By Blood and Magic (The Dragon Portal Book II) – Jamie A. Waters
Synopsis
A priceless treasure is hidden within the ocean’s depths…
Sabine barely managed to escape from Akros with her life.
But the ocean isn’t safe for someone whose power stems from the forests.
When their ship is attacked on the high seas and one of Sabine’s companions is taken hostage, only an agreement forged by blood and magic may save her friend’s life.
The pearl of the sea is also the key to the gods’ revenge…
With the dragon portal failing and the gods’ magic threatening to destroy their world, Sabine must choose between following her heart or upholding a sacred oath.
The cost of ending a centuries-old feud may be higher than anyone expected.
All magic demands a sacrifice–even if it’s hers.
Review
“By blood and magic and by the rights of both, what once was solely ours shall be no longer. By will and might, we merge our purposes and intents. As I will it, so mote it be.”
Do you know that feeling of watching a movie in your head when reading? It usually takes me a few chapters in a book to get to that point, in some it never gets as “clear”. This time it was as if I had pressed “Play” the moment I opened the book, even without remembering much of the previous one.
Sabine, Malek and their companions left Akros on Malek’s ship, heading for the Dwarven city.
In the middle of the ocean they are attacked by the Merfolk, aquatic creatures similar to faeries (like mermaids). Who capture much of the crew, including Esme and Levin, Sabine and Malek’s best friends respectively.
Her magic was ancient in origin, for the Fae were the first children of the gods. Her power was the same as what originally shaped this world, creating forests and lakes where none previously existed. While the Merfolk were the caretakers of the sea, the Fae would always be the victors in commanding the heavens and earth to obey.
Sabine manages to make a deal with the Merfolk to rescue her friends, which consists of finding Pearl, a Merfolk who disappeared in the desert in her human form.
As if this mission was not complex enough, things in Karga, the city where they disembark, are upside down. Annually they carry out a “burning festival” in which the city is completely closed and a purge of all demonic magic is carried out. This year they have advanced the date and it has become even more dangerous as they now have a magic detector.
Tired and having used much of their magic, Sabine, Malek and Blossom must find a way to complete their mission, without dying in the attempt. But, above all, without falling in love (Although they should already give up on this, they already fell in love ?).
Her hand started vibrating, and she laughed in delight. “Are you purring?”
Bane snorted and walked away, circling the dragon and studying him from all sides. “A dragon who purrs. Fearsome, indeed.”
And of course, the Wild Hunt is still trying to murder Sabine …
I completely fell in love with the first book in this series. I can’t understand how I missed the release of the second installment, but here we are.
Honestly I had almost no memories of the first part. I just remembered how much I liked it. Thank god Jamie does an excellent job putting up little reminders that allow you to follow the story without rereading. Except for Sabine’s connection to the goddess Lachlina. I really didn’t remember this and had to reread the end of the first one ?.
Like the first book, the story grabs you from the beginning and you start to have a million questions, which are answered veeeery slowly.
We get to know Sabine so much better and I love her. This time we get to know a little more about her past, along with the real reason for her escape from Faerie. She has a horrible past, but she never allowed that to define her. She is different from all other Fae, she does not feel superior to any race, and she cares about everyone. Which is ironic because she is probably the most powerful of them.
You’re not like the rest of the Fae,” Blossom said and patted Sabine’s hair. “That’s why we follow you, Sabine. You’re different.”
I find it very sad that Sabine, with Malek, knows for the first time what it is for someone to love you without expecting anything in return. The fact that Malek doesn’t want her magic puzzles her and makes her fall even more for him.
Sabine nodded. She managed a weak smile and brushed away her tears. “I’m sorry. I normally don’t fall apart like this.”
Malek arched his brow. “In the short time we’ve known each other, you’ve proven to be one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Most would have given up after experiencing a fraction of the challenges you’ve faced.” He chuckled. “I don’t think anyone would begrudge you a few tears, and if so, to hell with them. I’d like to see them try to walk in your footsteps.”
I love Malek because he is very strong and overprotective, yet he knows that he cannot protect Sabine against her will, and he respects that. I find it very funny that they spend the whole book saying “damn, I will fall in love with him / her” when it is clear that they are totally damned already ?. They are an adorable couple, but with impressive sexual tension even just by looking at each other. We know that Sabine is a Fae and Malek a dragon, and both races are mortal enemies. However, Sabine begins to trust Malek and their relationship evolves into more than just attraction.
However, the best character ever is definitely Blossom. The little pixie who proves to be a loyal friend and hilarious companion, as well as an ally full of surprising resources.
Blossom flew toward them, her wings sending a smattering of pixie dust everywhere. It seemed to happen more often when she was overly excited.
I want Blossom to send pixie dust all over my room ?
My only critic is that I felt some very repetitive phrases, like that they were falling in love, or Malek putting Sabine’s hair behind her ear. But this is just for criticizing something.
Again we have a beautiful drawing at the beginning of each chapter. This time Blossom managed to appear in the picture with Sabine ?. By the way, I don’t know how I didn’t realize before that the image is of Sabine, it didn’t even occur to me until I read a comment from Jamie ?♀️.
And … again I overdid this post but it’s worth it. I highly recommend this series. One thing I really like is that these books don’t end in cliff-hangers. Each one is a part of an incredible story with a medieval air and full of magic.
Bye bye ?