Dark Heart of Magic by Jennifer Estep – Review & Giveaway
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Description:
Something Wicked This Way Comes…
As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there’s no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.
Even though he’s my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what’s supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious “accidents,” it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.
As if I didn’t have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone’s going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing’s for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else…
Review:
Dark Heart of Magic by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her urban fantasy Black Blade series. This is a YA series, but it truly is a series for everyone. Once again I am happy to say that Jennifer Estep has done it again, with another fabulous story. Now that I have completed the second book of this series, I am sure that my comment in the first review is correct. Lila Merriweather, our heroine, is a young Gin Blanco (Elemental Assassin series), and if you love that series, then run quickly to pick up the first book, Cold Burn of Magic, and follow it up with this book. I love everything that Jennifer Estep writes, and I am thrilled with this series, and all the wonderful characters she has created.
In Dark Heart of Magic, the story continues as Lila is now Devon’s bodyguard, and secretly works behind the scenes to find out more information on the Sinclair family’s enemy, Victor Draconi. The Draconi’s are a very powerful family, with lots of magical ability, and Victor wants to control all the families. We did learn in the first book that it was Victor, who had killed Lila’s mom years before. Claudia Sinclair is the leader of the Sinclair family, and she is the only one who knows the total truth about Lila, her past and what she is secretly doing.
The annual Tournament of Blades is upcoming, and Lila is shocked to find out that she has been selected to be one of the representatives in the tournament for the Sinclair family. Devon is also competing, as is. Deah Draconi, who is Victor’s daughter. She will be defending her title from last year, and is expected to win again.
The relationship between Devon and Lila remains mute, even though Devon constantly shows Lila how he cares about her. He is forced to act as friends, since Lila wants nothing more. She knows she is falling for Devon, but just wants to do her job, and eventually leave Cloudburst Falls. So becoming serious with Devon is not an option for Lila; even if it becomes harder each passing day.
Before the tournament begins, Devon and Lila discover that someone is murdering tree trolls (one of many types of monsters in this series). Lila using her powers, to “see” the horrific death of the tree troll, and all the blood, but the mystery is on as to why and who.
The tournament begins, as Lila and Devon move up, but in a short time someone is sabotaging the tournament, forcing some competitors to bow out injured, as well as murdering one of the competitors. As the tournament reaches the final stage, Lila is forced to make a decision that will affect the outcome. At the same time, the murderer begins to up the game, and Lila will put herself in danger to try to prevent another murder. The mystery of the trolls, and the murder comes full force.
Without telling too much more, the ending was a wildly exciting and tense climatic finish that answers all the questions, but will Lila survive?
In the first book we learn about who Lila’s mother is, and what she has to do with the Sinclair family. In Dark Heart of Magic, we learn a lot more; what we learn will change the game going forth, as there were many revelations. This is a great series, with a wonderful cast of characters, such as Lila, Devon, Felix, Claudia, Mo, Oscar, Deah; as well as villains you love to hate, such as Victor and Blake. This book was very exciting, fun, suspenseful, action-packed in a fantasy world of magical families and monsters; but most of all it belongs to Lila and Devon, whom we hope will continue to move forward in their relationship. I am excited about the next book, as so much was revealed. Jennifer Estep always entertains us with her wonderful stories, and amazing characters.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Author
Jennifer is offering a paper copy of DARK HEART OF MAGIC to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.
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9. Giveaway runs from October 26 – 30, 2015
