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Pillars of Magic: Dominion Chapter #3
Conviction
Behind every powerful witch is someone trying to steal his power.
Kelly thought they could all use a vacation. His best friend, Seiran, has become the target of a lot of unwanted attention... and he isn’t the only male witch hiding magic. Some time away from the city, the press, and the Dominion sounds like a good idea until a winter storm descends.
Trapped in a blizzard powered by incredible magic, and trying to get his mind off his crush on Seiran’s older brother, Kelly begins to feel like it’s his magic fueling the storm. When bodies fall around them, dying in the storm, everyone begins pointing at Kelly. He isn’t sure how to clear his name or who to trust.
Determined to stop the spell, Kelly ventures out into the storm, ready to face a monster from their past and reclaim his power. Even if it kills him.
Kelly thought they could all use a vacation. His best friend, Seiran, has become the target of a lot of unwanted attention... and he isn’t the only male witch hiding magic. Some time away from the city, the press, and the Dominion sounds like a good idea until a winter storm descends.
Trapped in a blizzard powered by incredible magic, and trying to get his mind off his crush on Seiran’s older brother, Kelly begins to feel like it’s his magic fueling the storm. When bodies fall around them, dying in the storm, everyone begins pointing at Kelly. He isn’t sure how to clear his name or who to trust.
Determined to stop the spell, Kelly ventures out into the storm, ready to face a monster from their past and reclaim his power. Even if it kills him.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
68 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Kasey
72 books663 followersLissa Kasey is Ace/Aro and ENBY. Lissa's storytelling specializes in in-depth characters, detailed world building, sweet and spicy romance, and twisting plots to keep you clinging to the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 29, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
I was disappointed when I saw this book would be from Kelly's and Jamie's POVs instead of Seiran's because I like to stick with the same POV throughout a series, but, once I started reading, I sunk right into the new POVs easily and forgot that I had even been concerned about it in the first place. Both their POVs were just as well-written as Seiran's, and each character had a unique voice. Also, sometimes suddenly switching POVs after numerous books that were previously told entirely from one first person perspective can make either the new POV characters or the old ones feel off, but both felt natural here.
It also turned out that I liked each of their POVs and the chance to get to know the characters better. For example, I hadn't known that Jamie had an eating disorder (body dysmorphic disorder and previously bulimia but handling that better now) or that Kelly had asthma.
And those two things were just more to love about the book---disability rep and more mental illness rep. Eating disorders are so often only associated with women, which is a harmful stereotype because then men with eating disorders don't get the help they need, so it was nice to see the topic being tackled with a male character. It's also just nice that these books show how lots of people have their struggles and that it's ok to need help. And just like with Seiran's mental illnesses, the author seemed to do a great job showing his disorder through his actions and how it skewed his thoughts. Also just like the previous books, even though there were struggles, there was tons of love and care and support and understanding.
I feel like the plot in this book was a little weak though. All the books are more character-focused than plot-focused and thus a little slow-paced for a while until things suddenly start to pick up near the end when the mysterious bad guy shows up, but I can deal with that. The problem with this one was characters making some decisions that didn't really make sense (e.g. running off to take on the bad guy all by themselves, knowing they were no match and would probably get killed) and a somewhat frustrating romance. I don't really mind when characters don't communicate because have you seen how some people act in real life? But in this case, Jamie could've at least explained why he was rejecting Kelly, explained that he was only flirting with Cat to get information, etc. And it got kind of angsty in a way that seemed like the angst was mostly included for the sake of plot and keeping the characters apart. I know Jamie had some mental struggles, but I still didn't understand his constant lash-outs at Kelly.
But overall this was another sweet, enjoyable book that I flew through in about a day. It may have been a little iffy on the plot and romance, but it still kept me reading, it still had great disability and mental illness rep, and you won't find a more loving, understanding, supportive group of characters, which makes it a great read when you need something to make you say awww and smile.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Lissa Kasey's Dominion Series. Fans of character-focused m/m urban fantasy with witches and vampires. Anyone who likes books with struggles and/or mental illness but also lots of positivity and support, plus a bit of fluffiness, to balance it out.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
Was worried I wouldn't like a book with different POV characters, but this was just as good as the others in the series! And I'm loving all the disability rep (this time it was asthma and eating disorders). Full review soon.
Review:
I was disappointed when I saw this book would be from Kelly's and Jamie's POVs instead of Seiran's because I like to stick with the same POV throughout a series, but, once I started reading, I sunk right into the new POVs easily and forgot that I had even been concerned about it in the first place. Both their POVs were just as well-written as Seiran's, and each character had a unique voice. Also, sometimes suddenly switching POVs after numerous books that were previously told entirely from one first person perspective can make either the new POV characters or the old ones feel off, but both felt natural here.
It also turned out that I liked each of their POVs and the chance to get to know the characters better. For example, I hadn't known that Jamie had an eating disorder (body dysmorphic disorder and previously bulimia but handling that better now) or that Kelly had asthma.
And those two things were just more to love about the book---disability rep and more mental illness rep. Eating disorders are so often only associated with women, which is a harmful stereotype because then men with eating disorders don't get the help they need, so it was nice to see the topic being tackled with a male character. It's also just nice that these books show how lots of people have their struggles and that it's ok to need help. And just like with Seiran's mental illnesses, the author seemed to do a great job showing his disorder through his actions and how it skewed his thoughts. Also just like the previous books, even though there were struggles, there was tons of love and care and support and understanding.
I feel like the plot in this book was a little weak though. All the books are more character-focused than plot-focused and thus a little slow-paced for a while until things suddenly start to pick up near the end when the mysterious bad guy shows up, but I can deal with that. The problem with this one was characters making some decisions that didn't really make sense (e.g. running off to take on the bad guy all by themselves, knowing they were no match and would probably get killed) and a somewhat frustrating romance. I don't really mind when characters don't communicate because have you seen how some people act in real life? But in this case, Jamie could've at least explained why he was rejecting Kelly, explained that he was only flirting with Cat to get information, etc. And it got kind of angsty in a way that seemed like the angst was mostly included for the sake of plot and keeping the characters apart. I know Jamie had some mental struggles, but I still didn't understand his constant lash-outs at Kelly.
But overall this was another sweet, enjoyable book that I flew through in about a day. It may have been a little iffy on the plot and romance, but it still kept me reading, it still had great disability and mental illness rep, and you won't find a more loving, understanding, supportive group of characters, which makes it a great read when you need something to make you say awww and smile.
Recommended For:
Fans of Books 1 and 2 in Lissa Kasey's Dominion Series. Fans of character-focused m/m urban fantasy with witches and vampires. Anyone who likes books with struggles and/or mental illness but also lots of positivity and support, plus a bit of fluffiness, to balance it out.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
Initial Thoughts:
Was worried I wouldn't like a book with different POV characters, but this was just as good as the others in the series! And I'm loving all the disability rep (this time it was asthma and eating disorders). Full review soon.
September 12, 2014
My first reaction when I reached "The End"? THANK YOU GOD ALMIGHTY, I FINALLY FINISHED!! I think you can all guess what I think of this book, right? Do I like the story?
Big. Fat. NO.
Oh, I still love this universe that Lissa Kasey has created. I will still read the next book. Sei and Gabe are still wonderful. I really like Kelly, and I'm very intrigued on how his newly enhanced power () will play in his life. And Sam, lovely tortured ()Sam, who previously one of the bad guys but now a victim Sam ... I'd love to see him gets his happy ending.
So what makes me dislike this it?
1) What we've got here is (a) failure to communicate
I know that the census is that men don't talk. I don't know whether it universally true, I don't have enough samples to make my own research. I actually don't mind if the "not talking" scheme becomes one of the plot. However, it frustrates the hell out of me if it becomes the major plot to keep the story moving.
I feel that this is what happens in this story. In every chapter, Kelly and Jamie seem to find something to think about, but that's about it. They THINK about it but never say anything that matters. When this is the MAJOR plot and nothing else is going on, I just become annoyed.
I sort of wish when they found the first dead body and that they were practically trapped that things would become interesting -- and it would get claustrophobic ala Harper's Island or And Then There Were None kind of thing. Nope. Didn't happen.
2) Obsessive Jamie is creepy Jamie
I don't care if anyone find Jamie interesting. I don't. He's my least favorite character. I find his obsession towards Sei, his little brother, is downright creepy and NOT charming -- no matter his excuse. I like brotherly love -- Sam and Dean from Supernatural, or Cal and Nico from Rob Thurman's "Cal Leandros" series are two examples.
But this one? It makes my skin itch. Especially when Jamie still seems to be unable to shake his obsession towards Sei when he feels attracted to Kelly. That instead of being jealous of Sei (when he sees Kelly and Sei together), what Jamie has in mind is whether Kelly is hurting Sei. CREEPY!
Oh, and Jamie's reason that he feels like a pervert because Kelly is 14-years-younger than he is? Yeah, I think it's a bit weak. Why? Because Jamie accepts Gabe and Sei's relationship, when we all know how OLD Gabe is, right? Doesn't that make Gabe the MEGA pervert? But Jamie is okay with that?
3) Kelly needs to punch Jamie in the jaw
One more thing about Jamie -- his mistrust towards Kelly grates on my nerves. It comes to the point where I want Kelly to straighten up his spine and says, "FU*K YOU JAMIE! I love Sei like my own blood brother, he's my best friend, I will never hurt him. If you don't trust me, do something about it -- check me out for bites, lock me up, probably. Just do something, you creepy stalker sh*t!" then he can just punch Jamie. I wish Kelly gets a better man, rather than Jamie.
4) The whole coming back from the dead thing is getting old
The fact that it is that is responsible for everything just makes me yawn. I'm bored
5) And then, there's the "Sorry I don't tell you guys, I need to stop all of this alone because that's the only way I know to protect all of you" plot
Too common. Period.
So there, I dislike this one. I struggle to finish it and can only be thankful this is only a novella. If this story is 200+ pages, I probably have given up somewhere in the middle.
Sorry for the long (non-positive) review ...
Big. Fat. NO.
Oh, I still love this universe that Lissa Kasey has created. I will still read the next book. Sei and Gabe are still wonderful. I really like Kelly, and I'm very intrigued on how his newly enhanced power () will play in his life. And Sam, lovely tortured ()Sam, who previously one of the bad guys but now a victim Sam ... I'd love to see him gets his happy ending.
So what makes me dislike this it?
1) What we've got here is (a) failure to communicate
I know that the census is that men don't talk. I don't know whether it universally true, I don't have enough samples to make my own research. I actually don't mind if the "not talking" scheme becomes one of the plot. However, it frustrates the hell out of me if it becomes the major plot to keep the story moving.
