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The Blue Dragon's Geas #2
The Blackguard
THE BLACKGUARD is Book #2 in the Groundbreaking series THE BLUE DRAGON'S GEAS, which begins with OUTCAST (Book #1).
In THE BLACKGUARD, Alador finds himself in the city of Silverport, the Lerdenian capital. Surrounded by a culture that sees murder as a path to social power, he struggles to find his place. Sent by his uncle, the High Minister of Lerdenia, to the Blackguard, he begins his training as both a soldier and a water mage. The dragon dreams have not stopped and he learns more of the bloodstone he had harvested and what it means for him.
Auron, the Trench Lord of Silverport, hates Daezun as he sees them responsible for the death of his mother and being thrown away due to his lack of magic. Having clawed and fought his way to power, he discovers that the High Minister's nephew sits in privelege, a Daezun half-breed. He vows to see to the boy's undoing.
Will Alador find the power within himself to survive the cut-throat culture of Silverport? Will he be able to outwit his uncle in a game for power and conquest? Will Auron take out his hatred on the young half-breed before he can become a fully trained battlemage? What of Mesiande left behind in Smallbrook?
With its deep insight into characters, THE BLACKGUARD is an epic tale of dragons and magic, friends and lovers, ambition and betrayal, deception and political machinations. It is a tale of fantasy into a world of unique culture. A tale of coming of age the hard way, surrounded by lies and half-truths.
In THE BLACKGUARD, Alador finds himself in the city of Silverport, the Lerdenian capital. Surrounded by a culture that sees murder as a path to social power, he struggles to find his place. Sent by his uncle, the High Minister of Lerdenia, to the Blackguard, he begins his training as both a soldier and a water mage. The dragon dreams have not stopped and he learns more of the bloodstone he had harvested and what it means for him.
Auron, the Trench Lord of Silverport, hates Daezun as he sees them responsible for the death of his mother and being thrown away due to his lack of magic. Having clawed and fought his way to power, he discovers that the High Minister's nephew sits in privelege, a Daezun half-breed. He vows to see to the boy's undoing.
Will Alador find the power within himself to survive the cut-throat culture of Silverport? Will he be able to outwit his uncle in a game for power and conquest? Will Auron take out his hatred on the young half-breed before he can become a fully trained battlemage? What of Mesiande left behind in Smallbrook?
With its deep insight into characters, THE BLACKGUARD is an epic tale of dragons and magic, friends and lovers, ambition and betrayal, deception and political machinations. It is a tale of fantasy into a world of unique culture. A tale of coming of age the hard way, surrounded by lies and half-truths.
377 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2014
30 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Matthynssens
12 books239 followersCheryl Matthynssens was born in Upland, California, holds a teaching degree and is a licensed addictions counselor. This has allowed her to interview hundreds of personalities over her career.
She loves that everyone is unique and this appreciation and interest has informed and inspired her writing.
Matthynssens enjoys the universe of fantasy for the way it connects to the mind’s creativity and imagination as a colorful escape to distant lands of mystical beasts and fantastic quests where the hero really does save the day. As she’s matured artistically, Matthynssens has found writing to be a comforting counterbalance to a world where beloved characters don’t always get back up after they fall down.
Matthynssens currently lives in Riverside, Washington, and has four beautiful children and four wonderful grandchildren
She loves that everyone is unique and this appreciation and interest has informed and inspired her writing.
Matthynssens enjoys the universe of fantasy for the way it connects to the mind’s creativity and imagination as a colorful escape to distant lands of mystical beasts and fantastic quests where the hero really does save the day. As she’s matured artistically, Matthynssens has found writing to be a comforting counterbalance to a world where beloved characters don’t always get back up after they fall down.
Matthynssens currently lives in Riverside, Washington, and has four beautiful children and four wonderful grandchildren
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 12, 2016
This book is just amazing. The first one was superb, but this surpassed it without half-trying. The storyline was absorbing, the plot moved at just the right pace, and watching the main character (Alador) grow and learn was just too much fun. There are some twists that I just never saw coming, and the end leaves you wanting to camp on the author's doorstep until she writes the next one. Can't recommend it enough.
October 9, 2014
Book 2 in this magnificent series deals with the first few months of Alador’s training in The Black Guard: an elite force of Lerdenian/Daezun half-breeds created by the evil High Minister Luthian (Alador’s uncle) to realize his mercilessly imperialist ambitions.
This is a story about the best and the worst of human (and dragon) behaviour. With wonderful skill and subtlety, Cheryl Matthynssens develops a cast of complex characters and weaves them into her gripping plot in a way I find fascinating and rewarding. From the coldly calculating High Minister to the vile, psychotic Trench Lord, Alador has to develop his special, dragon-enhanced powers in the midst of intrigue and constant subterfuge. It’s a steep learning curve, especially when you have been infused not only with the dragon’s extraordinary magic, but also its capacity for white-hot rage…
I was reluctant to put the book down at any stage, and the brilliant hook at the end left me eager for further adventures in Book 3. I think this series is a classic in its genre, and I recommend The Blackguard without reservation.
This is a story about the best and the worst of human (and dragon) behaviour. With wonderful skill and subtlety, Cheryl Matthynssens develops a cast of complex characters and weaves them into her gripping plot in a way I find fascinating and rewarding. From the coldly calculating High Minister to the vile, psychotic Trench Lord, Alador has to develop his special, dragon-enhanced powers in the midst of intrigue and constant subterfuge. It’s a steep learning curve, especially when you have been infused not only with the dragon’s extraordinary magic, but also its capacity for white-hot rage…
I was reluctant to put the book down at any stage, and the brilliant hook at the end left me eager for further adventures in Book 3. I think this series is a classic in its genre, and I recommend The Blackguard without reservation.
May 10, 2014
This brilliant follow up to Outcast, the first book in the Blue Dragon's Geas series, delivers more depth and heart than what I was expecting. The character development for Alador and his relationships were just what I was looking for. This book, along with the teaser for the next will keep me waiting with anticipation for the continuation of this story. I have become very interested in all that happens in this world, with all the characters, both the originals and the new additions in this book. I am waiting in great anticipation for where Cheryl will take me in the next installment. I am also hoping to get to know the dragons a bit better.
An excellent second offering from this author and I look forward to many more.
An excellent second offering from this author and I look forward to many more.
April 29, 2014
This book was an absolute joy to write. I want to thank the team of beta readers that gave me feedback and asked solid questions. Thank you everyone for being patient. I am going to take a month off and start the third volume. This one took four months and I am hopeful to keep that pace up.
Alador has taken on a life of his own and sometimes it seemed as if the story was writing itself. My roommates were very understanding when I was so zoned into the story that I did not hear questions or comments even though they were right next to me.
Alador has taken on a life of his own and sometimes it seemed as if the story was writing itself. My roommates were very understanding when I was so zoned into the story that I did not hear questions or comments even though they were right next to me.
May 7, 2014
I enjoyed the book thoroughly, picking up the pace right where the first book left off with many new revelations about the world, the characters, and the plots Alador is getting dragged into. Without spoiling anything, The Blackguard has enjoyable action, excellent character building, sudden plot twists, aa wide array of characters, and a world I can't help but get lost in. Can't wait for the third book.
May 12, 2014
The second book of this series was even better than the first in my opinion. The story line continues to progress, showing us glimpses of what Alador's power and path may be. I look forward to seeing book 3!
A more detailed update will come after I have some time to really draft a review that I feel is accurate.
A more detailed update will come after I have some time to really draft a review that I feel is accurate.
June 4, 2014
Second book is even better!!!!
well I really enjoyed the first book and now reading the second book, well it has only gotten better! the two things that cause this book to be terrible is one I finished and second well there isn't a third book out yet lol
well I really enjoyed the first book and now reading the second book, well it has only gotten better! the two things that cause this book to be terrible is one I finished and second well there isn't a third book out yet lol
August 5, 2014
THE Blackguard book is a great find and a good read.
THE Blackguard book is a great find and a good read.
Aside from typos here and there, the story is solid and will keep you wanting more even at the end.
THE Blackguard book is a great find and a good read.
Aside from typos here and there, the story is solid and will keep you wanting more even at the end.
July 23, 2014
Once again
Once again this book was awesome book one had me now book two has me on the hook for book three lol you will enjoy this if you have any good since.
Once again this book was awesome book one had me now book two has me on the hook for book three lol you will enjoy this if you have any good since.
December 9, 2014
When it comes to fantasy fiction The Blackguard takes some beating. A really great mix of magic and Dragons in a vivid setting, I easily found myself lost in the world the author has created.
July 2, 2018
Second Time Read
I read this as it originally released and again this week. Good, good, good. The main character holds to a righteousness that is unwavering in the face of injustice. This is the kind of hero most of us desire...one who maintains honor and integrity in the face of adversity.
I read this as it originally released and again this week. Good, good, good. The main character holds to a righteousness that is unwavering in the face of injustice. This is the kind of hero most of us desire...one who maintains honor and integrity in the face of adversity.
January 7, 2019
Awesome
Awesome read with treachery, twists and turns as magic intertwine with dragons and secrets while coming of age and saving relationships.
Awesome read with treachery, twists and turns as magic intertwine with dragons and secrets while coming of age and saving relationships.
September 3, 2015
Just couldn't finish it.
January 23, 2016
Next book please.
I am really enjoying this series. It is pretty fast paced. And i like how the hero is not your typical boy scout. Okay I am off to read the third one.
I am really enjoying this series. It is pretty fast paced. And i like how the hero is not your typical boy scout. Okay I am off to read the third one.
August 15, 2016
I had real trouble liking the society and world the main character comes from. All around disappointment for me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews