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Mage Craft #4
Cast in Balefire
Half-angel mage Marion Garin has become Queen of the Unseelie, but she can’t hold the faerie courts without convincing everyone she’s in love with her cheating, abusive husband—the beloved King ErlKonig. Rumor says Marion’s in love with the God of Death. The unseelie are revolting. And it wouldn’t be so hard to fix if the rumors weren’t true…
Book 4 of New York Times Bestselling Author SM Reine's Mage Craft Series.
Book 4 of New York Times Bestselling Author SM Reine's Mage Craft Series.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2016
126 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,004 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 13, 2017
And the rage buddy read continues with the weekly UF group over at BB&B.
Well I honestly don’t know how to write this review. So I’ll just summarise what I liked (which really isn’t a lot) and what I hated.
Liked:
Charity:
✏ I really love this revenant who seems to be one of the few people in this world who has a good heart. I love that she’s embraced who she is, that she’s not trying to hide her true self anymore and her loyalty to Seth is amazing!
Seth:
✏ Seth has been my favorite character of this series and after how things ended for him in the previous book I’ve been quite worried about him. We didn’t get to see a lot of him in this book which was sad but I’m still hoping this poor guy will get a HEA.
Arawn:
✏ Yes, this demon is very evil but …. I like him. And I love how he sees Charity, so I’m totally hoping there’s some romance going to happen between them.
Benjamin Wilder:
✏ What an interesting character he turned out to be. There seems to be a lot more to him than just being the son of Rylie Wilder and I’m hoping we haven’t seen the last of him.
Now what I hated (never have I hated characters in a book more):
Marion:
✏ I really hoped in book 2 that there was hope for her but that ship has sailed a long time ago and all that is left is hate and disgust. She’s still vain and stupid and even with getting more info on her life before she lost her memories whereby I assume the author tried to explain why she’s the way she is , I still don’t care. Of course in this book you can see that all she has done has been with an ulterior motive, but all I could see was a manipulative girl who didn’t have the strength or smarts to find another way to accomplish whatever she’s trying to do. It’s impossible to like a series when you hate the main character so much. I could understand it if the author managed some personal growth for her, making her redeemable, but we’re at the fourth and second to last book and it still hasn’t happened, and by now I really just want Marion to die.
Konig:
✏ Well this f#ckface is still just as abusive as ever, and for fun it seems he’s gone a bit crazy and his childish tantrums are just the icing on the crazy cake. I REALLY WANT HIM TO DIE and right now I have no idea if this asshole will ever get what he deserves.
There are so much angst and drama in this series that I sometimes feel like I’m reading a soap opera. All the lies, backstabbing, politics and manipulations makes my head ache. Nothing seems to be straight-forward, almost everyone seems to have something up their sleeves and the only straight-shooters are Charity and Seth, which is probably why they are the only ones I love.
There is one book left and I’m really hoping that this author makes all my anger worthwhile by having Konig suffer PAINFULLY and that he will DIE. Also, if Marion could die too, that would be a bonus.
June 20, 2017
Arawn is a sociopathic demon who has kidnapped and is trying to woo, in some creeptastic ways the girl of his dreams. Sure Charity is a 10-foot, ugly as sin and scary as hell, I can rip you apart in 5 seconds flat, Revenant (vampire corpse) but hey beauty is in the eye of the beholder right and we all have a type.
Sadly this book is not about them. If it were I think I would have liked it so much more. But this book is about Death and the girl he wants for his very own who married the abusive Fae Prince. And your like Robin that sounds totally awesome too. But alas it could be. It should be. But it is not.
Let me just say the plot of this book was so much better than the last book of this series. But I struggle with the Main Character Marion. Most of the time I don’t like her and I don’t get her or her motivations. Everyone in the Fae court think that she is an adulterer and they are mean to her. There is like one person she is even slightly attached to in that court and yet she is trying to do everything she can to save them. I say take the little frost giant and go. Forget your husband and his fae friends, they are complete jerks.
I read this slow. Part of that is that the Seth is the PoV that I like the most and we don’t get to a PoV from him until the last quarter of the book. Before that we get Marion mentioned above and Konig, whom I hate with a force of a Hypernova. That tantrum throwing, wife beating, adulterating jackass can die a slow and brutal death covered in fire ants, preferably starting at his crotch.
The saving graces of this book are Seth of coarse and Charity. Again if this was Charity and Arawn’s love story I think I’d have a better shot at loving it. Plus Arawn is pretty funny and I really enjoy how much he likes pushing other people’s buttons, especially Konig’s.
I was dreading that Marion would sleep with her husband. I mean it has been a few months since they have been married and she has held out but now there is this 3 month deadline that is coming and that is timeline that Seth was working on to make sure that the woman he loves didn’t have to go to bed with someone she hates.
