new world outside of the wall. New characters, new villains, new challenges; yet this book is so much shorter than all of the previous ones. There is plenty of action and new crazy creatures for Zam, Lila, and Maks to battle, but there should have been soooo much more. I listened to the audiobook, and it was almost two hours shorter than all of the other books. And for the first time, there wasn't the same level of foreshadowing of a bigger badder villain for us to expect in the previous books to set the stage for the rest of the series yet to come. Don't get me wrong, she does set up this villain quite well in this book, but we had no obvious hint to them before now. I love this series (more than I EVER thought I would) but I wouldn't be disappointed if it wraps up in another few books so that Mayer can focus on some of her other amazing series'.
December 20, 2020
I cannot get enough of Zam, Lila & Maks. I love that their story is continuing and that we never run out of new characters, guardians of the desert and the evil that is intent on chasing our team.
August 31, 2020
ust 25, 2020
I have to say I was wondering how the continuation of the desert cursed series would be, but I should have know Shannon Mayer would make it great. A whole host of new characters mixed with the characters we all ready love, brings a fresh new story line. Of course in true Mayer fashion the hook at the end will leave you anxious for the next book!
I have to say I was wondering how the continuation of the desert cursed series would be, but I should have know Shannon Mayer would make it great. A whole host of new characters mixed with the characters we all ready love, brings a fresh new story line. Of course in true Mayer fashion the hook at the end will leave you anxious for the next book!
September 5, 2020
Excellent!
Sam is on the adventure of her life,, along with her usual friends, as well done new ones. Nothing is ever easy for the queen of the desert. I need the next book! It isn't out of course. Must be patient.
Sam is on the adventure of her life,, along with her usual friends, as well done new ones. Nothing is ever easy for the queen of the desert. I need the next book! It isn't out of course. Must be patient.
September 17, 2021
The return to Zam’s world is worth the wait and this book is top notch! I couldn’t put it down, but grab some tissues because Shannon Mayer included some serious tear-jerker moments in this book that had me in TEARS!
The Emperor has been defeated, his magic destroyed, but the fight isn’t over. A void has been created and a new power seeks to take step in and take it. Zam is determined to honor her promise to find and bring home the dragon eggs, but the road ahead isn’t going to be easy. But when has it ever been? This book is fast-paced and you’ll have devoured it before you know it. I picked up this book and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved seeing/reading the love between Zam and Maks. It’d be nice if they could have more than brief snatches of happiness, but…the world needs saving and if she doesn’t do it…who will? This book is packed with twists and I ate it up! There are new dangers, new monsters, and new revelations. This book packs such a punch and is such a great addition to the series.
There honestly isn’t anything that I can say I didn’t like in this book! Each of the characters is done perfectly and for the author to bring in a new “Steve”?! I nearly choked. LOL!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for what comes next in this series. If you have read the previous books and enjoyed them then I encourage you to grab this book and dive in! But make sure you have a box of tissues, but you’re going to need them later on!
The Emperor has been defeated, his magic destroyed, but the fight isn’t over. A void has been created and a new power seeks to take step in and take it. Zam is determined to honor her promise to find and bring home the dragon eggs, but the road ahead isn’t going to be easy. But when has it ever been? This book is fast-paced and you’ll have devoured it before you know it. I picked up this book and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved seeing/reading the love between Zam and Maks. It’d be nice if they could have more than brief snatches of happiness, but…the world needs saving and if she doesn’t do it…who will? This book is packed with twists and I ate it up! There are new dangers, new monsters, and new revelations. This book packs such a punch and is such a great addition to the series.
There honestly isn’t anything that I can say I didn’t like in this book! Each of the characters is done perfectly and for the author to bring in a new “Steve”?! I nearly choked. LOL!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait for what comes next in this series. If you have read the previous books and enjoyed them then I encourage you to grab this book and dive in! But make sure you have a box of tissues, but you’re going to need them later on!
October 19, 2020
Zamira isn't the Phoenix. She isn't Rylee Adamson. She is Zam... and that is more than enough! Shannon Mayer knows women. She knows how to create extraordinary characters who regardless of their magical abilities and exceptional sidekicks, are relatable on a level rarely read. They move you, they make you smile, laugh, cry, they stoke your anger, and they love fiercely. Mayer's Desert Cursed series is still a breathtaking ride that I never want to end!
Den of Thieves begins with a little R & R for the trusty trio, Maks, Zamira, and Lila. It's all fun and obscure Shakespearian quotes... until, well, it isn't. Come on, it is Shannon Mayer we're reading, not Mother Teresa's memoirs for crying out loud! I thought surely we'd already been introduced to the Who's Who list of bigwigs, but no... There's a new Ghoulish Goddess making desert heatwaves! And, well, let's just say that Maks realllllllyyyyyy needs to avoid crazy, atmospheric women's beds...
I'm sure if I asked Zamira if she was tired of saving the world she would probably turn into her small cat form and rip up my favorite leather chair for my idiotic question... However, I'm not tired of reading about her doing it... This series is obviously action-packed (nonstop action really), but it is also such an amazing tale of love and friendship, about believing in yourself and raining down your greatness upon the world!
Good News!!! Mayer has confirmed there are two more books in the series, Kingdom of Storms coming August 19, 2021, and the final installment, Realm of Demons, release date TBD.
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
Den of Thieves begins with a little R & R for the trusty trio, Maks, Zamira, and Lila. It's all fun and obscure Shakespearian quotes... until, well, it isn't. Come on, it is Shannon Mayer we're reading, not Mother Teresa's memoirs for crying out loud! I thought surely we'd already been introduced to the Who's Who list of bigwigs, but no... There's a new Ghoulish Goddess making desert heatwaves! And, well, let's just say that Maks realllllllyyyyyy needs to avoid crazy, atmospheric women's beds...
I'm sure if I asked Zamira if she was tired of saving the world she would probably turn into her small cat form and rip up my favorite leather chair for my idiotic question... However, I'm not tired of reading about her doing it... This series is obviously action-packed (nonstop action really), but it is also such an amazing tale of love and friendship, about believing in yourself and raining down your greatness upon the world!
Good News!!! Mayer has confirmed there are two more books in the series, Kingdom of Storms coming August 19, 2021, and the final installment, Realm of Demons, release date TBD.
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
January 10, 2026
We're back with Zam, Maks and Lila (and Balder) on the hunt for the stolen Dragon hatchlings. The quest takes us east where "the Beast of the East" is getting read to take advantage of the power vacuum left by the Emperor/Merlin/Ishtar... and we need to stop him.
I hadn't realized this was the first book in a new series (trilogy?) so I was surprised when I noticed the book was almost done even though I thought I was only a third of the way through. It was slower than previous books at times, which made sense because there was a whole new territory and new creatures to discover. There was a good mix of action/plot and world building. The description of what we encounter is well done and detailed enough that I got a clear picture of what we were facing,
*** Mild Spoilers Ahead ***
While the story was interesting and entertaining, I'm worried it is
becoming a mirror/rewrite of the previous series:
- All three lose whatever powers they gained and are back to square one: Lila can no longer get big, Maks and Zam are powerless. The only thing Zam kept was her ability to shift to a big cat as well as the house cat.
- Zam has a new sentient weapon that is literally the sister to the flail. Different wants but same dynamic atm (Zam struggles to control it)
- A new shifter shows up who simultaneously has Zam's last name, kinda looks like Bryce, but also reminds her of Ford
- There is a great evil (?) trapped (genie in a bottle), a evil Jinn master (female this time. In fact in the east jinns are opposite - females kill the males when they're young), trials to defeat before we reach the beast, and seers that are untrustworthy at best.
I hadn't realized this was the first book in a new series (trilogy?) so I was surprised when I noticed the book was almost done even though I thought I was only a third of the way through. It was slower than previous books at times, which made sense because there was a whole new territory and new creatures to discover. There was a good mix of action/plot and world building. The description of what we encounter is well done and detailed enough that I got a clear picture of what we were facing,
*** Mild Spoilers Ahead ***
While the story was interesting and entertaining, I'm worried it is
becoming a mirror/rewrite of the previous series:
- All three lose whatever powers they gained and are back to square one: Lila can no longer get big, Maks and Zam are powerless. The only thing Zam kept was her ability to shift to a big cat as well as the house cat.
- Zam has a new sentient weapon that is literally the sister to the flail. Different wants but same dynamic atm (Zam struggles to control it)
- A new shifter shows up who simultaneously has Zam's last name, kinda looks like Bryce, but also reminds her of Ford
- There is a great evil (?) trapped (genie in a bottle), a evil Jinn master (female this time. In fact in the east jinns are opposite - females kill the males when they're young), trials to defeat before we reach the beast, and seers that are untrustworthy at best.
August 29, 2020
Oh my word, Shannon!! How am I to wait another year for the next installment?!?!
The Desert Cursed series is my favorite of Shannon’s. I have been anxiously awaiting for this book as soon as Zam, Maks & Lila said they’d find the dragons eggs. I was so sad when I finished book 6 & had to leave their story. I love these characters and the dynamics they have. They are always on one hell of a ride.
Not much down time as trouble comes knocking sooner rather than later. Instantly we are throw on the defense with them and set on another adventure. Soon learning the unknown tales and fates the East holds. New characters and fresh tears... some good laugh-out-loud moments (Steve... oh boy. and LMAO-out-loud Reyhan ... utterly classic .. I won’t spoil it for you.. it’s too good). Zam is cast right back into the mix to be the catalyst for change .. the one from the of the prophecy. The ripples are deep and it was fun to see how everything & everyone are weaving together.
Flew through this book and will not-so-patiently wait for #8 & #9... ya’ll snatch this book up so she will focus on the series more quickly!! With KU, I don’t pre-order & I know that throws off her planning.
And thank you Shannon for releasing this & not adding in all the recap crap at the beginning... straight to the point with a little reference to the past. Just like Zam haha.
The Desert Cursed series is my favorite of Shannon’s. I have been anxiously awaiting for this book as soon as Zam, Maks & Lila said they’d find the dragons eggs. I was so sad when I finished book 6 & had to leave their story. I love these characters and the dynamics they have. They are always on one hell of a ride.
Not much down time as trouble comes knocking sooner rather than later. Instantly we are throw on the defense with them and set on another adventure. Soon learning the unknown tales and fates the East holds. New characters and fresh tears... some good laugh-out-loud moments (Steve... oh boy. and LMAO-out-loud Reyhan ... utterly classic .. I won’t spoil it for you.. it’s too good). Zam is cast right back into the mix to be the catalyst for change .. the one from the of the prophecy. The ripples are deep and it was fun to see how everything & everyone are weaving together.
Flew through this book and will not-so-patiently wait for #8 & #9... ya’ll snatch this book up so she will focus on the series more quickly!! With KU, I don’t pre-order & I know that throws off her planning.
And thank you Shannon for releasing this & not adding in all the recap crap at the beginning... straight to the point with a little reference to the past. Just like Zam haha.
August 25, 2020
Poor Zam! Girl needs a vacay, but Zam made a promise. A promise to find the dragon eggs and hatchlings and return them to their mothers. Nothing is easy in the desert and that one task to help the dragons turns into a much larger task. You know … back to saving the world … well at least their portion behind the wall. The eastern side of the desert is ruled by a ruthless demon that has many layers of protection to ensure his rule goes uncontested. Zam has to find an object to get through the first layer. The journey to find the object takes her from Maks. Their paths taking them in opposite directions and Maks's path leads him into a whole heap of trouble. I devoured this book and eagerly await the next. I can't wait to see what kind of wrath Zam brings down on Maks's captors, especially when she finds out what they have planned for Maks. There is never a lull in the action with Shannon Mayer's books. There's never that filler book in a series that keeps it going but is on the meh side. It's almost impossible to take your time and savor her books. Her stories hook you in and you just have to keep reading. This book is no different. So good! You must continue reading Zam's story!
October 10, 2022
Outstanding!
