What do you think?
Rate this book
World of the Lupi #6
Blood Magic
View our feature on Eileen Wilks’s Blood Magic.A new World of Lupi novel from "a true master of her craft" (Eternal Night)
Lily Yu and Lupi prince Rule Turner have a bigger problem than their families not accepting their impending human/werewolf mixed marriage. A powerful ancient nemesis of Lily's grandmother has come to San Diego to turn the city into a feeding ground.
Lily Yu and Lupi prince Rule Turner have a bigger problem than their families not accepting their impending human/werewolf mixed marriage. A powerful ancient nemesis of Lily's grandmother has come to San Diego to turn the city into a feeding ground.
353 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 2010
143 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Wilks
129 books1,526 followersEileen Wilks’ first book, a Silhouette Desire published in 1996, hit the USA Today Bestseller List and was nominated for Romantic Times' Best First Short Contemporary award. Since then, her books have appeared consistently on national bestseller lists. With thirty two books in print and novellas in nine anthologies, she has been a finalist in the prestigious Rita Awards three times, as well as receiving several nominations from Romantic Times, including one for Career Achievement in Series Romantic Suspense.
Each book in her World of the Lupi series gains a larger audience. It was originally sold in the Romance section of bookstores, but more and more you will be able to find copies cross-shelved under Sci-Fi and Fantasy as the popularity of the series grows!
Eileen has lived in the West Texas town of Midland, TX for over 30 years--three years as a young teen, and the remaining years since she moved back here as an adult. When she first started writing over 10 years ago, it hit her like the first drink for an alcoholic . . . or the first kiss for Romeo and Juliet.
She came to writing romance in a roundabout way. Having read and loved science fiction for years, that’s where she first tried her hand when the writing bug bit. Somehow her stories always ended up having a strong romantic subplot, but she hadn’t read a romance since the early 80’s and didn’t think “those little books” were her kind of stories. But when a friend in her critique group began working on a romance novel, Wilks decided she needed to give the genre another try. She asked her friend to recommend some titles--and quicker than you can say “Jayne Ann Krentz,” she fell in love. The genre had been busy growing up while she wasn’t watching. These days, with romances comprising over 50% of the mass market books published in the U.S., there are romances to appeal to almost every taste--historicals, paranormals and contemporaries that range from romantic suspense to romantic comedy, from inspirational to sizzling.
Eileen covered a lot of territory before coming home to Midland, having lived in Canada and Venezuela as well as twelve U.S. cities in five states.
Profile taken from the author's site with her permission.
Each book in her World of the Lupi series gains a larger audience. It was originally sold in the Romance section of bookstores, but more and more you will be able to find copies cross-shelved under Sci-Fi and Fantasy as the popularity of the series grows!
Eileen has lived in the West Texas town of Midland, TX for over 30 years--three years as a young teen, and the remaining years since she moved back here as an adult. When she first started writing over 10 years ago, it hit her like the first drink for an alcoholic . . . or the first kiss for Romeo and Juliet.
She came to writing romance in a roundabout way. Having read and loved science fiction for years, that’s where she first tried her hand when the writing bug bit. Somehow her stories always ended up having a strong romantic subplot, but she hadn’t read a romance since the early 80’s and didn’t think “those little books” were her kind of stories. But when a friend in her critique group began working on a romance novel, Wilks decided she needed to give the genre another try. She asked her friend to recommend some titles--and quicker than you can say “Jayne Ann Krentz,” she fell in love. The genre had been busy growing up while she wasn’t watching. These days, with romances comprising over 50% of the mass market books published in the U.S., there are romances to appeal to almost every taste--historicals, paranormals and contemporaries that range from romantic suspense to romantic comedy, from inspirational to sizzling.
Eileen covered a lot of territory before coming home to Midland, having lived in Canada and Venezuela as well as twelve U.S. cities in five states.
Profile taken from the author's site with her permission.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
May 14, 2018
Another solid entry into the World of the Lupi series. Rule Turner and his fiance Lily Yu have returned to San Diego to catch a breath and see where the political fallout of their engagement leads. Unfortunately, various people in San Diego seem to be experiencing hallucinations centered on monsters, resulting in a lot of busywork for Lily as a member of FBI's team on magical crimes. However, when they host a baby shower at Clanhome, things go very wrong when one of the guests is almost killed.
As usual, Wilks does a decent job plotting the investigation. We get a few pages of the villain's viewpoint to prime anticipation and give the reader the inside scoop, but it isn't overused as a device. In this case, finding the villain becomes very personal, so there's more integration between professional business and personal lives.
Narrative is almost entirely from Lily's point of view, with a few instances from Rule as well as her grandmother, Li Lei. I kind of enjoyed being in Grandmother's head, as she is amazingly determined individual, although the narrative didn't do a good job of making it clear that we were 300 years in the past. I think. This installment gives us even more insight into Grandmother and I have to say, while I love witnessing her strength, it is also nice to know that she is fallible.
For me, the most annoying point was Lily insisting on bringing the attempted murderer 'to justice,' though the murder had a highly unusual set of skills that would preclude this occurring easily. This was also after her prognosticating boss implied literal anarchy and doom. I understand she's a law&order kind of character, but she's also smart, and an insistence on the literal law is not a smart move, but ignores the very grey area officers of all types have to operate in.
And oh, yeah: dragons.
I'll certainly be continuing on with the series, but have run into a temporary hiccough with availability at the library. As in, the library system doesn't have it. Clearly some generous donor will need to rectify this--after she reads it first, of course.
As usual, Wilks does a decent job plotting the investigation. We get a few pages of the villain's viewpoint to prime anticipation and give the reader the inside scoop, but it isn't overused as a device. In this case, finding the villain becomes very personal, so there's more integration between professional business and personal lives.
Narrative is almost entirely from Lily's point of view, with a few instances from Rule as well as her grandmother, Li Lei. I kind of enjoyed being in Grandmother's head, as she is amazingly determined individual, although the narrative didn't do a good job of making it clear that we were 300 years in the past. I think. This installment gives us even more insight into Grandmother and I have to say, while I love witnessing her strength, it is also nice to know that she is fallible.
For me, the most annoying point was Lily insisting on bringing the attempted murderer 'to justice,' though the murder had a highly unusual set of skills that would preclude this occurring easily. This was also after her prognosticating boss implied literal anarchy and doom. I understand she's a law&order kind of character, but she's also smart, and an insistence on the literal law is not a smart move, but ignores the very grey area officers of all types have to operate in.
And oh, yeah: dragons.
I'll certainly be continuing on with the series, but have run into a temporary hiccough with availability at the library. As in, the library system doesn't have it. Clearly some generous donor will need to rectify this--after she reads it first, of course.
December 6, 2016
There's some magical being that can make people see whatever their biggest fear is, so we have people freaking out and thinking that they are being chased by everything from giant snakes to movie-monsters like Frankenstein. Here's what would be chasing me:
eat a banana, they said. It will be good for you, they said....
So, Lily and Rule have to try and figure out how to stop this creature that is unstoppable, which is a pretty common theme in these types of books.
Oh, this creature can't be killed and is an unstoppable nightmare that will destroy civilization as we know it! *Our hero pulls out a plastic spork* Aha! The magical spork of destiny! That will kill it! Why didn't we think of that? Thank you, twenty-year-old person who had no prior knowledge of this creature or its magic!
Aside from the magic spork, they also have Lily's grandmother who has been an intriguing and enigmatic character throughout the series. She also happens to be a Grandmary Sue. Grandmary Sue can do anything! She even knits her own capes!
"I'll be there in an hour, commissioner. My hair is almost set."
This book was action-packed and had a lot of new information on the dragons in the world. Man, I wish we had some of those dragons here! And, don't tell me lizards are close enough! Lizards are creepy and I hate them.
If you really wanted to win my affections, you would have brought me brownies. Go away, Lizard! And, take your stupid toast with you!
eat a banana, they said. It will be good for you, they said....
So, Lily and Rule have to try and figure out how to stop this creature that is unstoppable, which is a pretty common theme in these types of books.
Oh, this creature can't be killed and is an unstoppable nightmare that will destroy civilization as we know it! *Our hero pulls out a plastic spork* Aha! The magical spork of destiny! That will kill it! Why didn't we think of that? Thank you, twenty-year-old person who had no prior knowledge of this creature or its magic!
Aside from the magic spork, they also have Lily's grandmother who has been an intriguing and enigmatic character throughout the series. She also happens to be a Grandmary Sue. Grandmary Sue can do anything! She even knits her own capes!
