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Sea of Stars #1
Ghost Star Night
Desire. Destruction. Destiny.
Thomas Myrdin knows that intrigue is part of life at court, but that doesn’t make his king’s betrayal any easier to take. Yet heartbreak troubles him less than the apocalyptic visions that haunt him. Fiery premonitions that show the world burning in ruins—and the cause, the king’s daughter. Visions and vengeance awaken a strange new power within him, but not even he is sure if he is the kingdom’s savior, the king’s pawn.
Lord Adam Wexley harbors a secret longing for the elegant Thomas, but his duty is to protect the newborn princess. When a sudden threat arises, Adam seeks to procure services of Grand Magician Zachary Drake. Even if it means sacrificing his own soul—and his body.
Drake has seen the worst of kings and courtiers. Now he protects himself with powerful sorcery and the adamant refusal to affiliate with any of the Four Courts. But the grand magician isn’t without weaknesses and Adam may be the one enticement that could draw him to ruin.
In a rising storm of magic with the power to strip away men’s souls, the thread of desire connecting three men could be the kingdom’s last lifeline…
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 6, 2025
Meh.
Too much head-hopping between three MCs in the beginning. And why are there three MCs? No love triangle, no cheating, no pick me drama, so what is he doing there?
Decent enough world-building, but by the time I figured out who is who and why should I care about all three, I wasn't invested in the romance. Well, there really wasn't any romance, so nevermind.
But it did have:
• orangutan taxi drivers (I am not happy with taxis and traffic in fantasy, I thought we are escaping real world stuff?)
• an adult man who gets reversed (hand-waivy complicated magic-thingy) to a preteen on the outside but still the adult man on the inside, which is related to-
• a newborn (like, 3 seconds in the world new) baby (attempted infanticide by the MC 👀) and the baby gets mushroomed into an adult woman-sized baby. So, a newborn but a woman, but a baby, who can't speak or do anything and then gets breastfed by the mother (okay, and not in a sexual way) but then it's sexualized because the royal guard doctor dude gets a boner?!
• some strange but nifty sign it with blood invention. a pen tank is attached to a needle jammed in the person's vein, the blood flows into the pen, and voilá! a blood oath signature. interesting.
• soulless zombies that are all fine and dandy until crushing them with the orangutan-piloted taxi becomes a major event.
Too much head-hopping between three MCs in the beginning. And why are there three MCs? No love triangle, no cheating, no pick me drama, so what is he doing there?
Decent enough world-building, but by the time I figured out who is who and why should I care about all three, I wasn't invested in the romance. Well, there really wasn't any romance, so nevermind.
But it did have:
• orangutan taxi drivers (I am not happy with taxis and traffic in fantasy, I thought we are escaping real world stuff?)
• an adult man who gets reversed (hand-waivy complicated magic-thingy) to a preteen on the outside but still the adult man on the inside, which is related to-
• a newborn (like, 3 seconds in the world new) baby (attempted infanticide by the MC 👀) and the baby gets mushroomed into an adult woman-sized baby. So, a newborn but a woman, but a baby, who can't speak or do anything and then gets breastfed by the mother (okay, and not in a sexual way) but then it's sexualized because the royal guard doctor dude gets a boner?!
• some strange but nifty sign it with blood invention. a pen tank is attached to a needle jammed in the person's vein, the blood flows into the pen, and voilá! a blood oath signature. interesting.
• soulless zombies that are all fine and dandy until crushing them with the orangutan-piloted taxi becomes a major event.
July 21, 2013
4.5 stars. Fascinating fantasy world of corrupt Royal courts, creepy magic and stolen souls. I loved it. Drake is a bitter and lonely young magician, honourable despite his callous exterior, and still keenly feeling the loss of his father who gambled away his soul which now resides in the body of a small terrier. Adam is a naive and courageous young courtier, desperate to prove himself. Thomas Myrdin is the vulnerable young royal who is being used in an evil plot by the old Court magician. It is his downfall which brings Drake and Adam together. It all builds up to a fabulous action-filled climax and a HFN ending for our two lovers. Recommended for fantasy fans and anyone who likes The Irregulars or the Hell Cop series by this author. On to book 2.
February 27, 2013
Very good. Nicole Kimberling's writing is incredibly smooth and it gives a solid ground to a very enjoyable fantasy story set in a contemporary setting, but with a society based on a monarchy, with competing courts, servants and magicians.
