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Bound by Magick #2
Chaos Burning
The life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest--and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she's met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they're each coming into their own.
A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as fae retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. He is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding him is Lark and Simon's first hope. Surviving him is their last.
A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as fae retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. He is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding him is Lark and Simon's first hope. Surviving him is their last.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2012
54 people are currently reading
1300 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
115 books4,990 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 16, 2012
In the second book of Lauren Dane’s Bound by Magick series, the threat from is back, in a big way. Lark is called in to help the Owen clan of witches deal with some missing witches, but she has no idea just how big this is going to get. Unfortunately, neither do the Owen witches.
Lark is picked up at the airport by the most rugged and handsome man she’s ever laid eyes on-but she recognizes two things. One, he’s not a man, he’s Other. And two, he’s not her normal type. So she never once thinks about anything more than her job. But Simon, on the other hand, is completely intrigued by Lark and her quirky sense of style. She dresses in thrift store finds and her hair is colored blue. For the time being, anyway. She tends to add colors to suit her mood. And Simon never stops to wonder why he wants to take care of her from that first instant. Maybe he should have-then she wouldn’t have sneaked under his radar.
The two of them have a friends-to-lovers sort of thing going on, and it’s sweet, and sexy, and a little bit naughty. But the way Ms. Dane writes their story, the intricacies of falling for each other is woven in with the fact that Lark, quirky and pixie-like as she is, is a warrior, and has a job to do. Simon totally respects that, and for an alpha male, and a Lycian prince, that’s kind of cool. Oh sure, they butt heads a few times, but that’s to be expected. But what’s fantastic is Lark’s sense of self. She is badass and knows it, but she also knows she’s random, and quirky and a bit silly. And she owns it.
Simon is the total opposite of Lark. He’s very GQ. He takes more time to get ready than Lark. And he’s smooth and suave. My favorite passage is towards the end, but it shows their personalities so well:
“I’ve come to take you out to dinner before we head out on patrol.”
“We?” She stepped back and looked him up and down. “You’re dressed like a commando and you still have handkerchiefs. We’re an odd couple Simon. Just know that.”
“I may have to admit I like the bright pink in your hair. That’s a start isn’t it?
“Are those Gucci cargo pants?”
“No,” they were Dolce & Gabbana, but she didn’t need to know that.
“You’re dressed in designer black ops gear to do a patrol with me?”
The Big Bad they are fighting reminds me of the Nothing from the Never Ending Story-it’s like a giant roaring storm cloud that destroys all magic and people in its path. And Lark has to find a way to vanquish it, while at the same time making her own place in this new clan and dealing with a Lycian prince who wants her.
Lauren Dane’s writing is spectacular. She is one of very few authors who can use the words “grannie panties” in a serious conversation and make it look effortless. The ending left me wanting the next book ASAP, and I absolutely recommend this book.
June 20, 2013
***3.5***
This one is way better than . While the first book is like an introduction to the world of Others, Chaos Burning actually has a real threat, a very powerful enemy. I loved it.
Lark is in Seattle to help the witches organize their defense since it is the first time they actually have to defend themselves on that scale. It soon becomes clear that the turned and mages aren't the only threat and that they are more organized than what Lark and the rest thought. Since Nell is pregnant, Lark takes over her hunters. Simon is the one who picks her up from the airport.
What I loved is they became really good friends and falling in love just sneaked up to them (I don't consider this a spoiler since you know whose paranormal romance this is). For days they hung out, drank, played cards and lots of other fun stuff while flirting. Lark has a way with words and her timing is hilarious.
Simon and Lark's relationship is not the only thing which is great in this book. It is clear that not only witches are targeted, but weres, vampires, shifters and fae too. Lark is the common thread between different races. She is tough, fast, smart and a great leader. Simon is not there just to look awesome either.
So, why not higher rating? There are some really weird sentences and grammar. But I could get over that even though it isn't fun to read sentences such as "How’s he kiss?". Second reason is I don't think it was necessary to make Nell dumb (won't spoil it) or Meriel and Dominic one dimensional. For most part of the book, Meriel was there to ask to be apprised. I am aware that this isn't their book, but still.
This one is way better than . While the first book is like an introduction to the world of Others, Chaos Burning actually has a real threat, a very powerful enemy. I loved it.
Lark is in Seattle to help the witches organize their defense since it is the first time they actually have to defend themselves on that scale. It soon becomes clear that the turned and mages aren't the only threat and that they are more organized than what Lark and the rest thought. Since Nell is pregnant, Lark takes over her hunters. Simon is the one who picks her up from the airport.
What I loved is they became really good friends and falling in love just sneaked up to them (I don't consider this a spoiler since you know whose paranormal romance this is). For days they hung out, drank, played cards and lots of other fun stuff while flirting. Lark has a way with words and her timing is hilarious.
"Stop with the menacing stares. I know you like kittens.”
He couldn't stop his laugh. “You’re incorrigible."
"Simon had no idea what to make of this woman. His wolf liked the way she smelled. Sharp like he did. Like a warrior did. But she had blue streaks in her hair. Hair she most likely cut herself. Maybe not even in front of a mirror."
As I said, Lark is one of a kind.Simon and Lark's relationship is not the only thing which is great in this book. It is clear that not only witches are targeted, but weres, vampires, shifters and fae too. Lark is the common thread between different races. She is tough, fast, smart and a great leader. Simon is not there just to look awesome either.
So, why not higher rating? There are some really weird sentences and grammar. But I could get over that even though it isn't fun to read sentences such as "How’s he kiss?". Second reason is I don't think it was necessary to make Nell dumb (won't spoil it) or Meriel and Dominic one dimensional. For most part of the book, Meriel was there to ask to be apprised. I am aware that this isn't their book, but still.
October 30, 2019
I didn't like this as much as the first one. Heart of Darkness felt like a good blend of UF and PNR whereas this felt much more like PNR. There was barely a plot. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between Lark and Simon. So much of what they said and thought was repetitive. I was bored out of my mind.
September 10, 2015
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Well, I've been waiting not so patiently for this book for a couple of reasons. First and foremost for the sexy-as-all-sin hero, Simon. He's Lycian, and yes I have a thing for Ms. Dane's shifters, but Lycians are not the same as her regular shifters (as in Cascadia and De La Vega) they are a bit more.
Simon is no different, he's a sexy and successful, very good looking guy, who happens to be part owner of Heart of Darkness, Dominic's club. He's also a bartender and lets face it...a man who can make a good martini before he asks me to jump in the hot tub is my kind of man.
When he is assigned the task of picking up Lark (strange, quirky witch warrior extraordinaire) they actually become great friends. This was my favorite part of the story. Their relationship developed slowly going from first friendship all the way to loving and mating, but it felt like it had solid roots.
Lark is a solid chick, she's independent, kick ass and a hunter. Yes she's also a powerful witch. No wilting flower. Simon understands that and doesn't over-protect. So my favorite type of heroine and the perfect hero in my opinion for her.
In reference to the ongoing storyline of turned witches stealing power and there's a bit more to that story in this one, with maybe an ancient power coming into play, I feel there wasn't A LOT of forward progress in the overall story arc. I would've liked to see a bit more conflict maybe in regards to the world.
I do feel this book fell a bit short of my expectations just because I was expecting it to blow my socks off. Even though Lark and Simon were sexy, there wasn't a lot of action (in any sense of the word), and somehow I expected more from them (I mean Simon is hot as hell and I wanted more of him ;). Still it was an interesting installment of this series, with the small cameo appearance of the enforcer of the Cascadia pack which is working with the Owen Clan for this one. I'd like to see more of those interactions in the future! That was great!!
Can't wait to see what Ms. Dane has in store for us next.
*ARC provided by publisher
Well, I've been waiting not so patiently for this book for a couple of reasons. First and foremost for the sexy-as-all-sin hero, Simon. He's Lycian, and yes I have a thing for Ms. Dane's shifters, but Lycians are not the same as her regular shifters (as in Cascadia and De La Vega) they are a bit more.
Simon is no different, he's a sexy and successful, very good looking guy, who happens to be part owner of Heart of Darkness, Dominic's club. He's also a bartender and lets face it...a man who can make a good martini before he asks me to jump in the hot tub is my kind of man.
When he is assigned the task of picking up Lark (strange, quirky witch warrior extraordinaire) they actually become great friends. This was my favorite part of the story. Their relationship developed slowly going from first friendship all the way to loving and mating, but it felt like it had solid roots.
Lark is a solid chick, she's independent, kick ass and a hunter. Yes she's also a powerful witch. No wilting flower. Simon understands that and doesn't over-protect. So my favorite type of heroine and the perfect hero in my opinion for her.
In reference to the ongoing storyline of turned witches stealing power and there's a bit more to that story in this one, with maybe an ancient power coming into play, I feel there wasn't A LOT of forward progress in the overall story arc. I would've liked to see a bit more conflict maybe in regards to the world.
I do feel this book fell a bit short of my expectations just because I was expecting it to blow my socks off. Even though Lark and Simon were sexy, there wasn't a lot of action (in any sense of the word), and somehow I expected more from them (I mean Simon is hot as hell and I wanted more of him ;). Still it was an interesting installment of this series, with the small cameo appearance of the enforcer of the Cascadia pack which is working with the Owen Clan for this one. I'd like to see more of those interactions in the future! That was great!!
Can't wait to see what Ms. Dane has in store for us next.
*ARC provided by publisher
March 24, 2012
Chaos Burning is book 2 in the Bound by Magick series by Lauren Dane. This features sexy Lycian prince Simon Leviathan, my favorite character from this series so far. Unfortunately, his heroine is not me, but a hunter named Lark Jaansen from Clan Gennesse (*cries* Why?). But there are no hard feelings between Lark and I. I found Lark to be a smart, feisty woman with a heart big enough to handle the alpha man that is Simon.
When Lark arrives from Los Angeles to work with the clan in solving a mystery, undeniable and potent sexual tension fills in the spaces between Simon and Lark. I thought Dane did a very good job of making Simon and Lark work together, but allow them the space so as to not have them step over on each other’s toes. The relationship works because both characters understand each other well and Simon knows that Lark holds her job close to her heart. Despite his overprotectiveness, Simon still gives her space to work.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than the first. Other than my love for the characters of this book, I also found that problem with the Magister to be more interesting, pushing the plot forward and bringing a sense of impending doom and urgency that made me want to know what happens next. While not the most action-packed of Dane’s books, CHAOS BURNING still packs a mighty punch.
A fun and exciting read, fans of Dane’s writing will want to check this one out. The Lycian prince brings out all my protective urges and if you’re like me, you’ll devour this book much too quickly, leaving you wanting some more.
*ARC provided by author
When Lark arrives from Los Angeles to work with the clan in solving a mystery, undeniable and potent sexual tension fills in the spaces between Simon and Lark. I thought Dane did a very good job of making Simon and Lark work together, but allow them the space so as to not have them step over on each other’s toes. The relationship works because both characters understand each other well and Simon knows that Lark holds her job close to her heart. Despite his overprotectiveness, Simon still gives her space to work.
I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than the first. Other than my love for the characters of this book, I also found that problem with the Magister to be more interesting, pushing the plot forward and bringing a sense of impending doom and urgency that made me want to know what happens next. While not the most action-packed of Dane’s books, CHAOS BURNING still packs a mighty punch.
A fun and exciting read, fans of Dane’s writing will want to check this one out. The Lycian prince brings out all my protective urges and if you’re like me, you’ll devour this book much too quickly, leaving you wanting some more.
*ARC provided by author
January 3, 2016
Enjoyed this installment between Simon & Lark - feisty warriors who had to learn how to work together to face the wrath of the Magister. I like having the characters from the previous book mingle in the story as it builds the framework of this supernatural world. Really enjoyable
September 8, 2012
Lark Jaansen has come to Clan Owen to help them prepare for the battle that is headed their way. She is a hunter for Clan Gennessee and has actually been the leader of the hunter teams, along with her sister. Lark jumped at the chance to come up to Clan Owen, not only to help out but also to escape a situation that might have changed her relationship with her sister forever. Lark knows she isn’t what most would expect from a hunter leader – small of statue and a quirky dresser; yet when it comes to the protection of Others – be it witches or any other species she proves that she is the best at her job.
Simon Leviathan is a warrior and a Lycan who has made his life on this side of the veil from his home. The co-owner of a bar with Dominick, one of the co-rulers of Clan Owen, Simon volunteered to pick up Lark when she arrived. Immediately Simon felt the need to take care of and protect Lark upon meeting her. Used to dealing with society minded and designer fashion women, Simon is charmed by Lark and yet knows right off that she is a warrior like himself.
Lark and Simon fall into a fast and easy friendship as Lark discovers that the dangers facing all the Others is not just from the mages liked believed. The question now is who is behind these latest killings and kidnappings. Simon is concerned as Lark becomes drawn into more and more dangerous situations and starts to become hurt. His wolf becomes outraged with every scrape, cut and bruise. When the true danger to all Others on many realms is discovered, Simon realizes that Lark has become much more to him than a funny friend. Passion explodes between Lark and Simon as the danger hits close to home. Simon knows he can’t stop Lark from doing her job and protecting her clan, but nothing says he can’t use his own hard earned warrior skills to help her and give her the protection his wolf is demanding. The final battle is fierce and bloody with losses on both sides. When the morning comes, has the love and trust found between Lark and Simon been enough to help them face the new reality facing them?
Passion can come unexpectedly and be the hottest thing known, something Lark and Simon discover in Chaos Burning. Before I go any further, I have to say that I loved the previous book, Heart of Darkness, but this one just knocked the series out of the realm. Lark is strong and quirky and instantly loveable as she searches for and finds a new life for herself with Clan Owen. Simon is the all GQ but with tattoos and a warriors instincts, never dreaming that Lark would be his one. I loved watching how Lark and Simon ribbed each other and then were stunned by the passion that sprung up between them. Then I really loved as they had to find a happy medium that made them both happy, with Lark doing the job she trained for and loved and Simon’s need to protect her and give her the nurturing his instincts demanded. If the interactions weren’t enough to keep me turning the pages, and believe me they were, the build up and final battle against the newest evil facing the Others more than made Chaos Burning a page turner.
I have to admit that I re-read the final battle a few times before I could put it down and then ended up just re-reading the entire book over again. Chaos Burning is friendships, passion, danger and strength of character, and yet that really doesn’t tell you what you will find inside the pages. I could tell you so much more, yet if I do, you won’t have the same sense of excitement and discovery that I did. What I can tell you is that Chaos Burning is not only outstanding and a instant keeper for me but it is also a book that I whole heartedly Joyfully Recommend as a book you will not want to miss reading.
Reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed
Simon Leviathan is a warrior and a Lycan who has made his life on this side of the veil from his home. The co-owner of a bar with Dominick, one of the co-rulers of Clan Owen, Simon volunteered to pick up Lark when she arrived. Immediately Simon felt the need to take care of and protect Lark upon meeting her. Used to dealing with society minded and designer fashion women, Simon is charmed by Lark and yet knows right off that she is a warrior like himself.
Lark and Simon fall into a fast and easy friendship as Lark discovers that the dangers facing all the Others is not just from the mages liked believed. The question now is who is behind these latest killings and kidnappings. Simon is concerned as Lark becomes drawn into more and more dangerous situations and starts to become hurt. His wolf becomes outraged with every scrape, cut and bruise. When the true danger to all Others on many realms is discovered, Simon realizes that Lark has become much more to him than a funny friend. Passion explodes between Lark and Simon as the danger hits close to home. Simon knows he can’t stop Lark from doing her job and protecting her clan, but nothing says he can’t use his own hard earned warrior skills to help her and give her the protection his wolf is demanding. The final battle is fierce and bloody with losses on both sides. When the morning comes, has the love and trust found between Lark and Simon been enough to help them face the new reality facing them?
Passion can come unexpectedly and be the hottest thing known, something Lark and Simon discover in Chaos Burning. Before I go any further, I have to say that I loved the previous book, Heart of Darkness, but this one just knocked the series out of the realm. Lark is strong and quirky and instantly loveable as she searches for and finds a new life for herself with Clan Owen. Simon is the all GQ but with tattoos and a warriors instincts, never dreaming that Lark would be his one. I loved watching how Lark and Simon ribbed each other and then were stunned by the passion that sprung up between them. Then I really loved as they had to find a happy medium that made them both happy, with Lark doing the job she trained for and loved and Simon’s need to protect her and give her the nurturing his instincts demanded. If the interactions weren’t enough to keep me turning the pages, and believe me they were, the build up and final battle against the newest evil facing the Others more than made Chaos Burning a page turner.
I have to admit that I re-read the final battle a few times before I could put it down and then ended up just re-reading the entire book over again. Chaos Burning is friendships, passion, danger and strength of character, and yet that really doesn’t tell you what you will find inside the pages. I could tell you so much more, yet if I do, you won’t have the same sense of excitement and discovery that I did. What I can tell you is that Chaos Burning is not only outstanding and a instant keeper for me but it is also a book that I whole heartedly Joyfully Recommend as a book you will not want to miss reading.
Reviewed by Jo for Joyfully Reviewed
August 29, 2012
~*~*~
Chaos Burning was my first time sampling Lauren Dane's work. I've seen her various books for years, have put many on my list, but this paranormal of hers is the first one I've ever read. My feelings upon finishing the book were a bit...uncertain. In my opinion, it was only an 'okay' read. That is, it wasn't one of those books that you can't put down, but it also wasn't a book that left a bad taste in my mouth. Instead, it was just, well, average. And that's not necessarily a bad thing!
Lark Jaansen, our heroine for this journey, is definitely a tough gal, no doubt about that. She knows how to handle herself, and her job, as well as protect and defend those around her. And that's great—there's nothing I love better than a strong heroine. But it's not just physical strength that I look for, and while Lark had plenty of that, as a character, I personally didn't feel that she was a well-rounded one. She was a bit flat, and while I wasn't ready to kick her to the curb, I also wasn't ready to call her my new BFF. And that's a bit of a disappointment for me.
Simon Leviathan's an alpha male, a Lycian who has been alive for over 600 years. He's turned more than a few heads during his time, but he's never met his mate, the one he wants to mark as his—until he begins to work with Lark. Suddenly the only thing he wants to do is take her, claim her, show the world—and his pack—that she's his, and always will be. But she's not going to give herself over without first getting to know him, including learning what saying “yes” entitles.
Although usually I'm all for sexy alpha males (especially shapeshifters of any kind), Simon was about as flat as Lark, and in the end I wasn't dying to chase her off and take him for myself. Again, another disappointment, as I think falling for the hero is one of the best things that come from reading romance novels. I was simply left wanting more from the characters, Simon and Lark especially. If I don't absolutely love the hero and heroine, it's hard to truly enjoy the rest of the book. Perhaps that's just me though...
The world building and fantasy action going on in Chaos Burning was pretty good. But as this is the second in this series, and only the first one that I have read, I felt like I was missing a lot of critical information, things that make the story smoother and more enjoyable to read. In that case, perhaps if I had simply read the series in order, I may have liked it better and gave it a higher rating—who knows? Either way, I think it's best to start this series from the beginning, just in case.
3 STARS! Although it didn't blow my mind, Chaos Burning was still a likeable enough paranormal romance, one with plenty of fantasy creatures (from witches to shapeshifters to Fae of all sorts) and even a good deal of steamy loving! I can't say that I didn't like the book—I did. But it just didn't grab my attention, and what should have taken me but a day or two to read turned into almost a week. For this reader, it wasn't a hit, but it also wasn't a failure by any means. I will still be recommending this book to others, and I'll still come back and try another Dane novel in the future. But for now, this one was just “okay” and I was hoping for a “wow”.
December 2, 2015
The story itself was alright, the Others have been a popular idea for many authors but the idea for the bad guy was something new.
The writing seemed like it just couldn’t make up its mind. There would be action, then a lot of talking, back to a little bit of action and then talking. The beginning had action and I was getting really into it but then they just sat and talked so I was bored until the action started again.
It took me a couple of days to get through this book but I still liked it, I just don’t think this is a five star book.
The couple was good together, they were funny. I can’t remember reading a book where they actually started out friends first, actual friends and not just acting like friends. I really liked that.
The ending was a little anticlimactic. The author built up this big bad and it was over quickly and seemingly very little action even though there was some fighting going on. Maybe if the fight had raged on a little more? Also, I think a series with the big bad would be really great but it gets solved rather quickly.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
The writing seemed like it just couldn’t make up its mind. There would be action, then a lot of talking, back to a little bit of action and then talking. The beginning had action and I was getting really into it but then they just sat and talked so I was bored until the action started again.
It took me a couple of days to get through this book but I still liked it, I just don’t think this is a five star book.
The couple was good together, they were funny. I can’t remember reading a book where they actually started out friends first, actual friends and not just acting like friends. I really liked that.
The ending was a little anticlimactic. The author built up this big bad and it was over quickly and seemingly very little action even though there was some fighting going on. Maybe if the fight had raged on a little more? Also, I think a series with the big bad would be really great but it gets solved rather quickly.
Thank you for reading my review.
-Sam
July 6, 2012
Thank you 카지노싸이트, for the giveaway and the chance to read Chaos Burning.
Impressions: Decent fluff read, good benefits, likable characters, somewhat poorly written.
I like paranormal romances so they had me with witches, weres, vampires and more. I liked the chemistry between Simon (shifter) and Lark (witch). Simon can be easily be a perfect man. Slightly dangerous, owns his life, has integrity, wants to protect his love but understands she needs her freedom to be who she is. Not to mention, he's a huge stud-muffin.
Lark's character, a knowledgeable take charge kinda witch, has no problem kicking ass in the name of keeping her people safe but also has a good balance of vulnerability, especially when it comes to Simon.
The story kept it's pace fairly well. My big problem was the actual writing style, the sentence structure drove me nuts. It seemed like words/thoughts were missing. Sentences just left hanging with no benefit to the story or maybe it was poorly placed punctuation. At times it was a hot mess. For this reason alone I find this read "OK" opposed to a "Like"
Impressions: Decent fluff read, good benefits, likable characters, somewhat poorly written.
I like paranormal romances so they had me with witches, weres, vampires and more. I liked the chemistry between Simon (shifter) and Lark (witch). Simon can be easily be a perfect man. Slightly dangerous, owns his life, has integrity, wants to protect his love but understands she needs her freedom to be who she is. Not to mention, he's a huge stud-muffin.
Lark's character, a knowledgeable take charge kinda witch, has no problem kicking ass in the name of keeping her people safe but also has a good balance of vulnerability, especially when it comes to Simon.
The story kept it's pace fairly well. My big problem was the actual writing style, the sentence structure drove me nuts. It seemed like words/thoughts were missing. Sentences just left hanging with no benefit to the story or maybe it was poorly placed punctuation. At times it was a hot mess. For this reason alone I find this read "OK" opposed to a "Like"
October 30, 2017
"She liked boys who smelled like the inside of stores that sold tea and candles along with vinyl singles and bongs. He was luxury cars and cashmere throws on the back of a couch that cost more than all her possessions combined most likely."
"I thought you guys were all unicorns and rainbows and candle stores with crystals in the windows...."
Lark shrugged, well aware of what Others often assumed about witches. It suited witches just fine to be considered fluffy and sweetness instead of as Satan’s best girlfriend. That shit got a girl all drowned and stuff.
He interested her. She liked him. It wasn’t like a first date really because she’d already gotten close to him as a friend. Which she had to admit made her weak because she wanted to see what was next for them not just as friends but as more-than-friends.
Which was so silly. So. Silly. He was a prince. A big, gorgeous male specimen used to life’s finest things. Used to women who knew what the labels on stuff made in the last ten years meant. Women who used Spanx and got pedicures. She didn’t do any of that. She shopped in thrift stores. She wouldn’t balk at spending six hundred dollars on a weapon, but she’d never spend that on shoes or a purse.
"I’m not a math problem you need to puzzle over. I’m not human, Lark, and neither are you. I don’t buy into that whole let’s get to know each other and court and then in three years we can work with our mutual schedule books to find a date to get married. I know what I want. I have no hesitation in admitting this to you. This isn’t dating. To me, to my people, once you find that person who makes you feel like this, that’s it. I did get to know you. Which is why you’re dug in so deep. Before I realized it, I already thought you were perfect. And then I saw you fight. That coupled with the way you were on the roof, in the gardens? That was it. I’m here, you’re here. We’re here. I’m making a declaration to you. Openly. You’re meant to be mine.”
"You’re very good at being a grown-up. You have a business. A successful business. And this house and land. I don’t even have an apartment. I was living in a friend’s house while she travels. I fight with my sister over clothes and who gets to do what in my job. I feel like a baby bird next to you.”
He carried her across the breezeway and toward his bedroom at the end of the hall and up the stairs. A whole quarter of the second story was his bedroom and normally the views would have had her stunned. But what could the trees and sky have to compete with Simon Leviathan? There was nothing else she wanted to look at but the shape of his ears, the way his pulse beat fast and hard as she licked over and then stared at his throat. The burr of his groan against her lips as she kissed him there echoed low in her body.
“I expected big, huge walls or gates or something.”
“There’s plenty of defense here. When you’re strong enough, you don’t need gates or walls. Just enough fear to create reverence.”
he purposely referred to Lark as his ne’est ... his key....
"When a male Lycian marks a female, he takes her as his mate. Not just as his wife, not as his girlfriend or the mother of his brood. He holds her out in public as his. As his commitment and his responsibility. And, I suppose, as his treasure.” He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. “And then they performed the binding ritual. They are part of each other in a way very few can be. Very few choose to be. The werewolves have their fated mates and their own transmission of that mate bond. Lycians choose to make that binding. It is unusual and special and forever...."
"The local nest was a rather large home in Madrona in a quiet neighborhood with great views. They walked up the sidewalk and stairs to the front door where there were two vampires in jeans and T-shirts checking who was entering.
"They were having an open house, which made her visit timely and also probably more fraught with tension from the vamps. They had open houses for humans considering converting to Vampirism. They came and mixed, got to know the local vampires and their rules. And if they decided to go forward they needed five sponsors and approval from the local guild. Their version of government. They checked mental health status, criminal and financial background and they had to go to classes for a certain period of time and live as a vampire for a year before they were converted."
She held on, her nails digging into his shoulders. His beast rode that edge of pain and approved of the way she demanded her pleasure. Unable to stop himself, not wanting to anyway, he leaned in and bit the side of one of her breasts. Not to harm. But to mark.
She made a sound, gods, that sound, deep and dripping with desire. She hooked her ankles at the small of his back and he got even deeper as he pulled back and licked over the bite. “Mine.”
Nodding, she took his face between her hands and held him still for a moment. “Yes. Yours.”
He snarled and thrust harder, watching to see her reaction, never, ever wanting to harm what was his. But she didn’t react with fear, she angled herself enough to lean back and thrust against him, meeting him each time he got in deep.
Grateful for his size and strength, he got a hand free and found her clit, circling it slowly. She tightened around him again, graying his vision for a moment. So very close. She needed to be with him when it happened. The circling sped until he squeezed her clit gently between thumb and forefinger. She sat upright on a gasp and began to come around him, writhing and moving as she did, dragging him in with her until he was blind with it.
He went to his knees, still holding her, gaze locked on hers as they both recovered their breath. One corner of her mouth slid up. “You gave me a hickey on my boob.”
“You totally owe me for this.”
“I’ll let you see my boobs later.”
"I thought you guys were all unicorns and rainbows and candle stores with crystals in the windows...."
Lark shrugged, well aware of what Others often assumed about witches. It suited witches just fine to be considered fluffy and sweetness instead of as Satan’s best girlfriend. That shit got a girl all drowned and stuff.
He interested her. She liked him. It wasn’t like a first date really because she’d already gotten close to him as a friend. Which she had to admit made her weak because she wanted to see what was next for them not just as friends but as more-than-friends.
Which was so silly. So. Silly. He was a prince. A big, gorgeous male specimen used to life’s finest things. Used to women who knew what the labels on stuff made in the last ten years meant. Women who used Spanx and got pedicures. She didn’t do any of that. She shopped in thrift stores. She wouldn’t balk at spending six hundred dollars on a weapon, but she’d never spend that on shoes or a purse.
"I’m not a math problem you need to puzzle over. I’m not human, Lark, and neither are you. I don’t buy into that whole let’s get to know each other and court and then in three years we can work with our mutual schedule books to find a date to get married. I know what I want. I have no hesitation in admitting this to you. This isn’t dating. To me, to my people, once you find that person who makes you feel like this, that’s it. I did get to know you. Which is why you’re dug in so deep. Before I realized it, I already thought you were perfect. And then I saw you fight. That coupled with the way you were on the roof, in the gardens? That was it. I’m here, you’re here. We’re here. I’m making a declaration to you. Openly. You’re meant to be mine.”
"You’re very good at being a grown-up. You have a business. A successful business. And this house and land. I don’t even have an apartment. I was living in a friend’s house while she travels. I fight with my sister over clothes and who gets to do what in my job. I feel like a baby bird next to you.”
He carried her across the breezeway and toward his bedroom at the end of the hall and up the stairs. A whole quarter of the second story was his bedroom and normally the views would have had her stunned. But what could the trees and sky have to compete with Simon Leviathan? There was nothing else she wanted to look at but the shape of his ears, the way his pulse beat fast and hard as she licked over and then stared at his throat. The burr of his groan against her lips as she kissed him there echoed low in her body.
“I expected big, huge walls or gates or something.”
“There’s plenty of defense here. When you’re strong enough, you don’t need gates or walls. Just enough fear to create reverence.”
he purposely referred to Lark as his ne’est ... his key....
"When a male Lycian marks a female, he takes her as his mate. Not just as his wife, not as his girlfriend or the mother of his brood. He holds her out in public as his. As his commitment and his responsibility. And, I suppose, as his treasure.” He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. “And then they performed the binding ritual. They are part of each other in a way very few can be. Very few choose to be. The werewolves have their fated mates and their own transmission of that mate bond. Lycians choose to make that binding. It is unusual and special and forever...."
"The local nest was a rather large home in Madrona in a quiet neighborhood with great views. They walked up the sidewalk and stairs to the front door where there were two vampires in jeans and T-shirts checking who was entering.
"They were having an open house, which made her visit timely and also probably more fraught with tension from the vamps. They had open houses for humans considering converting to Vampirism. They came and mixed, got to know the local vampires and their rules. And if they decided to go forward they needed five sponsors and approval from the local guild. Their version of government. They checked mental health status, criminal and financial background and they had to go to classes for a certain period of time and live as a vampire for a year before they were converted."
She held on, her nails digging into his shoulders. His beast rode that edge of pain and approved of the way she demanded her pleasure. Unable to stop himself, not wanting to anyway, he leaned in and bit the side of one of her breasts. Not to harm. But to mark.
She made a sound, gods, that sound, deep and dripping with desire. She hooked her ankles at the small of his back and he got even deeper as he pulled back and licked over the bite. “Mine.”
Nodding, she took his face between her hands and held him still for a moment. “Yes. Yours.”
He snarled and thrust harder, watching to see her reaction, never, ever wanting to harm what was his. But she didn’t react with fear, she angled herself enough to lean back and thrust against him, meeting him each time he got in deep.
Grateful for his size and strength, he got a hand free and found her clit, circling it slowly. She tightened around him again, graying his vision for a moment. So very close. She needed to be with him when it happened. The circling sped until he squeezed her clit gently between thumb and forefinger. She sat upright on a gasp and began to come around him, writhing and moving as she did, dragging him in with her until he was blind with it.
He went to his knees, still holding her, gaze locked on hers as they both recovered their breath. One corner of her mouth slid up. “You gave me a hickey on my boob.”
“You totally owe me for this.”
“I’ll let you see my boobs later.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2012
I received this book in the 카지노싸이트 book giveaway.
I like the story concept. However, I have found a lot of typos (which kind of make me crazy). And, it almost seems like pages were left out of the book. For instance, Spoiler Alert: The main character crosses the veil to meet her new beau's family, meets them, goes for a walk, and then she is back on Earth doing her job - hunting. It really did seem as though there should have been several more pages in-between.
I like the story concept. However, I have found a lot of typos (which kind of make me crazy). And, it almost seems like pages were left out of the book. For instance, Spoiler Alert: The main character crosses the veil to meet her new beau's family, meets them, goes for a walk, and then she is back on Earth doing her job - hunting. It really did seem as though there should have been several more pages in-between.
October 11, 2016
Very slow-paced. The villain is kind of Fantastic 4-ish so nothing original. Another thing is that I couldn't really feel the chemistry between Lark and Simon. However, I enjoyed the glimpses of the characters we saw in the 1st book, especially Meriel and Dominic.
July 23, 2012
I won this book from a goodreads contest and it was definitely a win, win for me. This book was great. I fell in love with the connection Lark and Simon had for each other. Because of what they are and what they fight for, I couldn’t help but be wrapped up in this story. Thank you so much Ms. Dane for picking my name to read this great story.
June 14, 2012
I love Lauren Dane. That said, I wasn't as in love with this book as I wanted to be. Supernatural, ginormous evildoers - check. Smoking hot and sexy 600 year old hero - check. Feisty, funky and uniquely beautiful heroine - check. And visits from some of the Cascadia wolves! Double check! And yet, I just couldn't connect with it entirely.
July 22, 2017
This was okay. It wasn't as good a read for me as the first book in this series was, but that's more about the fit between me and the main characters than any negative perspective on the story or the writing.
I like this author's writing style, and very much like her world-building. This particular story revolved around a pair of warriors, and their intensity was just a bit too intense for me, so as I said, my reaction to this book is more me than the book.
Lark and Simon are amazing characters and they do some pretty amazing things to try to save the world in this story, they just didn't connect to me as I will never be a bad-ass warrior so it just didn't resonate for me the way Meriel's story in the first book did.
Not a bad book at all - there's drama and action and suspense and romance. Just not my favourite flavour is all. I would definitely check out other books in this series, because the writing and the world-building are terrific!
I like this author's writing style, and very much like her world-building. This particular story revolved around a pair of warriors, and their intensity was just a bit too intense for me, so as I said, my reaction to this book is more me than the book.
Lark and Simon are amazing characters and they do some pretty amazing things to try to save the world in this story, they just didn't connect to me as I will never be a bad-ass warrior so it just didn't resonate for me the way Meriel's story in the first book did.
Not a bad book at all - there's drama and action and suspense and romance. Just not my favourite flavour is all. I would definitely check out other books in this series, because the writing and the world-building are terrific!
June 9, 2012
Review originally posted at .
Really a 3.75 star.
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
The life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she’s met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they’re each coming into their own.
A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as fae retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. He is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding him is Lark and Simon’s first hope. Surviving him is their last.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
Ms Dane has created a complex world filled with supernatural beings. Her other stories in this world have focused more on life from the werewolf or werecat point of view. They did give the first inklings of supernatural beings under threat of hunters. Not big game hunters, but hunters after the power/magic inherent in shapeshifting and natural witchcraft. Her Bound by Magick series, while set in this same world with a few overlapping characters, focuses more on the witches’ response to being hunted down and brutally killed for their power. As Chaos Burning opens, the rather conservative Owen clan has reached out to their relatives, Clan Gennessee, for assistance in dealing with this problem. As a result Lark, a witch who is skilled in both protecting her Clan as well as training and organizing others in protection, arrives to help out. Lark also wanted some space from her sister. They had been joint-hunters both responsible for their Clan’s protection when a personal matter made it difficult for them to work together. Hoping that physical distance can heal the wounds between them, Lark readily accepts Clan Owen’s request for assistance. There not only does she meet Simon but she realizes that the dangers both within and outside the Clan are a lot worse than anyone thought.
I really liked Lark as a character. She was extremely driven to protect others and would work past exhaustion as a result. Her protection didn’t just spread to her specific Clan or family or even just witches but across species. She had a great sense of humor, no shame about her sensuality, a total enjoyment of life, and a knack for teaching people how to use everything available to stay safe. She wasn’t without her faults but accepted them and did what she could to balance them out. I also really liked her reaction to Simon’s admission that she was the one for him.
Simon, while I liked him as a character a lot both in the earlier book and in this one, I was taken aback by the combination of where he came from and how easy it was to travel back and forth. I loved his family, and hope that Ms Dane sets a story there so I can explore it more. He was strong, caring, capable, protective and after a few discussions trusted Lark do what she did best while providing back-up or helping in areas he was more suited for. I loved the scene when he ensured that Lark rested so she could continue the fight the next day. He wasn’t going to let her completely rundown but he also very carefully didn’t embarrass or undermine her authority in front of those she was leading.
Their relationship was the perfect friends to lovers I think. It developed slowly and they needed that time to get to know each other and also have the security of a location and the ease around another person providing a way to relax and recharge. As events picked up and things started looking grimmer and grimmer, that escape became more and more necessary. They had their disagreements, which I liked and I also really liked that those arguments didn’t lead to any To Stupid To Live (TSTL) moments. They worked through them I think in part because by that time they both realized how precious and fragile they were against the Magister and his minions.
I did have a few quibbles with Chaos Burning. First I am still not sure exactly what I think of the orgins/reasons behind the Magister. I think some of that is because the world of the supernaturals has been completely rocked and there is a lot of clean-up to do. After thinking about the last pieces of information to come out about the Magister I am satisfied that Ms Dane did not cheapen his evilness or suddenly provide a new special power that enabled his defeat. The Magister was just so impartially evil that the traditional ending would not have worked. Doesn’t mean I didn’t hope for it but I also don’t feel cheated. The soft part of my heart also wishes things worked out otherwise for some individuals. My only other quibble is what happened with the spy. They had a suspect, determined that someone was indeed providing information but it was never resolved. In my opinion the amount of attention paid to the spy aspect meant I should either get some resolution in the end or have a sense that it was going to be addressed in a later book. I didn’t really get either of those.
Overall this was a very intense read that kept me guessing and hoping until the very end even though this wasn’t my favorite of Ms Dane’s works in this particular world. I really hope she comes out with more in this world because I want to see what has happened to all of the other characters I have grown to enjoy.
I give Chaos Burning a B-
Really a 3.75 star.
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
The life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she’s met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they’re each coming into their own.
A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as fae retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. He is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding him is Lark and Simon’s first hope. Surviving him is their last.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
Ms Dane has created a complex world filled with supernatural beings. Her other stories in this world have focused more on life from the werewolf or werecat point of view. They did give the first inklings of supernatural beings under threat of hunters. Not big game hunters, but hunters after the power/magic inherent in shapeshifting and natural witchcraft. Her Bound by Magick series, while set in this same world with a few overlapping characters, focuses more on the witches’ response to being hunted down and brutally killed for their power. As Chaos Burning opens, the rather conservative Owen clan has reached out to their relatives, Clan Gennessee, for assistance in dealing with this problem. As a result Lark, a witch who is skilled in both protecting her Clan as well as training and organizing others in protection, arrives to help out. Lark also wanted some space from her sister. They had been joint-hunters both responsible for their Clan’s protection when a personal matter made it difficult for them to work together. Hoping that physical distance can heal the wounds between them, Lark readily accepts Clan Owen’s request for assistance. There not only does she meet Simon but she realizes that the dangers both within and outside the Clan are a lot worse than anyone thought.
I really liked Lark as a character. She was extremely driven to protect others and would work past exhaustion as a result. Her protection didn’t just spread to her specific Clan or family or even just witches but across species. She had a great sense of humor, no shame about her sensuality, a total enjoyment of life, and a knack for teaching people how to use everything available to stay safe. She wasn’t without her faults but accepted them and did what she could to balance them out. I also really liked her reaction to Simon’s admission that she was the one for him.
Simon, while I liked him as a character a lot both in the earlier book and in this one, I was taken aback by the combination of where he came from and how easy it was to travel back and forth. I loved his family, and hope that Ms Dane sets a story there so I can explore it more. He was strong, caring, capable, protective and after a few discussions trusted Lark do what she did best while providing back-up or helping in areas he was more suited for. I loved the scene when he ensured that Lark rested so she could continue the fight the next day. He wasn’t going to let her completely rundown but he also very carefully didn’t embarrass or undermine her authority in front of those she was leading.
Their relationship was the perfect friends to lovers I think. It developed slowly and they needed that time to get to know each other and also have the security of a location and the ease around another person providing a way to relax and recharge. As events picked up and things started looking grimmer and grimmer, that escape became more and more necessary. They had their disagreements, which I liked and I also really liked that those arguments didn’t lead to any To Stupid To Live (TSTL) moments. They worked through them I think in part because by that time they both realized how precious and fragile they were against the Magister and his minions.
I did have a few quibbles with Chaos Burning. First I am still not sure exactly what I think of the orgins/reasons behind the Magister. I think some of that is because the world of the supernaturals has been completely rocked and there is a lot of clean-up to do. After thinking about the last pieces of information to come out about the Magister I am satisfied that Ms Dane did not cheapen his evilness or suddenly provide a new special power that enabled his defeat. The Magister was just so impartially evil that the traditional ending would not have worked. Doesn’t mean I didn’t hope for it but I also don’t feel cheated. The soft part of my heart also wishes things worked out otherwise for some individuals. My only other quibble is what happened with the spy. They had a suspect, determined that someone was indeed providing information but it was never resolved. In my opinion the amount of attention paid to the spy aspect meant I should either get some resolution in the end or have a sense that it was going to be addressed in a later book. I didn’t really get either of those.
Overall this was a very intense read that kept me guessing and hoping until the very end even though this wasn’t my favorite of Ms Dane’s works in this particular world. I really hope she comes out with more in this world because I want to see what has happened to all of the other characters I have grown to enjoy.
I give Chaos Burning a B-
September 15, 2017
I had a chance to read the Bound by Magick series a few years ago and I declined. This week I stumbled back across the group of books by Lauren Dane and I can honestly say the right book at the right time is better than rushing through stories before you are ready. In this story Simon who turns out to be Lycian pairs up with Lark, a witch. While these two work together to find the reason for the abduction and murder of not only witches, werewolves, vampires and all types of others, these two find a unexpected bond as well as love. Together they are fighting the unknown. . . The Magister who is siphoning magic so that he can come into their world to destroy it. Now in theory you think only there are several other books in the series so good overcomes evil. . . . . but at what price?
March 27, 2017
Ding Ding Ding. I loved this book. Lark and Simone are wonderful. Loved the romance, the plot is very well done and the characters are great. In fact I find it hard to believe the next two can be as good as this one was. I wish they had their own series, even a short one.
*I can't decide if you have to read the first one, but I think it helps and anyone but me might like it fine. I just had trouble connecting to the main in the first one but not this one.
Also there is a .05 in What Happens in Vegas...After Dark: Hot for Revenge\The Promise\Sensual Magic\Divine Desires that I liked quite a bit. I think the one for this series is What Happens in Vegas.
*I can't decide if you have to read the first one, but I think it helps and anyone but me might like it fine. I just had trouble connecting to the main in the first one but not this one.
Also there is a .05 in What Happens in Vegas...After Dark: Hot for Revenge\The Promise\Sensual Magic\Divine Desires that I liked quite a bit. I think the one for this series is What Happens in Vegas.
March 15, 2024
A let down at the end.
Very slow all the way through, though entertaining enough, until we get to the battle that isn’t a battle.
There was very little description of what happened, everything feels hurried. This is especially frustrating due to the sheer number of people killed.
If this magister is a balancer, which is how it’s coming across, then why weren’t human numbers decimated too?
I did like the sort of information given about the magister by the new others who turned up.
But who was the leak and spy? Yes, there is more than one found, but we are never told if Craig, in Owen, was one of them.
Very slow all the way through, though entertaining enough, until we get to the battle that isn’t a battle.
There was very little description of what happened, everything feels hurried. This is especially frustrating due to the sheer number of people killed.
If this magister is a balancer, which is how it’s coming across, then why weren’t human numbers decimated too?
I did like the sort of information given about the magister by the new others who turned up.
But who was the leak and spy? Yes, there is more than one found, but we are never told if Craig, in Owen, was one of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Slow building romance set in a well-developed world with characters you just can’t help but love.
Opening Sentence: Lark shouldered her duffel and headed down the Jetway, hoping to avoid the cute and nice-smelling hipster college student who’d been trying to pick her up since they took off.
The Review:
Chaos Burning starts off with Lark Jaansen arriving in Seattle to train the Owen clan of witches. Mages have been attacking and kidnapping witches across the United States and Canada draining their power, often killing them in the process. Lark is met at the airport by Simon Leviathan, a wolf shapeshifter from another world, where they quickly develop a friendly admiration for one another. Lark sets to work right away learning about the Owen clan, their Hunter team and teaching them new defensive spells.
Two months have passed since the events of Heart of Darkness. Simon still runs his nightclub with Dominic and Meriel is still getting used to her new position of leadership within Owen. Nell, the woman in charge of the Hunter team is pregnant. Lark is slowly filling in for Nell as the job just keeps getting more dangerous. Mages are working in groups kidnapping witches at home and off the streets. Lark is using everything she can to make sure she stops these killings once and for all. While Simon slowly comes to the realization that Lark is the woman for him.
Chaos Burning is definitely a Lark-centric book. Lark has a crazy sense of style and hair colors. She is an independent woman who really loves her family but needs some space which is one of the reasons she is in Seattle. The action really follows Lark around. She likes to get in fights and is constantly bruised to the dismay of Simon. All of these things are what Simon was leery about Lark but in the end was how he fell in love with her. Simon is very much the Alpha male. He is a Lycian, wolf shapeshifter, from another plane, Lycia. He has lived for over 600 years and still has some old-fashioned gentlemanly ways about him. They often butt heads about Lark’s chosen field of work but when it comes to her doing her job, Simon gives her all the space she needs which really impressed her.
The beginning of the book is a little slow and the romance is set to a slow broil but when it kicks in the book really fly’s from there. The world building in Chaos Burning was not near as confusing as it was for me at the beginning of Heart of Darkness. In fact, even though the story once again involved clans all over North America, only a few clans were actually involved or discussed. There was more insight into the vampires and werewolves and how they operate. It was nice having Lark and Simon visit Lycia and learning some of the strange customs of the land.
Lark and Simon are both written in the third person and it is pretty easy to decipher whose head you are in but I still had a little trouble with the conversations and knowing who is speaking. I didn’t have as hard a time with this book like I did the first one. One thing I have learned about Lauren Dane’s writing is that she mainly attributes who is speaking by actions within the conversation. There are not many “says” or “exasperated” or “yells” which makes for excellent writing but can still be a little confusing.
Overall, I like the development and well-roundedness that Lauren Dane instills in her characters. The world is dark and dangerous while the characters have a well-developed sense of goodness and love. Chaos Burning can be read as a standalone but the repercussions of the ending will definitely reflect on the next book and I can’t wait to see what is in store for Gage and this world.
Notable Scene:
She released the one who seemed to be in charge.
“Here’s how this will go. I will ask and you will answer. If you lie to me, I’ll shoot you. Not to kill you. At first.”
“Fuck off.”
She shot him in the right leg. In the thigh. He buckled on a howl of pain.
“Lots of blood to be lost with a wound like that. So, do you need me to go over the rules again?”
He kept whining so she shot him in the other leg.
Finally the fear seemed to get him thinking clearer and he managed to sit up against the side of the couch.
“Bitch.”
“You bet. And I’m really mad at you. So you know, oopsie and stuff. But I’ll shoot you again and again and you won’t die until I’m ready. I know a few things being a witch and all. So, how about you tell me about this house the pregnant witch has been taken to. Because if you don’t, I’ll get in your head and take it and then I’ll leave you to bleed out.”
“I don’t know anything.”
“Yes, you do. You see, I know the rest of you all act as small cells. This is a headquarters of some type. It was totally stupid of you to pick Tweedledum over there up and bring him back. Even if I hadn’t been following, he’s bound to get caught again and spill all he knows.”
“I don’t—”
But before he could say another thing she simply dove into his head, not bothering to be slow or careful. She didn’t give a shit if she broke his brain. She just needed the info and she needed it right then.
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley provided me with a copy of Chaos Burning. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Slow building romance set in a well-developed world with characters you just can’t help but love.
Opening Sentence: Lark shouldered her duffel and headed down the Jetway, hoping to avoid the cute and nice-smelling hipster college student who’d been trying to pick her up since they took off.
The Review:
Chaos Burning starts off with Lark Jaansen arriving in Seattle to train the Owen clan of witches. Mages have been attacking and kidnapping witches across the United States and Canada draining their power, often killing them in the process. Lark is met at the airport by Simon Leviathan, a wolf shapeshifter from another world, where they quickly develop a friendly admiration for one another. Lark sets to work right away learning about the Owen clan, their Hunter team and teaching them new defensive spells.
Two months have passed since the events of Heart of Darkness. Simon still runs his nightclub with Dominic and Meriel is still getting used to her new position of leadership within Owen. Nell, the woman in charge of the Hunter team is pregnant. Lark is slowly filling in for Nell as the job just keeps getting more dangerous. Mages are working in groups kidnapping witches at home and off the streets. Lark is using everything she can to make sure she stops these killings once and for all. While Simon slowly comes to the realization that Lark is the woman for him.
Chaos Burning is definitely a Lark-centric book. Lark has a crazy sense of style and hair colors. She is an independent woman who really loves her family but needs some space which is one of the reasons she is in Seattle. The action really follows Lark around. She likes to get in fights and is constantly bruised to the dismay of Simon. All of these things are what Simon was leery about Lark but in the end was how he fell in love with her. Simon is very much the Alpha male. He is a Lycian, wolf shapeshifter, from another plane, Lycia. He has lived for over 600 years and still has some old-fashioned gentlemanly ways about him. They often butt heads about Lark’s chosen field of work but when it comes to her doing her job, Simon gives her all the space she needs which really impressed her.
The beginning of the book is a little slow and the romance is set to a slow broil but when it kicks in the book really fly’s from there. The world building in Chaos Burning was not near as confusing as it was for me at the beginning of Heart of Darkness. In fact, even though the story once again involved clans all over North America, only a few clans were actually involved or discussed. There was more insight into the vampires and werewolves and how they operate. It was nice having Lark and Simon visit Lycia and learning some of the strange customs of the land.
Lark and Simon are both written in the third person and it is pretty easy to decipher whose head you are in but I still had a little trouble with the conversations and knowing who is speaking. I didn’t have as hard a time with this book like I did the first one. One thing I have learned about Lauren Dane’s writing is that she mainly attributes who is speaking by actions within the conversation. There are not many “says” or “exasperated” or “yells” which makes for excellent writing but can still be a little confusing.
Overall, I like the development and well-roundedness that Lauren Dane instills in her characters. The world is dark and dangerous while the characters have a well-developed sense of goodness and love. Chaos Burning can be read as a standalone but the repercussions of the ending will definitely reflect on the next book and I can’t wait to see what is in store for Gage and this world.
Notable Scene:
She released the one who seemed to be in charge.
“Here’s how this will go. I will ask and you will answer. If you lie to me, I’ll shoot you. Not to kill you. At first.”
“Fuck off.”
She shot him in the right leg. In the thigh. He buckled on a howl of pain.
“Lots of blood to be lost with a wound like that. So, do you need me to go over the rules again?”
He kept whining so she shot him in the other leg.
Finally the fear seemed to get him thinking clearer and he managed to sit up against the side of the couch.
“Bitch.”
“You bet. And I’m really mad at you. So you know, oopsie and stuff. But I’ll shoot you again and again and you won’t die until I’m ready. I know a few things being a witch and all. So, how about you tell me about this house the pregnant witch has been taken to. Because if you don’t, I’ll get in your head and take it and then I’ll leave you to bleed out.”
“I don’t know anything.”
“Yes, you do. You see, I know the rest of you all act as small cells. This is a headquarters of some type. It was totally stupid of you to pick Tweedledum over there up and bring him back. Even if I hadn’t been following, he’s bound to get caught again and spill all he knows.”
“I don’t—”
But before he could say another thing she simply dove into his head, not bothering to be slow or careful. She didn’t give a shit if she broke his brain. She just needed the info and she needed it right then.
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley provided me with a copy of Chaos Burning. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
January 27, 2020
Enjoyed
It is not unique strong alpha females and alpha men but heads. However there is a proper story beyond that. You really need to have read the first book to get full enjoyment. There are a lot of sex scenes but if I'm not in the mood I just skip through them. All all an enjoyable read. I will be getting the next book.
It is not unique strong alpha females and alpha men but heads. However there is a proper story beyond that. You really need to have read the first book to get full enjoyment. There are a lot of sex scenes but if I'm not in the mood I just skip through them. All all an enjoyable read. I will be getting the next book.
July 21, 2020
The Cleanse
Wow. So much going on. Simon and Lark meet . They become friends first. Then finally lovers. An odd chef with a sister. A new team. A tough, totally independent Hunter. She takes on the World and wins with her friends and family by her side. In the end they loose a lot . More than I expected. Very good!!
Wow. So much going on. Simon and Lark meet . They become friends first. Then finally lovers. An odd chef with a sister. A new team. A tough, totally independent Hunter. She takes on the World and wins with her friends and family by her side. In the end they loose a lot . More than I expected. Very good!!
February 24, 2018
I give up on this author. I have tried to read this series, her Ink & Chrome, and Brown series. I just can't find any interest in her stories. This is not any fault of the author--it's me. Her stories are well written and well edited but they just do not appeal to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2019
Really enjoying this series. The only issue, was the build up to the battle was great, but when the battle happened, it seemed rushed. Won't stop me from moving on to the next book though, love the characters and world.
November 26, 2017
Love this series!!! Now on to book #3.
January 30, 2022
I enjoyed it but it was slow going. Great chapters and story story just slower paced.
April 7, 2025
The characters and story were great. I wish they had leaned into the beyond-the-veil part of the story more. The ending seemed a bit anti-climactic, but overall good read.
April 7, 2025
When the heroine is selected to travel north to Seattle to aid in the search for the missing witches, she does it knowing it's for the best for her to distance herself from the tense relationship with her sister. Now, she's a part of a very close team and her personality allows for her to make friends easily and her ability to fight keeps their respect. She's immediately befriended by the massive Lycan hero who has a habit of wanting to take care of her. She's normally a bit put off when people, especially men get it in their minds that she needs to be babysit but for some strange reason, she doesn't so much mind with him. Perhaps it's his natural protectiveness and internal need to feed and care for those around him or perhaps it’s the respectful and charming manner in which he does it. But whatever the reason, she much enjoys the perks of being this man’s friend. He is filthy rich and she's invited to his home to swim or run the grounds. His home is a place of comfort for her and indeed for all of their group. The land is soothing and its a happy place for all involved. As the months pass, she becomes even closer to him, enjoying their banter and easy relationship. But then, all of a sudden something changes and he goes from platonic friend to seductive male and she's stunned by just how badly she wants him in return. The hero knew from the first moment he laid eyes on her, taking in her horrible fashion sense and badass weapon case that this woman was unlike any woman he'd ever met before. Their relationship started off tame, partly because the hero didn't really see her as 'female' in the sense of sexually. That all changed for him when he sees her naked. When he becomes jealous of her male suitors. Now, he's suddenly very intense on taking things to the next level and when he realizes she's game, the courtship begins. The hero's nature is very protective and nurturing. It's a struggle for him to stay on the safe side of that line between protective and overprotective. The heroine is very good at pointing out to him the times when he's allowing his beast to control him. It's hard for him to know her job is dangerous but he's smart enough and faithful enough to trust in her ability to protect herself. He satisfies that urge for possessiveness with the habit of caring for her when she needs him. Making sure she eats and sleeps. Holding her when she's sad and loving her when she needs that release. The enemy is old and extremely powerful and the risk of death is very high but the heroine is not a quitter and she does have the support of her lover and her friends to see her through.
I'm sad to say that this book was a rather big disappointment. It's strange really because it possessed all of those key elements that usually come together to produce a winner. It featured an amazing heroine. This woman was super odd and her habit of dressing like a cross between a homeless person and a thrift store clerk was endearingly charming. She had the habit of thinking out loud, of being brutally honest and possessed no filter. She was a kick ass fighter and a woman who could go from odd ball to warrior woman in a split second. She was intense when she was in battle and she could handle herself in every situation. It featured a hero who was a beautiful man who knew it but didn't let it go to his head. He was also an amazing support system to the heroine. He was a warrior himself but he was not a typical member of the squad. However, he was a beast in a fight but what was stronger of him was his ability to let the heroine take the lead. He never second guessed her, always supported her in front of her group as well as every time she doubted herself. He enjoyed taking care of her, making sure she was fed and being her rock in this troublesome time. They had a lovely relationship, one built on friendship and trust before evolving into intense passion and a sense of oneness. With the love I had for these characters, why then did I feel cheated? The plotline was the issue. It was slow and choppy. I could never find that groove that would sweep me away. I found myself always bouncing out of the scene and skimming pages here and there. I couldn't get into it. The writing style was repetitive and I felt like it went nowhere for so long before suddenly jumping into the thick of a mythical enemy returned to wreak havoc on the magical community. I am frustrated with book because I know it could have been better. There were many things I like about it so it wasn't a complete wash, it just sa
I'm sad to say that this book was a rather big disappointment. It's strange really because it possessed all of those key elements that usually come together to produce a winner. It featured an amazing heroine. This woman was super odd and her habit of dressing like a cross between a homeless person and a thrift store clerk was endearingly charming. She had the habit of thinking out loud, of being brutally honest and possessed no filter. She was a kick ass fighter and a woman who could go from odd ball to warrior woman in a split second. She was intense when she was in battle and she could handle herself in every situation. It featured a hero who was a beautiful man who knew it but didn't let it go to his head. He was also an amazing support system to the heroine. He was a warrior himself but he was not a typical member of the squad. However, he was a beast in a fight but what was stronger of him was his ability to let the heroine take the lead. He never second guessed her, always supported her in front of her group as well as every time she doubted herself. He enjoyed taking care of her, making sure she was fed and being her rock in this troublesome time. They had a lovely relationship, one built on friendship and trust before evolving into intense passion and a sense of oneness. With the love I had for these characters, why then did I feel cheated? The plotline was the issue. It was slow and choppy. I could never find that groove that would sweep me away. I found myself always bouncing out of the scene and skimming pages here and there. I couldn't get into it. The writing style was repetitive and I felt like it went nowhere for so long before suddenly jumping into the thick of a mythical enemy returned to wreak havoc on the magical community. I am frustrated with book because I know it could have been better. There were many things I like about it so it wasn't a complete wash, it just sa
September 21, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 1st August 2013:
RATING: 3.75 SEYMEON STARS!
I like the world that Lauren Dane has me in with her Witches, Lycians, Shifters and Others, and her very , very alpha males.
My thoughts on this instalment in her Bound By Magick series. I felt at times Lark was too Alpha female. Meriel still showed her girlie ways with Nell in Heart of Darkness, but we also got why Dominic chose her, why they chose each other.
Lark is very well matched to Simon’s character, but she just felt too alpha female. She is a real ball buster. I did love that they were friends to start with and then Simon started to notice more of Lark’s quirky dress sense, etc and started to totally dig it.
I love his Lycian name is Seymeon. Humma , humma.
I’ve been trying to get my words right for this review of how I felt about Lark’s character taking over and Meriel and Dom who are the leaders of Clan Owen seemed to be taking their instructions from Lark. She felt like she was the one with the overall say. I got confused by her take charge role when Nell never had that position. Lark was supposed to be covering Nell’s position due to her pregnancy. I didn’t get Nell being this leader type role from Heart of Darkness. I identified with Nell as a Hunter and her leader role in that respect, but Lark's role felt more than that.
Anyway that is how it came across to me and it felt like Meriel and Dom had their roles taken from them a bit.
Simon is a very rawrrrr character and I loved his family over in the Veil. I loved him in Heart of Darkness and you get much more of the smexi totally ALPHA male in this read. You can almost hear him growling from the pages.
Or maybe that was me...hehe.
Sometimes I felt like there was too much dialogue and it wasn’t interesting dialogue in this instalment.
“I love that you carry handkerchiefs. It’s so old-school guy. But it makes me nervous to use them because they’re so snowy white and I know my eyeliner and mascara are going to ruin them.”
“I’ve got fifty of them. It’s not like I can’t spare one to dry your tears.”
“You need to understand I don’t cry all the time. Lately I have, i know. But I don’t normally.”
“I’ll excuse it this one time.”
“Okay, so yes, it’s silly of me and all. But still.”
He stood and pulled her up into a hug. “I’ve come to take you to dinner before we head out on patrol.”
“We?” She stepped back and looked him up and down. “You’re dressed like a commando and you still have handkerchiefs. We’re an odd couple, Simon. Just know that.”
“I may have to admit that I like the bright pink in your hair. That’s a start isn’t it?”
“Are those Gucci pants?”
“No.” They were Dolce & Gabbana, but she didn’t need to know that.
I would have liked more action rather than hearing how totally awesome Lark was from Simon. I got a bit yawny in those parts when they were both thinking about each other so much in their heads. I also lost a bit when Simon was leading the pages and when Lark was. It was this pov takeover that came and went.
The Magister is an interesting villain. It’s not a villain that can be explained easily. It is what it is. But it is also all powerful. There is no rest for the hard working, so all hands on deck to save them from this villain that is life threatening, but nobody totally understands it. It is too old. It has the Fae ducking for cover and they are old.
“It’s not something you can wrap your mind around. The Magister is chaos. Older than even I can imagine and I’m far, far older than you are. It doesn’t care about money or weaponry. You can’t reason with it. It has a purpose, but we may never fully understand it. I just know it cleanses. Burns holy clarity with no regard to good or evil or anything like that. It’s not here to work through an ancient vengeance or revenge.”
The mage villains are still causing havoc and death among the Others and witches. I am looking forward to where Lauren will take me in this series.
I have reserved Gage's book, Going Under. I really like the lad so am hoping for more intriguing plot and of course whatever smexi that lad gets up to.
Michelle
RATING: 3.75 SEYMEON STARS!
I like the world that Lauren Dane has me in with her Witches, Lycians, Shifters and Others, and her very , very alpha males.
My thoughts on this instalment in her Bound By Magick series. I felt at times Lark was too Alpha female. Meriel still showed her girlie ways with Nell in Heart of Darkness, but we also got why Dominic chose her, why they chose each other.
Lark is very well matched to Simon’s character, but she just felt too alpha female. She is a real ball buster. I did love that they were friends to start with and then Simon started to notice more of Lark’s quirky dress sense, etc and started to totally dig it.
I love his Lycian name is Seymeon. Humma , humma.
I’ve been trying to get my words right for this review of how I felt about Lark’s character taking over and Meriel and Dom who are the leaders of Clan Owen seemed to be taking their instructions from Lark. She felt like she was the one with the overall say. I got confused by her take charge role when Nell never had that position. Lark was supposed to be covering Nell’s position due to her pregnancy. I didn’t get Nell being this leader type role from Heart of Darkness. I identified with Nell as a Hunter and her leader role in that respect, but Lark's role felt more than that.
Anyway that is how it came across to me and it felt like Meriel and Dom had their roles taken from them a bit.
Simon is a very rawrrrr character and I loved his family over in the Veil. I loved him in Heart of Darkness and you get much more of the smexi totally ALPHA male in this read. You can almost hear him growling from the pages.
Or maybe that was me...hehe.
Sometimes I felt like there was too much dialogue and it wasn’t interesting dialogue in this instalment.
“I love that you carry handkerchiefs. It’s so old-school guy. But it makes me nervous to use them because they’re so snowy white and I know my eyeliner and mascara are going to ruin them.”
“I’ve got fifty of them. It’s not like I can’t spare one to dry your tears.”
“You need to understand I don’t cry all the time. Lately I have, i know. But I don’t normally.”
“I’ll excuse it this one time.”
“Okay, so yes, it’s silly of me and all. But still.”
He stood and pulled her up into a hug. “I’ve come to take you to dinner before we head out on patrol.”
“We?” She stepped back and looked him up and down. “You’re dressed like a commando and you still have handkerchiefs. We’re an odd couple, Simon. Just know that.”
“I may have to admit that I like the bright pink in your hair. That’s a start isn’t it?”
“Are those Gucci pants?”
“No.” They were Dolce & Gabbana, but she didn’t need to know that.
I would have liked more action rather than hearing how totally awesome Lark was from Simon. I got a bit yawny in those parts when they were both thinking about each other so much in their heads. I also lost a bit when Simon was leading the pages and when Lark was. It was this pov takeover that came and went.
The Magister is an interesting villain. It’s not a villain that can be explained easily. It is what it is. But it is also all powerful. There is no rest for the hard working, so all hands on deck to save them from this villain that is life threatening, but nobody totally understands it. It is too old. It has the Fae ducking for cover and they are old.
“It’s not something you can wrap your mind around. The Magister is chaos. Older than even I can imagine and I’m far, far older than you are. It doesn’t care about money or weaponry. You can’t reason with it. It has a purpose, but we may never fully understand it. I just know it cleanses. Burns holy clarity with no regard to good or evil or anything like that. It’s not here to work through an ancient vengeance or revenge.”
The mage villains are still causing havoc and death among the Others and witches. I am looking forward to where Lauren will take me in this series.
I have reserved Gage's book, Going Under. I really like the lad so am hoping for more intriguing plot and of course whatever smexi that lad gets up to.
Michelle
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