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The Magician's Curse

(The Great Dagmaru #1)

Linda G. Hill (Goodreads Author)

3.55 · Rating details · 185 ratings · 58 reviews

Even true love can be cursed ...
When Herman Anderson leaves home to make a better life for herself, she doesn’t expect to meet a tall, dark stranger with whom she’ll fall hopelessly in love.
Charming and mysterious, Stephen Dagmar is a stage magician seeking an assistant. The moment he sets eyes on Herman, he knows she’s the one. He brings her home to his Victorian mansion ...more

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Kindle Edition, First Edition, 246 pages

Published June 27th 2017 by Linda G. Hill

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May 01, 2018 Susan Hampson rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-reads

At three weeks shy of being 18, Herman Anderson knows that there has to be a better life than the one she has. Yes I did say she. Herman is a young lady that was handed down the unfortunate fate of being called a male name because of some sort of tradition on her father’s side. A bit of a bummer really. Then throw in a mum that has never coped very well due to some sort of illness and a father that works away, with a can’t see what’s happening so everything is alright, sort of mentality and you ...more

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Oct 01, 2017 Colleen Chesebro rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal, suspense, fantasy, ya-fantansy, gothic-romance

*I was given a pre-publication copy of this book by the author for review purposes*

A demon incubus passed from generation to generation and handed down from father to son is the creative genius of Canadian author, Linda G. Hill. In, The Magician’s Curse, those infected with the scourge have one sole purpose in life – to seduce women and create offspring. Stephen Dagmar inherits this bane of his existence which ties his family to their servants, the Currys’ involving some creepy relationships in *I was given a pre-publication copy of this book by the author for review purposes*

A demon incubus passed from generation to generation and handed down from father to son is the creative genius of Canadian author, Linda G. Hill. In, The Magician’s Curse, those infected with the scourge have one sole purpose in life – to seduce women and create offspring. Stephen Dagmar inherits this bane of his existence which ties his family to their servants, the Currys’ involving some creepy relationships in the true gothic sense of the genre.

Yet, as the author states, “Things don’t always go as planned.” Enter, Herman Anderson, an almost eighteen-year-old ready to break free from the restraints of a broken family. Her mother is dysfunctional with some kind of strange malady, and her father is gone most of the time. Yet, determined to strike out on her own, Herman leaves behind her eleven-year-old brother to fend for himself with the promise that she will send for him when she is situated at the job she accepted at a far from home horse farm.

While on the train heading to the new job, Herman engages in a conversation with the captivating magician, Stephen Dagmar. There is an immediate attraction between the two, and the story takes off, sweeping the reader off your feet in much the same fashion. Before you know it, Herman is under Stephen’s spell and agrees to become his magician’s assistant.

I found this reaction hard to believe at first until I realized there was more at play here. Much in the same way that Dracula held power over the ladies, Stephen Dagmar commands the physical attraction of men and women alike. Herman is no exception, and for one so young and inexperienced in the ways of men, she falls for Stephen immediately. Stephen senses something special in Herman and is clearly smitten himself.

Immediately, Herman enters the fairy tale world of Dagmaru, the magician, where money is no object. Stephen spends lavishly on the teen, and as they get to know one another, their physical attraction grows. Finally, in desperation, Stephen explains that until Herman is eighteen, they will not consummate their relationship. There is a dark thread of sexual tension that runs through the book from beginning to end that at times gave me the shivers.

Deep down I suspected that I knew where the story was headed, but for the life of me I couldn’t predict the twists and turns the novel produced. The writing was crisp and clear as it propelled me on toward the explosive ending. In fact, the suspense kept me turning pages long into the night. Even so, by the end of book one, I was haunted by more questions than answers. I look forward to the second book in the series with the hope that these issues will be solved.

The Magician’s Curse is a deliciously eerie tale unlike any I’ve read so far. Be prepared to be seduced by the supernatural potential of the series. I loved it and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 STARS ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Teresa Grabs rated it it was amazing

Hill starts off with a brief history of the Dagmar family and their curse, which oddly enough includes a little foreshadowing that I will not play out as it is in my mind. We then join Herman on the morning she runs away from home (yes, all the girls in her father’s line have men’s names). She has a job offer at a horse stable and boards the train out of town. While on the train, she meets Stephen (a magician with real powers and the bloodline of a demonic incubus).

This is where the story could Hill starts off with a brief history of the Dagmar family and their curse, which oddly enough includes a little foreshadowing that I will not play out as it is in my mind. We then join Herman on the morning she runs away from home (yes, all the girls in her father’s line have men’s names). She has a job offer at a horse stable and boards the train out of town. While on the train, she meets Stephen (a magician with real powers and the bloodline of a demonic incubus).

This is where the story could have gone a variety of ways but the way Hill took it was this — Stephen has an instant connection to Herman and offers her a job as his assistant on stage. Now, Herman is under eighteen and, obviously, he doesn’t want to land in jail, so they work out a little “Oh look, this is my stop too” type departure from the train.

Life with wealthy Stephen is completely opposite her home life, but there are things about her life that she doesn’t know. Her father is a magician too (well, cross-dressing magician’s assistant to be precise) and she has powers that she never knew about.

Margaret, Stephen’s friend and business assistant, help Herman learn the ropes of a few tricks and they perform at a children’s birthday party. Stephen, Herman, and Margaret all get along and life is perfect…well, that would make for a boring book, now wouldn’t it.

Stephen’s family is cursed, and bound to the lives of their servants, the Currys. Stephen want’s to break the family curse, and to do so, requires great sacrifice.

I’m not going to say what that sacrifice is, just that it doesn’t happen in this book per se. There are great characters in this book beside Stephen, Herman, and Margaret. There is Reed Currys (Stephen’s half-brother), Nina Currys (Stephen’s servant and mother to his unborn child), Gerald (the Dagmar family lawyer who knows more than he tells), Aunt Aggie (Herman’s dead Aunt who knows more than her ghost is telling), and George Anderson (Herman’s father who doesn’t make much of an appearance in this book but has many secrets of his own).

Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. The characters sucked me in and I felt like I was watching a movie (which for me means its GREAT!). Once I get a little $$ I am buying the sequel, but in the meantime, I will have to settle for re-reading this one over and over and over and…. ...more

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May 13, 2019 Robbie Cheadle rated it really liked it

Herman has a most unusual name which has been a burden to her all her school life. Why on earth would her parents saddle her with a boy's name? As this interesting book, filled with magic and mystery progresses, Herman finds out that it is not only her name that is unusual about her, or her parents choice that is unusual about them.

Herman's mother has been very ill for a long time and her father is never there to offer any support to his family. Herman assumed the role of mother to her younger b ...more

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Jul 28, 2018 Claire rated it it was amazing

Recap: Herman Anderson, nearly 18, meets a tall, handsome magician, accepts a job offer on the train and goes home with him. Stephen Dagmar, the tall, handsome magician is trying to break his families curse by impregnating the help. It gets more complicated.

Review: It helps that I had a long journey to read this book on so I didn't have to put it down. I found the sexual tension absolutely gripping and fantastically well written without being coarse or terribly cliche. A highly unusual girls nam ...more

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Apr 13, 2018 Carrie rated it really liked it

Shelves: indies, speculative-paranormal

A magician with special powers struggles with a curse that's been in his family for generations. The main character, an almost 18-year-old girl who falls in love with him, has her own life turned upside down as she navigates his strange world.

It's more romance-heavy than I typically read, but the unveiling of the mysterious magician's story kept me turning the pages. The plot is well-paced and the characters are engaging. The book comes to a satisfying conclusion but also sets up the stage for b ...more

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May 08, 2018 LJ (On The Shelf Reviews) rated it liked it

Herman runs away from home to work on a horse ranch but before getting to her destination she meets the handsome and mysterious Stephen, a magician looking for a new assistant. Herman agrees and finds herself falling head over heels in love with him. But his family hold a dark secret, what will Herman do when she finds out?

Now most people who read my posts regularly know that romance is not my genre, too many mushy feelings, but I have to say the paranormal romance genre is really starting to gr ...more

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Aug 17, 2018 Angela Fulton rated it it was amazing

Super loved it.

Couldn't put it down so engrossed in reading it almost missed getting off at my station on journey to work brilliant. ...more

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Dec 27, 2018 Colin Sinclair rated it really liked it

A lovely quick read

An easy read from start to finish.
The story is easy to follow.
The place the book is set sounds lovely. I would like to go.
All in all i enjoyed the journey.

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Aug 20, 2020 Coco.V marked it as to-read

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2020)! 🎁

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Jun 21, 2017 Megan Starkweather rated it it was amazing

You know you're addicted to something when you cannot give it up no matter how are you try. The Magician's Curse was very addicting. I couldn't put it down. Herman sets out on her own to make a better life for herself. She didn't expect to run into a magical man who had a curse placed on his family. In order to break that curse, Stephan must break the heart of his true love and possibly lose her forever. This heart breaking tale kept me riveted until the very last word. I'm still reeling from th ...more

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Nov 16, 2017 Beth Hale rated it it was amazing

The Magician's Curse is a modern day gothic romance. We meet Herman, who is traveling to start a new job, and Stephen, a successful magician. There is an immediate attraction between the pair, and so begins a tale of romance, intrigue, heartache, and possible danger. This is the first book I have read by Linda G. Hill, and I enjoy her style. The pace is steady, the writing flows smoothly, and the characters become people you care about. I was left wanting more, and I'm activly wishing for book t ...more

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Aug 18, 2017 Behind Closed Doors Book Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal, mystery, arc, virgin, character-under-18

Amount of sex 1 / 5
How explicit 1 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Review: Herman is just on the verge of her 18th birthday (important detail). She is leaving her eleven-year-old brother behind with her unresponsive mother (some sort of vague illness, perhaps depression) that leaves the mother neglectful in her duties) and absent father (who travels for work). With three weeks to go before she turns 18, Herman has secured a job at a horse farm, dropped out of school, and heads off to start a new life Amount of sex 1 / 5
How explicit 1 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Review: Herman is just on the verge of her 18th birthday (important detail). She is leaving her eleven-year-old brother behind with her unresponsive mother (some sort of vague illness, perhaps depression) that leaves the mother neglectful in her duties) and absent father (who travels for work). With three weeks to go before she turns 18, Herman has secured a job at a horse farm, dropped out of school, and heads off to start a new life of her own. On the train, she meets Stephen Dagmar, a magician. They are instantly drawn to each other and as he reaches his station he asks her to join him as his assistant.
First off, let me say I enjoyed The Magician's Curse. The characters are interesting and the plot is different. With that said - it took me a little while to get into the book and I had a problem Herman being so young. The beginning was a little choppy for me. I admit I am not sure if it was the writing or just the writer struggling with how to get the story off with giving enough information and the reader to believe in the actions of the characters. I had a lot of trouble with a teenager getting off a train with a stranger to go live with him (I mean do a Google Search at least). The characters both comment on the risk of this and how Dagmar says Herman can leave at any time. When Herman gets to the mansion, the risk is minimized as there are many people who live and work at the Dagmar estate, but it still bugged me. Herman's being underage, it a plot point and why Dagmar holds off on the physical romance with her (hence the 1 for Amount of Sex). I think the author really could have made young Herman older and still have held-off on the physical relationship aspect of the plot pretty easily (but perhaps that is just my hang-up). Once life at the mansion takes off, the action and the story flow nicely, which is why I gave a book a 4 star (instead of a much lower score). I enjoyed the story and it was a very interesting plotline that would be too great a spoiler to reveal. While there is not a true cliffhanger, the book clearly plans to continue. This is closer to a YA book for me with a little bit of spice so a younger reader may have been ok with the age of the character.
** Voluntarily reviewed from an advanced copy ** ...more

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Feb 02, 2018 Tracy DeNeal rated it it was amazing

Herman and Stephen Part One

A mysterious curse, a chance meeting on a train. The hauntingly beautiful Stephen Dagmar meets and instantly recognizes the love of his life on a train as she is running away from her complicated family life.

This story challenges the reader to suspend disbelief and allow oneself to be drawn into the world of magic and the supernatural while accepting it as reality.

The antagonist of the story, Nina Curry, has a level of vulnerability that makes her a compelling charac ...more

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Mar 08, 2021 kelly freaney rated it it was amazing

Reading this as part of a review group I wasn't sure what to expect as it isn't my usual genre but I really enjoyed it. So much so I've stayed up way past my bed time to finish it in one sitting.
The story is written in a way you become invested in that characters and how this curse is going to impact them? Will it be broken and what other affects will it have. I can't wait to read the next two instalments and see where this story takes the two main characters. It feels like there is so much more ...more

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Sep 24, 2018 Eric Aeschliman rated it it was amazing

Satisfying but...

Loved the book--an engaging, fast read with a good plot device, but there are questions left unanswered at the end. If you're looking for a new series, this is a ggod choice, but if you want your story tied up with no lose ends, be warned... You're going to want to read the sequel! ;) ...more

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Oct 11, 2018 Sera Taíno rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Finished this in 2 nights. Paranormal romance but the magic is in the attraction between the two leads. Stretches some of the conventions of classic romance which is always refreshing. For writers - strong examples of dialogue. First book in a series. Solid 4.5-star read.

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Mar 27, 2021 Beccy Thompson rated it really liked it

An odd kind of premise for a book but aren’t these the very best kind?
I absolutely loved the story and the characters (who couldn’t relate to Herman?)
Well written with a storyline that gripped from the get go and a story that kept unfolding as the pages turned.
This is book one in the series

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Jun 03, 2018 Emily rated it it was amazing

This was a fast and fun romance. Not exactly the kind I adore but it was entertaining and mysterious enough to keep me reading.

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Sep 16, 2018 Charlotte Lowe rated it it was amazing

The Magician's Curse

I want to know so much more about the characters, their families and their histories. I am intrigued with this group thanks to the wonderful author. ...more

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Jan 05, 2021 L DeLong rated it it was amazing

Great story, loved the romance. Love at first sight, families cursed, and Magic. Who could ask for more.

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Dec 29, 2018 Lisa rated it it was amazing

I am truly lucky to read so many amazing books, amongst all the gems I read occasionally a book really shines for me. The magician's Curse shone like a beacon! I absolutely adored it. From the first chapter I was captivated. The characters are engaging, mysterious and deep. The story is a magical rather sexy edgy read. The main male character Stephen Dagmar has a magnetic draw very much like Edward Cullen and Christian Grey but a whole lot better!  ...more

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Oct 22, 2017 Rosie Amber rated it liked it

Shelves: paranormal, fantasy

The Magician’s Curse is a romance with a paranormal twist and is set in Canada.

Herman Anderson is almost eighteen; handed down a predominantly male name in a family tradition, she has decided to drop out of school and take up a job on a horse farm. On her way to her new job, she meets a handsome man on her train journey and they both feel an instant love connection. Twenty-three year old Stephen in a successful magician who immediately offers Herman a job as his magician’s assistant, believing s The Magician’s Curse is a romance with a paranormal twist and is set in Canada.

Herman Anderson is almost eighteen; handed down a predominantly male name in a family tradition, she has decided to drop out of school and take up a job on a horse farm. On her way to her new job, she meets a handsome man on her train journey and they both feel an instant love connection. Twenty-three year old Stephen in a successful magician who immediately offers Herman a job as his magician’s assistant, believing she will be a great addition to both his act and his life.

Herman then changes her plans and leaves the train with Stephen for a new adventure. He is very attentive and domineering, but he has his secrets. A family curse ties him to the Curry family, which ultimately puts a potential wedge between himself and Herman.

The prologue gave a strong opening scene; it introduced us to the demon blood causing through the veins of the Dagmar family. I looked forward to reading more about this demon in the following story. I also liked the idea of the magician. However, for me, there was missed opportunity to further develop the magic and illusions so that they really ‘popped’ with those moments when an audience are struck dumb with amazement, by making them a more prominent part of the story.

The book description spoke of a Gothic tale of romance and magic, lace and leather. I enjoy dark Gothic romances, but this aspect faded in comparison with the dominant modern themes and situations. The author did use old railways stations and some lace frilled clothing, but I remembered Stephen’s lipstick, eye-liner and modern transport more.

I felt the weakest part of the story surrounded the romance and Stephen’s role in the curse. The romance bounced from the love-at-first-sight style of a young adult book, then popped in hints and innuendos that boarded on erotica, before returning to chaste kisses because Herman was under-age. Then we were taken back to the curse that had Stephen fornicating with a servant whilst blaming the curse, all behind Herman’s back. I can understand the story ideas, I think they just need a bit more polish and some re-working to make them believable, perhaps with more depth to the main themes and cutting other lines that were wordy and clunky.

This book has a complex mix of themes which makes it hard to recommend a particular genre for readers to associate it with. The title might suggest fantasy, the description a romance, but just which age group of readers would it suit? I’m not sure.
...more

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Jul 14, 2017 Ivy Logan rated it really liked it

THE MAGICIAN’S CURSE
THE GREAT DAGMARU BOOK I
BY LINDA HILL
We cannot choose who we love. Do we enjoy the delicious torment or walk away to a life free of risk but also devoid of love? What will Herman choose.
This story is about a Magician. Wait!hold your horses!Do not cast that net of suspicion the wrong way yet. For it is The Great Dagmaru, the magician himself, despite all his magic who is powerless before an ancient curse. But is the magician as blameless as you would like him to be?
In this d ...more

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Aug 21, 2017 Maida rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, ebooks, paranormal, new-adult

Unpredictable and engaging

Four stars. This was an entertaining read. Oftentimes, if you've read as many books as I have, you'd be able to predict what's going to happen next. With The Magician's Curse, I couldn't. That's what kept me turning page after page - to see what happens next. It's certainly different from the typical books I read and a great palate cleanser. It's not cookie-cutter or formulaic at all. I don't normally read books with young characters (18/23) anymore, but I made an exce ...more

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Nov 30, 2017 Ritu Bhathal rated it really liked it

I started out reading this book, not knowing what to expect really, and after a few chapters I was hooked!
Herman (the unfortunately named female main lead!) is leaving home to attempt to make a better life for her brother and her and somehow is led a different path by the meeting of a stranger on a train. Steven Dagmaru is drawn to this stranger on the train, and invites her to become his assistant. He draws her into his life and family worries with an ulterior motive, but also for love.
Though I ...more

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Jul 17, 2017 Linda Fausnet rated it it was amazing

This was a gripping read with truly engaging characters. This book is an excellent mix of romance and intrigue, and is a nice change of pace from so many cookie-cutter romances. Stephen Dagmur is a compelling and somewhat tortured hero, and the heroine is innocent but strong and resilient. An excellent start to a new series and doesn't end on a cliffhanger. I look forward to more from this author. ...more

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Aug 06, 2018 Yvonne Davies rated it liked it

Shelves: kindle-read, paranormal, pnr, magic, fantasy, romance

Herman was running away from her family. Her mom was mentally ill and her dad was rarely at home, when he was he liked a drink. Making sure her Chad her younger brother she jumped on a train to find a better life. Also, on the train was Stephen an amazing magician who after laying eyes on Herman offered her a job. The instant attraction between the Herman and Stephen was obvious to everyone, but the curse on Stephen’s family could put a stop to all their plans.
Having a dysfunctional family cause ...more

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May 09, 2018 Rachel (Rae) rated it really liked it

The Magician’s Curse pulled me in right away as we are introduced to Herman and how her world suddenly changes when she decides to leave home. A chance meeting with Stephen offers her a new life but is she making the right decision. The premise is really intriguing what with magic, romance and a curse all mixed into the story. Bits of information was revealed that made me eager to discover the whole story. I really enjoyed the magic aspect as it's always interested me so it was great to see this ...more

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Jul 17, 2018 Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog rated it really liked it

Really enjoyed this! Enough that I wouldn’t go to sleep until I finished it 🙊

It’s a very easy read, and fun with the magical elements! A very different type of storyline in romance, and at times this did seem odd to me, but for my own reasons, i doubt it would bother others!

The Female love interest is just about to turn 18, which made me feel a bit like the character was being rash and at times made her responses seem very childish, HOWEVER Thats down to being older than her and remember what I ...more

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About Linda G. Hill

Linda G. Hill

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Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer.

A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from ...more