Drake is a powerful magician working as a free-lancer. He doesn't want to sell his permanent services to one of the courts and he also doesn't like to enslave souls as all the other powerful magicians do. On the night of the birth of the heir to the kingdom, he is summoned to retrieve an amulet and he meets the good-looking Adam, who doesn't hold an important position at court, but who would like to prove himself in life. The third protagonist is the melancholic Thomas Myrdin, who was the king's lover, and is now revealed he might hold powerful magic himself. These three men cross their paths and destinies on a fateful night and have to risk their souls and lives to protect their loved ones and the kingdom against the dark plans of another great magician.
Drake is an honorable man, compassionate, caught in his magic, with little time for his personal life. Adam ignites Drake's desire. At the beginning Adam seems like a pretty pawn, sensual but shallow, but page after page he shows his courage and his stubborn determination, who brings him to do what he feels is right. I couldn't really see his connection with Drake at the beginning, it was difficult to read something more in their attraction, but hour after hour I could see their relationship become something deeper. I think the story could have worked beautifully even without a single sex scene. The encounter in the alley for example didn't really fit the story, in my opinion, and I felt there was more sensuality in the little signs of affection the protagonists showed to each other.
The details of the world building were very beautiful. I liked very much the all concept of the soulless people, the way their souls were entrapped or returned, how the nature of their hosts reflected on them after their natural bodies were returned. There was a lot of understated humor. The action scenes were fast-paced and there was an overall balance of the different elements. The romance was there, but it was never the focal point of the story.
Very entertaining and satisfying.
Drake is a powerful magician working as a free-lancer. He doesn't want to sell his permanent services to one of the courts and he also doesn't like to enslave souls as all the other powerful magicians do. On the night of the birth of the heir to the kingdom, he is summoned to retrieve an amulet and he meets the good-looking Adam, who doesn't hold an important position at court, but who would like to prove himself in life. The third protagonist is the melancholic Thomas Myrdin, who was the king's lover, and is now revealed he might hold powerful magic himself. These three men cross their paths and destinies on a fateful night and have to risk their souls and lives to protect their loved ones and the kingdom against the dark plans of another great magician.
Drake is an honorable man, compassionate, caught in his magic, with little time for his personal life. Adam ignites Drake's desire. At the beginning Adam seems like a pretty pawn, sensual but shallow, but page after page he shows his courage and his stubborn determination, who brings him to do what he feels is right. I couldn't really see his connection with Drake at the beginning, it was difficult to read something more in their attraction, but hour after hour I could see their relationship become something deeper. I think the story could have worked beautifully even without a single sex scene. The encounter in the alley for example didn't really fit the story, in my opinion, and I felt there was more sensuality in the little signs of affection the protagonists showed to each other.
The details of the world building were very beautiful. I liked very much the all concept of the soulless people, the way their souls were entrapped or returned, how the nature of their hosts reflected on them after their natural bodies were returned. There was a lot of understated humor. The action scenes were fast-paced and there was an overall balance of the different elements. The romance was there, but it was never the focal point of the story.
Very entertaining and satisfying.
Read
March 1, 2014Mixed feelings about this one. In the end, it felt less than the sum of its parts. Of course, many of those parts were almost perfect. The world-building is particularly outstanding: modern secondary world urban fantasy (a favorite of mine and hard to find), soul snatching and trading, court machinations, magicians and demons and scheming nobles. All three of the lead characters were flawed but sympathetic, with a discernible character arc for each. The writing style is clear and lucid, with not a word wasted.
And yet I left it with very little emotional engagement with the characters. In that respect, the book is somewhat the victim of its own strengths. There's enough material in here for a ten-volume fantasy epic. I'd hate to see this turned into something that sluggish, but this is just too fast. Lots of terrible and life-transforming things happen to the characters: They only get the briefest of moments to process those things before the next crisis rolls over them. That may be true to life, and it definitely keeps the pace up, but to cut those reactions out almost entirely cuts the reader off from those emotions too.
But the world-building? That was fucking amazing *still in awe*
And yet I left it with very little emotional engagement with the characters. In that respect, the book is somewhat the victim of its own strengths. There's enough material in here for a ten-volume fantasy epic. I'd hate to see this turned into something that sluggish, but this is just too fast. Lots of terrible and life-transforming things happen to the characters: They only get the briefest of moments to process those things before the next crisis rolls over them. That may be true to life, and it definitely keeps the pace up, but to cut those reactions out almost entirely cuts the reader off from those emotions too.
But the world-building? That was fucking amazing *still in awe*
September 15, 2009
I'm enjoying -- and taking notes. Very skilful and non-intrusive world-building.
November 11, 2009
What a great little adventure. What a wonderful world. What a fantastic and imaginative author. Nicole Kimberling has done it again.
The first book I read by Nicole was Turnskin and I loved it. I was eager to read another book by her and this popped up on my radar. I’m so glad I made the purchase.
Nicole creates a world that I could easily imagine existing right outside my front door. Regardless of where you are in the world imagine your current gov’t is interlaced with royalty and wizards. You talk on your cell phone while magic protects your city. Souls can be traded, owned, interchanged between species, stripped down to one characteristic and even destroyed.
Ghost Star Night is a story that is always in motion. There are three main characters whose lives are intertwined and guided by fate. Thomas, a closeted magician who is forbidden to practice magic. Drake, one of the most powerful magicians in the land. Adam, godson to the grandmother of a newly born princess. The story flows seamlessly back and forth from character to character, a wonderful dance. There are times that you can tell what is gonna happen, but it seems totally natural and plausible. For example, Tom will send Adam to get something and you can guess he’ll run into Drake. Or, an act of kindness by a character – which totally seems in character and you have no reason to suspect anything, it’s actually a manipulation by an outside source.
The romance that develops between characters is very believable and quite nice. The sex scenes are sexually charged but not graphic. Not “fade to black” more like a one page statement of fact with descriptive foreplay and then “they did it, what they did and who did what”.
I’m very upset that I read this book so fast. I wanted it to last much longer.
If you have read and enjoyed A Strong and Sudden Thaw (Future Earth’ish world after a global climate change...with Dragons) or An Arrow's Flight A Novel (Earth during ancient Greece/Rome era with cash machines and some modern technology) then I think you’ll love this book.
The first book I read by Nicole was Turnskin and I loved it. I was eager to read another book by her and this popped up on my radar. I’m so glad I made the purchase.
Nicole creates a world that I could easily imagine existing right outside my front door. Regardless of where you are in the world imagine your current gov’t is interlaced with royalty and wizards. You talk on your cell phone while magic protects your city. Souls can be traded, owned, interchanged between species, stripped down to one characteristic and even destroyed.
Ghost Star Night is a story that is always in motion. There are three main characters whose lives are intertwined and guided by fate. Thomas, a closeted magician who is forbidden to practice magic. Drake, one of the most powerful magicians in the land. Adam, godson to the grandmother of a newly born princess. The story flows seamlessly back and forth from character to character, a wonderful dance. There are times that you can tell what is gonna happen, but it seems totally natural and plausible. For example, Tom will send Adam to get something and you can guess he’ll run into Drake. Or, an act of kindness by a character – which totally seems in character and you have no reason to suspect anything, it’s actually a manipulation by an outside source.
The romance that develops between characters is very believable and quite nice. The sex scenes are sexually charged but not graphic. Not “fade to black” more like a one page statement of fact with descriptive foreplay and then “they did it, what they did and who did what”.
I’m very upset that I read this book so fast. I wanted it to last much longer.
If you have read and enjoyed A Strong and Sudden Thaw (Future Earth’ish world after a global climate change...with Dragons) or An Arrow's Flight A Novel (Earth during ancient Greece/Rome era with cash machines and some modern technology) then I think you’ll love this book.
July 29, 2013
What a world! Adam, Zachary, Thomas - three gay guys trying to figure out their places in the world, although at nearly thirty, all of them are feeling a little bit at loose ends. None of them quite feels that he's doing the best he could be doing with his life.
And then the magic happens. Literally.
You see, Nicole Kimberling has created a world that seems like our own - complete with cell phones, flatscreens, traffic jams and skyscrapers. Except for the fact that Zachary Drake is the second most powerful magician in the kingdom. And Adam's soul belongs to his godmother, Lady Langdon. And his chauffeur is an orangutan named Karl.
Yeah. It's not really our world. But Kimberling creates a vivid cinematic landscape where magic is written in the stars and minutely woven into the machiavellian politics of the court of King Louis. Who, by the way, used to be Thomas's boyfriend, before he dumped him to marry the princess and become king. Yeah, I know.
But this is making the book sound like a soap opera, which it is not. It is very well written, journalistic and visually rich. It is morally complex, emotionally complex, and full of fast-paced action that is far more important to the narrative than the emerging romance between two of the main characters. Not that this isn't important, because love, after all, is another kind of magic.
Buy it. Read it. Buy the sequel. I have, and I'm glad I did.
And then the magic happens. Literally.
You see, Nicole Kimberling has created a world that seems like our own - complete with cell phones, flatscreens, traffic jams and skyscrapers. Except for the fact that Zachary Drake is the second most powerful magician in the kingdom. And Adam's soul belongs to his godmother, Lady Langdon. And his chauffeur is an orangutan named Karl.
Yeah. It's not really our world. But Kimberling creates a vivid cinematic landscape where magic is written in the stars and minutely woven into the machiavellian politics of the court of King Louis. Who, by the way, used to be Thomas's boyfriend, before he dumped him to marry the princess and become king. Yeah, I know.
But this is making the book sound like a soap opera, which it is not. It is very well written, journalistic and visually rich. It is morally complex, emotionally complex, and full of fast-paced action that is far more important to the narrative than the emerging romance between two of the main characters. Not that this isn't important, because love, after all, is another kind of magic.
Buy it. Read it. Buy the sequel. I have, and I'm glad I did.
October 19, 2015
After a bit of a rocky start trying to keep names straight and figuring out what universe this was set it, this one turned out to be a hell of a read.
Story wise this was not only unusual, it was interesting and kept me guessing as to who was on which side.
The romance side while light was definitely there. I loved Drake, even when I knew he was doing wrong. The start had me wondering just who was going to end up with who and that was part of the enjoyment as I just didn't know.
The world building did give me pause at times, overall it feels slightly medieval with Kings and Lords but then we get mobile phones and cars which kinda threw me off. There was also a scene with the King and a young man that felt unnecessary
Overall a damn good plot and my only real niggle is the lack of detail into why the souls are used and sold the way they were.
Story wise this was not only unusual, it was interesting and kept me guessing as to who was on which side.
The romance side while light was definitely there. I loved Drake, even when I knew he was doing wrong. The start had me wondering just who was going to end up with who and that was part of the enjoyment as I just didn't know.
The world building did give me pause at times, overall it feels slightly medieval with Kings and Lords but then we get mobile phones and cars which kinda threw me off. There was also a scene with the King and a young man that felt unnecessary
Overall a damn good plot and my only real niggle is the lack of detail into why the souls are used and sold the way they were.
March 21, 2019
2.5 rating, for likable characters and somewhat for the plot.
For a good review please read any of those 4-5 star reviews. They are written by people more intelligent than me because I was completely lost for most of this story. The type of lost that I felt that if I were drunk or stoned the story would make sense to me. So I might try re-reading this one the next time I have a pitcher of Margaritas.
For a good review please read any of those 4-5 star reviews. They are written by people more intelligent than me because I was completely lost for most of this story. The type of lost that I felt that if I were drunk or stoned the story would make sense to me. So I might try re-reading this one the next time I have a pitcher of Margaritas.
January 21, 2010
The alternate universe of the book was very interesting. It is set in present times, but with a medieval structure of government (a king surounded by nobles belonging to 4 cardinal courts) that was probably held in place by the realities of having magic in the world.
The characters were very interesting, but I was dissapointed because they didn't interact nearly as much as I would have wanted them to. I was hoping for more romance because the fantasy plot was in a large part based on the motivations of each character and for at least one of them the strogest motivator was his rather strong crush. Unfortunately, even when he did receive attention from his love interest it didn't really seem passionate at all (and his crush seemed to be willing to go to bed with him only because he could and felt a little sexual attraction).
I'm left wondering if this book is even romance. If it isn't, then I think it have been.
The characters were very interesting, but I was dissapointed because they didn't interact nearly as much as I would have wanted them to. I was hoping for more romance because the fantasy plot was in a large part based on the motivations of each character and for at least one of them the strogest motivator was his rather strong crush. Unfortunately, even when he did receive attention from his love interest it didn't really seem passionate at all (and his crush seemed to be willing to go to bed with him only because he could and felt a little sexual attraction).
I'm left wondering if this book is even romance. If it isn't, then I think it have been.
January 6, 2016
3.75 STARSBizarre, trippy, funny and I don't quite know what else to think.
August 27, 2009
Without a doubt this is a stunning piece of fantasy fiction. The fabulous and intricate world building explodes and overwhelms the story as the creativity and imagination of the author expand to offer a new unique, absorbing world. The story itself is just as complex with twists, turns, assassinations, betrayals, possessions, murders, and a thin romance. The short length of the story – a mere 116 pages – doesn’t do the entire plot justice as the romance is definitely the weakest aspect. However, fantasy lovers will clamor for this world and forgive the almost non-existent romance element in favor of the intricate world building.
The plot is complicated with a large cast of characters and the intricacies of the world often come into play. This is a world with all the seedy court politics where magic, favors, and souls are the currency over money. The city is ruled by four courts of power and the jockeying for power, souls, and position happens almost constantly. The large cast involves kings, heirs, courtiers, magicians, and a bevy of inhabited creatures. Inhabited creatures are animals, insects, and objects inhabited by a human soul that has been stolen, bought, transferred, or bartered. The most precious commodity is a soul and that is also the most often used in negotiations. These apes, spiders, rings, lions, birds, and so on perform a variety of jobs from nanny to driver to family pet. These souls are also the source of power for all magic.
The plot is dense with details and world building. While this fantasy creation is truly wonderful, engaging and fascinating, it is also riddled with information and detail so it’s thick to read. There is a large cast that is all important, many more characters than just the blurb suggests, but they are easy to follow once the basics of the world are established. The theme and central plot at its core is timeless with greed, avarice, and selfish choices of revenge and regret. Although the story changes point of view several times to follow various characters and their thought process, the main character could arguably be Grand Magician Zachary Drake. His point of view offers the most information with regards to the plot while Lord Adam Wexley’s point of view enhances the complexities of the courts and their politics.
For all the wealth of information and characters offered, this is a completely engaging and entertaining read. The ending is slightly complicated, yet beautifully drawn with evocative imagery and a solid resolution. While the plot does have extraneous information, the details add such flavor and color – it’s easy to see where the author got carried away and a pleasurable trip for readers to do so as well. If there is anything lacking, the romance element and characters lack some depth. The intricacy of the plot and world building overwhelms the story, so much so that the characters themselves are often very superficial. Their motivations are explained, but often just stated without the complexity of their personalities. This plays into problems with the shorter length for such a packed story. Along those lines the romance between two of the characters is very superficial and poorly developed. There is almost no chemistry and interest between the two men as politics, intrigue, and soul catching dominate their interactions.
The modern aspects such as cars, cell phones, elevators, clubs, and shops mixed with court politics make for a somewhat jarring reading experience at first until the pacing and flow get their stride. The absentee romance may frustrate some but the brilliant fantasy world should engage readers even over objections. The tight writing and descriptive prose create a story within the story, and a must read for fantasy lovers. Such a complex and creative world demands a sequel (or maybe that’s just me) but hopefully there will be more of this wonderful new fantasy in the future.
The plot is complicated with a large cast of characters and the intricacies of the world often come into play. This is a world with all the seedy court politics where magic, favors, and souls are the currency over money. The city is ruled by four courts of power and the jockeying for power, souls, and position happens almost constantly. The large cast involves kings, heirs, courtiers, magicians, and a bevy of inhabited creatures. Inhabited creatures are animals, insects, and objects inhabited by a human soul that has been stolen, bought, transferred, or bartered. The most precious commodity is a soul and that is also the most often used in negotiations. These apes, spiders, rings, lions, birds, and so on perform a variety of jobs from nanny to driver to family pet. These souls are also the source of power for all magic.
The plot is dense with details and world building. While this fantasy creation is truly wonderful, engaging and fascinating, it is also riddled with information and detail so it’s thick to read. There is a large cast that is all important, many more characters than just the blurb suggests, but they are easy to follow once the basics of the world are established. The theme and central plot at its core is timeless with greed, avarice, and selfish choices of revenge and regret. Although the story changes point of view several times to follow various characters and their thought process, the main character could arguably be Grand Magician Zachary Drake. His point of view offers the most information with regards to the plot while Lord Adam Wexley’s point of view enhances the complexities of the courts and their politics.
For all the wealth of information and characters offered, this is a completely engaging and entertaining read. The ending is slightly complicated, yet beautifully drawn with evocative imagery and a solid resolution. While the plot does have extraneous information, the details add such flavor and color – it’s easy to see where the author got carried away and a pleasurable trip for readers to do so as well. If there is anything lacking, the romance element and characters lack some depth. The intricacy of the plot and world building overwhelms the story, so much so that the characters themselves are often very superficial. Their motivations are explained, but often just stated without the complexity of their personalities. This plays into problems with the shorter length for such a packed story. Along those lines the romance between two of the characters is very superficial and poorly developed. There is almost no chemistry and interest between the two men as politics, intrigue, and soul catching dominate their interactions.
The modern aspects such as cars, cell phones, elevators, clubs, and shops mixed with court politics make for a somewhat jarring reading experience at first until the pacing and flow get their stride. The absentee romance may frustrate some but the brilliant fantasy world should engage readers even over objections. The tight writing and descriptive prose create a story within the story, and a must read for fantasy lovers. Such a complex and creative world demands a sequel (or maybe that’s just me) but hopefully there will be more of this wonderful new fantasy in the future.
December 19, 2016
Well...this book was okay. The soul trade and body inhabiting aspect of the worldbuilding were my favourite things about the book, because they offered practically infinite potential for strange and unsavoury things to happen.
My least favourite thing about the book is probably the pacing. A lot of things happen over a probably short period of time - I want to say...maybe a week? it definitely feel like it unfolds over less than a month - and the breakneck pace of events gets pretty tiring, especially because I marathon my way through books, reading huge chunks of them for hours at a time.
The three protagonists were alright, as far as characters go. They were flawed but still got things done, they had backstories, and they were believable; maybe they could have had more noticeable character arcs (I don't know that Thomas Myrdin really changed by the end of the book, except for the one obvious change), but overall they were...okay. All the other characters except maybe Lady Langdon were pretty much paint-by-numbers evil or good.
Adam Wexley was - surprisingly - my favourite character of the lot, because he turned out to be completely different than what he appeared to be at first. I guess I'm a sucker for guys who first seem shallow/dim and then turn out to be sensitive and thoughtful.
As a final note: the goodreads blurb for this book is completely misleading. I wanted to read the book based on the blurb but it felt like I was reading an almost completely different book.
1. Thomas Myrdin knows that intrigue is part of life at court, but that doesn’t make his king’s betrayal any easier to take. --
2. Yet heartbreak troubles him less than the apocalyptic visions that haunt him. Fiery premonitions that show the world burning in ruins—and the cause, the king’s daughter. --
3. Lord Adam Wexley harbors a secret longing for the elegant Thomas, but his duty is to protect the newborn princess. --
4. When a sudden threat arises, Adam seeks to procure services of Grand Magician Zachary Drake. Even if it means sacrificing his own soul—and his body. --
Being lied to like this makes me bitter, in case you couldn't tell.
My least favourite thing about the book is probably the pacing. A lot of things happen over a probably short period of time - I want to say...maybe a week? it definitely feel like it unfolds over less than a month - and the breakneck pace of events gets pretty tiring, especially because I marathon my way through books, reading huge chunks of them for hours at a time.
The three protagonists were alright, as far as characters go. They were flawed but still got things done, they had backstories, and they were believable; maybe they could have had more noticeable character arcs (I don't know that Thomas Myrdin really changed by the end of the book, except for the one obvious change), but overall they were...okay. All the other characters except maybe Lady Langdon were pretty much paint-by-numbers evil or good.
Adam Wexley was - surprisingly - my favourite character of the lot, because he turned out to be completely different than what he appeared to be at first. I guess I'm a sucker for guys who first seem shallow/dim and then turn out to be sensitive and thoughtful.
As a final note: the goodreads blurb for this book is completely misleading. I wanted to read the book based on the blurb but it felt like I was reading an almost completely different book.
1. Thomas Myrdin knows that intrigue is part of life at court, but that doesn’t make his king’s betrayal any easier to take. --
2. Yet heartbreak troubles him less than the apocalyptic visions that haunt him. Fiery premonitions that show the world burning in ruins—and the cause, the king’s daughter. --
3. Lord Adam Wexley harbors a secret longing for the elegant Thomas, but his duty is to protect the newborn princess. --
4. When a sudden threat arises, Adam seeks to procure services of Grand Magician Zachary Drake. Even if it means sacrificing his own soul—and his body. --
Being lied to like this makes me bitter, in case you couldn't tell.
August 12, 2016
This was an intriguing fantasy, combining contemporary details like cars , cell phones and penthouses with the more traditional tropes of magicians, royalty and power struggles. The way magic was used was fascinating and at times disturbing, with the way souls were bartered so freely.
I enjoyed Drake, especially as we got to know him better. My initial impression of his personality shifted dramatically as we got to learn more of his thoughts and see his reactions to Adam. I felt we had some good initial characterization of Thomas, but it could have been fleshed out a bit more as the story progressed. Adam grew on me, so I could understand Drake's attraction as events unfolded.
The events unfold at a good pace, with intrigue keeping the pages turning. The climax was suspenseful and creepy and ultimately satisfying.
I enjoyed Drake, especially as we got to know him better. My initial impression of his personality shifted dramatically as we got to learn more of his thoughts and see his reactions to Adam. I felt we had some good initial characterization of Thomas, but it could have been fleshed out a bit more as the story progressed. Adam grew on me, so I could understand Drake's attraction as events unfolded.
The events unfold at a good pace, with intrigue keeping the pages turning. The climax was suspenseful and creepy and ultimately satisfying.
June 7, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!
Finishing this book at 1am is may not have been ideal because I’m still buzzing with how amazing it was. I have no idea why the ratings aren’t higher for this book. I thought the world building was fascinating and unique. The characters were wonderful. The entire book built up in suspense and the last twenty pages were so vivid I found myself wanting to jump into the fight because my heroes had to be triumphant! Fantasy lovers should jump on this one. The romantic story may not be as hot and steamy as most stories in this genre but it’s there and it hooked me....
Read Whit's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
Finishing this book at 1am is may not have been ideal because I’m still buzzing with how amazing it was. I have no idea why the ratings aren’t higher for this book. I thought the world building was fascinating and unique. The characters were wonderful. The entire book built up in suspense and the last twenty pages were so vivid I found myself wanting to jump into the fight because my heroes had to be triumphant! Fantasy lovers should jump on this one. The romantic story may not be as hot and steamy as most stories in this genre but it’s there and it hooked me....
Read Whit's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
January 13, 2014
Quick review: 3.5 stars out of 5. The story was interesting - I was expecting more high fantasy, and this was more urban fantasy. The romance subplot could have been better fleshed-out, as it seemed a little too convoluted for the little amount of attention it received. I also personally found the random switching between referring to characters by first name then last name to get confusing. In dialogue such switches make sense, but in descriptive passages, it is easier to follow if the character is consistently named. However, overall, the story was interesting enough, and it was a nice light read - a little amuse-bouche of a story, with plenty of style, if not substance.
July 14, 2013
I had a difficult time getting into this story because Ms Kimberling threw me head first into a wonderful alternate universe. The action and the story were fast paced and never slowed down. Drake was one of the very few honorable magicians and a terrific character. I loved Adam and Drake as a couple and the way that Adam could make the powerful man blush was perfect. There were intriguing twists and turns when I least expected them. This was not a quick, easy read in my opinion but one worth spending time on.
August 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! It had such a great fantasy world, with dynamic charcters and a good touch of humor...so what I love about books! I also love when you have an MC that is the badass of the world, but is truly a teddy bear at heart :D
I enjoy Nicole Kimberling stories, and must say it's her characters that get me to love these stories, she has a knack for developing great characters.
If you are in the mood for a fantasy with a little personality, then give this a try.
I enjoy Nicole Kimberling stories, and must say it's her characters that get me to love these stories, she has a knack for developing great characters.
If you are in the mood for a fantasy with a little personality, then give this a try.
July 7, 2013
Second read 6/30/13 - 5 stars
First read 8/19/10 - 4 stars
I must correct my rating - this book deserves 5 stars.
To enjoy the sequel more, I just reread this one and again I`m impressed with the skills of this writer. What a fascinating, original and unique world she has created! The three main characters are charming and especially Drake ist adorable. The romance part is small, but very lovely.
First read 8/19/10 - 4 stars
I must correct my rating - this book deserves 5 stars.
To enjoy the sequel more, I just reread this one and again I`m impressed with the skills of this writer. What a fascinating, original and unique world she has created! The three main characters are charming and especially Drake ist adorable. The romance part is small, but very lovely.
October 23, 2009
If you're looking for a wonderful epic fantasy with a (very) few romantic elements and even less sex, then this is the book for you.
I was slightly disappointed because I was looking for more romance than fantasy when I started reading this book. BUT, it was still great. The setting is so fantastic and unique it makes up for everything else.
I was slightly disappointed because I was looking for more romance than fantasy when I started reading this book. BUT, it was still great. The setting is so fantastic and unique it makes up for everything else.
January 4, 2011
Amazing world building in this story. The romance isn't the main part of the book, but the adventure and fantasy element more than make up for it.
Awesome read. :)
Awesome read. :)
June 2, 2013
Fun, funny, serious magic going-ons, intriguing. Looking forward to the next one!
February 14, 2017
For now, this book gets 3 stars, I am quite honestly not sure whether I like it or not.
It is very well written though.
It is very well written though.
June 19, 2017
I liked this book. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was nice. My favorite part about it was the world building; I really liked the whole "other people own your soul" and "souls can be stuck into different bodies" thing that was going on. I was less excited about the relationships and the characters. They didn't feel terribly developed, which left me sad. I was left not understanding why the characters were interested in each other or why they often felt motivated to do what they did, which was unfortunate. Some of the plot points felt unfinished at the end, as well, such as the whole situation with the princess and even with Thomas. Still, it was an entertaining read.
August 28, 2019
When I received this book as an ARC I had never read the author before, and it was a nice surprise. I read the version with the 2 books in one volume, so you can consider this book, part 1 and you need to read also part 2 to fully understand all the story. You’ll find a nice mix of medieval characters and situations in a modern world leading to a story full of magical adventures, betrayal, mistrust, suspense, sea-monsters and lot of action. Of course the romantic aspect with the four MCs (Drake, Adam, Karl and Tom) make all more interesting. The HEA is guaranteed!
June 22, 2020
2.5 stars. The writing was a bit wooden at times. I didn’t like the concept of the noble masters with everyone else subservient. Not just the bound, everyone who isn’t one of the nobles. Most of the book, this is just accepted as the norm. I found it disturbing.
