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Mageverse #4
Master of Swords
Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only—and it’s not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire’s arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only—and it’s not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire’s arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 3, 2006
28 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Angela Knight
139 books1,027 followersAngela Knight is an American author of mostly erotic fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 16, 2017
I read this a while ago but never marked it down. Fabulous!
November 22, 2016
I am so loving this series from this author. A must read for any and all paranormal lovers everywhere. Gawain is a knight in Avalon, and Lark happens to be his mate. She develops a fear of vampire attack when she is almost killed by one. She and Gawain must track down a killer that happens to have connections and caused majority of the events that took place recently.
September 5, 2010
I do like how Knight blends vampires with the tales of King Arthur and his court into this hot paranormal romance.
December 9, 2025
Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only—and it’s not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire’s arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
Heather's Notes
This was not a bad story. I enjoyed Lark and Gawain. I found the "villain" but be a bit much, but overall a good story.
Gawain believes he needs Lark for one thing and one thing only—and it’s not her skill with magic. In the process, he plans to help her overcome her fear and show her the pleasure to be found in a vampire’s arms.
But even as passion sizzles between Lark and Gawain, a revenge-driven killer targets them. If he has his way, Lark, Gawain, and the world itself will pay the price.
Heather's Notes
This was not a bad story. I enjoyed Lark and Gawain. I found the "villain" but be a bit much, but overall a good story.
December 31, 2018
We learn about Gawain's history and how he became partnered with a dragon sword. Lark turns to her Maja great grandfather when her father needs help and finds herself becoming a Majae and knee deep in the battle with vampires. After an ugly attack she suffers from PTSD, all younger majae are partnered with veterans, and her partner turns out to be so much more. When a Majae's kid goes bad, he goes in a big way. Lark has to learn to truly use her magic and save not only Gawain and the Mageverse but break the curse on Kel. A lot going on, plus learning more about the dragons, with lots of steamy sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
Gawain the green knight
I love this take on Arthurian lore meets vampires with a twist. Lark is a real character who is going through self doubt and ptsd. Gawain is a ladies man who is finally meeting his match. Lots happen in this. I suggest starting with book one but really if you start here, you won’t be lost.
I love this take on Arthurian lore meets vampires with a twist. Lark is a real character who is going through self doubt and ptsd. Gawain is a ladies man who is finally meeting his match. Lots happen in this. I suggest starting with book one but really if you start here, you won’t be lost.
July 5, 2017
Not sure who I like more Kel or Gwain. They are both to yummy for words!!
November 2, 2017
Loved this book, can't wait to read all the other ones..
September 15, 2019
Loved Master of Swords!
August 20, 2021
Very well composed
May 11, 2019
This one was weird even in the context of a very weird series. So in this one in addition to vampires, witches, fairies and werewolves we add in dragons. And not just any dragon but a dragon who has been magically imprisoned in sword, but it’s cool because he has a mental link with one of Arthur’s knights who carries him around. I told you…it’s weird. That said, I’ve come this far with this series so I was willing to see where it went. And, for the most part, it was pretty standard for the series. It wasn’t anything special in the writing department but the character development was actually a bit better in this one. Mostly I come back for a quick moving plot that doesn’t require too much thought…which is exactly what I got, and I’ll keep reading until that’s not the case.
August 28, 2022
I don't know why I always end up taking huge gaps between reading books in this series, but I always end up enjoying the book when I finally get back to the next one up. This was no exception. I really liked Kel and Gwain. They have such a long history together and their friendship was something that gave both of them strength. Kel's tragic history isn't something he could have come through sane without Gwain's friendship and he's more than returned the favor keeping Gwain save over the millenia. Of course enter Lark and Gwain's world is tossed on its head once more, but maybe this time they can finally find an answer to who was behind trapping Kel in the first place.
I liked Lark and Gwain. Lark has just come through a pretty awful experience with the last attack on Avalon. But the connection with Gwain is pretty immediate once they're paired together and his patience helps her work through the issues she has. They have a strong bond together and face each of the new challenges and devastations in this story as a new couple. I liked this story and need to kick myself to not take as long getting to the next one.
I liked Lark and Gwain. Lark has just come through a pretty awful experience with the last attack on Avalon. But the connection with Gwain is pretty immediate once they're paired together and his patience helps her work through the issues she has. They have a strong bond together and face each of the new challenges and devastations in this story as a new couple. I liked this story and need to kick myself to not take as long getting to the next one.
June 22, 2014
This is the second book I've read of this series. The other one was Master of Wolves, which I highly recommend. I think I've re-read Master of Wolves about three or four times. And for me and a romance, that doesn't happen very often.
