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Someone is illegally siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. When Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, discovers that it's the hot owner of a notorious underground club, she strokes an unusual deal that may plunge them all into the heart of darkness.
Anonymous
Posted February 7, 2013
I enjoyed this book. The pacing at the start of the story is a little slow but it pick up really fast toward the end. I can not wait for the next book in the series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Decent read, but not as good as some of her other books. *3.75 Stars*
I first have to say that I am a BIG fan of Lauren Dane. I have read several of her books. Her Chase Brother's series is one of the top 3 of the 46 series I have read. That being said, this book fell a little short for me. I suppose I have high expectations because Ms. Dane puts out some quality work. The story line was good. I really liked the characters as well. My biggest problem was that it was VERY repetitive. Here's is an example: He pulled her into his arms and it was alright. So very alright. "You just make everything alright," she mumbled into his shirt. There were several instances like this. Another problem I had was the main character kept says how she was so strong and powerful, yet would contradict herself for not being good enough or for not forseeing all possible outcomes in which there would be trouble. It was a constant shift back and forth of self confidence.Over all, I did enjoy the story. The first two chapters of the next book are included in the back of this one. I enjoyed those first two chapters more than this book, so I will be reading it at well. I have faith that Chaos Burning, the 2nd in the series, will be a better read.
KrisSpor
Posted July 20, 2012
Praise to Lauren Dane for Heart of Darkness book of Bound by Magick series. Lauren Dane creates a magical world centered mainly around a witch clan called Clan Owen. Heart of Darkness is well written and Lauren Dane does a wonderful job with explaining the difference between magic and magick. In Heart of Darkness true witches are being hunted and disappearing in attacks by mages and turned witches. These attacks not only happen to Clan Owen, but Clan, coven and out clan(not associated with any groups) witches from around the country. Meriel Owen is a headstrong, powerful witch with the potential to become even more powerful. She knows what she wants and she will fight for it. Meriel is charged with two tasks, find a way to stop the attacks on Clan Owen and find who is stealing magick from the font belonging to Clan Owen. Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane has given each character their own personality, history, strengths and weaknesses making them all the more unique, real and easy to grow to care about and love. I look forward to reading Chaos Burning book #2 in the Bound by Magick written by Lauren Dane.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I was not all that jazzed about reading this book, but I like her Brown series so I had to try it. I brought it when it first came out, but did not read it until the (Christmas night) other day. I could not put it down, and if I would not have started getting sleepy from it being so late I would have finished it that night. This was a great start to a new series. I loved her Brown sib series and so far this new one is right on track. Can not wait for the next book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 8, 2011
This had the potential to be a great book. I liked the main characters. Unfortunately, just as the plot got interesting it started to lose substance. The end came in a hurry with a weak fight scene at the end. It is left open for a sequel, but unless it is free or under a dollar i will not read the next.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Kendra_Readers_Edyn
Posted October 4, 2011
Full review posted at: readersedyn(dot)blogspot(dot)com
Review:
Heart of Darkness was the first Lauren Dane book I have had the pleasure of reading. This book is a paranormal romance filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and numerous magickal components. The story primarily follows witches Meriel Owen and Dominic Bright. Meriel has been groomed practically since birth to take over her mother's position as head of the Owen clan. Dominic has been raised outside of clan affiliation and harbors a deep distrust of anything remotely smelling like an invitation to clan membership . until he meets Meriel.
The two meet up when Meriel is instructed by her mother to investigate a drain from an outside source on the clan's power source, the font. Attraction is instant for both, but Meriel discovers that Dominic is much more than a potential fling. Ever cautious, Dominic is not exactly receptive toward Meriel's announcement . Dominic and Meriel are bond-mates. Understanding Dominic's difficulty, Meriel allows Dominic to adjust to her revelation without pressure.
The couple slowly progresses until another unexpected danger looms over their future. Secrets are divulged, lives are endangered and through it all, the Owen clan must take a stand against the threat. But will Dominic be able to set aside his distrust of clan affiliation to aid Meriel and her clan . a woman he has come to care for? Guess you will have to read this fascinating novel to find out. ?
Dane does an outstanding job of world building with Heart of Darkness. Oftentimes the first novel (especially in a planned series) can become cluttered with information, leaving the reader in a haze of confusion. Also marvelous is the task of not only introducing characters, but including back stories that enhance the reader's ability to get to know the secondary cast on a deeper level than merely "supporting character". The story successfully flows from beginning to end, never letting up on the suspense, romance, and depth of character.
I really enjoyed that Meriel and Dominic's characters have a chance to evolve past the level they begin at in their magickal confidence. Another fascinating aspect was Meriel's growth in roles from support within the clan, to leadership. Her personality comes across initially as intelligent, resourceful, and dedicated toward work and the clan. But underneath the cool exterior of Meriel the lawyer, lurks Meriel the badass witch who will do everything within her magickal power to fiercely protect anything or anyone who belongs to her. And Dominic belongs to her. Together they are an unstoppable force. Dane well and truly sucked me into this fascinating escape into the world of the Owen clan.
Law school dropout Meriel Owen is heir to running the mighty witch Clan though she finds seeing the same coven every day tiresome. That is until her concerned mother Edwina turns to her for help. Edwina explains that someone is stealing their power. She wants Meriel to investigate.
Her inquiry leads her to underground club owner Dominic Bright who distrusts those with power who makes the rules he breaks. Both are unhappy with their encounter as each recognizes the other is their undesirable bond mate. She lives by rules, but begins to show him why adherence is critical at a time when psychopathic mage killers siphon witch powers to further their personal agendas without regard to the innocents. Whereas her side objects to him, their mating leaves both in danger from his side.
The engaging first Bound by Magick urban fantasy stars forbidden lovers whose bonding causes tsuris to her clan but nothing like the reaction from his side. Although star-crossed lovers, the relationship between Bright and Owen goes rather smoothly between them even while each questions the wisdom of their pairing. Still with family issues on both sides, fans will enjoy this opening act.
Harriet Klausner
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Overview
Someone is illegally siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. When Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, discovers that it's the hot owner of a notorious underground club, she strokes an unusual deal that may plunge them all into the heart of darkness.