Echoes of Magic

Sisters of Magic #2

by Donna Grant

Hiding a secret so awful that his only hope for survival is to remain hidden, Grayson has lived most of his life pretending to be someone he isn’t. After years serving as a commander to his lord and friend, Grayson can no longer hold back the past. He leaves in search of answers only to find evil awaits him. Until he discovers an achingly beautiful woman who stirs his deepest passions and all-consuming need.

Adrianna knows what her future holds for her as a witch – loneliness and heartache. She has accepted that. Until she discovers Grayson near death in the forest. Saving him is her only choice, and even as she falls deeper into the attraction surrounding them, can her magic be enough to stop Fate or the evil that awaits them.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Magic, Historical Romance, Historical, Fantasy

344 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2011

About the author

Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.

You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.

Reviews

[Harlie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Magic had me hooked from the first page. I will admit though that I have not read the first book in the series but Donna did a great job of enough back-story that I wasn’t lost in the second book. Of course, I now have the first book and can’t wait to read it.

Adrianna is a witch that knows the pain and suffering of loss and the fate that awaits her for the rest of her life. While traveling with gypsies, she finds Grayson near death and with her healing powers tends to his wounds. As she fights her attraction to Grayson, she feels the evil that is following Grayson.

Grayson lay near death until Fate delivered him an angel. He was a man on a mission and his mission didn’t include Adrianna no matter the attraction. He doesn’t want to endanger her or the gypsies that she is traveling with now. As the attraction between them grows, he realizes that Adrianna could be of help to him.

I realized that I was jumping into the middle of the series and I’m not sorry that I did. The world that Donna built is fantastic. I felt like I was in a medieval forest getting ready to charge a castle. I appreciated that she also let Grayson and Adrianna develop real feelings for each other throughout the first half of the book. The tension was just a teaser compared to the full-blown scenes at the castle. I found the scenes at the castle between Grayson and Adrianna beautiful and highly sensual.

I won’t go into detail about the plot points because then I would just be spoiling it and I hate doing that. The suspense elements and the magical elements were nicely played out and not overly done. While elements of the first book were mentioned, it only enhances Grayson and Adrianna’s story. With many twists and emotional turns that at times my head was little turvy but the ending was well worth it.

I highly recommend Echoes of Magic to anyone that likes a little magic, a lot of medieval and a genuinely heartwarming story about two lost souls that find true love when neither was expecting it to ever happen to them.

[Monica Boots · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the this second book of the Sisters of Magic series we follow Grayson & Adrianne. Once Grayson & Adrianna met it is clear to them that nothing will ever be the same for them. Each step of their journey turns up a new secrets and surprises. But as they face with the biggest challenge of their lives only true love and undying trust will be enough to overcome the evil.
I really enjoyed this second book. Echoes of Magic is a wonderful story of love, sacrifice and longing. It was exciting from the first page to the last, the characters well developed. You will not be disappointed with this book.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debated between a 3 or 4.

I had to come back and edit this review! I just started book 3, and was immediately reminded of the things I hated about this book. While it might not happen every time the H/H see each other, it happens enough to get on my nerves. The author loves the phrase, (insert heroes name here) balls tightened in response. I am on page 5 in the third book and have already come across this phrase!

[Teresa Kleeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Magic is moving, and an exciting read.

I love the first book by Donna Grant. Drogan and Serena story was wonderful.
However Grayson and Adrianna's story was a wonderful story. Grayson who was introduced in the first book had secrets deep inside him, he left Wolfsglenn, The home of his friend Drogan. Grayson really didn't believe in magic.
The story begins where Adrianna happens to find Grayson injured at first she thinks he's dead until she goes to check him out and then he lets out a soft moan. Adrianna or Drinna as the Roma's nickname her feels that she needs to heal him.
She gets her Roma friends to carry him back to her wagon cart and she tends to his wounds. There's an instant attraction between them too. Drinna is a witch who has the gift of sight in the future and healing.
Adrianna senses a great evil that's coming for Grayson and she feels that he needs her and she's going to help him. Grayson when he comes to he immediately has the strong attraction for Adrianna.
Their tale is one of mystery, action, intrigue, and a true love story. You will have a lot of wonderful surprises in this read. I totally recommend it I love it , it's steamy, there's comedy in it, and it's very very sweet and loving. I truly Believe anyone that reads it will enjoy this story.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrianna finds a half-dead Grayson in the brush at the side of a road and knows she has to try and save him. The Romanian group she travels with help her get him to her cart where she takes care of him using herbs and her magic. Grayson was attacked by a group of knights and barely managed to escape them. He knows they will be looking for him and he needs get away from the caravan so the group doesn't get attacked. He is determined to find out what happened to his mother who was taken from him when he was a young child. Adrianna suspects that the evil pursuing him is connected to his past.

It is an OK story, but the inconsistencies drive me nuts. The number of men who attacked Grayson changes several times and there is talk of guarding a secret door that is totally forgotten about several hours later. Oh, and the bad guy's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. Ewww.

[Marlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Similarly to book 1 both books have the same rating. I overlooked things in book 1 and just thought the author is setting up the world to tell better story in the next books. Well that never happened. It feels like the author is focused on the individual story between the couples and not the overall story or plot. I was hoping we would get more details on the curse, how Drogan and Serena broke the it and how Nigel became evil. Would of even liked detail of how the mom and dad dupped Nigel and how they survived all the years. Even the romance between Grayson and Adrianna was lackluster and kind of boring.

Overall an easy read, would recommend if you want to kill the time.

[Teresa Kilpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a trilogy, Sisters of Magic, and was enjoyed as a part of the Audible Escape package. Adrianna is a witch that has already been touched by the curse that has plagued her race, she lost her love and her child. When she meets the handsome Grayson she wonders if she has been touched by tragedy or if it was really the curse because she thinks she may really have found love.

Grayson is haunted by a darkness and desires to know what happened to his mother…. With a beautiful witch by his side he finds more than he ever bargained for.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Steamy Romance

Steamy, that is what Grayson and Adrianna are. Wow, I didn't see that coming? Mysteries have been solved, but more mysteries are waiting. What is Nigel? Can Cade be saved? So many questions that need answers.

This is a great series. Thank you Donna Grant for this journey of magic and love.

[Griselda Lomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Grant creates magic!

Echoes of Magic is such a spell binding story that I couldn't stop until I finished. The story of Grayson and Adrianna is so captivating and heart-felt. Both are such interesting characters that you couldn't wait for their stories to unfold. Recommend for those who enjoy Donna's books.

[Mhollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much better than the 1st in the series

Extremely rushed. One dimensional characters with flimsy backstories. Plot basically the same as book 1 in the series. Still some unknown evil they are fighting. Everything feels thrown together. I hate that I bought the whole series as now I feel obligated to read the last book. Not looking forward to reading it.

[Nikki's Dragon Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first and I hope the trend continues to book 3.

I enjoyed the characters, perhaps more than book one, and I enjoyed the chemistry. We get a bit more of the background of the series storyline in this book and I think that’s why I liked it more. I enjoy books with rich lore and although it doesn’t have the level of lore I prefer, I enjoyed what was here.

[sandy forguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and characters along with the story can’t wait to see Nigel get his just rewards Adrianna and Grayson great characters keeps you on the edge of your seat would highly recommend great author

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. While how the love story between the main characters developed was great 👍, I became most intrigued by the parents story. That was epic and such a plot twist that nighter I nor the protagonist saw it coming, it was great. Another great read from Ms. Grant.

[Sunshinyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Book 2, yes, I loved these books. Still hunting the evil with the help of the witches, another one breaks the curse. I love the ladies finding their true love! On to Book 3, gotta overcome the evil & find love!!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm late to the party with this one. I guess I have only found it when hearing about the re-release of this series.

I'm loving the series so far and have absolutely blown through the stories.

If you like Donna Grant's other books I think you will like this one too.

Happy Reading!

[Kelly Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story continuation from the first installment...much the same, so if you like the first, the second is good.

[Lee Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of another wonderful series by Donna Grant. So well worth the read.

[Larena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Western England, Summer 1127


Adrianna is one of the last bana-bhuideach, better known as a witch, in England. Adrianna is relatively happy with her life even if she doesn’t have the happiness she has always dreamed of. As her kind has always lived under a curse she is resigned to her fate at least until she helps Grayson then everything changes. Adrianna isn’t so sure she can accept what her life has become once she sets eyes on Grayson. All she knows for sure is that Grayson is going to change her life completely but is it going to be for the better or make her life and wishes worse? Only time will be able to tell her for sure.

Grayson knows there are some men after him he just isn’t sure exactly why they are after him. When he is injured and saved by Adrianna he is thankful and while he is attracted to her he doesn’t want to drag her into all of his problems. Unfortunately just by her saving him she is now involved and he will do everything he can to protect her. Grayson was traveling to find out the answers to his past and to see if he could find out exactly who he was and what happened to his mother and to avenge her death. All he remembers is as a child he was torn from her arms and that is the last time he saw his mother. But will finding those answers bring him peace or will it bring about his death. Grayson figures he will die in the search for answers and he is resigned to that fact or at least until the day he met Adrianna. Now things aren’t as clear as he would like and he is determined to find his answers but to also protect Adrianna as she becomes more and more important to him.

There is an evil hunting Grayson and if he doesn’t find his answers that evil just might come out the winner in the battle that is coming for Grayson. Grayson knows there is more to what is going on than he knows but it will be a race against time to find the answers and to find a way to defeat the evil because it is not just his life at stake anymore, it is Adrianna and a man that has been a friend to Grayson for years. Only time will tell if he will be able to stop the evil from winning.



This is the second book in this series and while it can be read as a stand alone it is much better read as a series as some characters make cameos in this one and the reader will understand the story line better. The characters are very rich in detail and the story takes some great twists and turns that will have the reader turning the pages just to see what is going to happen next and what will be revealed in the next chapter. It also sets the scene for the next book which the reader will be eagerly awaiting to see how things turn out. The common thread tying the books together really makes for some great reading. This is one series worth getting for those that love historicals and suspences. This is one not to miss.

[Kate Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read this review and others like it at my site www.ufreviews.com

This was my second book in Donna Grant's Sisters of Magic series, and I think the hardest thing I had to decide about this book was which one I liked more. Although I would like to point out to all potential readers that this book could be read by itself (Grant does a great job at updating the reader on past events without it being overwhelming), although every though you could read it on its own I think you should read the first book for the full effect.


This series has to do with witches and the men that they come across and end up helping. In the last book we went through Serena's journey with Drogan, and were briefly introduced to the main characters in this book, Grayson and Adrianna. This story starts off with Adrianna finding Grayson in the forest near death, and so she helps him to recover, only to realize he is being hunted by the same evil that was hunting Drogan in the previous book. This book documents their journey to find the evil and defeat it while finding themselves pulled to each other even more with every passing day.


The one thing that was strikingly different in this book to the previous was Grayson is motivated by finding out about his past, more specifically about his mother. When he was a child his mother was taken, and he has been bidding his time until he went back to his home and find the answers as to what happened to his mother. I find this to be a nice change, it made the book not just about fighting evil, it keep this book from being repetitive to the previous.


I also think this book had more sexual content in the than the previous, but once again, Grant is very capable at writing the sex scenes, and none of it came off as cheesy. And because it is a historical period book, it was written in a way that was consistent with the time which I appreciate.


Another thing I also appreciated in this book, was that Grant did a great job at keeping the story going. The book kept the reader engaged, as well as introduced a lot of information that kept the plot fresh. She revealed only enough to keep the reader wanting to know more and then held off on more for later. It's because of this that I don't feel like I can talk about the specifics of a lot of the plot, because so much of it leads up to a very spoilerific ending.


Overall, I am going to call this yet another good book by Grant. Her third book is going to be coming out at the end of the month and is going to deal with the character of Cade, and I have to say I am looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy. As with the previous book, I think if you like paranormal romance you will like this book, even if you only like historical romances this would be a good read as well.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of the Sisters of Magic series focuses on Lord Drogan's commander and friend, Grayson and his witch Adrianna. All his life, Grayson has hidden who he is. Determined to learn about his past and to find those responsible for tearing his family apart, Grayson leaves his post at Lord Drogan's keep in search of answers. In his search, Grayson fights a dangerous enemy and is left for dead. As all witches of her kind, Adrianna knows her future is one of loneliness and heartache. A future she has accepted until she learns of another witch who broke their lineage's curse for herself and is happily married now. Then, Adrianna finds an injured man in the forest and refuses to let him die. With the power to heal, Adrianna tends to Grayson until he is healthy again. Their time together is more than enough to fuel their passion and emotions. As they journey to Grayson's old keep and uncover the secrets of his past, the evil which nearly killed Drogan and Serena returns to claim Grayson's soul and destroy what has been growing between the commander and his witch. Echoes of Magic brings back a few characters from the Shadow of Magic. It is also just as thrilling, sexy and action-packed as its predecessor. With new secrets, dangers, powers, and spells, Echoes of Magic is another enthralling read by Donna Grant.

[Kelly at · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Echoes of Magic we continue the adventures of the bana-bhuidseach. But this time we follow Grayson & Adrianne (who we meet in book 1) on an adventure to find answers to the many secrets that Grayson has been keeping.
Once Grayson & Adrianna met it is clear to each of them nothing will ever be the same for them. Each step of their journey turns up a new secrets and surprises. But when faced with the biggest challenge of their lives only true love and undying trust will be enough to overcome the evil that has them in its sights.
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Sisters of Magic series. So far this is my favorite book to the trilogy. Grayson tries so very hard to be the person that everyone else wants him to be. But when he learns that he needs to be that person for himself he finally learns how to live and love. Adrianna is a very strong witch and know the pain of loss but is still willing to risk it all for Grayson. I really loved Grayson & Adrianna.
I am looking forward to third and final book of the Sisters of Magic series: Dangerous Magic. Jump in to the world of the bana-bhuidseach and learn that sometimes that magic of love is more powerful than any other form of magic.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Echoes of Magic" by Donna Grant. Book 2 in the Sisters of Magic Trilogy.

Adrianna is a witch. She's been living with a group of gypsies for most of her life. But recently, after meeting another witch, Serena, she is feeling like she should be somewhere else. But then she finds Grayson, all but dead, lying under some trees near the gypsy camp.

Grayson is trying to find answers to his past. Ripped out of this mother's arms when he was young, he has always wondered why she never came to get him. And now the evil Nigel has taken possesion of his home Hawksbridge. Adrianna is determined to help him find the answers Grayson has been looking for, whether he wants her with him or not.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters of Grayson and Adrianna were matched perfectly with each other. Good chemistry between them. Lots of twists and turns in the plotline. Again, I wish there was more actual "magic" throughout the story. Adrianna can see into the future and she has a little healing power. You don't really see her use her powers all that much but it's just enough to remind you that she is a witch.

Definitely will finish the last book, "Dangerous Magic", Cade's story.

[Shauni · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the second book of Donna Grant’s Sisters of Magic Series, we find ourselves picking up exactly where Ms Grant left us in Shadow Magic. Drogan and Serena are safe, happy and have managed to break the curse. Ms Grant makes excellent use of her secondary characters from Shadow Magic and Echos of Magic flows much easier than Shadow Magic

**********************************************

As I said this book was much more entertaining than Shadow Magic but still falls short of some of Ms Grant’s best work. I feel that this series is a fun filled adventure, with all the requirements of a Romantic Fantasy.. I wouldn’t say it falls short it rather it just is. Ms Grant’s work has most definitly evolved since writing the Sisters of Magic Series but it is still worth the read.


To Read the review in it's entirety come to Bodice Rippers

[Taj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have anything bad to say regarding Echoes of Magic, though pretty much what happens in Shadow Magic happens here, but I'm gonna credit that with these females being cursed witches who strive to find that one man who loves them. I also charge that to Grayson and Drogan having been on the same road that led to the events in this book. The romance, as always, was never rushed and felt just right with both Adrianna and Grayson both trying to sacrifice themselves for the other's sake. The combat felt fluid, as it was human against dark beings. I actually enjoyed Grayson's character, as he was determined to live up to his duties as a knight, despite his injuries in the beginning. I feel like he could've taken Nigel whether or not he was hurt. Great work from Ms. Grant as always.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. It had my attention from the first page and kept me turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next. The characters were enduring and I could invision myself in this time period observing the scenes from afar. I am a real sucker for happy endings and Grant delivered. I will be reading her next story in this series. Her highlander series are real page turners as well. Would highly recommend her stories if one enjoys a great historical paranormal romance novel.

[Frances McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series and this book!

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Actual rating 4.5 Skulls
Even better than the first. I love Drina and Greyson.
Looking forward to getting the rest of the story in Dangerous Magic.
-Full review to come

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than book one. I liked this one.

[Conny Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as usual Miss Grant spellbound me.
From the first page to the end.
Can't wait to discover what the great evil really is.
Excellently done

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely liked this book