Everyone is red on the inside.The destruction of the Dark Room has locked away the Eldest forever… or so it seems. The Boneyard discovers a bloodthirsty cult desperate to bring back the Old Ones, and Dustin Graves rescues the strangest of a Welsh corgi.
Gods of legend covet the magical canine, and the Lorica gives chase, believing that Dustin’s heart still beats with the blood of shadows. But a second secret runs in his veins... a crimson contract, a pact sealed in blood, one that will draw terrifying enemies right to his doorstep.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you’ll love the seventh book in Nazri Noor’s series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Blood Pact today.
Hi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
Great pacing - perfect balance of humour, horror, action, entities, plots coming together The UF world building is always strong and vivid The character development across the board is excellent I increasingly appreciate, and thoroughly enjoy, the camaraderie of the Boneyard and their allies from the Lorica, even Bastion has me tentatively liking him. Royce too The relationship between Dustin and Herald is a little weak, not as much chemistry has been developed as I'm used to, but I'll take it easy on that because this is UF and not romance. I'm sure it will become more comfortable, or easy, given time - it's new. I'm always glad for diversity, and this series delivers via different cultures, and now sexual orientation Sterling was on point in this book. He cracked me up and I love his capacity for protecting his 'family' - he's mine. I've claimed him Arcane drag queens the Fuck-Tons were back in formidable style - I do love Imperial and Metric, and I want their pink glasses. That x-ray vision? Yes! There is a nice darkness to this story but it never completely envelopes you because the humour breaks it up Some old favourites, some not so much, returned in new ways, including one I truly loved, just don't call Dustin dad Banjo the Welsh Corgi was something else, don't let him bark (bork)near you because if he doesn't like you, well...
Carver and Banjo. Who would have ever thought that lich would love or care for another living thing?
If you like UF then I highly recommend the Darkling Mage series. It improves as it progresses, and this book is a cracking addition.
Dustin and Sterling are on a job - they have gatecrashed a lavish party where they end up rescuing a sacrifice... A Welsh Corgi dog. Turns out this is no ordinary doggy and suddenly there's a lot of interest in the Boneyard's new pet. Book 7 of the Darkling Mage series and as I've said before, this series just gets better and better.
BLOOD PACT was great and so much happened to set up the last books of the series. Dustin's journey hasn't been easy but his determination and conviction have always held strong. We meet some new allies in this one and some new enemies and I'll be jumping right into the next book.
What a fantastic book this was. The author comes up with with another great original story, seamlessly continuing with the big picture, further developing the character relationships, and expanding the amazing world he has created. As previously, again I thought this was my favourite book in the series. Until the next one, I guess. This book was a bit different than the others in a sense that the danger came from within and not from The Elders. And by within, I mean several withins, some of them not expected at all. But just because there are no elders does not mean that there is less action or a slower pace, exactly the opposite. While previous books had a buildup to the grand finale, this book has a crazy fast pace, and so many grand moments that the ending is just one of the nerve wrecking moments here, not the only one. But Trust in Dustin, he always prevails with the help of his friends, and I hope he, and they, will in future. Dustin was especially adorable in this book. Due to some of his insecurities, the old immature Dustin popped up here and there and I loved it. I missed him a bit, I must admit. He is, after all, one of my favourite characters in the world, and I fell in love with him while he was adorably immature and irresponsible. All of the regular crew is here, apart from Prudence who is away on vacation, and I hope she comes back before the next book. The Boneyard gets new family members, who are freaking adorable, one of them being a supercute corgi, who reduces all of the Boneyard inhabitants into cooing mess of superprotective corgi lovers. For some reason I feel like getting a corgi after reading this book. The plot is so incredibly well thought through that there is not one single detail out of place or a question left unanswered, unless it was purposefully left for the next book. I hope there is a next book coming, because I am not ready to day goodbye yet. The author keeps impressing me more and more with each book, and I could not love him more for it. I am proud to say that I've been following this author's journey since the prequel came out, and regardless of how ridiculously high my expectations might have been, the author fulfills them each time, and beyond. I said it before and I'll say it again: This is one of my favourite series, and one of the best series out there. The books are best read in order. Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), and Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7) .
I finished the series featuring Dustin Graves, continuing from book 6 though book 9. There are two prequels and a short in there too. I've loved every second of the stories. Lots of action/adventure. Lots of family and friends time. Dustin gains new allies in every book leading up to the finale showdown in book 9. The tasks get harder and the sacrifices get bigger. His abilities are tested. Resources are lost and found. The Deities continue to play with him, but as it turns out, their 'lessons' prepare him for something huge so maybe they can be forgiven? And Dustin falls in love. While this series is not a romance, their relationship adds depth to Dustin's character, both as a person and his motivations.
I can't pick out a favorite part since everything was so good. The end of book 9 easily wraps up this part of the overall Arcane Universe story arc, but I'm sure there will be more from Dustin Graves sprinkled around.
Reading order notes: - There are no spoilers in Penumbra and can be read as a true prequel to the Darkling Mage series. - Crystal Brawl is early days, with Dustin still figuring things out. I'd put it somewhere after book 1 but before book 3. He learns a skill in Grave Intentions (book 3) that he is unable to do in the freebie short. - The next prequel is for a spinoff series that features a different character. Something happens in book 4, Oblivion Heart, that immediately triggers something elsewhere. That's where Ex Nihilo comes in. We don't actually have the resulting crossover until a few books later, but if you're a chronological reader like me, then you'll want to treat the Sins of the Father prequel as book 4.5 in the overall Arcane universe reading order. Otherwise, it can be read anytime after book 7 of the Darkling Mage series.
The latest entry in the Darkling Mage series is a slight departure from the previous novels' direction. Dust's sacrifice in Last Rites has left him bereft of the powers he felt most comfortable using. This novel primarily deals with his struggle to adjust to his new normal.
As always, the pacing is fast and furious with new threats emerging from out of the blue. Furthermore, the Boneyard seems to have been (initially) reluctantly saddled with the care of Banjo - a corgi of mysterious provenance. A stray of another sort appears on the scene, although it appears to be groundwork for a future installment of the series.
Also as usual, the characters are nudged along in development as small details about less prominent characters are revealed, thereby enriching both Dust's and the readers' understanding of them.
If there is an area that I think was short-changed in this novel, it was in the exploration of grief. Dust has lost an awful lot in a seemingly short time and doesn't seem to have the time to work through any sort of a grieving process (for the loss of: his "normal" life, his mother, his mentor, his preferred abilities, etc). I just think that some of these elements would play more strongly into Dust's mood and even his cognitive functioning.
There are the usual cameos from past exploits, as well as some new faces, and Dust's smart mouth continually causes him more trouble.
As always, this is a solid entry in the series and I look forward to reading more in the next installment.
Well! This is another snarky, suspenseful, whacky, violent, dark, book that this author has given us. How can you resist Dustin as he grapples his way through a destructive corgi, all his other team acting like idiots around the dog, Carver becoming a pile of mush with the dog, Bastion becoming a Scion, him and and Harold getting it on. sunshine in darkness, invisible enemies and a witch loosing her crumpled appearance and becoming enemy number one? Dustin is having a hard time of it with all that is thrown at him. He and Sterling find a sweet little cute Corgi at a mass murder of some rich people who are trying to use him as a sacrifice. Dustin is the only one who thinks the corgi has something to do with the pulverizing of 30 people. Of course Dustin is the only one that the corgi doesn't like in the Boneyard. Everyone wants Banjo the corgi. Gods, demons, and of the guys at the Boneyard. Dustin still secretly mourns the loss of his dark side and fights to learn to fight and defend himself without his shadow stepping ability. His sword wants out of Dustin's back pack to get the taste of blood and things are generally going to hell in a hand basket. A story that leads us again towards the Elders not giving up. So pull up your big people panties guys, you're going for a wild ride. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
I really love the way the Gods and Goddesses are portrayed in these novels. The story delves into the persona of each one appearing and interacting with our heroes. Some are spoiled rotten, as you would expect from the all-powerful. But those who are not, are rather endearing and getting to know them is fun. It is an entire cast of just who can show themselves to be the most powerful.
I was surprised to find the little Corgi pup, who is an integral part of the cast in this book has abilities that make him exceedingly powerful for such a little guy when he feels his buddies are threatened. Rather like the sword belonging to Mage, Dustin, the main character. There are so many characters in this series that come in and out on the stage and endear themselves with their special brand of unique abilities. The vampire is sexy and funny at the same time, the werewolf is loveable yet vicious when it has to be, the headmaster finally reveals himself as an old softie when it comes to his tribe of young mages and the new little dog. I could go on and on about many of the other players in this exciting story as it hurls these guys into more rough and tumble challenges. What fun this is. Now it's time to get on with the next book. I am so happy to have something to look forward to in the face of frustrating times and glad I can be safe at home rather than feeling stuck at home.
Life should have gone back to a new normal after the destruction of the Dark Room until The Boneyard discovers a new cult determined to bring back the Old Ones. When investigating Dustin recused the strangest thing - a Welsh Corgi dog. However various Gods want the magical dog and the Lorica are still chasing him as they still believe that Dustin's heart is still beating with the blood of the shadows. However another secret runs in his veins and it is a contract - a pact sealed with blood that will draw terrifying enemies to his doorstep.
Dustin is definitely back in this seventh book in the series. He once again seems incapable of keeping calm and knowing when one of his snarky replies is not a good idea. There were definitely a few surprises in this story and plenty of magical action - some of which was rather bloodthirsty. I loved the little bits of development in the relationship between Harald and Dustin and look forward to more development in that area in the next book. There was the introduction of a new character who joined the team in the Boneyard and I'm looking forward to more storyline featuring him too. Well written and very enjoyable.
