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Dance with the Devil #3
Midnight
Lord Devlin White, Duke of Winterbourne, is the last in a long line of powerful witches who assist the Demon Lord of London in keeping control of the Nightwalkers living amongst normal men. With all but one of his siblings gone to the new American colonies, his proud family line all but ended, Devlin is kept from gloom and despair only by unusual ward, Midnight.
Neither alive nor dead, sustained by magic and a bond to Devlin, and confined to the night, Midnight is happy to spend his life by Devlin’s side—though he longs for the day that Devlin sees him as more than a ward. But the powerful magic that raised him from the dead is desperately sought by someone who will stop at nothing to obtain the secret of Midnight that Devlin would die to protect...
Neither alive nor dead, sustained by magic and a bond to Devlin, and confined to the night, Midnight is happy to spend his life by Devlin’s side—though he longs for the day that Devlin sees him as more than a ward. But the powerful magic that raised him from the dead is desperately sought by someone who will stop at nothing to obtain the secret of Midnight that Devlin would die to protect...
305 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2009
38 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Megan Derr
283 books2,945 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 2, 2012
4.4 stars
I admit that I sort of post-poned reading this story because it feels like an all-out fantasy, which is not a genre I like. I love the two Dance series, but they don't feel like all-out fantasy because the idea of the MCs as detective. But since I have no more Megan Derr's stories, I decided to go a head.
Oh, my, what an ENCHANTING story this is. Megan Derr is able to make me forget that I don't like all-out fantasy. I fall immediately in love with the world building -- where there are rune master, vampires, wolf-elf, draugr, knights, dragons ... Megan Derr makes me want to live in this world, it's that amazing.
The story is being told in two perspectives. The first part, "The Mad Duke", is from Devlin White -- Duke of Winterbourne, a rune master who makes friends with nightwalkers and at the same time, controls the dangerous nightwalkers from attacking human. Devlin is grumpy with an arrogance of a Duke who deserves it because he's the best rune master there is, though of course his friends pay him no mind *lol*. But Devlin is also kind-hearted and loyal -- and even without stating it, his heart(beat) belongs to only one, his ward Midnight.
Midnight is a functional draugr (think zombie), being alive after a powerful spell combined from witch magic and necromancy. His heart beats just like Devlin's, for Devlin bonds himself to Midnight, in order to make Midnight functions. Midnight came into Devlin's life when he was 6 years old, and he has been Devlin's ward for the past 15 years. But Midnight loves only Devlin and he wants Devlin to see him more than just a ward. The second part, "The Corpse Child" is written from Midnight's perspective, as he gallantly strikes his way to save Devlin from captive.
It is such a fascinating tale -- of love and danger, of romance and action. I love everything about it. This -- and Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil, #2) -- are definitely my favorite of Megan Derr's.
PS : Just a little connection with Dance with the Devil, I think Devlin is Chris's uncle. Devlin has a sister, a witch, and though her name is never mentioned, I believe she is to be Glenys, Chris's mother.
I admit that I sort of post-poned reading this story because it feels like an all-out fantasy, which is not a genre I like. I love the two Dance series, but they don't feel like all-out fantasy because the idea of the MCs as detective. But since I have no more Megan Derr's stories, I decided to go a head.
Oh, my, what an ENCHANTING story this is. Megan Derr is able to make me forget that I don't like all-out fantasy. I fall immediately in love with the world building -- where there are rune master, vampires, wolf-elf, draugr, knights, dragons ... Megan Derr makes me want to live in this world, it's that amazing.
The story is being told in two perspectives. The first part, "The Mad Duke", is from Devlin White -- Duke of Winterbourne, a rune master who makes friends with nightwalkers and at the same time, controls the dangerous nightwalkers from attacking human. Devlin is grumpy with an arrogance of a Duke who deserves it because he's the best rune master there is, though of course his friends pay him no mind *lol*. But Devlin is also kind-hearted and loyal -- and even without stating it, his heart(beat) belongs to only one, his ward Midnight.
Midnight is a functional draugr (think zombie), being alive after a powerful spell combined from witch magic and necromancy. His heart beats just like Devlin's, for Devlin bonds himself to Midnight, in order to make Midnight functions. Midnight came into Devlin's life when he was 6 years old, and he has been Devlin's ward for the past 15 years. But Midnight loves only Devlin and he wants Devlin to see him more than just a ward. The second part, "The Corpse Child" is written from Midnight's perspective, as he gallantly strikes his way to save Devlin from captive.
It is such a fascinating tale -- of love and danger, of romance and action. I love everything about it. This -- and Dance in the Dark (Dance with the Devil, #2) -- are definitely my favorite of Megan Derr's.
PS : Just a little connection with Dance with the Devil, I think Devlin is Chris's uncle. Devlin has a sister, a witch, and though her name is never mentioned, I believe she is to be Glenys, Chris's mother.
July 6, 2019
*2.5 stars rounded to 3*
June 10, 2018
4 Stars
It took a really long time for me to get into this book; there's a lot of detail and world-building but the further along I listened the more I realized how important it all was to this plot-heavy tale. Magic, supernatural beings, nefarious deeds and an unknown foe were all weaved together very well, though, and I ended up actually liking it more than I thought I would.
Midnight calling Devlin "heartbeat" was swoon-worthy (as the term of endearment was also literal for him), and the lack of explicitness wasn't missed. In fact, I rather liked the UST built up through the entire book. Also liked the use of draugr in the mythology (slightly tweaked from what I'm familiar with, to be more attractive and palatable).
The audio was fine, if a little less dramatic than I would have expected given the plot & action sequences, but Cameron Jake did a good job with the different characters' voices/accents and made it relatively easy to distinguish between them all.
Oddly enough, I was more interested in the side characters (the Knight, wolf-elf & dragon shifter) and now I need to check out the blurbs to see which other stories they might feature in.
It took a really long time for me to get into this book; there's a lot of detail and world-building but the further along I listened the more I realized how important it all was to this plot-heavy tale. Magic, supernatural beings, nefarious deeds and an unknown foe were all weaved together very well, though, and I ended up actually liking it more than I thought I would.
Midnight calling Devlin "heartbeat" was swoon-worthy (as the term of endearment was also literal for him), and the lack of explicitness wasn't missed. In fact, I rather liked the UST built up through the entire book. Also liked the use of draugr in the mythology (slightly tweaked from what I'm familiar with, to be more attractive and palatable).
The audio was fine, if a little less dramatic than I would have expected given the plot & action sequences, but Cameron Jake did a good job with the different characters' voices/accents and made it relatively easy to distinguish between them all.
Oddly enough, I was more interested in the side characters (the Knight, wolf-elf & dragon shifter) and now I need to check out the blurbs to see which other stories they might feature in.
November 2, 2021
I enjoyed the book - I love the Dance With the Devil universe and everyone in it :)
This was my 3rd read of the book and it took me a while because rl sucks and I don't have much time for reading, but I loved the mystery and the characters, and I especially loved that we're seeing some of the predecessors of our favorite characters.
As a side note, I realized I need a chart to keep track of all of the characters in the series and the ways they are linked to each other.
Also, I lost my mind a little when, while toasting, it said "here here" instead of "hear, hear" :/
This was my 3rd read of the book and it took me a while because rl sucks and I don't have much time for reading, but I loved the mystery and the characters, and I especially loved that we're seeing some of the predecessors of our favorite characters.
As a side note, I realized I need a chart to keep track of all of the characters in the series and the ways they are linked to each other.
Also, I lost my mind a little when, while toasting, it said "here here" instead of "hear, hear" :/
August 5, 2012
I think this is my favorite of the series so far, how I loved this story, how I felt cozy and emotional while reading it.
Devlin is the Mad Duke, the descendant from a powerful noble family of black witches, a practitioner of rune magic. Midnight is the Corpse Child, a draugr, who Devlin bound to his own life in order to save him after he was killed and give him a sort of life, feeling he failed to protect him. Devlin and Midnight share heart, breath and soul. Midnight has always loved Devlin, since the very first glimpse he had of the man, with his starving childish imagination seeing him as a sort of angel after an act of generosity. This imprinted itself in Midnight, making Devlin his treasure, the only person for whom the dead child came back to life. This was so incredibly creepy! Midnight is considered a sort of abomination or curiosity, the magic of his making a secret Devlin guards fiercely.
Even if Devlin took care of Midnight since when he was a child, their relationship has never been one of father and son. Devlin has always felt protective of Midnight, but his honor prevents him from acting on the attraction he feels for the grown-up Midnight and taking advantage of the young man's attraction to him. He is afraid that Midnight's attachment depends on the obsession a draugr develops for their loved one, and not on a real feeling. While Devlin would love for Midnight to lead a normal life, to love and be loved as a normal man, he also is jealous of him. Midnight wants to be treated as a man, not as a child, he wants his feelings to be acknowledged by Devlin for what they are, he wants to love and be loved by Devlin completely. He is afraid Devlin sees him as a corpse and is repulsed by him, and he's afraid that his limitations as a draugr make him an unsuitable partner for the duke.
So we have: a proud, arrogant but generous nobleman, who tried to right the unfair death of a child; a lovely, sweet young man, who has experienced and never forgotten a single act of kindness. It was sweet and heartbreaking and sweet again. The sex is not explicit, there's sensuality, the attraction between the two men is shown with a delicate touch that makes every touch and kiss precious.
I love the world the author built for this series, it gets richer with each installment. In this book, for example, there were some great secondary characters. Barra, the Duke's personal assistant, is a wolf-elf with a great taste for elegant clothes. He falls in love with the pair formed by the knight Neirin and his dragon Troyes. They provide the tension-breaking moments of the book.
The first half of the story is told in Devlin's point of view; the second half in Midnight's. Unlike the previous books of the series (which could all be read as stand-alones), this tells one long story and not episodes or single cases involving the main couple.
Recommended if you're looking for a potential comfort read.
Devlin is the Mad Duke, the descendant from a powerful noble family of black witches, a practitioner of rune magic. Midnight is the Corpse Child, a draugr, who Devlin bound to his own life in order to save him after he was killed and give him a sort of life, feeling he failed to protect him. Devlin and Midnight share heart, breath and soul. Midnight has always loved Devlin, since the very first glimpse he had of the man, with his starving childish imagination seeing him as a sort of angel after an act of generosity. This imprinted itself in Midnight, making Devlin his treasure, the only person for whom the dead child came back to life. This was so incredibly creepy! Midnight is considered a sort of abomination or curiosity, the magic of his making a secret Devlin guards fiercely.
Even if Devlin took care of Midnight since when he was a child, their relationship has never been one of father and son. Devlin has always felt protective of Midnight, but his honor prevents him from acting on the attraction he feels for the grown-up Midnight and taking advantage of the young man's attraction to him. He is afraid that Midnight's attachment depends on the obsession a draugr develops for their loved one, and not on a real feeling. While Devlin would love for Midnight to lead a normal life, to love and be loved as a normal man, he also is jealous of him. Midnight wants to be treated as a man, not as a child, he wants his feelings to be acknowledged by Devlin for what they are, he wants to love and be loved by Devlin completely. He is afraid Devlin sees him as a corpse and is repulsed by him, and he's afraid that his limitations as a draugr make him an unsuitable partner for the duke.
So we have: a proud, arrogant but generous nobleman, who tried to right the unfair death of a child; a lovely, sweet young man, who has experienced and never forgotten a single act of kindness. It was sweet and heartbreaking and sweet again. The sex is not explicit, there's sensuality, the attraction between the two men is shown with a delicate touch that makes every touch and kiss precious.
I love the world the author built for this series, it gets richer with each installment. In this book, for example, there were some great secondary characters. Barra, the Duke's personal assistant, is a wolf-elf with a great taste for elegant clothes. He falls in love with the pair formed by the knight Neirin and his dragon Troyes. They provide the tension-breaking moments of the book.
The first half of the story is told in Devlin's point of view; the second half in Midnight's. Unlike the previous books of the series (which could all be read as stand-alones), this tells one long story and not episodes or single cases involving the main couple.
Recommended if you're looking for a potential comfort read.
April 19, 2011
Again, no surprise that I love this one. Lol
Midnight and Devlin are quite the pair. Devlin is a witch and Midnight is a functional draugr (zombie). Devlin is arrogant, snappy and brash while Midnight is softer. He's polite, easy-going and caring. They both harvest an unrequited love for the other but there's reservations on Devlin's side that gives Midnight his doubts about Devlin's feelings. One thing I do love about Derr's books is how there's always someone who's snippy and snappy and while it's both Devlin and Midnight, it's mainly Devlin that's like that. Although Midnight always has some type of smile to give Devlin ranging from sweet and genuine to sarcastic and smug. It's pretty entertaining.
The mystery in the story is actually good. It took me a while to figure out who was resurrecting all the draugr. I thought it was done rather well and I liked the resolution to it all especially since it made Devlin pull his head out of his ass. Aside from the mystery and Midnight and Devlin's relationship, there's two side relationships that I found fascinating and would like to see more of.
All in all, a great book and while there are still editing misses, it's not as bad as some of LT3's other books and I really liked how this one had a more developed world to it. Now I'd just like more romance ;-)
Definitely recommended.
Midnight and Devlin are quite the pair. Devlin is a witch and Midnight is a functional draugr (zombie). Devlin is arrogant, snappy and brash while Midnight is softer. He's polite, easy-going and caring. They both harvest an unrequited love for the other but there's reservations on Devlin's side that gives Midnight his doubts about Devlin's feelings. One thing I do love about Derr's books is how there's always someone who's snippy and snappy and while it's both Devlin and Midnight, it's mainly Devlin that's like that. Although Midnight always has some type of smile to give Devlin ranging from sweet and genuine to sarcastic and smug. It's pretty entertaining.
