The Book Drealms - A Book Addict's Travelogue: Blog Tour / Book Musings

Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2)
by Jennifer Estep
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: October 27th 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Supernatural
Rate: 5/5

Synopsis:

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...

Jennifer Estep is not a new name to me. I have read her Mythos Academy and Elemental Assassin series so I was expecting a lot from her. And I have to say that she doesn't disappoint. She delivers her usual fare of awesome story and characters.

The story started in the first book progresses well in the sequel. The premise of magic users being mobsters in this series is a very unique twist aside from the tale. I loved reading about the different families and their dynamics in this book. I got to meet almost all the important players and that helped in forming opinions and likes and dislikes which will endure the length of the series.

Lila is a strong heroine with her plucky and sassy attitude. I loved the way she is opening up to people as the story progresses. Devon as her counterpart rocks as far as I am concerned. He is so sensitive and gentle. They make a good pair. As for the pairing of Felix and Deah had me shaking my head in disbelief. I am going to wait and see what happens to them.

I had my doubts about the antagonist of this book but there were a few incidents which misdirected me at times. But at the end I was right in my guess. Victor and Blake make the normal antagonists with their swag and merciless actions. I am waiting to read more about Victor though in the next books

The story had a few surprising elements while the pace was fast and kept me engrossed in the tale. The race like nature to the story was easy to follow and fun to read. I can totally see me continuing the series and recommending it to my friends. As soon as I finished the book, I hopped to get the next book before realizing that it wasn't released yet..

Now I can't wait for it to release!!! This is one part I don't like about an ongoing series.

My one line review : A new engrossing tale of a spunky heroine and a sensitive hero.

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

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Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Her Elemental Assassin series follows the life and times of Gin “the Spider” Blanco, a barbecue restaurant owner who also happens to be an assassin with magical control over the elements of Ice and Stone.

The Mythos Academy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. She studies at Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors.

Her Bigtime paranormal romance books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love.

Estep’s new Black Blade series is about 17-year-old thief Lila Merriweather, who has a Talent for sight, along with the ability to take magic others used against her to boost her own powers. She tries not to get involved with the Families who control much of the town, but ends up in the middle of a potential turf war.