I’m sad that Marion is Seth’s love interest since I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for the choices that she has made. I also don’t think she deserves Seth in any way. So my only hope is that the sociopathic demon and the revenant find true love.
This gets 3 stars since the plot was so much better than the other books but I'm so pissed at the main character that I really wanted to throw the book across the room. While the plot of this one is better and I need to finish out the series just to see what happens I think that if I didn’t have friends telling me S.M. Reine’s other series were better that I would never touch a book by her again.
Sadly this book is not about them. If it were I think I would have liked it so much more. But this book is about Death and the girl he wants for his very own who married the abusive Fae Prince. And your like Robin that sounds totally awesome too. But alas it could be. It should be. But it is not.
Let me just say the plot of this book was so much better than the last book of this series. But I struggle with the Main Character Marion. Most of the time I don’t like her and I don’t get her or her motivations. Everyone in the Fae court think that she is an adulterer and they are mean to her. There is like one person she is even slightly attached to in that court and yet she is trying to do everything she can to save them. I say take the little frost giant and go. Forget your husband and his fae friends, they are complete jerks.
I read this slow. Part of that is that the Seth is the PoV that I like the most and we don’t get to a PoV from him until the last quarter of the book. Before that we get Marion mentioned above and Konig, whom I hate with a force of a Hypernova. That tantrum throwing, wife beating, adulterating jackass can die a slow and brutal death covered in fire ants, preferably starting at his crotch.
“You know my ugly truths, princess. For all that I’ve been a little shit, my mother died with my toddler-era finger paintings hanging on her wall. My baby teeth are immortalized in a jar. She wanted me to talk her every night before I went to sleep. You’ve seen how my temper can get, and still, I’m more loved than you.”
The saving graces of this book are Seth of coarse and Charity. Again if this was Charity and Arawn’s love story I think I’d have a better shot at loving it. Plus Arawn is pretty funny and I really enjoy how much he likes pushing other people’s buttons, especially Konig’s.
“Who was it that arranged this? It’s that guy your wife is in love with. Something-something sexy death god… Right!” He snapped his fingers. “Seth Wilder did this. You know, most guys just send ladies flowers.”
I was dreading that Marion would sleep with her husband. I mean it has been a few months since they have been married and she has held out but now there is this 3 month deadline that is coming and that is timeline that Seth was working on to make sure that the woman he loves didn’t have to go to bed with someone she hates.
I’m sad that Marion is Seth’s love interest since I’m not sure I can ever forgive her for the choices that she has made. I also don’t think she deserves Seth in any way. So my only hope is that the sociopathic demon and the revenant find true love.
This gets 3 stars since the plot was so much better than the other books but I'm so pissed at the main character that I really wanted to throw the book across the room. While the plot of this one is better and I need to finish out the series just to see what happens I think that if I didn’t have friends telling me S.M. Reine’s other series were better that I would never touch a book by her again.
June 14, 2017
Interesting plot twists? Check.
Really neat world and lore? Check.
Entertaining secondary characters? Check.
Really obnoxious, too stupid to live, makes terrible decisions, can't make up her mind about whether she wants to be a stupid bitch or a good, kind, and powerful person main character? Check.
Very abusive, awful, immoral, ridiculously rage-inducing love interest who deserves to have a million fire-biting fleas infest his genital regions until he fills up the billion gallon tank that he's captured in with his tears enough to drown himself? Check.
Seriously, Reine. If you'd stop pumping out books so fast and start giving them the extra attention you used to, we wouldn't end up with disgusting, awful Marion and Konig issues, now would we?
2.5 stars rounded up, because, well, Goodreads still won't do half stars.
Really neat world and lore? Check.
Entertaining secondary characters? Check.
Really obnoxious, too stupid to live, makes terrible decisions, can't make up her mind about whether she wants to be a stupid bitch or a good, kind, and powerful person main character? Check.
Very abusive, awful, immoral, ridiculously rage-inducing love interest who deserves to have a million fire-biting fleas infest his genital regions until he fills up the billion gallon tank that he's captured in with his tears enough to drown himself? Check.
Seriously, Reine. If you'd stop pumping out books so fast and start giving them the extra attention you used to, we wouldn't end up with disgusting, awful Marion and Konig issues, now would we?
2.5 stars rounded up, because, well, Goodreads still won't do half stars.
June 23, 2017
I hate, hate, hate this book! And yet I gave it 2 stars and even debated whether to give it 3 stars. You see the reason why I hated this book is that I hate almost every single one of the characters in it. Of the main cast I don't really like even Seth and he is the most likeable of them all! Marion and Konig, the other two main characters, make me want to spend hours on end researching novel ways to torture someone without killing them so they can suffer for as long as possible! I want to skin them alive and make gloves out of their hides! And then slap them silly wearing them! *screams in frustration*
However, the story itself is incredibly interesting. Especially to someone who has read the two prequel series Descent and Ascension. But that makes Marion's actions even more aggravating! She's a stupid, selfish little brat that should have been killed in the womb! I won't even attempt to describe my feelings towards Konig. My head might explode! As it is I can feel my eyes trying to pop out. I pray that one or preferably both of them will die by the end of the series. And hopefully it will be a horrific and incredibly painful death. Because they deserve every second of suffering.
However, the story itself is incredibly interesting. Especially to someone who has read the two prequel series Descent and Ascension. But that makes Marion's actions even more aggravating! She's a stupid, selfish little brat that should have been killed in the womb! I won't even attempt to describe my feelings towards Konig. My head might explode! As it is I can feel my eyes trying to pop out. I pray that one or preferably both of them will die by the end of the series. And hopefully it will be a horrific and incredibly painful death. Because they deserve every second of suffering.
October 21, 2016
Marion has married King ErlKonig even though she doesn’t love him. The fae are protesting against the marriage with rumors of her cheating on him with the God of Death, even though the king is the lying, cheating husband! Marion has an opportunity to regain some of her old self but she’s not sure that she wants to give up the new, nicer person she has become.
Benjamin Wilder has to reach Marion. He devises a plan to write a memoir about the sidhe. He never asks his mom for favors but this time he is desperate to get to the middle worlds so he asks his mom to talk to her publisher to get him a book contract. He doesn’t want to tip anyone off that he’s the Alpha’s son, so he uses a pen name, Benjamin Flynn. What he doesn’t realize is that name will be a major red flag for both Konig and Marion. Benjamin is desperate to figure out what is going on in his visions.
Cast in Balefire was filled with many surprising turns that kept you wanting more. While I enjoy a complex relationship I don’t always like the complicated drama and sometimes abusive aspects that follows Marion and Konig’s relationship. Benjamin’s character with his strange visions were a nice addition to the story. I’ve been a fan of Reine’s long running series and I look forward to more books in the future.
Benjamin Wilder has to reach Marion. He devises a plan to write a memoir about the sidhe. He never asks his mom for favors but this time he is desperate to get to the middle worlds so he asks his mom to talk to her publisher to get him a book contract. He doesn’t want to tip anyone off that he’s the Alpha’s son, so he uses a pen name, Benjamin Flynn. What he doesn’t realize is that name will be a major red flag for both Konig and Marion. Benjamin is desperate to figure out what is going on in his visions.
Cast in Balefire was filled with many surprising turns that kept you wanting more. While I enjoy a complex relationship I don’t always like the complicated drama and sometimes abusive aspects that follows Marion and Konig’s relationship. Benjamin’s character with his strange visions were a nice addition to the story. I’ve been a fan of Reine’s long running series and I look forward to more books in the future.
November 2, 2016
Torn between her fulfilling her destiny as the Queen of the Autumn Court and honoring her marriage to Konig and following her heart and acknowledging her feelings for Seth and follow him to Hell.
Marion is desperate to get her memories back, Marion must complete 3 labors, even though doing so could have a negative impact on her life as well as the lives of others. She needs to know what her mother is up to and what part she plays/played in all of this.
The death of Konig's mother has everyone feeling unsettled, they do not trust Marion. So she is forced to affirm her “love” for Konig (no matter how fake) to show her loyalties and gather trust.
We are still wondering what exactly is Benjamin Wilder’s connection in this whole story, I cannot wait to find out as I am sure that MS. Reine will let us in on, when she is ready of course!
There are so many twists and turns. Each book in this series is more intense than the last, leaving me wanting more, especially after that insane ending.
Marion is desperate to get her memories back, Marion must complete 3 labors, even though doing so could have a negative impact on her life as well as the lives of others. She needs to know what her mother is up to and what part she plays/played in all of this.
The death of Konig's mother has everyone feeling unsettled, they do not trust Marion. So she is forced to affirm her “love” for Konig (no matter how fake) to show her loyalties and gather trust.
We are still wondering what exactly is Benjamin Wilder’s connection in this whole story, I cannot wait to find out as I am sure that MS. Reine will let us in on, when she is ready of course!
There are so many twists and turns. Each book in this series is more intense than the last, leaving me wanting more, especially after that insane ending.
November 1, 2016
I genuinely adore S.M. Reine's books and the incredibly complex world she's crafted, but HOLY CRUD can ANYBODY be trusted? I actually had to put the book down for a while because the sheer amount of betrayal and twisted friendships and crazy political stuff had me all tied up.
(which isn't to say I didn't enjoy this book, I DO, it's just crazy intense.)
Okay. I wrote the first half of this review after reading ONLY the first half of the book. LITTLE DID I KNOW HOW TRUE THAT FIRST PARAGRAPH WOULD BE. Holy crud. I just... *fans self* SO MUCH INTENSE CRAZY. I LOVE IT.
Things happen in this book, guys. THINGS. And I don't even know who to trust or who's playing who at this point. The last book is going to keep me guessing right up to the bitter end. Also, I still hate Konig. He's pretty unredeemable at the moment and I'm happily imagining him meeting a painful end.
I honestly don't know how the end of this series is going to end, but I'm 100% invested in finding out who remains standing after all is said and done.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
(which isn't to say I didn't enjoy this book, I DO, it's just crazy intense.)
Okay. I wrote the first half of this review after reading ONLY the first half of the book. LITTLE DID I KNOW HOW TRUE THAT FIRST PARAGRAPH WOULD BE. Holy crud. I just... *fans self* SO MUCH INTENSE CRAZY. I LOVE IT.
Things happen in this book, guys. THINGS. And I don't even know who to trust or who's playing who at this point. The last book is going to keep me guessing right up to the bitter end. Also, I still hate Konig. He's pretty unredeemable at the moment and I'm happily imagining him meeting a painful end.
I honestly don't know how the end of this series is going to end, but I'm 100% invested in finding out who remains standing after all is said and done.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 2, 2017
I'm not a fan of Marion but enjoyed discovering the mystery and watching it unfold. But again...Marion isn't somebody I was really rooting for in general. I didn't care about her or whatever magical drama she created so the story as a whole wasn't of much interest to me. Unfortunately I also didn't read the Seasons of the Moon series to get involved with Rylie's group of characters either.
That level of apathy is a signature of a well developed character at least (cudos to SM Reine).
That level of apathy is a signature of a well developed character at least (cudos to SM Reine).
October 28, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange of a review. This book seemed a little slower to me than the rest of the series has been so far. I also was confused at the end but hopefully things will be explained in the next book. I'm also curious as to what Konig's end game is in all of this besides just wanting to rule all the sidhe. I look forward to the next one.
November 14, 2016
Well what a wild ride that was!! The thing that I simultaneously love and hate about Sara's books is that although we know a happy ending will come eventually, we have to go through so much destruction and betrayal to get there! And oh my Gods, the betrayal in this one!! My head hurts haha I wish Godfire was here already!!
April 29, 2019
Cast in Balefire is book 4 of the Mage Craft series. Oh man, I didn't see some of this coming. I'm a fan of this series and it's overall storyline. Marion is a very interesting character, and in this book (my favorite story so far) there were a lot of twists and reveals. The tension was already high, but Reine managed to ratchet up again.
June 3, 2017
Another on the edge of your seat...
Marion spends most of the book feeling unconnected with every thing around her, including the man she is married to. But the end will throw you for a loop.
Read and enjoy.
Marion spends most of the book feeling unconnected with every thing around her, including the man she is married to. But the end will throw you for a loop.
Read and enjoy.
June 9, 2024
I hated pretty much every direction this book went in - I'm still going to read the last book of the series, because the first few were good and I want to see how it ends, but I don't have a lot of hope for it.
August 7, 2017
WOW!!!
Can't wait for the conclusion.
And answers..
Thank You Ms Reine
Ken
Can't wait for the conclusion.
And answers..
Thank You Ms Reine
Ken
December 12, 2017
Enjoying this series and will read the next one soon.
I love the way that all of S M Reine's books interlink.
I love the way that all of S M Reine's books interlink.
March 29, 2020
The premise is the only thing holding back great characters
October 21, 2016
Excellent
Yet another amazing book, I could not put it down and the end was a total...... WOW loved it !!!!!!!
Yet another amazing book, I could not put it down and the end was a total...... WOW loved it !!!!!!!
October 30, 2016
Wow... we're almost there. One more book to go... All I've gotta say is it's a good thing that Ms. Reine writes fast and how in the heck am I supposed to review this without giving something away? The answer is that I shall ramble... as usual.
A lot happens in Cast in Balefire. That's not an exaggeration. There is also a lot of deception. No one is being totally honest and that trend continues right up until the very end. As for the end... we'll get to that later.
Cast in Balefire takes up pretty much where Cast in Faefire left off. Marion is married to Konig with some very defined stipulations. The Unseelie are still reeling after the death of Konig's mother. They are totally loyal and devoted to Konig and they expect their new queen to feel the same... only Fae magic proves to them that that may not be the case. It doesn't take much to set the Fae off and because of their lack of trust where Marion is concerned, she ends up on more than one hit list. To make things even worse, Konig proves once again what a pompous... well, you get the picture. There's definitely no love lost between this reader and the current King of the Unseelie.
As if Marion doesn't have enough to contend with, her mother proves once again that she has a single minded agenda and caring for Marion's welfare isn't anywhere near the top of her list of priorities. There was a lot revealed in Cast in Balefire, but there are still a lot of things that need to be cleared up... Marion and Seth aren't the only people whose future hangs in the balance by the end of this book... but I can't really talk about that in this review, because, you know... the #evilauthor threw so many twists, turns and craziness into Cast in Balefire that I don't want to risk giving anything away. Let's just say that my jaw dropped more than once and leave it at that.
I know that S.M. Reine has said that you can read any of her series as stand alone, but I personally don't recommend it. There's a lot of back story that goes into these books. I'm not saying that you have to read all of the books prior to the Mage Craft series, but I'd recommend having at least read the Ascension series first. You won't be lost if you don't, but it will give you the background that you need for quite a few of the characters that you'll meet in this series. Of course if you want the full affect, especially when it comes to Seth and Rylie's history, you need to start at the beginning with Six Moon Summer. I'm a little biased though and if you've read any of my other S.M. Reine reviews you've probably heard this before so...
As for the ending? Yeah... did I mention that S.M. Reine is evil? Well, she is. In a brilliant sort of way, but evil none the less. I never saw it coming and I still have no idea how she's planning on turning things around, but I trust her... sort of. *sigh* Needless to say, Cast in Godfire can't come soon enough.
I received Cast in Balefire in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A lot happens in Cast in Balefire. That's not an exaggeration. There is also a lot of deception. No one is being totally honest and that trend continues right up until the very end. As for the end... we'll get to that later.
Cast in Balefire takes up pretty much where Cast in Faefire left off. Marion is married to Konig with some very defined stipulations. The Unseelie are still reeling after the death of Konig's mother. They are totally loyal and devoted to Konig and they expect their new queen to feel the same... only Fae magic proves to them that that may not be the case. It doesn't take much to set the Fae off and because of their lack of trust where Marion is concerned, she ends up on more than one hit list. To make things even worse, Konig proves once again what a pompous... well, you get the picture. There's definitely no love lost between this reader and the current King of the Unseelie.
As if Marion doesn't have enough to contend with, her mother proves once again that she has a single minded agenda and caring for Marion's welfare isn't anywhere near the top of her list of priorities. There was a lot revealed in Cast in Balefire, but there are still a lot of things that need to be cleared up... Marion and Seth aren't the only people whose future hangs in the balance by the end of this book... but I can't really talk about that in this review, because, you know... the #evilauthor threw so many twists, turns and craziness into Cast in Balefire that I don't want to risk giving anything away. Let's just say that my jaw dropped more than once and leave it at that.
I know that S.M. Reine has said that you can read any of her series as stand alone, but I personally don't recommend it. There's a lot of back story that goes into these books. I'm not saying that you have to read all of the books prior to the Mage Craft series, but I'd recommend having at least read the Ascension series first. You won't be lost if you don't, but it will give you the background that you need for quite a few of the characters that you'll meet in this series. Of course if you want the full affect, especially when it comes to Seth and Rylie's history, you need to start at the beginning with Six Moon Summer. I'm a little biased though and if you've read any of my other S.M. Reine reviews you've probably heard this before so...
As for the ending? Yeah... did I mention that S.M. Reine is evil? Well, she is. In a brilliant sort of way, but evil none the less. I never saw it coming and I still have no idea how she's planning on turning things around, but I trust her... sort of. *sigh* Needless to say, Cast in Godfire can't come soon enough.
I received Cast in Balefire in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 26, 2016
Just when you think this series couldn't possibly get better it does. In this installment of the Mage Craft Series we come face to face with the consequences of Marion's Seth's and Konigs decisions. Now involved in a marriage of convenience for the protection of their peoples marion and konig find out just how much neither of them can trust or stand the other but they have to make a good show to keep the magic from splintering. Konig I found became a less and less likable character one whom i personally have trouble reconciling with the small toddler we got a glimpse of in the Tarot Witches series. I spent half the book wanting to throttle konig for being how he was and the other half wanting to throttle Marion for staying. It definitely gave meaning to the phrase sleeping with the enemy because konig i feel is indeed that. We got to see glimpses of familiar characters such as onokolesis and arianne kavanagh who kept to their usual scheming but added a nice shrouded mystery element to the already intriguing one in the story. You also get to see a glimpse of seth and marion again and they have some seriously swoon worthy moments involving both self sacrificing for the other. We also get on a more familiar basis with Benjamin wilder and a nice surprise regarding his identity and the things that readers of the earlier descent series will have many AHA moments over. (if you have not read that series i would recommend it it definitely gives you a more round about story). Another familiar face is from the Faulkner family which i myself have had trouble deciding if this person is good or bad and this story keeps you guessing as well. I am hoping we get to see more charity and arawn also more Suzume if not in this series but another. I am curious as to what happened to Suzume during genesis and how she got to where she is now. So many things about this series keep you itching to read more and more and more. I didn't put the book down from start to finish. I love the way the story is heading and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive read. I truly am intrigued as to where the story is going next and excited to see everything play out. Truly top notch stories from this author every single series and this one is no different.
(I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review)
(I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review)
October 31, 2016
This series is breaking my head. There are so many tie-ins and surprises that I never know what to expect. The unique combination of gritty urban fantasy and insanely detailed world building makes these books take on a life of their own. Just when I think I have a handle on everything, we get an unexpected twist and I’m back at knowing nothing again.
This book gave us quite a few answers, which was completely satisfying. I’m not one who needs to know everything at book one, but I was starting to feel like we were never going to figure out Marion’s motives. I even came to grips with the fact that we said goodbye to Marion’s memories forever. I should have known that there would be way more plans in play. When last we saw Seth, he was dying (or his avatar was) and immediately following his death, Marion was forced to marry Konig in order to save the court. It seems like Marion is always put in impossible situations and forced to make an unenviable choice.
So, having made a choice for the good of the kingdom, does she get rewarded? No – she’s facing a possible uprising because it’s obvious that there is no love between Marion and Konig. On top of pretending to love Konig, Marion’s also got her mom to deal with, tasks from the mysterious Librarian (who may or may not be able to give Marion her memories back), and the never-ending desire to rescue Seth from wherever he is. Is it strange to want to rescue a god? Not in Marion’s world. I really don’t think it’s possible to summarize all the contents of the book in a review because even I had trouble keeping up. There’s double-crossing, rescuing, kissing, escaping, kidnapping, remembering, and lots of blood.
Overall, this delivered on so many levels yet left me hurting even more for Marion and Seth. Bonus, though, we get some very nostalgic flash-backs! This entire universe that the author has built can pretty much do no wrong. I am, however, looking forward to seeing where Marion ends up.
This book gave us quite a few answers, which was completely satisfying. I’m not one who needs to know everything at book one, but I was starting to feel like we were never going to figure out Marion’s motives. I even came to grips with the fact that we said goodbye to Marion’s memories forever. I should have known that there would be way more plans in play. When last we saw Seth, he was dying (or his avatar was) and immediately following his death, Marion was forced to marry Konig in order to save the court. It seems like Marion is always put in impossible situations and forced to make an unenviable choice.
So, having made a choice for the good of the kingdom, does she get rewarded? No – she’s facing a possible uprising because it’s obvious that there is no love between Marion and Konig. On top of pretending to love Konig, Marion’s also got her mom to deal with, tasks from the mysterious Librarian (who may or may not be able to give Marion her memories back), and the never-ending desire to rescue Seth from wherever he is. Is it strange to want to rescue a god? Not in Marion’s world. I really don’t think it’s possible to summarize all the contents of the book in a review because even I had trouble keeping up. There’s double-crossing, rescuing, kissing, escaping, kidnapping, remembering, and lots of blood.
Overall, this delivered on so many levels yet left me hurting even more for Marion and Seth. Bonus, though, we get some very nostalgic flash-backs! This entire universe that the author has built can pretty much do no wrong. I am, however, looking forward to seeing where Marion ends up.
December 2, 2016
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
So far my favorite of the Mage Craft series. I feel like we finally got to see the characters for how they truly felt and not just play acting. We see Marion go through a large progression of maturity to accepting her love of Seth, but knowing her duty. Faced with a choice to have the middle worlds collapse if she did not fulfill her marriage agreement to Konig, she could not give in. In the past several books, I have not enjoyed Marion the way I have enjoyed Elise and James' story, but I feel like her character is starting to make strides in the right direction, becoming a more dominating force that does not let herself get pushed around.
Marion embarked on a quest for her long lost memories by completing a series of trails. The trails each in vague mystic had roundabout meaning/ purpose. Ultimately it came full circle in a journey Marion seemed to have created herself. I very much look forward to finding out what Marion's plans were from the beginning and watching them come to fruition.
Benjamin Wilder brought a unique perspective to the story, which added significant depth. A mysterious young man urged by a voice in his head to seek out Marion. I'm curious to see how his story weaves in with Nathaniel's, and what he means to the gods.
We see Seth in this book as he was meant to be seen; a true element of power. He remains skirting the confines of godhood created by Elise and James, pushing the limitations as much as he can without Elise's wrath. He truly is in love with Marion, and strives to protect her.
Sara Reine as usual left us with a gut-wrenching cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for Cast in Godfire to be released, so that I can see how everything plays out.
So far my favorite of the Mage Craft series. I feel like we finally got to see the characters for how they truly felt and not just play acting. We see Marion go through a large progression of maturity to accepting her love of Seth, but knowing her duty. Faced with a choice to have the middle worlds collapse if she did not fulfill her marriage agreement to Konig, she could not give in. In the past several books, I have not enjoyed Marion the way I have enjoyed Elise and James' story, but I feel like her character is starting to make strides in the right direction, becoming a more dominating force that does not let herself get pushed around.
Marion embarked on a quest for her long lost memories by completing a series of trails. The trails each in vague mystic had roundabout meaning/ purpose. Ultimately it came full circle in a journey Marion seemed to have created herself. I very much look forward to finding out what Marion's plans were from the beginning and watching them come to fruition.
Benjamin Wilder brought a unique perspective to the story, which added significant depth. A mysterious young man urged by a voice in his head to seek out Marion. I'm curious to see how his story weaves in with Nathaniel's, and what he means to the gods.
We see Seth in this book as he was meant to be seen; a true element of power. He remains skirting the confines of godhood created by Elise and James, pushing the limitations as much as he can without Elise's wrath. He truly is in love with Marion, and strives to protect her.
Sara Reine as usual left us with a gut-wrenching cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for Cast in Godfire to be released, so that I can see how everything plays out.
December 2, 2016
I am so sorry that it took me so long first to read the book and then to review it. Life. That's all I can account for.
Marion is still an amnesiac. I have to admit that this has gotten boring to me. Now that the world has changed so it makes it even harder to understand who is who and what position are they at now. Ms. Reine's universe has gotten quite complicated and there really needs to be a glossary in the back or front of the book to look up the characters and where they are now.
The strange affliction has Marion married while in love with someone/something else. I just find myself confused and somewhat bored. I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 as I do enjoy seeing the old gang of wolves, etc. But this new world is just not as fun for me. Thanks for letting me read this book. I look forward to a satisfying end to this part of the story (...fire books).
Still, I think everyone could love SM Reine's stories starting with the Six Moon Summer. This author is so prolific that one could read forever and not catch up. A clinker or two is just fine as it moves the reader to the next book in the series(s). (How does one pluralize more than one series?) Still, Enjoy!
Marion is still an amnesiac. I have to admit that this has gotten boring to me. Now that the world has changed so it makes it even harder to understand who is who and what position are they at now. Ms. Reine's universe has gotten quite complicated and there really needs to be a glossary in the back or front of the book to look up the characters and where they are now.
The strange affliction has Marion married while in love with someone/something else. I just find myself confused and somewhat bored. I'm giving this 3.5 stars rounding up to 4 as I do enjoy seeing the old gang of wolves, etc. But this new world is just not as fun for me. Thanks for letting me read this book. I look forward to a satisfying end to this part of the story (...fire books).
Still, I think everyone could love SM Reine's stories starting with the Six Moon Summer. This author is so prolific that one could read forever and not catch up. A clinker or two is just fine as it moves the reader to the next book in the series(s). (How does one pluralize more than one series?) Still, Enjoy!
December 22, 2016
There are so many things to love about Reine's writing style in this story and the flow of the book. She does a fantastic job of making you FEEL something about the characters, and that's an author's M.O. at all times.
Konig makes me furious.
Marion makes me frustrated (I like her now that we're past the damsel in distress phase)
I want to slap Arianne, but I always have. Throttle more like. (Her little womanly insinuation about manipulation gave me a knee-jerk reaction of disgust - a little growl)
Seth frustrates me, as well. Grow a pair, Death God.
I loved the use of the Gris-gris. I thought that was an awesome quirk which added to the book, and the surprise ending with Konig left me with a sense of foreboding. Arawn isn't the real monster in this series. Even he's relatable (an important part of creating a good villain) but Konig... man, I hope he gets what's coming to him. I hope that Marion's abuse isn't for nothing.
I hope somebody shoves that b*stard sword where the sun don't shine. :)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review. My opinions are my own.
Konig makes me furious.
Marion makes me frustrated (I like her now that we're past the damsel in distress phase)
I want to slap Arianne, but I always have. Throttle more like. (Her little womanly insinuation about manipulation gave me a knee-jerk reaction of disgust - a little growl)
Seth frustrates me, as well. Grow a pair, Death God.
I loved the use of the Gris-gris. I thought that was an awesome quirk which added to the book, and the surprise ending with Konig left me with a sense of foreboding. Arawn isn't the real monster in this series. Even he's relatable (an important part of creating a good villain) but Konig... man, I hope he gets what's coming to him. I hope that Marion's abuse isn't for nothing.
I hope somebody shoves that b*stard sword where the sun don't shine. :)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review. My opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2016
I've said it before and I don't mind saying it again, this author is on my one click list. The world building and cast of characters she has created is astonishing.
This, the 4th installment in the series, is told from a variety of differing points of view. I think that this intensifies the unsettling feeling that the reader has, that I had, when trying to understand the complicated threads of politics, betrayal and scheming that weave through this entire story.
I never once felt that I had a complete understanding of all the machinations going on with the various factions; that I understood the big picture. And that isn't a criticism, as I am sure that it is intentional. And although this is a long book, at well over 300 kindle pages, it was a quick read.
The author has started to unfold the petals of full disclosure with this book. Teasing with the prospect of answers from the book to come. I can't wait.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This, the 4th installment in the series, is told from a variety of differing points of view. I think that this intensifies the unsettling feeling that the reader has, that I had, when trying to understand the complicated threads of politics, betrayal and scheming that weave through this entire story.
I never once felt that I had a complete understanding of all the machinations going on with the various factions; that I understood the big picture. And that isn't a criticism, as I am sure that it is intentional. And although this is a long book, at well over 300 kindle pages, it was a quick read.
The author has started to unfold the petals of full disclosure with this book. Teasing with the prospect of answers from the book to come. I can't wait.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2016
Wow what a ride this book was, I disliked her then she was okay and now I hate her again. She was way more appealing when she was an empty shell without her memories. Despite the fact that I will never be a fan of Marion's you have to admire her cunning and ingenuity and in actual fact she and Konig deserve each other in more ways than one.
I always enjoy reading about Rylie and Seth though I have to say I was disappointed with the ending as I wanted it to be different but the author has a way of twisting things around so you always have to expect the unexpected. Some of the outcomes were surprising and there is still more revelations to come. I read this in a day as I could not put it down and cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. I gave it 4 stars only because Marion is still a self serving witch and I am Team Seth all the way.
I was given a copy of this review in exchange for an honest review.
I always enjoy reading about Rylie and Seth though I have to say I was disappointed with the ending as I wanted it to be different but the author has a way of twisting things around so you always have to expect the unexpected. Some of the outcomes were surprising and there is still more revelations to come. I read this in a day as I could not put it down and cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. I gave it 4 stars only because Marion is still a self serving witch and I am Team Seth all the way.
I was given a copy of this review in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2016
You Mess With the Gods and What Do You Get in Return?
Nothing! That can't be right, can it?
I was provided an advance free copy for a review! Cast In Balefire proves that one really can pull a fast move on the Gods and live to tell about it. Vague enough for you? Curious just a bit? If so, get off you arse and read this book! Seriously the whole Mage Craft series is a scintillating read (this being the fourth book). Angels, mages, werewolves, witches, demons, vampires, sidhe, Gods and things that go bump in the night - what's not to love. Still not convinced? Well if you have read S.M. Reine's numerous books and love her characters- chances are you'll see them make a appearance in the Mage Craft Series, albeit creatively folded into the storyline.
Don't miss out! Get this book now!
October 30, 2016
Wow this book really proves why I love this author so much. Her world building is amazing and they all link together in such odd ways.
This is the second to last book in this series. it certainly didn't feel like a middle book though. It had a great rhythm to it as we follow Marion through the aftermath of becoming the queen of the winter court and married to Konig. Konig who she just can't trust/love at the moment. She of course wants to find Seth again as well get memories and she gets the chance to fulfill since quests to get them back and in the process advances the story and get hidden agenda. I don't want to say much more but it is filled with lots of twists and turns.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second to last book in this series. it certainly didn't feel like a middle book though. It had a great rhythm to it as we follow Marion through the aftermath of becoming the queen of the winter court and married to Konig. Konig who she just can't trust/love at the moment. She of course wants to find Seth again as well get memories and she gets the chance to fulfill since quests to get them back and in the process advances the story and get hidden agenda. I don't want to say much more but it is filled with lots of twists and turns.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2016
This was another great read. The story starts to make logical sense one minute and then twists and turns into confusion the next. Different dimensions, times and places overlapped until my head hurts trying to follow it. Plus, it ends with a "what the heck just happened" cliff hanger. This series is just like a great roller coaster that makes you dizzy, scream and nearly pee your pants but you can't wait until the next ride.
This book was given to me for free by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was given to me for free by the Author in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to admit, Sara is one of my favorite authors. This series is full of the twists and turns and surprises she loves to put into all of her books. There is plenty of action, and I have to say there is more surprises than I can imagine. I know I said "oh my god! no way!" more than once while reading this book. I absolutely love the characters and world that Sara has created. I can't get enough! If you love the paranoramal, you will love anything SM Reine has written, this book is no exception!
December 1, 2016
**** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review ****
Spoiler free.
This is the fourth book in the Magecraft series by SM Reine, You do need to read them in order.
I did very much enjoy this, more angels, demons, fae and shifters all set in SM Reines' Descentiverse with the characters you should know and love by now. It's a series you just can't get enough of. Fae court drama and mind bending space and time twists expertly done. A few questions answered from earlier series. You will not be disappointed picking up this book to read.
Spoiler free.
This is the fourth book in the Magecraft series by SM Reine, You do need to read them in order.
I did very much enjoy this, more angels, demons, fae and shifters all set in SM Reines' Descentiverse with the characters you should know and love by now. It's a series you just can't get enough of. Fae court drama and mind bending space and time twists expertly done. A few questions answered from earlier series. You will not be disappointed picking up this book to read.
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