I feel that this is what happens in this story. In every chapter, Kelly and Jamie seem to find something to think about, but that's about it. They THINK about it but never say anything that matters. When this is the MAJOR plot and nothing else is going on, I just become annoyed.
I sort of wish when they found the first dead body and that they were practically trapped that things would become interesting -- and it would get claustrophobic ala Harper's Island or And Then There Were None kind of thing. Nope. Didn't happen.
2) Obsessive Jamie is creepy Jamie
I don't care if anyone find Jamie interesting. I don't. He's my least favorite character. I find his obsession towards Sei, his little brother, is downright creepy and NOT charming -- no matter his excuse. I like brotherly love -- Sam and Dean from Supernatural, or Cal and Nico from Rob Thurman's "Cal Leandros" series are two examples.
But this one? It makes my skin itch. Especially when Jamie still seems to be unable to shake his obsession towards Sei when he feels attracted to Kelly. That instead of being jealous of Sei (when he sees Kelly and Sei together), what Jamie has in mind is whether Kelly is hurting Sei. CREEPY!
Oh, and Jamie's reason that he feels like a pervert because Kelly is 14-years-younger than he is? Yeah, I think it's a bit weak. Why? Because Jamie accepts Gabe and Sei's relationship, when we all know how OLD Gabe is, right? Doesn't that make Gabe the MEGA pervert? But Jamie is okay with that?
3) Kelly needs to punch Jamie in the jaw
One more thing about Jamie -- his mistrust towards Kelly grates on my nerves. It comes to the point where I want Kelly to straighten up his spine and says, "FU*K YOU JAMIE! I love Sei like my own blood brother, he's my best friend, I will never hurt him. If you don't trust me, do something about it -- check me out for bites, lock me up, probably. Just do something, you creepy stalker sh*t!" then he can just punch Jamie. I wish Kelly gets a better man, rather than Jamie.
4) The whole coming back from the dead thing is getting old
The fact that it is that is responsible for everything just makes me yawn. I'm bored
5) And then, there's the "Sorry I don't tell you guys, I need to stop all of this alone because that's the only way I know to protect all of you" plot
Too common. Period.
So there, I dislike this one. I struggle to finish it and can only be thankful this is only a novella. If this story is 200+ pages, I probably have given up somewhere in the middle.
Sorry for the long (non-positive) review ...
May 7, 2012
I discovered this series at the beginning of the year and became hooked. I loved the writing, the characters, the world and the plots. Everything about this series intrigued me. I anxiously awaited reading this story since I heard of it and while the story was good, I don't necessarily feel it lived up to the other stories in the series or did justice to Kelly and Jamie's relationship.
I loved Kelly and Jamie in the previous books. They were both intriguing and interesting. Their characteristics were funny, cute and engaging. In this one, however, I didn't feel like they were the same people. Both of them are stubborn, secretive and a bit annoying. They complained about the other withholding secrets or doing something that made the other jealous but then they went around and did the same things. I wanted to smack these boys more often than not because they just weren't communicating, even over the littlest things, and when they did communicate it was with sex.
The first thing I thought of when the mystery started was of a horror flick. Stranded in an isolated place, mysterious and unnatural things happening, people disappearing and some poisoning. I mean, come on. Total horror flick. Which I found highly amusing and really did enjoy because I do love horror movies. The mystery itself is pretty self-explanatory and a bit obvious. You pretty much know who's doing what, why and how if you've read the previous stories.
Even with all that, I did like the story. It wasn't up to par as the stories surrounding Sei and Gabe (I just don't think Ms. Kasey puts as much passion into Kelly and Jamie as she does Sei and Gabe). The writing is still great but the purposely keeping things from each other grew tiresome because there was no reason for them to be doing such things. I didn't feel the connection between them because they never actually progressed as a couple. They are still pretty much in the same place as they were before this story. Although, I did like the few parts in which they acted normal and spoke about mundane things as well as the parts with Sei and Gabe.
All in all, a nice story although not as good as I was expecting. I enjoyed the plots outside the characters more than I enjoyed the characters themselves. I won't say I'm exactly disappointed, more that I'm sad Kelly and Jamie's relationship turned into something so stubborn, deceptive and sometimes hostile. I would read more of them, though, if they were somehow given a story that didn't revolve around them constantly keeping things from each other. On a side note, I'm still really looking forward to the next story in the series.
I loved Kelly and Jamie in the previous books. They were both intriguing and interesting. Their characteristics were funny, cute and engaging. In this one, however, I didn't feel like they were the same people. Both of them are stubborn, secretive and a bit annoying. They complained about the other withholding secrets or doing something that made the other jealous but then they went around and did the same things. I wanted to smack these boys more often than not because they just weren't communicating, even over the littlest things, and when they did communicate it was with sex.
The first thing I thought of when the mystery started was of a horror flick. Stranded in an isolated place, mysterious and unnatural things happening, people disappearing and some poisoning. I mean, come on. Total horror flick. Which I found highly amusing and really did enjoy because I do love horror movies. The mystery itself is pretty self-explanatory and a bit obvious. You pretty much know who's doing what, why and how if you've read the previous stories.
