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witchylevy's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book the first time I read it and after looking forever I was able to find and re-read it. I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
eiie's review against another edition
3.0
I've read many a series I'd call "the offspring of Black Dagger Brotherhood/similar Pack-o-Men novels"; this falls more in the category of Black Dagger Brotherhood's red headed stepchild. Which isn't to say I didn't find it enjoyable (nor to say I haven't tried to write similar books myself), just that it is in no way as complex or well written as BDB.
There are Witches (all female) and Witch Hunters (all male), and the latter used to protect the former until some demons showed up and did what demons do: turned people against their allies and convinced them to hate, fear, and harm one another. Now the Witch Hunters live in a world where they crave witch blood, primarily gained by killing a witch, and Witches, understandably, hide. Enter the heroine, who does not know she's a witch until she's kidnapped by the hero, a witch hunter who'll try not to kill her because of his honor . . . and the fact that he needs her to save his kid sister. Delightful Stockholm Syndrome Sexytime ensues.
There's an over the top deity component and large swaths of infodumps, both of which I could have done without. But don't fear missing a plot point when skimming the dull passages, all important info will repeat when relevant.
There are Witches (all female) and Witch Hunters (all male), and the latter used to protect the former until some demons showed up and did what demons do: turned people against their allies and convinced them to hate, fear, and harm one another. Now the Witch Hunters live in a world where they crave witch blood, primarily gained by killing a witch, and Witches, understandably, hide. Enter the heroine, who does not know she's a witch until she's kidnapped by the hero, a witch hunter who'll try not to kill her because of his honor . . . and the fact that he needs her to save his kid sister. Delightful Stockholm Syndrome Sexytime ensues.
There's an over the top deity component and large swaths of infodumps, both of which I could have done without. But don't fear missing a plot point when skimming the dull passages, all important info will repeat when relevant.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
4.0
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog,Flora's Musings...
...So, what did I like about it?
I haven’t read any of Ms Lyon’s books before and I found her writing style engaging, energetic and erotic (oh! What’s with all the “e” adjectives! Lol!). She has built a complex world of gods, demons, witches (earth base and demon bound) and witch hunters (some of who are rogue but all of who are cursed) with an interesting history and I’m intrigued to see where she’ll take us.
I must confess to needing a tissue while reading some of the scenes in this story (get your minds out of the gutter!), it gets quite emotional at times and I cried like a baby.
I love stories that highlight the fact that we all have choices and that the choices we make not only affect us but those around us too. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to take personal responsibility for those choices we make.
I’m a romantic soul and at the end of the day this is a romance novel. Two people meet, lust after each other, try to fight their feelings and don’t think they are worthy of love… (no spoilers in my reviews!)
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Well, disliked is too strong a word but if I’m honest, the only things that I struggled with were the sex and the number of pivotal main characters.
We are given a lot of information and introduced to a lot of characters in this book and most of the characters appear at the beginning! It took me quite a while to get them all straight in my head and what each of their story was. I know this is the first book in a series and realise that these characters (and their stories) will appear in the subsequent Wing Slayer Hunter tales so I’m not completely put off by this.
Now onto the sex. ;-) We all know the difference between the story line of a porno film and a film that happens to have great sex scenes in it. I just thought that the sex scenes between our main characters, Axel & Darcy, although passionate and emotional, came about in a less than smooth or subtle way. But, hey, I’ve still given the book a 4 star rating so I’ve not been completely put of by this either. ;-)
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really enjoyed this fast paced, emotional, passionate and sometimes dark paranormal romance novel.
If you like your hunky heroes with a dark edge and enjoy seeing your female MCs really grow and come into their own or if you have read and enjoyed [a:Stephanie Rowe|19729|Stephanie Rowe|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1331008736p2/19729.jpg]’s Order of the Blade series try this one, it could be right up your street.
I was lucky enough to be given this book for free from the author via Netgally.com in exchange for a fair review. Thank you, Ms Lyon.
...So, what did I like about it?
I haven’t read any of Ms Lyon’s books before and I found her writing style engaging, energetic and erotic (oh! What’s with all the “e” adjectives! Lol!). She has built a complex world of gods, demons, witches (earth base and demon bound) and witch hunters (some of who are rogue but all of who are cursed) with an interesting history and I’m intrigued to see where she’ll take us.
I must confess to needing a tissue while reading some of the scenes in this story (get your minds out of the gutter!), it gets quite emotional at times and I cried like a baby.