This is the seventh book in the Darkling Mage series
Another AMAZING book as always action packed with intrigue and betrayal the old ones are up to their shenanigans . Plus our boy's have a mysterious and deadly little dog that they have taken as their own . Nothing is as it seems and the boy's are left with trying to protect their new fur baby as they try to unravel of the cute little dog . We are also introduced to another new addition too the Boneyard a Hart Angle Hart human young man things spiral out of control when a new cult shows up . Can out boy figure out the mystery that is Banjo while trying to stay alive also Dustan and Herald's relationship year's up they are know dating carved becomes a fur Daddy and ticks off Odin the ALL Father can they survive the raythe of the Nother God .
An Emo hero that you would love to punch in the mouth repeatedly tries to save the day with the help of his Japanese equivalent of Jack Frost full time boyfriend, a Latin American Werewolf, a Vampire that spent too much time watching Grease, a kid that sees dead people, plus their undead-boss.
Add to this book a dog that can make people head explode, a Filipino cook-grandmother that can tenderize then cook your looser little self with one fiery-fist, and a pair of drag-queens enchanters that can kick your fucking ass faster that you can say Rupaul.
Oh and now there is a half angel too, because the only thing missing was a cool kid.
You need to give this book a try. Is the progressive thing to do.
Blood Pact is the seventh book in the Darkling Mage series and a fantastic addition to the series. This is a series that follows the same characters and should be read in order.
I am always blown away by the twists and turns that happen in the series. I love how the humor is absurd but never over the top – it does a great job of keeping the book from getting too dark, but it doesn’t trivialize the dangerous and desperate circumstances the characters find themselves in. The worldbuilding is fantastic and interesting. I love the unique take on a magical Welsh Corgi dog with magical powers. I was not expecting what the power of that bark could do.
The audiobook was narrated by Luke Daniels who does a wonderful job. I love Dustin’s voice and how he really embodied all the characters so perfectly. The audiobook production was well done.
I enjoyed this book and it was good to see Dustin not rely on the Dark Room. He had to learn to stand on his own and his friends. But man, when he got the power of the shadows back I was so excited. It was taking over his mind and he began to lose himself to it, but his friends and loved ones were able to pull him back from the abyss. Sadly that all happened in the last 5 chapters and the rest of the book was a slow build to this big confrontation with, gods, demon prince, half angel, cult, Lorica, the Boneyard. So a lot of pieces had to be moved before we could get to the really good stuff. Now there is a new enemy to contend with for the possibly the last couple books. I just felt like the book dragged in some places and there was no clear end in sight until the very very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book….I am actually almost speechless and that so seldom happens.
Dustin shows a lot of growth through this installment and we make some new friends—including a magical corgi and gorilla? What is even going on?! There’s also a play on the name “Artemis” at the 80% mark that had me howling. I do love a good dad joke.
But the end of this book? THE END?! I have not screamed at a book like this in literally YEARS. When it was all revealed I got chills. CHILLS I TELL YOU.
IF YOU HAVEN’T STARTED THIS SERIES YET WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?!
Always a fun, action filled and magical read. Nazri does a great job blending serious and funny. Love Dustin and all of his friends, new and old. Herald and Dustin make a great couple ( this is not a romance book but I'm glad Nazi includes a little 😊.) The boneyard keeps growing, maybe the next new member will be female. I'm looking forward to the next book already.
Blood Pact dives into cult horror with a heavy focus on the grotesque sometimes overshadowing the plot. Dustin’s signature sarcasm is there, but it doesn’t quite balance the darker tone as well as previous books. The quirky moments, like the corgi rescue, add charm, but overall, feels like it holds back.
He's on fire! Quite literally in some parts. A magical corgi, a nephilim, an invisible assailant, and that's just in the first few chapters! It's a dark and wild ride!
Nazri Noor delivers another outstanding book in the Dark Mage series. Most of the action centers around what would appear to be a harmless corgi. Boy, is everyone wrong about that. This book is great fun and there is lots of mayhem, as usual.
Very good book that has lots of twists and turns that keep you on your toes.. story is very nice continuum of the series that brings back some old faces along with some new ones that I can’t wait to see what comes up next with them..
Darkling Mage series contains a great group of characters and plotlines in every book. Great as a standalone read, but love the character development through the series. Blood Pact definitely held my continuing attention and did not disappoint.
Another AMAZING new adventure of Dustin and friends! New characters (or if you’re like me you have read the spin-offs first and then the original Darkling Mage Series which I am doing now so you get re-introduced to some of these “new” characters) I am off to read Soul Fire!
Great to read the introduction of the character Mason. I’d already read Sins of the father omnibus which included the prequel story. Looking forward to the next book. Hope there is more about Dustin’s relationship.
This series just gets better and better! I’m so glad to have discovered Nazri Noor and his seriously wonderful books. A better series I haven’t read in a long while. Highly recommended
Favorite book put of the series so far. All the things I would rather go without from the books prior were mostly missing so I felt I had to distinguish this book from the rest by rating it 5 stars even if the book isn't near perfect as a novel or series.
I love this series of books they way the characters are writing the annoying way the books end on a cliffhanger sometimes feels like an age for the next book