The mystery in the story is actually good. It took me a while to figure out who was resurrecting all the draugr. I thought it was done rather well and I liked the resolution to it all especially since it made Devlin pull his head out of his ass. Aside from the mystery and Midnight and Devlin's relationship, there's two side relationships that I found fascinating and would like to see more of.
All in all, a great book and while there are still editing misses, it's not as bad as some of LT3's other books and I really liked how this one had a more developed world to it. Now I'd just like more romance ;-)
Definitely recommended.
May 23, 2015
I really liked this narrator's voice. Crisp and British, it fit the story well.
The world building and characterization does not follow the typical shapeshifter formula and I found myself drawn in almost immediately.
The only disappointment was the fade to black sex. The tension builds so well and for so long that I was pretty damned disappointed that it didn't happen on page. Yeah, so I admit to wanting to read about some walking dead (don't think zombies) and black arts witch kinky man sex. Sorry this gif cracked me UP!
The world building and characterization does not follow the typical shapeshifter formula and I found myself drawn in almost immediately.
The only disappointment was the fade to black sex. The tension builds so well and for so long that I was pretty damned disappointed that it didn't happen on page. Yeah, so I admit to wanting to read about some walking dead (don't think zombies) and black arts witch kinky man sex. Sorry this gif cracked me UP!
May 2, 2019
4.5 stars
July 14, 2013
3.5-4 stars – A good continuation of Derr’s Dance with the Devil series. This installment is set in England much earlier than the other two, so is sort of a “prequel”. We follow Lord Devlin White (so my guess is that he is related to Chris who is the MC in book 1). Devlin is a powerful witch/“nightwalker” that assists in eliminating paranormal issues. Along with him are his trusty servant Barro and his once-ward, now assistant Midnight who Devlin revived from the dead fifteen years earlier. (And thus Midnight is like a “living corpse”, but due to the spells cast on him, is not like any other shambling, unthinking walking dead. Outside of his inability to stay awake during the daytime, and the fact that his soul and heart are tied to Devlin’s, he is like any other human-appearing paranormal being, albeit very strong.)
Unlike #1 Dance with the Devil which focuses on different mystery cases, Midnight has a more traditional one-story trajectory that follows Devlin and his crew to a village that has seen a rise in the walking dead. But Devlin finds that the problem is more complicated than expected, and those complications include a knight and his dragon, a vindictive priest, and a sorcerer searching for a new lease on life (and wants to use the secret behind Midnight’s existence as his means to an end.)
The relationship is a slow burn as Devlin and Midnight dance around their feelings for each other, especially Devlin, who has difficulty reconciling his feelings and coming to terms with the fact that Midnight is an adult (that cares deeply for him.) The story is split into two parts, one from Devlin’s POV, and one from Midnight’s, so the reader gets to see both their feelings and frustrations.
The story was a fun fantasy read, and a nice continuation of the Dance saga. Out of the three books, it’s probably the most “chaste” so I wouldn’t go in expecting randy hands in the dark. (Compared to book #2.) Probably the biggest setback for me was that the pace in the second-half felt much slower compared to the first half.
If you like fantasy with your m/m, I definitely recommend it. It can be read as a standalone in the Dance series, but I strongly recommend the other two books because I think they’re very fun reads. (Out of the three, I think #2 Dance in the Dark is still my favorite.)
Unlike #1 Dance with the Devil which focuses on different mystery cases, Midnight has a more traditional one-story trajectory that follows Devlin and his crew to a village that has seen a rise in the walking dead. But Devlin finds that the problem is more complicated than expected, and those complications include a knight and his dragon, a vindictive priest, and a sorcerer searching for a new lease on life (and wants to use the secret behind Midnight’s existence as his means to an end.)
The relationship is a slow burn as Devlin and Midnight dance around their feelings for each other, especially Devlin, who has difficulty reconciling his feelings and coming to terms with the fact that Midnight is an adult (that cares deeply for him.) The story is split into two parts, one from Devlin’s POV, and one from Midnight’s, so the reader gets to see both their feelings and frustrations.
The story was a fun fantasy read, and a nice continuation of the Dance saga. Out of the three books, it’s probably the most “chaste” so I wouldn’t go in expecting randy hands in the dark. (Compared to book #2.) Probably the biggest setback for me was that the pace in the second-half felt much slower compared to the first half.
If you like fantasy with your m/m, I definitely recommend it. It can be read as a standalone in the Dance series, but I strongly recommend the other two books because I think they’re very fun reads. (Out of the three, I think #2 Dance in the Dark is still my favorite.)
August 8, 2015
This was a super fun foray into the past and magic and death and love, I thoroughly enjoyed it. While I still would have liked this if I had read it, the narration was wonderful and I think this is a great series to listen to in audio format. He voice is perfectly British and he captured Devlin's haughty arrogance perfectly, and I loved it!
The structure of giving us the fist half from Devlin's POV and then the second half from Midnight's was a nice change from the usual back and forth. It allowed us to get to know both MC's, but left the tension of uncertainty as well. Their story is just beautiful and it made it all the richer to see a few snippets into Midnight's pre-draugr childhood, that even he does not remember. Devastating and heartbreaking but makes his relationship with Devlin all the more meaningful.
The plot was interesting and twisty enough to keep me entertained, even though it's all a set-up for the romance. They don't actually get together until the end, which I am totally fine with since they're interactions are still wonderful prior to that. We do get some make-outs and pre-sex stuff, but nothing too in detailed or graphic.
Barra, Niel, and the dragon were great side characters, and I would looooove to see a short with a story about them as well!
PS : Just a little connection with Dance with the Devil, I think Devlin is Chris's uncle (or maybe great Uncle, given the apparent difference in time periods). Devlin has a sister, a witch, who moved to the states, and though her name is never mentioned, she may be Glenys, Chris's mother. Or at least somehow related.
Audiobook received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The structure of giving us the fist half from Devlin's POV and then the second half from Midnight's was a nice change from the usual back and forth. It allowed us to get to know both MC's, but left the tension of uncertainty as well. Their story is just beautiful and it made it all the richer to see a few snippets into Midnight's pre-draugr childhood, that even he does not remember. Devastating and heartbreaking but makes his relationship with Devlin all the more meaningful.
The plot was interesting and twisty enough to keep me entertained, even though it's all a set-up for the romance. They don't actually get together until the end, which I am totally fine with since they're interactions are still wonderful prior to that. We do get some make-outs and pre-sex stuff, but nothing too in detailed or graphic.
Barra, Niel, and the dragon were great side characters, and I would looooove to see a short with a story about them as well!
PS : Just a little connection with Dance with the Devil, I think Devlin is Chris's uncle (or maybe great Uncle, given the apparent difference in time periods). Devlin has a sister, a witch, who moved to the states, and though her name is never mentioned, she may be Glenys, Chris's mother. Or at least somehow related.
Audiobook received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
April 6, 2012
Mystery,intrigue, night walkers, vampires, weres, dragons and zombies just to name a few things I liked about this book!
The story was great, even if the romance was a bit muted, I enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next one very soon!
The story was great, even if the romance was a bit muted, I enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next one very soon!
January 10, 2013
4.65
I finally finished the book I've been anticipating for ages
When thinking about what to write for my review:
-mind blank-
Oh well. My reviews have really been nothing more than the random things I found interesting/annoying/sexy/hilarious during the book.
So, to start, off, this was a pretty damn fantastic book. In my opinion, it sort of straddled the line between Dance in the Dark and Dance with the Devil. I liked it better than Dance in the Dark but it fell short of Dance with the Devil. Then again, I don't know if anything can come close to the first book. . . It holds a special place in my heart I suppose, haha.
I really really loved the set up for this whole book. It was so utterly unique. The world was so stunningly created and thought out, and I very much love the connection to the other books (though I have yet to verify it). The characters were unlike what I'd seen before either, and that totally grabbed my attention.
Anyway, first thoughts. The first thought that really popped up at me during the very very beginning was damn this dude is whipped but definitely not in a bad way. It was bloody cute how he kept thinking about midnight then BAM! Midnight rocks up, prince charming and all, with a bloody horse and some serious mojo. Is that not so romantic?
But it was sort of weird at first, because at the beginning, I sort of got the impression that midnight was the more dominant one, the one who controlled the relationship. And even when the "feeling" became less noticeable, it was still pretty damn obvious that midnight had a huge say in Devlin's decisions.
Then again, my feelings are constantly wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if I somehow received the wrong signals.
Oh well, it was weird, but very interesting. I would love to see it in other books.
Speaking of Devlin and Midnight. Oh damn. I hope y'all have a bloody fire extinguisher at arm's reach. No, this was not some smutty book, but it was so romantic, just that alone lit a fire sometimes sex can't (though I wish they just fricken got it on already.
And I also loved how bloody childish Devlin could be, and how sweetly single-minded Midnight was when it came to protecting Devlin (again, weird switch in dominance).
Mhmm damn. After writing this review and gushing about all the awesome things about it. .. I'm starting to rethink my 4.65 rating. Hmm maybe I'll edit after rereading it.
Anyway, all in all, with everything in consideration, this was a damn good book. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy this genre!
**Side note:
Devlin is the ancestor of Chris dearest (from Dance with the Devil), right?
Also, did anyone spot the wonderful little connective tidbit?
Replay:
Anyone know someone else who could taste magic on a certain Demon Lord by the name of Sable Brennus? Okay, so it's not exactly the same sense being used, but who cares? Taste, smell, whatever.
What an exciting connection!! (for someone who loved the 1st book so much. . .) I'm pretty sure it wasn't coincidental, but if it was, then, WHO CARES. What an awesome connection!
**EDIT:
AND OMG OMG!! THE DRAGON. THE DRAAGONNN!! Definitely rereading this book to pay more attention to the dragon ever since her new addition to Dance With The Devil (Sword of the King)revolved around DRAGONS! I feel so stupidly excited.
I finally finished the book I've been anticipating for ages
When thinking about what to write for my review:
-mind blank-
Oh well. My reviews have really been nothing more than the random things I found interesting/annoying/sexy/hilarious during the book.
So, to start, off, this was a pretty damn fantastic book. In my opinion, it sort of straddled the line between Dance in the Dark and Dance with the Devil. I liked it better than Dance in the Dark but it fell short of Dance with the Devil. Then again, I don't know if anything can come close to the first book. . . It holds a special place in my heart I suppose, haha.
I really really loved the set up for this whole book. It was so utterly unique. The world was so stunningly created and thought out, and I very much love the connection to the other books (though I have yet to verify it). The characters were unlike what I'd seen before either, and that totally grabbed my attention.
Anyway, first thoughts. The first thought that really popped up at me during the very very beginning was damn this dude is whipped but definitely not in a bad way. It was bloody cute how he kept thinking about midnight then BAM! Midnight rocks up, prince charming and all, with a bloody horse and some serious mojo. Is that not so romantic?
But it was sort of weird at first, because at the beginning, I sort of got the impression that midnight was the more dominant one, the one who controlled the relationship. And even when the "feeling" became less noticeable, it was still pretty damn obvious that midnight had a huge say in Devlin's decisions.
Then again, my feelings are constantly wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if I somehow received the wrong signals.
Oh well, it was weird, but very interesting. I would love to see it in other books.
Speaking of Devlin and Midnight. Oh damn. I hope y'all have a bloody fire extinguisher at arm's reach. No, this was not some smutty book, but it was so romantic, just that alone lit a fire sometimes sex can't (though I wish they just fricken got it on already.
And I also loved how bloody childish Devlin could be, and how sweetly single-minded Midnight was when it came to protecting Devlin (again, weird switch in dominance).
Mhmm damn. After writing this review and gushing about all the awesome things about it. .. I'm starting to rethink my 4.65 rating. Hmm maybe I'll edit after rereading it.
Anyway, all in all, with everything in consideration, this was a damn good book. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy this genre!
**Side note:
Devlin is the ancestor of Chris dearest (from Dance with the Devil), right?
Also, did anyone spot the wonderful little connective tidbit?
He smelled like magic, or so Devlin had always secretly thought –
bitter and sweet, rich and sharp, like copper and roses tangled together.
Replay:
He smelled like magic
Anyone know someone else who could taste magic on a certain Demon Lord by the name of Sable Brennus? Okay, so it's not exactly the same sense being used, but who cares? Taste, smell, whatever.
What an exciting connection!! (for someone who loved the 1st book so much. . .) I'm pretty sure it wasn't coincidental, but if it was, then, WHO CARES. What an awesome connection!
**EDIT:
AND OMG OMG!! THE DRAGON. THE DRAAGONNN!! Definitely rereading this book to pay more attention to the dragon ever since her new addition to Dance With The Devil (Sword of the King)revolved around DRAGONS! I feel so stupidly excited.
June 23, 2017
6/23/2017 ETA: I enjoyed this story much more on the second go-around. I was thoroughly engaged with all characters and smitten with the MCs, despite Devlin's surliness. Adjusting my rating to 4.0 solid stars.
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3.0 Stars
Okay. I'm in the minority here but I didn't care for this book very much. Eek! *ducks* In fact, after finishing Midnight, I decided to take a break from reading the rest of this series. I will likely go back and finish it up but it nonetheless doesn't bode well for me. I usually read a series in one straight shot from start to finish. Deviation is unusual. But I digress ...
Midnight is the tale of Devlin White, Duke of Winterbourne, the last in a long line of powerful witches who assist the Demon Lord of London in keeping control of the nightwalkers living amongst the normals. Devlinis infatuated with? ... is in love with? ... has a weird relationship with? ... all of the above with his young ward, Midnight. Devlin saved Midnight when he was a small child from being a draugr and has sinced raised him as his own. Midnight - who is neither dead nor alive - is an anomaly produced by Devlin's magic and the mojo of a powerful necromancer.
I enjoyed Midnight, Barra, Neirin, and Ceadda. I especially liked Troyes! Barra and Neirin's (and Troyes??? I dunno.) romance was cute and I would have enjoyed reading more of their story. Devlin was okay but aggravating at times. His skewed paradigm sometimes rendered such illogical decisions. His stubbornness was absolutely frustrating. In the end, though, the problem I had with this book was that it moved as slow as molasses. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Devlin and Midnight. Their romance came off as one step beyond platonic and the "sex" scenes were dull IMHO.
Bottom line: My least favorite book in the series.
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3.0 Stars
Okay. I'm in the minority here but I didn't care for this book very much. Eek! *ducks* In fact, after finishing Midnight, I decided to take a break from reading the rest of this series. I will likely go back and finish it up but it nonetheless doesn't bode well for me. I usually read a series in one straight shot from start to finish. Deviation is unusual. But I digress ...
Midnight is the tale of Devlin White, Duke of Winterbourne, the last in a long line of powerful witches who assist the Demon Lord of London in keeping control of the nightwalkers living amongst the normals. Devlin
I enjoyed Midnight, Barra, Neirin, and Ceadda. I especially liked Troyes! Barra and Neirin's (and Troyes??? I dunno.) romance was cute and I would have enjoyed reading more of their story. Devlin was okay but aggravating at times. His skewed paradigm sometimes rendered such illogical decisions. His stubbornness was absolutely frustrating. In the end, though, the problem I had with this book was that it moved as slow as molasses. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Devlin and Midnight. Their romance came off as one step beyond platonic and the "sex" scenes were dull IMHO.
Bottom line: My least favorite book in the series.
December 12, 2011
**4-4.5 stars**
Fabulous world-building and writing style. I really enjoyed this book and all it's quirks and twists and turns. Devlin is a fabulous character - strong, brave and closed-off but at the same time almost transparent in some of his feelings. Midnight just made me smile in every scene - the way he spoke, the mischievous way he teased and taunted Devlin, the sadness he felt when his "heartbeat" was missing. The way he was reborn was truly beautiful. Lovely plot and details. I'd recommend it.
Fabulous world-building and writing style. I really enjoyed this book and all it's quirks and twists and turns. Devlin is a fabulous character - strong, brave and closed-off but at the same time almost transparent in some of his feelings. Midnight just made me smile in every scene - the way he spoke, the mischievous way he teased and taunted Devlin, the sadness he felt when his "heartbeat" was missing. The way he was reborn was truly beautiful. Lovely plot and details. I'd recommend it.
October 6, 2013
3,5 stars
Zombie love à la Megan Derr and my favorite in the series so far.
Zombie love à la Megan Derr and my favorite in the series so far.
October 31, 2017
Loved it! Can't wait to read more. Would like to know more of Neirin and Troyes world. Couldn't believe how quickly the ending came for Silas and that he didn't know that he would be vulnerable at that point.
September 24, 2016
FIRST RE-READ 21 September 2016
I'm honestly a little chagrined that it's taken me almost four years to re-read this series. The whole thing is just so spectacular, each book has characters that are fantastically well drawn, and the universe is delightfully full.
I even ended up liking this one more this time. Enough that I'm upping my rating from four stars to five. And I'm making a mental note that if I'm ever in need of a spectacularly well written paranormal/fantasy series that I need to return to this!
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Misbehavior suits me ever so much better, do you not agree?"
"The angelic choir would never sound half so beautiful to me as your voice, heartbeat." Midnight touched his own chest with his free hand. "I hear you, and feel you, to the exclusion of all else."
Devlin tended to trust magic over people in all things.
"If no other way exists, I'll make it."
"Sometimes life does not go according to the plans we make, or those made for us. When faced with the unexpected, a man can choose to bemoan his fate and do nothing, or accept it and forge the new path offered."
"I cheated death to keep Midnight," Devlin replied. "Why on earth would I not cheat at everything else?"
"Everything will make more sense tomorrow, or at least we will be more inclined to manage it."
He was not a monster, because he was Devlin's.
ORIGINAL REVIEW 20 November 2012
So many blurbs or even titles like to proclaim that a book is "gothic" and I've been disappointed by most of them.
This book, on the other hand, never made that claim, and has to be one of the most deliciously atmospheric books ever! Much of that is to do with Midnight, the title character, who describes himself as a living corpse, but is really so much more. Midnight was saved by Devlin, and their relationship is what drives much of the book.
The book starts from Devlin's PoV and we go with him as he begins an investigation into reports of draugr. He's told Midnight to stay home so he'll be safe, but Midnight can sense how much it pains Devlin to be away from him, so he disobeys and comes to help in the investigation.
The second half of the book is from Midnight's PoV. This is when that atmosphere really began. Midnight not only can't be in sunlight, but has no choice but to sleep all day. So this half of the book takes place in darkness. And Midnight can turn himself into a cat, or a bat, and he can control the mist and the fog. And there's an epic battle in the dark and the fog between Midnight and the draugr that they've come to investigate. So, so, so awesome!
Midnight and Devlin's relationship was also beautiful and just so sweet.
And the side characters were delightful!
I'm honestly a little chagrined that it's taken me almost four years to re-read this series. The whole thing is just so spectacular, each book has characters that are fantastically well drawn, and the universe is delightfully full.
I even ended up liking this one more this time. Enough that I'm upping my rating from four stars to five. And I'm making a mental note that if I'm ever in need of a spectacularly well written paranormal/fantasy series that I need to return to this!
Some Favorite Quotes:
"Misbehavior suits me ever so much better, do you not agree?"
"The angelic choir would never sound half so beautiful to me as your voice, heartbeat." Midnight touched his own chest with his free hand. "I hear you, and feel you, to the exclusion of all else."
Devlin tended to trust magic over people in all things.
"If no other way exists, I'll make it."
"Sometimes life does not go according to the plans we make, or those made for us. When faced with the unexpected, a man can choose to bemoan his fate and do nothing, or accept it and forge the new path offered."
"I cheated death to keep Midnight," Devlin replied. "Why on earth would I not cheat at everything else?"
"Everything will make more sense tomorrow, or at least we will be more inclined to manage it."
He was not a monster, because he was Devlin's.
ORIGINAL REVIEW 20 November 2012
So many blurbs or even titles like to proclaim that a book is "gothic" and I've been disappointed by most of them.
This book, on the other hand, never made that claim, and has to be one of the most deliciously atmospheric books ever! Much of that is to do with Midnight, the title character, who describes himself as a living corpse, but is really so much more. Midnight was saved by Devlin, and their relationship is what drives much of the book.
The book starts from Devlin's PoV and we go with him as he begins an investigation into reports of draugr. He's told Midnight to stay home so he'll be safe, but Midnight can sense how much it pains Devlin to be away from him, so he disobeys and comes to help in the investigation.
The second half of the book is from Midnight's PoV. This is when that atmosphere really began. Midnight not only can't be in sunlight, but has no choice but to sleep all day. So this half of the book takes place in darkness. And Midnight can turn himself into a cat, or a bat, and he can control the mist and the fog. And there's an epic battle in the dark and the fog between Midnight and the draugr that they've come to investigate. So, so, so awesome!
Midnight and Devlin's relationship was also beautiful and just so sweet.
And the side characters were delightful!
June 19, 2025
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Miss Derr once again drew me in to her magical world and gave me a full and satisfying read with just the twist of uniqueness that is pure Megan Derr.
Midnight is a wonderful character. Watching him and his Heartbeat was both entertaining and heartwarming.
The mystery in this one was detailed and complex but still easy enough for me to follow.
The ending left me wanting to cheer
Midnight is a wonderful character. Watching him and his Heartbeat was both entertaining and heartwarming.
The mystery in this one was detailed and complex but still easy enough for me to follow.
The ending left me wanting to cheer
July 23, 2014
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. It's absolutely amazing!
I love the world building and the writing is very good.
The book has everything you need, black magic, a Duke, black witches, evil priests, scary angels, sorcerers and alchemists, arrogant knights which aren't so arrogant after all, an absolutely lovable dragon who is always hungry and loves apple pie, a wolf-elf who is charming, caring and so deserves the happiness he finds and this book has Midnight. I fell in love with Midnight he is a great, great character :)
Read the book, it's highly recommended!
I love the world building and the writing is very good.
The book has everything you need, black magic, a Duke, black witches, evil priests, scary angels, sorcerers and alchemists, arrogant knights which aren't so arrogant after all, an absolutely lovable dragon who is always hungry and loves apple pie, a wolf-elf who is charming, caring and so deserves the happiness he finds and this book has Midnight. I fell in love with Midnight he is a great, great character :)
Read the book, it's highly recommended!
December 2, 2014
This must be my 6-7th reread and I still am completely overcome by warm fuzzies over the absolute cuteness of young baby zombie Midnight meeting White that first time <3 Gahh. This remains my special favorite of Derr's, alongside book 2. I haven't been able to enjoy any of her new books, so I end up always going back to this one. Love the MCs, love their dynamic, love the world. It's charming and magical.
Read
January 11, 2025Midnight and Delvin
Delvin uses HSI considerable skill to give a small dead child a semblance of life. Years later, others want the secret.
Delvin uses HSI considerable skill to give a small dead child a semblance of life. Years later, others want the secret.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2013
Many different creatures, one goal... defeat the undead.
Undead? Are you afraid?
oh be afraid... be VERY afraid!
Part I, the Duke
This story is divided, the first part is from just one point of view. Devlin, the eleventh Duke of Winterbourne. A rune master and a black witch.
In a tragic night of undead attacks a child miraculous survive.. as an undead that child fate was be eliminated, but something in the duke's heart made him desire help... give in dead what that homeless child never had... happiness. That's how Devlin create his faithful follower, Midnight, a draugr.
At the present time of the story Devlin is in a mission. Again, to eliminate draugrs, in a delicate place. The city in in a border, almost dragon lands, but still under the Dracula protectorate. Infested by undead, it's a puzzle to Devlin. Why so many at the same place? Why so different creatures, from sea or land, or even dragon undead. Why? Who is creating this chaos... and the most important question.. why?
Part II, the Draugr
Midnight is an adult, know very well what he is, and who he want. He is lost, in love with the man that save him. Growing after a power magic that made him undead at the age of six he was unique....is still unique. No other creature is like him.
"“Midnight had never wasted time feeling guilty about what he was, or what he wanted. He was neither a vampire nor a goblin, yet craved human blood and flesh the same as those races. He was no zombie, soul stolen away by a sorcerer, yet his soul and his breath and his heartbeat were not his own. He was not one of the shapeshifters, yet he had that ability. He was bits and pieces of all kinds of nightwalkers, the sort of creature that even other nightwalkers would—and had—called a monster.”
When he start to narrate the story you will lost count of how many times his voice is heartbreaking. He is not alone:
Barra the wolf-elf
Ceadda the vampire and necromancer
Seth the recluse Alucard (son of the Dracula, the most power vampire)
Nerin the knight and his dragon Troyes
But he is lonely.
Midnight can have thousand people with him, he will be always lonely. He want Devlin. Love and be love by Devlin.
The second part of the book is (in my modest opinion) too slow. What I'm saying? It's a fantastic story, no? Oh yeah, it is... but, I insist, it slow down too much compare to the dynamic previous narrator (first part of the book, Devlin's POV). I adore read Midnight POV, but his slow research and adventure tired me. Unfortunately I was excited at the first chapters of the second part, but it was lost, after the characters goings and comings and eating and vising people around. It was the first time in the Dance with the devil series that I was hoping the end of the book would arrive soon.
So yes, I loved this story, and adored both narrators but the fact I "felt" it as a story that should be shorter I can't give 5 stars. I'm giving 3 stars, and honestly? I recommend it... I read 3 books, both the previous books (Dance with the Devil & Dance in the Dark) are 5 (thousand!) stars. This series are really perfect to readers searching a paranormal/fantasy story with unique and well described creatures. Each book have something that surprise me, and a mystery to be solved.
I recommend this book, and ALL the series so far. It's rare to find quality stories as the 3 books I read up to now.
Undead? Are you afraid?
oh be afraid... be VERY afraid!
Part I, the Duke
This story is divided, the first part is from just one point of view. Devlin, the eleventh Duke of Winterbourne. A rune master and a black witch.
In a tragic night of undead attacks a child miraculous survive.. as an undead that child fate was be eliminated, but something in the duke's heart made him desire help... give in dead what that homeless child never had... happiness. That's how Devlin create his faithful follower, Midnight, a draugr.
At the present time of the story Devlin is in a mission. Again, to eliminate draugrs, in a delicate place. The city in in a border, almost dragon lands, but still under the Dracula protectorate. Infested by undead, it's a puzzle to Devlin. Why so many at the same place? Why so different creatures, from sea or land, or even dragon undead. Why? Who is creating this chaos... and the most important question.. why?
Part II, the Draugr
Midnight is an adult, know very well what he is, and who he want. He is lost, in love with the man that save him. Growing after a power magic that made him undead at the age of six he was unique....is still unique. No other creature is like him.
"“Midnight had never wasted time feeling guilty about what he was, or what he wanted. He was neither a vampire nor a goblin, yet craved human blood and flesh the same as those races. He was no zombie, soul stolen away by a sorcerer, yet his soul and his breath and his heartbeat were not his own. He was not one of the shapeshifters, yet he had that ability. He was bits and pieces of all kinds of nightwalkers, the sort of creature that even other nightwalkers would—and had—called a monster.”
When he start to narrate the story you will lost count of how many times his voice is heartbreaking. He is not alone:
Barra the wolf-elf
Ceadda the vampire and necromancer
Seth the recluse Alucard (son of the Dracula, the most power vampire)
Nerin the knight and his dragon Troyes
But he is lonely.
Midnight can have thousand people with him, he will be always lonely. He want Devlin. Love and be love by Devlin.
The second part of the book is (in my modest opinion) too slow. What I'm saying? It's a fantastic story, no? Oh yeah, it is... but, I insist, it slow down too much compare to the dynamic previous narrator (first part of the book, Devlin's POV). I adore read Midnight POV, but his slow research and adventure tired me. Unfortunately I was excited at the first chapters of the second part, but it was lost, after the characters goings and comings and eating and vising people around. It was the first time in the Dance with the devil series that I was hoping the end of the book would arrive soon.
So yes, I loved this story, and adored both narrators but the fact I "felt" it as a story that should be shorter I can't give 5 stars. I'm giving 3 stars, and honestly? I recommend it... I read 3 books, both the previous books (Dance with the Devil & Dance in the Dark) are 5 (thousand!) stars. This series are really perfect to readers searching a paranormal/fantasy story with unique and well described creatures. Each book have something that surprise me, and a mystery to be solved.
I recommend this book, and ALL the series so far. It's rare to find quality stories as the 3 books I read up to now.
March 4, 2013
Whatever I end up thinking about Megan Derr's books, I always have to admire her imagination. It is very rare that I ever see any author -- of *any* genre -- come up with so many different ideas for stories, and so many different worldbuilding details. Her writing may not drag me in the way some other authors do, but the quality of her ideas is never in serious doubt.
This book is a prequel of sorts for Dance with the Devil and Dance in the Dark. There is no specific plot connection, however. This story takes place many years before the other two, in a different country, and involves ancestors/relatives of some characters in the other books. So although it's a shared universe, the conditions and culture are quite different in some ways. In this one, the civilization is more or less pre-Victorian with carriages and nobility and cravats and such, but with no gas or steam technology in evidence.
As for the characters -- first, let me say that the title character Midnight WAS NOT A ZOMBIE. Several reviewers have referred to him as a zombie -- which is quite irritating, especially since at one point the text specifically stated that "He was no zombie"! Ahem!! OTOH, he was certainly more or less undead and did drink human blood when the occasion presented itself -- so, perhaps some confusion could be forgiven. ;-) As the text specified, however, his best description was thus: "He was bits and pieces of all kinds of nightwalkers, the sort of creature that even other nightwalkers would — and had — called a monster." He was immensely strong and swift, could transform into either a raven or a cat, could control mist and fog (and had the expectation of more weather control as he gained more age and power), and he could not tolerate the sun. Oh, and -- terribly terribly important to the plot -- he shared both a heartbeat and a soul with his creator, Devlin, the 11th Duke of Winterbourne. (**Duh-duh-duhhhhhhhhh, cue ominous music here...**) In some ways, he was a more-or-less typical Frankenstein's monster -- a bit self-hating for his monstrosity, bound to and violently protective of his maker, unsure of his purpose in existence, and so on. But in other ways he was also a fairly typical 21 year old young man -- horny, mischievous, stubborn, naive, impetuous, and insecure. All in all, very good ingredients for an intriguing MC.
To finish later!.....
This book is a prequel of sorts for Dance with the Devil and Dance in the Dark. There is no specific plot connection, however. This story takes place many years before the other two, in a different country, and involves ancestors/relatives of some characters in the other books. So although it's a shared universe, the conditions and culture are quite different in some ways. In this one, the civilization is more or less pre-Victorian with carriages and nobility and cravats and such, but with no gas or steam technology in evidence.
As for the characters -- first, let me say that the title character Midnight WAS NOT A ZOMBIE. Several reviewers have referred to him as a zombie -- which is quite irritating, especially since at one point the text specifically stated that "He was no zombie"! Ahem!! OTOH, he was certainly more or less undead and did drink human blood when the occasion presented itself -- so, perhaps some confusion could be forgiven. ;-) As the text specified, however, his best description was thus: "He was bits and pieces of all kinds of nightwalkers, the sort of creature that even other nightwalkers would — and had — called a monster." He was immensely strong and swift, could transform into either a raven or a cat, could control mist and fog (and had the expectation of more weather control as he gained more age and power), and he could not tolerate the sun. Oh, and -- terribly terribly important to the plot -- he shared both a heartbeat and a soul with his creator, Devlin, the 11th Duke of Winterbourne. (**Duh-duh-duhhhhhhhhh, cue ominous music here...**) In some ways, he was a more-or-less typical Frankenstein's monster -- a bit self-hating for his monstrosity, bound to and violently protective of his maker, unsure of his purpose in existence, and so on. But in other ways he was also a fairly typical 21 year old young man -- horny, mischievous, stubborn, naive, impetuous, and insecure. All in all, very good ingredients for an intriguing MC.
To finish later!.....
February 27, 2017
These books seem to get better and better.
May 18, 2012
Megan Derr has taken a common theme-zombies-and made it something extraordinary. Rather than call the walking dead zombies, she's called them 'daugrs'. I've read a few of Megan's short stories, but Midnight is my first taste of her longer works. All I can say is...MORE! Midnight is bursting at the seams with paranormal creatures. Not only does it feature daugrs, but demons, dragons (and their companion knights), shifters, angels, imps, witches and vampires, as well as a ghost and a wolf, elf, human combination of Devlin's assistant Barra. The result is a highly entertaining and original romance story. Don't let the fact that it's listed as a m/m story stop you from reading this, because if you do, you'll be missing out on a fantastic story! The basic premises about Midnight and Devlin White, 11th Duke of Winterbourne and a black witch. When Midnight is turned into a daugr as a child, Devlin devises a series of spells, to give Midnight some sort of life, that was taken from him far too soon. However, the spells actually work to bind the two together, as long as Devlin's heart beats, so does Midnight's, allowing him to grow up and preventing him from rotting, like a normal daugr. When Midnight is about 15, he realizes that he loves Devlin, as a man, not as his guardian. He fears that Devlin will never see him as anything except a child. However, Devlin does see Midnight as more than a child, but fears that he's taken away Midnights free will because of the way they are bound together. Fortunately for them, they do get a happily-ever-after ending.
March 28, 2016
Who wants to imagine a romance between a wizard and a zombie? You must want to think about them in bed together having a little nookie, no? Then you'll love Megan Derr's Midnight!
Well it's more action and very minimal, discrete sex so it is just another another of Miss Derr's dark M/M love stories with magical beings substituted for real people. Still… a zombie? She calls him a drauger which is a Norse zombie but still he's dead and just held together in this fantasy world by necromancy magic. A drauger is like a zombie only less less clumsy and more verbal. Just what I always wanted for a lover :)
The Dance with Devil series of which this is part had some weird mixes of lovers but these might have been too big a stretch for me to swoon over. I might have preferred the actual devil (who doesn't appear in the Dance with the Devil series) and a hunky, sexy minion.
Book 4 in the series is about dragons who are forced to fight in pits like pit bull dogs are in the real world. Book 5 in the series is a Cowboy-sorcerer who loves a businessman-witch. I think Miss D. is losing me. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, giving it 5 stars (see my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) I am now calling it quits. No more dancing for me and Megan's magical creatures.
Well it's more action and very minimal, discrete sex so it is just another another of Miss Derr's dark M/M love stories with magical beings substituted for real people. Still… a zombie? She calls him a drauger which is a Norse zombie but still he's dead and just held together in this fantasy world by necromancy magic. A drauger is like a zombie only less less clumsy and more verbal. Just what I always wanted for a lover :)
The Dance with Devil series of which this is part had some weird mixes of lovers but these might have been too big a stretch for me to swoon over. I might have preferred the actual devil (who doesn't appear in the Dance with the Devil series) and a hunky, sexy minion.
Book 4 in the series is about dragons who are forced to fight in pits like pit bull dogs are in the real world. Book 5 in the series is a Cowboy-sorcerer who loves a businessman-witch. I think Miss D. is losing me. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, giving it 5 stars (see my review at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) I am now calling it quits. No more dancing for me and Megan's magical creatures.
January 27, 2012
Just under 5 stars
This was another great installment to the Dance with the Devil series. While this book was not set up in the Case File format of the first two books, Lord Devlin White, Duke of Winterbourne, is a black witch investigating a draugr (zombie) infestation. Devlin is the perfect man for the job, not only because he is the strongest black witch around, but he also has direct knowledge and expertise of the draugr since he created the most powerful draugr in existence, Midnight. As a boy, Midnight was killed and Devlin gave him back life. The spells used were a powerful combination of necromancy and black magic and the direct bond to Devlin allowed Midnight to grow and develop like a human boy. The secret of Midnight's creation is one that Devlin promises to take to his grave. As this investigation comes to a head, however, Devlin may be forced to make good on that promise.
This was a really good book with a lot of strong characters. Devlin and Midnight were an incredible team, but Barra the werewolf/elf as well as other friends that they make along the way help make this book even more interesting. While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first two, I still really loved it and can't wait until the rest of the series comes out.
This was another great installment to the Dance with the Devil series. While this book was not set up in the Case File format of the first two books, Lord Devlin White, Duke of Winterbourne, is a black witch investigating a draugr (zombie) infestation. Devlin is the perfect man for the job, not only because he is the strongest black witch around, but he also has direct knowledge and expertise of the draugr since he created the most powerful draugr in existence, Midnight. As a boy, Midnight was killed and Devlin gave him back life. The spells used were a powerful combination of necromancy and black magic and the direct bond to Devlin allowed Midnight to grow and develop like a human boy. The secret of Midnight's creation is one that Devlin promises to take to his grave. As this investigation comes to a head, however, Devlin may be forced to make good on that promise.
This was a really good book with a lot of strong characters. Devlin and Midnight were an incredible team, but Barra the werewolf/elf as well as other friends that they make along the way help make this book even more interesting. While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first two, I still really loved it and can't wait until the rest of the series comes out.
June 25, 2018
Amazing. Magic, necromancy, living dead, draugr - wow.
The research, imagination, and the writer's creative talent that were expended in the compilation and writing of this third book in the series have me speechless. I am impressed, and loved this story! Devlin is an enigmatic and distinguished character, made even more interesting by the fact that he's got a British title - the Duke of Winterborne - while Midnight intrigues because he's a draugr, one who is dead, yet walks, talks, thinks, just like a human, except he isn't, all thanks to Devlin's talent as a witch. Of course, trouble follows them, and they soon are joined by a silver dragon and his banished knight, Troyes and Neirin de Luc, who had to leave Pendragon territory because he shared too much with Devlin, Midnight and Barra, Devlin's valet. The events draw you in, and while a bit crazy due to the magical yet nightmarish quality of their experiences, keep the pages turning. Great book, and amazing how she pulls in previously mentioned characters from other stories and books and weaves them into her storytelling.
The research, imagination, and the writer's creative talent that were expended in the compilation and writing of this third book in the series have me speechless. I am impressed, and loved this story! Devlin is an enigmatic and distinguished character, made even more interesting by the fact that he's got a British title - the Duke of Winterborne - while Midnight intrigues because he's a draugr, one who is dead, yet walks, talks, thinks, just like a human, except he isn't, all thanks to Devlin's talent as a witch. Of course, trouble follows them, and they soon are joined by a silver dragon and his banished knight, Troyes and Neirin de Luc, who had to leave Pendragon territory because he shared too much with Devlin, Midnight and Barra, Devlin's valet. The events draw you in, and while a bit crazy due to the magical yet nightmarish quality of their experiences, keep the pages turning. Great book, and amazing how she pulls in previously mentioned characters from other stories and books and weaves them into her storytelling.
October 20, 2022
Reread 2022
This is one of my favourites from this series
I love Midnight. Devlin is a bit prickly at times but still good too
Midnight
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that the book was split into two parts. The first from Devlin's point of view, which allowed us via flashbacks to see how Midnight was both in human form and the reasons for his changing. The second part from Midnight showing the affection and uncertainty about Devlin's feelings, as well as his willingness to do anything to free Devlin's. I love Midnight he is a great character, so gentle but also with the ruthless streak to embrace his monster to protect his Devlin. I think without the first half of the book being from Devlin's point of view the feelings and actions would not have come across as well as they did.
This is one of my favourites from this series
I love Midnight. Devlin is a bit prickly at times but still good too
Midnight
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that the book was split into two parts. The first from Devlin's point of view, which allowed us via flashbacks to see how Midnight was both in human form and the reasons for his changing. The second part from Midnight showing the affection and uncertainty about Devlin's feelings, as well as his willingness to do anything to free Devlin's. I love Midnight he is a great character, so gentle but also with the ruthless streak to embrace his monster to protect his Devlin. I think without the first half of the book being from Devlin's point of view the feelings and actions would not have come across as well as they did.
January 22, 2018
Still enjoying the series - an ancestor of Chris White this time, the Duke isn't perfect but he's close to it and I adored Midnight. Half the book is from Devlon's point of view, the second half from Midnight. It would have been four star if they weren't seperated so long and details weren't ignored when they finally got together in a few ways. However, I loved the Dragon and his leader with Barras. The storyline was intriguing and pretty out there but gave a lot more to the story than a simple romance. The backstory with Midnight and the Duke was so sweet - the guilt and tragedy came through cleanly without seeming fake or melodramatic at all. Full review to come.
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