"I'll be there in an hour, commissioner. My hair is almost set."
This book was action-packed and had a lot of new information on the dragons in the world. Man, I wish we had some of those dragons here! And, don't tell me lizards are close enough! Lizards are creepy and I hate them.
If you really wanted to win my affections, you would have brought me brownies. Go away, Lizard! And, take your stupid toast with you!
March 27, 2019
*** 4.44 ***
This was so much fun! The series is getting better and better and I love the way Lily Yu and Lupi prince Rule Turner's relationship keeps on evolving, more and more including the families and all the trouble that comes with just having families from two different cultures. Thank goodness they have their friends, the wizard Lupi Cullen and his heavily pregnant wife, the lovely magic tracker Cynna. In order to get the Lupi clans used to the idea of married Lupi, which apparently is a blasphemy among the free loving, love-them-and-leave-them macho wolf-men, the newly engaged Lily and Rule are throwing a baby shower for their friends in clan home. A ton of people show up, but a mysterious and invisible to the senses enemy stabs one of our main heroes in the back and adds some twisted spell inside the person, which makes healing almost impossible...
"...“Living is very serious, very real. It is also always a game. If we are wise, it is very real, very terrible, and very lovely, and a good deal of fun.” ..."
At the same time, an old and very powerful creature, a power-hungry enemy of the Dragons and Grandma Li Lei, who is the coolest kick-ass grandma in the world, returns with vengeance on her mind... Her personal vengeance threatens the whole population of the West Coast and Lily and her team have to make some difficult choices so as to not make things get out of control and get even worse...
This was another very fun and fast-paced entry in the series and I am now a fan for ever:) Can't wait to get to the next book ASAP!
"...“SAN Diego slid from July into August like a baker slides a fresh sheet of cookies into the oven—quick and smooth, with the new panful of days set to cook up crisp.”..."
I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
This was so much fun! The series is getting better and better and I love the way Lily Yu and Lupi prince Rule Turner's relationship keeps on evolving, more and more including the families and all the trouble that comes with just having families from two different cultures. Thank goodness they have their friends, the wizard Lupi Cullen and his heavily pregnant wife, the lovely magic tracker Cynna. In order to get the Lupi clans used to the idea of married Lupi, which apparently is a blasphemy among the free loving, love-them-and-leave-them macho wolf-men, the newly engaged Lily and Rule are throwing a baby shower for their friends in clan home. A ton of people show up, but a mysterious and invisible to the senses enemy stabs one of our main heroes in the back and adds some twisted spell inside the person, which makes healing almost impossible...
"...“Living is very serious, very real. It is also always a game. If we are wise, it is very real, very terrible, and very lovely, and a good deal of fun.” ..."
At the same time, an old and very powerful creature, a power-hungry enemy of the Dragons and Grandma Li Lei, who is the coolest kick-ass grandma in the world, returns with vengeance on her mind... Her personal vengeance threatens the whole population of the West Coast and Lily and her team have to make some difficult choices so as to not make things get out of control and get even worse...
This was another very fun and fast-paced entry in the series and I am now a fan for ever:) Can't wait to get to the next book ASAP!
"...“SAN Diego slid from July into August like a baker slides a fresh sheet of cookies into the oven—quick and smooth, with the new panful of days set to cook up crisp.”..."
I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
December 6, 2016
As far as I can remember, this is my favourite book in the series. *I don't remember what day it is most of the time, so that's not really reassuring I guess*Because, we get to learn about Li Lei's past! Now you may be asking yourselves, what is it so exciting about an old woman... Let me give you the spoiler . If you ever reach to that level of coolness, you'll get to turn your nose down at Li Lie. Which is never.
Aside from The Grandma, there is more information about dragons and their meddling ways. And shiny lupus politics, which are quite complex in its simplicity. And silent. So basically you need to guess what others will guess you are guessing and act according to that guess, which is doing neither the opposite nor the exact actions of the guesses but finding a middle ground that makes you look both powerful and caring. Yeah...
Lily is kind of irritating. She's such a stuck up, I need to have a logical reason for everything person. Which is okay in little doses but after awhile it's grating on nerves. Her voice turned into a high pitched, annoying voice in my mind. But she has her moments.
Cynna is getting lovelier each book. I can't wait to see her and Cullen as parents again. They are cute.
Oh and the plot was executed nicely. Not one boring moment. Very different villians. That's one of the alluring points for this series. Neither characters nor the storyline gets stale.
Aside from The Grandma, there is more information about dragons and their meddling ways. And shiny lupus politics, which are quite complex in its simplicity. And silent. So basically you need to guess what others will guess you are guessing and act according to that guess, which is doing neither the opposite nor the exact actions of the guesses but finding a middle ground that makes you look both powerful and caring. Yeah...
Lily is kind of irritating. She's such a stuck up, I need to have a logical reason for everything person. Which is okay in little doses but after awhile it's grating on nerves. Her voice turned into a high pitched, annoying voice in my mind. But she has her moments.
Cynna is getting lovelier each book. I can't wait to see her and Cullen as parents again. They are cute.
Oh and the plot was executed nicely. Not one boring moment. Very different villians. That's one of the alluring points for this series. Neither characters nor the storyline gets stale.
January 9, 2011
Once again, Eileen Wilks has managed to put out another solid entry in this series. After the development at the end of the last book I expected most of the focus to be on that, but Wilks surprised me and veered toward a series of crimes that hit close to home for Lily and Rule.
I loved getting to learn more about Lily's grandmother and her heritage and her connection with the dragons. Lily's grandmother has a presence that has intrigued me from the start. I was surprised right along with Lily when I learned the truth of where her gift came from. Yet again, Lily has encountered something that rocked her world, and I can only hope that she's able to adjust to it before she takes anymore knocks.
One of my favorite things about this series is the lack of drama between Lily and Rule, but I have to admit there were a few times during this book that I wish I could have gotten a bit more of an intense reaction. I still enjoyed their relationship, but it dwelled a bit too much in their heads and not enough in their gut. I want rational, but at times I felt it was more cold and unemotional than anything else.
I found Lily kind of frustrating in this book. Her intense need to have things make sense irritated me when it was applied to the developments in her relationship with Rule. Stuff like that tends to make her seem more cold than in love. I also find myself frustrated with her attitude about her job as a cop. I know she's an officer of the law, but does this issue have to crop up every time something strays into the gray of her moral code? It just gets a bit tedious for me.
Despite my complaints, I still found a lot to enjoy about this book. We get more Cynna and Cullen here and I have to admit that even though I don't like them when they're the lead characters, I crave seeing them when they're in the supporting cast. I still love the family ties and friendships that the author has built in the series. Also, I like the slow way the other pack connections are becoming more important.
I loved getting to learn more about Lily's grandmother and her heritage and her connection with the dragons. Lily's grandmother has a presence that has intrigued me from the start. I was surprised right along with Lily when I learned the truth of where her gift came from. Yet again, Lily has encountered something that rocked her world, and I can only hope that she's able to adjust to it before she takes anymore knocks.
One of my favorite things about this series is the lack of drama between Lily and Rule, but I have to admit there were a few times during this book that I wish I could have gotten a bit more of an intense reaction. I still enjoyed their relationship, but it dwelled a bit too much in their heads and not enough in their gut. I want rational, but at times I felt it was more cold and unemotional than anything else.
I found Lily kind of frustrating in this book. Her intense need to have things make sense irritated me when it was applied to the developments in her relationship with Rule. Stuff like that tends to make her seem more cold than in love. I also find myself frustrated with her attitude about her job as a cop. I know she's an officer of the law, but does this issue have to crop up every time something strays into the gray of her moral code? It just gets a bit tedious for me.
Despite my complaints, I still found a lot to enjoy about this book. We get more Cynna and Cullen here and I have to admit that even though I don't like them when they're the lead characters, I crave seeing them when they're in the supporting cast. I still love the family ties and friendships that the author has built in the series. Also, I like the slow way the other pack connections are becoming more important.
December 23, 2016
What's not to love here?
We have many things about dragons revealed! We have a lot of Lily's Grandmother, Li Lei! We have a lot of Lupi! We have Cynna and Cullen! We have even Li Lei's companion !!! We have a lot of action, a strong villain/ess. Magic too: dragon, human, lupi!! Wowwww!!!!
We have many things about dragons revealed! We have a lot of Lily's Grandmother, Li Lei! We have a lot of Lupi! We have Cynna and Cullen! We have even Li Lei's companion !!! We have a lot of action, a strong villain/ess. Magic too: dragon, human, lupi!! Wowwww!!!!
June 12, 2016
Finally! I have wanted to know more about Grandmother since the beginning of the series, and now we finally get a peek into her backstory and what it means for Lily in the present day. It was worth the wait, and was made even better as it tied into so many other threads we’ve seen woven over the last several books.
So it may seem at first like Rule and Lily’s surprise engagement would be a big deal in this book, and while there is a bit of fallout, it’s really quite a minor element of the story. That’s because someone nearly kills Cullen at his and Cynna’s baby shower and the stakes only go up from there. You see, the attack happens at Clanhome, which gives the Nokolai a major stake in the investigation, and the perpetrator uses magic, which drops the case squarely into Lily’s jurisdiction.
From then on out, it’s an action packed ride, involving a deadly sorcerer and an ancient being from another realm with a centuries-old vendetta against Lily’s grandmother. That prompts some long hidden truths to come out –about the old woman’s history, her magic, and her ties to the dragons. I loved learning all about it, especially since Lily, too, is unraveling the mystery.
We also get to spend some time with Rule’s dad, Isen, who has spent much of the series off-page. I liked watching him interact with Rule, amid the complications of the two mantles, and the very unpopular decision for him to marry Lily. And Benedict! He’s back too, and I’ve missed him. I didn’t realize how much I missed spending time with the pack until they were front and center again. I hope they continue to play a big role in the coming books, because they add so much to the story.
There’s a little blip on the romance radar when an ex-boyfriend of Lily resurfaces, but it didn’t add much to the story for me. I also found the flashbacks of Lily’s grandmother really messed up the flow of the present day story. Not only that, but it was incomplete and I had to google when the Ching dynasty was. I much preferred the other ways we learned her story. But honestly, those were my only complaints.
The emotional connections between Cynna and Cullen –and Lily and Rule– are so strong, they are tangible. I am all in with these couples! And when we really see how much these women mean to the clan, I could feel it in my gut.
I’ve really become such a fan of this series. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Rating: B+
So it may seem at first like Rule and Lily’s surprise engagement would be a big deal in this book, and while there is a bit of fallout, it’s really quite a minor element of the story. That’s because someone nearly kills Cullen at his and Cynna’s baby shower and the stakes only go up from there. You see, the attack happens at Clanhome, which gives the Nokolai a major stake in the investigation, and the perpetrator uses magic, which drops the case squarely into Lily’s jurisdiction.
From then on out, it’s an action packed ride, involving a deadly sorcerer and an ancient being from another realm with a centuries-old vendetta against Lily’s grandmother. That prompts some long hidden truths to come out –about the old woman’s history, her magic, and her ties to the dragons. I loved learning all about it, especially since Lily, too, is unraveling the mystery.
We also get to spend some time with Rule’s dad, Isen, who has spent much of the series off-page. I liked watching him interact with Rule, amid the complications of the two mantles, and the very unpopular decision for him to marry Lily. And Benedict! He’s back too, and I’ve missed him. I didn’t realize how much I missed spending time with the pack until they were front and center again. I hope they continue to play a big role in the coming books, because they add so much to the story.
There’s a little blip on the romance radar when an ex-boyfriend of Lily resurfaces, but it didn’t add much to the story for me. I also found the flashbacks of Lily’s grandmother really messed up the flow of the present day story. Not only that, but it was incomplete and I had to google when the Ching dynasty was. I much preferred the other ways we learned her story. But honestly, those were my only complaints.
The emotional connections between Cynna and Cullen –and Lily and Rule– are so strong, they are tangible. I am all in with these couples! And when we really see how much these women mean to the clan, I could feel it in my gut.
I’ve really become such a fan of this series. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Rating: B+
May 27, 2022
This review is from: Blood Magic (A Novel of the Lupi, Book 6) (Paperback)
As Lily and Rule are coming to terms with their wedding and the plans that need to be made, an ancient scourge of her Grandmothers and Sam the Dragon is back in town. Near tragedy hits while Lily hostesses the baby shower for Cynna at Clanhome and the story races from there.
In this book many many secrets are revealed and surprises jump out at you from nearly every page. This book has a superb blending of mystery, suspense, police procedural and romance. The characters are written in such a way that is so realistic, the story is plotted so flawlessly and written so skillfully, that you can easily suspend your disbelief and swear that all of these things are possible.
Thankfully the next book is already out, but I'm sure that once I finish it I will be biting my nails until the next book hits the shelves.
If you do like this series you may also like Patricia Brigg's Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) or Carrie Vaughn's Kitty series Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville, Book 1) or the Ilona Andrews novels Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)
As Lily and Rule are coming to terms with their wedding and the plans that need to be made, an ancient scourge of her Grandmothers and Sam the Dragon is back in town. Near tragedy hits while Lily hostesses the baby shower for Cynna at Clanhome and the story races from there.
In this book many many secrets are revealed and surprises jump out at you from nearly every page. This book has a superb blending of mystery, suspense, police procedural and romance. The characters are written in such a way that is so realistic, the story is plotted so flawlessly and written so skillfully, that you can easily suspend your disbelief and swear that all of these things are possible.
Thankfully the next book is already out, but I'm sure that once I finish it I will be biting my nails until the next book hits the shelves.
If you do like this series you may also like Patricia Brigg's Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1) or Carrie Vaughn's Kitty series Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville, Book 1) or the Ilona Andrews novels Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)
August 31, 2010
After the ending of the last book, I expected this book to be mostly about the consequences of Lily and Rule getting engaged since marriage is extremely forbidden to the Lupi. However, while that issue does cause tension, it really takes an extreme back seat when there is an almost successful assassination attempt on Cullen. It happens at his and Cynna's baby party of all times. Lily is the only one who saw the mysterious Asian. Since he was able to slip in and out undetected by anyone but her even though there were hundreds of Lupi present, Lily quickly realizes that this assassin must be very powerful, or at least supported by someone who is. She goes to Sam the dragon to beg his help in protecting Cullen. She gets more than she bargained for when she finds out things about herself that she never could have guessed, and finds out about a centuries long feud involving the assassin's powerful lover. and gets locked down by a magical geas. She must rely on Rule to be her "voice" if she is to have any hope at stopping the assassin and his lover from their revenge.
I was glad to have some more insight to the relationship between Lily's grandmother and the dragon, Sam. However, their revelations came as a complete shock to both Lily and me. The geas is one of the hardest things for Lily to deal with considering her personality. She always has to be in control, and she feels ultimately responsible to fix whatever crisis is currently happening. She isn't one to sit idly by while others make the hard decisions, so having to rely on Rule and let him make all the decisions is extremely hard for her. The fact that she was able to handle it at all shows just how much she has grown.
I really love the "love" between each of the two main couples. Both of them had rocky starts and there will still be many bumps along the road I'm sure, but they seem to finally have found some happiness in each other even if everything around them keeps falling apart. I love how Cullen continued to break all the rules when he married Cynna, becoming the only Lupi to ever get married. I thought it was going to be too much to ask for Rule and Lily to get married considering his status and duties to the Lupi, so you can imagine my excitement when he proposed at the end of the last book. Even if the Lupi find a way to prevent the marriage I will still be happy since he was willing to sacrifice everything for Lily.
I really enjoyed this book, and wound up staying up way too late to finish because I just could not put it down. This series has just gotten better and better with each book. The characters are really amazing, will just suck you in. I cannot wait for the upcoming nuptials and for the "little rider" to be born!
I was glad to have some more insight to the relationship between Lily's grandmother and the dragon, Sam. However, their revelations came as a complete shock to both Lily and me. The geas is one of the hardest things for Lily to deal with considering her personality. She always has to be in control, and she feels ultimately responsible to fix whatever crisis is currently happening. She isn't one to sit idly by while others make the hard decisions, so having to rely on Rule and let him make all the decisions is extremely hard for her. The fact that she was able to handle it at all shows just how much she has grown.
I really love the "love" between each of the two main couples. Both of them had rocky starts and there will still be many bumps along the road I'm sure, but they seem to finally have found some happiness in each other even if everything around them keeps falling apart. I love how Cullen continued to break all the rules when he married Cynna, becoming the only Lupi to ever get married. I thought it was going to be too much to ask for Rule and Lily to get married considering his status and duties to the Lupi, so you can imagine my excitement when he proposed at the end of the last book. Even if the Lupi find a way to prevent the marriage I will still be happy since he was willing to sacrifice everything for Lily.
I really enjoyed this book, and wound up staying up way too late to finish because I just could not put it down. This series has just gotten better and better with each book. The characters are really amazing, will just suck you in. I cannot wait for the upcoming nuptials and for the "little rider" to be born!
March 11, 2016
4.5/5; 5 stars; A
March 2016 re-read: Really enioyed going through this one again. I picked up on some important details of the backstory that I missed the first time.
February 2011 review:
I think this might be my favorite of the 'world of the Lupi' series after the one where Lily is trapped in Dis and comes back with the dragons. Blood Magic felt like 'closure' on that story in so many ways. I really enjoyed so many aspects of the book, Lily and Rule, Sam, Grandmother, Cynna and Cullen, the Lupi, everything. I've read most of the series from books from my library or my sister's library. Reading Blood Magic inspired me to order the whole series because I want to read it again and I really can say, this is one of my all time favorite paranormal/urban fantasy series. If you haven't read Eileen Wilks, do it!
March 2016 re-read: Really enioyed going through this one again. I picked up on some important details of the backstory that I missed the first time.
February 2011 review:
I think this might be my favorite of the 'world of the Lupi' series after the one where Lily is trapped in Dis and comes back with the dragons. Blood Magic felt like 'closure' on that story in so many ways. I really enjoyed so many aspects of the book, Lily and Rule, Sam, Grandmother, Cynna and Cullen, the Lupi, everything. I've read most of the series from books from my library or my sister's library. Reading Blood Magic inspired me to order the whole series because I want to read it again and I really can say, this is one of my all time favorite paranormal/urban fantasy series. If you haven't read Eileen Wilks, do it!
February 21, 2010
This was a fun book to read because Lily and Rule were back home among her family and Nokolai throwing of all things a baby shower and baby party for Cullen and Cynna. But of course things never go as planned and on the way Lily is called to investigate and accident that may or may not prove to be magic. Turns out this is only the tip of the iceberg as someone very dear to Lily is seriously hurt during the party, the great evil just beginning to be exposed. The more Lily investigates the more her family past comes into play and she learns more of who she is and where she comes from, these secrets shocking her to her core. Lily's Grandmother plays a large role in this book and how fun it is to see her manipulate all of those around her, she learned from a master, and all around her respect her. We also learn more about the Lupi and Rule's place in that world with 2 mantles. With each book this world is more fully fleshed out, some questions getting answered and others brought up. I can't wait for the next one!!
March 15, 2011
This is one of my favorite paranormal series. I love the world that Wilks has built and enjoy following the main characters' adventures. I especially appreciate that Lily and Rule handle the bizarre situations that they're thrown into like mature adults.
That said, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. It lacked momentum. I kept setting it down and forgetting to pick it back up. Also, I'm having trouble feeling the love between Rule and Lily. In theory, I know it's there. But they both seem unusually emotionless for people who are supposed to be so in love that they are going to break Lupi tradition to get married. The writing in this novel seemed unusually repetitive, as well (not unbearably so, but noticeably more than the other Lupi books). And the ending left me thinking "huh?"
While I would certainly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the Lupi series, it's just as well this isn't the first Lupi novel.
That said, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. It lacked momentum. I kept setting it down and forgetting to pick it back up. Also, I'm having trouble feeling the love between Rule and Lily. In theory, I know it's there. But they both seem unusually emotionless for people who are supposed to be so in love that they are going to break Lupi tradition to get married. The writing in this novel seemed unusually repetitive, as well (not unbearably so, but noticeably more than the other Lupi books). And the ending left me thinking "huh?"
While I would certainly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the Lupi series, it's just as well this isn't the first Lupi novel.
February 4, 2016
Not my favorite of the series but still very good. On to the next one!
January 14, 2019
It was nice to be back in the Lupi world after taking a long break to read other things. I love Lily and Rule, and the world expands in interesting ways with every book.
At the beginning, the plot felt too familiar, like I had been there before, except with a different character. I should know by now Wilks had some goodies up her sleeve, and things eventually took off in the wild ride these books typically become. I’m glad Li Lei is being developed more and more. You know something good is coming when Lily’s grandmother shows up. The flashbacks to her backstory were important, but I didn’t like being taken out of the main story. I don’t know if it would have packed the same emotional punch if that part of the story had been included in her explanation at the hospital, though. Probably not.
It’s always a pleasure to visit this world for a while. I’ll be back.
At the beginning, the plot felt too familiar, like I had been there before, except with a different character. I should know by now Wilks had some goodies up her sleeve, and things eventually took off in the wild ride these books typically become. I’m glad Li Lei is being developed more and more. You know something good is coming when Lily’s grandmother shows up. The flashbacks to her backstory were important, but I didn’t like being taken out of the main story. I don’t know if it would have packed the same emotional punch if that part of the story had been included in her explanation at the hospital, though. Probably not.
It’s always a pleasure to visit this world for a while. I’ll be back.
May 18, 2016
"People are seeing movie monsters."Blood Magic picks up shortly after Mortal Sins with Lily, Rule and Toby returning home from N. Carolina. The clan and Lily's family are gathering for a baby shower and baby party (clan celebration for the baby's father), which doesn't end well. People all over the city are suffering from sudden, yet temporary delusions, which is keeping Lily busy. Grandmother is up to something and has disappeared, which Lily later learns has to do with the appearance of a mega-baddie from Madame Yu's past.
This installment is jam packed. There are some trippy hallucination sequences, many enlightening revelations, one important recollection, a darling yet unexpected naming, and several "Oh, please don't be dead" moments. I LOVED learning more about Grandmother and her past.
A geas placed on certain people kept their frustration levels high while they tried to determine a way to destroy the baddie while not endangering everyone. The constantly shifting playing field made for a great read.
I'm really loving this series and look forward to reading Blood Challenge soon. I'll say it again ... All UF fans should be reading this series!
March 20, 2016
Rule and Lily are engaged and have just returned to San Diego with Toby. Lupi don't get married so their decision is not as welcome by all concerned. Lily is ready to scream with her mother charging into the preparations and Lily still reluctant to have it all going forward since she is still processing this decision.
But then an attempted murder by magical means distracts her and Rule. They learn quickly that the attack is an act of revenge by an old powerful being against Lily's family. Her grandmother's past actions now have bearing on the present. Lily works the case and discovers who and what she is up against along with more about her own connection to dragon magic.
This one was a blend of mystery and paranormal as usual, but there is a lot of background and new reveals to water down the action so it is parts action and parts slow paced development time. I was not bored. The new Chimea being, more on dragons, Grandmother's history- all to the good. The reveals were interesting and I can't wait to see how that changes future stories. It was also interesting to see Lily process the decision to be married. Being Lily, she is full of questions and needing answers.
Again, I enjoyed the split narrations of Lily, Rule, and others. It was fun to get time with Rule's clan, Lily's grandmother and family along with extra Cynna and Cullen time.
My only niggle was the feeling that the end was rushed a tad leaving some things hanging though maybe that was on purpose.
All in all, this was an engaging installment. I'm into the current story when I'm reading it and then want the next one in hand. Love the series and recommend it easily to Urban Fantasy fans.
But then an attempted murder by magical means distracts her and Rule. They learn quickly that the attack is an act of revenge by an old powerful being against Lily's family. Her grandmother's past actions now have bearing on the present. Lily works the case and discovers who and what she is up against along with more about her own connection to dragon magic.
This one was a blend of mystery and paranormal as usual, but there is a lot of background and new reveals to water down the action so it is parts action and parts slow paced development time. I was not bored. The new Chimea being, more on dragons, Grandmother's history- all to the good. The reveals were interesting and I can't wait to see how that changes future stories. It was also interesting to see Lily process the decision to be married. Being Lily, she is full of questions and needing answers.
Again, I enjoyed the split narrations of Lily, Rule, and others. It was fun to get time with Rule's clan, Lily's grandmother and family along with extra Cynna and Cullen time.
My only niggle was the feeling that the end was rushed a tad leaving some things hanging though maybe that was on purpose.
All in all, this was an engaging installment. I'm into the current story when I'm reading it and then want the next one in hand. Love the series and recommend it easily to Urban Fantasy fans.
July 22, 2013
That was awesome! If you haven't heard of this series, I urge you to take a look at it. This is a wonderful urban fantasy series starring Lily Yu, a touch sensitive and FBI agent for the Magical Crimes Division in San Diego and her Lupi mate and overall great looking guy Rule Turner.
I love the world created by Ms. Wilks. There's the werewolf pack and their magic and lore that is passed down through The Lady. Then there be Dragons - yes, huge dragons keeping larger cities safe. There's also Lily's grandmother, a feisty lady full of mystery and magic.
In this installment a sorcerer has attacked one of the wolf pack's own at clanhome. Lily and Rule must find the perpetrator who looks different to each witness. This is a formidable opponent and there are treaties that all parties must abide by.
This is one great series and each book gets better and better. Can't wait to read the next book.
I love the world created by Ms. Wilks. There's the werewolf pack and their magic and lore that is passed down through The Lady. Then there be Dragons - yes, huge dragons keeping larger cities safe. There's also Lily's grandmother, a feisty lady full of mystery and magic.
In this installment a sorcerer has attacked one of the wolf pack's own at clanhome. Lily and Rule must find the perpetrator who looks different to each witness. This is a formidable opponent and there are treaties that all parties must abide by.
This is one great series and each book gets better and better. Can't wait to read the next book.
June 7, 2023
Sixth in the World of the Lupi paranormal fantasy series and revolving around the lupi, werewolves. The couple focus is on Lily Yu and Rule Turner and individually on Cynna Weaver and Cullen Seabourne. It is set in San Diego in July/August, a mere seven months since the Turning.
My Take
It both cracks me up and impresses me that Rule is able to separate his dual roles and his son-parent relationship with his father. His dad is another one who combines calculation and compassion.
It's Wilks using third person global subjective point-of-view from a variety of perspectives — notably Lily and Rule — that provides us with so much insight.
There is a lot for Lily to learn about lupi culture. Part of which is the ban about lupi getting married. When Rule proposes, it sets off a lot of ill-feeling and anger amongst the lupi. It's bad enough Rule is carrying two mantles! In fact, the whole marriage thing is a serious conflict for Lily and runs throughout the story as she needs a good reason for getting married. Eek! One of the pluses is that lupi revere women and will not tolerate insult to one.
Associating with Rule and his clan also exposes Lily to all the bigotry humans have for lupi. It's very similar (and probably a metaphor) for bigotry against Blacks.
There's more conflict as the good guys concentrate on not breaking the treaty between dragons and Chimei. Talk about hair-splitting! Another quirky perspective is Johnny's justifications as to why he's not a psychopath and why his elastic qualities are good. Cody Beck popping onto the character list introduces yet another conflict — I do like Wilks' characterization of him knowing everyone as well as his acceptance of Lily's choices.
A recurring background laugh is Lily's interactions with her mother. I can relate *grin*. Although, it is Lily's mom who comes up with the reason why marriage is good. Who'd've thunk?
Blood Magic is a pip for revealing Grandmother's early years and how she became involved with Sam. That history also provides background for today's evil persona. Lol, it also explains Grandmother's imperious manner. Talk about a liberated woman! Oh, man! Wait'll you read how Grandmother hid out! So practical, lol. Grandmother does get philosophical at the end, and if I read it slowly, several times, I think I understood what she meant. I think.
Y'know, I could go for World of the Lupi being a TV series — all those hunky men running around in ragged denim shorts . . . hubba-hubba.
The Story
Agent Lily Yu and her Nokolai "prince", Rule Turner, have a bigger problem than their families not accepting their impending human/werewolf mixed marriage, for a powerful ancient nemesis of Lily's grandmother has come to San Diego seeking vengeance and yearning to turn the city into a feeding ground.
The Characters
Agent Lily Yu, a Chinese-American touch sensitive and the Chosen of Rule Turner, has been with Unit 12 of the FBI since last November, transferred from Homicide in the SDPD. Dirty Harry is Lily’s cat who likes Toby. Susan, Lily's older, perfect sister, is a dermatologist. Paul Liu is Susan's husband, a hospital administrator. Beth is Lily's footloose younger sister. Lily's imperious grandmother, Madame Li Lei Yu, is 300+-year-old who can shift into a Siberian tiger and uses magic. Li Qin is Grandmother's companion. Cousin Freddie had been Lily's mother's choice as a bridegroom — he is Chinese after all. Uncle Chen runs a restaurant where Sandra is a server
Rule Turner, the Nokolai "Prince", is a lupus, the Rho of Leidolf ( Mortal Sins , 5), and the Lu Nuncio of Nokolai. Toby is Rule's nine-year-old son of whom Rule gained full custody in Mortal Sins .
Rule's bodyguards are a mix of Nokolai and Leidolf and include Eric; LeBron; José, who's head of Rule's security; Jacob; Mark; and, Steve.
Nokolai is . . .
. . . the lupi clan based in San Diego and led by Isen Turner, the Rho. He's also Rule's father. Benedict is an older brother and in charge of Nokolai security. Dr Nettie Two Horses is Benedict's daughter, a medical doctor, a healer, and a shaman. Mick had been ten years older than Rule and jealous of Rule ( Tempting Danger , 1). Cullen Seabourne is a sorcerer and newly adopted into Nokolai. The Rhej (Hannah) is old, venerable, and blind with a physical empathy.
Other lupi include Jason Chance is an experienced LVN, Michael, Sean, Piers is a new lupus, Mason is in charge of terra tradis, Paul, John Ino lives in Seattle, Saul has the best nose, the freckled Shannon, Mike Hemmings, Phil, Carl, Remy, and Jones. Some of the guests at the baby party include Sandra Metlock, Sybil is a tender for the kids, Modean Webster, and Teresa Blankenship.
Unit 12, Magical Crimes Division (MCD), FBI, is . . .
. . . newly important since the Turning is led by Ruben Brooks who has a Gift of precognition and a recently diagnosed allergy to iron and steel. Ida is Ruben's terrifying and efficient secretary. Agent Cynna Weaver is a Finder who was selected as the Rhej's apprentice.
San Diego PD
Officer Jesse Munoz investigates a hallucination. Delgado is the chief of police and not enamored of Lily. Magruder and Davis are pathologists. Jamal is a morgue attendant. Lieutenant Thomas "T.J." James had been Lily's mentor back in the day. Camille is T.J.'s wife. Captain Dreyer is a self-important yappy dog-type. Sandy is a sergeant. Garcia used to head patrol.
Deputy Cody Beck had dated Lily back in the day. Hammond and Sheffield had taken Beck's part. Carl Hennessey is deputy chief of operations for the Fire Department.
Sam, a.k.a. Sun Mzao or S'n Mtzo, a black dragon, chose to base himself in San Diego on San Miguel Mountain. Micah is the dragon assigned to Washington D.C. Alec is Chicago's dragon who had his own way of dealing with trespassers, *grin*.
Johnny Deng is an assassin who worships the Chimei, a being who eats fear and intends to take over the earth. Helen, her avatar, had twisted Mick in Tempting Danger . Humans First is a hate group.
The Lady is the Old One who created the lupi to fight her , an Old One who is the lupi's most ancient enemy. The mate bond is a magic from the Lady that enhances the need for physical connection. The Chosen is a woman selected by the Lady for a lupus. The Rhej holds the clan's memories and speaks for the Lady. Terra tradis is a separate location where young lupi about to experience First Change are sent to learn how to control their wolves. Ospi are out-clan friends or guests. The Great War was a battle fought 3,000 years ago between Old Ones as to how much interference would be allowed with humanity.
The Turning is when power winds blew open the barriers between realms last December. Edge, a.k.a. Vei Mo Han, is one of those realms ( Night Season , 4). The Dragon Accords is a treaty between earth and the dragons. Mage fire, a.k.a. black fire, can burn anything.
Max is a gnome who owns Club Hell and is a friend. Mel is another gnome who helped with the rescue. Gan is an orange demon we first met in Mortal Danger , 2. The old-school Xing Zhou is a gang leader with an import company. Rosa's is a favored Mexican restaurant. Javier is one of T.J.'s snitches. Cruz Montoya leads the Soldados. The Padres are also involved. The Parwanis are a family in the waiting room at the hospital. "Adrian Fisher" is a patient. Dis is a hell region. Adele Blanco wants to sue Lily.
The 44th Year of the Ching Dynasty
Wu An, a commoner who became wealthy from mines, had been Li Lei's father. Qian Ya Bai had been Li Lei's mother and Wu An's first wife. Li Lei's stepmother had meant well, and she and her father had three children: Ji Wun, An Wei, and An Mei. Li Lei had had the Gift of Fire. Shosu and Zi Jeng had been Wu An's servants. Zhi is a neighboring bully and the youngest son of the merchant Jiao. Yi Mé had been Jiao's wife. Chen Wu Yin had the license for collecting night soil.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cityscape dark — black with purple overtones — with an alert Lily Yu in black tank top and jeans holding her gun, her back up against a graffiti strewn wall, knees bent, as she looks right for the danger. At the top is the author's name with an info blurb immediately below it; both in a black-shadowed white. A testimonial in a black-shadowed orange crosses Lily's right thigh. The title begins below Lily's knee in a deep purple and surrounded by yellow and orange flames. Below that is the series info in black-shadowed white.
The title is the threat, the Blood Magic that could take the lupi down.
My Take
It both cracks me up and impresses me that Rule is able to separate his dual roles and his son-parent relationship with his father. His dad is another one who combines calculation and compassion.
It's Wilks using third person global subjective point-of-view from a variety of perspectives — notably Lily and Rule — that provides us with so much insight.
There is a lot for Lily to learn about lupi culture. Part of which is the ban about lupi getting married. When Rule proposes, it sets off a lot of ill-feeling and anger amongst the lupi. It's bad enough Rule is carrying two mantles! In fact, the whole marriage thing is a serious conflict for Lily and runs throughout the story as she needs a good reason for getting married. Eek! One of the pluses is that lupi revere women and will not tolerate insult to one.
Associating with Rule and his clan also exposes Lily to all the bigotry humans have for lupi. It's very similar (and probably a metaphor) for bigotry against Blacks.
There's more conflict as the good guys concentrate on not breaking the treaty between dragons and Chimei. Talk about hair-splitting! Another quirky perspective is Johnny's justifications as to why he's not a psychopath and why his elastic qualities are good. Cody Beck popping onto the character list introduces yet another conflict — I do like Wilks' characterization of him knowing everyone as well as his acceptance of Lily's choices.
A recurring background laugh is Lily's interactions with her mother. I can relate *grin*. Although, it is Lily's mom who comes up with the reason why marriage is good. Who'd've thunk?
Blood Magic is a pip for revealing Grandmother's early years and how she became involved with Sam. That history also provides background for today's evil persona. Lol, it also explains Grandmother's imperious manner. Talk about a liberated woman! Oh, man! Wait'll you read how Grandmother hid out! So practical, lol. Grandmother does get philosophical at the end, and if I read it slowly, several times, I think I understood what she meant. I think.
Y'know, I could go for World of the Lupi being a TV series — all those hunky men running around in ragged denim shorts . . . hubba-hubba.
The Story
Agent Lily Yu and her Nokolai "prince", Rule Turner, have a bigger problem than their families not accepting their impending human/werewolf mixed marriage, for a powerful ancient nemesis of Lily's grandmother has come to San Diego seeking vengeance and yearning to turn the city into a feeding ground.
The Characters
Agent Lily Yu, a Chinese-American touch sensitive and the Chosen of Rule Turner, has been with Unit 12 of the FBI since last November, transferred from Homicide in the SDPD. Dirty Harry is Lily’s cat who likes Toby. Susan, Lily's older, perfect sister, is a dermatologist. Paul Liu is Susan's husband, a hospital administrator. Beth is Lily's footloose younger sister. Lily's imperious grandmother, Madame Li Lei Yu, is 300+-year-old who can shift into a Siberian tiger and uses magic. Li Qin is Grandmother's companion. Cousin Freddie had been Lily's mother's choice as a bridegroom — he is Chinese after all. Uncle Chen runs a restaurant where Sandra is a server
Rule Turner, the Nokolai "Prince", is a lupus, the Rho of Leidolf ( Mortal Sins , 5), and the Lu Nuncio of Nokolai. Toby is Rule's nine-year-old son of whom Rule gained full custody in Mortal Sins .
Rule's bodyguards are a mix of Nokolai and Leidolf and include Eric; LeBron; José, who's head of Rule's security; Jacob; Mark; and, Steve.
Nokolai is . . .
. . . the lupi clan based in San Diego and led by Isen Turner, the Rho. He's also Rule's father. Benedict is an older brother and in charge of Nokolai security. Dr Nettie Two Horses is Benedict's daughter, a medical doctor, a healer, and a shaman. Mick had been ten years older than Rule and jealous of Rule ( Tempting Danger , 1). Cullen Seabourne is a sorcerer and newly adopted into Nokolai. The Rhej (Hannah) is old, venerable, and blind with a physical empathy.
Other lupi include Jason Chance is an experienced LVN, Michael, Sean, Piers is a new lupus, Mason is in charge of terra tradis, Paul, John Ino lives in Seattle, Saul has the best nose, the freckled Shannon, Mike Hemmings, Phil, Carl, Remy, and Jones. Some of the guests at the baby party include Sandra Metlock, Sybil is a tender for the kids, Modean Webster, and Teresa Blankenship.
Unit 12, Magical Crimes Division (MCD), FBI, is . . .
. . . newly important since the Turning is led by Ruben Brooks who has a Gift of precognition and a recently diagnosed allergy to iron and steel. Ida is Ruben's terrifying and efficient secretary. Agent Cynna Weaver is a Finder who was selected as the Rhej's apprentice.
San Diego PD
Officer Jesse Munoz investigates a hallucination. Delgado is the chief of police and not enamored of Lily. Magruder and Davis are pathologists. Jamal is a morgue attendant. Lieutenant Thomas "T.J." James had been Lily's mentor back in the day. Camille is T.J.'s wife. Captain Dreyer is a self-important yappy dog-type. Sandy is a sergeant. Garcia used to head patrol.
Deputy Cody Beck had dated Lily back in the day. Hammond and Sheffield had taken Beck's part. Carl Hennessey is deputy chief of operations for the Fire Department.
Sam, a.k.a. Sun Mzao or S'n Mtzo, a black dragon, chose to base himself in San Diego on San Miguel Mountain. Micah is the dragon assigned to Washington D.C. Alec is Chicago's dragon who had his own way of dealing with trespassers, *grin*.
Johnny Deng is an assassin who worships the Chimei, a being who eats fear and intends to take over the earth. Helen, her avatar, had twisted Mick in Tempting Danger . Humans First is a hate group.
The Lady is the Old One who created the lupi to fight her , an Old One who is the lupi's most ancient enemy. The mate bond is a magic from the Lady that enhances the need for physical connection. The Chosen is a woman selected by the Lady for a lupus. The Rhej holds the clan's memories and speaks for the Lady. Terra tradis is a separate location where young lupi about to experience First Change are sent to learn how to control their wolves. Ospi are out-clan friends or guests. The Great War was a battle fought 3,000 years ago between Old Ones as to how much interference would be allowed with humanity.
The Turning is when power winds blew open the barriers between realms last December. Edge, a.k.a. Vei Mo Han, is one of those realms ( Night Season , 4). The Dragon Accords is a treaty between earth and the dragons. Mage fire, a.k.a. black fire, can burn anything.
Max is a gnome who owns Club Hell and is a friend. Mel is another gnome who helped with the rescue. Gan is an orange demon we first met in Mortal Danger , 2. The old-school Xing Zhou is a gang leader with an import company. Rosa's is a favored Mexican restaurant. Javier is one of T.J.'s snitches. Cruz Montoya leads the Soldados. The Padres are also involved. The Parwanis are a family in the waiting room at the hospital. "Adrian Fisher" is a patient. Dis is a hell region. Adele Blanco wants to sue Lily.
The 44th Year of the Ching Dynasty
Wu An, a commoner who became wealthy from mines, had been Li Lei's father. Qian Ya Bai had been Li Lei's mother and Wu An's first wife. Li Lei's stepmother had meant well, and she and her father had three children: Ji Wun, An Wei, and An Mei. Li Lei had had the Gift of Fire. Shosu and Zi Jeng had been Wu An's servants. Zhi is a neighboring bully and the youngest son of the merchant Jiao. Yi Mé had been Jiao's wife. Chen Wu Yin had the license for collecting night soil.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cityscape dark — black with purple overtones — with an alert Lily Yu in black tank top and jeans holding her gun, her back up against a graffiti strewn wall, knees bent, as she looks right for the danger. At the top is the author's name with an info blurb immediately below it; both in a black-shadowed white. A testimonial in a black-shadowed orange crosses Lily's right thigh. The title begins below Lily's knee in a deep purple and surrounded by yellow and orange flames. Below that is the series info in black-shadowed white.
The title is the threat, the Blood Magic that could take the lupi down.
April 24, 2018
I could hardly breathe through the last 20% of the book!!
This installment had me at the edge of my seat, couch, bed, even standing... wherever I was while reading.
I was helpless and unable to stop reading. Found myself at 3.30 AM having just finished the book and buzzing with excitement. Made it hard to catch a few hours' sleep to function at work that day. But so worth it!!!
This installment had me at the edge of my seat, couch, bed, even standing... wherever I was while reading.
I was helpless and unable to stop reading. Found myself at 3.30 AM having just finished the book and buzzing with excitement. Made it hard to catch a few hours' sleep to function at work that day. But so worth it!!!
February 28, 2023
Blood Magic Lily and Rule are back in San Diego with Rule's son, Toby. There's something weird going on and it's not just Lily ducking her mother's "help" with planning the wedding. Lily is on a quest--one that's just as important as her search for the bad nasty who's come to town to challenge Lily's grandmother. Lots of action, new critters, and Sam the dragon leader. This one was a rollicking adventure and not without its tense moments, emotion, and a bit of humor. I like it. Quite a lot!
June 4, 2023
This series keeps getting crazier and crazier. I am here for it.
September 25, 2015
Lily Yu, a touch sensitive and FBI Agent in the magical crimes division, and her fiance Rule Turner, a prince of the werewolves, are dealing with family conflicts over their impending wedding. Lily's family would have preferred a Chinese husband, while Rule's werewolf clan would have preferred no marriage at all. While planning the wedding, they are also working on planning a baby shower for their friends Cynna and Cullen, who we've met in previous books. Cynna is a finder and former agent with Lily; she's now married to Cullen, a werewolf sorcerer, and training to be Rhej (ie, spiritual leader) of the Nokolai werewolf clan.
Lily is happy with the turnout at the baby party, however is worried because she sees someone suspicious who shouldn't be there. Just as she informs Benedict, head of Nokolai's security, cries ring out and Cullen is found gravely injured with a knife wound through his heart. Some sort of magic is preventing him from healing. He's rushed to the hospital, while Lily starts to interview suspects and work the case. Some sort of magic user tried to murder Cullen, since he was able to muddle witnesses' minds and left blood magic in Cullen's heart. When the sheriff shows up at the scene, Lily recognizes her old boyfriend Cody from five years ago. Lily takes the lead in the case, and he helps interview suspects.
Rule has gone to the hospital with Cynna and they are worried about Cullen. He pulls through, but they think another attempt might be made on his life and the evil magic is still there. Rule and Lily visit Sam, the large black dragon who saved them from Dis in an earlier book, to see if he has ideas how to remove the magic. Meanwhile, Lily is also concerned over her grandmother who has left home without warning. Lily is surprised to run into Li Qinn her grandmother's partner at Sam's lair. Apparently, her grandmother sent Li Qinn there for protection. Lily discovers some big surprises in her conversation with Sam, both about herself and the enemy that they are facing. A long ago enemy of her grandmother's has teamed up with a sorcerer. With many twists and turns, Lily, Rule, her Grandmother, Sam and even the Nokolai get involved in the battle against the enemy. The last 1/3 had some surprises that made the story interesting! I was on the edge of my seat!
Eileen Wilks does a great job at combining the paranormal with crime mystery/suspense. Her World of Lupi series is highly original, with likable characters and interesting storylines. I like the way she pulls in the social and family conflicts, as well as mixes magic with traditional crime solving. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I knock back a star because it was a little slow at times, however it picked up and the last 1/3 was great. I also would have liked to see more interactions between Lily and Rule. I think Wilks' books would appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance primarily, but also to fans of murder/crime mysteries.
This series needs to be read in order:
1: Tempting Danger
2: Mortal Danger
3: Blood Lines
4: Night Season
5: Mortal Sins
6: Blood Magic
If you are on the hunt for more good books featuring werewolves and other shapeshifters, check out my list of favorites...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/sylt...
(copy and paste into your browser window)
Lily is happy with the turnout at the baby party, however is worried because she sees someone suspicious who shouldn't be there. Just as she informs Benedict, head of Nokolai's security, cries ring out and Cullen is found gravely injured with a knife wound through his heart. Some sort of magic is preventing him from healing. He's rushed to the hospital, while Lily starts to interview suspects and work the case. Some sort of magic user tried to murder Cullen, since he was able to muddle witnesses' minds and left blood magic in Cullen's heart. When the sheriff shows up at the scene, Lily recognizes her old boyfriend Cody from five years ago. Lily takes the lead in the case, and he helps interview suspects.
Rule has gone to the hospital with Cynna and they are worried about Cullen. He pulls through, but they think another attempt might be made on his life and the evil magic is still there. Rule and Lily visit Sam, the large black dragon who saved them from Dis in an earlier book, to see if he has ideas how to remove the magic. Meanwhile, Lily is also concerned over her grandmother who has left home without warning. Lily is surprised to run into Li Qinn her grandmother's partner at Sam's lair. Apparently, her grandmother sent Li Qinn there for protection. Lily discovers some big surprises in her conversation with Sam, both about herself and the enemy that they are facing. A long ago enemy of her grandmother's has teamed up with a sorcerer. With many twists and turns, Lily, Rule, her Grandmother, Sam and even the Nokolai get involved in the battle against the enemy. The last 1/3 had some surprises that made the story interesting! I was on the edge of my seat!
Eileen Wilks does a great job at combining the paranormal with crime mystery/suspense. Her World of Lupi series is highly original, with likable characters and interesting storylines. I like the way she pulls in the social and family conflicts, as well as mixes magic with traditional crime solving. Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I knock back a star because it was a little slow at times, however it picked up and the last 1/3 was great. I also would have liked to see more interactions between Lily and Rule. I think Wilks' books would appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance primarily, but also to fans of murder/crime mysteries.
This series needs to be read in order:
1: Tempting Danger
2: Mortal Danger
3: Blood Lines
4: Night Season
5: Mortal Sins
6: Blood Magic
If you are on the hunt for more good books featuring werewolves and other shapeshifters, check out my list of favorites...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/sylt...
(copy and paste into your browser window)
November 3, 2019
This book was solidly crafted from beginning to end. I missed the previous book, but the story did not depend on knowing what happened in order to flow. Well - it did but the story filled in the gaps in a way that made sense and still flowed without seeming patronizing.
I loved the introduction to Grandmother's past and a light touch on her secret love. Her early history was brought out, but not in a negative way. However, that does lead me to one of only 2 points I wish to complain about. The first is a chapter which starts with Li Lei at a very early age, watching over a house where people are about to die - at her hand. However, the shift was very abrupt, and it wasn't until several chapters later that I was able to mind meld the segue into the rest of the story.
That aside I really loved the way we were able to find out more about the dragons, and the reasons Lily is able to converse with them. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the family history goes back more than one generation, and the gifts that Lily has, although unique to her, are not new.
I enjoyed the intrigue with the marriage plans. It was not out of place that Rule and Lily fought over the wedding, as she and her mother did also. It made the story less intense and gave it a "real" aspect that made it easier to read. The intrigue also brought in some much needed drama between Lily and Rule, although there were still places I wanted to add a scene or two where they didn't always know the other's whereabouts.
Lily can be irritating and even frustrating. Like her mother, she makes lists for everything. Unlike her mother though, she has to drive down to the bare bones to figure out why something is, rather than just that it is. Especially aggravating, but in a way that let me know this character is real in a sense, is that although she wants to marry, she isn't sure why.
Her family, her life, her love and her ancestry all combine into a neat plot that almost sounds like "end of series", although the book ads promised another.
Oh - the other point to complain about? The editing. What is it that editors can't use spell check any more? Basic words misspelled is bad... I believe the one that caught my eye was patronize but I will have to double check.
Overall - a really good read.
I loved the introduction to Grandmother's past and a light touch on her secret love. Her early history was brought out, but not in a negative way. However, that does lead me to one of only 2 points I wish to complain about. The first is a chapter which starts with Li Lei at a very early age, watching over a house where people are about to die - at her hand. However, the shift was very abrupt, and it wasn't until several chapters later that I was able to mind meld the segue into the rest of the story.
That aside I really loved the way we were able to find out more about the dragons, and the reasons Lily is able to converse with them. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the family history goes back more than one generation, and the gifts that Lily has, although unique to her, are not new.
I enjoyed the intrigue with the marriage plans. It was not out of place that Rule and Lily fought over the wedding, as she and her mother did also. It made the story less intense and gave it a "real" aspect that made it easier to read. The intrigue also brought in some much needed drama between Lily and Rule, although there were still places I wanted to add a scene or two where they didn't always know the other's whereabouts.
Lily can be irritating and even frustrating. Like her mother, she makes lists for everything. Unlike her mother though, she has to drive down to the bare bones to figure out why something is, rather than just that it is. Especially aggravating, but in a way that let me know this character is real in a sense, is that although she wants to marry, she isn't sure why.
Her family, her life, her love and her ancestry all combine into a neat plot that almost sounds like "end of series", although the book ads promised another.
Oh - the other point to complain about? The editing. What is it that editors can't use spell check any more? Basic words misspelled is bad... I believe the one that caught my eye was patronize but I will have to double check.
Overall - a really good read.
February 14, 2010
I love Lily and Rule and the whole world that Eileen has created. I admit I have a thing for shifters and this series does not disappoint.
In this installment we get to see the consequences of Rule breaking the Lupi rule of never marrying and dealing with people that think him and Lily are doing a terrible mistake.
We also got to learn more about Grandmother and that was pretty awesome! She is my favorite character in the series, she is strong, loyal, hilarious and a complete mystery. We get to solve much of that mystery in this book and I loved it.
It was great to see everyone again, Cullen, Cynna, Sam and everyone else. Eileen does such a great job with the secondary characters that you can't help but love them all.
The great mystery and villain in this novel are both connected with Grandmother's past and its a doozy. It was great to get some flashback scenes and see some of her past too =)
I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum here LOL, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the book and it was great to see Rule and Lily again. This wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was far from the worst. It was a great read with a lot of action that kept me at the edge and made me read it in one sitting =)
The only thing I missed was some lovin' between Lily and Rule, but I can deal LOL
I totally recommend this book for fans of the series and for any Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan out there. I can't wait for the next book!
In this installment we get to see the consequences of Rule breaking the Lupi rule of never marrying and dealing with people that think him and Lily are doing a terrible mistake.
We also got to learn more about Grandmother and that was pretty awesome! She is my favorite character in the series, she is strong, loyal, hilarious and a complete mystery. We get to solve much of that mystery in this book and I loved it.
It was great to see everyone again, Cullen, Cynna, Sam and everyone else. Eileen does such a great job with the secondary characters that you can't help but love them all.
The great mystery and villain in this novel are both connected with Grandmother's past and its a doozy. It was great to get some flashback scenes and see some of her past too =)
I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum here LOL, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the book and it was great to see Rule and Lily again. This wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was far from the worst. It was a great read with a lot of action that kept me at the edge and made me read it in one sitting =)
The only thing I missed was some lovin' between Lily and Rule, but I can deal LOL
I totally recommend this book for fans of the series and for any Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan out there. I can't wait for the next book!
January 19, 2014
4.5stars really
Grandmother Yu's ancient enemy the Chimeri have returned, Rule & Lily are dealing with clan repercussions of their almost unheard of engagement in addition to the dual mantle and Cullen is struck down at the baby party. Quite a bit of activity in what could be an overfull installment, but it's just full enough.
I liked the second half of the read so much better than the first. For me it was easy to get bored with the convoluted tale of dragon/chimeri politics but good to have an answer on how/why/what the relationship is between the grandmother and Sam the San Diego dragon. An old flame of Lily's gave more insight to Lily and contributed to sharper dynamics between Lily and Rule. I also really enjoyed how nebulous chameleon-like villain was in this installment, it kept the suspense quotient high.
Rule & Lily's relationship is one of the more intelligent and realistic ones in UF (IMO) and the changes and insights in this installment pushes that thought even further with the set-ups for the next installment.
Grandmother Yu's ancient enemy the Chimeri have returned, Rule & Lily are dealing with clan repercussions of their almost unheard of engagement in addition to the dual mantle and Cullen is struck down at the baby party. Quite a bit of activity in what could be an overfull installment, but it's just full enough.
I liked the second half of the read so much better than the first. For me it was easy to get bored with the convoluted tale of dragon/chimeri politics but good to have an answer on how/why/what the relationship is between the grandmother and Sam the San Diego dragon. An old flame of Lily's gave more insight to Lily and contributed to sharper dynamics between Lily and Rule. I also really enjoyed how nebulous chameleon-like villain was in this installment, it kept the suspense quotient high.
Rule & Lily's relationship is one of the more intelligent and realistic ones in UF (IMO) and the changes and insights in this installment pushes that thought even further with the set-ups for the next installment.
February 5, 2010
Amazon preorder,
I love this series. Wilks does really good things with the werewolf trope. I worry when series stretch out like this, but Wilks keeps the story fresh - and the slow building of the characters is marvelous.
In particular I love the heroine Lily Yu - she's an American born Chinese woman cop/FBI agent, and the development of her relationship with Rule and his family/clan/relationships is part of what makes this series so engaging.
And although explaining why would be a real spoilers I love how we are gradually learning more about Lily's grandmother, although this book raised a whole huge number of questions even as it answered some previous ones.
I'd recommend that fans of this series might also like SJ Rozan's series of mystery novels about Lydia Chin and Bill Smith, that starts with Mandarin Plaid. I recently finished and enjoyed the latest in that series, Shanghai Moon.
I love this series. Wilks does really good things with the werewolf trope. I worry when series stretch out like this, but Wilks keeps the story fresh - and the slow building of the characters is marvelous.
In particular I love the heroine Lily Yu - she's an American born Chinese woman cop/FBI agent, and the development of her relationship with Rule and his family/clan/relationships is part of what makes this series so engaging.
And although explaining why would be a real spoilers I love how we are gradually learning more about Lily's grandmother, although this book raised a whole huge number of questions even as it answered some previous ones.
I'd recommend that fans of this series might also like SJ Rozan's series of mystery novels about Lydia Chin and Bill Smith, that starts with Mandarin Plaid. I recently finished and enjoyed the latest in that series, Shanghai Moon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2010
I prefer the Lupi series when it focuses on Rule and Lily and this one does. It ties up a variety of loose ends from prior books but opens up new ideas. Sam the Dragon plays a big part as well when an old enemy of Lily's grandmother decides that it's time to take her revenge. And she starts by trying to eliminate Cullen. But sorcerers who are lupi don't perish that easily. Lily learns more about her heritage and herself. She's fighting against setting a wedding date and she isn't sure why. She and Rule have a mate bond which is forever, why do they need the legal paper. It's a small detail but the answer is important to Lily and the fact that it distracts her from the investigation is even more telling. Rule and Lily, Cynna and Cullen are terrific couples and their continuing adventures keep them on my must read list.
August 14, 2016
Slight spoilers of this book and previous books.
I don't know why but I feel like Cullen gets crapped on more than the other characters. He loses limbs, gets poisoned, his magic gets used against him, not to mention years of lone wolfdom. Yes, bad things are happening to other characters but I just feel for this kid, maybe because he's not supposed to be one of the MCs. I guess he's got a good life now but still...
Moving on, book 6 and this series is still solid. This is such an odd blend of Chinese mythology, Lupi fantasy, and crime procedural.
Fun and yay moments (yes, they all require punctuation haha)
Lily and her questions!
Put a ring on that finger!
True names? I need to know them all!!
Lily's heritage, whoa. Want to go back and read about the time in Dis.
Grandmother. Nuff said.
I don't know why but I feel like Cullen gets crapped on more than the other characters. He loses limbs, gets poisoned, his magic gets used against him, not to mention years of lone wolfdom. Yes, bad things are happening to other characters but I just feel for this kid, maybe because he's not supposed to be one of the MCs. I guess he's got a good life now but still...
Moving on, book 6 and this series is still solid. This is such an odd blend of Chinese mythology, Lupi fantasy, and crime procedural.
Fun and yay moments (yes, they all require punctuation haha)
Lily and her questions!
Put a ring on that finger!
True names? I need to know them all!!
Lily's heritage, whoa. Want to go back and read about the time in Dis.
Grandmother. Nuff said.
August 27, 2010
Lilly & Rule are planning their wedding, but it hasn't been announced publicly. Lilly runs into an old boyfriend, and starts to question the reason she is marrying Rule. An age old enemy comes to the U.S. to seek revenge, not only is Lilly endanger, her closest friends and everyone else is too. Cynna is getting closer to having the baby, and Lilly combines the baby shower and the Lupi baby party at clanhome. A lot of unknown was revealed in Blood Magic, so it might be the last. It ended like it should be but I haven't looked further. I missed the little demon Gan in this book, she was usually good for a laugh or two. Very good series overall.
January 10, 2018
have read about half of this series previously and now is the time to catch up so back to the start. decided on the audio versions which are really interesting .. graphic audio is very different to a straight narration - background noises and conversations, multiple people speaking, sounds to indication important actions eg pain of the change, plenty of panting and sighing, gunfire, growls et al. love Lily and Rule, Cynna and Cullen and all the gang. well written, highly imaginative and a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews