Review: Sorcerer's Knot by Tali Spencer

In a world where pleasure unlocks even the best-guarded magic, Cian has a long list of magical talents—and an even longer list of sorcerers he slept with to acquire them. He even seduced a dragon. There’s just one arcane power left for him to master: command over the sea. Now Cian has learned where to find Muir the Scarred, the only man known to have mastered that power—and he is determined to wrest it from him by whatever means necessary.

But completing the task isn’t so easy. First, Cian’s boat is wrecked on the shores of Muir’s desolate island. Then he learns an enchantment will keep him there forever. And when he tries to seduce Muir, he finds himself being seduced by the mysterious sorcerer instead. But the source of the power Cian seeks is also trapped on the island, and it will stop at nothing to break free, even if that means forcing pleasure—and magic—from Cian's unwilling body.

Another hit from Tali Spencer!  Parts of it read like an elegant fairytale, with rich imagery describing the people, the land, and the sea.  The world building was well done, with imaginative details like the sorcerer's knot and the dragon's gift. *still grinning over that gift*

The best part for me, though, was how I'd be all caught up in the intensity of the story and then something ridiculous would happen to break the tension.  It felt like I was reading this incredible novel that turned into a crazy porno, and then went back to the dramatic storyline.  I don't know how, but it worked!  And it was so entertaining.  I also loved the unexpected flashes of humor which often caused startled, but delighted, laughter.

I admit, Cian was not my favorite person in the beginning.  He was arrogant, calculating, and self-serving, not at all likeable. Eventually he redeemed himself, but that growth didn't happen overnight. Even as he recognized similar parallels to someone else's experience, and acknowledged the lessons she learned, he rejected those lessons for himself. He continued to resist giving up on his goal.  He couldn't resist Muir, though.  Poor, tormented Muir.   He built walls to protect himself, but he couldn't bury hope. I liked watching the two of them interact, especially during the steamy times.  Muir was certainly....forceful ;)

It all came to a head soon enough, though.  A head with tentacles. And not the good kind, either. *shudders*

There were a few niggles for me, including the ending, which I thought happened too soon (I wanted to see them complete their next task.)  I also thought everything wrapped up a bit too neatly.  After such a dramatic climax, it was a tiny bit of a letdown.  Overall, though, I was very happy with this adventure. I'm also becoming addicted to Ms. Spencer's style of writing.  Intense action/adventure mixed with zany humor for a touch of comic relief, and tempered with a tenderness that  caught my heart.

I liked it. A lot.  =)

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