It’s fast paced and full of action. Despite the flaws (for me), I mostly enjoyed it. Main characters were likeable.
It’s fast paced and full of action. Despite the flaws (for me), I mostly enjoyed it. Main characters were likeable.
February 10, 2023
On the fence with this one
October 10, 2025
Don't quite know where to place this. Will probably take a second read to absorb.
March 22, 2016
Thomas Myrdin doesn't have the life he knows he should have. While he's allowed to live at court, he's banned from using magic. And it's through no fault of his own. But when he starts dreaming visions of the destruction of the world, he feels he must act. Even though the harbinger in his dreams is the newborn princess. But he will do what he must.
Lord Adam Wexley just can't shake Thomas. There's something about him that draws Adam in, even if Thomas doesn't appear to feel the same. But Adam is loyal and knows his duty is to protect the princess. At the request of his mistress, Adam sets out to enlist Grand Magician Drake to assist. And he knows that won't be an easy task.
Grand Magician Zachary Drake wants nothing to do with the court. He's refused to ally or align himself with anyone. He lives outside of their system, doing his best to live outside of their traditions. But when Adam shows up at his door, he agrees to help. Even if it just might be his downfall.
This is a rich and unique world. The almost post-apocalyptic feel intertwined with fantasy and magic makes for an interesting combination. And the history and customs reveal themselves to the reader over the course of the story. It all flows well; nothing seems forced or out of place.
And these guys do not talk to each other about how they feel. Drake likes Adam. Adam likes Thomas. Thomas likes...well, you'll have to read to find that one out. But they won't say it or act on it. I wouldn't call it slow burn exactly, but everyone takes the long way to their destination here.
It's a fun an interesting read. And I give this a good recommendation to anyone interested in any of this book's sub-genres.
Lord Adam Wexley just can't shake Thomas. There's something about him that draws Adam in, even if Thomas doesn't appear to feel the same. But Adam is loyal and knows his duty is to protect the princess. At the request of his mistress, Adam sets out to enlist Grand Magician Drake to assist. And he knows that won't be an easy task.
Grand Magician Zachary Drake wants nothing to do with the court. He's refused to ally or align himself with anyone. He lives outside of their system, doing his best to live outside of their traditions. But when Adam shows up at his door, he agrees to help. Even if it just might be his downfall.
This is a rich and unique world. The almost post-apocalyptic feel intertwined with fantasy and magic makes for an interesting combination. And the history and customs reveal themselves to the reader over the course of the story. It all flows well; nothing seems forced or out of place.
And these guys do not talk to each other about how they feel. Drake likes Adam. Adam likes Thomas. Thomas likes...well, you'll have to read to find that one out. But they won't say it or act on it. I wouldn't call it slow burn exactly, but everyone takes the long way to their destination here.
It's a fun an interesting read. And I give this a good recommendation to anyone interested in any of this book's sub-genres.
March 9, 2016
Okay, when I first started reading this book, I was convinced it would be a medieval fantasy... Imagine my suprise when they talked about electronics and used cellphones!
However, the setting was so well crafted that despite my different expectations, I still really enjoyed the book.
What I didn't enjoy was the character of Thomas, at least at first. He was the prototype of a moping artist and while I felt bad for him, I couldn't help but bang my head against the wall when he did the stupid things he did. But his character did improve after certain changes, to be precise, took place.
I liked both main characters, Adam and Drake, and while I felt their romance was kind of rushed, I still enjoyed reading about them. I wanted to hug Adam, as he is a precious cinamonn roll, too good for this world, too pure.
Anyway, what really promted me to write this review wasn't the interesting setting nor characters, but ending, which pleased me immensely. I do love when books end up with characters in same situation as I am.
I almost gave 5 stars for that, but I still have some minor issues with this book, so I ended up with 4 stars.
All in all, this book was really enjoyable and I recommend it.
However, the setting was so well crafted that despite my different expectations, I still really enjoyed the book.
What I didn't enjoy was the character of Thomas, at least at first. He was the prototype of a moping artist and while I felt bad for him, I couldn't help but bang my head against the wall when he did the stupid things he did. But his character did improve after certain changes, to be precise, took place.
I liked both main characters, Adam and Drake, and while I felt their romance was kind of rushed, I still enjoyed reading about them. I wanted to hug Adam, as he is a precious cinamonn roll, too good for this world, too pure.
Anyway, what really promted me to write this review wasn't the interesting setting nor characters, but ending, which pleased me immensely. I do love when books end up with characters in same situation as I am.
I almost gave 5 stars for that, but I still have some minor issues with this book, so I ended up with 4 stars.
All in all, this book was really enjoyable and I recommend it.
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