Everyone underestimates the wind until it tears their world apart.
Con’s job is recovering rare books and artifacts, and learning all their secrets before handing them over to be archived. He never expected to find a little girl with an affinity to speak to the dead, and with her a strange symbol for a cult long since thought extinct.
Luca is on the verge of a change he’s feared for a long time, and he worries his lovers won’t want him anymore once his darker side is set free. With Con newly returned with a little girl in need of protection, and Sam trying to help the most powerful witch in the world solve a slew of murders, Luca feels powerless to stop the rising change.
But someone is in control of a demon and trying to capture the power of all the Pillars of Magic. Can the trio uncover the end goal before dark magic tears them all to pieces?
Lissa 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.
At the moment I am obviously not very good in choosing my ARCs as they are always books further along in a series.
Although I didn't expect it to be a problem here as I read and loved the first book, Resurrection!!!! That was a real great read.
This one is good as well but I am missing information as I did not read the Dominion series and that is something I would really recommend for this book.
So don't hesitate to pick up this series as it is a great read, but I would recommend to read them in order.
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
"Transfiguration", the next instalment in the "Pillars of Magic: Dark Awakening", moves away from the Pillar of Earth (and, consequently, Seiran and Gabe) to focus on the Pillar of Air. Those two still play relevant roles in this new book, but the story revolves around Con, Sam and Luca - the dynamic of their trio, their powers and development and the ascension of a new pillar. The book thus unfolds the general plotline of the series and, in doing so, adds complexity - the fall of the Dominion and its "orthodoxy", other "fringe" magical agents moving to the fore, as it's the case with Con; other more or less hidden powers stepping into the light more clearly, like Harding; and a new/old enemy surging from the shadows, like the Kresnik.
As always in Lissa Kasey's books, the worldbuilding is great, the pace right, and the writing style smooth. I had a bit of trouble picking up from where the previous book left, though - not because there's a time gap, but because the book furthers the series plotline while kind of blurring it when focusing on Con and his partners. This is not necessarily a wrong choice, but since the plot is so dependent on details and developments in previous books, I missed some work on bringing the reader up to speed. The POV changes in this book, but not the plotline, and though it's been less than six months since I read Resurrection, at times, I was scrambling, trying to remember events and people.
MCs are appealing and their dynamic interesting - I liked that Con, Luca and Sam are each clearly profiled and add to the story. I also liked Kaine's part, but I felt at times that Con steps in as a MC at Seiran's expense - again, not because the focus shifts to Con, but Sei seems to have lost a bit of consistency. No doubt, Sei is limited by the handling of the magic the Dominion had that he learnt from them, but he is still a powerhouse. Con is crazy powerful and impressive, all the more because he is mainly self-taught. However, Sei seems to be a little subservient towards Con's magic in several instances. I think this happened because Kassey wants to put them in equal standing - again, not a problem. But as Sei has been since now the MC we follow and, as such, carries a lot of weight, I felt like this deference towards Con was not well integrated into his character - there's no discussion that Con brings a lot to the table and Sei and he can learn from each other. The question is, I didn't particularly like how this played out sometimes. Lastly, and focusing now on a specific thing, I wonder what happened with all the cars that those attacking Sei's place drove to get there. There's a lot of effort in concealing what went down there. Sei and Con make sure to bury all the bodies to avoid questions and suspicions; there's even a shadow bubble to prevent anyone from catching wind of the attack as it was happening. So what happened with the "dozens of cars" that littered Sei's entryway? Maybe I missed it...
In conclusion, a good following-up, maybe not as strong as previous books, but interesting nonetheless. Looking forward to the next one and what's the deal with Hard.
*Mild plot spoilers for previous books in the series*
I have been such a fan of this world Lissa Kasey created from the very first book in the previous PIllars series and *Transfiguration* was no different. Keeping to the tone and pace of the books that precede it, this particular story that focuses on Constantine, Luca and Sam, continued the plot forward while also elevating the storytelling.
I think what I enjoyed the most in this book was really getting to know Con. We see him through the eyes of Seiran (somewhat distantly) and then through Sam (more closely) in the previous books but as becomes evident very quickly, that was only the tip of the iceberg. Factor in the time jump between the two Pillars series and Con has grown a lot from the time we first meet him in Conviction as the somewhat lesser witch in the twin pair that included Kat who was used and abused so cruelly by Roman. A capable tracker of artefacts and materials and ruthless assassin when necessary Con’s hard edges juxtapose beautifully with the care and love he shows for his partners and the way he steps up when he suddenly has to take care of a little girl who can see the dead and is at the centre of a much larger and ruthless plan to control the Pillars of Magic. Seeing the way Con’s skills have evolved were some of my favourite parts of the story and watching him be an expert in his element and in other facets of magic gave me goosebumps. His relationship with Luca and Sam also evolved in such interesting ways and I love seeing the three of them together for the sexy and the sweet and everything in between.
The worldbuilding, especially where magic is concerned, just keeps growing in really sophisticated ways and I loved what that added to the overall story. With appearances by most of the series characters, this book accomplished a lot when it came to the arcs of our three central characters as well as the larger arc of the series. I’m excited to see where it goes next and thoroughly enjoyed this read.
CW’s: References to past sexual assault; memories of child abuse, neglect and trafficking (briefly mentioned); characters with anxiety, depression, codependency, mania and OCD and who self-harm, violence and gore.
This was another roller coaster ride through the Pillars of Magic world. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I have all the previous books. It's got loads of action, suspense, all kinds of emotion, and so much love - romantic, familial and deep platonic. Thankfully, to break up some of the more serious parts, there's plenty of humor, from gallows humor, juvenile humor, and so, SO much delightful snark. Oh & plenty of well written, very hot sex. (Possibly not the most realistic, physically speaking, but these are people with supernatural powers, so they can do anything.)
There is a LOT going on, plot-wise - an absolute TON. But that's the whole deal with this book - that there is SO much going on, the characters drowning in adversity and uncertainty. This book is told third person, with Con, Luca and Sam switching perspective, but while they provide the narrative, previous lead characters weave in and out of the story, previous side characters reveal more of themselves, and new characters emerge. It's really essential to read the previous books to understand and appreciate all of the chaos, drama and camaraderie. I found myself wanting a reread partly because I wanted to experience the previous books knowing what I know now about all of them, and partly to refresh my memory on some of the finer points. Thankfully, Kasey does a pretty good job of throwing out little reminders, and without it feeling repetitive.
I was relieved at the end to see that there is more for the characters to do in the future and I am totally reading the next book.
So the baddies are still coming for Seiran, Gabe, Con, Luca and all their allies. It seems like no amount of power can keep them from doing damage and causing trouble. Con goes off on a artifact hunting mission and returns with a little girl who has surprises of her own. Luca is going through changes that he's not ready for. Sam is trying to be supportive of his guys but is being drawn away to manage damage control. Seiran is trying to help and is just barely keeping himself from loosing it. Someone close to the group is murdered and another one close to the group is a traitor. A lot of changes are coming for the group and they are in need of some serious practice and learning.
I really liked reading the dynamics of the trio. Con, Luca and Sam are like a well oiled engine that's starting to show it's age. Some secrets being kept and insecurities below the surface will have to be addressed to make sure they come out of the fight of their lives. Hart is also fighting something major and he's been hiding it for years. Will he come out of this okay? One step closer to some answers and so many more questions come up. Book three can't come too soon. Highly recommend this author and her Pillars of Magic series (both this one and the previous one).
Transfiguration is the second book in Lissa Kasey’s Pillars of Magic: Dark Awakening series. This series directly follows the first set of books, Pillars of Magic: Dominion, and they all really need to be read in order as it is essentially one continuous story (albeit one with about 13 years in between the two series). This book relies very much on an understanding not just of Resurrection, the first Dark Awakening book, but also characters and events from the earlier stories as well. I really love this series, so I would definitely recommend checking it out if you are new reader, starting with Inheritance.
I enjoy the way that these connected series have three central romantic relationships and the stories move around among them. In this book, Con, Luca, and Sam are the main relationship focus and the men are a long-time triad who first got together in Absolution. Kasey does a nice job establishing the foundation for these men and the way they have grown in their relationship over the years.
Transfiguration is a perfect name for this book! So many changes happen in the pages as this incredible story unfolds. It starts with Con on the trail of a book and he finds, instead, a young girl with an affinity for speaking to the dead. He brings her back to his men, Sam and Luca, only to find them in flux as well. Luca, a dhampir, is on the verge of changing while Sam is trying to help the most powerful vampire ever solve some murders. A darkness is approaching with a demon leading the way. They will need to focus and use all their resources and their friends if they are to survive and keep everyone safe.
This turned out to be an incredible action packed, thrilling, gripping story with lots of twists and turns. Danger to all our heroes was present and they had to work as a team to overcome as one person alone was not enough. There are several questions unanswered and I am sure they will be excellent fodder for the next amazing story. LIssa Kasey is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.
So, this book picks up pretty quickly after the end of the last book. I do not recommend reading these books as standalones. So, we have Con who is a witch and out hunting down a book and ends up saving a girl who speaks to the dead. Sam who is a vampire/witch who is trying to help keep everyone safe. And Luca who is a dhampir, trying to come to terms with what is eventually going to happen with him & he is not ready for. While this is going on, we have the continuation of the fallout from the previous book. This is another fast-paced book, and I loved every minute of it. It kept me on the edge of my seat & I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. When the final show down happens, it's going to be explosive.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.
This is the best series I have read in a long time. I could not put down each book. Starting with Inheritance through this book here, Transfiguration. Each book just builds upon the other. The storyline is fantastic, it is thorough and it reads just wonderfully. You are captured by each character small and large. From the main characters to the supporting characters. It all just flows so smoothly. I love the the world of Magic that Lissa has created. It's like watching a movie. It really is. I hope this book 2 is not the end. I hope it continues. I'm going to keep an eye out for any future books in this series. I love this series so much. I highly highly recommend it to anyone who loves witches, magic, vampres, and what it would be like living in a magical world. Get this series. You need to read each one in order to really follow it.
Not going to write a full review. But anyone who was like me and really concerned about a hard cliffhanger, this should be fine. The book's story arc is completed. The m/c's are all together in at least a HFN.
The overall arc also progresses, but enough is left unanswered for the series to continue. If another comes out, I will continue reading. This has been a completely engrossing series (Starting with the 1st series that should be read before starting this one) . The growth of the characters when looking back from book one has been substantial.
Questions are answered but it often takes awhile possibly even multiple books. It is almost always shown and rarely an info dump. But, it can make one question what is going on etc... The author will get there eventually, and it will all make sense.
I do feel I really benefited from reading them all back to back.
I loved this book and the roller coaster ride of trying to figure out who the bad witches, humans, vampires are versus the good guys, the Pillars of Earth and Fae. This book sinks its teeth into you and won’t let go until the end. The story entices the reader to give up sleep and just keep reading to find out what the heck is going on. You can feel the love between Luca, Sama and Con to include Bella in their little family and what these men will do to make sure everyone is safe. I want to say more but you really need to read this book to enjoy and savor the story and wonder what will come next. I loved the book Resurrection and Transfiguration is just as addicting and I highly recommend you read the series.
I think it's time that this series ends. It's gotten so confusing and convoluted I don't even understand what's going on anymore. The big fight at the end was soooooooooo long and I could not figure out what the heck was even going on! At this point it's like who are the good guys and who are the bad guys and does anybody actually die because they keep being brought back over and over and over again! Stuff that happened like 25 years ago suddenly was part of the big plan? There was just too much that made no sense. I feel like the author thought in retrospect they could give this or that person powers and make everything horrible that ever happened part of some kind of nefarious plot. Apparently, these people do have somewhat happy lives... in between books.
I love the way this author approaches world building and this book adds yet more nuance, depth, and detail to an already vivid landscape. (Note that it helps, for the fullest understanding of the world, the characters, and some of the events that unfold within it, to have read the previous books). While all three members of our trio, Con, Luca, and Sam have multiple interesting facets, this really feels, in a lot of ways, like Con’s book to shine— the contrast between the sharpness he can embody when needed and the gentleness he shows those he cares about gives layers to his character.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is the story of Con, Luca and Sam, it is the 2nd book in the Pillars of Magic: Dark Awakening series. Please read the trigger warnings. Wow! This book totally took me by surprise - I absolutely adored it. I would really suggest that you read them in order, it makes it so much more impactful. The characters and their development is amazing. Both main and secondary characters are great. This story and its plot is wonderful and you are taken on an amazing journey. The steamy moments, action and twists keeps you riveted to the story.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
Transfiguration:a complete change of form or appearance
Con/witch/shifter/controller of wind, Luca/Dhampir, and Sam/vampire/witch.
