Customer Reviews

Shadow Magic (The Magic Series, Book 2)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was actually a light and pleasant read. I enojyed the tension between the heroine and the hero, and the fact Deidre was the agressor in the relationship between Egann and her.

The shadow dancer, Deidre, had me a little confused half way through the novel. Because Deidre cannot see or be in the sunlight and beyond one line that says she shares some bread with Egann in the middle of the book. I thought Deidre may have been a vampire. I was wondering at her never eating and such. It was like, she would wake at night, only to travel, then go find shelter without any nourishment. I enjoyed her personality because she always seemed to know what she wanted and was very factual in what she saw or believed. She didn't get caught up in the emotional dramas like most heroines do.

Prince Egann of Rune, came across a little like a petulant boy who needed to be spanked or slapped occasionally and yelled out to snap out of his emotional past. His character was not really three dimensional. Other than good looking, a warrior we never see fighting, powers he rarely used, and some sort of loyalty to his people he didn't seem that strong of a hero.

The whole plot of the Maccus hunting and sacrificing the Shadow Dancers was never fully explained. They talked briefly about Hearne taking powers from the Shadow Dancers, but the way the other Maccus talked they were just sacrificing the dancers to their god. Now where I was confused is that the Maccus have been hunting the dancers generation after generation but they never give a reason why. In fact only Hearne has his own reason, but the other members of the group just think its for sacrafice. So I'm confused as to why after the Maccus were thrown out of Rune did they start hunting for the Shadow Dancers if they weren't originally stealing their powers.

Also, the significance of the Amulet of Gwymyrr, was never fully explained. They never explained how the amulet came into being, or how or why Queen Gwymyrr died or became queen after her mortal lover died. Not much beyond that the amulet had powers for the King was explained. In addition, the whole curse going to the wrong people seemed kind of hokey. I was hoping that was some sort of mistake that would be explained with more history. Unfortunately, Whiddon leaves that explanation right there. I'm also not sure why the Maccus would leave a magical kitten for Deidre to find either.

Of the 2 books I have read by this author, this is probably one of her better works. But like her previous novels, she needs a little more explanation in her world buildings. However, I did like the heroine and the whole shadow dancer story line. The explanations and the history could use some re-working though.

Price Egann of Rune rejects the throne of his people because he feels incapable of ruling based on failing to keep his deceased brother safe. He speaks from his heart when he refuses to accept the binding to the Amulet of Gwymyrr. However, Fiallan the Wise insists Egann must possess the amulet until the throne is occupied. Though Egann wants to say no, he feels he has disappointed his mentor and his people by shirking his duty so he accepts the role of amulet keeper.

Once he darns the amulet, Egann's world vanishes and he finds he is journeying onto the mortal plane in 467 AD. However, a mortified Egann also realizes he has lost the amulet. He believes that Deirdre of the Shadows, a dancer with power, stole the amulet. However, she recognizes her accuser as the male of her dreams. As they defy human and fairy logic by falling in love, Egann knows what he must do to regain the amulet from a killer seeking to steal his beloved Shadow Dancer too.

SHADOW MAGIC is an enchanting historical fantasy romance that will entertain fans of both genres. The story line enables the audience to believe that Egann and the Fairy are a real species. The action is fast-paced as Egann chases after the amulet while the love subplot is delightful due to the fabulous lead couple. The key that proves Karen Whiddon is an adept conjurer is how the magically interwoven romance, fantasy, and adventure into a charming chronicle that captivates her crowd of readers.

Harriet Klausner

I waited for this book to come out and was disappointed in it. I really enjoyed her first one but found this one a little hard to follow and swallow.

After Prince Egann come to the mortal plane, the amulet of his office as king is stolen. He must get it back. His search leads him to see a beautiful Shadow Dancer, dancing under the light of the full moon. When her people unexpectedly come under attack, Egann takes her to safety, and promises to keep her that way until he can find a sanctuary for her.

Diedre knows him the moment she sees him. He has been in her dreams for months, and what dreams they were. He has traced every curve of her body, kissed her passionately, and made love to her. She accepts his vow of protection, but she also knows that he plans to leave her at some time in the future. She only hopes that by then they will have grown so close, he won't leave her once he retrieves the amulet.

They will face danger, enemies who will do anything to kill her, and the one who holds the amulet. He is evil and must be destroyed, but how will Egann kill him when he doesn't know if he will be able to call on the power of the amulet to help him?

A sweeping romance steeped in history and fantasy! I loved both main characters, although I was a bit disappointed that Prince Egann let his past drag him down for so long. Diedre is a very vibrant woman who lives as full a life as is possible with her inability to be exposed to sunlight. The story is colorful, engaging, and very interesting. Ms.Whiddon has done an excellent job on this fantasy romance. Very highly recommended!

If you like to read paranonal romance or historical or even one of those books that can't be put down till you have read the last page this is the one for you to read. I personaly would stay up till 1 in the morning reading I was that in to the book. Read this and I know you will do the same.