By Blood and Magic (The Dragon Portal, #2)

I’m going to be completely honest with you here, I was interested in ‘By Blood and Magic (The Dragon Portal Book 2)’ by Jamie A. Waters when I read the summary, but it was the cover that kept recurring in my thoughts before I started it.

It’s crazy.. but it reminded me so much of World of Warcraft’s Jaina Proudmoore look from the most recent game expansion, that even though I’m not a huge fan of the character, I was constantly thinking about this title. There’s something to be said for familiarity.. I suppose.. and it really is a gorgeous cover.

All that aside, I found myself surprised by exactly how much I loved the story.

“What’s your plan, little one?”
“To bring the memory of life to a place of death.”

Sabine is the main character, a fae on the run trying to stay ahead of those who would see her dead, and trying to help protect the world she lives in by sealing a dangerous dragon portal. As she flees across the ocean, the ship is viciously attacked and her companion and several crew members are taken hostage. To save them, she forges a pact bound by blood and magic, and the bulk of the story is about the journey she must take to uphold that agreement.

The ship’s captain is a.. wow.. steamy, self-sacrificing dragon shifter.. named Malek.. who I can’t get enough of (though her companions aren’t entiredly trusting of him). His best friend is also captured with the crew, which sets him up to accompany her and the rest of her group in a bid to free the others.

“I don’t know what he needs or what we can do for him. Do you think he’s hurt?”
“Well, if we can’t figure it out, I could always use a pair of dragonskin boots…”

There’s a great deal of traveling throughout the adventure and along the way they meet some other interesting characters. Sabine is a really sweet, kind natured woman who seems to constantly be adding to her own worries, by trying to look out for others. And Malek is a great match for that. He’s powerful, if a bit possessive (but really, he makes that work) and at times he’s stubborn, but so is she.

Truthfully, they both seem to have more inner conflict than conflict between each other and it’s kind of a nice change. At times, he’s a little too easy going.. too perfect. He’s the most rational male on the planet and she’s every bit his equal in that regard as well. If it weren’t for all the chaos going on around them, they might also be the most boring couple ever to exist. But there’s plenty of drama to keep things spicy and their chemistry is undeniable from the get-go.

“In a word, she was exquisite. And he was well and truly screwed.”

I really enjoyed the author’s perspective on Faerie and those connected with it. This is also one of the few times I’ve seen a story with so many wide ranging fantasy races that felt natural. It didn’t feel like they were just fodder being paraded out in front of the reader to add words to the page. They were important parts of the people of this world and they each had their roles to play.

My favorite supporting character had to be Blossom. She’s this adorable pixie that’s part of Sabine’s traveling group and if I’m being honest, she reminded me of a less thirsty version of Lehabah from Crescent City. She’s super cute, feisty as can be, and very funny.. one hilarious little drama queen. She’s also capable of much greater things than pixies typically are in most fantasy stories I’ve read.

“Blossom’s eyes widened, and she shoved the entire piece of cake in her mouth. Her cheeks bulged as she chewed. She held out her hand in a silent gesture for more..”
“I suppose there’s no use in telling you to pace yourself…”
“Blossom shook her head and held out both hands, her eyes pleading…”

In fact, the dialogue is definitely punctuated with humor and it doesn’t feel overdone at all. There were several times I caught myself laughing aloud.. or smiling in response to something that amused me.

If you’re looking for a very solid new series to add to your TBR, this is the one. There’s a ton of backstory referenced in this one about her family and her role within the Fae, and something called the Wild Hunt.. which of course made me think of Witcher as well. I’m absolutely going back to get book one, as I’m curious to see if the two are both derived from the folklore of ancient Northern and Central Europe. Plus.. book three is already on the way and I want to be ready!

(More reviews like this at http://www.BetwixtTheSheets.com!!)

(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)

Loved it!!! This is Book 2 in the Dragon Portal series by Jamie A Waters.
We pick up where book 1 left us so you need to read that in order to see where this awesome story has evolved from.
After barely escaping the Wild Hunt. Sabine and the gang leave Akros on Malek’s ship. They need to find the other artefacts to ensure the dragon portal remains sealed. Not long into the voyage across the ocean they are attacked, unprovoked by the True Folk who live in the sea. After capturing some of the gang Sabine, Blossom and Malek are given a mission to locate one of the female true folk who has disappeared, in return they will be reunited with. their missing friends but the have little time to complete the task or lose them forever. What an epic and dangerous adventure they must go on.
The world building is truly amazing as are these characters who you really bond with. Sabine is one of my favourite MC’s she is beautiful, kind and kick ass. The bond that’s growing between her and the Faes sworn enemy, Dragon Malek is beautiful and it’s ever growing.
The loyalty Sabine inspires wherever she goes is breathtaking and puts a smile on your face.
We see more of Sabine’s sad back story and how she came to be on the run and it’s heartbreaking. This has all the stress, love and feels and a really great in depth story that can’t be missed. The paces constantly has you on your toes.
Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read in return for a non biased review. I will be continuing with the story as I can’t wait to see where this goes. 5/5 top marks

I love this series so much! Sabine is my favorite female protagonist and I absolutely love how her path takes her to appreciate and hold dear different species and become friends with would be enemies.

This book was just so endearing and captivating. I love how the author incorporated different characters into the storyline that you would initially believe were evil or inconsequential and they end up having an important role in Sabine’s story.

Malek is just so yummy and charming. Bane is my fave and I would love to learn more about him and his origin and backstory.

I loved it. The stories fit well together. I believe each race is going to have a key and I can’t wait to read the next one. I really enjoyed the Merfolk and their big feet. The desert landscape was the complete opposite of what I thought the story was going to be. It wad a wonderful surprise. Sabine and Malek’s relationship is heading to the next level. Blossom is still the bomb. Great series so far.
I received an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Jamie A. Waters’ The Dragon Portal series is just getting better and better. I loved the first book but somehow By Blood and Magic (Book 2) exceeded it. Sabine is a pleasure to follow as her character develops a d the plot and story arc advancement here, well, it’s just superb.

By Blood and Magic is Book 2 in the The Dragon Portal series by Jamie A. Waters. I would recommend reading the first book before diving into this one although I imagine it wouldn’t be that hard to just dive in.

This book starts right in the thick of things. We have a battle with the Merpeople and after hostages’ are taken a deal is made to release them. It means Sabine and her very interesting (and diverse) companions get to partake in an epic adventure. Malek still does not have the trust of everyone as they are constantly doubting his motives but Sabine seems to see the real him. They compliment each other quite well and even though we have our cast of magical creatures they really do feel like the central arc.

I don’t want to give away any of the actual story but will say that not only the characters themselves but the entire setting will come alive in your imagination. The story is written so vividly you may feel like the author has put a spell on you. I loved the direction of the story and am so happy I’m able to jump into book 3.

I received a free copy of this story through BookSirens and the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

For more reviews please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/
“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.

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.

While I LOVED the first book and couldn’t put it down this one fell a little short. It was very wordy but other than that it kept me intrigued. I enjoyed the action and seeing how certain things played out.

I recieved a free copy of this book for and honest review

This is the second book in the Dragon Portal series and this book continues the quest to find the artifacts that will close the dragon portal and prevent war. This book has very well developed characters and world building and it also has some very interesting applications of magic I have not seen in other series. I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received this book from NetGalley and Hidden Realms Publishing for an honest review.
#ByBloodandMagic
#NetGalley

This book is just plain wonderful! Except it’s not plain at all, the characters shine, the descriptions are vivid and the world building is intricate and detailed! Sabine is different than others of her kind because she cares about those who are not her kind. I enjoyed her kindness and depth of character. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you read this action packed adventure!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.