This book was consuming. Very difficult to put down. Con, Luca, and Sam were everything you’d expect from heroes. Their powers continually growing. I didn’t understand most of the magic stuff but was still drawn deeply into the story.
Lots of ways to mess up with spoilers so I’ll just say this book was awesome. Strong and yet soft characters full of strength and love. Great personalities brimming with power. Very nice, rich storytelling. Definitely need to read Resurrection first.
I really enjoyed this. I'm glad we got to see more of Con and learn more about him. I wish Bella would've had a bigger part to play, seeing as it seemed like she was supposed to be a focal point, but also, she's now the Trio's kid. This whole series gets bonus points for being set in Minnesota.
That being said I'm not sure if I should hold my breath for another installment seeing as it's been nearly two years since this was published and there's not a third book yet and there was quite a few years between the last book of the Dominion series and the first one in this one. I really hope we get to see the story finished but who knows.
This second book in the Dark Awakening series cemented my belief that this should be made into a movie. I can only imagine the fun the animators would have in several of the segments!
Since you have witches, zombies, a dhampir, vampires and at least one demon, there are plenty of characters to work with and lots of plot twists.
The romance that grows and strengthens among Con, Luca and Sam is beautiful even though it is constantly tested.
I'm sure that the next book will tie up some loose ends and answer questions I was left with. I love how the tension builds.
Wow. Just wow. This is the second book in the Dark Awakening series and I must say it gets better and better. This book features Con, Sam and Luca. They have been together for over a decade and their love is strong. Con, a witch, Sam, a vampire and Luca is a dhampir. While Con is out looking for a book, he saves Bella who we later find out can see and talk to ghosts. Great world building, fast paced and action galore as they all try to save the world. Loved it and recommend.
I love Lissa Kasey's Pillars of Magic series. I have been wanting to know more about Sam, Con, and Luca and their relationship, so I loved this book, especially having all the POVs and seeing what they were are thinking and feeling. The author's world-building and character development are fantastic, and both grow and develop in complexity with each book. I eagerly anticipate every book in this series, and I am excited and waiting on pins and needles to read the ultimate climax.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This book gives us another chance to enter this world and learn more about Con, Luca, Sam and others. We see a very protective side of Con here with Bella and in his relationship with Luca and Sam. They don't have any time to relax, however, as there are issues from the previous book to be dealt with, Luca is trying to face some hard truths and there is someone plotting to gain power by any means necessary. Great world building, the characters we know grow and develop in interesting ways and the plot is gripping.
I love this whole group of people that surround Sei and Gabe: Con, Luca, Sam, everybody. The different POVs don’t bother me. This is a large found family, now to include Bella. No more nice guy. All of the people trying to either control or take down this group have no idea the fight they are in for. This book, like the one before it, kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see where this all goes.
Wow! Where to start! This is the second book in this amazing spinoff series by the AMAZING Talented Lissa Kasey! This book will exceed your wildest expectations. I do recommend reading book one! Every single character in this book and series are so complex and multi-faceted. There are so many twists and turns and OMG moments! I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! It's amazing and you will love it!
Life is about to turn a corner for him when his darker side starts to appear and he feels everyone will turn their backs on him. He will find a young girl who is in need of protection and he takes her home with him. She can talk to the dead and has a symbol of a cult long thought dead. What is going on? What is going to happen? Will they turn their backs on him? Can he keep her safe? See where you are taken
Gabe and Seiran will always be my favorites, but it is lovely to read from some of the other characters points of view. I can’t wait to read what happens next. This has been one roller coaster of a story and some books have made be cry while others make me angry on their behalf. Love them!
oh, wow! This series just keeps getting better and more interesting. Con, Sam, and Luca must figure out what is happening, help a little girl, and handle what is happening to one of their own. As they figure things out, this story is absolutely enthralling, interesting, captures your attention, and so much more. Looking forward to the next pillar.
I like every individual in this throuple. Particularly now that they're all older and more competent than their book in the original series. The final battle of this book was chaotic and a bit confusing, however. Needed a lot of concentration to follow what was happening. I'm still not sure I understood it all...
I like this trio, they're so complex In the effect this volume is a surprise for the dinamic and the collaboration Of course Is perfect if you love magic, secrets and development of power Thanks GRR as usual
Epic urban fantasy at its best! This series has been incredible to read!! The characters are incredible, the action is just breathtaking and the world building excellent. I’m absolutely looking forward to reading more. Highly Recommended