5 STARS
DRAGON!
Yes, I know. My previous quest ended poorly, but perseverance has paid off and my needs for a gorgeous, noble dragon have been met. At least, temporarily.
Necromancers. Never been a big fan, but that's usually because they're boring cardboard villains. So, giving me a hero that's slightly macabre in appearance and practices blood magic--Win. Interesting twist to how magi are selected to become necromancers, a necessary and feared position. Rochus Kraemer is such a man.
He is summoned by the Queen, which is never a good sign. But, the surprise waiting for him at court spoils his mood further. And it is during his information gathering at court that he receives advice that puts things into perspective.
“From what I know of Landau, he's wealthy, hard-working, fiercely loyal… certainly the matter should not have been so crudely forced, but I've seen you do stupider for far less.”
Tilo Landau, lord of distant holding, requires assistance, and uses his political clout to get what he wants. And this is great because Derr takes another common romance trope and spins it around: forced marriage. Of course, there's adventures and spirit and death wielding spells all with the help of Rochus' friends and familiars, which are pretty darn awesome characters in their own right.
“We're not doing this on a kitchen table,” he said when he finally managed to pull away. “People cook and eat here.”
Boo, hiss. Spoilsport. Yeah, there were feisty sexy times that suited both men. And gosh darn if it didn't have one of the most romantic endings I've read in awhile.
Honestly, the story rocked. Derr is one of the few authors who really excel at the shorter novella form. All the bang, but in a smaller package.
Overall, smitten.
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