This is the second book I've read of this series. The other one was Master of Wolves, which I highly recommend. I think I've re-read Master of Wolves about three or four times. And for me and a romance, that doesn't happen very often.For this series, I'm tentative when I say you don't really need to have read the previous books to understand what's going on. Ms. Knight does a fairly good job of blending in the present with background.With that being said, I found this book gripping, exciting and I didn't stop reading it until I was done. I still have a bit of a time wrapping my head about who is who, and how long they've been immortal, and the spouse and children part of it, but I'm sure I'll totally understand one day. I intend to go back and read the books just to make sure I've got all the rules and guidelines of the vampire, witch, werewolf, etc, stuff down.However, I digress. This book continues Arthur and his immortal knights and witches searching for the black grail that turns normal humans into vampires. I was a little taken aback at the beginning where they quickly destroy cup number two, but it's number three that's the focus of this book. The love story between Lark and Gawain is very hot, and combined with enough battles plus the antics of Gawain's symbiotic dragon-locked-in-a-sword friend, Kel, kept it a good-paced and entertaining read.While I hate to follow up the positive with a negative, there's just one thing that kind of bugs me. I suppose with all those immortal knights, sorcerers, witches, etc, living for centuries, eventually those not attached, true-bonded and/or married are going to make the rounds. However, it still kind of irked me at times at how many of the immortals had slept with each other. In addition to that, I felt a bit of feminist anghst at how Lark became an immortal witch. Forigve the spoiler, but she had to sleep with the "court seducer" in order to trigger the magic with the man's climax. I realize that romance books these days are becoming more and more of erotica-type novels, but for me, this felt like it was really pushing the erotica envelope. I only say this because the beginning of the book shows how Gawain became an immortal knight. He drank from the Holy Grail and voila! He was an immortal vampire. Lark on the other hand, in my mind, had to prostitute herself in order to receive the gift. Perhaps the previous books explain other methods in becoming immortal and gaining magical ability, but I only read of these ways. I'm one of those that I think too much when reading. Lark explained how her grandfather and her mother both applied to become part of the mageverse, but were turned down. this is also another thing I'm really trying to understand. I believe Merlin told Gawain that if he sired children, they may or may not be like him. But from the book, it seems that anyone who didn't drink from the Holy Grail or sleep with the court seducer had to apply. So...I'm confused.I disclaimer that I'm just babblinrambling on about my thoughts and confusion with some aspect of the books. I also repeat that perhaps there were explanations in previous or even later books. I'm going by Master of Swords and what was explained there.Overall I give this book a solid four stars. Despite my griping, I enjoy Ms. Knight's books and the mageverse series and will continue on with the next book. I believe at the time of my review the series is complete, so it might be silly to say that I hope we see a book with Gawain's dragon friend Kel. I liked his character a great deal. Anyway, highly recommend the book and the series. (Even if you don't like vampires, go for it!)
If you enjoy a good vampire romance then these are definately worth a look at it did take me a couple of chapters before i was really able to sink my teeth into the story line.For me i think the whole idea of( merlin,King Arthur and his Knights of the round table)as the vampires confused me a little to start with. However once i could relate to the concept it was an easy read and i got to know the characters a little better. For me there was just enough romance fighting and humour to keep me entertained till the end.
What do You think about Master Of Swords (2006)?
It only took four novels to get the one I expected at the start of this series once I learned of the Arthurian (with a lot of poetic license) premise of the Mageverse series. Finally a love story about one of the Arthurian Knights: Gawain. His love interest: Tristan's great-granddaughter. Gawain is a happy bachelor, quite satisfied with his 15-century bromance with his dragon friend Kel who has been enchanted into a talking sword and who shares a mental link with Gawain. Having to take on Lark McClure as his apprentice is done against protest, but he soon changes his tune. Despite suffering from PSTD, Gawain soon discovers there is much to admire about his apprentice. Her great-grandfather Tristan is very unhappy about the pairing. Their relationship develops as the war against Geiroff's evil vampire horde continues as the Magekind search for the third Dark Grail and hostilities arise with Kel's Dragonkind enemies. Bors' bad seed son is the latest villain, and the scenes with Bors are wrenching, as is the necessary means to stop Richard before he can't be stopped at all.
—Robin
Book #4 in the Mageverse seriesThis is Gawain's story. He has a simbiotic relationship with Kel - a dragon who's been trapped in a sword for 1600 years - Kel provides him with magic which makes him pretty badass.After losing several Magi & Magae in the battle with Geirolf, Arthur decides that each rookie should be paired with a seasoned veteran. Gawain gets paired with Lark, who is Tristan's great-granddaughter. Since Magi have to feed from Magae, Gawain & Lark also pair up in the bedroom.And then everyone & his/her brother starts warning Lark about how Gawain is not a forever kinda guy & to watch so she doesn't get her heart broken.The pair Truebond in order to free Kel so he can get to the Dragonlands to chase after the bad guy. (Which sets Kel up nicely for his own story, Master of Dragons)
—Lisa ~ Books Are My Drugs ~