For this series, I'm tentative when I say you don't really need to have read the previous books to understand what's going on. Ms. Knight does a fairly good job of blending in the present with background.
With that being said, I found this book gripping, exciting and I didn't stop reading it until I was done. I still have a bit of a time wrapping my head about who is who, and how long they've been immortal, and the spouse and children part of it, but I'm sure I'll totally understand one day. I intend to go back and read the books just to make sure I've got all the rules and guidelines of the vampire, witch, werewolf, etc, stuff down.
However, I digress. This book continues Arthur and his immortal knights and witches searching for the black grail that turns normal humans into vampires. I was a little taken aback at the beginning where they quickly destroy cup number two, but it's number three that's the focus of this book. The love story between Lark and Gawain is very hot, and combined with enough battles plus the antics of Gawain's symbiotic dragon-locked-in-a-sword friend, Kel, kept it a good-paced and entertaining read.
While I hate to follow up the positive with a negative, there's just one thing that kind of bugs me. I suppose with all those immortal knights, sorcerers, witches, etc, living for centuries, eventually those not attached, true-bonded and/or married are going to make the rounds. However, it still kind of irked me at times at how many of the immortals had slept with each other. In addition to that, I felt a bit of feminist anghst at how Lark became an immortal witch. Forigve the spoiler, but she had to sleep with the "court seducer" in order to trigger the magic with the man's climax. I realize that romance books these days are becoming more and more of erotica-type novels, but for me, this felt like it was really pushing the erotica envelope. I only say this because the beginning of the book shows how Gawain became an immortal knight. He drank from the Holy Grail and voila! He was an immortal vampire. Lark on the other hand, in my mind, had to prostitute herself in order to receive the gift. Perhaps the previous books explain other methods in becoming immortal and gaining magical ability, but I only read of these ways. I'm one of those that I think too much when reading. Lark explained how her grandfather and her mother both applied to become part of the mageverse, but were turned down. this is also another thing I'm really trying to understand. I believe Merlin told Gawain that if he sired children, they may or may not be like him. But from the book, it seems that anyone who didn't drink from the Holy Grail or sleep with the court seducer had to apply. So...I'm confused.
I disclaimer that I'm just babblinrambling on about my thoughts and confusion with some aspect of the books. I also repeat that perhaps there were explanations in previous or even later books. I'm going by Master of Swords and what was explained there.
Overall I give this book a solid four stars. Despite my griping, I enjoy Ms. Knight's books and the mageverse series and will continue on with the next book. I believe at the time of my review the series is complete, so it might be silly to say that I hope we see a book with Gawain's dragon friend Kel. I liked his character a great deal. Anyway, highly recommend the book and the series. (Even if you don't like vampires, go for it!)
For this series, I'm tentative when I say you don't really need to have read the previous books to understand what's going on. Ms. Knight does a fairly good job of blending in the present with background.
With that being said, I found this book gripping, exciting and I didn't stop reading it until I was done. I still have a bit of a time wrapping my head about who is who, and how long they've been immortal, and the spouse and children part of it, but I'm sure I'll totally understand one day. I intend to go back and read the books just to make sure I've got all the rules and guidelines of the vampire, witch, werewolf, etc, stuff down.
However, I digress. This book continues Arthur and his immortal knights and witches searching for the black grail that turns normal humans into vampires. I was a little taken aback at the beginning where they quickly destroy cup number two, but it's number three that's the focus of this book. The love story between Lark and Gawain is very hot, and combined with enough battles plus the antics of Gawain's symbiotic dragon-locked-in-a-sword friend, Kel, kept it a good-paced and entertaining read.
While I hate to follow up the positive with a negative, there's just one thing that kind of bugs me. I suppose with all those immortal knights, sorcerers, witches, etc, living for centuries, eventually those not attached, true-bonded and/or married are going to make the rounds. However, it still kind of irked me at times at how many of the immortals had slept with each other. In addition to that, I felt a bit of feminist anghst at how Lark became an immortal witch. Forigve the spoiler, but she had to sleep with the "court seducer" in order to trigger the magic with the man's climax. I realize that romance books these days are becoming more and more of erotica-type novels, but for me, this felt like it was really pushing the erotica envelope. I only say this because the beginning of the book shows how Gawain became an immortal knight. He drank from the Holy Grail and voila! He was an immortal vampire. Lark on the other hand, in my mind, had to prostitute herself in order to receive the gift. Perhaps the previous books explain other methods in becoming immortal and gaining magical ability, but I only read of these ways. I'm one of those that I think too much when reading. Lark explained how her grandfather and her mother both applied to become part of the mageverse, but were turned down. this is also another thing I'm really trying to understand. I believe Merlin told Gawain that if he sired children, they may or may not be like him. But from the book, it seems that anyone who didn't drink from the Holy Grail or sleep with the court seducer had to apply. So...I'm confused.
I disclaimer that I'm just babblinrambling on about my thoughts and confusion with some aspect of the books. I also repeat that perhaps there were explanations in previous or even later books. I'm going by Master of Swords and what was explained there.
Overall I give this book a solid four stars. Despite my griping, I enjoy Ms. Knight's books and the mageverse series and will continue on with the next book. I believe at the time of my review the series is complete, so it might be silly to say that I hope we see a book with Gawain's dragon friend Kel. I liked his character a great deal. Anyway, highly recommend the book and the series. (Even if you don't like vampires, go for it!)
December 3, 2011
I have just discovered what may potentially be a new favorite series, hopefully the rest of the books will be just as good!
The Mageverse series presents yet another take on vampire lore, with the Knights of the Round Table (yes, you heard that right) as vamps, whose sustenance comes from feeding off of Maja, or witches. Sounds suspiciously like the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which strangely enough, doesn't bother me (although I do want to find out which author wrote what series first!).
This particular book is about one of the knights, Gawain, who is assigned to take on an apprentice Maja named Lark. As hunky as Gawain is, my favorite character was Kel the dragon! Vampires, witches, magic, dragons who can talk/do magic/transform into humans...total bliss! Just like the BDB, the sex is graphic, and the killings are violent. There were some tidbits which I had no background idea of, probably because I didn't start the series from book#1, but I didn't feel like I was losing much.
I am so happy with this book!!! :)
The Mageverse series presents yet another take on vampire lore, with the Knights of the Round Table (yes, you heard that right) as vamps, whose sustenance comes from feeding off of Maja, or witches. Sounds suspiciously like the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which strangely enough, doesn't bother me (although I do want to find out which author wrote what series first!).
This particular book is about one of the knights, Gawain, who is assigned to take on an apprentice Maja named Lark. As hunky as Gawain is, my favorite character was Kel the dragon! Vampires, witches, magic, dragons who can talk/do magic/transform into humans...total bliss! Just like the BDB, the sex is graphic, and the killings are violent. There were some tidbits which I had no background idea of, probably because I didn't start the series from book#1, but I didn't feel like I was losing much.
I am so happy with this book!!! :)
September 16, 2013
Let me start by saying that I haven't read any of the other books in this series (although I plan to change that in the near future). Which means that I almost didn't read past the first 50 pages. But I am so glad I did! Once I figured out the backstory and the rules to this alternate universe, the story just flew! Sexy hero, strong and interesting heroine, great writing and HOT sex scenes. This story is well written, has great pacing and is exactly what I hope a romance will deliver when I'm looking to lose myself for a couple of hours. The only reason that I didn't give this 5 stars (or add it to my Keeper Shelf) is because the book overall didn't grab me by the heartstrings. As much as I enjoyed this book, I didn't wish I could crawl between the pages and live in that world and be friends with those characters. But I do highly recommend "Master of Swords" and I'm looking forward to reading the other book in the series I have in my TBR pile, "Master of Dragons" as well as the other books.
November 12, 2013
It only took four novels to get the one I expected at the start of this series once I learned of the Arthurian (with a lot of poetic license) premise of the Mageverse series. Finally a love story about one of the Arthurian Knights: Gawain. His love interest: Tristan's great-granddaughter. Gawain is a happy bachelor, quite satisfied with his 15-century bromance with his dragon friend Kel who has been enchanted into a talking sword and who shares a mental link with Gawain. Having to take on Lark McClure as his apprentice is done against protest, but he soon changes his tune. Despite suffering from PSTD, Gawain soon discovers there is much to admire about his apprentice. Her great-grandfather Tristan is very unhappy about the pairing. Their relationship develops as the war against Geiroff's evil vampire horde continues as the Magekind search for the third Dark Grail and hostilities arise with Kel's Dragonkind enemies. Bors' bad seed son is the latest villain, and the scenes with Bors are wrenching, as is the necessary means to stop Richard before he can't be stopped at all.
August 11, 2016
Book #4 in the Mageverse series
This is Gawain's story. He has a simbiotic relationship with Kel - a dragon who's been trapped in a sword for 1600 years - Kel provides him with magic which makes him pretty badass.
After losing several Magi & Magae in the battle with Geirolf, Arthur decides that each rookie should be paired with a seasoned veteran. Gawain gets paired with Lark, who is Tristan's great-granddaughter. Since Magi have to feed from Magae, Gawain & Lark also pair up in the bedroom.
And then everyone & his/her brother starts warning Lark about how Gawain is not a forever kinda guy & to watch so she doesn't get her heart broken.
The pair Truebond in order to free Kel so he can get to the Dragonlands to chase after the bad guy. (Which sets Kel up nicely for his own story, Master of Dragons)
This is Gawain's story. He has a simbiotic relationship with Kel - a dragon who's been trapped in a sword for 1600 years - Kel provides him with magic which makes him pretty badass.
After losing several Magi & Magae in the battle with Geirolf, Arthur decides that each rookie should be paired with a seasoned veteran. Gawain gets paired with Lark, who is Tristan's great-granddaughter. Since Magi have to feed from Magae, Gawain & Lark also pair up in the bedroom.
And then everyone & his/her brother starts warning Lark about how Gawain is not a forever kinda guy & to watch so she doesn't get her heart broken.
The pair Truebond in order to free Kel so he can get to the Dragonlands to chase after the bad guy. (Which sets Kel up nicely for his own story, Master of Dragons)
August 3, 2015
Good story, wish I had read the earlier books in the series first to get better background details on the secondary plot that seems to be running through the whole series - the war between the maji/majae led by King Arthur and sorcerers created by a bad guy who was killed in a previous book. I liked the main characters but felt that there wasn't quite enough back story for the woman - Lark. Gawain - the guy - had a whole chapter of back story, but Lark only had a couple of paragraphs, which I assumed was because she had already been explained in one of the previous books and Knight didn't want to rehash it. Despite this I enjoyed the book and the primary plot. The romance was very steamy and R rated.
February 21, 2012
If you enjoy a good vampire romance then these are definately worth a look at it did take me a couple of chapters before i was really able to sink my teeth into the story line.
For me i think the whole idea of( merlin,King Arthur and his Knights of the round table)as the vampires confused me a little to start with. However once i could relate to the concept it was an easy read and i got to know the characters a little better. For me there was just enough romance fighting and humour to keep me entertained till the end.
For me i think the whole idea of( merlin,King Arthur and his Knights of the round table)as the vampires confused me a little to start with. However once i could relate to the concept it was an easy read and i got to know the characters a little better. For me there was just enough romance fighting and humour to keep me entertained till the end.
September 2, 2011
This was (and still is) my favorite book in the Mageverse series. In fact, this was my third reading. I like each of the main characters, especially Kel. Also, this is the closest the characters have come to admitting their love before being forced into bonding for life in this series. The life or death situation is still there, but they were so close I was able to overlook the coercion this time.
September 24, 2015
lark seemed like a sweet girl and then to be attacked and have her throat riped open and almost die by a vampire thing and live is hard then to be paired with a rough man that is build like a brick house would be scary. She overcomes and falls in love with him and together they save king arthur how cool is that
October 13, 2011
I completely adore this series. Gawain and Lark are amazing. The intrigue in the Mageverse keeps getting thicker with each book. A dragon locked in a sword, linked to Gawain. Love Kel . . . and can't wait to read his book!
November 18, 2010
I have to say I love, love, LOVE the Mageverse! Each couple I read about draws me in even more. Lark and Gawain are awesome and Kel! oh Kel. This is a great blend of comedy, romance, drama and action.
February 10, 2011
Book 6 in this series was a good fast read. Ms. Knight writes another story which sucked me into her Mageverse. I like learning about each knight of the round table. A guaranteed smexy and happily ever after.
April 7, 2011
Angela Knight hits another homer in the Mageverse series, this time with Gawain and Lark (who happens to be the great-granddaughter of another Round Table knight). The story and characters rock, and the sex is hot.
May 4, 2018
This was awesome. It is about Gawain and Lark's romance. Lark is Tristan's great-granddaughter and she has been accepted by the Maja and spent time training with them on Mageverse. This series of books is wonderful and can't wait to read the next one "Master of Dragons".
May 25, 2015
I came REALLY late to this series, so I'm only going on what I've gleaned from it.
While the romance was sweet and the sex scenes hot, I found myself skimming the bad guys' scenes, and was still able to follow along after their initial introduction.
While the romance was sweet and the sex scenes hot, I found myself skimming the bad guys' scenes, and was still able to follow along after their initial introduction.
books-i-have
August 5, 2016Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.
May 4, 2008
Book 5 in series. Very good.
May 20, 2008
This was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews