Dark Heart of Magic

Black Blade, Book 2

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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....

©2015 Jennifer Estep (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Great book

Great new YA series. This book is as good as first book in the series. Although was somewhat predictable without much of the plot twister. However family drama, evolving relationship between Main characters keeps you glued to the book. Can't wait for the next book.

Good follow up to first book

I think I might have liked this book more than the first book, honestly. I thought there was a better storyline in this second book, but do understand the lay out in the first book had to give some background. Just like the first book though, it is pretty predictable. Anyways, I enjoyed listening to this book and will continue with the series.

Couldn't put it down

This second book was just as exciting as the first book. When I finished the first book, I immediately turned around and bought the second. The first was so good and so was the continuation of Lilah's story. The Magic that each one possesses was very interesting. The tournament was exciting. I love a strong woman and Lilah is one very strong woman. The dynamics of the families kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened. The narrator did an excellent job with the characters and their personalities. Love this Series.

Estes is the best

Like all of Estep's books! Strong women who can admit she needs other. Both Lila and Gin can kick ass while using their brains!

Outstanding!

Suspense, romance, and exciting! The story is wonderful and the narration is excellent!! I can't wait to start the next installment!

I want More

Would you listen to Dark Heart of Magic again? Why?

If for no other reason than to capture all the nuances you miss the first time around.

What did you like best about this story?

Its mix of humor and action.

Have you listened to any of Brittany Pressley’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure I have, but will search what she has done for more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and fortunately I usually can.

Author hit a home run.

Great book, good character development, good plot, and excellent narration. Thank you for the fun ride.

Lila and more revelations

Definitely one the best YA series I've read this year. The author stepped up her game and took this sequel to the next level. Normally, I would prefer some more romance in sequels, but this story is just strong enough with a romance being up front and center. There were enough subplots that it didn’t even occur to me that Devon and Lila weren’t making moves on each other.

In this book, the Sinclair family was still trying to figure out what was going with Victor Draconi as they knew he was planning something sinister. They decide that the tournament will make them appear as though they weren’t worried, while trying to gather Intel on the Draconi plot.

Lila was still strong and she still loved her bacon. Boy, she is as serious about bacon as Gin is about her chickory coffee. I like that Lila wanted to focus on her job and her own plans, instead of making the easier choice of pursing a relationship with Devon. . But it was clear that she grappled with her feelings for Devon. But Lila and Devon were not the main subject of this book. The mystery was centered on the killing of monsters and people, for an unknown purpose. I enjoyed the sorting out of the mystery as well as a revelation pertaining to Lila’s family. Lila is a likable character and she has some maturity and growth from book 1. She is definitely fitting in with the Sinclairs and she is making smarter decisions now.

I enjoy the narrator. It’s a face paced, action packed story. I finished the book in two days because it was that enjoyable. The author did a great job of setting up book 3 and I can’t wait for Bright Blaze of Magic.

Great YA read.

I liked the story overall. Good character development as well. I purchased this book for the author not realizing it was YA. I was still quite entertained. I think many YA readers would love this series.

Good

The thing I had the biggest problem with was the announcer during the tournament. Reminded to much of the wrestling announcers during Royal Rumbles.