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Dark Magick #2
Cruel Enchantment
View our feature on Anya Bast’s Cruel Enchantment.The Dark Magick series continues from this New York Times bestselling author.
To keep her fae race from being eradicated, Emmaline Gallagher must retrieve an object of fae power from a locked ancient box. Only Aeric O'Malley has the forging skills to create a key. But will their tumultuous past stand in the way?
To keep her fae race from being eradicated, Emmaline Gallagher must retrieve an object of fae power from a locked ancient box. Only Aeric O'Malley has the forging skills to create a key. But will their tumultuous past stand in the way?
297 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 7, 2010
27 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read
About the author
Anya Bast
67 books1,452 followersAnya Bast is the author of numerous works of romantic fiction, mostly all paranormal and mostly all scorching hot. She lives in the country with her husband, daughter, eight cats, a dog, and an odd assortment of rescued animals.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
She grew up in Minnesota and still favors the colder climates. After high school she moved to the southeast United States where she attended college. While in graduate school she sold her first book and decide to pursue her lifelong dream of writing instead of a career in psychology.
Somewhat reclusive by nature, she can be drawn out with a good bottle of red wine, classic movies, or good music. When she’s not writing, she can be found trying to grow organic vegetables, shopping in thrift stores for that perfect piece of clothing, or dreaming about travel to some faraway country.
She’s hard at work on a brand new series for Berkley Sensation right now, while winding up her national bestselling Elemental Witches quartet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 25, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. Anya has a writing style that is all its own and that’s what keeps me coming back for more. I love the hot sex and dangerous men with strong women Anya writes along with the added action and excitement you just cant go wrong in trying this series, you may just find yourself truly enchanted as I did.
As I started reading this one I was skeptical for a bit, because of Aeric relationship isn’t one the greatest given his past, with Emmaline, but Anya kept it fresh and flowing very nicely to where I ended up loving the hero Aeric, especially when I read how his feeling runs for Emmaline.
Emmaline I loved her. She has a talent that I don’t want to spoil for you, I will say its not good. When I read how she got that away, WOW! It was very emotional. I don’t quite think I have read a heroine that went through all the pain as she did and then she as to go back through it again.
As the first book I love the world Anya has set up with all the steamy romance, action and sick-o villains. I didn’t find anything I hated or didn’t like, but I find it dragged some that’s the reason for the 4 starts.
As I started reading this one I was skeptical for a bit, because of Aeric relationship isn’t one the greatest given his past, with Emmaline, but Anya kept it fresh and flowing very nicely to where I ended up loving the hero Aeric, especially when I read how his feeling runs for Emmaline.
Emmaline I loved her. She has a talent that I don’t want to spoil for you, I will say its not good. When I read how she got that away, WOW! It was very emotional. I don’t quite think I have read a heroine that went through all the pain as she did and then she as to go back through it again.
As the first book I love the world Anya has set up with all the steamy romance, action and sick-o villains. I didn’t find anything I hated or didn’t like, but I find it dragged some that’s the reason for the 4 starts.
January 12, 2011
It is always hit or miss with me when a read a book by Anya Bast. Let me tell you what I do like about her writing and then what I didn't like about this book. Ms. Bast if great at setting up background information that makes you love the heroes and hate the villians. The female herione is strong and capable; able to take down the bad guy without needing the aid of her lover. Bast masterfully manipulates the plot with unexpected twists and set up information for sequels. Her battle scenes as expertly described blow by blow. The sex scenes are hot! So, what don't I like? Well, first of all I have difficulty keeping straight the names of her characters in this book. They are too similiar: Aileen, Aislinn, Emmaline. What's up with that? Next, the sex is so repetitive that I found myself skipping over the scenes because I was bored! There was not enough good in this book to balance out the bad (The villians were truly creepy and disturbing; but, the good guys just were not good enough). After book one in this series, I truly had my doubts about continuing but knew I would read the second book because I had a 4 for 3 deal and received the second book for free. However, I will not be continuing with the series. With all of the good points, it just was not good enough for me to continue. Sorry Anya!
November 12, 2010
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Over three hundred and sixty years ago, Emmaline Siobhan Keara Gallagher was a finely tuned weapon of the Seelie Summer Queen, an assassin of note and a scourge on the Unseelie. She was also the fae who murdered Aileen, the woman Aeric O'Malley had loved with a fierce devotion that burned brightly long centuries after her death. Emmaline has been beyond Aeric's reach ever since, having fled Ireland before the fae were rounded up and imprisoned behind the walls of Piefferburg. Aeric has kept the fire of his thirst for vengeance stoked hotter than those of his Blacksmith forge, intent on killing Emmaline at the first opportunity and praying to his gods daily for that opportunity.
For over three hundred years, Emmaline has lived the life of spy and double agent as a free fae in the human world. One of the founding members of the Humans for the Freedom of the Fae (HFF) organization, she's spent the last few years deep under cover as a loyal human Worshipful Observer for the Phaendir, the group most responsible for the fae's imprisonment. Now she's on a quest for the HFF, one that will require her to enter Piefferburg, locate the Blacksmith, and secure his assistance. He's the only fae capable of making the key that will unlock the enchanted box that is the resting place of the second piece of the bosca fadbh, a puzzle box that will unlock part of the Book of Bindings and allow for the fae to finally break free of their centuries-long imprisonment.
Emmaline needs the Blacksmith and the Blacksmith wants her dead by his own hand. Not exactly the auspices of a great working relationship, but they will have to work together to pull off the daring acquisition of the second piece of the bosca fadbh without the Phaendir finding out about it. With the memory of his dead love between them, however, Emmaline is aware that Aeric is far more likely to kill her than help her, and if she can't convince him to trust her, their entire race may remain imprisoned forever.
After a stellar series opener in Wicked Enchantment, Bast takes us back to the fae holding compound of Piefferburg and the courts of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the fanatical threat of the Phaendir, and the hope inherent in the search for the bosca fadbh. Despite a strong, admirable heroine with a dark and twisted past, a passionate, fiery hero with an axe...and a plethora of other weapons to grind, and the return of several other well-liked characters from the first book, I ended up being disappointed in this second book of the series when compared to the first.
Dark, dangerous, and well balanced, Wicked Enchantment was a five star read for me, but several issues with plot and pacing and a couple of problems with dialogue tripped me up in this installment. I was very put off by the first third of Cruel Enchantment, and found it laden with too many handy coincidences to be able to maintain my willing suspension of disbelief. The premise of the book is fine, the concept of the plot was intriguing, but the way in which it was executed at the beginning robbed the story of its intensity and suspense and made the initial scenes between Emmaline and Aeric seem implausible and inorganic to me. Perhaps if Aeric hadn't been so headily imagining Emmaline stepping into the fae prison that is Piefferburg and right into his clutches just moments before she actually does so...for the first time in her long life and after almost four hundred years free...I would have had an easier and more forgiving time at the beginning. Then, to compound my difficulty in swallowing that fortuitous happenstance, the two weeks in which Aeric holds Emmaline prisoner, threatening to kill her, trying to kill her, and getting roaring drunk to drown out his unwanted lust for her, pass in a muddled mess of disjointed and confusing pacing, timing, and impotent character action that by the end felt far more like a few days than a couple of weeks. I found it all rather bizarre, and not very threatening to Emmaline's tattered virtue, though Aeric's frayed ferocity took a beating.
Before the slings and arrows start to fly, I have to say that after that awkward beginning there were several good things that start to happen with the story. The book picked up and I started getting into it. While it does lack much of the brilliant world building and creative description that set Wicked Enchantment so high in my estimation, and it wasn't as richly populated by secondary and ancillary characters (and those plot threads that did include secondary characters I found to be ill conceived and predictable, as the case with David's thread), I started to really enjoy the evolution in the relationship between Emmaline and Aeric, and liked seeing some truth start to alter perception for both of them. Admittedly, I was a little disturbed by Aeric's proclaimed passion for Aileen from the very beginning, given what you find out about her, but I thought Bast brought Aeric through his stages of character development with sensitivity and a sense of realism.
I have no complaints about the two lead characters from a romantic standpoint. I found them well suited to each other and strong in their own right. They had a lovely array of scenes to further their relationship that were at turns poignant, tender, and sexy as hell. And my pleasure with the book through the middle of the story was secure because of it. And then the book went a little awry again towards the end.
There was definitely tension and a hella creepy atmosphere generated by Emmaline's interactions with Brother Gideon, but just about everything else she's involved in on the human side of the wall was very perfunctorily covered and had some awkward transitions and jumps in the timeline. I felt as if I was leapfrogging through the later part of the story at times. That disconcerting lack of fluidity continued through to the end of the book, with a myriad of life- and quest-threatening plot threads popping up in seemingly random rapid fire, and just as rapidly being resolved with a minimum of development. And the book's conclusion was extremely abrupt.
For my tastes and strictly in my opinion, Cruel Enchantment didn't quite rise to the level of adept storytelling that I felt existed in the first book of the series, but there were parts I liked quite a lot...just as there were parts that made me struggle to like even a little. The strongest and most fervent pleasure was in the character of Emmaline, who I greatly admired as a damaged, layered, and crafty heroine full of courage and determination, even in the face of crushing emotion and debilitating torment. And I love the world that Bast has created for this series. There are so many truly nifty things about it that I admire greatly. I wish we had been allowed more interaction with the various fantastical creatures of Piefferburg and with the familiar characters we met from the first book. But that's just me being greedy.
I was also pleased to note that the third book in the series, Dark Enchantment, is set for release on April 5, 2011. My adoration of Wicked Enchantment (Dark Magick, Book 1) and the things that I enjoyed about Cruel Enchantment have assured that I will continue reading the series. I just hope the next book is a little closer to the first in both style and substance.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Over three hundred and sixty years ago, Emmaline Siobhan Keara Gallagher was a finely tuned weapon of the Seelie Summer Queen, an assassin of note and a scourge on the Unseelie. She was also the fae who murdered Aileen, the woman Aeric O'Malley had loved with a fierce devotion that burned brightly long centuries after her death. Emmaline has been beyond Aeric's reach ever since, having fled Ireland before the fae were rounded up and imprisoned behind the walls of Piefferburg. Aeric has kept the fire of his thirst for vengeance stoked hotter than those of his Blacksmith forge, intent on killing Emmaline at the first opportunity and praying to his gods daily for that opportunity.
For over three hundred years, Emmaline has lived the life of spy and double agent as a free fae in the human world. One of the founding members of the Humans for the Freedom of the Fae (HFF) organization, she's spent the last few years deep under cover as a loyal human Worshipful Observer for the Phaendir, the group most responsible for the fae's imprisonment. Now she's on a quest for the HFF, one that will require her to enter Piefferburg, locate the Blacksmith, and secure his assistance. He's the only fae capable of making the key that will unlock the enchanted box that is the resting place of the second piece of the bosca fadbh, a puzzle box that will unlock part of the Book of Bindings and allow for the fae to finally break free of their centuries-long imprisonment.
Emmaline needs the Blacksmith and the Blacksmith wants her dead by his own hand. Not exactly the auspices of a great working relationship, but they will have to work together to pull off the daring acquisition of the second piece of the bosca fadbh without the Phaendir finding out about it. With the memory of his dead love between them, however, Emmaline is aware that Aeric is far more likely to kill her than help her, and if she can't convince him to trust her, their entire race may remain imprisoned forever.
After a stellar series opener in Wicked Enchantment, Bast takes us back to the fae holding compound of Piefferburg and the courts of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the fanatical threat of the Phaendir, and the hope inherent in the search for the bosca fadbh. Despite a strong, admirable heroine with a dark and twisted past, a passionate, fiery hero with an axe...and a plethora of other weapons to grind, and the return of several other well-liked characters from the first book, I ended up being disappointed in this second book of the series when compared to the first.
Dark, dangerous, and well balanced, Wicked Enchantment was a five star read for me, but several issues with plot and pacing and a couple of problems with dialogue tripped me up in this installment. I was very put off by the first third of Cruel Enchantment, and found it laden with too many handy coincidences to be able to maintain my willing suspension of disbelief. The premise of the book is fine, the concept of the plot was intriguing, but the way in which it was executed at the beginning robbed the story of its intensity and suspense and made the initial scenes between Emmaline and Aeric seem implausible and inorganic to me. Perhaps if Aeric hadn't been so headily imagining Emmaline stepping into the fae prison that is Piefferburg and right into his clutches just moments before she actually does so...for the first time in her long life and after almost four hundred years free...I would have had an easier and more forgiving time at the beginning. Then, to compound my difficulty in swallowing that fortuitous happenstance, the two weeks in which Aeric holds Emmaline prisoner, threatening to kill her, trying to kill her, and getting roaring drunk to drown out his unwanted lust for her, pass in a muddled mess of disjointed and confusing pacing, timing, and impotent character action that by the end felt far more like a few days than a couple of weeks. I found it all rather bizarre, and not very threatening to Emmaline's tattered virtue, though Aeric's frayed ferocity took a beating.
Before the slings and arrows start to fly, I have to say that after that awkward beginning there were several good things that start to happen with the story. The book picked up and I started getting into it. While it does lack much of the brilliant world building and creative description that set Wicked Enchantment so high in my estimation, and it wasn't as richly populated by secondary and ancillary characters (and those plot threads that did include secondary characters I found to be ill conceived and predictable, as the case with David's thread), I started to really enjoy the evolution in the relationship between Emmaline and Aeric, and liked seeing some truth start to alter perception for both of them. Admittedly, I was a little disturbed by Aeric's proclaimed passion for Aileen from the very beginning, given what you find out about her, but I thought Bast brought Aeric through his stages of character development with sensitivity and a sense of realism.
I have no complaints about the two lead characters from a romantic standpoint. I found them well suited to each other and strong in their own right. They had a lovely array of scenes to further their relationship that were at turns poignant, tender, and sexy as hell. And my pleasure with the book through the middle of the story was secure because of it. And then the book went a little awry again towards the end.
There was definitely tension and a hella creepy atmosphere generated by Emmaline's interactions with Brother Gideon, but just about everything else she's involved in on the human side of the wall was very perfunctorily covered and had some awkward transitions and jumps in the timeline. I felt as if I was leapfrogging through the later part of the story at times. That disconcerting lack of fluidity continued through to the end of the book, with a myriad of life- and quest-threatening plot threads popping up in seemingly random rapid fire, and just as rapidly being resolved with a minimum of development. And the book's conclusion was extremely abrupt.
For my tastes and strictly in my opinion, Cruel Enchantment didn't quite rise to the level of adept storytelling that I felt existed in the first book of the series, but there were parts I liked quite a lot...just as there were parts that made me struggle to like even a little. The strongest and most fervent pleasure was in the character of Emmaline, who I greatly admired as a damaged, layered, and crafty heroine full of courage and determination, even in the face of crushing emotion and debilitating torment. And I love the world that Bast has created for this series. There are so many truly nifty things about it that I admire greatly. I wish we had been allowed more interaction with the various fantastical creatures of Piefferburg and with the familiar characters we met from the first book. But that's just me being greedy.
I was also pleased to note that the third book in the series, Dark Enchantment, is set for release on April 5, 2011. My adoration of Wicked Enchantment (Dark Magick, Book 1) and the things that I enjoyed about Cruel Enchantment have assured that I will continue reading the series. I just hope the next book is a little closer to the first in both style and substance.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
March 27, 2012
Why did I wait so long to read this book? I'm not sure if it is the mindset I'm in right now or if it's the writing, but this book just flat out did it for me. Talk about hot alpha male! Aeric is hot and pretty rough. I was actually hoping he'd make Emmaline pay for her supposed sins. When he threatened to chain her to his bed and make her pay for the wrongs she committed against him, I melted. Is this wrong?
The sex in this book it hot. I mean, we are talking about I wish my spouse was awake so I could jump him hot. The thing about fae stories, is that there is an inherent sexual sadistic side to their culture. Ms. Bast captures it in a way that makes me want bad bad things. Even though Lars is a sadistic psychotic sociopath, he exude a certain sensuality that I'm drawn too, like the moth to a flame. Yes, I'd be tortured and yes I'd be dead, but I can't say no. Yes, it's f-ed up.
Emmaline is a character I can get behind. She's a strong female who does have some pretty terrible baggage. She also interacts with other strong females well which is a plus in her favour. The fact that she's good hearted deep down makes her very appealing to me. Her strength, even when she's being beaten and tortured, it's admirable. Since this isn't a BDSM book, I realize Ms. Bast won't go into Emmaline's torture. I'm a bit disappointed in ways because well, I am a sadist and I kind of wanted to read about it. Especially if she's also sexually tortured during her time with the Seelie Court.
The storyline is actually moving too slow for me. At this point, an additional unknown force slightly piques my interest, but barely. I'm at the point where I don't really care if they are freed or not. I just want to read about more hot smexy scenes where an alpha male tops an alpha female. Ms. Bast does it so well. The sexual tension has me dripping with anticipation. I recommend this book to fae lovers who really just want some hot sexual tension with smexy rough sex.
The sex in this book it hot. I mean, we are talking about I wish my spouse was awake so I could jump him hot. The thing about fae stories, is that there is an inherent sexual sadistic side to their culture. Ms. Bast captures it in a way that makes me want bad bad things. Even though Lars is a sadistic psychotic sociopath, he exude a certain sensuality that I'm drawn too, like the moth to a flame. Yes, I'd be tortured and yes I'd be dead, but I can't say no. Yes, it's f-ed up.
Emmaline is a character I can get behind. She's a strong female who does have some pretty terrible baggage. She also interacts with other strong females well which is a plus in her favour. The fact that she's good hearted deep down makes her very appealing to me. Her strength, even when she's being beaten and tortured, it's admirable. Since this isn't a BDSM book, I realize Ms. Bast won't go into Emmaline's torture. I'm a bit disappointed in ways because well, I am a sadist and I kind of wanted to read about it. Especially if she's also sexually tortured during her time with the Seelie Court.
The storyline is actually moving too slow for me. At this point, an additional unknown force slightly piques my interest, but barely. I'm at the point where I don't really care if they are freed or not. I just want to read about more hot smexy scenes where an alpha male tops an alpha female. Ms. Bast does it so well. The sexual tension has me dripping with anticipation. I recommend this book to fae lovers who really just want some hot sexual tension with smexy rough sex.
February 26, 2011
Personally, I see it as third in the Dark Magick paranormal series.
Cruel Enchantment is a cruel let down. Most of this series has been bad...god knows why I've kept reading it. Hope, I think. I'm giving up after this one. Even her editor has given up. The main storyline is intriguing and the possibilities for Cruel were good---Bast must have been in a real hurry to finish this and her editor was in a coma. It's a weird blend of fae and modern slang. Please...the fae "tinkle"?? And what's with, "Wow, what was in that drink? I want the recipe."??
Aeric has hated Emmaline for centuries and he gives up his revenge so easily? Sure, I get that Aeric is a nice guy but couldn't Bast have written a little more turmoil into this? He barely gets through one scene before he gives up on his centuries-old desire for revenge against Emmaline for the woman he loved! Then there's Emmaline. She's been doing this spy thing for centuries. She's supposedly so good at it and she misses not supporting part of her strategy against a man she visibly despises for how incredibly evil he is. A man who, if he discovered who she was, could wreak incredible destruction upon her and the fae? Sure it makes an easy one-off to make Gideon suspicious of her but it's not even the route he uses so what was the point other than to point up how stupid Emamline is other than to give the reader a salacious moment?
Almost every scene is rough and awkward or surface and without thought. The "building" relationship between Emmaline and Aeric is so fake, it's gagging to read. Their internal arguments are just so much whining---please just let me finish this bloody book!
Cruel Enchantment is a cruel let down. Most of this series has been bad...god knows why I've kept reading it. Hope, I think. I'm giving up after this one. Even her editor has given up. The main storyline is intriguing and the possibilities for Cruel were good---Bast must have been in a real hurry to finish this and her editor was in a coma. It's a weird blend of fae and modern slang. Please...the fae "tinkle"?? And what's with, "Wow, what was in that drink? I want the recipe."??
Aeric has hated Emmaline for centuries and he gives up his revenge so easily? Sure, I get that Aeric is a nice guy but couldn't Bast have written a little more turmoil into this? He barely gets through one scene before he gives up on his centuries-old desire for revenge against Emmaline for the woman he loved! Then there's Emmaline. She's been doing this spy thing for centuries. She's supposedly so good at it and she misses not supporting part of her strategy against a man she visibly despises for how incredibly evil he is. A man who, if he discovered who she was, could wreak incredible destruction upon her and the fae? Sure it makes an easy one-off to make Gideon suspicious of her but it's not even the route he uses so what was the point other than to point up how stupid Emamline is other than to give the reader a salacious moment?
Almost every scene is rough and awkward or surface and without thought. The "building" relationship between Emmaline and Aeric is so fake, it's gagging to read. Their internal arguments are just so much whining---please just let me finish this bloody book!
December 28, 2015
Enjoyable, capable, and strong heroine and hero. Good action and sex scenes. The villains are evil, love to hate them. Good setup for the next book.
December 27, 2023
All in all I have to say that while it was not *completely* terrible, I was rather disappointed with this one.
I did enjoy the first book in this series, despite the cheesy romance part of the story (See my review of the first book in this series). Unfortunately, many of the aspects of the story that I had liked in the first book were not as well done in this second installment of the series.
Good points: The initial worldbuilding was well done (i.e. in the previous novel of the series). This was the strongest aspect of the book and is the strongest aspect of this series, IMHO. It is the reason I have kept reading, anyhow. The two main characters were likeable, in that they were both good people who had found themselves in difficult situations (i.e. Emmaline was lied to, tortured, and used by the Summer Queen, while Aeric fell in love with a woman who did not love him back and lied to him for many years).
Bad points/constructive criticism: Unfortunately, I do have many things to point out here.
(i) In general, this book did not really add much to the previous one where the world building was concerned. It would have been nice to have more details about this universe.
(ii) The two main characters were likeable. The romance between them felt forced and not really believable though: while I could see why Aeric had wanted to kill her and while I could see why she had killed the woman he had been in love with, I was never clear on *why* these two characters fell for each other as opposed to, say, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The story did not establish in what way these characters were unique and just what, if anything, they had in common. So the romance fell entirely flat for me.
The reason I never saw *what* these characters had in common was the fact that the book spent relatively little time on this. Rather, we were treated to much lusting, some sex scenes, as well as various story aspects relating to the underlying arc of this series of novels. There was some elaboration on Emmaline's history as an assassin for the Summer Queen, as well as on Aeric's relationship with Aileen (i.e. his dead lover) and her death at Emmaline's hands. There was never any despcription of what these characters might like to do together. There were never any descriptions of whether they liked or disliked the same or different foods. There were never any descriptions of whether or not they liked to play practical jokes. There were never any descriptions of which (if any) books they liked.
What I am trying to say is that these people felt, even by the end of the book, rather generic. It was therefore difficult to understand why Aeric, for instance, would have fallen for the woman who killed his lover as opposed to, say, Mother Theresa. It also seems to me that two people in love would have some things in common, whether it is a passion for justice or a passion for obscure literary quotes, and this was never established anywhere in the book. (But then, this seems to be the problem of virtually every romance novel I have ever read, in that the romance is never *believable*.)
/rant
(iii) The sex scenes were, once again, BORING. As in the first book, there was a fair degree of manipulation of the female character's genitals by the male, which somehow brought her to innumerable orgams.
Yawn.
(iv) This book also featured many instances of plot elements coming out of nowhere/out of 'left field'. In other words, in the last third of the book, it truly felt to me as though the author did not know where the plot was headed and simply decided to randomly insert facile plot elements.
One example of this was the fact that, after managing to obtain the all-important magical key from Aeric and having made her way to Israel, the main (female) character and her friends were attacked rather suddenly by a female fae who did not want the fae to be set free because this would result in her being taken to the underworld to join the sluagh (i.e. special hell for fae who had killed other fae) and who had somehow heard about the finding of the second piece of the magical device which would have a role in setting the fae free. How she had heard of the find was never explained and this was the first time any such 'evil fae' cropped up. So, while I am (obivously) not against introducing new elements being introduced into a story, this development felt rather sudden as it suddenly appeared about a 2/3 of the way through the book with no prior warning. Another example of this would be the way in which one particular Phaendir fellow suddenly became suspicious of her, right before she would have returned to the fae with the piece of magical device so crucial to their freedom (this felt like a rather convenient coincidence, plot-wise).
(v) A 'plot hole': I also felt it was somewhat unrealistic that a woman who has spent centuries hiding who she is, and who had successfully infiltrated the sworn enemies of her people (i.e. she infiltrated the Phaendir) would not consider the possibility that someone might at some point search her and/or her possessions. I therefore found it somewhat idiotic on her part to have had kept things with her (i.e. jewelry) which were typical of a FAE woman. I also found it rather idiotic that someone who had decided to infiltrate an enemy organization in this way would not have memorized her (pretend) family's history in case she was questioned about her background.
I mean, honestly. How dumb was she, exactly?
(vi) I still wonder why there are only Celtic (mostly Irish) magical creatures. Couldn't magic evolve anywhere else on earth, other than Ireland? (All right, there apparently were some Scottish and some Welsh fae. But still.)
What's up with that? *is confused by this somewhat sloppy aspect of world building*
So, as with the first book, this book contained a rather low-quality romance novel. The second part or thread of the novel, namely the adventure/urban fantasy aspect, was not as well carried out in this book as in the first book in the series, particularly since it did not elaborate on or further detail the elements introduced in the first novel of the series (see above for details).
2 stars.
-See my review of the first book in this series.
-See my review of the third book in this series.
I did enjoy the first book in this series, despite the cheesy romance part of the story (See my review of the first book in this series). Unfortunately, many of the aspects of the story that I had liked in the first book were not as well done in this second installment of the series.
Good points: The initial worldbuilding was well done (i.e. in the previous novel of the series). This was the strongest aspect of the book and is the strongest aspect of this series, IMHO. It is the reason I have kept reading, anyhow. The two main characters were likeable, in that they were both good people who had found themselves in difficult situations (i.e. Emmaline was lied to, tortured, and used by the Summer Queen, while Aeric fell in love with a woman who did not love him back and lied to him for many years).
Bad points/constructive criticism: Unfortunately, I do have many things to point out here.
(i) In general, this book did not really add much to the previous one where the world building was concerned. It would have been nice to have more details about this universe.
(ii) The two main characters were likeable. The romance between them felt forced and not really believable though: while I could see why Aeric had wanted to kill her and while I could see why she had killed the woman he had been in love with, I was never clear on *why* these two characters fell for each other as opposed to, say, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The story did not establish in what way these characters were unique and just what, if anything, they had in common. So the romance fell entirely flat for me.
The reason I never saw *what* these characters had in common was the fact that the book spent relatively little time on this. Rather, we were treated to much lusting, some sex scenes, as well as various story aspects relating to the underlying arc of this series of novels. There was some elaboration on Emmaline's history as an assassin for the Summer Queen, as well as on Aeric's relationship with Aileen (i.e. his dead lover) and her death at Emmaline's hands. There was never any despcription of what these characters might like to do together. There were never any descriptions of whether they liked or disliked the same or different foods. There were never any descriptions of whether or not they liked to play practical jokes. There were never any descriptions of which (if any) books they liked.
What I am trying to say is that these people felt, even by the end of the book, rather generic. It was therefore difficult to understand why Aeric, for instance, would have fallen for the woman who killed his lover as opposed to, say, Mother Theresa. It also seems to me that two people in love would have some things in common, whether it is a passion for justice or a passion for obscure literary quotes, and this was never established anywhere in the book. (But then, this seems to be the problem of virtually every romance novel I have ever read, in that the romance is never *believable*.)
/rant
(iii) The sex scenes were, once again, BORING. As in the first book, there was a fair degree of manipulation of the female character's genitals by the male, which somehow brought her to innumerable orgams.
Yawn.
(iv) This book also featured many instances of plot elements coming out of nowhere/out of 'left field'. In other words, in the last third of the book, it truly felt to me as though the author did not know where the plot was headed and simply decided to randomly insert facile plot elements.
One example of this was the fact that, after managing to obtain the all-important magical key from Aeric and having made her way to Israel, the main (female) character and her friends were attacked rather suddenly by a female fae who did not want the fae to be set free because this would result in her being taken to the underworld to join the sluagh (i.e. special hell for fae who had killed other fae) and who had somehow heard about the finding of the second piece of the magical device which would have a role in setting the fae free. How she had heard of the find was never explained and this was the first time any such 'evil fae' cropped up. So, while I am (obivously) not against introducing new elements being introduced into a story, this development felt rather sudden as it suddenly appeared about a 2/3 of the way through the book with no prior warning. Another example of this would be the way in which one particular Phaendir fellow suddenly became suspicious of her, right before she would have returned to the fae with the piece of magical device so crucial to their freedom (this felt like a rather convenient coincidence, plot-wise).
(v) A 'plot hole': I also felt it was somewhat unrealistic that a woman who has spent centuries hiding who she is, and who had successfully infiltrated the sworn enemies of her people (i.e. she infiltrated the Phaendir) would not consider the possibility that someone might at some point search her and/or her possessions. I therefore found it somewhat idiotic on her part to have had kept things with her (i.e. jewelry) which were typical of a FAE woman. I also found it rather idiotic that someone who had decided to infiltrate an enemy organization in this way would not have memorized her (pretend) family's history in case she was questioned about her background.
I mean, honestly. How dumb was she, exactly?
(vi) I still wonder why there are only Celtic (mostly Irish) magical creatures. Couldn't magic evolve anywhere else on earth, other than Ireland? (All right, there apparently were some Scottish and some Welsh fae. But still.)
What's up with that? *is confused by this somewhat sloppy aspect of world building*
So, as with the first book, this book contained a rather low-quality romance novel. The second part or thread of the novel, namely the adventure/urban fantasy aspect, was not as well carried out in this book as in the first book in the series, particularly since it did not elaborate on or further detail the elements introduced in the first novel of the series (see above for details).
2 stars.
-See my review of the first book in this series.
-See my review of the third book in this series.
August 29, 2020
This is the second book of the Dark Magick series by Anya Bast that tells us the story of Emmaline and Aeric.
Emmaline has a past. A dark one. A past that still haunts her. But she changed. She's no longer the person that she once was.
Now she is a spy and she has a job. To find the Blacksmith and ask for his help. But the Blacksmith is Aeric and he hates her and wants her death.
I loved this book. This one is my favourite from the entire series. Emmaline's was such a strong character. She went through hell and back. Aeric was in pain. The only thing that he wanted was revenge. But somehow they found a way to heal each other.
Emmaline has a past. A dark one. A past that still haunts her. But she changed. She's no longer the person that she once was.
Now she is a spy and she has a job. To find the Blacksmith and ask for his help. But the Blacksmith is Aeric and he hates her and wants her death.
I loved this book. This one is my favourite from the entire series. Emmaline's was such a strong character. She went through hell and back. Aeric was in pain. The only thing that he wanted was revenge. But somehow they found a way to heal each other.
December 24, 2011
This is the second installment in Dark Magick serie and I can say without a shadow of doubt that Ms. Anya has rocked my world yet again with another awesome tale!
Emma is a woman with a lot of things not going her way. Life has dealt her a pretty crappy hand, but I admire the woman she become. She made the best of what she could with the cards that she was dealt. Her parents died when she was around ten. Leaving her to fin for herself. Until the Summer Queen took her in. Only it was not from the warmth of the Summer Queen's heart to do this. The Summer Queen knows no warm and fuzzy feelings. She is quiet the opposite to her title. Anything but warm. In the Seelie Court, the Summer Queen turned Emma into an assassin, her personal assassin. The job Emma was created for, she excelled in it. Excelling so well that she pissed off more than a few people....
One of those people being Aeric... the Blacksmith of the Unseelie Court. He wields weapons laced with his magick for all of his life. A man Emma fell in love with since the day she laid eyes on him ~ way back when. Emma knew that his heart belonged to Aileen, but she still cared for him. Aeric was the type of man to give one hundred percent. He did nothing half-ass. It was all or nothing for him and his love to Aileen was just that. He gave her everything. Even though he has a few doubts in the back of his mind about her and her past. He overlooked them and loved her for all she was worth. But one day that all changed, with one arrow... Aeric's world was turned upside down...
Three hundred odd years have passed... Emma now lives among the humans. On the outside of the walls of Piefferburg. Her cause now changed... no longer an assassin. Now she is working with an organization for Human for the Freedom of the Fae (HFF). Trying to free the fae. Her mission to go back inside the gates of Piefferburg and get a key made... Simple enough right. Wrong, the only person that can make the key ~ the Blacksmith. Three hundred years and she still loved him and Aeric still hated her.
This couple rocked my world. Emma is a woman who made me very proud. She owned up to her mistakes, she knew that her past would always follow her, condemn her... She knew that the mission was more important that herself. She was willing to give up all that she has left for the better cause of the fae people, her people. It was amazing to take the journey with Emma through her true past and her present. To see the things she had to endure that no one else ever knew to become the woman was today. The events and occurrences from Emma's past would have broke a regular person, broke them so hard they probably would not have survived it. But she did. And Aeric was a man on a mission of destruction. By all means, he wanted Emma dead for taking what was his. But when he learns of all of Emma's past secrets, strips her bear and goes beyond the glamour, he sees the true Emma. The one who is afraid, whose heart is bigger than most, who's soul is in need of healing.
Can two wrongs makes a right? Can one forgive and forget the past? Is it truly that easy to walk away and let go of all the strings that bind you to that past? What happens when you don't want the past to be forgotten? But what happens when you learn that things are not really what they seem? Can love truly be blind and over come all?
This story is truly a hate/love relationship. There was no simple solution to this story. If you want to read a vanilla kinda story, do not pick this up... However, if you want a book that will make you pray for love, hope to be forgiven, dream to live another day ~ then please read this one. But be warned with every side, there is the side you don't want to know about. The side where there is pleasure in the pain inflicted on others, by the hands of others. Ms. Anya gives you a story complete with the things that nightmares are made out of. This is not a story to scare you, no... this is a story to see all the dynamics of what powerful people are capable of doing.
The story building is absolutely phenomenal. Ms Anya leaves nothing out to the imagination when it comes to describing the world of the fae. She holds no barred when it comes to making sure you know your surroundings, you know the people and you know their land. You know it as your own backyard. The relationships, Ms Anya, gives you the hero and heroine's story. But what I truly enjoy is that Ms. Anya keeps the family/friends together in this series. Each book is about a different hero/heroine... but the group as a whole is still brought forward!
If you have not indulged into the world of The Dark Magick, I insist that you do. This is an awesome series that Ms. Anya has created. Bringing light to two people who would have never come together if it were not for the greatest cause of their people. Their love and devotion for what they believe in shines through. With these two people the truth was always what was important. Emma and Aeric... well.. come with me on this journey and find out for yourself just what a kick-ass heroine and a bad-ass blacksmith can accomplish together! I promise you a ride all the way to the end!
Ms. Anya did a fan-flipping-tastic job at creating another stealer of a book! The world she enveloped me in was all I could have imagined and more. It was breathtaking as it was heartbreaking. It was pain, while there was pleasure. It was soul shattering as it was soul searching. This book was truly a Cruel Enchantment of piece of work. Ms Anya ~ wonderful job! Simply spell bounding!
Emma is a woman with a lot of things not going her way. Life has dealt her a pretty crappy hand, but I admire the woman she become. She made the best of what she could with the cards that she was dealt. Her parents died when she was around ten. Leaving her to fin for herself. Until the Summer Queen took her in. Only it was not from the warmth of the Summer Queen's heart to do this. The Summer Queen knows no warm and fuzzy feelings. She is quiet the opposite to her title. Anything but warm. In the Seelie Court, the Summer Queen turned Emma into an assassin, her personal assassin. The job Emma was created for, she excelled in it. Excelling so well that she pissed off more than a few people....
One of those people being Aeric... the Blacksmith of the Unseelie Court. He wields weapons laced with his magick for all of his life. A man Emma fell in love with since the day she laid eyes on him ~ way back when. Emma knew that his heart belonged to Aileen, but she still cared for him. Aeric was the type of man to give one hundred percent. He did nothing half-ass. It was all or nothing for him and his love to Aileen was just that. He gave her everything. Even though he has a few doubts in the back of his mind about her and her past. He overlooked them and loved her for all she was worth. But one day that all changed, with one arrow... Aeric's world was turned upside down...
Three hundred odd years have passed... Emma now lives among the humans. On the outside of the walls of Piefferburg. Her cause now changed... no longer an assassin. Now she is working with an organization for Human for the Freedom of the Fae (HFF). Trying to free the fae. Her mission to go back inside the gates of Piefferburg and get a key made... Simple enough right. Wrong, the only person that can make the key ~ the Blacksmith. Three hundred years and she still loved him and Aeric still hated her.
This couple rocked my world. Emma is a woman who made me very proud. She owned up to her mistakes, she knew that her past would always follow her, condemn her... She knew that the mission was more important that herself. She was willing to give up all that she has left for the better cause of the fae people, her people. It was amazing to take the journey with Emma through her true past and her present. To see the things she had to endure that no one else ever knew to become the woman was today. The events and occurrences from Emma's past would have broke a regular person, broke them so hard they probably would not have survived it. But she did. And Aeric was a man on a mission of destruction. By all means, he wanted Emma dead for taking what was his. But when he learns of all of Emma's past secrets, strips her bear and goes beyond the glamour, he sees the true Emma. The one who is afraid, whose heart is bigger than most, who's soul is in need of healing.
Can two wrongs makes a right? Can one forgive and forget the past? Is it truly that easy to walk away and let go of all the strings that bind you to that past? What happens when you don't want the past to be forgotten? But what happens when you learn that things are not really what they seem? Can love truly be blind and over come all?
This story is truly a hate/love relationship. There was no simple solution to this story. If you want to read a vanilla kinda story, do not pick this up... However, if you want a book that will make you pray for love, hope to be forgiven, dream to live another day ~ then please read this one. But be warned with every side, there is the side you don't want to know about. The side where there is pleasure in the pain inflicted on others, by the hands of others. Ms. Anya gives you a story complete with the things that nightmares are made out of. This is not a story to scare you, no... this is a story to see all the dynamics of what powerful people are capable of doing.
The story building is absolutely phenomenal. Ms Anya leaves nothing out to the imagination when it comes to describing the world of the fae. She holds no barred when it comes to making sure you know your surroundings, you know the people and you know their land. You know it as your own backyard. The relationships, Ms Anya, gives you the hero and heroine's story. But what I truly enjoy is that Ms. Anya keeps the family/friends together in this series. Each book is about a different hero/heroine... but the group as a whole is still brought forward!
If you have not indulged into the world of The Dark Magick, I insist that you do. This is an awesome series that Ms. Anya has created. Bringing light to two people who would have never come together if it were not for the greatest cause of their people. Their love and devotion for what they believe in shines through. With these two people the truth was always what was important. Emma and Aeric... well.. come with me on this journey and find out for yourself just what a kick-ass heroine and a bad-ass blacksmith can accomplish together! I promise you a ride all the way to the end!
Ms. Anya did a fan-flipping-tastic job at creating another stealer of a book! The world she enveloped me in was all I could have imagined and more. It was breathtaking as it was heartbreaking. It was pain, while there was pleasure. It was soul shattering as it was soul searching. This book was truly a Cruel Enchantment of piece of work. Ms Anya ~ wonderful job! Simply spell bounding!
April 24, 2018
Emma was the Queen's assassin for the Seelie court and she killed Aeric's love. When she returns to have Aeric make a key to unlock another piece of the bosca fadbh. Aeric finds her and locks her up while deciding how she will suffer only she isn't the monster he expected her to be and there's more to the story than he knew. The majority of the Unseelie Court and many in the Seelie court want to kill her. Brother Gideon has the hots for her, we learn more about his plans and are introduced to the HFF outside of Piefferburg. A lot going on, some things are predictable but still a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
How does this have such a high rating? The main characters act like spoiled children. Can’t stand it.
November 19, 2024
More like a 3.5 . . .
September 21, 2010
I gave this 4.5 stars.
Originally posted at Smexy books-http://www.smexybooks.com/2010/09/rev...
Favorite Quote:” How many times had he planned her death? How many weapons now hung in his forge that he’d crafted with the intention of using them on her? Mercy? He’d thought he had none for her.”
Danger Will Robinson!!! This does contain some light spoilers.
To help her race from being eradicated, Emmaline Gallagher must retrieve an object of fae power from a locked ancient box. Only Aeric O'Malley has the forging skills to create a key. But will their tumultuous past stand in the way?
Cruel Enchantment is an dark, exhilarating, sensual delight. Once again we are submerged into the beautiful devious world of the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Cruel Enchantment is filled with tense suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. A fascinating read that captured me at page one.
In Cruel Enchantment, we are introduced to Emmaline Gallagher of the Seelie Court. Emmaline spent her younger years as the most feared assassin of the Summer Queen. When she escapes the great sweep that imprisoned the courts and most fae in Piefferberg, she walked away from her past life and began to work with the HFF. Her mission? To convince Aeric O'Malley, the Blacksmith, to forge a magical key that will open an ancient box containing a fae artifact. The Problem? Emmaline killed his fiance and Aeric has vowed revenge. When Emmaline enters Piefferberg, Aeric is lying in wait for her. He ambushes her and spirits her off to his home.
Emmaline’s mission must be completed but Aeric has dreamed of having her in his power for hundreds of years and nothing will convince him to set her free. As Emmaline and Aeric begin their battle, striking blows with words as sharp as the finest crafted blade, you hear their memories and see that both were victims of extremely sadistic and selfish people. When old and new feelings emerge between them, Aeric and Emmaline must look to the past if they are ever to have a future. But Aeric isn’t the only one who wants Emmaline dead. Most of the Unseelie court has suffered in some way due to her dubious past and the Summer Queen wants her assassin back.
The chemistry between Aeric and Emmaline is powerfully portrayed as they work their way from enemies to lovers. It leaps off the pages and surrounds you with it’s anger and passion.
The betrayal that Aeric must work through is heartwenching as his memories begin to unravel and the portrait of love he surrounded his fiance with fades and the truth reveals it’s self. As Aeric and Emmaline forge their fragile alliance, they are besieged by past enemies, both fae and human, who will stop at nothing to prevent Emmaline from completing her mission.
Ms. Bast takes fae mythology and mixes it new lore to produce a stunning urban fantasy world that first started in Wicked Enchantment and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in Cruel Enchantment. Instead of being overburdened by overwrought interpretation
and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Cruel Enchantment continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of seductive romance, non stop action, realistic main characters, intriguing secondary characters, and nail biting betrayal from all sides. Well thought out and fast paced, it creates a satisfying arc of development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts - one that threatens the lives of Aeric and Emmaline, and one that threatens their hearts and souls.
The only tiny problem I have is how the Unseelie court always seems to be caught unawares by the Seelie Court. I found myself cringing at some of the decisions made by the Shadow queen and cannot understand WHY she continuously gives the Summer Queen the benefit of the doubt. I do hope Ms. Bast will allow the Unseelie court to emerge triumphant at least one time against the Summer Queen.
All in all Cruel Enchantment was a satisfying read in every way. A unbelievable ride that I could not and did not want to end. I cannot WAIT for Dark Enchantment, #3 of the Dark Magic series, which is due out in April 5, 2011. I will definitely continue to read and recommend this series.
Original review posted at Smexybooks
Originally posted at Smexy books-http://www.smexybooks.com/2010/09/rev...
Favorite Quote:” How many times had he planned her death? How many weapons now hung in his forge that he’d crafted with the intention of using them on her? Mercy? He’d thought he had none for her.”
Danger Will Robinson!!! This does contain some light spoilers.
To help her race from being eradicated, Emmaline Gallagher must retrieve an object of fae power from a locked ancient box. Only Aeric O'Malley has the forging skills to create a key. But will their tumultuous past stand in the way?
Cruel Enchantment is an dark, exhilarating, sensual delight. Once again we are submerged into the beautiful devious world of the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Cruel Enchantment is filled with tense suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. A fascinating read that captured me at page one.
In Cruel Enchantment, we are introduced to Emmaline Gallagher of the Seelie Court. Emmaline spent her younger years as the most feared assassin of the Summer Queen. When she escapes the great sweep that imprisoned the courts and most fae in Piefferberg, she walked away from her past life and began to work with the HFF. Her mission? To convince Aeric O'Malley, the Blacksmith, to forge a magical key that will open an ancient box containing a fae artifact. The Problem? Emmaline killed his fiance and Aeric has vowed revenge. When Emmaline enters Piefferberg, Aeric is lying in wait for her. He ambushes her and spirits her off to his home.
Emmaline’s mission must be completed but Aeric has dreamed of having her in his power for hundreds of years and nothing will convince him to set her free. As Emmaline and Aeric begin their battle, striking blows with words as sharp as the finest crafted blade, you hear their memories and see that both were victims of extremely sadistic and selfish people. When old and new feelings emerge between them, Aeric and Emmaline must look to the past if they are ever to have a future. But Aeric isn’t the only one who wants Emmaline dead. Most of the Unseelie court has suffered in some way due to her dubious past and the Summer Queen wants her assassin back.
The chemistry between Aeric and Emmaline is powerfully portrayed as they work their way from enemies to lovers. It leaps off the pages and surrounds you with it’s anger and passion.
The betrayal that Aeric must work through is heartwenching as his memories begin to unravel and the portrait of love he surrounded his fiance with fades and the truth reveals it’s self. As Aeric and Emmaline forge their fragile alliance, they are besieged by past enemies, both fae and human, who will stop at nothing to prevent Emmaline from completing her mission.
Ms. Bast takes fae mythology and mixes it new lore to produce a stunning urban fantasy world that first started in Wicked Enchantment and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in Cruel Enchantment. Instead of being overburdened by overwrought interpretation
and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Cruel Enchantment continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of seductive romance, non stop action, realistic main characters, intriguing secondary characters, and nail biting betrayal from all sides. Well thought out and fast paced, it creates a satisfying arc of development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts - one that threatens the lives of Aeric and Emmaline, and one that threatens their hearts and souls.
The only tiny problem I have is how the Unseelie court always seems to be caught unawares by the Seelie Court. I found myself cringing at some of the decisions made by the Shadow queen and cannot understand WHY she continuously gives the Summer Queen the benefit of the doubt. I do hope Ms. Bast will allow the Unseelie court to emerge triumphant at least one time against the Summer Queen.
All in all Cruel Enchantment was a satisfying read in every way. A unbelievable ride that I could not and did not want to end. I cannot WAIT for Dark Enchantment, #3 of the Dark Magic series, which is due out in April 5, 2011. I will definitely continue to read and recommend this series.
Original review posted at Smexybooks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2010
Emmaline has been trying to atone for her past sins as the Summer Queen's assassin many centuries previously by trying to find a way to destroy the detention center that the Phaendir built to imprison the fae - Piefferberg. Emmaline's ability to use personal glamour has allowed her to avoid being imprisoned in Piefferberg and to get close to the Phaendir who run the prison to gain a way to enter and exit Piefferberg in the guise of a human Faemous crew member (the fae "Entertainment Tonight" equivalent that resides in Piefferberg). Emmaline uses this "in" to seek out Aeric the Blacksmith to ask him to build a key that will hopefully unlock a relic that is needed to tear down Piefferberg's walls. Unfortunately for Emmaline, Aeric hasn't forgotten or forgiven her for murdering his fiancee centuries earlier while she was the Summer Queen's assassin. Quickly Emmaline's trip to Piefferberg changes from asking Aeric to build a key to asking Aeric to spare her life.
I loved the main character Emmaline! She is a survivor and isn't afraid to kick a little ass. Since Emmaline has been living on her own away from other fae for centuries one of the scenes that really struck me in this book was when she first steps in Piefferberg. She expects it to feel like a prison but is surprised by the connection she feels with the land and many of the things she's missed from living away from the fae for so long. That revelation was the first of many for Emmaline during her adventures in Piefferberg - the second was that Aeric put the equivalent of a magical lo-jack on her to know the instant she stepped inside the fae prison. Though Aeric captures Emmaline with the intent to kill her, his life instantly gets more complicated as he begins to have conflicting feelings about killing Emmaline and learns more about the situation surrounding his fiancee's death. Of course Aeric faces these conflicting emotions like any grumpy alpha male does by drinking some whiskey, smashing stuff up, and stealing some kisses that end up leaving him more conflicted. Thankfully things change from comflicted to more steamy as Aeric begins to forgive Emmaline for her past mistakes and starts to see her as a woman rather than an assassin.
The bad guys in this book are truly evil. Gideon, the Phaendir member who we first meet in Wicked Enchantment, is still trying to take over the leadership of the Phaendir and is eliminating those who stand in his way by any means necessary. He really is a creepy character who practices self-flagellation to such an extreme that he nearly passes out from blood loss afterward and justifies the murders and foul acts he commits by saying it's his god's will. Another big bad guy from Emmaline's past is Lars who we learn shaped Emmaline into an assassin when she was just a teenager. What Emmaline went through at Lars's hands was truly terrible and helps explains many things that happened in her past. Though the biggest bad guy in this book is the Summer Queen, as we get further into the series the more evil and questionable the actions of the Summer Queen are - she seems like she should belong to the Black Tower with all her underhanded dealing and tricks.
The overall story is complex and engaging as we delve into Emmaline and Aeric's past and developing relationship while following the parallel story lines of Gideon and the Human's for the Freedom of Fae, the organization that Emmaline works with on the outside. We also get glimpses of the hunt and the rulers of the Black Tower and the Unseelie court, who we met in the first book, though I don't think it's necessary to read Wicked Enchantment to understand what is happening in Cruel Enchantment, but it will help to understand the back story of some of the characters.
Overall this book is a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me, Emmaline is a tough heroine who earned her chance at love with the sexy blacksmith Aeric.
I loved the main character Emmaline! She is a survivor and isn't afraid to kick a little ass. Since Emmaline has been living on her own away from other fae for centuries one of the scenes that really struck me in this book was when she first steps in Piefferberg. She expects it to feel like a prison but is surprised by the connection she feels with the land and many of the things she's missed from living away from the fae for so long. That revelation was the first of many for Emmaline during her adventures in Piefferberg - the second was that Aeric put the equivalent of a magical lo-jack on her to know the instant she stepped inside the fae prison. Though Aeric captures Emmaline with the intent to kill her, his life instantly gets more complicated as he begins to have conflicting feelings about killing Emmaline and learns more about the situation surrounding his fiancee's death. Of course Aeric faces these conflicting emotions like any grumpy alpha male does by drinking some whiskey, smashing stuff up, and stealing some kisses that end up leaving him more conflicted. Thankfully things change from comflicted to more steamy as Aeric begins to forgive Emmaline for her past mistakes and starts to see her as a woman rather than an assassin.
The bad guys in this book are truly evil. Gideon, the Phaendir member who we first meet in Wicked Enchantment, is still trying to take over the leadership of the Phaendir and is eliminating those who stand in his way by any means necessary. He really is a creepy character who practices self-flagellation to such an extreme that he nearly passes out from blood loss afterward and justifies the murders and foul acts he commits by saying it's his god's will. Another big bad guy from Emmaline's past is Lars who we learn shaped Emmaline into an assassin when she was just a teenager. What Emmaline went through at Lars's hands was truly terrible and helps explains many things that happened in her past. Though the biggest bad guy in this book is the Summer Queen, as we get further into the series the more evil and questionable the actions of the Summer Queen are - she seems like she should belong to the Black Tower with all her underhanded dealing and tricks.
The overall story is complex and engaging as we delve into Emmaline and Aeric's past and developing relationship while following the parallel story lines of Gideon and the Human's for the Freedom of Fae, the organization that Emmaline works with on the outside. We also get glimpses of the hunt and the rulers of the Black Tower and the Unseelie court, who we met in the first book, though I don't think it's necessary to read Wicked Enchantment to understand what is happening in Cruel Enchantment, but it will help to understand the back story of some of the characters.
Overall this book is a 4.5 out of 5 stars for me, Emmaline is a tough heroine who earned her chance at love with the sexy blacksmith Aeric.
April 28, 2015
Got to admit I liked this one a touch better than the first book. However I have to admit, I was not loving a few key points in this book:
1. Emmaline is an assassin. Meaning you would think stealth and nobody really knowing her identity. But no. Everyone knows not only her identity, but they know her so well. They even know how thirsty she was for the hero/blacksmith she has to work with, Aeric. And even the fact that she killed his ex-fiancée. That was pretty messed up to me.
2. While on the run from half the Unseelie fae that wanted to kill Emmaline, do to how she had taken out so many during the war between the two courts. There comes a time in which Emmaline and Aeric decide to hide out at these houses that are looked after by some special fae ladies. That are meant to be a safe haven for fae women. Sounds good right? Wrong, cause they are safe houses that only are safe if the fae royalty is NOT looking for you. But if they are. Welp, then they have to turn you in. Which obviously happened for a SECOND time already in the series. Which makes no sense to me. Most especially given that in the last book, the brother of Aeric's friend and his wife were captured in those EXACT houses in the LAST book. Made no sense whatsoever to even think about going back there. Or at the very least stay so long that you could be caught there.
3. Emmaline's reasoning skills or maybe lack of interest/caring for her former colleagues after she had been in the fae settlement for so long. Because once she re-joined her team, another fae guy, and her human ex-husband, she just didn't seem to have that level of caring for them as it sounded like she once did. I mean sure she demonstrated concern, fear, and worry when she got back and realized that they had been ambushed and knocked out. Not to mention the fact that an unknown fae woman disguised as her husband tried to kill her underwater. But after she made sure they were both ok. She never really seemed to slow down and have a real convo with her ex about his feelings for her. I mean the fake hubby brought it all back up. And as a reader we clearly saw he still had some feelings for her still. But she was like nope, I got what I came here for, I'm outtie and back to the rest of my fae peeps. No bye or nothing. Not only that, but there was mention that she worked with a fae woman as well as her ex and the other fae guy. But we never got to meet her either, which was odd.
4. A bit of a tie-in to #3, Emmaline's lack of interest or regard for the jewelry she clearly collected over the years in her drawer. It was brought up that Gideon(one of the bad guys) had clearly gone through her things and found it. But other than feeling icked out that he went through her underwear drawer. Emmaline didn't bat a single eye as to taking that jewelry box with her on her way back to be with Aeric at all. It was just so strange.
5. I'm also at a loss as to who and where this Kieran character has popped up from. I can understand all the other characters having some friendship or connection. Heck even bonds of family really. But Kieran's family(twin brother) was already killed. True enough by Emmaline. But still, Kieran has no relation to anybody in the Wild Hunt. He's not actually said to be friends with Aeric or Gabriel really. More like a passing acquaintance. And yet he reads like we should know him just as well as we know everyone else so far. And that is just not true.
But ironically, it all seemed to work out to become a far better story than the first book.
1. Emmaline is an assassin. Meaning you would think stealth and nobody really knowing her identity. But no. Everyone knows not only her identity, but they know her so well. They even know how thirsty she was for the hero/blacksmith she has to work with, Aeric. And even the fact that she killed his ex-fiancée. That was pretty messed up to me.
2. While on the run from half the Unseelie fae that wanted to kill Emmaline, do to how she had taken out so many during the war between the two courts. There comes a time in which Emmaline and Aeric decide to hide out at these houses that are looked after by some special fae ladies. That are meant to be a safe haven for fae women. Sounds good right? Wrong, cause they are safe houses that only are safe if the fae royalty is NOT looking for you. But if they are. Welp, then they have to turn you in. Which obviously happened for a SECOND time already in the series. Which makes no sense to me. Most especially given that in the last book, the brother of Aeric's friend and his wife were captured in those EXACT houses in the LAST book. Made no sense whatsoever to even think about going back there. Or at the very least stay so long that you could be caught there.
3. Emmaline's reasoning skills or maybe lack of interest/caring for her former colleagues after she had been in the fae settlement for so long. Because once she re-joined her team, another fae guy, and her human ex-husband, she just didn't seem to have that level of caring for them as it sounded like she once did. I mean sure she demonstrated concern, fear, and worry when she got back and realized that they had been ambushed and knocked out. Not to mention the fact that an unknown fae woman disguised as her husband tried to kill her underwater. But after she made sure they were both ok. She never really seemed to slow down and have a real convo with her ex about his feelings for her. I mean the fake hubby brought it all back up. And as a reader we clearly saw he still had some feelings for her still. But she was like nope, I got what I came here for, I'm outtie and back to the rest of my fae peeps. No bye or nothing. Not only that, but there was mention that she worked with a fae woman as well as her ex and the other fae guy. But we never got to meet her either, which was odd.
4. A bit of a tie-in to #3, Emmaline's lack of interest or regard for the jewelry she clearly collected over the years in her drawer. It was brought up that Gideon(one of the bad guys) had clearly gone through her things and found it. But other than feeling icked out that he went through her underwear drawer. Emmaline didn't bat a single eye as to taking that jewelry box with her on her way back to be with Aeric at all. It was just so strange.
5. I'm also at a loss as to who and where this Kieran character has popped up from. I can understand all the other characters having some friendship or connection. Heck even bonds of family really. But Kieran's family(twin brother) was already killed. True enough by Emmaline. But still, Kieran has no relation to anybody in the Wild Hunt. He's not actually said to be friends with Aeric or Gabriel really. More like a passing acquaintance. And yet he reads like we should know him just as well as we know everyone else so far. And that is just not true.
But ironically, it all seemed to work out to become a far better story than the first book.
November 19, 2012
17.11.12 I have no idea what I'm doing delving deeper into the fantasy/paranormal or whatever you fans call this. It's not even my favourite genre for gads sake! But admittedly something about the otherworldly is digging its claws in so I'll continue to explore until...well...until whenever.
Inside the requisite 100 pages and right off I'm not into a man who physically manhandles a woman with the declared intent of killing her, but, and I cannot believe I'm even allowing a but, I never ever ever allow a but, NEVER!!! but...damnit there are compelling reasons for his fury...hell and damnation I'm making excuses aren't I? I should really go back to the safe familiar haven of historical romance and leave this world of the fae, magic and the mystical behind...I really should its screwing with my head *groan*.
The names were a bit of a hard read eg Goibhniu and other unpronounceable names but thank goodness for the glossary at the back.
Having said the above I have reservations about reading the first book Wicked Enchantment and its hero Gabriel ‘the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms.’
Serious reservations.
Inside the requisite 100 pages and right off I'm not into a man who physically manhandles a woman with the declared intent of killing her, but, and I cannot believe I'm even allowing a but, I never ever ever allow a but, NEVER!!! but...damnit there are compelling reasons for his fury...hell and damnation I'm making excuses aren't I? I should really go back to the safe familiar haven of historical romance and leave this world of the fae, magic and the mystical behind...I really should its screwing with my head *groan*.
The names were a bit of a hard read eg Goibhniu and other unpronounceable names but thank goodness for the glossary at the back.
Having said the above I have reservations about reading the first book Wicked Enchantment and its hero Gabriel ‘the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms.’
Serious reservations.
September 21, 2010
Anya Bast's latest novel in her Dark Magick series is Cruel Enchantment. This book is number 2 in the series. Book 1 is Wicked Enchantment.
Emmaline Gallagher is fae, living free in a human’s world. She has a special power called glamour. This power allows her to appear like any person or species, (male, female, human, fae...). With a power like that, no doubt she has a history. Before she became to live with humans (hundreds of years ago), this awe-aspiring fae female was once a deadly assassin; one who was a master at slipping in, catching her unsuspecting target and killing them instantly with her crossbow. That part of her has been long gone but its memory of ill times haunts her daily, especially him – the blacksmith, Aeric O’Malley.
Aeric’s sworn an eternal oath to kill the murderer who killed his angel and woman, Aileen. She died over three hundred years ago but for Aeric and his vendetta, it was just only yesterday. The one woman he’s fixated on now is the one responsible, Emmaline. Aeric’s mind rotates constantly on when and how he will maim, torture and mutilate her – all in the memory of Aileen. Poor Aeric. Things are never as they seem. Once Emmaline steps foot in the contained city of fae (St. Piefferberg), Aeric's in for a rude awakening, especially when he unmasks Emmaline and also the truth.
Emmaline swore she’d never go back St. Piefferberg. Not after killing Aileen. You see, all those years ago, Emmaline was infatuated with Aeric. But after killing Aileen – Aeric’s first love – Emmaline knew she was as good as dead and would never have a chance at winning Aeric’s heart.
Fast forward to three hundred years later, Emmaline now lives with the humans, working as a spy for the HFF (Humans for Freedom of the Fae). She’s been assigned to an undercover operation where she pretends to be Emily, a human working for the Phaendir (a race of druids who fight to contain the fae).
There’s much more to the plot than this and if you’re not familiar with the series, I’d recommend either starting with Book 1 or taking time to familiarize yourself with Bast’s glossary. There are several players within this book, each with their own back story.
What I think I liked best about this story was first the relationship between Emmaline and Aeric. Basically, it was doomed. I mean what are the chances for Emmaline to gain Aeric’s heart let alone trust after she killed of his lover, Aileen? Pretty slim, I assure you. Still, Bast does a great job at unfolding their history with one another, explaining how the gut-wrenching reality to Aeric when the time comes. As a reader, I liked Emmaline’s character. Her unsightly past gave her much credence in my opinion. The notion about her glamour was intriguing as well. Using it her entire existence and then all of a sudden revealing her true form was without a doubt liberating. The only question I have was why the book’s cover art featured a glamour image of her and not her real one. I don’t understand it. That, I thought, was a miss. Ah…marketing, marketing, marketing, marketing.
On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Anya Bast’s Cruel Enchantment at 3.5.
Emmaline Gallagher is fae, living free in a human’s world. She has a special power called glamour. This power allows her to appear like any person or species, (male, female, human, fae...). With a power like that, no doubt she has a history. Before she became to live with humans (hundreds of years ago), this awe-aspiring fae female was once a deadly assassin; one who was a master at slipping in, catching her unsuspecting target and killing them instantly with her crossbow. That part of her has been long gone but its memory of ill times haunts her daily, especially him – the blacksmith, Aeric O’Malley.
Aeric’s sworn an eternal oath to kill the murderer who killed his angel and woman, Aileen. She died over three hundred years ago but for Aeric and his vendetta, it was just only yesterday. The one woman he’s fixated on now is the one responsible, Emmaline. Aeric’s mind rotates constantly on when and how he will maim, torture and mutilate her – all in the memory of Aileen. Poor Aeric. Things are never as they seem. Once Emmaline steps foot in the contained city of fae (St. Piefferberg), Aeric's in for a rude awakening, especially when he unmasks Emmaline and also the truth.
Emmaline swore she’d never go back St. Piefferberg. Not after killing Aileen. You see, all those years ago, Emmaline was infatuated with Aeric. But after killing Aileen – Aeric’s first love – Emmaline knew she was as good as dead and would never have a chance at winning Aeric’s heart.
Fast forward to three hundred years later, Emmaline now lives with the humans, working as a spy for the HFF (Humans for Freedom of the Fae). She’s been assigned to an undercover operation where she pretends to be Emily, a human working for the Phaendir (a race of druids who fight to contain the fae).
There’s much more to the plot than this and if you’re not familiar with the series, I’d recommend either starting with Book 1 or taking time to familiarize yourself with Bast’s glossary. There are several players within this book, each with their own back story.
What I think I liked best about this story was first the relationship between Emmaline and Aeric. Basically, it was doomed. I mean what are the chances for Emmaline to gain Aeric’s heart let alone trust after she killed of his lover, Aileen? Pretty slim, I assure you. Still, Bast does a great job at unfolding their history with one another, explaining how the gut-wrenching reality to Aeric when the time comes. As a reader, I liked Emmaline’s character. Her unsightly past gave her much credence in my opinion. The notion about her glamour was intriguing as well. Using it her entire existence and then all of a sudden revealing her true form was without a doubt liberating. The only question I have was why the book’s cover art featured a glamour image of her and not her real one. I don’t understand it. That, I thought, was a miss. Ah…marketing, marketing, marketing, marketing.
On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give Anya Bast’s Cruel Enchantment at 3.5.
September 16, 2010
Anya Bast has come to be one of my favorite authors. I came across her Elemental Witches series at a used book store and picked them up because they sounded so good. I devoured those books in about a week and had to pick up Wicked Enchantment, the first book in the Dark Magick series, simply because I love her style.
I read a lot; primarily UF and PNR. That being said, most authors write sex scenes that in my opinion should be eliminated because they are so dull (i.e. Jocelynn Drake's Wait For Dusk). I'd take no sex over boring sex any day. Anya, however, makes the sex so steamy that it makes you wonder what she's like in real life. If you are put off by seriously hot, steamy sex, Anya Bast is not for you.
Cruel Enchantment is the second book in the Dark Magick series. The Fae were discovered hundreds of years ago and because they were found a threat, humans and the Phaendir, a freakish religious sect decided it was best to segregate them. The Fae were banished to a prison called Piefferburg and the Phaendir use their magick to keep them trapped there.
Cruel Enchantment tells the story of Emmaline, the former assassin for the Seelie Court Queen who happened to evade capture by the Phaendir and has managed to live the past 360 years outside the walls of Piefferburg. Now she is being sent into a world she barely remembers and to Aeric, a man who just happens to be the love of one of Emmaline's victims. She must go back to Piefferburg on a mission to help free the Fae and that mission requires Aeric's help. How does one approach a man when you killed his fiancee 360 years ago? Has time healed those wounds or does he still hate her and wish her harm? Regardless of the outcome, Emmaline must go to Piefferburg and find the Blacksmith as he is the only one who can help her to free their people. Fate has pushed these two people together after 360 years and like most things in life, nothing is easy.
The chemistry between Emmaline and Aeric was great from the moment she set food inside the walls of Piefferburg. Though he had good reason and was really cruel at times, Aeric was a very likable character. Both he and Emmaline are severely damaged and had pasts that they needed to put behind them in order to move on with their lives. There is a thin line between love and hate after all.
I really liked this book and think it was a great second installment. The excerpt from the third book, Dark Enchantment was just icing on the cake. I look forward to reading it.
I read a lot; primarily UF and PNR. That being said, most authors write sex scenes that in my opinion should be eliminated because they are so dull (i.e. Jocelynn Drake's Wait For Dusk). I'd take no sex over boring sex any day. Anya, however, makes the sex so steamy that it makes you wonder what she's like in real life. If you are put off by seriously hot, steamy sex, Anya Bast is not for you.
Cruel Enchantment is the second book in the Dark Magick series. The Fae were discovered hundreds of years ago and because they were found a threat, humans and the Phaendir, a freakish religious sect decided it was best to segregate them. The Fae were banished to a prison called Piefferburg and the Phaendir use their magick to keep them trapped there.
Cruel Enchantment tells the story of Emmaline, the former assassin for the Seelie Court Queen who happened to evade capture by the Phaendir and has managed to live the past 360 years outside the walls of Piefferburg. Now she is being sent into a world she barely remembers and to Aeric, a man who just happens to be the love of one of Emmaline's victims. She must go back to Piefferburg on a mission to help free the Fae and that mission requires Aeric's help. How does one approach a man when you killed his fiancee 360 years ago? Has time healed those wounds or does he still hate her and wish her harm? Regardless of the outcome, Emmaline must go to Piefferburg and find the Blacksmith as he is the only one who can help her to free their people. Fate has pushed these two people together after 360 years and like most things in life, nothing is easy.
The chemistry between Emmaline and Aeric was great from the moment she set food inside the walls of Piefferburg. Though he had good reason and was really cruel at times, Aeric was a very likable character. Both he and Emmaline are severely damaged and had pasts that they needed to put behind them in order to move on with their lives. There is a thin line between love and hate after all.
I really liked this book and think it was a great second installment. The excerpt from the third book, Dark Enchantment was just icing on the cake. I look forward to reading it.
September 6, 2010
Cruel Enchantment by Anya Bast
Paranormal Romance- Sept 7th , 2010
4 ½ stars
Cruel Enchantment continues Anya Bast’s Dark Fae series. This 2nd book really ups the stakes as the Fae’s battle each other and the conflict between the Fae and the humans (who vastly outnumber them and are afraid of their magic) climbs to dangerous heights.
Emmaline Gallagher is a master of disguise and she has used these skills to become a ruthless assassin for the Fae Summer Queen. But Emmaline never enjoyed her work and as a young orphan she was easy prey for the Summer Queen’s cold cruel and iron control. Tortured and manipulated by the Queen and her sick 2nd in command. Emmaline finally left and escaped to live with humans. Galvanized by her guilt that she accidentally killed the fiancée of the man she loved. But the rest of the Fae have been imprisoned by humans and the powerful Phaendir. Living in an exile. In an existence that is slowly suffocating them and the magic in the world. Emmaline is determined to disguise herself as a human and infiltrate the Phaendir stronghold where she hopes to find the imprisoned blacksmith (Aeric O’Malley ) who is the only one who can forge a magical key that will unlock power to help free all the Fae. But there is a small problem. Aeric is the only man she ever loved and he wants vengeance against her for killing the only woman he has ever loved.
This novel is dark dangerous and filled with intrigue. The author has an impressive imagination that enthralled me. I loved this sinister yet sensual world. This story has a lot of depth and the novel deftly flashes to different characters that are plotting to gain control. It also leaves ‘loose ends’ that I am sure will be concluded in her following book/s?! Because of this fact this story has a more abrupt feeling at the end than her previous book in the series.
Emmaline is the star of this book. She suffers so much yet still is able to retain her sense of goodness and courage. Many times I found myself a bit upset with Aeric for treating her so poorly in the beginning even though I understood his anger since he felt she was truly evil. However, the conflict and sexual tension between the 2 characters was hard to put down.
Darkly imaginative and lushly erotic this world captured my attention. The magnetic heroine had a noble bravery that made this book an absorbing read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- Sept 7th , 2010
4 ½ stars
Cruel Enchantment continues Anya Bast’s Dark Fae series. This 2nd book really ups the stakes as the Fae’s battle each other and the conflict between the Fae and the humans (who vastly outnumber them and are afraid of their magic) climbs to dangerous heights.
Emmaline Gallagher is a master of disguise and she has used these skills to become a ruthless assassin for the Fae Summer Queen. But Emmaline never enjoyed her work and as a young orphan she was easy prey for the Summer Queen’s cold cruel and iron control. Tortured and manipulated by the Queen and her sick 2nd in command. Emmaline finally left and escaped to live with humans. Galvanized by her guilt that she accidentally killed the fiancée of the man she loved. But the rest of the Fae have been imprisoned by humans and the powerful Phaendir. Living in an exile. In an existence that is slowly suffocating them and the magic in the world. Emmaline is determined to disguise herself as a human and infiltrate the Phaendir stronghold where she hopes to find the imprisoned blacksmith (Aeric O’Malley ) who is the only one who can forge a magical key that will unlock power to help free all the Fae. But there is a small problem. Aeric is the only man she ever loved and he wants vengeance against her for killing the only woman he has ever loved.
This novel is dark dangerous and filled with intrigue. The author has an impressive imagination that enthralled me. I loved this sinister yet sensual world. This story has a lot of depth and the novel deftly flashes to different characters that are plotting to gain control. It also leaves ‘loose ends’ that I am sure will be concluded in her following book/s?! Because of this fact this story has a more abrupt feeling at the end than her previous book in the series.
Emmaline is the star of this book. She suffers so much yet still is able to retain her sense of goodness and courage. Many times I found myself a bit upset with Aeric for treating her so poorly in the beginning even though I understood his anger since he felt she was truly evil. However, the conflict and sexual tension between the 2 characters was hard to put down.
Darkly imaginative and lushly erotic this world captured my attention. The magnetic heroine had a noble bravery that made this book an absorbing read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
September 2, 2010
Welcome to an alternate Earth where humans have learned all about the magical fae races. Back several centuries ago, humans, with the help of the magical Phaendir, imprisoned the fae, forcing them within a land known as Piefferburg City. Emily is a pious, fae-hating human that works for the Phaendir, and she is about to enter Piefferburg for the “greater human good.” BUT in reality, Emily is Emmaline, a free fae living outside the prison walls of Piefferburg. She is working undercover as a human for the HFF to free all fae-kind.
Reading this book is like shedding off layers of an onion - each reveal gets one closer to the heart of the story. What really happened that night when Aileen was murdered? Will Aeric ever trust Emmaline? As Aeric begins to accept that maybe Emmaline isn’t the monster he believes (and that maybe his beloved Aileen wasn’t as wonderful as he remembers), truths are uncovered and it makes for an emotionally gripping tale.
Outside of our primary love story, there is the overall story arc that is just as thrilling -- the fae are working to collect pieces to a “magical puzzle” that will allow them to break down the barriers that confine them. There are story lines from both the HFF, including Emmaline’s life outside of the fae prison, and the inner-workings of the Phaendir, with the political maneuvering of evil Brother Gideon. I couldn’t put the book down at times because the action was intense and the story lines suspenseful.
Although this is the second book from the Dark Magick series (and third story if you include the novella included in the anthology Hot for the Holidays), this book can be read as a stand alone. Ms. Bast does a wonderful job “bringing the reader up to speed” with the mythology of her fantastic world. (However, I loved the first two stories and definitely recommend you read them!)
For my full review, please visit me at http://twimom227.blogspot.com
Reading this book is like shedding off layers of an onion - each reveal gets one closer to the heart of the story. What really happened that night when Aileen was murdered? Will Aeric ever trust Emmaline? As Aeric begins to accept that maybe Emmaline isn’t the monster he believes (and that maybe his beloved Aileen wasn’t as wonderful as he remembers), truths are uncovered and it makes for an emotionally gripping tale.
Outside of our primary love story, there is the overall story arc that is just as thrilling -- the fae are working to collect pieces to a “magical puzzle” that will allow them to break down the barriers that confine them. There are story lines from both the HFF, including Emmaline’s life outside of the fae prison, and the inner-workings of the Phaendir, with the political maneuvering of evil Brother Gideon. I couldn’t put the book down at times because the action was intense and the story lines suspenseful.
Although this is the second book from the Dark Magick series (and third story if you include the novella included in the anthology Hot for the Holidays), this book can be read as a stand alone. Ms. Bast does a wonderful job “bringing the reader up to speed” with the mythology of her fantastic world. (However, I loved the first two stories and definitely recommend you read them!)
For my full review, please visit me at http://twimom227.blogspot.com
September 8, 2010
Review courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com
The kind of urban fantasy and paranormal romances I tend to gravitate towards are usually full of sexual tension as opposed to just sex. Still, when I saw the gorgeous cover (thank you Tony Mauro) and read the description for Anya Bast’s steamy new PNR, I decided to broaden my horizons a little. The verdict? CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is full of revenge, betrayal, magic, and plenty of sex. And I loved every single page.
CRUEL ENCHANTMENT gives us a richly detailed world that is steeped in traditional fae mythology with just the right amount of new lore (e.g. Piefferburg, a prison for fae), lush characters, heady romance, and a story that blurs the line between hero and villain. Many of the characters from the previous book pop up, but the main story and romance are brand new and completely self contained, which is good news for both old fans and those new to this series.
Review courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com
More good news is the romance. There is just something so appealing about a romance between two people who are damaged, almost irrevocably so. That’s what we get with Emmaline, the former assassin, and Aeric, the blacksmith who lost his one true love at Emmaline’s hand. Every early scene between them brought new meaning to the word cruel (hence the title), and their budding relationship was emotionally excruciatingly as she could not forget her past and he would not forget his. Their love is a triumph of the heart and mind, and all the more satisfying for it.
CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is everything I hoped and feared it world be: dark, brutal, and scorchingly hot. The third book in the Dark Magic series, Dark Enchantment, will be released on April 5, 2011. In the mean time I’m going to break in my new kindle with the first book, Wicked Enchantment.
Sexual Content: Several long, graphic sex scenes. Several graphic scenes of sensuality.
The kind of urban fantasy and paranormal romances I tend to gravitate towards are usually full of sexual tension as opposed to just sex. Still, when I saw the gorgeous cover (thank you Tony Mauro) and read the description for Anya Bast’s steamy new PNR, I decided to broaden my horizons a little. The verdict? CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is full of revenge, betrayal, magic, and plenty of sex. And I loved every single page.
CRUEL ENCHANTMENT gives us a richly detailed world that is steeped in traditional fae mythology with just the right amount of new lore (e.g. Piefferburg, a prison for fae), lush characters, heady romance, and a story that blurs the line between hero and villain. Many of the characters from the previous book pop up, but the main story and romance are brand new and completely self contained, which is good news for both old fans and those new to this series.
Review courtesy of AllThingsUrbanFantasy.blogspot.com
More good news is the romance. There is just something so appealing about a romance between two people who are damaged, almost irrevocably so. That’s what we get with Emmaline, the former assassin, and Aeric, the blacksmith who lost his one true love at Emmaline’s hand. Every early scene between them brought new meaning to the word cruel (hence the title), and their budding relationship was emotionally excruciatingly as she could not forget her past and he would not forget his. Their love is a triumph of the heart and mind, and all the more satisfying for it.
CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is everything I hoped and feared it world be: dark, brutal, and scorchingly hot. The third book in the Dark Magic series, Dark Enchantment, will be released on April 5, 2011. In the mean time I’m going to break in my new kindle with the first book, Wicked Enchantment.
Sexual Content: Several long, graphic sex scenes. Several graphic scenes of sensuality.
November 26, 2013
Emmaline Gallagher is about to risk it all and voluntarily travel into Piefferburg. This might not seem all that dangerous until you know that she is Fae and only her personal gift of handling glamour kept her out of the Fae lock up in the first place. But Emmaline has been working with the underground against the Phaendir, and in order to keep them from becoming even more powerful, she has to contact the one man who would rather kill her than look at her. Emmaline is counting on her glamour to keep her true identity a secret during this mission.
Aeric O'Malley, more commonly known as "the Blacksmith" has waited centuries for a chance at revenge for the death of his fiancé. Over the many years it has been the one thing that kept him going. No one knows what happened to the assassin who killed her, but Aeric has made sure that if Emmaline ever shows her face in Piefferburg he will know. Now after so long it appears that revenge just might be his - she has entered the city.
Barely past the gates, Emmaline finds out that not even her glamour will keep her safe from Aeric. Now she is his captive and it's looking pretty dim for her. Aeric has hidden Emmaline away because he just couldn't bring himself to kill her immediately. Time is running on both Emmaline's mission and her quest to capture the only man she has ever loved. The truth is all Emmaline has to explain those long ago actions and why it happened. Aeric finds himself believing Emmaline and eventually deciding to help her out. But they soon discover the danger to Emmaline was not just from Aeric. His heart given again, Aeric will do anything to keep Emmaline safe - even if it means destroying her trust and love.
Aeric O'Malley, more commonly known as "the Blacksmith" has waited centuries for a chance at revenge for the death of his fiancé. Over the many years it has been the one thing that kept him going. No one knows what happened to the assassin who killed her, but Aeric has made sure that if Emmaline ever shows her face in Piefferburg he will know. Now after so long it appears that revenge just might be his - she has entered the city.
Barely past the gates, Emmaline finds out that not even her glamour will keep her safe from Aeric. Now she is his captive and it's looking pretty dim for her. Aeric has hidden Emmaline away because he just couldn't bring himself to kill her immediately. Time is running on both Emmaline's mission and her quest to capture the only man she has ever loved. The truth is all Emmaline has to explain those long ago actions and why it happened. Aeric finds himself believing Emmaline and eventually deciding to help her out. But they soon discover the danger to Emmaline was not just from Aeric. His heart given again, Aeric will do anything to keep Emmaline safe - even if it means destroying her trust and love.
June 13, 2011
Cruel Enchantment
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Many people would love to see Emmaline Gallagher dead but none more so than Aeric O’Malley. In her role as the Summer Queen’s assassin, Emmaline disposed of sadists and murderers but she also killed Aeric’s fiancée and now he wants revenge. However, when given the opportunity, he finds himself inexplicably attracted to his nemesis and soon learns that things are not as they seem and Emmaline may be the only chance the fae have to secure their freedom.
Review:
I absolutely adore this series. Bast is an imaginative writer and it is so easy to become immersed in the intricate world of the fae. The abundance of different races never becomes overwhelming as often happens in books of this type. The story is exhilarating with several nail-biting moments that left me breathless.
I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical about the romance between Aeric and Emmaline given the depth of animosity between them, but Bast cleverly intertwines hints and clues to demonstrate that appearances can be deceiving in more ways than one. Emmaline is a wonderful character – tortured and vulnerable but with a core of solid steel, and Aeric’s struggle against his growing feelings for her is riveting.
The secondary characters are also well developed and some will obviously have books of their own in the future. The villains are truly diabolical and I can’t wait for them get their eventual comeuppance. I do have one miniscule problem with the way in which one evil character meets his demise – he did not suffer nearly enough given his crimes.
A compelling mixture of danger, intrigue and intense romance, Cruel Enchantment is a great read and I am definitely continuing with the series.
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Many people would love to see Emmaline Gallagher dead but none more so than Aeric O’Malley. In her role as the Summer Queen’s assassin, Emmaline disposed of sadists and murderers but she also killed Aeric’s fiancée and now he wants revenge. However, when given the opportunity, he finds himself inexplicably attracted to his nemesis and soon learns that things are not as they seem and Emmaline may be the only chance the fae have to secure their freedom.
Review:
I absolutely adore this series. Bast is an imaginative writer and it is so easy to become immersed in the intricate world of the fae. The abundance of different races never becomes overwhelming as often happens in books of this type. The story is exhilarating with several nail-biting moments that left me breathless.
I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical about the romance between Aeric and Emmaline given the depth of animosity between them, but Bast cleverly intertwines hints and clues to demonstrate that appearances can be deceiving in more ways than one. Emmaline is a wonderful character – tortured and vulnerable but with a core of solid steel, and Aeric’s struggle against his growing feelings for her is riveting.
The secondary characters are also well developed and some will obviously have books of their own in the future. The villains are truly diabolical and I can’t wait for them get their eventual comeuppance. I do have one miniscule problem with the way in which one evil character meets his demise – he did not suffer nearly enough given his crimes.
A compelling mixture of danger, intrigue and intense romance, Cruel Enchantment is a great read and I am definitely continuing with the series.
January 10, 2012
The fae have been rounded up and relocated to what I can only compare to as a reservation called Piefferburg. Emmaline, who used to be the summer queens evil assassin, escaped the roundup, and lives outside the fae reservation as free woman. She is spectacular with glamour, and that is how she’s been able to hide who she is all this time.
Emmaline is legendary among the fae and is feared and loathed for the acts she carried out in the name of the summer queen. In the past, one of her assignments went terribly wrong and she murdered Aeric’s beloved (but ultimately fucked up) lady love. As a result, Aeric vows revenge on Emmaline, and this brings us to the fun parts.
Emmaline used to be head over heels in love with Aeric, and didn’t hide it very well, so of course everyone knew. This open attraction leads Aeric to believe that Emmaline murdered his woman out of spite, which turns out to be a falsehood, but it’s fun getting to that conclusion.
When Emmaline returns to Piefferburg, under the guise of someone else and on a mission to free the fae from their prison, Aeric is instantly alerted by a magic spell that she is within his reach. He thus captures her and holds her captive for weeks, while he decides his revenge. During this time his attraction for her disturbs him. Let the internal conflicts ensue.
I enjoyed the plot and journey of this story. Emmaline turns out to be a pretty vulnerable chick and we find that she was never happy being the summer queens pit-bull, we also discover some dark thing in her past and how truly messed up the summer queen is. She is one evil chick.
Emmaline is legendary among the fae and is feared and loathed for the acts she carried out in the name of the summer queen. In the past, one of her assignments went terribly wrong and she murdered Aeric’s beloved (but ultimately fucked up) lady love. As a result, Aeric vows revenge on Emmaline, and this brings us to the fun parts.
Emmaline used to be head over heels in love with Aeric, and didn’t hide it very well, so of course everyone knew. This open attraction leads Aeric to believe that Emmaline murdered his woman out of spite, which turns out to be a falsehood, but it’s fun getting to that conclusion.
When Emmaline returns to Piefferburg, under the guise of someone else and on a mission to free the fae from their prison, Aeric is instantly alerted by a magic spell that she is within his reach. He thus captures her and holds her captive for weeks, while he decides his revenge. During this time his attraction for her disturbs him. Let the internal conflicts ensue.
I enjoyed the plot and journey of this story. Emmaline turns out to be a pretty vulnerable chick and we find that she was never happy being the summer queens pit-bull, we also discover some dark thing in her past and how truly messed up the summer queen is. She is one evil chick.
October 18, 2010
This is an interesting series where the fae are real, but have been banished to live in an area where they are all together. They don't really like this and are trying to gather the pieces of things to break the spell. At the core of this group is Emmaline, a fae, who for the last 300 hundred years has lived away from her people due to her past. She used to be the Seelie Queen's assassin and she was good at her job. She would have been happy to stay there until she accidentally killed an innocent woman, one who was the fiance of a man she had a crush on. She ran at this point to get away from her actions. She didn't want to go back to where the fae live, but since with the greater good in reach she goes back where she is promptly kidnapped by the man who's fiance she killed, who is bent on vengeance.
From here on in the story we see the inevitable coupling of these 2 people. Both have preconceived notions of the other, slowly those are are broke apart as they each reveal parts of themselves they have long kept hidden, sometimes even from themselves. Aeric isn't the only person who is after Emmaline and around every corner they come in contact with with people that want to kill Emmaline for her past actions, but they also find allies along the way.
We also learn more about the Phaendir, the organization that is bound and determined to keep the fae locked away.
With the actions of this book I look forward to seeing what will happen in the greater fae / Phaendir war and the Seelie / Unseelie battle for control.
From here on in the story we see the inevitable coupling of these 2 people. Both have preconceived notions of the other, slowly those are are broke apart as they each reveal parts of themselves they have long kept hidden, sometimes even from themselves. Aeric isn't the only person who is after Emmaline and around every corner they come in contact with with people that want to kill Emmaline for her past actions, but they also find allies along the way.
We also learn more about the Phaendir, the organization that is bound and determined to keep the fae locked away.
With the actions of this book I look forward to seeing what will happen in the greater fae / Phaendir war and the Seelie / Unseelie battle for control.
July 28, 2015
The Story was.. ok BUT towards the end there was a scene that aggravated me.
The Summer Queen is a total "B" and has constantly disrespected Aislinn, the Shadow Queen, at every turn.
When the Summer Queen pulled her little treachery at the end of the story, just like I knew she would,
Aislinn, should have used her necromancer powers, called her troops and laid the "smack down".
Aislinn, should have told the Summer Queen that she was leaving with Emmaline and the new found
relic, the "bosca fadbh", due to the Summer Queen's treachery AND if there were Any Repercussions that the Summer Queen would be declaring war with the Unseelie.
But.. Aislinn did not do that, she turned and left with her head bowed like a scolded child.
The Summer Queen will continue to treat Aislinn and the Unseelie in that manner until Aislinn deals with it.
Due to that scene, the book lost a Star during the rating process in my opinion.
I had an issue with the male lead choking the female lead in the beginning.
I understood his reasons, but, I'm not into the capture and torture deal.
I also didn't understand why Emmaline could not be claimed by the Shadow Queen.
Bella, a character in book one left the Seelie court for the Unseelie court, so why not Emmaline?
If Aislinn would have stood up for herself it would have been a better book, better ending
and I would have given a better rating.
Oh well, I hope the next book in the series is.. Better.
March 31, 2012
Review brought to you by OBS staff member Deannerenee
Here you have the two main characters: Aeric who has been waiting to seek revenge on Emmaline who killed the love of his life over 300 years ago. Emmaline has remained hidden for those 300 plus years trying to help find a way to free her people. Emmaline, feels guilty everyday about the hurt she has caused Aeric.
Finally Aeric gets his wish and Emmaline shows herself. His first thought is to kill her but something stops him. Instead, he holds her captive and treats her like garbage for a couple of weeks. During that time he realizes the truth, as he knew it, might not be true at all. He finds that he is developing feelings for Emmaline and Emmaline realizes her feelings have not diminished over the 300 years of hiding.
I enjoyed both characters and their stories. I found myself, a couple of times, wondering what Anya Bast was thinking when she wrote certain parts of this book. I find her to be a creative writer but in her series she is not consistent. I liked this book, but I felt no love for the book. There were parts where I could not put the book down and other moments that I could care less if I finished it.
Over all I would give the book 3 out of 5 stars and will read the next book in the series.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/an...
Here you have the two main characters: Aeric who has been waiting to seek revenge on Emmaline who killed the love of his life over 300 years ago. Emmaline has remained hidden for those 300 plus years trying to help find a way to free her people. Emmaline, feels guilty everyday about the hurt she has caused Aeric.
Finally Aeric gets his wish and Emmaline shows herself. His first thought is to kill her but something stops him. Instead, he holds her captive and treats her like garbage for a couple of weeks. During that time he realizes the truth, as he knew it, might not be true at all. He finds that he is developing feelings for Emmaline and Emmaline realizes her feelings have not diminished over the 300 years of hiding.
I enjoyed both characters and their stories. I found myself, a couple of times, wondering what Anya Bast was thinking when she wrote certain parts of this book. I find her to be a creative writer but in her series she is not consistent. I liked this book, but I felt no love for the book. There were parts where I could not put the book down and other moments that I could care less if I finished it.
Over all I would give the book 3 out of 5 stars and will read the next book in the series.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/an...
July 30, 2016
*okay, so, we got a hero with long blond hair... okay, Mischa, let's go with Orlando Bloom as Legolas...
Wait, I can't go with Orlando Bloom, he's supposed to be a blacksmith and pretty strong and muscly... Well, I'll just imagine him with different body! Wait, I can't imagine him with different body, it just goes back to lean-Legolas, shit. Okay, so Orlando's out, who else do I know that has long blond hair and looks good? Eh... Okay, Amber Heard is also out and also, what the FUCK, brain. Brad Pitt? Nah, that just doesn't suit him... Although, maybe Troy version of Brad Pitt... Aaaaannnndd here I go imagining Orlando Bloom again. Shit. Fuck that, Orlando, you're in*
Anyway, I really enjoyed this one. Liked the fact that both MC were a little older fae and had their own, interesting, history. The story is also gaining some momentum, so it was definitely exciting.
I'm not exactly sure thought, what is the author's fascination with several plot twists at the end - in the first book, there was a battle with king and then the heroine was kidnapped later on, and in this one she was attacked underwater, her cover in an organisation was blown, and then she got in a bad situation with the Summer Queen of the fae. So I just have to say that the ending was a little exhausting. Other than that, I have no complaints.
Wait, I can't go with Orlando Bloom, he's supposed to be a blacksmith and pretty strong and muscly... Well, I'll just imagine him with different body! Wait, I can't imagine him with different body, it just goes back to lean-Legolas, shit. Okay, so Orlando's out, who else do I know that has long blond hair and looks good? Eh... Okay, Amber Heard is also out and also, what the FUCK, brain. Brad Pitt? Nah, that just doesn't suit him... Although, maybe Troy version of Brad Pitt... Aaaaannnndd here I go imagining Orlando Bloom again. Shit. Fuck that, Orlando, you're in*
Anyway, I really enjoyed this one. Liked the fact that both MC were a little older fae and had their own, interesting, history. The story is also gaining some momentum, so it was definitely exciting.
I'm not exactly sure thought, what is the author's fascination with several plot twists at the end - in the first book, there was a battle with king and then the heroine was kidnapped later on, and in this one she was attacked underwater, her cover in an organisation was blown, and then she got in a bad situation with the Summer Queen of the fae. So I just have to say that the ending was a little exhausting. Other than that, I have no complaints.
November 5, 2013
If you like the supernatural that is not vampires but witches, goblins, fae, etc. action, suspense, and romance this book is for you.
Just imagine the following scenario: you used to be a highly trained assassin for your Queen from a very young age and whilst doing your job you commit a mistake, and this mistake is somewhat linked to a guy you have a crush on, but either way you decide to run away to the world of the humans… And years, years after your disappearance, you have to return to the same place, ask for help — help from the guy you had a crush on and ultimately killed his only love —, and sees yourself falling for this guy, getting your mission accomplished, having problems midway, and yet finding some pretty good grounds to return to this place - the place that was ultimately yours to begin with. And don’t forget, getting to spend time with the man of your dreams…
For the full review please click here
Just imagine the following scenario: you used to be a highly trained assassin for your Queen from a very young age and whilst doing your job you commit a mistake, and this mistake is somewhat linked to a guy you have a crush on, but either way you decide to run away to the world of the humans… And years, years after your disappearance, you have to return to the same place, ask for help — help from the guy you had a crush on and ultimately killed his only love —, and sees yourself falling for this guy, getting your mission accomplished, having problems midway, and yet finding some pretty good grounds to return to this place - the place that was ultimately yours to begin with. And don’t forget, getting to spend time with the man of your dreams…
For the full review please click here
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