I love stories that highlight the fact that we all have choices and that the choices we make not only affect us but those around us too. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to take personal responsibility for those choices we make.
I’m a romantic soul and at the end of the day this is a romance novel. Two people meet, lust after each other, try to fight their feelings and don’t think they are worthy of love… (no spoilers in my reviews!)
...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
Well, disliked is too strong a word but if I’m honest, the only things that I struggled with were the sex and the number of pivotal main characters.
We are given a lot of information and introduced to a lot of characters in this book and most of the characters appear at the beginning! It took me quite a while to get them all straight in my head and what each of their story was. I know this is the first book in a series and realise that these characters (and their stories) will appear in the subsequent Wing Slayer Hunter tales so I’m not completely put off by this.
Now onto the sex. ;-) We all know the difference between the story line of a porno film and a film that happens to have great sex scenes in it. I just thought that the sex scenes between our main characters, Axel & Darcy, although passionate and emotional, came about in a less than smooth or subtle way. But, hey, I’ve still given the book a 4 star rating so I’ve not been completely put of by this either. ;-)
...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really enjoyed this fast paced, emotional, passionate and sometimes dark paranormal romance novel.
If you like your hunky heroes with a dark edge and enjoy seeing your female MCs really grow and come into their own or if you have read and enjoyed [a:Stephanie Rowe|19729|Stephanie Rowe|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1331008736p2/19729.jpg]’s Order of the Blade series try this one, it could be right up your street.
I was lucky enough to be given this book for free from the author via Netgally.com in exchange for a fair review. Thank you, Ms Lyon.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
4.0
Most important question is how can I get my hands on the next one? Ms. Lyon an ARC please.
I wasn't sure about this book but once I got into it and realised that halfway through this book, I've already read something by this author I was throughly enjoing it. 3.5 Witch and Witch Hunter Stars.
Thirty years ago, witches and witch hunters were cursed alike due to the demon witches. There souls were ripped out but they managed to gain them back but they weren't originally the souls that they started out with. The witch hunters are cursed, witches blood sings to them and as soon as they kill a witch they loose their Soul and turn rogue. The witches have limited amount of their Magic left since the curse and they are in hiding.
Darcy MacAlister is different and always has been. In the small town of Glassbreakers, Cali. She has always felt that she has been left out, different. Her strongest connection was to her adoptive mother. her world and life is about to change.
Axel Locke is a witch hunter and he protects the remaining earth witches with his brethen, the other wing slayers. They have promised never to go rogue. Although they haven't been actively participating either.
Axel's little sister Hannah has been death cursed and Axel kidnaps Darcy to help. Well actually his father wanted him to kill her but whatever floats your boat.
Ms. Lyon creates a unique world where everything has it's balance. Characters that are unique and develop throughout the book. There is the main plot of the book and the subplots which are important to the book.
There was some repeating in the book which was a bit annoying but necessary to remind you of specific things.
ARC kindly given by Season Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
s4ufos's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book! I’ve read the series many years ago (starting with the third by accident). It was nice to come back to this series (it helped that the books were on sale).
Blood Magic was a nice romance story with a very original idea. However, there was some confusion over the details and the information explained by the characters. It felt repetitive which is why I gave it three stars. (I apologize Ms Lyon if that seemed harsh. I mean no offense).
All in all, this was still an enjoyable book. The romance between Axel and Darcy was good! I also liked the Wing Slayer Hunters. They were an interesting group of characters.
Blood Magic was a nice romance story with a very original idea. However, there was some confusion over the details and the information explained by the characters. It felt repetitive which is why I gave it three stars. (I apologize Ms Lyon if that seemed harsh. I mean no offense).
All in all, this was still an enjoyable book. The romance between Axel and Darcy was good! I also liked the Wing Slayer Hunters. They were an interesting group of characters.
danicamidlil's review
3.0
A lot like the Black Dagger Brotherhood but with witches instead of vampires.
laurenjodi's review
3.0
Blood Magic
3 Stars
As the leader of the Wing Slayer Hunters, a supernatural species that refuses to give in to the curse that compels them to kill witches, Axel Locke faces a devastating dilemma - kill a witch or watch his sister die. In order to save her life and his soul, Axel needs the help of a witch, but the only one available, Darcy McAllister, is unaware of her identity or powers. Forced into an unlikely alliance, Darcy and Axel are in a race against time to cure a young girl and protect themselves from a demon witch's wrath.
A somewhat creative premise, but the execution is exceedingly weak with repetitive descriptions and internal musings as well as an excessive number of characters with confusing affiliations.
