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Warders #2
Tooth & Nail
Nineteen-year-old Dylan Shaw is possibly the most beautiful thing Malic Sunden has ever seen. After Malic rescues Dylan from an attack, Dylan makes it very clear that he is more than interested, but Malic won’t even consider sleeping with Dylan because of his age. Malic is sure he’s not good enough for Dylan, who has his whole life ahead of him, and can’t conceive of burdening Dylan with his secrets. But the darkness in Malic’s life won’t be denied, and soon Dylan is drawn into the dangerous paranormal world that is Malic’s reality. Malic fights tooth and nail to push Dylan away, to keep him safe… no matter that Dylan is the key to Malic’s strength and the only hope for his future.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2010
100 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,015 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
July 17, 2019
3.5 Stars
Still absolutely ridiculous and over the top, this second installment really set the pace and expounded on the necessary info regarding what Warders do which is to hunt and kill evil demons.
In order to be truly successful, said Warder ideally needs to find that special someone known as a Hearth, one who can lend much needed balance and support which really means them being able to withstand the draining of their life essence when a Warder gets frisky and does the nice and dirty to them. Oh yeah.
Here, Malic stubbornly clings to the notion that he doesn’t need nor want a Hearth, and that certainly applies to young Dylan. Thing is, Dylan has his own agenda, and his tenacious demanding spider monkey self is not going to take no for an answer despite Malic’s repeated rejections.
Overall, know that typical Calmes stereotypes pervade which of course, will come as no surprise, but this time while I rolled my eyes, I also smirked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed myself regarding the cheeky antics between these two.
Silly shenanigans with an extra good kick of sass! This is when the crack was just what I needed for a fun sexy paranormal read!
Still absolutely ridiculous and over the top, this second installment really set the pace and expounded on the necessary info regarding what Warders do which is to hunt and kill evil demons.
In order to be truly successful, said Warder ideally needs to find that special someone known as a Hearth, one who can lend much needed balance and support which really means them being able to withstand the draining of their life essence when a Warder gets frisky and does the nice and dirty to them. Oh yeah.
Here, Malic stubbornly clings to the notion that he doesn’t need nor want a Hearth, and that certainly applies to young Dylan. Thing is, Dylan has his own agenda, and his tenacious demanding spider monkey self is not going to take no for an answer despite Malic’s repeated rejections.
Overall, know that typical Calmes stereotypes pervade which of course, will come as no surprise, but this time while I rolled my eyes, I also smirked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed myself regarding the cheeky antics between these two.
Silly shenanigans with an extra good kick of sass! This is when the crack was just what I needed for a fun sexy paranormal read!
June 26, 2018
4 Stars
This is the Warder book I wish His Hearth could have been. Where book one was slightly chaotic in nature and predominantly about the romance, this sequel delved deeper into the Warder mythos and opened up a whole world of supernatural danger and intrigue that I didn't feel was explored nearly enough the first time around.
I was never bored reading Tooth & Nail, in fact, I'd say I was actively engaged throughout, flipping pages at great speed and with an ease I haven't experienced while reading a Calmes book in quite some time. She managed to perfectly balance the action and romance here. The exciting demon-hunting scenes were plentiful, but they never once overshadowed the sweet and eventually steamy romance that was developing between Warder Malic and his potential hearth Dylan.
Malic and Dylan were fun characters to follow. Malic was all broody and reckless, and a god damn hero when it counted. His denial to accept the love of the much younger and eternally effervescent Dylan could have become annoying, but I found myself enjoying the build up to their eventually explosive coupling, so I didn't mind the push and pull too much.
Dylan was great, too. He was like a puppy, full of endless energy and boundless determination. He knew what he wanted the moment he laid eyes on Malic and he didn't stop until he got his man. He could have come across as annoying and maybe slightly psychotic in his tenacity to win Malic's affections, but instead I found him endearing and endlessly amusing in his ruthless pursuits.
I really enjoyed this story, and now that I understand this world better, I'm excited and eager to see what comes next for this team of five Warders and their treasured hearths.
This is the Warder book I wish His Hearth could have been. Where book one was slightly chaotic in nature and predominantly about the romance, this sequel delved deeper into the Warder mythos and opened up a whole world of supernatural danger and intrigue that I didn't feel was explored nearly enough the first time around.
