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...
Book 2
Releases October 27th
Pre-Order Links
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Au ~ Amazon Ca
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
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...
Releases October 27th
Pre-Order Links
Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon Au ~ Amazon Ca
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
5 adventurous stars.
I’d asked to review this title, being a huge fan of Jennifer Estep, and didn’t think I’d get approved. I was new to this series, so I purchased the first book and devoured it in one sitting. It hit all the elements of a great Young Adult Urban Fantasy title, perfect for the young at heart reader that I am.
With book #1 receiving a solid 5 star rating from yours truly, I was filled with trepidation to begin book #2. Simply because of this thing called the first book curse: where the first book is the best book ever and the second book falls short. Or the first book is meh but it’s a slow build, making book #2 spectacular. Trepidation because it fell into the former category of the first book curse. Whew, am I relieved that wasn’t the case.
Starting off with a bang, Lila is battling with a monster – a troll. With the one she is sworn to protect, Devon, and his sidekick, Felix. After which, they meet up with their nemesis & his sister – Felix’s Juliette – plus a new character is introduced. It sets the pacing, engaging readers who are curious about the tournaments mentioned in said conversation.
This series, including this book, has action, monsters, magic, a tourist-filled West Virginia town, and incredible world-building that is as intriguing as it is original.
Lila is a strong female, young yet not dumb. She’s the perfectly flawed role model. Not too perfect where she doesn’t seem real, never making a mistake. But she also can take care of herself, never falling into the trappings of a YA TSTL character. She’s also not overbearing in the arrogance department – not a know-it-all. Lila is an all-around intriguing character that will entertain both boy and girl young adults, and those like me who believe books have no age-range.
There are violent moments, but this is an Urban Fantasy series, so you’d be disappointed if there weren’t. There are a few threads of romance going on in this series. The ‘I can’t like you even though I do’ between Lila & Devon, and to be quite honest, that thread feels a bit forced – not fluid. Another thread is between Felix and Deah, Romeo & Juliette. Then the newcomer is thrown in the mix.
There is a little bit of everything to entertain those young and old and in between. If Urban Fantasy is your genre, Jennifer Estep’s writing is solid, her world-building is consistent, and her storytelling is stellar.
Recommended for a mature 14+ due to violent content.
Also Available in the Black Blade Series
Buy Links
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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.
Connect with Jennifer
Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep to read and review.
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