Much of the book is bogged down with Darcy gaining new powers and learning how to control them, which slows the pacing down to a crawl. This is exacerbated by the dense world building with various groups of characters with similar titles - demon witches, earth witches, wing slayer hunters, rogue hunters - all with their own agendas and motivations.
The romance is also unsatisfactory. Not only do Axel and Darcy have little to no chemistry, but the conflict between them, which is based on issues of secrets and distrust, is contrived and illogical.
All in all, not the most original of concepts and it has all been done to much better effect in other series.
3 Stars
As the leader of the Wing Slayer Hunters, a supernatural species that refuses to give in to the curse that compels them to kill witches, Axel Locke faces a devastating dilemma - kill a witch or watch his sister die. In order to save her life and his soul, Axel needs the help of a witch, but the only one available, Darcy McAllister, is unaware of her identity or powers. Forced into an unlikely alliance, Darcy and Axel are in a race against time to cure a young girl and protect themselves from a demon witch's wrath.
A somewhat creative premise, but the execution is exceedingly weak with repetitive descriptions and internal musings as well as an excessive number of characters with confusing affiliations.
Much of the book is bogged down with Darcy gaining new powers and learning how to control them, which slows the pacing down to a crawl. This is exacerbated by the dense world building with various groups of characters with similar titles - demon witches, earth witches, wing slayer hunters, rogue hunters - all with their own agendas and motivations.
The romance is also unsatisfactory. Not only do Axel and Darcy have little to no chemistry, but the conflict between them, which is based on issues of secrets and distrust, is contrived and illogical.
All in all, not the most original of concepts and it has all been done to much better effect in other series.
mrose21's review against another edition
4.0
I actually really enjoyed this. This doesn't ring any bells with me at all! However I did enjoy this book. I was pretty hooked and enthralled with it all.
I love Darcy she actually develops quite well from being a shy brow beaten female to being strong and a kick butt witch.
Axel is just hot and heavy from the beginning, I was into him straight away the author has written him really well.
The only thing is this is so quick, and its almost like Darcy is super special and then not? I'm intrigued to see how this series goes and from my view point this is a good first book.
I love Darcy she actually develops quite well from being a shy brow beaten female to being strong and a kick butt witch.
Axel is just hot and heavy from the beginning, I was into him straight away the author has written him really well.
The only thing is this is so quick, and its almost like Darcy is super special and then not? I'm intrigued to see how this series goes and from my view point this is a good first book.
bookwife's review against another edition
2.0
http://megansbookmaddness.blogspot.com/2015/10/blood-magic-by-jennifer-lyon.html
I struggled a little bit with this one. I almost didn't finish it but I pushed myself to do it and I ended up liking it. kind of. I felt like the story wasn't that smooth and honestly it was hard to follow at the beginning. I wasn't getting it. To the point where I had to go and make sure that this was the first of the series.. which it is.
And Axel.. what a dick. seriously I hated him so much that by time he started being nice that I couldn't get over what a jerk he was in the beginning. I know that he had to be a jerk but I just think it was done to an excessive amount. There are lot of books where the guy is a jerk but I still end up loving him.. This was not one of them. Like I liked nothing about him. And then theres Darcey. Who I felt bad for because lets face it, Axel gave her no choice but to be trapped.. but then you go and sleep with him?? Sure makes sense to me. You can't hit him because of the witch karma(which is just ridiculous if you ask me.) so naturally that means sex it the next option. Dumb. Obviously it all worked out but whatever.
I wanted to like this book because the concept of the story is so interesting. But to me it did not deliver. The only thing I did like about the book was the group of guys. I love the brotherhood they seemed to have. Other than that though.. ehhh.
I struggled a little bit with this one. I almost didn't finish it but I pushed myself to do it and I ended up liking it. kind of. I felt like the story wasn't that smooth and honestly it was hard to follow at the beginning. I wasn't getting it. To the point where I had to go and make sure that this was the first of the series.. which it is.
And Axel.. what a dick. seriously I hated him so much that by time he started being nice that I couldn't get over what a jerk he was in the beginning. I know that he had to be a jerk but I just think it was done to an excessive amount. There are lot of books where the guy is a jerk but I still end up loving him.. This was not one of them. Like I liked nothing about him. And then theres Darcey. Who I felt bad for because lets face it, Axel gave her no choice but to be trapped.. but then you go and sleep with him?? Sure makes sense to me. You can't hit him because of the witch karma(which is just ridiculous if you ask me.) so naturally that means sex it the next option. Dumb. Obviously it all worked out but whatever.