Even with all that, I did like the story. It wasn't up to par as the stories surrounding Sei and Gabe (I just don't think Ms. Kasey puts as much passion into Kelly and Jamie as she does Sei and Gabe). The writing is still great but the purposely keeping things from each other grew tiresome because there was no reason for them to be doing such things. I didn't feel the connection between them because they never actually progressed as a couple. They are still pretty much in the same place as they were before this story. Although, I did like the few parts in which they acted normal and spoke about mundane things as well as the parts with Sei and Gabe.
All in all, a nice story although not as good as I was expecting. I enjoyed the plots outside the characters more than I enjoyed the characters themselves. I won't say I'm exactly disappointed, more that I'm sad Kelly and Jamie's relationship turned into something so stubborn, deceptive and sometimes hostile. I would read more of them, though, if they were somehow given a story that didn't revolve around them constantly keeping things from each other. On a side note, I'm still really looking forward to the next story in the series.
May 4, 2012
Before we get to far into this, I love this series with a hot passion. I love Sei, love Gabe, love the world inside and also have a soft spot for our darlings Kelly and Jamie.
With that said, I feel like Kelly and Jamie and by default me as a reader were someone cheated by this story. It start with the feeling that I was dropped like a stone into the story - wait where are they? what is going on? So I settle in and think okay alright I get it cannot wait. Kelly and Jamie were a hot mess in this story. How they love each other I have no idea. I have rarely seen a couple work so hard against each other for no real purpose. The excuses were weak and how their story progressed was wobbly. I do not feel like I know any more about Kelly and Jamie after this story and that is sad to me.
On top of the relationship foibles, the four of them are embroiled in a mystery, yet no one but Kelly believed it and well it did not work for me. Nikyta said to me 'it feels like a horror flick' and she is right. You stand there and SCREAM 'DO NOT GO INTO THE DARK ROOM' and yet they would. There were even axes!!! hee It just felt very keystone cop. Everyone bumping into each other not working together.
The story just did not seem cohesive or complete. I just did not feel the same level of passion for the characters and story line that I did the other 2 (even the short point releases).
There are good things in the story - more Sei and Gabe although not enough (after all it is not their story! The two if them just cannot catch a break). We get to see Kelly grow into new and really powerful skills (kind of scary when you think about it) and there is some extra good news at the end. I look forward to seeing whats next - babies, ceremonies, who the next bad guy/girl is...etc.
Bring on the next one - I look forward to getting back to business. I am not sure I want them to go on anymore vacations.
With that said, I feel like Kelly and Jamie and by default me as a reader were someone cheated by this story. It start with the feeling that I was dropped like a stone into the story - wait where are they? what is going on? So I settle in and think okay alright I get it cannot wait. Kelly and Jamie were a hot mess in this story. How they love each other I have no idea. I have rarely seen a couple work so hard against each other for no real purpose. The excuses were weak and how their story progressed was wobbly. I do not feel like I know any more about Kelly and Jamie after this story and that is sad to me.
On top of the relationship foibles, the four of them are embroiled in a mystery, yet no one but Kelly believed it and well it did not work for me. Nikyta said to me 'it feels like a horror flick' and she is right. You stand there and SCREAM 'DO NOT GO INTO THE DARK ROOM' and yet they would. There were even axes!!! hee It just felt very keystone cop. Everyone bumping into each other not working together.
The story just did not seem cohesive or complete. I just did not feel the same level of passion for the characters and story line that I did the other 2 (even the short point releases).
There are good things in the story - more Sei and Gabe although not enough (after all it is not their story! The two if them just cannot catch a break). We get to see Kelly grow into new and really powerful skills (kind of scary when you think about it) and there is some extra good news at the end. I look forward to seeing whats next - babies, ceremonies, who the next bad guy/girl is...etc.
Bring on the next one - I look forward to getting back to business. I am not sure I want them to go on anymore vacations.
May 3, 2012
I'm sad to say that this book was a bit of a let down for me, after loving the series so much previously. I had a problem with the couple, Jamie and Kelly. Stubborn characters that don't communicate might frustrate me, but when I feel like the lack of communication and the head-to-head stubbornness of the two MCs are one of the devices most prevalent to push the plot forward, that does bother me. For me, it is a bit like reaching the end of a story and finding out the whole thing was a dream, it just feels like I've been cheated a bit, forced to go through the emotions and angst as an omniscient observer, completely frustrated by what would be such a simple thing to fix. Not only did this happen within the progressing relationship, but also in the mystery sub-plot. All of the characters seemed to have information that the others needed to know, yet they'd put it off. While I'm not sure that any of those delays would have actually changed the progress of the story, they still frustrated me at the time.
Otherwise, I still did like this story, just not the same as the two previous books. I loved Kelly in the second book and I was so happy to get his story this time around. I also loved Jamie, and even though is Hero-complex and mother hen-ing make me roll my eyes. It is nice that we get so much of Sei and Gabe in this book, as I'll always be huge fans of their relationship. I liked trying to puzzle out Con, who turned out to be quite intriguing and a character that I'll look forward to in future books.
The mystery and the outcome of the plot to trap the foursome at the lodge underwhelmed me a bit, but then again, I might change my mind if I read this book back to back with the previous two. I probably missed a few details here and there as well. When I started this book I could barely remember anything about books one and two, even though I remembered loving them so much, but most all of it came back pretty quickly.
I'm still a big fan of this series, and I'm especially excited about the upcoming book #4, which will return us to Sei and Gabe! I can't wait for that one, and the subsequent books in the series :)
Otherwise, I still did like this story, just not the same as the two previous books. I loved Kelly in the second book and I was so happy to get his story this time around. I also loved Jamie, and even though is Hero-complex and mother hen-ing make me roll my eyes. It is nice that we get so much of Sei and Gabe in this book, as I'll always be huge fans of their relationship. I liked trying to puzzle out Con, who turned out to be quite intriguing and a character that I'll look forward to in future books.
The mystery and the outcome of the plot to trap the foursome at the lodge underwhelmed me a bit, but then again, I might change my mind if I read this book back to back with the previous two. I probably missed a few details here and there as well. When I started this book I could barely remember anything about books one and two, even though I remembered loving them so much, but most all of it came back pretty quickly.
I'm still a big fan of this series, and I'm especially excited about the upcoming book #4, which will return us to Sei and Gabe! I can't wait for that one, and the subsequent books in the series :)
March 26, 2021
Ah, Lissa Kasey, I'd be so bereft if I hadn't discovered your books. Especially the 'Pillars of Magic' series, because I think I might've pined away, never knowing how much fun and excitement there was to be had with Sei, Gabe, Kelly, and Jamie. The first two books in the series have focused, primarily, on Sei, and Gabe, with glimpses at Kelly and Jamie. Here, in 'Conviction', the author has made a left turn to focus on Kelly and Jamie. Personally, I'm very excited about this development. I think these water and earth witches, respectively, are about to provide me with a lot of action, fun, and hotness. Let the games begin, guys!
Kelly figures it's a great idea when he suggests the four of them head to some cabins to go skiing for a few days. Sei needs to get away, and they all need to recuperate after the latest attempts on Sei's life. One day into their restful vacation, and a storm starts up that really freaks with Kelly's magic. The next day, he and Jamie snowshoe to the lodge, as they can't stay in the cabin because they've only got food for a few days. Plus, Sei and Gabe are at the lodge. But there's something seriously hinky about the storm and some of the guests at the lodge. The worst part? Jamie is wondering whether Kelly is responsible, like maybe he's been put in thrall to a vampire, and it really hurts Kelly to not have Jamie's trust.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Kelly figures it's a great idea when he suggests the four of them head to some cabins to go skiing for a few days. Sei needs to get away, and they all need to recuperate after the latest attempts on Sei's life. One day into their restful vacation, and a storm starts up that really freaks with Kelly's magic. The next day, he and Jamie snowshoe to the lodge, as they can't stay in the cabin because they've only got food for a few days. Plus, Sei and Gabe are at the lodge. But there's something seriously hinky about the storm and some of the guests at the lodge. The worst part? Jamie is wondering whether Kelly is responsible, like maybe he's been put in thrall to a vampire, and it really hurts Kelly to not have Jamie's trust.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
June 16, 2012
Good paranormal m/m romance about Seiran's friend, water witch Kelly, and Seiran's older brother, earth witch Jamie, who head to a northern Minnesota lodge with Seiran and Gabe for what turns out to be anything but a relaxing getaway. Unfortunately, I never really felt the supposed connection between Kelly and Jamie. :(
I'd like to point out that the cover is kind of funny, in that Minnesota lacks mountains - the highest point is 2301 feet/701m. :)
I'd like to point out that the cover is kind of funny, in that Minnesota lacks mountains - the highest point is 2301 feet/701m. :)
December 30, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Conviction is the third book in Lissa Kasey’s Dominion series and the first to feature Kelly and Jamie as the main characters. The two are strong secondary characters in the first two books and both play a big part in Gabe and Sei’s lives. So while this story definitely focuses on their romance and we get their POVs throughout, Gabe and Sei still have a huge role here and reading the first two books will help readers better understand these characters, as well as plot threads that carry over from the other books.
My favorite parts of this story were the suspense elements and the expansion of the fabulous world building. We didn’t get as much into the larger magical world in Reclamation as we did in Inheritance, so I was really glad to see this story return to that. I liked learning more about Kelly’s abilities with his connection to water, as well as learning more about other elements of the larger magical world. The story also really develops a great suspense plot and I found it all quite dramatic and exciting. Remote wilderness, blinding storm, evil magic, dead bodies. It is really well done and kept me totally engaged.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Conviction is the third book in Lissa Kasey’s Dominion series and the first to feature Kelly and Jamie as the main characters. The two are strong secondary characters in the first two books and both play a big part in Gabe and Sei’s lives. So while this story definitely focuses on their romance and we get their POVs throughout, Gabe and Sei still have a huge role here and reading the first two books will help readers better understand these characters, as well as plot threads that carry over from the other books.
My favorite parts of this story were the suspense elements and the expansion of the fabulous world building. We didn’t get as much into the larger magical world in Reclamation as we did in Inheritance, so I was really glad to see this story return to that. I liked learning more about Kelly’s abilities with his connection to water, as well as learning more about other elements of the larger magical world. The story also really develops a great suspense plot and I found it all quite dramatic and exciting. Remote wilderness, blinding storm, evil magic, dead bodies. It is really well done and kept me totally engaged.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2021
Somehow this book didn't feel as smooth as the first two in the series. I'd liked Jamie and Kelly in the first two books and was looking forward to this story, but this felt very disjointed and like slightly two different guys. I think a large part of the problem was that Jamie's flip-flopping reactions, whether he believed Kelly or not, was into him or trying to resist him, all felt very arbitrary and not connected.
I liked Jamie's need to try and protect his brother and Kelly and Kelly's need to stand on his own. I enjoyed the way Kelly's powers built and he wasn't sure exactly what was happening. I like the idea of these two together as well. The execution was the frustrating part. I'm still looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm hoping this is just the weak link in the series. These two don't feel as fleshed out as Seiran and Gabe.
3.5 Stars I liked this a little bit better on the re-read. But I still didn't love Kelly and Jamie as much as Gabe and Seiran.
I liked Jamie's need to try and protect his brother and Kelly and Kelly's need to stand on his own. I enjoyed the way Kelly's powers built and he wasn't sure exactly what was happening. I like the idea of these two together as well. The execution was the frustrating part. I'm still looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm hoping this is just the weak link in the series. These two don't feel as fleshed out as Seiran and Gabe.
3.5 Stars I liked this a little bit better on the re-read. But I still didn't love Kelly and Jamie as much as Gabe and Seiran.
July 12, 2013
I really enjoy this series but for some reason this book just didn't appeal to me as much as the previous ones. I've been looking forward to reading about Kelly and Jamie for a while now and I was a little disappointed. There didn't seem to be as much interaction between the two men as I would have liked. There was a good mystery/thriller plotline going on but for me it detracted too much from the relationship between the two men. Sei and Gabe appeared in the story, too, but the balance wasn't quite right. They appeared enough to take some focus away from Kelly and Jamie but not enough to make them truly a part of the story which I found a little frustrating. I'm not giving up on the series though and I look forward to finding out what's in store for them all next.
May 20, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Fear and insecurity ran wild in this third book which was primarily Jamie and Kelly's story although the whole group makes appearances. Many people did not care for this book as much as the others but I wonder if they read the shorts that Ms Kasey gave to readers to provide extra insight into the characters. Jamie had just come away from a visit with his mother who was always undermining his self-esteem right before the foursome go on their skiing vacation. Jamie has always been the muscular care giver in his family raising his sister and watching over Seiran. He has gotten into his mid-thirties feeling fat, closeted and with no real relationships. Kelly is new to his magic, young and had been burned badly by his first love. Kelly and Jamie have been fantasizing about each other but neither is sure enough of himself to make a move on the other. An unnatural blizzard fueled by magic whips up the first night of their vacation which strands Sei, Gabe, Kelly and Jamie in the ski lodge along with a few other guests. Jamie goes into protective mode over Sei and begins to think that Kelly is somehow causing the blizzard to harm Sei. Constantine, the man who broke Kelly's heart, turns out to be a guest at the lodge and causes more of a rift betwen Kelly and Jamie. The only person that seems to be on an even keel is Gabe. It was interesting to watch the younger Kelly take control over the older Jamie and bring around the HEA we all look for. I didn't care for Constantine or his sister Cat. They both seemed very one dimensional and phony. I also found it odd that the owners of the lodge just kind of disappeared from the story. There were a couple of good twists in the plot that left enough hanging at the end for another book. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it heartily.
Fear and insecurity ran wild in this third book which was primarily Jamie and Kelly's story although the whole group makes appearances. Many people did not care for this book as much as the others but I wonder if they read the shorts that Ms Kasey gave to readers to provide extra insight into the characters. Jamie had just come away from a visit with his mother who was always undermining his self-esteem right before the foursome go on their skiing vacation. Jamie has always been the muscular care giver in his family raising his sister and watching over Seiran. He has gotten into his mid-thirties feeling fat, closeted and with no real relationships. Kelly is new to his magic, young and had been burned badly by his first love. Kelly and Jamie have been fantasizing about each other but neither is sure enough of himself to make a move on the other. An unnatural blizzard fueled by magic whips up the first night of their vacation which strands Sei, Gabe, Kelly and Jamie in the ski lodge along with a few other guests. Jamie goes into protective mode over Sei and begins to think that Kelly is somehow causing the blizzard to harm Sei. Constantine, the man who broke Kelly's heart, turns out to be a guest at the lodge and causes more of a rift betwen Kelly and Jamie. The only person that seems to be on an even keel is Gabe. It was interesting to watch the younger Kelly take control over the older Jamie and bring around the HEA we all look for. I didn't care for Constantine or his sister Cat. They both seemed very one dimensional and phony. I also found it odd that the owners of the lodge just kind of disappeared from the story. There were a couple of good twists in the plot that left enough hanging at the end for another book. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it heartily.
September 11, 2012
This was another really nice story in the Dominion series. Did I miss Sei and Gabe - yes and yes. Sei and Gabe are in this book, but the book is told from Jamie and Kelly's POVs. The four men travel to a ski lodge for a vacation, and an unnatural storm crops up. Kelly is the only water witch strong enough to potentially create such a storm, so Jamie is suspicious in his overzealous efforts to protect his brother, Sei. Kelly is hurt by Jamie's suspicion because he has developed feelings for his best friend's brother and is sad that Jamie doesn't trust him. The only way he can think to earn Jamie's trust is to solve this mystery however he can.
A nice plot and good characters. I have never really liked Jamie's character throughout the series - he's always a little too smothering of Sei for my taste. But after this book, I am starting to like him more although it took me almost the entire book to warm up to him. Kelly is a great guy and even better friend and I am happy that he has his own book but....more Sei and Gabe please!!
A nice plot and good characters. I have never really liked Jamie's character throughout the series - he's always a little too smothering of Sei for my taste. But after this book, I am starting to like him more although it took me almost the entire book to warm up to him. Kelly is a great guy and even better friend and I am happy that he has his own book but....more Sei and Gabe please!!
February 14, 2017
First off, I loved seeing Sei and Gabe again, even if it was just for short moments. I lived for those moments. But this wasn't Sei and Gabe's story, it was Jamie and Kelly's story.
I'm not sure how these two fit...they just don't go together in my mind. Jamie's mistrust and accusations would certainly put me off from wanting to be with him, so I'm not sure how Kelly manages to put it all aside and decide that this is the one and only for him. It just didn't work for me I guess.
As for the plot...hmmmm. Someone else's review mentioned that it was like a horror movie. I second that! It was just crazy stuff all thrown in there together, whirred up in a blender, and tossed around for us muddle through. Entertaining for sure, but it didn't seem to make a lick of sense. I don't know, maybe without the crazy ass plot, we could have focused more on the romance between Jamie and Kelly, which then may have started to make more sense. Who knows?
Anyway, I'm hoping we go back to Sei and Gabe...soon!
I'm not sure how these two fit...they just don't go together in my mind. Jamie's mistrust and accusations would certainly put me off from wanting to be with him, so I'm not sure how Kelly manages to put it all aside and decide that this is the one and only for him. It just didn't work for me I guess.
As for the plot...hmmmm. Someone else's review mentioned that it was like a horror movie. I second that! It was just crazy stuff all thrown in there together, whirred up in a blender, and tossed around for us muddle through. Entertaining for sure, but it didn't seem to make a lick of sense. I don't know, maybe without the crazy ass plot, we could have focused more on the romance between Jamie and Kelly, which then may have started to make more sense. Who knows?
Anyway, I'm hoping we go back to Sei and Gabe...soon!
September 12, 2012
There is finally some sexual tension, but still no shocking twist.
This is supposed to be Kelly and Jamie's story, hence it is told from both of their POVs, but the story still mostly revolves around Seiran; how much they each love him, how they have to protect him, how he was so abused as a child. What about Jamie? What about Kelly? I still haven't learned anything more about them other than they have the hots for each other.
I'm still enjoying this series, even though I was a bit annoyed this time. I hope that in future books, the author either goes back to Sei and Gabe, or pushes them further into the background if the focus should be on two other MCs.
I hope Jamie and Kelly will one day get the story they deserve. I love those two together.
This is supposed to be Kelly and Jamie's story, hence it is told from both of their POVs, but the story still mostly revolves around Seiran; how much they each love him, how they have to protect him, how he was so abused as a child. What about Jamie? What about Kelly? I still haven't learned anything more about them other than they have the hots for each other.
I'm still enjoying this series, even though I was a bit annoyed this time. I hope that in future books, the author either goes back to Sei and Gabe, or pushes them further into the background if the focus should be on two other MCs.
I hope Jamie and Kelly will one day get the story they deserve. I love those two together.
September 17, 2012
I'm really enjoying this series, but this was my least favorite of all the stories. Throughout the book, I kept thinking that Jamie and Kelly were better when they were secondary characters. This book bounces back and forth between their point of views, and they just seemed to constantly be questioning each other and their feelings, or one was always running out on the other.
I enjoyed it in so much as it moved the story forward, but was left a little unsatisfied at the end, and there wasn't nearly enough Gabe and Sei to pull me through.
I enjoyed it in so much as it moved the story forward, but was left a little unsatisfied at the end, and there wasn't nearly enough Gabe and Sei to pull me through.
May 6, 2012
3.5
I am still completely enamored with this world and can never get enough of Sei and Gabe. However, I wanted so much more for Kelly and Jamie, their coming together really should have shone brightly and I was so excited...but by the end I was almost convinced they really should each find someone else to truly love. Looking forward to the next installment.
I am still completely enamored with this world and can never get enough of Sei and Gabe. However, I wanted so much more for Kelly and Jamie, their coming together really should have shone brightly and I was so excited...but by the end I was almost convinced they really should each find someone else to truly love. Looking forward to the next installment.
December 21, 2014
Another great read from Lissa Kasey, one that I shall not soon forget.
October 9, 2022
winter games
A weekend getaway turns deadly, with blizzards and murder and ex boyfriends alike.
The big bad makes another (final?) appearance, this time working some nebulous spell to…do something, nobody really explored what. I think it was a drain spell, but why? I guess the reason wasn’t important, it serves as a backdrop while two characters play will-they-or-won’t-they.
In this series, every one is messed up somehow, from both long standing childhood trauma to newly acquired PTSD from recent events. Seiran has OCD and anxiety, Jamie has bulimia, Con is a cutter, Kelly actually seems relatively unscathed—so far. Roman is so obsessed with Gabe, he leaves a trail of bodies and damaged lives trying to get vengeance for an ancient grudge. No idea if Gabe has some psychic scars, but he’s an ancient vampire, so probably yes, and he’s had centuries to develop coping skills.
A weekend getaway turns deadly, with blizzards and murder and ex boyfriends alike.
The big bad makes another (final?) appearance, this time working some nebulous spell to…do something, nobody really explored what. I think it was a drain spell, but why? I guess the reason wasn’t important, it serves as a backdrop while two characters play will-they-or-won’t-they.
