Review: Dark Heart of Magic

Author Jennifer Estep
Format e-ARC
Print Length 368 pages

Publisher Kensington
Published October 27, 2015

Something Wicked This Way Comes...

As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.

Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.

As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...

My Opinion

Dark Heart of Magic is the kind of book that tricks the reader into staying up late. A chapter flies by, and then another until you don’t realize that you read the whole thing in one seating. Which sucks because you know that it will be forever until the release of the next book in the series, and you really did want to savor it. Gorging on the world that Ms. Estep built makes you feel oh so satisfied though.

The Tournament of Blades is upon us, and Lila is all about watching the families duke it out on the playing field. That is until Claudia (Devon’s mom) declares that she too will represent the family in the competition. Lila is shocked, bewildered and afraid- she does not like being the center of attention.

The Tournament is supposed to be a safe environment that the families use to work off some of their frustrations with each other. That is until someone brings danger into the arena. There has to be a connection between the danger and the monsters being scared, taken or left for dead. What that connection is Lila doesn’t know, she will soon find out though. Once she does will she be able to stop the dark evil that is running rampant in Cloudburst Falls?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Lila is “the force is strong with this one.” She is a strong female character that knows how to take care of herself. Yes, she holds herself apart from others by trying not to form bonds. Who wouldn’t with all she has been through. Instead of cowering behind a tree, she meets every threat thrown at her head on. She may not come out as shiny as she was going in, but at least she comes out.

Devon is the perfect book boyfriend. He gives Lila the space she needs- knowing that she has to come to a decision about them sooner or later. He gives her the support she needs. He protects her, when he needs to. Mostly, he believes in her. Sometimes that is all a gal really needs.

Deah and Felix’s relationship also takes center stage in this tale. One cannot help but wonder if her dad suspects something but as of now. I am going to go with no. I could be wrong though. Deah is seen more in this book than in the previous ones. Is she an evil Draconi or is there more to her than meets the magic?

I love the revelations we get concerning Lila’s family. They are game changers and I wonder how they will play out in the finale.

Dark Heart of Magic is an excellent follow-up to Cold Heart of Magic. Questions are answered, more are asked. Ultimately, leaving the reader begging for more- which is just what a book should do.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Well, when a monster saves your life, it’s only fair to give it what it wants,” I murmured.

Other People

Felix- Devon’s bestie
Deah- daughter of Victor Draconi, enemy of the Sinclair family
Seleste- Deah’s mom, has the power of vision
Katia- competitor for the Volkov family, has a crush on Felix
Oscar- pixie assigned to Lila
Vance- mean member of the Sinclair family