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Dark Sorcery #3
Wicked Magic
Rhiannon Castle is a D'Anu witch whose is a D'Anu witch whose Coven sisters know nothing of the Shadows that lurk within her. Rhiannon can't reveal the truth to anyone--least of all Keir, a rugged warrior soldier who walks into Rhiannon's life and awakens her to a wanton reckless desire…
Keir's Tuatha D'Danann Tuatha D'Danann brethren are the only real family he has ever known. He trusts no one--until he is sent to San Francisco and meets Rhiannon, the one woman with fire enough to tame him. Every seductive encounter convinces Keir that she belongs with him--even though Rhiannon knows her powers could put him in peril…
And then a new threat rises from the depths of the Underworld. When a demon goddess unleashes her evil upon our world, Rhiannon's secret could prove the ultimate weapon in this epic battle--or forge a pathway to destruction for the only man she's ever loved…
Keir's Tuatha D'Danann Tuatha D'Danann brethren are the only real family he has ever known. He trusts no one--until he is sent to San Francisco and meets Rhiannon, the one woman with fire enough to tame him. Every seductive encounter convinces Keir that she belongs with him--even though Rhiannon knows her powers could put him in peril…
And then a new threat rises from the depths of the Underworld. When a demon goddess unleashes her evil upon our world, Rhiannon's secret could prove the ultimate weapon in this epic battle--or forge a pathway to destruction for the only man she's ever loved…
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2007
23 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Cheyenne McCray
162 books1,762 followersCheyenne McCray fell in love with reading and writing early, deciding in kindergarten that one day she would become an author. Today, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction author who’s sold millions of books worldwide. Having published more than 100 novels and novellas in contemporary and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic suspense, she is now also writing cozy mysteries as Deb Ries.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
Chey grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in. Chey and her equally geeky husband live with their two dogs, six ducks (the neighborhood celebrities), and a small flock of chickens in a small Arizona town where she enjoys gardening, crazy quilting and, of course, writing.
Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 30, 2014
I really had a hard time finishing this book, everything about the story screams "cliché"! Meet Keir, your typical male character, a gruff D'Danann warrior who's had countless women and doesn't believe in love. Now meet Rhiannon, a D'Anu witch who was abandoned as a child and doesn't trust people because "eventually, they all leave me". Of course, however, the two get all bothered and hot as soon as they lay eyes on each other and Keir becomes possessive and overprotective with a woman he barely knows but believes to be his mate, a woman who denies her feelings until the very end but has no problem at all when it comes to rolling in bed with him to forget all that's wrong in her life (but Keir is such a great lover!). In the meanwhile, they and their friends try to defeat the Fomorii and the evil Underworld goddess Ceithleen, bound to destroy San Francisco to bring her beloved husband Balor back. The plot really isn't that interesting nor original for a paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel and is poorly developed, and Ms. McCray writing style is downright awful, plain and repetitive, I didn't even enjoy the sex scenes that much... they're ALL the same! It's such a pity, because this series had a great potential.
October 5, 2007
Meh.
Competent enough, and if you love porny paranormals, go for it. Plotting is thin, character motivation is cliche (mommy and/or daddy left us when we were little, how will we ever learn to love??) and the moral of the story has all the subtlety of, well, a giant, winged flame-haired soul-sucking demon: Don't be bigoted! Absolutism is ALWAYS bad!
I'm also struck by some really strong similarities to Christine Warren's "Others" series. I don't know who came first or if anyone is poaching ideas, but CW's execution is way better, IMO.
On the upside, the author paints a wicked visual, the sex is pretty hot (though you will hear a lot more than you really need to about the hero's enormous cock and the heroine's moist folds). I can totally picture this as a movie. And somehow, despite its flaws, I am curious enough about this world to consider looking up the predecessors in the series.
Competent enough, and if you love porny paranormals, go for it. Plotting is thin, character motivation is cliche (mommy and/or daddy left us when we were little, how will we ever learn to love??) and the moral of the story has all the subtlety of, well, a giant, winged flame-haired soul-sucking demon: Don't be bigoted! Absolutism is ALWAYS bad!
I'm also struck by some really strong similarities to Christine Warren's "Others" series. I don't know who came first or if anyone is poaching ideas, but CW's execution is way better, IMO.
On the upside, the author paints a wicked visual, the sex is pretty hot (though you will hear a lot more than you really need to about the hero's enormous cock and the heroine's moist folds). I can totally picture this as a movie. And somehow, despite its flaws, I am curious enough about this world to consider looking up the predecessors in the series.
September 11, 2018
Originally published as Wicked Magic, this book, The Wicked, is the third book in the Magic series. To completely understand the book, characters, and main storyline, and to get the most enjoyment from your reading experience, you need to read the series in order. Each book highlights a couple (D'Anu witch and D'Danann warrior), their personal situation/dilemma and their emotional journey to closure and happiness. It also includes the couples from the previous books, as well as all other characters mentioned before. I like that even though these books are ‘busy’ and have a lot going on, Ms. McCray keeps us updated on the past activity from previous books and connecting it all with the current read and, I am sure, future books for the overall storyline to flow and be complete. The witches, warriors and other beings (Fairie, Fae, etc.) battle the same goddess and demons, with the same objective but including new twists and surprises and obstacles to overcome as a team working together and for the featured couple separately. The threat of evil taking over the world holds strong throughout the book and includes a few shocking discoveries that will end up either helping in the end or making matters much worse overall. This book picks up where book two ended with the goddess, Ceithlenn, needing to become more powerful to bring her mate, Balor, back. She becomes more dangerous and menacing and gains more power to achieve her goal. Darkwolf and Junga are front and center as well in the battle and still under the goddess’s control…or are they? An intriguing event takes place in relation to this evil trio, adding more questions and leaving you curious as to the outcome. Several surprises and truths are in store for Rhiannon and Keir in this story and they each have their own personal obstacles and emotional baggage to overcome to be whole and be happy. After reading this book I have to say I think Rhiannon and Keir are my favorite couple thus far. They are truly kindred spirits. Though they are from different worlds they have suffered similar past hurts from their upbringing and share a bond of understanding. I enjoyed the path of discovery they both walked to overcome their hang-ups and open themselves up to a bright future together. They make a great fighting team and couple and I am happy they were able to learn about their pasts and not let it change their feelings towards each other or their future. This book is fast-paced, full of excitement and romance and leaves you wanting more. I look forward to the next book in the series.
* I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to review. The thoughts expressed in this review are non-biased and completely my own.
* I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to review. The thoughts expressed in this review are non-biased and completely my own.
June 25, 2020
Rhiannone Castle, a D'Anu gray witch, has always had 'Shadows' locked in her body, hidden from all believing them to be evil spirits. But as she begins to learn about her heritage she begins to question her beliefs. Keir, D'Danann warrior, bastard son of a Fae Lord, also begins to learn about his heritage and what he has always believed is also not correct. These two try to figure things out while at the same time working to save San Francisco from the evil demon goddess Ceithlenn and her Fomorii legions. High adventure and romance.
May 2, 2018
I loved this book - a compelling read which continues the battle between good and evil while makeing connections to other beings!!
A wonderful love story - brilliantly told while showing you the world or otherworlds the characters live in, in amazing detail!!
A fast moving tale with great depth of plot and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention focused!!!
An amazing continuation in this series!!
MUST READ!
A wonderful love story - brilliantly told while showing you the world or otherworlds the characters live in, in amazing detail!!
A fast moving tale with great depth of plot and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention focused!!!
An amazing continuation in this series!!
MUST READ!
January 25, 2020
The characters, world building with twists, turns that keep you riveted to the pages are awesome.
This series has everything a paranormal reader loves, characters of all types, humour, suspense, steamy sex and great action.
Once again, another great with really bad editing.
This series has everything a paranormal reader loves, characters of all types, humour, suspense, steamy sex and great action.
Once again, another great with really bad editing.
May 14, 2012
Best Installment Yet!,
I strongly suggest you read this series in order (Forbidden Magic and Seduced by Magic) before tackling this book. This installment was tremendously enjoyable. Rhiannon, a D'Anu witch is keeping a deep dark secret from her coven sisters; she has dark shadows inside of her. She is not just susceptible to dark magic but she actually has living shadows inside of her. Keir, Tuatha D'Danann warrior and brother to Hawk, crosses over from Otherworld to assist in the battle. He becomes taken with Rhi and together they combine their strengths against their enemy. The battle with Balor, the god of death, is heating up; especially now that his goddess Ceithlenn has escaped the Underworld and possessed Sara, an ex D'Anu sister. Ceithlenn encounters Rhi and unleashes a mental torment that attacks Rhi like a parasite. The battle with Ceithlenn spills into the public view. Ceithlenn is a powerful force to be reckoned with. The goddess being denied power and devastation for centuries has an insatiable hunger that gruesomely kills people by the thousands. My only regret with this book is that we don't see Darkwolf get dominated in the same way he humiliated and dominated Junga. This book had plenty of action and magic; it was delightedly a bit darker than the first two installments and there were thankfully fewer sex scenes than the first two installments. I would consider this a dark paranormal romance fantasy, not exactly a hybrid between dark urban fantasy but very close. I recommend this book to those dark urban fantasy readers who have patience to flip through the many sex scenes (which are usually hot but one or two is enough for me) to stick with the plot. I also look forward to reading the Magic series novella in the anthology No Rest for the Witches, as well as the next book in the series, Shadow Magic.
I also recommend:
Dreamfever
Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, Book 2)
Demon Inside
Insatiable Desire (The Demonborn)
Witch Blood (Elemental Witches, Book 2)
I strongly suggest you read this series in order (Forbidden Magic and Seduced by Magic) before tackling this book. This installment was tremendously enjoyable. Rhiannon, a D'Anu witch is keeping a deep dark secret from her coven sisters; she has dark shadows inside of her. She is not just susceptible to dark magic but she actually has living shadows inside of her. Keir, Tuatha D'Danann warrior and brother to Hawk, crosses over from Otherworld to assist in the battle. He becomes taken with Rhi and together they combine their strengths against their enemy. The battle with Balor, the god of death, is heating up; especially now that his goddess Ceithlenn has escaped the Underworld and possessed Sara, an ex D'Anu sister. Ceithlenn encounters Rhi and unleashes a mental torment that attacks Rhi like a parasite. The battle with Ceithlenn spills into the public view. Ceithlenn is a powerful force to be reckoned with. The goddess being denied power and devastation for centuries has an insatiable hunger that gruesomely kills people by the thousands. My only regret with this book is that we don't see Darkwolf get dominated in the same way he humiliated and dominated Junga. This book had plenty of action and magic; it was delightedly a bit darker than the first two installments and there were thankfully fewer sex scenes than the first two installments. I would consider this a dark paranormal romance fantasy, not exactly a hybrid between dark urban fantasy but very close. I recommend this book to those dark urban fantasy readers who have patience to flip through the many sex scenes (which are usually hot but one or two is enough for me) to stick with the plot. I also look forward to reading the Magic series novella in the anthology No Rest for the Witches, as well as the next book in the series, Shadow Magic.
I also recommend:
Dreamfever
Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, Book 2)
Demon Inside
Insatiable Desire (The Demonborn)
Witch Blood (Elemental Witches, Book 2)
March 1, 2011
I loved it. I just love this series. There is so much action. The story is fantastic and the sex isn't bad either ;).
This is Rhiannon and Keir's story.
Keir is Hawk's 1/2 brother and they hate each other because Keir is the bastard son. He was treated like trash by the family while Hawk was doted upon.
Rhiannon was dumped by the parents on her aged aunt at 2 yrs old. She has dark shadows w/in her that her aunt called evil. They used to play with Rhiannon but when the aunt saw them they tried to kill her. Rhiannon was able to get them back inside and hold them there. That is until now.
Keir and Rhiannon get involved. We find out that he is 1/2 Mystwalker and Rhiannon is 1/2 Drow.
The war with the goddess continues. She gets inside Rhiannon's head and the Shadows almost kill Keir but Rhiannon is able to pull them back.
The goddess finds that she gets stronger by sucking out human souls. She takes many and is able to bring Balor from Underworld. Only as they are about to touch Darkwolf takes control of himself and refuses to give up the eye.
Read the rest - it's excellent.
This is Rhiannon and Keir's story.
Keir is Hawk's 1/2 brother and they hate each other because Keir is the bastard son. He was treated like trash by the family while Hawk was doted upon.
Rhiannon was dumped by the parents on her aged aunt at 2 yrs old. She has dark shadows w/in her that her aunt called evil. They used to play with Rhiannon but when the aunt saw them they tried to kill her. Rhiannon was able to get them back inside and hold them there. That is until now.
Keir and Rhiannon get involved. We find out that he is 1/2 Mystwalker and Rhiannon is 1/2 Drow.
The war with the goddess continues. She gets inside Rhiannon's head and the Shadows almost kill Keir but Rhiannon is able to pull them back.
The goddess finds that she gets stronger by sucking out human souls. She takes many and is able to bring Balor from Underworld. Only as they are about to touch Darkwolf takes control of himself and refuses to give up the eye.
Read the rest - it's excellent.
April 27, 2016
A 3-star rating seemed perfectly designed for this book as I felt very middle-of-the road about it. Much of it was cliche and predictable. There was some originality here, but that very thing made the story somewhat confusing at times. The hero and herione alone represented four ... uhm, species/sub-species of paranormal beings. Not only were black magic and white magic represented, but grey magic was present as well. There were the good guys, the bad guys, the worse guys, and the worst guys. Whew! All of that specification was not only hard to remember, but it distracted me from the plot a bit.
Still, there were some good battle scenes and the romance will appeal to those who like a male who is uber alpha but who can still be brought to his knees by a feisty, independent, super-skilled woman.
Still, there were some good battle scenes and the romance will appeal to those who like a male who is uber alpha but who can still be brought to his knees by a feisty, independent, super-skilled woman.
April 11, 2023
I love Cheyenne McCray's books and stories, and Magic series by her is definitely my fave. She can mix suspense, magic, myth and a sensual story well. Magic series can be categorized for erotica, esp for 2 previous books, this one and the first. But not so heavy, I can said just at mild level. And this series can't be read stand alone, since the event always continue from the first to the last..
What I dislike.. Ummm, maybe because the hero, (almost all of them, really) use to have a long hair and wear leather pants. Not fans of hero like that, I prefer them have a short, military cut and use jeans instead, lol.
If you like paranormal stories with witch character and Irish myth, be sure to include this series to your must to read list
What I dislike.. Ummm, maybe because the hero, (almost all of them, really) use to have a long hair and wear leather pants. Not fans of hero like that, I prefer them have a short, military cut and use jeans instead, lol.
If you like paranormal stories with witch character and Irish myth, be sure to include this series to your must to read list
July 8, 2013
Wicked Magic is the third book for Cheyenne McCray's Magic series. She does not disappoint!! I am having a blast getting to know the characters better with each book. When you think things are coming to a head and the great battle is happening, you think you know who will win, and BOOM!! You get side slapped, and roles switch, things get topsy turvey. I love that this author keeps you anticipated...in more ways than one! She has thrown in twists to the tale, you might not expect. Which change the perception some. In the process of entertaining the reader, there are alot of deep questions happening which can and do mirror reality. I am loving this coaster ride and can not wait to see what happens next!!
October 14, 2007
In this book two people who have not really been part of anyfamily come together with secrets through hell to be come on. I enjoyed this book, there was so much going on. None of the characters from the other books was left out and i love that, this year i would have to say that this book is probaly my favorite. I love the play between emotions and the characters finding themselves. Who doesnt have problems and this book kinda felt right at home. How many times have we thought that we were worthless because of an action of another? How many times have we doubted ourselves? I liked this book and i would recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of paranormal and a fight for love to remember.
January 8, 2010
The story was okay. This is the second book I've read by Cheyenne McCray and was not really impressed with either. I don't own anymore of her books and I don't think I'll buy another. I found my mind wandering constantly while trying to read this book and if it weren't part of a challenge, I would have stopped reading it. Maybe if I came back to her later, I might enjoy her books more. This has happened with a couple of authors. I usually mix genres but I'm in 2 paranormal challenges and that's all I've been reading this month. That may be the problem.
March 12, 2016
This is book 3 in the Magic series. If you've read books 1 and 2 then the content of this one will be of no surprise to you. Yep, it's more Paranormal Romance Porn. This story centers around Rhiannon and her boyfriend/ mate/ husband Keir. They are still fighting the demon goddess and the series goes on after this book so it's safe to say that they don't defeat her in this book. I liked it as much as I liked the first 2 in the series, and I'm sure that you will too. BTW, they HAVE to be read in order or you will be LOST!
July 9, 2009
Beautifully written sizzling tale full of dark, deepest magic
and sexy eroctism. Keir is a wonderful strong and powerful warrior
and Rhiannon a tortured and vulnerable D'Anu witch and together
a magnificent combination of combustible energy! Wow, I am still
smiling at Rhiannon's fav saying "Oh my Goddess" as Keir begins
to infiltrate her prickly exterior!! Oh give me more magical
mayhem!!!
and sexy eroctism. Keir is a wonderful strong and powerful warrior
and Rhiannon a tortured and vulnerable D'Anu witch and together
a magnificent combination of combustible energy! Wow, I am still
smiling at Rhiannon's fav saying "Oh my Goddess" as Keir begins
to infiltrate her prickly exterior!! Oh give me more magical
mayhem!!!
August 19, 2010
Open note to my friend Paula -
Paula, you won't like this one in the series either. There is still a lot of cussing and naughty words. I'll admit I'm a little put off every time I read the name of a female body part that is another name for a cat (and that word is used a lot).
However, you'll be relieved that this one doesn't have much in the way of dominance/submission stuff (not like the second in the series).
Paula, you won't like this one in the series either. There is still a lot of cussing and naughty words. I'll admit I'm a little put off every time I read the name of a female body part that is another name for a cat (and that word is used a lot).
However, you'll be relieved that this one doesn't have much in the way of dominance/submission stuff (not like the second in the series).
September 15, 2018
I loved this book - a compelling read which continues the battle between good and evil while makeing connections to other beings!!
A wonderful love story - brilliantly told while showing you the world or otherworlds the characters live in, in amazing detail!!
A fast moving tale with great depth of plot and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention focused!!!
An amazing continuation in this series!!
MUST READ!
A wonderful love story - brilliantly told while showing you the world or otherworlds the characters live in, in amazing detail!!
A fast moving tale with great depth of plot and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention focused!!!
An amazing continuation in this series!!
MUST READ!
February 16, 2009
I had to stop a few times to make sure I had not read this book. I am so not fond of writers who repeat parts from previous novel to fill in. I had a hard time forgetting being tortured by Lise the Pleasure Partner... she has same name of my MIL. It may have been just a few pages but it was discouraging to continue.
Same great writing but content was "meh."
Same great writing but content was "meh."
March 29, 2010
Oh my, this one was even hottier then the last two. I cant believe that rhiannon is have Drow! This is a really good book. Not recommanded for anyone under the age of 18!!! Keir and Rhiannon are a perfect match for each other. On to the next one.
March 9, 2011
I loved this book. The story was complex without being confusing. The relationship between the two principals was intense and the heritage revelations were unexpected but interesting as her farther we have met, and I for one like him and would give him a kiss any day.
January 15, 2009
it was okay...kind of repetitive with the problems and sex scenes but not that bad of a book.
September 6, 2008
i love this book
October 26, 2008
Love this series
Read
September 14, 2009Book #195, for 2009
Read
December 4, 2009Good and naughty...
Want to read
December 29, 2009Magic Series #3
December 11, 2009
Guess I'm not into this sort of magic stuff, other worlds, etc. Couldn't finish. Even the sex didn't hold me captive!!!
January 23, 2012
I thoroughly have enjoyed this series. I like the characters who are not perfect. The story is well written.
September 21, 2010
UGH!!!!!!
April 11, 2011
Book three seems to have more a story to it. And it touches on characters from past books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews