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Sisters of Magic #1
Shadow Magic
With a past soaked in sin and darkness slowly closing in around him to claim his soul, Drogan only wants to live his life in solitude. Years in the king's service and his numerous deeds directed by the crown have left Drogan with horrendous nightmares and immeasurable guilt?
Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?
Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?
396 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
383 people are currently reading
1422 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
293 books4,759 followersDonna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 29, 2011
There isn't a Donna Grant book that I do not like. EVER. She is such a brilliant writer of historical romance-and Shadow Magic is NO exception.
Serena, a cursed witch, can see the future. And the future for friends Gerar, his wife, and new baby is one that ends in death.
Drogan, a fierce warrior, struggles to fight back the darkness that consumes his very soul.
Together, the two stand against evil and fight to chnage the fate of a family-and ultimately, fight to save the promise of a future together.
This steamy paranormal romance is filled with magic, both good and evil, and dark secrets that threaten to keep the lovers apart. And Donna Grant weaves a tale with vivid detail, smexy lovin', and twists that keep you on your toes. The only bad part? You want more.
Serena, a cursed witch, can see the future. And the future for friends Gerar, his wife, and new baby is one that ends in death.
Drogan, a fierce warrior, struggles to fight back the darkness that consumes his very soul.
Together, the two stand against evil and fight to chnage the fate of a family-and ultimately, fight to save the promise of a future together.
This steamy paranormal romance is filled with magic, both good and evil, and dark secrets that threaten to keep the lovers apart. And Donna Grant weaves a tale with vivid detail, smexy lovin', and twists that keep you on your toes. The only bad part? You want more.
October 10, 2023
Evil is coming for them all.
This is a exciting historical adventure that kept my attention throughout. A love story that you can’t see a happy ending in there future.
“I am a bana‐bhuidseach.”
Serena is a witch with A curse is hanging over her head. Lord Drogan wants her anyway. Both are determined to save there friends.
.
This author just keeps the amazing stories coming.
This is a exciting historical adventure that kept my attention throughout. A love story that you can’t see a happy ending in there future.
“I am a bana‐bhuidseach.”
Serena is a witch with A curse is hanging over her head. Lord Drogan wants her anyway. Both are determined to save there friends.
.
This author just keeps the amazing stories coming.
June 16, 2024
A great start to a series. I am excited to keep going. These characters really fought being together, but once they got out of their own way, they came together in the best way! Would recommend!
October 10, 2023
when Serena seen 2 roads to a person path what will happen? when she is asked to touch the baby to see about her future what she sees scares her, but she is determined to stay strong and help them anyway possible. when she is enamored with this man Drogan what will happen? she has the curse with all witches about converting their heart to not let love b involved but will she take a chance or stay strong for herself? u decide. read it and see how it turns out with the danger all around them. i think it was really interesting to c about who and what Serena is.
October 9, 2023
Shadow Magic is the first book in a "new to this reader" trilogy by Donna Grant. There's a lot to unpack in this book as it presents the foundation of all things that follow. I imagine that first books must be tricky to write as they have the onerous job of establishing settings, characters, motives, and all the sundries PLUS provide a storyline that connects the reader to the featured couple and their journey into love. However, Donna Grant makes it look effortless and I am eager to keep reading.
October 12, 2023
Shadow Magic
Shadow Magic is the first story in Grant's Sisters of Magic. In Grant fashion this story is filled with mystery, paranormal, magic and passion. Happy Reading 📚!!
Shadow Magic is the first story in Grant's Sisters of Magic. In Grant fashion this story is filled with mystery, paranormal, magic and passion. Happy Reading 📚!!
October 8, 2023
I am not usually a big fan of reissues or re-releases of older books, mainly because authors grow and change so much in their careers overtime that usually their voices have changed and are so very different than their older works. But when my girl Donna Grant mentioned she was reissuing her Sisters of Magic series, which was already on my TBR list, I figured now was as good a time as any to get the reading done. That said they were definitely a departure from anything I am used to reading from Donna in terms of voice, characters, and plotline. I enjoyed the storyline overall to be sure, but they were very rough and you can tell they were written early in her career when she was still finding her true greatness and that it was a steppingstone to the full amazingness she would later become. Drogan and Serena have a certain dark fairytale quality to them that lets you know Donna’s imagination has always been deep and intriguing, but the overall plot had several holes in it that left me with far too many questions. The intrigue and mystery of both the villain and the origins of Serena and her people is going to be an interesting story arc to carry over through the rest of the series and I look forward to the rest of the series so we can learn more in terms of that. The supporting charterers and the romance between Serena and Drogan carry the story through, along with a certain dark humor that keep the story from dragging too much or becoming too dark.
Drogan has slowly started to lose himself to the darkness of his past misdeeds, but on a visit to one of his best friends’ homes, he comes face-to-face with the lovely and enchanting Serena and he cannot forget her. Serena is drawn to the darkly sensual Drogan, but she knows that she can never have the beautiful man for herself, because she like all women of her powerful line are cursed to never know lasting love. When they are forced together on a quest to protect the lives of their friends, they find themselves unable to deny the irresistible pull between them, but even as they fight against the evil looking to kill them all, they are fighting against the curse bent of keeping them apart. Serena was an interesting dichotomy, on the one hand a powerful woman willing to risk literally everything to save her friends and loved ones, but she was terrified of risking her heart for even one moment of happiness on the fear of losing it. While she is strong and smart, her fear and vulnerability were a little bit sad, holding her back from her happiness and a future that could make her truly complete. Drogan had obviously had a dark past, but he remains a good man, one that will give everything to protect his friends and people, not to mention the woman that has stolen his heart. He fears that he will never have a chance at a future with Serena, but is willing to risk that in order to have a moment of happiness with her in the present. He is stalwart, brave, loving, and benevolent with his people, but he kicks ass, when need be, against his enemies. I loved the sweetness and passion between these two and look forward to maybe seeing them in the rest of the series. As suspected this series is nothing like Donna’s recent masterpieces, but you can tell that the greatness was there from the beginning of her career in this reissue of one of her earliest works and I am glad I finally took the chance to read it. I am dying to see what comes next for these witches and the men that seems to need them to lead them out of the darkness.
Drogan has slowly started to lose himself to the darkness of his past misdeeds, but on a visit to one of his best friends’ homes, he comes face-to-face with the lovely and enchanting Serena and he cannot forget her. Serena is drawn to the darkly sensual Drogan, but she knows that she can never have the beautiful man for herself, because she like all women of her powerful line are cursed to never know lasting love. When they are forced together on a quest to protect the lives of their friends, they find themselves unable to deny the irresistible pull between them, but even as they fight against the evil looking to kill them all, they are fighting against the curse bent of keeping them apart. Serena was an interesting dichotomy, on the one hand a powerful woman willing to risk literally everything to save her friends and loved ones, but she was terrified of risking her heart for even one moment of happiness on the fear of losing it. While she is strong and smart, her fear and vulnerability were a little bit sad, holding her back from her happiness and a future that could make her truly complete. Drogan had obviously had a dark past, but he remains a good man, one that will give everything to protect his friends and people, not to mention the woman that has stolen his heart. He fears that he will never have a chance at a future with Serena, but is willing to risk that in order to have a moment of happiness with her in the present. He is stalwart, brave, loving, and benevolent with his people, but he kicks ass, when need be, against his enemies. I loved the sweetness and passion between these two and look forward to maybe seeing them in the rest of the series. As suspected this series is nothing like Donna’s recent masterpieces, but you can tell that the greatness was there from the beginning of her career in this reissue of one of her earliest works and I am glad I finally took the chance to read it. I am dying to see what comes next for these witches and the men that seems to need them to lead them out of the darkness.
October 6, 2025
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters but the writing was extremely repetitive.
It kind of takes me out of the moment when an author does that, as I don’t need to be reminded 37 times of the same thing.
I have read this is early work of the author, so if anything comes up of hers again I will give it a shot.
It kind of takes me out of the moment when an author does that, as I don’t need to be reminded 37 times of the same thing.
I have read this is early work of the author, so if anything comes up of hers again I will give it a shot.
March 3, 2019
4.5 Stars!
October 23, 2024
Audio re-read so I can complete the series!
Audio - Kim Bretton January 2024
Great start to a new trilogy series. Scotland, witches, curse, evil entity, chemistry, knights.
Audio - Kim Bretton January 2024
Great start to a new trilogy series. Scotland, witches, curse, evil entity, chemistry, knights.
October 12, 2023
This is a re-release of “The Sisters of Magic Series,” and I have to be honest, I’m so glad Donna Grant decided to give me a second chance to read this! ”Shadow Magic,” the first in the series gave me the opportunity to enjoy an earlier series that I had not read; which is an excellent read, but now I do not have to wait for the next two books! So exciting!!
This is a paranormal romance between Serena, a witch with a dark curse, and Drogan, a high-born with his own darkness. When they first meet they are instantaneously attracted to each other, but both knowing their own darkness will prevent them from joining, both trying to resist the fated attraction.
Together they help Drogan’s “brother” Gerard and his family escape an evil that could claim their lives and that of Gerard, his wife, and baby daughter. Evil is following them and the intense smoldering relationship developing between Serena and Drogan is overshadowed by the threat of evil overcoming them.
I highly recommend reading this as your next Donna Grant novel. It was an excellent read then and is now as well, it just doesn’t get old….and, you don’t have to wait for the second book!!
This is a paranormal romance between Serena, a witch with a dark curse, and Drogan, a high-born with his own darkness. When they first meet they are instantaneously attracted to each other, but both knowing their own darkness will prevent them from joining, both trying to resist the fated attraction.
Together they help Drogan’s “brother” Gerard and his family escape an evil that could claim their lives and that of Gerard, his wife, and baby daughter. Evil is following them and the intense smoldering relationship developing between Serena and Drogan is overshadowed by the threat of evil overcoming them.
I highly recommend reading this as your next Donna Grant novel. It was an excellent read then and is now as well, it just doesn’t get old….and, you don’t have to wait for the second book!!
October 11, 2023
Shadow Magic is the first book in the Sisters of Magic Trilogy. The story surrounds Serena of Hawthorne, a bana - a witch who has been cursed to always be alone without love. She is able to see someone's future with 2 possible paths. Drogan is Lord of Wolfglynn and was in the King's service for many years along with Gerard and Cade and lives with guilt from heinous deeds done in the name of the crown. He too has decided that his darkness will never allow him to be happy with anyone.
Serena sees that her friends, Gerard, Maris and their daughter are in danger from Evil. She realizes she must save them, and they decide to travel to Drogan's castle for help. Once they meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. The evil is coming for them, and they must be prepared.
I highly recommend this book as it has all the ingredients of a well written story - great character development, intrigue, the fight between good and evil, romance, passion, and love. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Serena sees that her friends, Gerard, Maris and their daughter are in danger from Evil. She realizes she must save them, and they decide to travel to Drogan's castle for help. Once they meet, they are instantly attracted to one another. The evil is coming for them, and they must be prepared.
I highly recommend this book as it has all the ingredients of a well written story - great character development, intrigue, the fight between good and evil, romance, passion, and love. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 11, 2023
This is a re-release of the Sisters of Magic series. I love the new covers, the colors are so pretty. This was one of the few of Donna's books I haven't read. It was so good. Serena is a witch and she has to travel with her friends, Lord Gerard, his wife Maris and their daughter Jocelyn, when there is a threat on their lives. Along with them is a man by the name of Drogan. Drogan has been friends with Lord Gerard for a long time so he is determined to protect them. Along the way they are told they have to split up to keep ahead of the evil that is chasing them. Serena and Drogan go together to his castle. Along the way they start caring for each other. They are able to save Gerard, Maris and Jocelyn. But are they able to defeat the evil that has been after them?
December 17, 2024
2 Stars is more than it deserves
2 Stars is me being very generous. It was poorly written and rushed. No real plot to speak of. The characters had no depth or real back story and no connection for the reader. The author repeated and repeated about great evil and darkness but never made any effort to make solid connections or reveals about it. It just lacked everything. Slogging through the thing was a chore. I have the next two books to read since I bought them together based on previous works of the author. I am no looking forward to reading them. I wish I could get my money back.
2 Stars is me being very generous. It was poorly written and rushed. No real plot to speak of. The characters had no depth or real back story and no connection for the reader. The author repeated and repeated about great evil and darkness but never made any effort to make solid connections or reveals about it. It just lacked everything. Slogging through the thing was a chore. I have the next two books to read since I bought them together based on previous works of the author. I am no looking forward to reading them. I wish I could get my money back.
January 29, 2024
I really liked this book.
June 2, 2024
DNF @ 11%
Just couldn't take it.
Just couldn't take it.
October 10, 2023
Serena Hawthorne is a cursed witch.
Lord Drogan is owner of Castle Wolfgang and a fierce warrior.
Gerard, Maris and Jocelyn are friends of Drogan and Serena.
Serena and Drogan met at Gerard’s home. Their chemistry is,off the charts, but
are keeping their space. Serena does this because , knowing her kind are cursed not to find happiness.
Serena and Drogan help their friends escape the threat to them.Can they manage all this and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, intrigue,. Paranormal, and a chance at love.
Great Job Donna Grant !!!!
Lord Drogan is owner of Castle Wolfgang and a fierce warrior.
Gerard, Maris and Jocelyn are friends of Drogan and Serena.
Serena and Drogan met at Gerard’s home. Their chemistry is,off the charts, but
are keeping their space. Serena does this because , knowing her kind are cursed not to find happiness.
Serena and Drogan help their friends escape the threat to them.Can they manage all this and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, intrigue,. Paranormal, and a chance at love.
Great Job Donna Grant !!!!
April 21, 2012
Original Post at FANGS, WANDS AND FAIRY DUST 4/21/2012
SHADOW MAGIC
Sisters of Magic 1
by Donna Grant
Ebook Only
Sisters of Magic #1
November 1, 2011 Re-release
(prior edition: December 2008. )
Disclosure: Blogger Purchase at Amazon
It's really strange to find a lot of fault with a book when I see gushing reviews all over. And, it certainly makes me examine my opinion. But, while I can almost always find something positive to say about every book, I do believe my responsibility is to you, the reader, when I review a book or film.
From misspellings to typos that changed the probable meaning of a sentence, to the use of terms that are out of the time period or otherwise inappropriate, the editing was practically non-existent. For example, "For many years, she'd heard stories of Drogan and the escapes he and Gerard had done." (Kindle location 1256) "Done!?" While I suppose this is not an entirely wrong way to describe escaping it is certainly not in popular usage. Until I read the authors bio and credits I wondered if English was her first language.
Then the author often uses period speech to set a tone, but also uses contemporary terminology. For example she uses the word "anxiety" when the heroine is telling the hero she feels his uneasiness and worry. But we're in Norman England about 1127 and the word did not exist then. I'll admit, maybe that's a bit nit picky, but there are several such examples. Another is the use of aloe which was not cultivated in England until the 16th century (Wikipedia). This is somewhat important to the historical context of the book. There's an off chance that someone brought a plant back from the crusades but it's pretty slim. And, the word "hello" which didn't come into common use until the19th century. And a final example is the use of the word "brethren" to refer to a group consisting solely of women. There were other obvious typos and such.
These are a few of the items I noted, and while alone don't make the work unpleasant, their cumulative effect is a degradation in quality and impact. Taken singly, it is nit-picking, taken together the errors do matter. Editing can make or break a book as far as I am concerned.
Grant's heroine, Serena, suffers from an over sensitivity to touch, the sun and temperature. But, the nature is not medical because when the hero touches her she doesn't bruise. That's a good thing later in the story or she'd have a lot of bruises in certain places. But, the condition is not ascribed to the curse that prevents witches from taking husbands, nor was it stated that two other witches we are introduced to are as friable.
Another strange thing: when Drogan and Serena are camped in the forest she is visited by her owl, Nicodemus, but then we don't hear of him again, except a possible sighting near the end of the tale.
I feel there was too much distance in the narrative; the writer tells us what the characters are feeling and thinking. It' maybe shorthand that makes for a non-demanding story—where the reader is satisfied with what the writer says the characters are experiencing.
So, it wasn't all bad. There is a solid series start here with a good story of sweeping events mundane and magical. The characters are the standard fare except, maybe, Serena and some of Drogan's servants. And the villain is a bit different, as villains are apt to be.
The intimate scenes were nicely done and staged. The lovers are certainly randy once they get around to it! And, I wanted them to get together so it was nice when they did.
I can't honestly recommend it to you as a good read. There are just too many little things that turned me off.
Do you find the cumulative effect of issues like this to damage your enjoyment of a book, or are you able to over look them?
SHADOW MAGIC
Sisters of Magic 1
by Donna Grant
Ebook Only
Sisters of Magic #1
November 1, 2011 Re-release
(prior edition: December 2008. )
Disclosure: Blogger Purchase at Amazon
With a past soaked in sin and darkness slowly closing in around him to claim his soul, Drogan only wants to live his life in solitude. Years in the king’s service and his numerous deeds directed by the crown have left Drogan with horrendous nightmares and immeasurable guilt…
Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?
www.donnagrant.com
From bestselling, award-winning author Donna Grant comes a trilogy of three women who happen to be a dying race of witches that were cursed by one of their own, and the men who stood by their side. AMAZON SHADOW MAGIC
It's really strange to find a lot of fault with a book when I see gushing reviews all over. And, it certainly makes me examine my opinion. But, while I can almost always find something positive to say about every book, I do believe my responsibility is to you, the reader, when I review a book or film.
From misspellings to typos that changed the probable meaning of a sentence, to the use of terms that are out of the time period or otherwise inappropriate, the editing was practically non-existent. For example, "For many years, she'd heard stories of Drogan and the escapes he and Gerard had done." (Kindle location 1256) "Done!?" While I suppose this is not an entirely wrong way to describe escaping it is certainly not in popular usage. Until I read the authors bio and credits I wondered if English was her first language.
Then the author often uses period speech to set a tone, but also uses contemporary terminology. For example she uses the word "anxiety" when the heroine is telling the hero she feels his uneasiness and worry. But we're in Norman England about 1127 and the word did not exist then. I'll admit, maybe that's a bit nit picky, but there are several such examples. Another is the use of aloe which was not cultivated in England until the 16th century (Wikipedia). This is somewhat important to the historical context of the book. There's an off chance that someone brought a plant back from the crusades but it's pretty slim. And, the word "hello" which didn't come into common use until the19th century. And a final example is the use of the word "brethren" to refer to a group consisting solely of women. There were other obvious typos and such.
These are a few of the items I noted, and while alone don't make the work unpleasant, their cumulative effect is a degradation in quality and impact. Taken singly, it is nit-picking, taken together the errors do matter. Editing can make or break a book as far as I am concerned.
Grant's heroine, Serena, suffers from an over sensitivity to touch, the sun and temperature. But, the nature is not medical because when the hero touches her she doesn't bruise. That's a good thing later in the story or she'd have a lot of bruises in certain places. But, the condition is not ascribed to the curse that prevents witches from taking husbands, nor was it stated that two other witches we are introduced to are as friable.
Another strange thing: when Drogan and Serena are camped in the forest she is visited by her owl, Nicodemus, but then we don't hear of him again, except a possible sighting near the end of the tale.
I feel there was too much distance in the narrative; the writer tells us what the characters are feeling and thinking. It' maybe shorthand that makes for a non-demanding story—where the reader is satisfied with what the writer says the characters are experiencing.
So, it wasn't all bad. There is a solid series start here with a good story of sweeping events mundane and magical. The characters are the standard fare except, maybe, Serena and some of Drogan's servants. And the villain is a bit different, as villains are apt to be.
The intimate scenes were nicely done and staged. The lovers are certainly randy once they get around to it! And, I wanted them to get together so it was nice when they did.
I can't honestly recommend it to you as a good read. There are just too many little things that turned me off.
Do you find the cumulative effect of issues like this to damage your enjoyment of a book, or are you able to over look them?
October 8, 2023
This book is full of adventure, and danger, stalking the main characters, Serena and Drogan as they travel to Drogan’s castle, and keep trying to evade the evil danger following them. Even with all the trials they encounter, they manage to find love, and their happily ever after. This is the first book in a triology, and this one was a fast moving one and I’m looking forward to the next one.
January 6, 2024
🌟: 2.5/5
We get it. Serena is not like other girls.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
First off, I really was intrigued by the concept of this one. Historical setting, with a woman who is a witch and a brooding hero? Sign me up. And in many ways, this was a solid start to a romance series. In fact, I think I will at least tune in to the next two books, if only to get Cade's story, because he was definitely the character that interested me the most.
However, there were many things that kept me from getting fully invested in this one, and sadly the relationship between Serena and Drogan was one of them. The book starts moments after the pair seeing each other for the first time. Consequently, the story starts with the characters already being intrigued (or rather, obsessed) with each other. Insta-lust is not my favorite trope, but it can be executed well. In this case, however, I would have liked to see both characters introduced separately of each other first, gotten to know them on their own, then have them have their meet-cute.
As they spend more and more time together, they are only more drawn to each other, which results in Drogan constantly thinking about how Serena is just not like the other women he has met. How most women would be whining and complaining to no end about having to rough it on the road. But no, not Serena. Because Serena's not like other girls. Now, I could go on a rant about how this trope (combined with the nasty jealous behavior of the women in Drogan's town subject Serena to) is incredibly toxic and that by defining a certain type of women against others is at best reductive and at worst incredibly sexist, but I'm not going to do that. The only possible reason I can find for Serena's characterization is that the book was first written in 2008, when the trope had likely not been so highly dissected and criticized.
The mysteries of Serena and Drogan's past were another thing I took issue with. A good chunk of this story takes place on the road as Serena and Drogan try to outrun some kind of "great evil" from Drogan's past. This evil is only hinted at abstractly and occasionally, whether it's Serena's ominous warnings of the "great evil" getting closer, or if its the nightmares that plague Drogan. Now, some element of mystery is essential to a book, however I found myself feeling that this mystery was dragged on for too long. The "great evil" is not even given a name until the tail-end of the book, and the story behind the "great evil" is not revealed until even later. Have you gotten tired of how many times I've said "great evil" yet? Multiply that by ten (at least) and you've got how many times it was referred to in that way in the book.
The evil from Drogan's past is also something that has greatly affected him mentally, something that Serena notices as being a darkness about to claim him. However, I felt like this wasn't explored in any way that added depth to Drogan's arc. I sometimes found myself forgetting that Drogan was about to be lost to the darkness, and I don't know if this is because I wasn't emotionally invested in his character, or if it was because this darkness was not explored enough from his perspective (outside of the occasional nightmare and his feelings of being not worthy of Serena because of the darkness).
Serena's ghosts are a bit different than Drogan's. We learn over the course of the story that Serena's people have been cursed, and they are doomed to have the men they fall in love with ultimately leave them in some way. This curse has the potential for a lot of entertaining angst, however it instead becomes frustrating by the end of the book. Namely because there is not much change in Serena's feelings on the curse until the epilogue. The book ends with Serena resigning herself to the fact that Drogan will one day leave her, but chooses to enjoy the time she has with him while it lasts. Cut to the epilogue and the standard time jump, which ends with her realizing "huh, I guess we've lasted this long, the curse must not be affecting us," which is a wholly unsatisfying character arc.
The way Serena and Drogan's internal anxieties were mishandled (through the lack of exploration in any deep way), resulted in a lack of any character development that felt earned.
Finally, as I was reading other reviews, trying to find if anyone had a similar experience to myself, I saw someone point out how Serena's magical powers are relatively underused and I agree. Serena is hinted at being more powerful than Drogan can imagine. In fact, she alludes to intentionally keeping some of her abilities hidden from him so as to not overwhelm him. One would think that these abilities would be expanded upon as the story progresses, but aside from seeing the different futures that could play out for any given person, Serena does not seem to use her powers. Even the medallion that Serena gives Drogan which acts as a sort of deus ex machina in the final battle, miraculously saving them at the last minute, is not explained or examined at all. Will the mystery behind its power be unveiled in a later book? There's only one way to find out.
Long story short, do I recommend this book? Not really. It has some intriguing premises, but ultimately they are not delivered upon. I do want to give this series another shot, even though this first book was not a strong start for me, because I am definitely intrigued by some of the supporting characters.
We get it. Serena is not like other girls.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
First off, I really was intrigued by the concept of this one. Historical setting, with a woman who is a witch and a brooding hero? Sign me up. And in many ways, this was a solid start to a romance series. In fact, I think I will at least tune in to the next two books, if only to get Cade's story, because he was definitely the character that interested me the most.
However, there were many things that kept me from getting fully invested in this one, and sadly the relationship between Serena and Drogan was one of them. The book starts moments after the pair seeing each other for the first time. Consequently, the story starts with the characters already being intrigued (or rather, obsessed) with each other. Insta-lust is not my favorite trope, but it can be executed well. In this case, however, I would have liked to see both characters introduced separately of each other first, gotten to know them on their own, then have them have their meet-cute.
As they spend more and more time together, they are only more drawn to each other, which results in Drogan constantly thinking about how Serena is just not like the other women he has met. How most women would be whining and complaining to no end about having to rough it on the road. But no, not Serena. Because Serena's not like other girls. Now, I could go on a rant about how this trope (combined with the nasty jealous behavior of the women in Drogan's town subject Serena to) is incredibly toxic and that by defining a certain type of women against others is at best reductive and at worst incredibly sexist, but I'm not going to do that. The only possible reason I can find for Serena's characterization is that the book was first written in 2008, when the trope had likely not been so highly dissected and criticized.
The mysteries of Serena and Drogan's past were another thing I took issue with. A good chunk of this story takes place on the road as Serena and Drogan try to outrun some kind of "great evil" from Drogan's past. This evil is only hinted at abstractly and occasionally, whether it's Serena's ominous warnings of the "great evil" getting closer, or if its the nightmares that plague Drogan. Now, some element of mystery is essential to a book, however I found myself feeling that this mystery was dragged on for too long. The "great evil" is not even given a name until the tail-end of the book, and the story behind the "great evil" is not revealed until even later. Have you gotten tired of how many times I've said "great evil" yet? Multiply that by ten (at least) and you've got how many times it was referred to in that way in the book.
The evil from Drogan's past is also something that has greatly affected him mentally, something that Serena notices as being a darkness about to claim him. However, I felt like this wasn't explored in any way that added depth to Drogan's arc. I sometimes found myself forgetting that Drogan was about to be lost to the darkness, and I don't know if this is because I wasn't emotionally invested in his character, or if it was because this darkness was not explored enough from his perspective (outside of the occasional nightmare and his feelings of being not worthy of Serena because of the darkness).
Serena's ghosts are a bit different than Drogan's. We learn over the course of the story that Serena's people have been cursed, and they are doomed to have the men they fall in love with ultimately leave them in some way. This curse has the potential for a lot of entertaining angst, however it instead becomes frustrating by the end of the book. Namely because there is not much change in Serena's feelings on the curse until the epilogue. The book ends with Serena resigning herself to the fact that Drogan will one day leave her, but chooses to enjoy the time she has with him while it lasts. Cut to the epilogue and the standard time jump, which ends with her realizing "huh, I guess we've lasted this long, the curse must not be affecting us," which is a wholly unsatisfying character arc.
The way Serena and Drogan's internal anxieties were mishandled (through the lack of exploration in any deep way), resulted in a lack of any character development that felt earned.
Finally, as I was reading other reviews, trying to find if anyone had a similar experience to myself, I saw someone point out how Serena's magical powers are relatively underused and I agree. Serena is hinted at being more powerful than Drogan can imagine. In fact, she alludes to intentionally keeping some of her abilities hidden from him so as to not overwhelm him. One would think that these abilities would be expanded upon as the story progresses, but aside from seeing the different futures that could play out for any given person, Serena does not seem to use her powers. Even the medallion that Serena gives Drogan which acts as a sort of deus ex machina in the final battle, miraculously saving them at the last minute, is not explained or examined at all. Will the mystery behind its power be unveiled in a later book? There's only one way to find out.
Long story short, do I recommend this book? Not really. It has some intriguing premises, but ultimately they are not delivered upon. I do want to give this series another shot, even though this first book was not a strong start for me, because I am definitely intrigued by some of the supporting characters.
October 9, 2023
3.75stars-
SHADOW MAGIC is the first instalment in Donna Grant’s adult SISTERS OF MAGIC historical, paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is Serena of Hawthorne, and Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Serena and Drogan) SHADOW MAGIC follows Serena of Hawthorne, a witch with the ability to ‘see’ the future but a witch whose entire lineage has been cursed, a curse that is threatening the continuation of the line. A vision of approaching evil has Serena desperately trying to convince her friend Maris, and her husband Gerard to run, run in an effort to protect their family the darkness demanding revenge. Enter Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn, best friends with Gerard, and a man who has also been targeted by sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Drogan and Serena, and the potential fall-out as Serena believes her time with Drogan is fast approach an end, as the evil takes aim at our story line hero.
The world building reveals the curse that has destroy a long line of witches, and the evil that is determined to take down King Henry’s former knights. Drogan, Gerard and their compatriot Cade has been tasked with protecting King Henry and his men but someone else was determined to take down everyone else.
The relationship between Drogan and Serena is one of mutual attraction but Serena believes she is cursed to lose the man that she loves, and Drogan is forced to face the darkness alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include Drogan’s friends and fellow knights Cade, Gerard and his wife Maris; commander Grayson; witch Francesca and her mate Phinneas, as well as several people who work at Wolfglynn castle.
SHADOW MAGIC is a slow building story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and retribution; magic and secrets, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fated; the characters are determined and dynamic. SHADOW MAGIC ends on a happily ever after -for now.
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SHADOW MAGIC is the first instalment in Donna Grant’s adult SISTERS OF MAGIC historical, paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is Serena of Hawthorne, and Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Serena and Drogan) SHADOW MAGIC follows Serena of Hawthorne, a witch with the ability to ‘see’ the future but a witch whose entire lineage has been cursed, a curse that is threatening the continuation of the line. A vision of approaching evil has Serena desperately trying to convince her friend Maris, and her husband Gerard to run, run in an effort to protect their family the darkness demanding revenge. Enter Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn, best friends with Gerard, and a man who has also been targeted by sins of the past. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Drogan and Serena, and the potential fall-out as Serena believes her time with Drogan is fast approach an end, as the evil takes aim at our story line hero.
The world building reveals the curse that has destroy a long line of witches, and the evil that is determined to take down King Henry’s former knights. Drogan, Gerard and their compatriot Cade has been tasked with protecting King Henry and his men but someone else was determined to take down everyone else.
The relationship between Drogan and Serena is one of mutual attraction but Serena believes she is cursed to lose the man that she loves, and Drogan is forced to face the darkness alone. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters include Drogan’s friends and fellow knights Cade, Gerard and his wife Maris; commander Grayson; witch Francesca and her mate Phinneas, as well as several people who work at Wolfglynn castle.
SHADOW MAGIC is a slow building story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and retribution; magic and secrets, forgiveness and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fated; the characters are determined and dynamic. SHADOW MAGIC ends on a happily ever after -for now.
Own a copy
Www.thereadingcafe.com
October 7, 2023
Serena is a bana-bhuidseach, a cursed witch destined to live a solitary life. She knows the danger her kind faces when they fall in love with another. Serena knows that Drogan is dangerous to her heart. When she foresees her friend and his family’s demise, she intends to change their fate. But Serena needs Drogan’s help to achieve it. Can Serena break her curse? Will she be able to protect her friends and Drogan against the evil hunting them?
Drogan is a titled lord and knight of the king. He is haunted by the sins of his past. Drogan pays his brother-in-arms a visit, and he meets a bewitching woman who banishes the darkness that surrounds him. When he learns of the threat against his friend and his family, he offers to help Serena protect them. Can Drogan exorcise the darkness consuming him? Or will he lose Serena to her curse?
Serena came off too lukewarm and bland for my tastes. I just could not connect or empathize with her character. However, I did admire the sacrifices Serena was prepared to pay to keep her friends safe. It shows just how much she cares and appreciates Gerard, Maris, and little Jocelyn.
I am a sucker for a good wounded/tortured hero. Drogan fit the bill. He is a man haunted by his past deeds. I like how Dragon refused to let Gerard face evil alone. He gave him and his family aid in their time of need. It also allowed him to finally face his past sins and overcome it.
SHADOW MAGIC is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, SISTERS OF MAGIC. This is an older story that the author revamped and fixed editing issues. It took me a while to get into the storyline and characters. Some areas dragged. However, Grant’s take on witches intrigued me. I like how they had peculiar weaknesses, gifts, and limitations. My only nitpick – the second half of the story felt boggled down by unnecessary sex scenes.
Drogan is a titled lord and knight of the king. He is haunted by the sins of his past. Drogan pays his brother-in-arms a visit, and he meets a bewitching woman who banishes the darkness that surrounds him. When he learns of the threat against his friend and his family, he offers to help Serena protect them. Can Drogan exorcise the darkness consuming him? Or will he lose Serena to her curse?
Serena came off too lukewarm and bland for my tastes. I just could not connect or empathize with her character. However, I did admire the sacrifices Serena was prepared to pay to keep her friends safe. It shows just how much she cares and appreciates Gerard, Maris, and little Jocelyn.
I am a sucker for a good wounded/tortured hero. Drogan fit the bill. He is a man haunted by his past deeds. I like how Dragon refused to let Gerard face evil alone. He gave him and his family aid in their time of need. It also allowed him to finally face his past sins and overcome it.
SHADOW MAGIC is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, SISTERS OF MAGIC. This is an older story that the author revamped and fixed editing issues. It took me a while to get into the storyline and characters. Some areas dragged. However, Grant’s take on witches intrigued me. I like how they had peculiar weaknesses, gifts, and limitations. My only nitpick – the second half of the story felt boggled down by unnecessary sex scenes.
October 10, 2023
This was the first installment in Donna Grant’s Sisters of Magic trilogy. In it we meet Serena, a bana-bhuidseach, a witch, but she is not like other witches you have met in the supernatural drama. She is highly sensitive to nature, touch, temperature; the slightest touch could bruise her, making her life very solitary. This effect or symptom of their powers seems to have caused their numbers to dwindle. But Serena likes her life at Hawthorne; she considers the Lord & Lady of Hawthorne, Gerard & Maris, her friends, and their infant daughter is a joy in her life. But when Drogan, a friend of Gerard’s, comes to Hawthorne, Serena is intrigued by her reaction to him. Likewise, Drogan is enamored with Serena.
All their lives are changed after the new parents ask Serena to glimpse into their daughters’ future. Serena saw two paths, one where the baby will die young, and one where she lives a long life. She also knows it is an evil from Gerard, and Drogan’s, past that will cause this death. So the four of them set off with the infant to seek shelter and Drogan’s Wolfglynn. Along the way, the group runs into another witch who tells Serena they must split up. Having to make the journey to Wolfglynn without Gerand & Maris enables Serena & Drogan to grow closer. Once everyone seems to be safely together, the evil comes for them.
It took me a bit to get into the story and feel invested in the characters, but just like every other Donna Grant story I have read, I got sucked in by the intriguing world she was building. I am interested to find out why and how the evil that came after the group exists as it does. I am also interested to see if we find out why the witches magic seems to hinder them so much in normal every day ways.
All their lives are changed after the new parents ask Serena to glimpse into their daughters’ future. Serena saw two paths, one where the baby will die young, and one where she lives a long life. She also knows it is an evil from Gerard, and Drogan’s, past that will cause this death. So the four of them set off with the infant to seek shelter and Drogan’s Wolfglynn. Along the way, the group runs into another witch who tells Serena they must split up. Having to make the journey to Wolfglynn without Gerand & Maris enables Serena & Drogan to grow closer. Once everyone seems to be safely together, the evil comes for them.
It took me a bit to get into the story and feel invested in the characters, but just like every other Donna Grant story I have read, I got sucked in by the intriguing world she was building. I am interested to find out why and how the evil that came after the group exists as it does. I am also interested to see if we find out why the witches magic seems to hinder them so much in normal every day ways.
October 10, 2023
What a fantastic adventure!!!! Thrills. Chills. Tension. Darkness surround Drogan and Gerard. The past has come back to haunt Drogan and Gerard. It isn't going to stop until it has destroyed Drogan and Gerard.
Drogan has one goal--Save Gerard's family. His plan is simple take them to his castle, Wolfglynn. They will be safe there. He will make sure of it. The only problems are convincing them and getting them there in one piece.
Drogan is resistance to Serena's help. Gerard and his wife want only to listen to her. They are comfortable with her being a witch. She can see the future but will she share it? Can she guide them to safety?
Drogan finds himself unable to resist Serena. She calls to him. Drogan has a mission and Serena is a distraction he cannot afford. The chemistry can't be denied. She wants him but knows it will bring her death. Reading their attempts at avoidance were very entertaining. It was like watching a tennis match. Will she or won't she. Will he or won't he. Who will give in first was a fun guessing game.
Shadow Magic is filled with risks. They live in a world of horses, carts and hard lives. Villages are separated by great distances. They must risk their lives to reach safety. There is no where to hide from the evil that hunts them. I felt their fears. My anxiety went crazy. How in the world would the survive?
The help of strangers might just save them. The witches like Serena just might be their guiding light. I wasn't sure. Can you really trust a stranger. Thrills, chills, knight skills made for a wonderful, on the edge of my seat story.
Drogan has one goal--Save Gerard's family. His plan is simple take them to his castle, Wolfglynn. They will be safe there. He will make sure of it. The only problems are convincing them and getting them there in one piece.
Drogan is resistance to Serena's help. Gerard and his wife want only to listen to her. They are comfortable with her being a witch. She can see the future but will she share it? Can she guide them to safety?
Drogan finds himself unable to resist Serena. She calls to him. Drogan has a mission and Serena is a distraction he cannot afford. The chemistry can't be denied. She wants him but knows it will bring her death. Reading their attempts at avoidance were very entertaining. It was like watching a tennis match. Will she or won't she. Will he or won't he. Who will give in first was a fun guessing game.
Shadow Magic is filled with risks. They live in a world of horses, carts and hard lives. Villages are separated by great distances. They must risk their lives to reach safety. There is no where to hide from the evil that hunts them. I felt their fears. My anxiety went crazy. How in the world would the survive?
The help of strangers might just save them. The witches like Serena just might be their guiding light. I wasn't sure. Can you really trust a stranger. Thrills, chills, knight skills made for a wonderful, on the edge of my seat story.
March 7, 2024
I found this book by accident as I was looking for something else and this grabbed my attention. Afterwards, I did see that it was written almost 20 years ago and to me, that made more sense after reading it. I went and looked back and I have only read a few books by Ms. Grant - like 4 or 5 - over the years, and each of them have been 3 star reads for me. I'm not sure why that is important, I just thought it was interesting.
The book itself wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything that came out and grabbed you and didn't let go. We are introduced to the FMC Serena who is a witch, even though her only power that is ever discussed is the ability to look into people's future. There is also apparently a curse that has been put on her line of witches that the women are cursed to lose their male partners once there is a child born from the union. That is a pretty odd curse if you ask me, but, oh well. Because of that, she has decided to never put her heart out to potentially fall in love and then get hurt.
The MC Doran, is a close friend of Serena's close friends, and he goes to their castle to see their new child. While he is there, Serena looks into the baby's future and sees that something bad is going to happen to the entire family. After that, they all decide to run and try to go somewhere safe to change this future.
Then, Doran and Serena are thrown together as they travel to this new place...and well, you can guess what happens. One thing that did really bother me was that the book constantly talks about "the evil" that is following them, but never really goes into detail about what this "evil" is.
I listened to this on audio and it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. It doesn't need a lot of attention to follow along with the story and there is a HEA at the end.
Will I be continuing with this series? No, I don't think so.
The book itself wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything that came out and grabbed you and didn't let go. We are introduced to the FMC Serena who is a witch, even though her only power that is ever discussed is the ability to look into people's future. There is also apparently a curse that has been put on her line of witches that the women are cursed to lose their male partners once there is a child born from the union. That is a pretty odd curse if you ask me, but, oh well. Because of that, she has decided to never put her heart out to potentially fall in love and then get hurt.
The MC Doran, is a close friend of Serena's close friends, and he goes to their castle to see their new child. While he is there, Serena looks into the baby's future and sees that something bad is going to happen to the entire family. After that, they all decide to run and try to go somewhere safe to change this future.
Then, Doran and Serena are thrown together as they travel to this new place...and well, you can guess what happens. One thing that did really bother me was that the book constantly talks about "the evil" that is following them, but never really goes into detail about what this "evil" is.
I listened to this on audio and it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. It doesn't need a lot of attention to follow along with the story and there is a HEA at the end.
Will I be continuing with this series? No, I don't think so.
October 10, 2023
Serena of Hawthorne is a witch, whose gift is to be able to see the future. Her people carry a curse that will inevitably wipe out everything of her people. Serena is well aware of the curse, but yet has lived her life in a way that has kept her lonely but yet safe. Serena has a vision of evil approaching their land. Being under the protection of the Lord of the land, Serena has his ear and his trust. Serena will do everything in her power to save the lives of her Lord, his lady and their daughter.
Drogan is the Lord of Wollfglynn. He is a loyal friend and a fierce warrior. Drogan fought for over 10 years and has quite many horrors and sins from his past that constantly plague his present day. Drogan arrives at Hawthorne, to celebrate the birth of his very dear friend's child, and in the process learns that there is a great evil following them. A darkness that makes them all fear for their lives. And a woman that has enchanted him on every level.
Shadow Magic is medieval England with a paranormal twist. Drogan and Serena were magical. From their initial meeting, their attraction was evident. From working together to develop a plan, to becoming very fond of one another, to both of them willing to put their lives on the line to help people they cared about. Not only were they fighting the evil that followed them. They were fighting the things that plagued themselves. Donna Grant never fails to deliver a story that you can fall in love with. She gives you worlds oh, you want to get lost in. The sisters of Magic series gives us a unique view on witches, and I’m looking forward to discovering more of this magical series.
Drogan is the Lord of Wollfglynn. He is a loyal friend and a fierce warrior. Drogan fought for over 10 years and has quite many horrors and sins from his past that constantly plague his present day. Drogan arrives at Hawthorne, to celebrate the birth of his very dear friend's child, and in the process learns that there is a great evil following them. A darkness that makes them all fear for their lives. And a woman that has enchanted him on every level.
Shadow Magic is medieval England with a paranormal twist. Drogan and Serena were magical. From their initial meeting, their attraction was evident. From working together to develop a plan, to becoming very fond of one another, to both of them willing to put their lives on the line to help people they cared about. Not only were they fighting the evil that followed them. They were fighting the things that plagued themselves. Donna Grant never fails to deliver a story that you can fall in love with. She gives you worlds oh, you want to get lost in. The sisters of Magic series gives us a unique view on witches, and I’m looking forward to discovering more of this magical series.
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October 10, 2023Brogan meets Serena while visiting his friend Gerard, finds her beautiful and is taken with her. Serena is a witch but is cursed to be alone forever. She is also very attracted to Brogan but knows it can go nowhere.
Brogan carries a lot of darkness from the deeds he has done as a King's man. It weighs upon his soul heavily. Serena can sense this as it is one of her gifts.
Evil is coming for Brogan and Gerard, to basically kill them and anyone they love. They set out to Brogan's Keep and find that the evil from their past is on their trail. Brogan and Serena separate from Gerard, wife and infant hoping to divert the evil one that is after his friend.
As the trip takes days, Brogan and Serena make it to Brogans keep first with his friend arriving days later. Brogans plan is to send his friend, wife and infant to his uncles island and facing the evil one on his own.
With their travels and time spent at Brogan's Keep, Brogan and Serena find themselves growing closer until they eventually become lovers. She knows that their love could be the death of her but she is willing.
Will Brogan win over the evil and live? Will Serena forfeit her life because of her love for Brogan? Will Brogan find his way through his darkness to have a happy life with Serena?
Brogan is basically a good man and is loved by his people. Serena is also loved by the people she serves. They really are meant to be together, two people who want peace for all.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Brogan carries a lot of darkness from the deeds he has done as a King's man. It weighs upon his soul heavily. Serena can sense this as it is one of her gifts.
Evil is coming for Brogan and Gerard, to basically kill them and anyone they love. They set out to Brogan's Keep and find that the evil from their past is on their trail. Brogan and Serena separate from Gerard, wife and infant hoping to divert the evil one that is after his friend.
As the trip takes days, Brogan and Serena make it to Brogans keep first with his friend arriving days later. Brogans plan is to send his friend, wife and infant to his uncles island and facing the evil one on his own.
With their travels and time spent at Brogan's Keep, Brogan and Serena find themselves growing closer until they eventually become lovers. She knows that their love could be the death of her but she is willing.
Will Brogan win over the evil and live? Will Serena forfeit her life because of her love for Brogan? Will Brogan find his way through his darkness to have a happy life with Serena?
Brogan is basically a good man and is loved by his people. Serena is also loved by the people she serves. They really are meant to be together, two people who want peace for all.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
October 10, 2023
SHADOW MAGIC is the first story in Donna Grant’s SISTERS OF MAGIC trilogy. It’s a historical, paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is the story of Serena,is a bana-bhuidseach (a witch) with a centuries old curse which basically precludes her from ever having a HEA, , and Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn, who is a knight with a haunted past that is catching up to him. This story takes place in the 12th century, and has some historical references to King Henry and life and danger at court.
I read this book years ago, before I was a fan of Donna Grant and before she wrote her Highlander, Warriors and Dragon Kings stories. I was just beginning my paranormal romance journey, and this series was a major factor in my falling in love with the genre. I have enjoyed my reread with the lens of having read hundreds of paranormal romances since then, and am looking forward to rereading the other two books of this trilogy. Enough time has gone by that I don’t even remember the details of the great evil that stalks our heroes and heroines, but nobody writes a nasty villain like Grant so I know I won’t be disappointed by the final battle of good versus evil.
Although this is one of Grant’s early writings, several things remain the same. The world–building, characters, and spice are top notch. Great for a reread or a new beginning for anyone who hasn’t read Donna Grant before.
I read this book years ago, before I was a fan of Donna Grant and before she wrote her Highlander, Warriors and Dragon Kings stories. I was just beginning my paranormal romance journey, and this series was a major factor in my falling in love with the genre. I have enjoyed my reread with the lens of having read hundreds of paranormal romances since then, and am looking forward to rereading the other two books of this trilogy. Enough time has gone by that I don’t even remember the details of the great evil that stalks our heroes and heroines, but nobody writes a nasty villain like Grant so I know I won’t be disappointed by the final battle of good versus evil.
Although this is one of Grant’s early writings, several things remain the same. The world–building, characters, and spice are top notch. Great for a reread or a new beginning for anyone who hasn’t read Donna Grant before.
October 15, 2023
Magical
This is one of the very few books and series of Donna Grant's that I hadn't read, and I wish I had. The series, The Sisters of Magic, has been re-branded and re-edited, SHADOW MAGIC is the first installment. Once again, Donna invites readers into a paranormal world where there is a good versus evil battle, passion, and love.
Serena is a witch, one who has been cursed to live alone, without love. She also has the ability to see into a person's future, and the two possible paths they could follow. Drogan is the Lord of Wolfglynn and lives with his own darkness brought on by events of his past. The two meet through at a mutual friend's home and are immediately drawn to each other. Evil is lurking and has its sights set on Gerard, Maris and their daughter Jocelyn, it is up to Serena and Drogan to protect them. Will they be able to keep their friends safe while the attraction to one another grows stronger?
SHADOW MAGIC is another wonderful read from Donna. It is intriguing, captivating, magical, steamy and completely unputdownable. Now on to book two, Echoes Of Magic.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
This is one of the very few books and series of Donna Grant's that I hadn't read, and I wish I had. The series, The Sisters of Magic, has been re-branded and re-edited, SHADOW MAGIC is the first installment. Once again, Donna invites readers into a paranormal world where there is a good versus evil battle, passion, and love.
Serena is a witch, one who has been cursed to live alone, without love. She also has the ability to see into a person's future, and the two possible paths they could follow. Drogan is the Lord of Wolfglynn and lives with his own darkness brought on by events of his past. The two meet through at a mutual friend's home and are immediately drawn to each other. Evil is lurking and has its sights set on Gerard, Maris and their daughter Jocelyn, it is up to Serena and Drogan to protect them. Will they be able to keep their friends safe while the attraction to one another grows stronger?
SHADOW MAGIC is another wonderful read from Donna. It is intriguing, captivating, magical, steamy and completely unputdownable. Now on to book two, Echoes Of Magic.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
October 5, 2023
Shadow Magic by Donna Grant is the first book in the Sisters of Magic trilogy. From the moment Serena laid eyes on him and felt the sharp stab of arousal, she had known her heart was in danger. It hadn't come as a surprise to have Drogan in her dreams. There she could pretend she was normal, with a normal life. She could pretend that there was no harm in flirting or offering her heart to such a man. There she could let the dream play out so she could see what life might be like with Drogan. With children. With love. Usually her curiosity wasn't this ferocious, but for some reason, she had to know what drove Drogan and why the darkness wanted to claim him. Drogan thought Serana was amazing. He'd never met another woman like her and, if he was honest with himself, he never would. He had no idea women like Serena even existed. Witches, yes, but she was so much more than that. She was putting her life in peril to see her friends to safety. Drogan knew of no other woman who could even think of doing that, yet Serena didn't hesitate in volunteering to go. Together, they would battle the forces of evil and attempt to break a legendary curse.
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