After the Reiley series I really doubted Shannon Mayer could outdo herself but I believe that the Desert Cursed series does that. Mayer's writing ability seems to grow with each series, as is evident if one read the Nevermore series 1st and now Mayer is truly reaching her peak by delivering a fresh take on a futuristic, post-Apocalyptic urban fantasy that's packed with plot twists, action, the characters so well constructed with dialog so full of intelligence & wit it keeps the reader throughly engaged while pulling them through the books at a break neck speed. I find it so very hard not to sit, consuming the novels in a single sitting. In this book, initially we wondered exactly what Mayer had planned for our heroic triad since they had successfully defeated & laid to rest the evils of the West desert. But there's truly no rest for the courageous and brave of heart, esp those who believe that promises & honor means something even amidst the chaos of the constantly changing landscape. I love this series & the look forward to seeing how Zam, Lila & Maks make it through these new challenges. 5 Stars! Forget TV, get all the past books & binge on something truly enjoyable & entertaining!
After the Reiley series I really doubted Shannon Mayer could outdo herself but I believe that the Desert Cursed series does that. Mayer's writing ability seems to grow with each series, as is evident if one read the Nevermore series 1st and now Mayer is truly reaching her peak by delivering a fresh take on a futuristic, post-Apocalyptic urban fantasy that's packed with plot twists, action, the characters so well constructed with dialog so full of intelligence & wit it keeps the reader throughly engaged while pulling them through the books at a break neck speed. I find it so very hard not to sit, consuming the novels in a single sitting. In this book, initially we wondered exactly what Mayer had planned for our heroic triad since they had successfully defeated & laid to rest the evils of the West desert. But there's truly no rest for the courageous and brave of heart, esp those who believe that promises & honor means something even amidst the chaos of the constantly changing landscape. I love this series & the look forward to seeing how Zam, Lila & Maks make it through these new challenges. 5 Stars! Forget TV, get all the past books & binge on something truly enjoyable & entertaining!
August 11, 2020
Dragons, Unicorns, Magic, and Monsters ..Oh My, and a little Shakespeare too......
First let me say that I just loved this book, I enjoy everything that I have read from Shannon Mayer so far. We meet our favorite characters from the Desert Cursed series again as they continue to a entirely new adventure to fulfill a promise and retrieve the missing Dragon's Eggs. We meet new monsters and some even remind us of past baddies. We learn a bit of backstory that may become more important( I believe , but if our author reads this she may just rewrite the next installment to prove me wrong).
"Den of Thieves" is the seventh book in this series, and they should be read in order to get the full effect of the story telling. I do not suggest this book as a stand alone, it can be done but the reader will not get as much from this book that way.
I received an advanced reader copy of Den of Thieves by Shannon Mayer.
First let me say that I just loved this book, I enjoy everything that I have read from Shannon Mayer so far. We meet our favorite characters from the Desert Cursed series again as they continue to a entirely new adventure to fulfill a promise and retrieve the missing Dragon's Eggs. We meet new monsters and some even remind us of past baddies. We learn a bit of backstory that may become more important( I believe , but if our author reads this she may just rewrite the next installment to prove me wrong).
"Den of Thieves" is the seventh book in this series, and they should be read in order to get the full effect of the story telling. I do not suggest this book as a stand alone, it can be done but the reader will not get as much from this book that way.
I received an advanced reader copy of Den of Thieves by Shannon Mayer.
August 16, 2020
Zam, Mas, Balder and Lila are off in search of the missing dragon eggs. They have been taking it easy and enjoying a break from all of the chaos that seems to have been plaguing their lives. But, it looks like they are going to step into a mess of trouble once again.
After a dire warning from a Hyena shifter about a new dark power rising from the West Zam, Maks and Lila are pretty sure their days of taking it slow and easy are now over.
This one has a lot of action and new characters that I absolutely fell in love with. It was incredible to find out where Balder came from and having his family introduced in this book was such a great bonus! The villains are a bit more scary in this book, at least in my opinion they are. I think that the action is better and the way it ends leaves you yelling at the author because why? just why? Yes, it ends with a cliff hanger. I both love ad hate cliff hangers.
I can not wait for the next book in this series to come out. I want to read about Zam kicking the Storm Queens butt!