In this series, every one is messed up somehow, from both long standing childhood trauma to newly acquired PTSD from recent events. Seiran has OCD and anxiety, Jamie has bulimia, Con is a cutter, Kelly actually seems relatively unscathed—so far. Roman is so obsessed with Gabe, he leaves a trail of bodies and damaged lives trying to get vengeance for an ancient grudge. No idea if Gabe has some psychic scars, but he’s an ancient vampire, so probably yes, and he’s had centuries to develop coping skills.
August 21, 2021
Very much enjoyed. It was interesting seeing Jaime and Kelly vulnerable, seeing their depth. It was also very suspenseful.
My only caveats to my enjoyment were the sometimes confusing aspects of the mystery of the story, (causing me to re-read passages at times, particularly toward the end. Then again, the characters themselves had difficulty figuring out what was going on). That and I sometimes felt that Kelly read too much like a woman. I have sometimes felt that about Sei in this series. It also seems weird to me that Kelly and Sei can lay in bed with Kelly naked, and how they curl around each other so often for comfort. Sei and Kelly are also not exactly normal people though in general, so maybe that's just part of the weirdness that is them. So minor caveats.
I have every intention of continuing on with the series.
My only caveats to my enjoyment were the sometimes confusing aspects of the mystery of the story, (causing me to re-read passages at times, particularly toward the end. Then again, the characters themselves had difficulty figuring out what was going on). That and I sometimes felt that Kelly read too much like a woman. I have sometimes felt that about Sei in this series. It also seems weird to me that Kelly and Sei can lay in bed with Kelly naked, and how they curl around each other so often for comfort. Sei and Kelly are also not exactly normal people though in general, so maybe that's just part of the weirdness that is them. So minor caveats.
I have every intention of continuing on with the series.
December 24, 2025
"Conviction" received THREE stars.
Not my favorite. Jamie had issues, and one of them was how bad he needed Kelly, but also that he was a real dick to him most of the time. It was hard to get past the constant push and pull. It made no sense that Kelly allowed Jamie to hurt him over and over again.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
Not my favorite. Jamie had issues, and one of them was how bad he needed Kelly, but also that he was a real dick to him most of the time. It was hard to get past the constant push and pull. It made no sense that Kelly allowed Jamie to hurt him over and over again.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
On my best day, I'm not the biggest fan of series branch offs - where the author takes a book to focus on secondary characters - and this wasn't an exception I wasn't that into these characters when they were in the background and giving them their own book didn't help much. If you're enjoying the Dominion series than keep going it gets better. If you aren't that big of fan and don't want to look away from Sei and Gabe this probably won't be the book for you.
March 5, 2018
2.5 stars
I was really enjoying this series but Conviction is not the caliber of the first two books. Characters as plot devices, flip-flop melodrama, misogyny, a lack of research concerning mundane things like snowshoeing/backpacking/size of bears/asthma, just to name a few issues. Hoping for a return to the quality of Inheritance and Reclamation in the next story.
I was really enjoying this series but Conviction is not the caliber of the first two books. Characters as plot devices, flip-flop melodrama, misogyny, a lack of research concerning mundane things like snowshoeing/backpacking/size of bears/asthma, just to name a few issues. Hoping for a return to the quality of Inheritance and Reclamation in the next story.
October 14, 2022
Still a solid 4 very good.
The author uses a lot of twists and turns in the stories which keeps things interesting.
Even though the author used the "Stupid Move" plot device, where a MC does something out of character and very stupid, they at least didn't use the "Damsel in Distress " plot device to resolve it.
The author uses a lot of twists and turns in the stories which keeps things interesting.
Even though the author used the "Stupid Move" plot device, where a MC does something out of character and very stupid, they at least didn't use the "Damsel in Distress " plot device to resolve it.
December 19, 2016
2.5
El personaje de Jamei no consigue terminar de caerme bien. Le falta carácter, personalidad, definición...algo xD
Kelly en este libro me ha encantado. Es un personaje interesante y alegre. El amigo perfecto para Sei.
El personaje de Jamei no consigue terminar de caerme bien. Le falta carácter, personalidad, definición...algo xD
Kelly en este libro me ha encantado. Es un personaje interesante y alegre. El amigo perfecto para Sei.
August 4, 2021
Pretty good
Really interesting story line and decent love story. Lots of push and pull between main MCs about worthiness and age difference that was not really needed as they were in the middle of a fraught situation throughout most of this story. Will read more.
Really interesting story line and decent love story. Lots of push and pull between main MCs about worthiness and age difference that was not really needed as they were in the middle of a fraught situation throughout most of this story. Will read more.
August 12, 2019
3.1 stars.
May 18, 2021
Excellent
This was such a good continuation of the series. I was happy to see Jamie and Kelly more in depth and see them get a HEA.
This was such a good continuation of the series. I was happy to see Jamie and Kelly more in depth and see them get a HEA.
September 17, 2021
I love Gabe & Sei, not so much Jamie & Kelly. I'm not sure how Kelly put up with Jamie & all the accusations. I did a lot of skimming.
May 27, 2023
Kelly And Jaime
I really love seeing these two try not to fall for each other. This one is beautiful with suspense and intensity. Definitely a keeper.
I really love seeing these two try not to fall for each other. This one is beautiful with suspense and intensity. Definitely a keeper.
December 23, 2023
I liked it! I liked seeing the dynamics of the group from a different perspective.
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