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Stronger Than Magic
(House of Xannon #1)
by
Water can be deadly, in the right hands.
In a world of magic, hidden away from those who have no power, Tarian Xannon commands the natural forces of water, air, and fire. As heir to the Dolphin Throne, her job is to learn what it takes to lead—but she'd much rather forget the heavy weight of responsibility in the waves of the ocean.
When Tarian is brutally attacked, she fa ...more
In a world of magic, hidden away from those who have no power, Tarian Xannon commands the natural forces of water, air, and fire. As heir to the Dolphin Throne, her job is to learn what it takes to lead—but she'd much rather forget the heavy weight of responsibility in the waves of the ocean.
When Tarian is brutally attacked, she fa ...more
Kindle Edition, 396 pages
Published
2014
by WrittenHouse Publishing
(first published January 1st 2012)
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Start your review of Stronger Than Magic (House of Xannon #1)
Tarian is in line for the Dolphin Throne, currently held by her mother, but she isn't too excited about someday completing the ancient Succession Ritual and assuming her role as the next Keeper. Tarian's time table, however, is moved up after an attack by a demon-like creature sets in motion a ticking clock. She must harness the forces of magical energy inside her, complete the ritual, and fend off the villain who wishes to take the throne from her family.
The novel's setting is modern-day, but t ...more
The novel's setting is modern-day, but t ...more
why do female leads have to be impulsive and childish?
I loved this book! The story had me on edge from beginning to end, and the characters came to life on the page. I really enjoyed Tarian's gutsy personality as she dealt with everything coming down on her at once. My favorite character was probably her sister, Calliope, the one I could most identify with because she was a book nerd like me.
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Great Magical 'Coming of Age' Novel
The main protagonist is a young woman, an heir to a hidden dynasty, but who is put off by the rituals and trials of governing, and wants to be a shieldmaiden of protection for the dynasty and realm, instead. She would much rather swim with the dolphins (who are part of her family) than learn the things necessary to govern. (It also seems to me that she does not really want to grow up!) She has a Talent for tracking, and some level of powers within the magical ...more
The main protagonist is a young woman, an heir to a hidden dynasty, but who is put off by the rituals and trials of governing, and wants to be a shieldmaiden of protection for the dynasty and realm, instead. She would much rather swim with the dolphins (who are part of her family) than learn the things necessary to govern. (It also seems to me that she does not really want to grow up!) She has a Talent for tracking, and some level of powers within the magical ...more
Disclaimer: I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and am submitting an honest review in return.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Kudos to Ms. VanLone for a truly original plot. The pace was perfect with no rushing or dragging. She gave a good background with just a couple exceptions and the characters were very "real."
I'm going to have to get quite picky to find some negatives with the book and one of those is the title of the Dolphin Throne. While I get the fact that magic should have a sourc ...more
I greatly enjoyed this book. Kudos to Ms. VanLone for a truly original plot. The pace was perfect with no rushing or dragging. She gave a good background with just a couple exceptions and the characters were very "real."
I'm going to have to get quite picky to find some negatives with the book and one of those is the title of the Dolphin Throne. While I get the fact that magic should have a sourc ...more
This ended up not being what I expected, but it was an engaging story that I wanted to finish. It earns 4.1 out of five stars.
The main character seemed inconsistent. Her "epiphany" at the end came at an unfortunate time, and I felt sorry for her more than awed by her. As powerful as her magic was supposed to be, she seemed to lose out in a lot of battles, so I had a difficult time believing she was that powerful in the scope of things.
I was intrigued by the universe set up here alongside the mod ...more
The main character seemed inconsistent. Her "epiphany" at the end came at an unfortunate time, and I felt sorry for her more than awed by her. As powerful as her magic was supposed to be, she seemed to lose out in a lot of battles, so I had a difficult time believing she was that powerful in the scope of things.
I was intrigued by the universe set up here alongside the mod ...more
I really wanted to like this book because I loved the world it was set in - unfortunately I couldn't like the main characters.
At 24 Tarian behaves like a spoilt 16-year-old. She is lucky to have her sister and her friends but Alex is too lovestruck to have any sense. Then we have the mysterious stranger lover, who is of course turns out to know all this handy information noone else does and sAves the day.
For a society that chooses women to be leaders all the main political players turn out to ...more
At 24 Tarian behaves like a spoilt 16-year-old. She is lucky to have her sister and her friends but Alex is too lovestruck to have any sense. Then we have the mysterious stranger lover, who is of course turns out to know all this handy information noone else does and sAves the day.
For a society that chooses women to be leaders all the main political players turn out to ...more
This was a good fantasy read. VanLone has created a detailed and authentic world with great potential. The characters were well developed, the language accessible and the story gripping.
This is a bit of a coming of age story with a young, headstrong princess character discovering that her actions have far-reaching consequences and that responsibility cannot be shirked no matter our own selfish desires.
A detective story mixed with fantasy and the modern setting was particularly enjoyable.
The ...more
This is a bit of a coming of age story with a young, headstrong princess character discovering that her actions have far-reaching consequences and that responsibility cannot be shirked no matter our own selfish desires.
A detective story mixed with fantasy and the modern setting was particularly enjoyable.
The ...more
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Melinda pens "Stronger Than Magic" in a well developed, smooth flowing, original plot with strong characters. A great start of a series that takes you into the magickal and paranormal world with a touch of romance. I totally enjoyed the book and can't wait for the next in the series. Highly recommended for all paranormal, magickal, romance fans.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
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This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
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a lengthy, confusing book. started to skim over the confusing parts just to get to the ending quicker. i like the way it ended, but was more relieved it did finally end, and that they do love each other, like i already knew they did. the confusion was with all the "un-spoken" talk of the archivists, daemons who "speak in riddles"... it proves how she made so many mistakes so easily, and that we, the readers, are also easily mistaken, too, ... hence my confusion not being fictitious!!!
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I only made about 20% of the way through this book.It starts right away with some action and sets up the main character's conflict pretty fast, but I could not bring myself to care about her or what was happening. Interesting premise, but it is not well executed. I was also put off by the amount of "pooling between her breasts" and "settling in her groin". Not the kind of fantasy book I was expecting.
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Well written, very original but too much blood and gore for my liking.
I enjoyed it but I'm not a blood and gore fan and there is a lot of very explicit violence so I found myself skipping paragraphs
feeling slightly repulsed and yet wanting to get on with the following turn of events!. The story is very appealing. It's unusual and fast paced but I prefer to leave certain scenes to each person's imaginations. Then again this is only my very personal opinion.
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I enjoyed it but I'm not a blood and gore fan and there is a lot of very explicit violence so I found myself skipping paragraphs
feeling slightly repulsed and yet wanting to get on with the following turn of events!. The story is very appealing. It's unusual and fast paced but I prefer to leave certain scenes to each person's imaginations. Then again this is only my very personal opinion.
...more
This book was well written and for the most part was quite enjoyable. My main problems with the book was the lack of any up front information which sometimes made it harder to get into the story and the main character. She is the poster child for people who will cause most of the problems in their own lives. Still, it was a good story and one that you'll find a fun way to spend a few hours.
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I went in expecting to not really like this book but it was actually quite enjoyable. It was kinda hard for me to get into at first but once I got past the first few chapters I was hooked.one thing I really didn't like we're the names... unnecessarily unique?? Is that a thing lol, I just had a hard time trying to pronounce some of them. I would recommend to a friend.
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Warning
Before you read this book make sure you can. afford to buy the rest of the series. It's so good it's addictive there is so much going on you probably think quite a few are guilty but keep reading even then you don't really know who they are until they're uncovered fab.
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Before you read this book make sure you can. afford to buy the rest of the series. It's so good it's addictive there is so much going on you probably think quite a few are guilty but keep reading even then you don't really know who they are until they're uncovered fab.
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Pretty good
At first it was difficult to read about Tairien, she was so irritating. But gradually it got beter and i really enjoyed the book overall.
At first it was difficult to read about Tairien, she was so irritating. But gradually it got beter and i really enjoyed the book overall.
This book didn't really pull me in. It had it's moments but some of the plot was a little too out there for me. In my opinion it was a bit more romance novel than fantasy.
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This book was V in my list, and I'm getting excited about completing my challenge!
I read Stronger Than Magic in a day. Overall, it kept my attention and made me want to know what was happening next. I would even go so far as to say that I enjoyed it, and I have added the next in the series to my wishlist. I didn't realise until halfway through the book that Tarian was meant to be 24yo, as she does act a lot younger (think 18/19yo), and some parts of the story don't make sense (women have power, ...more
I read Stronger Than Magic in a day. Overall, it kept my attention and made me want to know what was happening next. I would even go so far as to say that I enjoyed it, and I have added the next in the series to my wishlist. I didn't realise until halfway through the book that Tarian was meant to be 24yo, as she does act a lot younger (think 18/19yo), and some parts of the story don't make sense (women have power, ...more
*****Spoilers*****
This story could have been so much better if it weren't for Tarian. It starts off well enough but I could not like her at all. From the dumb decisions, to the unwise risks, to the feeling like she must do everything herself, to not asking for backup, to not listening to those around her, it was maddening. The author tried to make her come across as independent but to me it was more whiny and spoiled brat type behavior. The situations were not believable and her status and respo ...more
This story could have been so much better if it weren't for Tarian. It starts off well enough but I could not like her at all. From the dumb decisions, to the unwise risks, to the feeling like she must do everything herself, to not asking for backup, to not listening to those around her, it was maddening. The author tried to make her come across as independent but to me it was more whiny and spoiled brat type behavior. The situations were not believable and her status and respo ...more
Keeper.....
I was overwhelmed with the book. It wasn't my usual read, but captured me with the plot, the characters and the intricacies of the story. It's about love and friendship and finding your way, even after all the mistakes you make.
The keeper wants to protect her rebellious daughter, who wants to fight crime and shirk her responsibility as the next in line. Her sister is strong in healing and water element, and she will need that strength at the end. She must complete a ritual to conceiv ...more
I was overwhelmed with the book. It wasn't my usual read, but captured me with the plot, the characters and the intricacies of the story. It's about love and friendship and finding your way, even after all the mistakes you make.
The keeper wants to protect her rebellious daughter, who wants to fight crime and shirk her responsibility as the next in line. Her sister is strong in healing and water element, and she will need that strength at the end. She must complete a ritual to conceiv ...more
Loved it!
This was a lovely book to read. The story pulls yummy in and keeps you interested right to the end. I feel that it definitely deserves a 5 star rating. The nice thing was you didn't figure out who the bad guy was until the big fight scene. Some novels can reveal too much but this had you thinking.
I think I need to read the next one now! Thank you Melinda VanLone for giving me something fun and interesting to read. ...more
This was a lovely book to read. The story pulls yummy in and keeps you interested right to the end. I feel that it definitely deserves a 5 star rating. The nice thing was you didn't figure out who the bad guy was until the big fight scene. Some novels can reveal too much but this had you thinking.
I think I need to read the next one now! Thank you Melinda VanLone for giving me something fun and interesting to read. ...more
I am always hesitant to leave low reviews. The main character seems pretty childish and it's preventing me from getting into the story. It also would have helped if there was some context to the titles used to address characters. They are used in a way that assume we already know them. The most important question is why with someone with someone with so much impact on her race running around by herself.
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Awesome
Loved, loved, loved. Totally loved the fact that I could be lost in a different world while having a hold in normal life. Good and evil yes but with a power play that has too far to go. At times trying to keep up with who was who and working out who was good and who wasn't. Cannot wait to read the next book. ...more
Loved, loved, loved. Totally loved the fact that I could be lost in a different world while having a hold in normal life. Good and evil yes but with a power play that has too far to go. At times trying to keep up with who was who and working out who was good and who wasn't. Cannot wait to read the next book. ...more
This was a wonderfully written tale of magic and demons. Tarian's story at first appeared to be a YA book, but when Tarian starts the ritual, oh boy! This is definitely not a children's book. The author did a fantastic job world-building and creating a cast of characters it is a pleasure for the reader to follow.
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Knowledge is power but sometimes comes from the strangest sources.
A kingdom by the ocean ruled by strong independent women, and one of them is a serious handful! I liked this well developed story so much that I had to purchase the next three books immediately. Highly recommended if you like a little magic with your heroine.
A kingdom by the ocean ruled by strong independent women, and one of them is a serious handful! I liked this well developed story so much that I had to purchase the next three books immediately. Highly recommended if you like a little magic with your heroine.
Interesting read
I enjoyed this story. It takes place in a unique atmosphere that blends magic on different planes, in different worlds but still includes earth. Lots of evil and heartbreak but there is love, too. Overall, I liked it.
I enjoyed this story. It takes place in a unique atmosphere that blends magic on different planes, in different worlds but still includes earth. Lots of evil and heartbreak but there is love, too. Overall, I liked it.
There is a newcomer to the repertoire of supernatural creatures, something that by rights should not even exist. The fate of the Dolphin Throne hangs in the balance, while betrayal lies closer than expected - and then there is the matter of succession ... Convoluted and thrilling.
Magical and heart rending!
Syrian expects to have to buckle down one day as heir, but bad leads to worse, and everything accelerates . She wants to keep everyone safe but learns to understand (somewhat) the asking for help does not make you weaker...it makes you stronger.
Syrian expects to have to buckle down one day as heir, but bad leads to worse, and everything accelerates . She wants to keep everyone safe but learns to understand (somewhat) the asking for help does not make you weaker...it makes you stronger.
Unique
This is the most complex and totally unique book I have read recently. Writers and readers get stuck in a genre or comfort zone, resulting in tedium . Suddenly you venture into a new area and are delightfully rewarded. This was my reward. I look forward to the next books.
This is the most complex and totally unique book I have read recently. Writers and readers get stuck in a genre or comfort zone, resulting in tedium . Suddenly you venture into a new area and are delightfully rewarded. This was my reward. I look forward to the next books.
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Melinda lives in Tallahassee, FL, with her husband and furbabies. When she’s not playing with her imaginary friends you can find her playing World of Warcraft, wandering aimlessly through the streets taking photos, or hovered over coffee in Starbucks.
If you would like to stay up to date with her latest blog posts, free offers, or general information, please sign up for the mailing list at www.meli ...more
If you would like to stay up to date with her latest blog posts, free offers, or general information, please sign up for the mailing list at www.meli ...more
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House of Xannon
(5 books)
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