I wanted to like this book because the concept of the story is so interesting. But to me it did not deliver. The only thing I did like about the book was the group of guys. I love the brotherhood they seemed to have. Other than that though.. ehhh.
pebblespenguin1's review against another edition
5.0
‘Blood Magic’ was a powerhouse of a novel, it had every element you could want in a paranormal romance. ‘Blood Magic’ gives a new twist on the world of witches. I have read novels about witches and witchcraft since I was a little girl and never before have I ever seen it done like this. The story captivated me from the very first page and it just pumped out adventure and adrenaline filled scenes right after the other. Axel and Darcy have such a powerful love story happening that it is hard to turn away from. Darcy feels like she just wants to lose herself in him and Axel feels the same but he can’t allow the curse and his bloodlust to take over and take her life! The exchanges between those two were so passionate, powerful, and beautifully written. I am absolutely in love with these characters and I cannot wait to read ‘Soul Magic’ which is the next book in the series.
Darcy had never fit in she always knew she was different but tried to be as normal as possible because her adopted father told her she was evil. Well it turns out Darcy isn’t normal at all she indeed an earth witch and she could possibly be the very most important and powerful one though she has never known it. After a series of confusing and terrifying events she finds herself prisoner in a witch hunter’s house. He has been cursed just like all the other hunters with a terrible bloodlust for witch’s blood but Axel and his men are determined not to go rogue and have dedicated their lives to protecting earth witches and killing rogues. Now Axel has run into a problem his four year old sister, Hannah has been cursed with the death mark and will die soon if they cannot get a earth witch to remove the spell. This is where Darcy comes in; Axel kidnapped her and is depending on her to save Hannah.
Darcy has no idea where to even start considering she didn’t even know she was a witch but after seeing Hannah, she realizes she cannot walk away and let a poor little innocent girl die; she has to at least try. She begins to work on her witchcraft and she and Axel realize that they are in the fight of their lives, in more ways than one.
Axel and Darcy have such a heavy lethal attraction to each other and soon begin to realize they need each other and can help each other more than they ever could have imagined. Besides the story of Darcy and Axel there are plenty of other characters that play their own parts in the story, each one is important and I really love the aspect of that. There is no meaningless character in this book.
It is such a compelling and powerful story, just when you think everything is going to be ok, their world gets flipped upside down again. The whole time I was reading I was just waiting for Axel to take Darcy into his arms and overcome the curse but I never ever saw the ending coming. That is a rare talent, to completely throw the reader off throughout the book. ‘Blood Magic’ was such a captivating, thrilling story, with unforgettable characters that you won’t forget and it will leave you craving the next book. I give it five stars!
Darcy had never fit in she always knew she was different but tried to be as normal as possible because her adopted father told her she was evil. Well it turns out Darcy isn’t normal at all she indeed an earth witch and she could possibly be the very most important and powerful one though she has never known it. After a series of confusing and terrifying events she finds herself prisoner in a witch hunter’s house. He has been cursed just like all the other hunters with a terrible bloodlust for witch’s blood but Axel and his men are determined not to go rogue and have dedicated their lives to protecting earth witches and killing rogues. Now Axel has run into a problem his four year old sister, Hannah has been cursed with the death mark and will die soon if they cannot get a earth witch to remove the spell. This is where Darcy comes in; Axel kidnapped her and is depending on her to save Hannah.
Darcy has no idea where to even start considering she didn’t even know she was a witch but after seeing Hannah, she realizes she cannot walk away and let a poor little innocent girl die; she has to at least try. She begins to work on her witchcraft and she and Axel realize that they are in the fight of their lives, in more ways than one.
Axel and Darcy have such a heavy lethal attraction to each other and soon begin to realize they need each other and can help each other more than they ever could have imagined. Besides the story of Darcy and Axel there are plenty of other characters that play their own parts in the story, each one is important and I really love the aspect of that. There is no meaningless character in this book.
It is such a compelling and powerful story, just when you think everything is going to be ok, their world gets flipped upside down again. The whole time I was reading I was just waiting for Axel to take Darcy into his arms and overcome the curse but I never ever saw the ending coming. That is a rare talent, to completely throw the reader off throughout the book. ‘Blood Magic’ was such a captivating, thrilling story, with unforgettable characters that you won’t forget and it will leave you craving the next book. I give it five stars!