Victoria Danann has given us a wonderful Christmas present. What is even better, it keeps on giving because one read is simply not enough.
We get to meVictoria Danann has given us a wonderful Christmas present. What is even better, it keeps on giving because one read is simply not enough.
We get to meet some of our favourite characters from the Knights of the Black Swan Series. I can't get enough of Ram, Elora, Storm, Litha, and Kellareal. Helm is a teenager now and is living up to the promise of being another favourite. But more than that we get to have the point of view of Blackie, the dog Elora rescued and bonded with in the first book. This book is a must for any dog lover. I hope we get more from his point of view.
BLACK DOG had me on the edge of my seat. I cried a lot both tears of sadness and tears of happiness. At the end, I was filled with joy. Treat yourself and read this amazing tale. ...more
One thoughtless act can have far reaching consequences. One rash response done in a moment of anger change lives.
All of Victoria Danann's books have bOne thoughtless act can have far reaching consequences. One rash response done in a moment of anger change lives.
All of Victoria Danann's books have been wonderful journeys with complex characters and intriguing world building. The Knights of Black Swan is one of my favourite series. One can't help but become involved in the stories. Some of the characters are sure to have a special significance for each reader. Deliverance certainly stands out. Throughout the series he has shown himself to be capable of good- his love for his daughter and granddaughter and his becoming a useful, if grudging friend to the Knights show Deliverance at his best. Still, he is a demon and his ethics aren't those of humans. He is therefore capable of doing harm. These are too numerous to mention, However, to give one example, he did meet his daughter because he had kidnapped a Knight's true love and she was sent to rescue the terrified woman. Perhaps it that dichotomy that makes him a favourite of so many readers. He is the ultimate bad boy with potential for good. He is also a sex demon. But not a happy one. He has been cursed with a addition to have sex with several women a day everyday. It is a compulsion he cannot overcome. Sex is no longer pleasurable for him and he also believes it has robbed him of his one true love. Therefore, he puts all his hope in his granddaughter Rosie's quest to find the person who cursed him and have it removed.
Rosie does find Sixt, the witch that cursed him almost 300 years ago. She agrees to remove the curse. However, there are conditions. Deliverance must agree to stay and serve her for a year and a day. Rosie tries get her to agree to other terms. Sixt's brother Harm warns her of the dangers of dealing with demons. Neither has success in changing the witch's mind.
We all make mistakes. Sixt and Deliverance seem especially prone to deciding on the wrong course of action despite wise advice from those close to them. Are there some things that can't be forgiven? Or is forgiveness that set us free?
I have enjoyed all Victoria Danann's books. This has to be one of my favourites. Friendship, loyalty, and love are central themes in all the books. These are people you want to spend time getting to know even when they act unwisely. The secondary characters are also so appealing. I want to find out more about Sixt's "cat/familiar" Ashes in future books. Hopefully will also learn more about Sixt's brother Harm and his special coven of 7 male witches.
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Be prepared to stay up late to read what happens next....more
Romance, adventure, and interdimensional travel...who could ask for more? Victoria Danann has done it again. This is a great start to a new series. WhRomance, adventure, and interdimensional travel...who could ask for more? Victoria Danann has done it again. This is a great start to a new series. While it is related to the Knights of the Black Swan books, you don't have to read those stories to understand the new series. But Victorian Danann has created such a remarkable universe and such wonderful characters, it is worth reading them all. One can never get too much of the Black Swan world.
Simon lost Sorcha the love of his life many years ago. She disappeared when she slipped through a portal while visiting a stone circle. There was no way he could follow her. Simon thinks he finally has some hope of finding her by using the special talents of Rosie who is part demon, part witch and so much more. Time hasn't changed Simon's feelings, but what about Sorcha? Even if Rosie can find her, will Sorcha even remember him? This is such a beautifully crafted love story.
Be prepared for laughter, tears, and a great experience. It also introduces us to a new department in the Black Swan organization. D.I.T.: the Department of Interdimensional Trespass. I cannot wait to read the next book in this new series. Luckily, the next one (FINNGARICK) comes out at the end of September so the wait will not be too long. ...more
The Department of Interdimensional Trespass (D.I.T.) has just been formed. Its team is learning about each other and the work set out for them. Like aThe Department of Interdimensional Trespass (D.I.T.) has just been formed. Its team is learning about each other and the work set out for them. Like all beginnings it can be rocky and full of surprises. Not everything is going as planned. Sheridan has been kidnapped by a music demon. The search is on for her, but her twin Shivaun and her mate Torn are suffering from her absence. What has even wider implications is that the team has been changing almost without their noticing. Naturally working with new team mates is likely to initiate some changes. However, what is happening to them is a bit more radical. They aren't eating and they aren't sleeping. On the positive side, they are faster, stronger, and even more attractive. It not who they are becoming, but what they are becoming. Even with all the positive things, how would you deal with possibly giving up being human. I am going to be very interested in seeing how this will develop in the coming books. Right now it is early days, but how will this impact on the team and the rest of the Knights?
Filled with humour, romance, and complex characters, this book is a great read. I highly recommend it and the other books in series. In fact, I suggest you read all of Victoria Danann's amazing books.
I am running out of words to praise this series. to start with I will have to repeat myself. This book can stand alone. However, the whole series is sI am running out of words to praise this series. to start with I will have to repeat myself. This book can stand alone. However, the whole series is such a joy to read, why not experience the whole thing? Victoria Danann is a gifted story teller. Her world building is excellent. I love spending time in her universe and with the complex and amazing characters she has created. I don't think I will ever tire of reading this series.
In this book, we revisit many of the characters we have come to love as Rosie is busy putting together the new Department of Interdimensional Trespass (D.I.T.). When she accepted the position, she hadn't considered all the problems -- physical, financial, and ethical. She does get help from some old friends like Elora, Ram, and of course, her husband, Glen. Luckily she also gets Grieve as her personal assistant. Grieve seems to be able to work miracles. I definitely need a Grieve in my life. Some of the issues she faces are very topical. I actually cringed when Rosie suggested tagging everyone entering from another dimension. It seemed an easy solution, but the unethical ramifications of such a policy were soon pointed out to her. Not all who cross into different realms are seeking to do harm. In fact, most are quiet peaceful. D.I.T. must be very sure they only target those who are truly dangerous such as those that came after Elora in what was called the Battle for Jefferson Unit.
We have met the red haired elf Sir Finngarick (Torn) in some of the other stories. He was the bad boy leader of the bad boy Z Team. The Z Team is a thing of the past. Torn is trying to repair his bad reputation. He is especially eager to atone for his disgrace during the Battle for Jefferson Unit. At her husband's suggestion, Rosie gives Torn another chance. We begin to see another side of Torn both from Glen's point of view and his actions with the D.I.T. He does want to change. Of course, his new partner has a lot to do with that as well.
We also meet some intriguing new characters. The O'Malley twins Shivaun and Sheridan come recommended by Ram. The two women are elves who have lived in an secluded forest in Ireland that has rejected all modern technology. They not only have to adapt to the new training and discipline of the D.I.T. but to the wonders and horrors of the 21st Century. Their expertise is with the bow and arrow. I look forward to spending more time with them.
There is romance, humour, and adventure. I enjoyed learning the back story of some of the characters. The introduction of the D.I.T. infuses more excitement into an already wonderful series. This one does end in a cliff hanger of sorts, but we do get to visit with old friends Deliverance and Kellareal and the next book is coming out on 31 October. What a great way to celebrate Samhain. ...more
Victoria Danann has done it again and I think I am in love. Jax was introduced in the last book - FALCON: NEXT GENERATION. You don't have to read thatVictoria Danann has done it again and I think I am in love. Jax was introduced in the last book - FALCON: NEXT GENERATION. You don't have to read that book first, but this is such a wonderful series, why deny yourself the pleasure? In fact, I recommend reading all of her books. She has created such wonderful, complex worlds and filled them with such memorable characters.
Jax is working with the Knights of the Black Swan. He is a vampire who is a vampire hunter. There are individuals like Jax who were turned by another immortal vampire. They are, for the most part, powerful, but intelligent. They don't kill those whose blood they drink. Then there are those that were turned because of a virus. They are savage and almost mindless. Their bite infects their victims and turns them into similar monsters. These are the ones Jax and the Knights are fighting. With Jax's help they are turning the tide.
We get a closer look at Jax's early life and how he became a vampire. He was innocent and sweet, but so eager to learn. When offered the chance to see the world and become more than he could imagine, he didn't hesitate for long. He embraced his new immortal life and now, even after 400 years, has few regrets. He takes blood and pleasure from women he never thinks about again and who don't remember him after he leaves. It's a satisfying arrangement. That is, until he meets Drogheda. Unlike the many, many women who came before, he cannot get her out of his mind. Not only that, she has him questioning his whole existence. Working with the Knights and being Falcon's partner started the process of his change.
This story is filled with romance and adventure. There is humour and there is loss. Themes about love, friendship, and loyalty run through Victoria Danann's books. What would you do for those you care about? How much would you risk? How much are you willing to accept?
This is such a great read. The only thing you will regret is when it ends and you have to wait for the next book in the series.
The boys we first loved in the The Knights of the Black Swan series are now young men and knights themselves in the KBS Next Generation series. We havThe boys we first loved in the The Knights of the Black Swan series are now young men and knights themselves in the KBS Next Generation series. We have watched them grow. We have lived through their actions, some heroic and some unwise. You can read it alone, but as I say in almost all my reviews, why deny yourself the pleasure of reading the whole series and really getting to know these characters?
This book centers on Falcon, Wakey, Spaz, and Sin. They are now the K Team. Ram came up with that name because they were kids. Brave kids, but kids. The vampire problem has gotten worse. Even the retired knights are being called back to help with seems like an ever escalating threat. Morale is down and hope is dwindling. The stress is being to show on everyone. Enter a new ally named Jax. But could he just be luring the knights to their destruction?
This is an exciting story about trust, love, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, and sacrifice. It wonderful to see the old (relatively) favourites Ram, Elora, Storm, Kay, Glen, etc. Getting to know the K Team better is also a treat. Meeting some new characters, especially Jax, is a joy. I can't wait to learn more about him.
There is romance. Falcon is running away from love. The full story of why was told in JOURNEY MAN. Let's just say he loved not wisely, but over the top too well. Then he meets Gretchen. She sets off all his danger signals. Luckily, Wakey will do anything to help him. We would all be lucky to have a friend like Wakey. The relationship between Falcon and Gretchen is something wonderful to watch develop.
So be prepared to laugh, cry, and meet a cast of characters with whom you will truly enjoy spending time. Thank you, Victoria Danaan, for another wonderful book. I am counting the days to the next one....more
JOURNEY Man is the 9th book in the Knights of Black Swan series and once again, Victoria Danann doesn't let us down. It is an amazing read that is fr JOURNEY Man is the 9th book in the Knights of Black Swan series and once again, Victoria Danann doesn't let us down. It is an amazing read that is fresh and exciting. Each book in the series is a gem and should be read in order. I would also suggest reading CARNAL before reading this one just to get some background on Rosie. Why deny yourself the pleasure of any of Victoria's books? This story takes place five years after SOLOMON'S SIEVE. Glen had ignored Rosie's ultimatum to choose her or the Knights. He refused to be manipulated and joined the Order believing in the importance of the work they did. This ended his love affair with Rosie and set him off in another direction. However, after years as a floater, never staying with one group for very long and never developing any lasting bonds, he is worn out and broken. Having seen so much horror and loss, his belief in the nobility of his cause is in tatters. He has closed himself off from all emotions except anger. He is so different from the brilliant, vibrant person he was when we last saw him. My heart ached for him. Rosie has also changed. After breaking up with Glen, she petulantly ran off to another realm to nurse her wounds. She didn't understand Glen's choice or why her father was so angry at her for making Glen choose. She left as a rather spoiled, immature girl but through her various trials emerged as a mature, caring woman. However, she suffered a loss that broke her heart. She has spent the last few years wandering through the various dimensions trying to help others. Now Glen has been transferred back to the Jefferson Unit. Those who care about him are worried at the changes they see. He has not kept in touch with any of his friends and doesn't seek them out when he returns home. In fact, he purposely avoids them. His superiors are worried he is suffering from PTSD. Although he needs help, he has lost his ability to trust in others. As far as he is concerned, he is all alone in the world. Rosie is home as well feeling restless. Her mother knows Rosie needs to find some meaningful work and has her daughter take over her role as a tracker. It is inevitable that Rosie and Glen meet again. Five years ago they had loved each other and they had hurt each other. Rosie can see the change in Glen and knows it is not for the good. Glen can only see Rosie as the self-centered child he knew before who broke his heart. In his pain, he can only lash out at her. Now they have to work together, but they seem to unable to bridge the walls they have built. They once loved each other, but now that love seems impossible. However, all is not hopeless. They have people who care about them and are willing to break rules and cross boundaries to help them. Also despite the fact that they have closed off so much of their feelings, Rosie and Glen are at their core people capable of deep caring and great loyalty. They are truly good souls who have been battered by events they could not control. This is a story that is about friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. It is about loss so overwhelming that it twists and changes your very being. But even if there is sadness, there is also much joy in this book. It is a truly delightful tale filled with romance and humour that will make your spirits soar. Love has a magical power. JOURNEY MAN is about having the courage to open your heart despite the risks. Sometimes we have to lose our way in order to find our true path.
Rammel Hawking is one of my favourite characters in the Order of the Black Swan series. He is a combination of tenderness, strength, and mischief. WhaRammel Hawking is one of my favourite characters in the Order of the Black Swan series. He is a combination of tenderness, strength, and mischief. What can I say? He is one gorgeous elf. I didn't think I could love him more. I was wrong. This book reveals even more facets about this man.
While most of the story unfolds from Ram's point of view, we also get chapters that are told in other voices - Lan, Liam, Storm, and Kay. We finally get to meet Lan who was Rammel's first partner and best friend. At the beginning of the first book, MY FAMILIAR STRANGER, the knights are mourning Lan's death. Now we can truly feel what a great loss that was for the team and especially for Ram. From Liam's POV, we get to see Ram as the wild, rebellious child, what he might have become without Liam's help, and how he has grown up over the years. From Kay and Storm, we get to know the loyal, fun-loving, and sometimes exasperating Ram. Of course from Storm we also see the conflict when the two become rivals in love. Best of all we get to see many of the events we loved from the first books through Rammel Hawking's beautiful eyes. It adds so much to learn his background and to watch his courtship of Elora from another angle. How wonderful it is to watch Elora's discovery of chocolate and the many uses of a tooth pick from Ram's perspective.
This book could be read on its own, but it becomes so much more if you also read the whole Order of the Black Swan series. They are so well written and exciting, it is a joy to read each and every book. I came to really love and care about the characters and to look forward to every new story in the Order of the Black Swan series. They just keep getting better and better. Thank you, Victoria Danann. ...more
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