I was never bored reading Tooth & Nail, in fact, I'd say I was actively engaged throughout, flipping pages at great speed and with an ease I haven't experienced while reading a Calmes book in quite some time. She managed to perfectly balance the action and romance here. The exciting demon-hunting scenes were plentiful, but they never once overshadowed the sweet and eventually steamy romance that was developing between Warder Malic and his potential hearth Dylan.
Malic and Dylan were fun characters to follow. Malic was all broody and reckless, and a god damn hero when it counted. His denial to accept the love of the much younger and eternally effervescent Dylan could have become annoying, but I found myself enjoying the build up to their eventually explosive coupling, so I didn't mind the push and pull too much.
Dylan was great, too. He was like a puppy, full of endless energy and boundless determination. He knew what he wanted the moment he laid eyes on Malic and he didn't stop until he got his man. He could have come across as annoying and maybe slightly psychotic in his tenacity to win Malic's affections, but instead I found him endearing and endlessly amusing in his ruthless pursuits.
I really enjoyed this story, and now that I understand this world better, I'm excited and eager to see what comes next for this team of five Warders and their treasured hearths.
January 20, 2025
I’m finding this series frustrating. I like the idea and the characters (for the most part) and I’m intrigued.
But...
This one was so very similar to the previous one. Now I know that’s always going to be the case. Warder meets Hearth and all that. But in the previous book it annoyed me how long Julian pondered over having sex with Ryan. Here it was Malic refusing and refusing and yes still refusing Dylan. It dragged and I found myself annoyed and skimming, it seemed like filler.
I’ll admit I don’t do well with formula books. I hate the predictability.
Now I’m not saying the whole series is like this. I’ve only read two books but I’m out for now.
December 10, 2014
I've been re-reading Mary Calmes books for a couple of weeks now. I wish there was another writer who achieved that level of scrumptious saccharine thinly veiled with a chiffon plot. The end of Tooth & Nail is basically a thousand locations of:
"Dylan," I groaned.
"Malic," he sighed. "I wanna be yours."
That's SM levels of sap BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
"Dylan," I groaned.
"Malic," he sighed. "I wanna be yours."
That's SM levels of sap BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
November 24, 2010
Oh, this was fun! I love the fallen badass, the pushy younger lover, the guy who won't take care of himself unless he's doing it for someone else... all of my favorite plot elements in one fun, kick ass paranormal. My only complaint is that it was too short--but then, that's what my kids say about a stay in an amusement park, and that's what this felt like. Sheer sexy, butt-kickin' fun:-)
January 20, 2023
Re-read January 20, 2023
Still enjoyed it a lot
Still enjoyed it a lot
April 23, 2020
I liked Malic a lot. He is hard headed but fair, a loyal friend but a cold hearted man. He is so closed off and worried about hurting any man he intimately comes in contact with that he ignores the possibility of potential relationship when it literally smacks him in the face. I liked the action and fast pace in this book, new characters like Raph the Kyrie, who I am really curious about. I didn't really care about Dylan. All the begging and throwing himself at Malic got a tad annoying and I couldn't take him seriously at all. I mean in the end he was just right for Malic, but I wish he found another way to get himself noticed. At times his efforts were rather pitiful. Good short novella with irritating MC and nice bevy of demons and goo splatter.
February 23, 2023
There is for sure a theme here. PUSHY. HAHA! Here is wasn't the Warder though, it was the Hearth. I don't even know how Malic resisted Dylan for as long as he did. What a cutey!
I'm digging Mary doing Demons and am so glad I'm giving these a second go.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
Oh, I loved this. It was so very Mary and I couldn't read it fast enough! I love Dylan! So very good.
I'm digging Mary doing Demons and am so glad I'm giving these a second go.
Re-Read 2023
Nice new cover!
Doing a quick re-read of the series in anticipation of Trick Of Light coming out on the 28th!
*******
Oh, I loved this. It was so very Mary and I couldn't read it fast enough! I love Dylan! So very good.
November 2, 2019
One of my favorites from this series. Malic and Dylan just go together. As soon as Dylan looks up at the man who saves him from being roughed up, even though he's drunk, he knows he's met the man who he's meant to be with. It just takes Malic longer to come to that conclusion.
May 24, 2020
3.5 stars
June 19, 2018
3.4 Stars
I wanted to rate this one higher than the last one because it did a slightly better job with explaining the mythology (while creating new questions) but Dylan was just too much. I mean, I understand being persistent and going after what you want...but in this case his inability to take "No!" for an answer started to get on my last nerve. I was actually disappointed that he got his way in the end.
Although, I am intrigued by the kyrie Raphael. He's painted as a bad-guy by all the other Warders, but Malic saw something different in him...and so did I. So, since MC's books are like junk food and addictive no matter the nutritional content, I'll at least be reading/listening to the next one so I can get to Raphael's story.
Speaking of "listening to": I wasn't all that impressed with the narration. Wasn't bad, but a really good performance can (for ME) tick up the rating of a book. That didn't happen here as it was just...well, narrated rather than performed.
I wanted to rate this one higher than the last one because it did a slightly better job with explaining the mythology (while creating new questions) but Dylan was just too much. I mean, I understand being persistent and going after what you want...but in this case his inability to take "No!" for an answer started to get on my last nerve. I was actually disappointed that he got his way in the end.
Although, I am intrigued by the kyrie Raphael. He's painted as a bad-guy by all the other Warders, but Malic saw something different in him...and so did I. So, since MC's books are like junk food and addictive no matter the nutritional content, I'll at least be reading/listening to the next one so I can get to Raphael's story.
Speaking of "listening to": I wasn't all that impressed with the narration. Wasn't bad, but a really good performance can (for ME) tick up the rating of a book. That didn't happen here as it was just...well, narrated rather than performed.
November 26, 2010
JUST PURCHASED IT!! I couldn't wait :D
I just love Mary Calmes' works---Just. Love. Her. This was a book that moved so fast, the sex scenes so hat, the action scenes so intense, I re-read it again before I even realized what I was doing :)
Just buy it---read it for yourself. You'll agree. . .and be hungering for the next installment!!
I just love Mary Calmes' works---Just. Love. Her. This was a book that moved so fast, the sex scenes so hat, the action scenes so intense, I re-read it again before I even realized what I was doing :)
Just buy it---read it for yourself. You'll agree. . .and be hungering for the next installment!!
October 3, 2015
This was so much better than the first one. Lots of danger and near-death, lots of worry by friends, lots of sexual tension and ohhhh sweet hot sex. The age difference didn't even bother me. The twink is pushy and angelic at the same time. I loved him. Loved this book. Beware, though, major instalove.
November 30, 2010
I totally enjoyed this. Malic was terrific - the big bad tough guy that everyone is afraid of (except for the people who aren't). Dylan was adorable - the twink who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. The dynamic between them was entertaining, as Malic is very attracted to Dylan but doesn't want to hurt him (which he could if Dylan isn't his 'hearth'). Dylan just keeps holding on (figuratively) and befuddles Malic because he's so adorable and he should be afraid of the big warder. I liked how Dylan was always jumping into Malic's lap. It was fun reading this man who kills demons with swords be in a position to not know what to do with the little guy who keeps after him. I also liked how his fellow warders worried over him, but without sentimentality. Because Malic keeps telling Dylan 'no', the sex doesn't happen until after the book's midpoint. That worked well, actually, and was a refreshing change from the stories where the guys jump into bed immediately.
March 16, 2015
I'm not sure if this series is for me. I felt like the action and elements of the story were a little haphazard. I remember feeling similarly about the first book of the series. I felt pinged around during the first two-thirds of the book. I believe that I already own one more book in this series, though I don't believe that it is #3 of the series. So I may give the series one--or possibly two since I don't think I can read #4 without reading #3 first--more shot at keeping my interest in the arc.
On a very positive note, I did really enjoy the rough, gruff Malic. I do wonder if we will have another visit from since I really did expect to see him again in this story.
On a very positive note, I did really enjoy the rough, gruff Malic. I do wonder if we will have another visit from since I really did expect to see him again in this story.
April 20, 2012
One of her "misses." Malic is ridiculous and unlikable and spends more time cuddling with the supposed enemy than with his love interest, who he treats like crap until the last chapter. It barely feels like a romance, considering Dylan isn't even in the book that much. There is no plot. It's just a bunch of random things happening to Malic, as if I cared. I was relieved when it ended.
Dylan. Who the heck IS he, anyway? No, really. We know next to nothing about him, and he's as flat as paper. Come to think of it, Malic is pretty flat himself. He's a scary, muscle-man and that's about it. Dylan is a clingy, horny teenager. That's about it.
Dylan. Who the heck IS he, anyway? No, really. We know next to nothing about him, and he's as flat as paper. Come to think of it, Malic is pretty flat himself. He's a scary, muscle-man and that's about it. Dylan is a clingy, horny teenager. That's about it.
August 25, 2011
I enjoy Mary Calmes' writing, and this was reasonably fun and exciting, as expected. I was warned by the reviews that Malic is an idiot, and he really, really is, but I decided to consider it a side effect of him not having his hearth yet, and that worked pretty well for me.
May 7, 2014
3.5 stars.
Really enjoyed it, but I didn't love it and the first one was slightly better in my opinion. Hence the 3.5 this time. But I really loved Dylan and it was nice to see the softer side of Malic in this. Definitely looking forward to continuing on with this series.
Really enjoyed it, but I didn't love it and the first one was slightly better in my opinion. Hence the 3.5 this time. But I really loved Dylan and it was nice to see the softer side of Malic in this. Definitely looking forward to continuing on with this series.
May 14, 2017
I don't know why it took me so long to read this. I adored Dylan. He was a persistent little sucker, but he got his man.
October 19, 2020
3.25 stars
This one to me was better than the first one. Malic came off as a bit of jerk at times and he is lucky that Dylan was so self confident that he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Again the narrator let this one down.
This one to me was better than the first one. Malic came off as a bit of jerk at times and he is lucky that Dylan was so self confident that he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Again the narrator let this one down.
January 18, 2024
This one's a lesson in 'you can only have a contrary character be believable for so many pages before readers start baring their teeth at the story.'
What saved this one for me is Dylan's determination.
I also liked the little girl. :)
What saved this one for me is Dylan's determination.
I also liked the little girl. :)
October 25, 2020
Part 2 of WHAT ON EARTH DID I JUST READ?!
The entire plot was choppy and disjointed and the only part I liked was Dylan wearing Malic down. Aside that... I was back to scratching my head...
I will be continuing the series because it's watching a train wreck...you just can't keep your eyes off it...
The entire plot was choppy and disjointed and the only part I liked was Dylan wearing Malic down. Aside that... I was back to scratching my head...
I will be continuing the series because it's watching a train wreck...you just can't keep your eyes off it...
December 2, 2010
Ugh Malic got on my last nerve. You're too young for me, leave me alone, I'll ruin your life, blah blah blah. I don't think guy in a book has ever gotten on my nerves like that, LOL I loved Dylan he was too sweet and Malic's lucky he stuck around. I wanted more Dylan:-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2021
Mmmmmm...... how do I explain this book?
This book was just plain ridiculous. We kept getting told how strong and amazing Malic is because he is a Warder, well good for him!!!
This book had no point and no plot.
Unfortunately it is a miss for me.
This book was just plain ridiculous. We kept getting told how strong and amazing Malic is because he is a Warder, well good for him!!!
This book had no point and no plot.
Unfortunately it is a miss for me.
February 9, 2012
I enjoyed this much more than His Hearth. Both MC's were engaging but Dylan in particular was a force to be reckoned with. I really enjoyed it.
Reread 02/08/12
Reread 02/08/12
June 5, 2018
Love to see bad ass assholes find love.
December 16, 2023
Not a fan of this story.
This book was well-written - I mean Mary Calmes, right? Of course you would expect that! But even good authors can sometimes give a reader WTH moments. For me, four stood out. First, in what world is a 5'9" man considered small? That is average height. That is not small or tiny but the author refers to Dylan in those terms. Second, Dylan is only 19 years old and has only been sexually active with two other guys. Yet, he meets 30 year old Malic and falls instantly in love. He pesters, cajoles, and finally convinces Malic to take him to bed where he insists that Malic pound him into the mattress. Now, an*l sex is painful (initially) and Dylan certainly doesn't have enough experience to grasp that fact. But the author has him bottoming like a seasoned veteran! Third, and this was just gross, Malic r*ms Dylan AFTER having penetrative sex, describing the area having sweat, ejaculate, and lube present (and anyone who has ever had an*l sex knows that there are other bodily fluids in that area afterwards, too.) ICK! TOTALLY ICK! And fourth, when Dylan and Malic were on their way to dinner and run into the Everett family, their behavior in front of six year old Sophie (let alone her parents) was totally inappropriate. I was just very surprised at these SMH moments and actually didn't enjoy reading this book at all.
This book was well-written - I mean Mary Calmes, right? Of course you would expect that! But even good authors can sometimes give a reader WTH moments. For me, four stood out. First, in what world is a 5'9" man considered small? That is average height. That is not small or tiny but the author refers to Dylan in those terms. Second, Dylan is only 19 years old and has only been sexually active with two other guys. Yet, he meets 30 year old Malic and falls instantly in love. He pesters, cajoles, and finally convinces Malic to take him to bed where he insists that Malic pound him into the mattress. Now, an*l sex is painful (initially) and Dylan certainly doesn't have enough experience to grasp that fact. But the author has him bottoming like a seasoned veteran! Third, and this was just gross, Malic r*ms Dylan AFTER having penetrative sex, describing the area having sweat, ejaculate, and lube present (and anyone who has ever had an*l sex knows that there are other bodily fluids in that area afterwards, too.) ICK! TOTALLY ICK! And fourth, when Dylan and Malic were on their way to dinner and run into the Everett family, their behavior in front of six year old Sophie (let alone her parents) was totally inappropriate. I was just very surprised at these SMH moments and actually didn't enjoy reading this book at all.
December 17, 2010
Tooth & Nail is book #2 in the Warder series. It's not necessary to read the first book in this series - His Hearth - but it'll give you a better comprehension of the world building and some of the other characters in this second book (especially Ryan and Julian from book #1 who reappear in this book).
*This review may contain spoilers for His Hearth.*
The leading man of Tooth & Nail , Malic, already played a very small part in the previous book His Hearth . Now he's the narrator of his own story. He's a big grumpy badass alpha warrior and he doesn't 'believe' in love or finding his 'hearth' as Ryan has with Julian (in book #1). That's not meant for him he thinks. In fact, it gives him the creeps: "The very idea made me crave lots and lots of air and wide open spaces. Love, in all its many forms, seemed more about control to me than anything else. I would fight to make sure it never got a hold of me."
But then he meets Dylan, a cute little twink, with big brown anime eyes and adorable curly hair, dressed as an angel. The circumstance under which they first meet, makes Dylan fall head over heels in love with Malic, and he tries to seduce him. But Malic thinks Dylan is way too young and he's afraid he might hurt Dylan badly by sleeping with him, literally. Because he’s a warder, which means he can only sleep with a few people who won't get hurt physically, most others will age five years or even die from the energetic contact. So, he rejects Dylan.
But Dylan is quite the pushy little twink and he doesn't give up. I admit that I thought he is a great character, I loved him in all his cuteness and my heart went out to him. He is unrelenting in his pursue but Malic keeps resisting his advances (for all the wrong reasons of course). This goes on for quite a while and meanwhile we also follow Malic on a few of his fights, each of which is quite vividly described and compelling in itself. Especially a scene with a little girl who got kidnapped by a demon was written well and had me engrossed very much.
When Malic finally gives in and kisses his angel Dylan there's no going back and we are treated to a very hot scene with scorching smexing and some more cuteness.
Until the end Malic tries to maintain his grumpiness but he realizes he’s failing: ““Yeah,” I said, trying to sound irritable and annoyed but failing miserably. I was too damn happy.” And I couldn’t help but chuckle when he thinks: “Oh yeah, the whole Everett clan was there to witness my fall from badass warder to big romantic sap.”, because, of course, everyone else (including the reader) already knew, except him.
The playful banter between the insistent, cute hero and the irritable, grumpy hero was definitely one of the enjoyable parts of this story. Maybe some might find these heroes too stereotypical, but I just loved them! And the author’s choice to tell this story in first person from Malic’s point of view is in my opinion a perfect one. This way we could witness not only his downfall from ‘badass warder to big romantic sap’ very closely, but also enjoy some of the suspenseful demon hunting action as if we were on the first row of the theater.
The books in the Warder series (so far) are not full-length novels but a little longer than a novella. This makes them easy to pick up while they still give you more than enough satisfaction when it comes to plot development and character depth. Especially when you enjoy a little paranormal twist to your reading material without it being too overwhelming, I can highly recommend this series.
Linking:
Mary Calmes’s weblog | on Goodreads
Buy Tooth & Nail here
http://erotromreader.blogspot.com/201...
*This review may contain spoilers for His Hearth.*
The leading man of Tooth & Nail , Malic, already played a very small part in the previous book His Hearth . Now he's the narrator of his own story. He's a big grumpy badass alpha warrior and he doesn't 'believe' in love or finding his 'hearth' as Ryan has with Julian (in book #1). That's not meant for him he thinks. In fact, it gives him the creeps: "The very idea made me crave lots and lots of air and wide open spaces. Love, in all its many forms, seemed more about control to me than anything else. I would fight to make sure it never got a hold of me."
But then he meets Dylan, a cute little twink, with big brown anime eyes and adorable curly hair, dressed as an angel. The circumstance under which they first meet, makes Dylan fall head over heels in love with Malic, and he tries to seduce him. But Malic thinks Dylan is way too young and he's afraid he might hurt Dylan badly by sleeping with him, literally. Because he’s a warder, which means he can only sleep with a few people who won't get hurt physically, most others will age five years or even die from the energetic contact. So, he rejects Dylan.
But Dylan is quite the pushy little twink and he doesn't give up. I admit that I thought he is a great character, I loved him in all his cuteness and my heart went out to him. He is unrelenting in his pursue but Malic keeps resisting his advances (for all the wrong reasons of course). This goes on for quite a while and meanwhile we also follow Malic on a few of his fights, each of which is quite vividly described and compelling in itself. Especially a scene with a little girl who got kidnapped by a demon was written well and had me engrossed very much.
When Malic finally gives in and kisses his angel Dylan there's no going back and we are treated to a very hot scene with scorching smexing and some more cuteness.
Until the end Malic tries to maintain his grumpiness but he realizes he’s failing: ““Yeah,” I said, trying to sound irritable and annoyed but failing miserably. I was too damn happy.” And I couldn’t help but chuckle when he thinks: “Oh yeah, the whole Everett clan was there to witness my fall from badass warder to big romantic sap.”, because, of course, everyone else (including the reader) already knew, except him.
The playful banter between the insistent, cute hero and the irritable, grumpy hero was definitely one of the enjoyable parts of this story. Maybe some might find these heroes too stereotypical, but I just loved them! And the author’s choice to tell this story in first person from Malic’s point of view is in my opinion a perfect one. This way we could witness not only his downfall from ‘badass warder to big romantic sap’ very closely, but also enjoy some of the suspenseful demon hunting action as if we were on the first row of the theater.
The books in the Warder series (so far) are not full-length novels but a little longer than a novella. This makes them easy to pick up while they still give you more than enough satisfaction when it comes to plot development and character depth. Especially when you enjoy a little paranormal twist to your reading material without it being too overwhelming, I can highly recommend this series.
Linking:
Mary Calmes’s weblog | on Goodreads
Buy Tooth & Nail here
http://erotromreader.blogspot.com/201...
April 26, 2020
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Story 4 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
Malic is a warder, a big badass grumpy warder who has no intention of falling in love, the very thought of it brings him out in hives. He has watched his friend Ryan, our leading man in book one, fall in love and find his hearth but he has zero interest in doing the same. He also has no idea how destructive his behaviour can often be or that his friends, the rest of the warders he fights alongside, care for him deeply.
Dylan Shaw is nineteen and the first time Malic sets eyes on him he is dressed an angel. Looks can be deceiving – Dylan may look like a young twink who has no idea about life but once you get to know him you realise quickly the exact opposite is true. Dylan isn’t interested in sleeping around or clubbing every weekend. Dylan is pushy, humerous and very clear in what his heart desires and the minute he meets Malic he wants him and is determined to have him.
The fact that demons and warders exist doesn’t deter Dylan in his quest to have his man, if anything it intrigues him and makes him all the more determined. He quickly convinces himself that he is Malic’s hearth, now all he has to do is convince Malic and that may be harder than he first thought. When Malic looks at Dylan he sees a child, a very attractive child, but still a child and he is positive that nothing can ever happen between them.
Mary gives us a little more adventure with the warders in this book and also a bit more information about their world and its other inhabitants. We have rescued children and blood demons with their own agenda after one saves Malic from a Harpy.
All the while Dylan is slowly knocking down Malic’s defences and is not willing to stop until he gets what he wants.
Narration Review:
Back with Andrew Shwartz and I feel like I should just repeat what I said in my review for book one. He still reads with little emotion but his enthusiasm keeps the story going. A fast paced narrator – I wouldn’t want to listen to him read a full length novel but as these stories are only a couple of hours long it works out ok.
Story 4 Stars
Narration 3 Stars
Malic is a warder, a big badass grumpy warder who has no intention of falling in love, the very thought of it brings him out in hives. He has watched his friend Ryan, our leading man in book one, fall in love and find his hearth but he has zero interest in doing the same. He also has no idea how destructive his behaviour can often be or that his friends, the rest of the warders he fights alongside, care for him deeply.
Dylan Shaw is nineteen and the first time Malic sets eyes on him he is dressed an angel. Looks can be deceiving – Dylan may look like a young twink who has no idea about life but once you get to know him you realise quickly the exact opposite is true. Dylan isn’t interested in sleeping around or clubbing every weekend. Dylan is pushy, humerous and very clear in what his heart desires and the minute he meets Malic he wants him and is determined to have him.
The fact that demons and warders exist doesn’t deter Dylan in his quest to have his man, if anything it intrigues him and makes him all the more determined. He quickly convinces himself that he is Malic’s hearth, now all he has to do is convince Malic and that may be harder than he first thought. When Malic looks at Dylan he sees a child, a very attractive child, but still a child and he is positive that nothing can ever happen between them.
Mary gives us a little more adventure with the warders in this book and also a bit more information about their world and its other inhabitants. We have rescued children and blood demons with their own agenda after one saves Malic from a Harpy.
All the while Dylan is slowly knocking down Malic’s defences and is not willing to stop until he gets what he wants.
Narration Review:
Back with Andrew Shwartz and I feel like I should just repeat what I said in my review for book one. He still reads with little emotion but his enthusiasm keeps the story going. A fast paced narrator – I wouldn’t want to listen to him read a full length novel but as these stories are only a couple of hours long it works out ok.
January 5, 2019
We met Malic in book one, the once lover to Ryan Dean. He’s big, scary, cold and distant. He also seems to constantly be doing things that put his life in danger, making his other warders worry about him.
One night he rescues the very, very young Dylan from an almost rape and Dylan immediately latches on to Malic as his hero and wants to be with him in all the ways that count.
Malic doesn’t want to hurt the young man with the anime eyes so he ditches him over and over. Finally, it takes another brush with danger for him to give their relationship a chance, knowing it could hurt Dylan in the end.
In between – Malic is almost killed by a Demon in a closet, kyrie in his bed, and some other Demons looking to make Jael suffer.
**
First – Dylan and Malic tie as my number two favorite couples in this series with Ryan and Julian. (Joe and Marcus are number one, if you care ☺ ) Dylan is PERFECT for Malic and we are lucky enough to see more of them in a later book.
Second – this book had quite a bit of world-building in it and if I didn’t know about the coming sequel this couple gets I’d feel a bit cheated for their romance. But… we do actually get to see a lot of them again, so just trust that this world building and initial relationship stuff is the tip of the iceberg.
Third- There is a lot of non-romance in this that is important later on, so don’t just skim it, it comes into play later.
I loved this series and this book (especially later) and highly recommend it.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audio:
I’m not reviewing the audiobook because – as I’ve previously stated, the narrator wasn’t my favorite.
One night he rescues the very, very young Dylan from an almost rape and Dylan immediately latches on to Malic as his hero and wants to be with him in all the ways that count.
Malic doesn’t want to hurt the young man with the anime eyes so he ditches him over and over. Finally, it takes another brush with danger for him to give their relationship a chance, knowing it could hurt Dylan in the end.
In between – Malic is almost killed by a Demon in a closet, kyrie in his bed, and some other Demons looking to make Jael suffer.
**
First – Dylan and Malic tie as my number two favorite couples in this series with Ryan and Julian. (Joe and Marcus are number one, if you care ☺ ) Dylan is PERFECT for Malic and we are lucky enough to see more of them in a later book.
Second – this book had quite a bit of world-building in it and if I didn’t know about the coming sequel this couple gets I’d feel a bit cheated for their romance. But… we do actually get to see a lot of them again, so just trust that this world building and initial relationship stuff is the tip of the iceberg.
Third- There is a lot of non-romance in this that is important later on, so don’t just skim it, it comes into play later.
I loved this series and this book (especially later) and highly recommend it.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audio:
I’m not reviewing the audiobook because – as I’ve previously stated, the narrator wasn’t my favorite.
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