Mage Heart

4.0 out of 5 stars (29)
3.8 on Goodreads
(267)
Double-tap to zoom
Kindle
$3.99
Available instantly
See all formats
See all formats
Save with Used - Very Good
$6.97
In stock
$8.39 delivery October 11 - November 5. Details
May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less
Sold by ThriftBooks-Chicago
$$6.97 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Other sellers on Amazon

Compare Used (3) from
$6.97
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Book details

  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper Voyager
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2001
  5. Dimensions
    4 x 1.25 x 7.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0380781271
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0380781270
  8. See all details
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Book overview

Asked to defend the Duke's mistress from a powerful necromancer, innocent young mage Dion rises to the occasion, but her blossoming womanhood will threaten the mission. Reissue.

Review

"A highly original romantic fantasy." -- --Cherry Wilder, author of Signs of Life

"A superb entry into the realm of magic and demons...a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre." -- --Affaire de Coeur

"Compelling...evocative...intriguing." -- --Fantasy & Science Fiction

About the Author

Jane Routley is an Australia-born writer who mader her litery debut with Mage Heart, followed by its sequel, Fire Angels. She divides her time between her native land and Copenhagen, Denmark.

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jane Routley
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hi Welcome to the Author Central page of Fantasy Writer, Jane Routley

I’ve had a variety of careers, including, singer, fruit picker and Theosophical society librarian and lived in Germany and Denmark for a decade. Now I’m back in my beloved hometown, Melbourne, Australia, doing part time customer service for the railways. Hence the Station Stories Blog.

I’ve published 3 books as me - MAGE HEART and the Aurealis award winners FIRE ANGELS and ARAMAYA, and one book as Rebecca Locksley THE THREE SISTERS. My short stories have been widely anthologized, appeared in Meanjin and read on the ABC. My favorite writers are Jane Austen, Angela Carter, Sara Douglass, Janet Evanovich, and Gail Carriger.

My current life ambition is to see an erupting volcano.

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Product information

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
29 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Silmarwen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mesmerizing Dark Fantasy!
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2003
Dion was just an ordinary young girl when she came to the attention of Michael, a great mage. Michael bought her from her mother to see if it was possible to train a female to be a mage. Michael completely takes over Dion's life as she has no other friends or teachers.... See more
Dion was just an ordinary young girl when she came to the attention of Michael, a great mage. Michael bought her from her mother to see if it was possible to train a female to be a mage. Michael completely takes over Dion's life as she has no other friends or teachers. When Dion is older, she cannot really remember a life before Michael. She knows that she has often been a disappointment to him and fears what will become of her now that Michael is dead. There is no place for a female mage in Gallia and Dion doesn't really have any training as a healer, the only acceptable role for a female with magicial powers. So it is a relief to the Dean of the School of Magic when the Duke calls on her to protect his favorite mistress, Kitten Avignon, from a necromancer with a grudge.
Dion tries to refuse, terrified that she will lose all that is left to her now - her unsullied reputation. After all, how can she be seen to consort with the women of the "honey sisterhood" and not be thought a courtesan herself? However, when the necromancer sends an assassin into the College of Magics to kill Dion, she has no choice but to move in with Kitten and accept the physical protection that that will provide her. Dion is ill prepared for the world of political intrigue in which she finds herself and struggles to fit Kitten's view of the world and Michael's view together. But Dion has a bigger problem, she has somehow called a Demon to her and the Demon will do anything to cross over into Dion's world where innocent prey abounds. Dion both fears and desires the demon's power, but she knows that to use demon magic is the worst kind of necromancy. Matters are further complicated when she meets the mesmerizing Andre Gregorov, a sophisticated foreigner who claims to be passionately in love with her. But who is he really and why does he want her? Dion soon discovers that nothing and no one is what it appears. Can she have the confidence in herself to make the right choices and to use her great magical gift to protect those most important to her?
I thought that the book started off a little slow, but once Dion moved into Kitten's house, the plot seemed to move along faster. Also, I really enjoyed the romance/attraction between Dion and Andre and wish that that had been introduced sooner in the book, but I understand that Dion's character needed to be developed to a certain point before Andre could be introduced. The plot was quite original and the world that Jane Routley introduces the reader to was simply stunning in its realistic details. Politics, art, religion, all intertwine in the complicated relationships that we see in our own world today. Nothing is simple and nothing is easy in this world and everything becomes a shade of gray instead of the black and white that Dion is looking for. A very entertaining read - highly recommended for all who love fantasy!
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
HHK
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Worth finding a used copy of this book
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2008
I ordered a used copy based on the reviews I read here. I like fantasy by women authors that feature a female POV, and this book did not dissappoint. I agree with other reviewers that the book meandered a bit towards the middle. But overall a pleasant read. Has some graphic... See more
I ordered a used copy based on the reviews I read here. I like fantasy by women authors that feature a female POV, and this book did not dissappoint. I agree with other reviewers that the book meandered a bit towards the middle. But overall a pleasant read. Has some graphic sexual descriptions, that I did not think were absoluteley necessary. I have ordered the two sequels and I am now waiting to continue the series.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
Mara B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Couldn't Put It Down...
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2000
Dion is a young and prudish mage unsure of her abilities. When selected to protect the Duke's mistress from an ex-lover, she finds the task extremely distasteful but promises to do her best. Her concentration on Kitten Avignon, however, is soon disturbed by the appearance... See more
Dion is a young and prudish mage unsure of her abilities. When selected to protect the Duke's mistress from an ex-lover, she finds the task extremely distasteful but promises to do her best. Her concentration on Kitten Avignon, however, is soon disturbed by the appearance of a mysterious dark stranger. Dion finds herself juggling her responsiblities with the emotions brought out by her strange relationship with Andre Gregorov. And her life is made no easier by the appearances a demon named Bedazzer keeps making in her mirror. I read Mage Heart from cover to cover twice before I could put it down. (Thankfully, I'm a fast reader.) A year later, my copy is battered and torn, and I can start reading at any place and immediately know what's happening. I am very pleased to find somewhere to get a new copy, as Mage Heart has been out-of-print for sometime. I am tempted to say that this story is most likely to appeal to women, as a major theme of the book is Dion's 'becoming a woman' and the slow building of her relationship with Andre. (Andre, by the way, is one of the most fascinating and vivid characters I have come across. Ever.) As for vulgarity...well, Kitten is the Duke's mistress, and her friends are women of similar 'character'. You have to expect some talk about sex. I never found it that horrifying, but those easily offended may wish to back off. Unfortunately, the sequels are nowhere near as satisfying, perhaps because the most interesting characters from 'Mage Heart' are forced into the background to make sporadic appearances. This first novel, however, is definitely worth a look.
19 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
Lilly Flora
3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
A slow starter, but ok dark fantasy in the end
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2006
"Mage Heart" is really a simple little fantasy (the first written by author Jane Routley who later changed her name to Rebecca Locksley and published "The Three Sisters" which takes place earlier in the same world) that seems quite complex because of the amount of... See more
"Mage Heart" is really a simple little fantasy (the first written by author Jane Routley who later changed her name to Rebecca Locksley and published "The Three Sisters" which takes place earlier in the same world) that seems quite complex because of the amount of information packed into it. All of this is quite dark also, which added an extra creepy atmosphere to the book.I should say this is fairly dark fantasy, and it's well written enough to be creepy, so now you're warned. I had some disturbing, dark, confusing dreams while reading this. What this book really is is a story about the only female mage around coming to maturity while protecting a high ranking courtesan from a necromancer-and it is just stuffed with the history of the world it takes place in.

This is kind of cool because you learn all sorts of things that come into play later (making re-reading certain passages for clarity a must) but it makes parts of the book boring. I wasn't really sure if I liked this book at all until the last 50 pages, which were packed with adrenalin. The ending was good stuff and a bit unexpected after the treading water pace of the rest of the book.

In the end, three stars, and I will read the next, though if I had not already purchased it I might not have made the effort to track the out of print "Fire angels" down.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
Leka
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2015
One of the better developed fantasy settings you'll find, especially when looking for a story with a female protagonist.
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
"sonadora_virtuoso7"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cant wait to read Routley's other books!! : )
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2001
I've bought Mage Heart only 2 days ago and promised myself that I would take my time reading(i'm the kind of person who stays up past midnight to finish reading a book)... well, i failed.. Mage Heart was too good to put down! Dion(the main character) is a very interesting... See more
I've bought Mage Heart only 2 days ago and promised myself that I would take my time reading(i'm the kind of person who stays up past midnight to finish reading a book)... well, i failed.. Mage Heart was too good to put down! Dion(the main character) is a very interesting person once u get to know her. She's the type of person who wants respect from society-she's no rebel-but still has mixed feelings about what to do (and no, its not peer pressure). to sum it all up-its a perfect book for anyone [over 13] who loves romance..but dont worry, there's a lot of sci-fi involved in it too.. ; )
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
Skylar
1.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Not my cup of tea (spoilers)
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2018
I enjoyed the beginning of the book quite well. I was hoping Dion might study something interesting, or fall in love with Kitten, or devise new magical theories about fighting demons. Instead, she fell disgustingly in love with a demon. From the first I couldn't understand... See more
I enjoyed the beginning of the book quite well. I was hoping Dion might study something interesting, or fall in love with Kitten, or devise new magical theories about fighting demons. Instead, she fell disgustingly in love with a demon. From the first I couldn't understand her attraction to him: she literally walked towards him across blood and bones, which seemed to clash with the rest of her character and the seemingly genuine revulsion she felt for necromantic practices of killing people. I did not appreciate the exploration of such a toxic relationship in the manner it was approached. Dion was distressingly passive throughout the novel.
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
Starryo8@aol.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
A REALLY great book, one of my favorites.
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 1997
I have trouble finding books every now and then that I enjoy so much I read it over and over, each time not losing one bit of intrest. I did this with "Mage Heart." Dion caught my attention from the first chapter. She is a strong character, and the story line... See more
I have trouble finding books every now and then that I enjoy so much I read it over and over, each time not losing one bit of intrest. I did this with "Mage Heart." Dion caught my attention from the first chapter. She is a strong character, and the story line is not hard to follow. I have always loved dark and demonic things. The seductiveness of the demon and the man who seduces her are very dark indeed, and the mystery, love, and gentleness about Kitten Avignon give a nice touch to the book.

If you love books with a fiery passion for life, love, and the yearning of trying to fit into a corrupt world, read "Mage Heart."

*meg*
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Share

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Tina
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Excellent romance, intrigue and suspense.
Reviewed in Australia on October 21, 2017
A heartfelt and intelligent book on friendship, love, religion and court politics. There's plenty of court intrigue, romance and suspense. Plot: Dion is an orphaned female mage hired to protect Kitten Avignon, the Duke's Mistress, from a vicious necromancer. She must learn...See more
A heartfelt and intelligent book on friendship, love, religion and court politics. There's plenty of court intrigue, romance and suspense. Plot: Dion is an orphaned female mage hired to protect Kitten Avignon, the Duke's Mistress, from a vicious necromancer. She must learn to navigate the pitfalls of courtly life and determine if her love interest can be trusted. Highlights included unforgettable characters such as Kitten, Genny, Simonetti, Archimedes and some of the nuns. The characters are lifelike, and many of them are likeable, brave and fascinating. The plot is engaging without being too complicated, and the world building is detailed and original. There's a lot of great commentary on women's rights in religion and the medieval era. One of the best books I've ever read. Warning: You may want to skip the heavy sex scenes if they're not your kind of thing.

Report this review

Optional: Why are you reporting this?

Off topic

Not about the product

Inappropriate

Disrespectful, hateful, obscene

Fake

Paid for, inauthentic

Other

Something else

We’ll check if this review meets our community guidelines. If it doesn’t, we’ll remove it.

Submit
Report
See more reviews

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.