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Djinn #2
More Than Magic
Darius. He was as beautiful, as mesmerizing, as dangerous as a man could be. His dark, star-kissed eyes promised exquisite joys, yet it was common knowledge he had no intention of taking a wife. Ever.
Sex and sensuality would never ensnare Darius, for he was their master. But magic could. Knowledge of his true name would give a mortal woman power over the arrogant djinni, and an age-old enemy had carefully baited the trap. Alluring yet innocent, Isis Montgomery would snare his attention, and the spell she'd been given would bind him to her. But who could plot the path of a whirlwind, or control a force that was even more than magic?
Sex and sensuality would never ensnare Darius, for he was their master. But magic could. Knowledge of his true name would give a mortal woman power over the arrogant djinni, and an age-old enemy had carefully baited the trap. Alluring yet innocent, Isis Montgomery would snare his attention, and the spell she'd been given would bind him to her. But who could plot the path of a whirlwind, or control a force that was even more than magic?
390 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 1999
4 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Nance
17 books27 followersI can't say that I'm one of those authors who announced to their mother at the age of six that they were going to be a writer. My first declared career choice was detective. I was reading Nancy Drew at the time, and half in love with Ned Nickerson. A distinct aversion to eminent bodily harm, however, made the career choice an impractical one.
The notion I could be a detective, though, came from a book. Books have always been a treasured companion, a source of knowledge, and a means to travel beyond my world and experience since I first discovered The Poky Little Puppy and The Little Engine That Could in Golden books. It wasn't a far hop from a love of reading to a love of creating my own stories as well.
When that practical streak (the one that steered me away from private detection) reared its head, I began a career in pharmacy. An admittedly varied career, for I've worked in just about every field of pharmacy except sales. My years of writing drug monographs, however, strengthened a heartfelt appreciation for the joys of fiction. When I became a stay-at-home mom, it seemed a perfect time to take the stories I'd been spinning and do something about putting the dream of getting published into practice.
I discovered creating characters and plot an irresistible challenge. Especially when it meant I got to live with djinn, elves, and meddling Greek gods. And I got to be the detective, the magician, the chef, the villain, hero, and heroine.
Five manuscripts and six years later, my first book, Wishes Come True, was published in 1998. Since then, my books have won a Golden Heart, a SARA Rising Star Grand Prize, the Holt Medallion, the Colorado Award of Excellence, the PRISM Award, and the National Reader's Choice Award and been a finalist RWA's RITA. After living for eighteen years in New Orleans, I've returned to my birth state of Michigan with a husband, three children, and two cats. Along with learning the ins and outs of empty nesting now that all three kids are in college, a commitment (again) to really sticking with an exercise program, and a home health care variation to the pharmacy career, I still find that creating characters and plot is an irresistible challenge.
Only, in my books, Ned and Nancy are all grown up and falling in love.
Kathleen (sourced from authors website)
The notion I could be a detective, though, came from a book. Books have always been a treasured companion, a source of knowledge, and a means to travel beyond my world and experience since I first discovered The Poky Little Puppy and The Little Engine That Could in Golden books. It wasn't a far hop from a love of reading to a love of creating my own stories as well.
When that practical streak (the one that steered me away from private detection) reared its head, I began a career in pharmacy. An admittedly varied career, for I've worked in just about every field of pharmacy except sales. My years of writing drug monographs, however, strengthened a heartfelt appreciation for the joys of fiction. When I became a stay-at-home mom, it seemed a perfect time to take the stories I'd been spinning and do something about putting the dream of getting published into practice.
I discovered creating characters and plot an irresistible challenge. Especially when it meant I got to live with djinn, elves, and meddling Greek gods. And I got to be the detective, the magician, the chef, the villain, hero, and heroine.
Five manuscripts and six years later, my first book, Wishes Come True, was published in 1998. Since then, my books have won a Golden Heart, a SARA Rising Star Grand Prize, the Holt Medallion, the Colorado Award of Excellence, the PRISM Award, and the National Reader's Choice Award and been a finalist RWA's RITA. After living for eighteen years in New Orleans, I've returned to my birth state of Michigan with a husband, three children, and two cats. Along with learning the ins and outs of empty nesting now that all three kids are in college, a commitment (again) to really sticking with an exercise program, and a home health care variation to the pharmacy career, I still find that creating characters and plot is an irresistible challenge.
Only, in my books, Ned and Nancy are all grown up and falling in love.
Kathleen (sourced from authors website)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 31, 2013
three and a quarter. It was better than the first of the series - the only kid was an orphan and he wasn't that annoying.
Ok. Normally, an author's using any sort of trickery to get the h married to the H without her knowledge is grounds for a whole lot of ranting. However, that "paper cut" was a bit tempered by the spritz of lidocaine in that the h committed the boneheaded folly of bargaining with a djinni. It's on a par with bargaining with a Sidhe; bad idea. Therefore, since she pretty much committed herself to doing him a favor in exchange for something she wanted *and* she didn't ask any questions (seriously, she didn't question him exactly what the ceremony was), then while I understand her angst when she found out that she was married, she really didn't have a whole lot to complain about since she did bargain with him.
That said, he should have explained it to her instead of trying to keep her in the dark.
Plot hole (or was it a question..) - he was staying in the room she used as a lab. The flacon (what is a flacon - a bottle?) was there. Was he so uninterested in what she was doing that he didn't bother to notice a bottle of djinn origin? Further, she remembers her grandma having a bottle of this fragrance. Was it the same bottle? Was it another bottle? Where did IT come from? And...where did it go? Since she was so obsessed with fragrances, you'd think she would have laid claim to the bottle upon her grandmother's passing.
Ok. Normally, an author's using any sort of trickery to get the h married to the H without her knowledge is grounds for a whole lot of ranting. However, that "paper cut" was a bit tempered by the spritz of lidocaine in that the h committed the boneheaded folly of bargaining with a djinni. It's on a par with bargaining with a Sidhe; bad idea. Therefore, since she pretty much committed herself to doing him a favor in exchange for something she wanted *and* she didn't ask any questions (seriously, she didn't question him exactly what the ceremony was), then while I understand her angst when she found out that she was married, she really didn't have a whole lot to complain about since she did bargain with him.
That said, he should have explained it to her instead of trying to keep her in the dark.
Plot hole (or was it a question..) - he was staying in the room she used as a lab. The flacon (what is a flacon - a bottle?) was there. Was he so uninterested in what she was doing that he didn't bother to notice a bottle of djinn origin? Further, she remembers her grandma having a bottle of this fragrance. Was it the same bottle? Was it another bottle? Where did IT come from? And...where did it go? Since she was so obsessed with fragrances, you'd think she would have laid claim to the bottle upon her grandmother's passing.
December 15, 2018
Not a bad romance. Not as cool as I was expecting. =)
February 8, 2023
"More Than Magic" is a novel by author Kathleen Nance, first published in 2018. It is a fantasy romance that takes place in a magical world filled with mythical creatures and enchanted forests.
The story follows the main character, Lyrra, a young woman who has grown up in a world where magic is forbidden. When she discovers that she has the power to wield magic, she must go on a journey to find the source of her power and unravel the secrets of her family's past. Along the way, she meets a handsome prince named Torin, who is on a quest to save his kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Together, they face numerous challenges and overcome many obstacles as they try to find a way to save both their kingdoms and themselves.
One of the strengths of "More Than Magic" is world-building. Kathleen Nance has created a rich and detailed fantasy world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and enchanted forests. The descriptions of the world are vivid and imaginative, and the reader is immediately transported to this magical place. The use of fantasy elements, such as unicorns, faeries, and enchanted forests, adds to the overall feeling of magic and mystery in the story.
The characters in "More Than Magic" are well-developed and likable. Lyrra is a strong and determined heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Torin is a charming and noble prince who is willing to risk everything to save his kingdom. The two characters complement each other well, and their relationship is sweet and romantic. The supporting cast of characters, including Lyrra's friends and Torin's family, are also well-drawn and add depth and interest to the story.
The writing in "More Than Magic" is clear and accessible, and it provides a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. Kathleen Nance has a talent for creating scenes of tension and conflict, and the moments of drama and conflict in the story are particularly well-done. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with a mix of action, romance, and introspection that keeps the reader engaged.
In conclusion, "More Than Magic" is a well-written and engaging fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its rich world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling storyline make it a standout in the field, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of fantasy romance or a newcomer to the genre, "More Than Magic" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of magic.
The story follows the main character, Lyrra, a young woman who has grown up in a world where magic is forbidden. When she discovers that she has the power to wield magic, she must go on a journey to find the source of her power and unravel the secrets of her family's past. Along the way, she meets a handsome prince named Torin, who is on a quest to save his kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Together, they face numerous challenges and overcome many obstacles as they try to find a way to save both their kingdoms and themselves.
One of the strengths of "More Than Magic" is world-building. Kathleen Nance has created a rich and detailed fantasy world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and enchanted forests. The descriptions of the world are vivid and imaginative, and the reader is immediately transported to this magical place. The use of fantasy elements, such as unicorns, faeries, and enchanted forests, adds to the overall feeling of magic and mystery in the story.
The characters in "More Than Magic" are well-developed and likable. Lyrra is a strong and determined heroine who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Torin is a charming and noble prince who is willing to risk everything to save his kingdom. The two characters complement each other well, and their relationship is sweet and romantic. The supporting cast of characters, including Lyrra's friends and Torin's family, are also well-drawn and add depth and interest to the story.
The writing in "More Than Magic" is clear and accessible, and it provides a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. Kathleen Nance has a talent for creating scenes of tension and conflict, and the moments of drama and conflict in the story are particularly well-done. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with a mix of action, romance, and introspection that keeps the reader engaged.
In conclusion, "More Than Magic" is a well-written and engaging fantasy romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its rich world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling storyline make it a standout in the field, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Whether you're a fan of fantasy romance or a newcomer to the genre, "More Than Magic" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of magic.
February 17, 2023
(3.2)
Halfway into the book I was surprised that there was still no connection between the two main characters. They'd claimed lust and even a belligerent sort of affection, but I felt nothing. Zilch, nada. It was so unbelievably fictional, because no way in hell did I feel that love could sprout from people with so little in common. I mean, the book mentioned important conversations and brushed past a couple of tender moments of opening up, but most of the time their interactions had absolutely no heart to it. It was either just "they're infuriating" or "damn I shouldn't think they're hot because of reasons" but nothing that really let them get to know each other beyond their first impressions.
I liked the characters individually, even though I didn't think Darius's shortcomings were made up for in the end. They were just so static throughout most of the book and then suddenly, conveniently, changed by the end of the book to settle the plot. The ending just didn't feel well earned as a reader, and it didn't help that the fight scene was so lackluster.
Overall, this book is inoffensive but also incredibly unaffecting. Even though there were moments I liked, parts that I loved to a degree, the entire experience was okay at best. It should have been an easy and quick read, but the way it was done made it a terrible bore and an endless series of could have beens and should have beens. What could have been a fun book fell flat, what should have been an exciting romance was not. What a shame.
Halfway into the book I was surprised that there was still no connection between the two main characters. They'd claimed lust and even a belligerent sort of affection, but I felt nothing. Zilch, nada. It was so unbelievably fictional, because no way in hell did I feel that love could sprout from people with so little in common. I mean, the book mentioned important conversations and brushed past a couple of tender moments of opening up, but most of the time their interactions had absolutely no heart to it. It was either just "they're infuriating" or "damn I shouldn't think they're hot because of reasons" but nothing that really let them get to know each other beyond their first impressions.
I liked the characters individually, even though I didn't think Darius's shortcomings were made up for in the end. They were just so static throughout most of the book and then suddenly, conveniently, changed by the end of the book to settle the plot. The ending just didn't feel well earned as a reader, and it didn't help that the fight scene was so lackluster.
Overall, this book is inoffensive but also incredibly unaffecting. Even though there were moments I liked, parts that I loved to a degree, the entire experience was okay at best. It should have been an easy and quick read, but the way it was done made it a terrible bore and an endless series of could have beens and should have beens. What could have been a fun book fell flat, what should have been an exciting romance was not. What a shame.
March 4, 2017
This one is probably my favorite of the series. Darius needs Isis in order to keep his powers - to either balance them or to be powerful...he gets to decide. And so, alpha Darius deceives her and marries her without telling her. Now this would automatically lower the star rating if I didn't feel like Isis reacted appropriately. Had she fallen in to bed with him immediately after discovering it, I would never forgive her. But she doesn't, she leaves him and makes him suffer. Although, she suffers too. Then they go about trying to make up and defeat the villain. This was overall a pretty good, steamy romance novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2010
I like a good paranormal romance from time to time and these djinni books have just the right amount of otherworldliness without overdoing it and without shirking on the romance. I read the second book recently and fell totally in love with Darius, the hero. Nance's djinni world is believable and intriguing. I heartily recommend them.
March 26, 2013
The story is uniquely fantasy with a mix of reality. A little funny but more serious but the end result, I still loved it. I could not have thought it possible for this book, being skeptic at first, but the story ended up well. The moral is great and so does the premise of the story.
June 9, 2009
The covers make this series look cheesy, but it's actually really good and really entertaining. Djinni invade New Orleans and fall in lurv with humanz!
September 17, 2012
I enjoyed the ideas put forth.
June 8, 2013
Read this over and over again~
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May 27, 2014Great Book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews