Early Book Review: Dark Magic by Rebecca York

Dark Magic by Rebecca York is a paranormal romance due to be released in digital format on August 1 2011. This romance takes the feel of a historical novel, castles and arranged marriage, and combines it with legends and lore come to life.

In Dark Magic Devon's father is a hard, brutal man bent on getting the most monetary and political gain from the marriage of his daughter. However, when the castle is under siege the plan to trade Devon to the leader of the attackers in exchange for peace becomes the most viable option in his eyes. Devon is a smart and curios woman, far more interested in books than embroidery. When a mysterious man, Galladar, appears in her bedroom, she should have screamed. However, she was fascinated and he awakens her sensuality and shows her that she could have more than a loveless, arranged marriage. When word of her father's plan for her reaches Devon she decides to take the chance that the legends about a virgin sacrifice to a nearby dragon might save her people, and her less than perfect family. Her escape and journey do not go as planned, and Devon has some surprises to face.

Dark Magic has some great, sizzling scenes, and some things that are common problems in romance. The intimate moments between Devon and Galladar begin early in the book, and are hot. However, if a stranger magically appeared in my bedroom I do not think that my first response would be to let him kiss and touch me, no matter how handsome he might be. Early attraction and interaction is something that is often found in romance, so it was not a huge disappointment, more like a minor irritation because Devon is otherwise reasonably intelligent. Galladar is a tortured hero, convinced that he is doomed to become bitter, lonely and evil as others of his kind have before. Devon's innocent and giving nature might just be his key to a brighter future. The twists within Dark Magic were not very surprising, but that could be because of the sheer volume of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy that I have already read.

Overall, Dark Magic was and enjoyable and satisfying summer read. I suggest it to those looking for something that combines the feel of historical romance and a touch of paranormal. It was a quick, hot read perfect for vacation or lazy day at home. I do not suggest this for people that prefer the intimate moments between the love interests to be glossed over or to wait until the end, Devon and Galladar are quite intense.