After a dire warning from a Hyena shifter about a new dark power rising from the West Zam, Maks and Lila are pretty sure their days of taking it slow and easy are now over.
This one has a lot of action and new characters that I absolutely fell in love with. It was incredible to find out where Balder came from and having his family introduced in this book was such a great bonus! The villains are a bit more scary in this book, at least in my opinion they are. I think that the action is better and the way it ends leaves you yelling at the author because why? just why? Yes, it ends with a cliff hanger. I both love ad hate cliff hangers.
I can not wait for the next book in this series to come out. I want to read about Zam kicking the Storm Queens butt!
August 26, 2020
UTTERLY FANTASTIC!!
I loved reading about some of my favorite characters again and being able to go on another thrilling journey with them.
Zam, Maks and Lila are back for one more action-packed adventure. We are once again taken into a magical world where anything is possible. Where a small six pound house cat can turn into a kickass heroine and a small dragon can spew acid and quote Shakespearean insults! We get introduced to new characters (good and bad), have some laughs with them and hope that this amazing adventure never ends.
The imagery and storytelling is always phenomenal with Shannon Mayer. She know just how to take us readers on an epic fantasy journey that will leave breathless and begging for more.
Highly recommend this series (and every other story by this amazing author).
I loved reading about some of my favorite characters again and being able to go on another thrilling journey with them.
Zam, Maks and Lila are back for one more action-packed adventure. We are once again taken into a magical world where anything is possible. Where a small six pound house cat can turn into a kickass heroine and a small dragon can spew acid and quote Shakespearean insults! We get introduced to new characters (good and bad), have some laughs with them and hope that this amazing adventure never ends.
The imagery and storytelling is always phenomenal with Shannon Mayer. She know just how to take us readers on an epic fantasy journey that will leave breathless and begging for more.
Highly recommend this series (and every other story by this amazing author).
January 31, 2021
Everybody Wants to Rule the World!
After bringing down myriad baddies, and, you know, saving the entire world from a very hostile takeover, Lila, Maks and Zam enjoy a couple of weeks of beautiful peace in their newly saved world, until Somebody steps in to fill the empty space.
They’ve each found themselves and their strength, and can handle pretty much anything, until...all the rules change.
Oh, and someone close is much more than he seems.
Favorite quotes:
“How are you strong enough to compel me?”
I raised my chin and my eyebrows at the same time. “Because I am a fucking queen of the desert, and alpha in every way that matters, and I’m about done with the horseshit of idiots who think they can rule because of strength instead of heart.”
“No. This isn’t how it’s supposed to end.”
After bringing down myriad baddies, and, you know, saving the entire world from a very hostile takeover, Lila, Maks and Zam enjoy a couple of weeks of beautiful peace in their newly saved world, until Somebody steps in to fill the empty space.
They’ve each found themselves and their strength, and can handle pretty much anything, until...all the rules change.
Oh, and someone close is much more than he seems.
Favorite quotes:
“How are you strong enough to compel me?”
I raised my chin and my eyebrows at the same time. “Because I am a fucking queen of the desert, and alpha in every way that matters, and I’m about done with the horseshit of idiots who think they can rule because of strength instead of heart.”
“No. This isn’t how it’s supposed to end.”
April 26, 2021
Queen of adventure and magical mayhem!
Not a stand alone book. If you have not read the series you won’t understand all the small hidden gemstones within. I wish I could open a door into this world more often. It has everything you could ask for in a book. Edge of your seat Adventures, love, intrigues, twists and turns. Above all my favorite author. I’ve devoured every thing she has written and it speaks to me In ways I have not been spoken to In a long time. Well at least until another book comes out. I felt the happiness, love, sadness, in fact every emotion has been wrung from me with her amazing storytelling. The worlds she creates are worlds that I love to get lost in and I can’t wait for more. When I know a series of hers is going to end I am deeply saddened. However I look forward to seeing how she can amaze me in the next. I pray she never stops writing!!!
Not a stand alone book. If you have not read the series you won’t understand all the small hidden gemstones within. I wish I could open a door into this world more often. It has everything you could ask for in a book. Edge of your seat Adventures, love, intrigues, twists and turns. Above all my favorite author. I’ve devoured every thing she has written and it speaks to me In ways I have not been spoken to In a long time. Well at least until another book comes out. I felt the happiness, love, sadness, in fact every emotion has been wrung from me with her amazing storytelling. The worlds she creates are worlds that I love to get lost in and I can’t wait for more. When I know a series of hers is going to end I am deeply saddened. However I look forward to seeing how she can amaze me in the next. I pray she never stops writing!!!
September 20, 2020
Great!
I love the characters in this series. I was so excited when they all had their magic attended of the last book. I was really hoping that this book would involve the team fighting with all of their magic. I put off starting the book after reading the blurb about them losing their magic. I was afraid it would be the same old same old. And it was. However Shannon Mayer is such a great writer that I got so engrossed in the story that I forgave her for taking away the magic. With that said, I really really hope that Zam, Lila, Maks and Balder get their magic back early in the next book and kick some Jinn and demon a**! I will read it either way but it will be sweet if I get my wish.
I love the characters in this series. I was so excited when they all had their magic attended of the last book. I was really hoping that this book would involve the team fighting with all of their magic. I put off starting the book after reading the blurb about them losing their magic. I was afraid it would be the same old same old. And it was. However Shannon Mayer is such a great writer that I got so engrossed in the story that I forgave her for taking away the magic. With that said, I really really hope that Zam, Lila, Maks and Balder get their magic back early in the next book and kick some Jinn and demon a**! I will read it either way but it will be sweet if I get my wish.
September 28, 2020
Wow. Can't wait till the story continues
I like all of Shannon Mayer's stories but this one is my favorite. Zam and friends are off this time to find the dragon hatchlings she promised the female dragons all the way back in Dragon's Ground. Off the the unknown east. In a true Zam & Maks fashion the situation goes sideways fast. Striped of most of their powers separated and in a dangerous and unknown land they must move forward in hopes to find each other again and reach their goal. There are some very sappy spots in this story, just a warning. I recommend starting with Witches Wood the first book in the Desert Cursed series. These characters are amazing and the story beautifully layed out. Definitely check it out.
I like all of Shannon Mayer's stories but this one is my favorite. Zam and friends are off this time to find the dragon hatchlings she promised the female dragons all the way back in Dragon's Ground. Off the the unknown east. In a true Zam & Maks fashion the situation goes sideways fast. Striped of most of their powers separated and in a dangerous and unknown land they must move forward in hopes to find each other again and reach their goal. There are some very sappy spots in this story, just a warning. I recommend starting with Witches Wood the first book in the Desert Cursed series. These characters are amazing and the story beautifully layed out. Definitely check it out.
November 6, 2021
Seems like the author is just making the story drag along at this point. This felt like an unnecessary volume and there are still two more to go before Zam’s quest is resolved. There are only about a dozen unicorns in existence and yet Balder is gelded? What a waste. Of course the gene pool must be pretty small so I guess it’s not a huge loss. Why would the Queen of Storms all of sudden decide she has to have a unicorn? She’s been around “forever” so why now? She’s yet another granddaughter of the Emperor? Again, why does she feel compelled to usurp the demon now and not before this?
Are we ever going to get an explanation of what happened to Zam, Maks, Lila and Balder’s magic? If Lilith can shape shift into any kind of weapon, why doesn’t Zam have her turn into a flail?
Are we ever going to get an explanation of what happened to Zam, Maks, Lila and Balder’s magic? If Lilith can shape shift into any kind of weapon, why doesn’t Zam have her turn into a flail?
July 9, 2020
Zam and the crew are finally back and things couldn't be more action packed!! The stakes are even higher in this lastest installment and it's an anxiety inducing, gut twisting heck of a story. Things are never easy for Zam, but things are just getting ridiculous as Zam, Maks, and Lila must, once again, save the world. The enemies are terrifying, but Zam's courage has no end. As she fights for a peaceful future, she's knocked left and right with evil, and unexpected new friendships. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, and will make waiting for book 8 even harder, but it was an incredible feat of storytelling and was so hard to put down!
July 31, 2020
I was actually quite surprised to find another installment. I thought the series was over but I am pleased to announce Zam is back and better than ever. This time trying to fulfill her promise to return the Dragon’s eggs and hatchlings, she finds herself headed East. Stripped of their powers, she, Maks and Lila must fight new and even more powerful enemies, forge uneasy alliances and face unknown dangers to keep their promise to the Dragons. Clearly the first installment in a new adventure, this one picks up right where the last left off. You won’t be disappointed. (Oh, and a new “weapon” comes her way).
August 25, 2020
I really enjoyed the way this audio makes the book come alive! I loved the unique characters, especially Zam and Lila. Those two are my favorites; with their strong bond of a chosen family, interesting schemes, and a bit of recklessness! I loved the often humorous dialoges, making me laugh. Zam made a promise to find the dragon eggs/hatchlings that were stolen and where Zam goes, danger and chaos follows! This book is action-packed is filled with danger, death, mystery, suspense, magic, slaves, jinn, demons, creatures, unicorns, a new unique weapon, humor, twists and turns and so much more!
September 1, 2020
The epitome of kicking butt and taking names
If you have read the other Desert Cursed series books then you know the type of person Zam is. She grew into herself and I thought she had reached her peak but Shannon Mayer blew me away with the new developments in Zam's character. Zam has upped the level of what she can manage and the thrills never let up. I was on the edge of my seat and felt like I was speeding through the desert on horseback. Add in Mak's and the passion and devotion between them and holy hell this book was amazing! A new motley crew along with Lila adds to the experience. I won't give anything away but the last 2 paragraphs had me jumping and cheering!
If you have read the other Desert Cursed series books then you know the type of person Zam is. She grew into herself and I thought she had reached her peak but Shannon Mayer blew me away with the new developments in Zam's character. Zam has upped the level of what she can manage and the thrills never let up. I was on the edge of my seat and felt like I was speeding through the desert on horseback. Add in Mak's and the passion and devotion between them and holy hell this book was amazing! A new motley crew along with Lila adds to the experience. I won't give anything away but the last 2 paragraphs had me jumping and cheering!
September 9, 2020
Zamira and crew are back, and just as unputdownable as ever. Obstacle after obstacle they go. As they head out to fulfill a promise they made awhile ago. To find the missing Dragon eggs and hatchlings. And what they find is that they're somewhere in the eastern desert. No one knows what's in the eastern desert because it's been unspoken of since...well, for a very long time. Even the Jinn that are in Maks's head don't know who, or WHAT they'll encounter there. So they're off to forbidden territory to find those eggs
This is a great story of love and adventure which resides in the mind of an awesome writer, Shannon Mayer.
This is a great story of love and adventure which resides in the mind of an awesome writer, Shannon Mayer.
October 31, 2020
Another great read
I honestly did not want to like this book as much as I did. I felt like it was the same story running in different parts of the world, maybe it is, but there’s enough context to feel you in and make you fall in love all over again. You’ll cheer for the good guys and scream at the bad guys, or gals as the story may go. I LOVE thst Baldur finally gets a side story of his own! That alone would have earned 5 stars, but of course this story is that and so much more! Zam damn well better get her happily ever after with Maks, they deserve it. And I cannot wait to see who Lila ends up with as a mate.
I honestly did not want to like this book as much as I did. I felt like it was the same story running in different parts of the world, maybe it is, but there’s enough context to feel you in and make you fall in love all over again. You’ll cheer for the good guys and scream at the bad guys, or gals as the story may go. I LOVE thst Baldur finally gets a side story of his own! That alone would have earned 5 stars, but of course this story is that and so much more! Zam damn well better get her happily ever after with Maks, they deserve it. And I cannot wait to see who Lila ends up with as a mate.
July 2, 2020
There are not enough superlatives to properly review Den of Thieves. From the first page we are brought back into Zam’s world and taken on a whirlwind ride to the end. Nonstop action, deeply moving and totally absorbing is this episode of the Desert Cursed Series. Den of Thieves should not be missed. Shannon Mayer is an amazing author. All of her series MC’s are well drawn, wholly realized and completely different. No cookie cutter heroines for this author. The same can be said for all the worlds these characters inhabit.
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