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Shadowdwellers #2
Rapture
A freed slave and a troubled priest wrestle with desire as they face a threat to their realm in this paranormal romance by the author of Ecstasy.
The Shadowdwellers live in a realm of darkness and sensuality, where order is prized, and sin must be punished. Yet for Magnus, the head priest of Sanctuary, salvation rests with the one woman who can entice him to break every ruleÌý.Ìý.Ìý.Ìý
She Was The Ultimate Temptation
Magnus is a man of contradictions—a spiritual leader in a warrior’s body. To him, laws are for enforcing and visions must be followed—even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden. Betrayed once before, Magnus can barely bring himself to trust another woman. Yet Daenaira’s fiery innocence is drawing them both into a reckless inferno of desire.
Daenaira grew up hearing tales of a fearsome priest who seemed more myth than reality. But Magnus is very real—every inch of him—and so is the treachery surrounding them. Beneath Sanctuary’s calm surface, an enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, unless Magnus trusts in a union ordained by fate, and sealed by unending blissÌý.Ìý.Ìý.
Praise for Ecstasy
“Bestseller Frank’s intensely emotional and sensual series debut expands the universe of her Nightwalkers seriesÌý.Ìý.Ìý. to include the light-shunning Shadowdwellers.Ìý.Ìý.Ìý. This romantic and strongly sexual story between complicated characters is made even richer by an intriguing secondary cast and efficient world-building that’s familiar without being lazy.â€� —Publishers Weekly
The Shadowdwellers live in a realm of darkness and sensuality, where order is prized, and sin must be punished. Yet for Magnus, the head priest of Sanctuary, salvation rests with the one woman who can entice him to break every ruleÌý.Ìý.Ìý.Ìý
She Was The Ultimate Temptation
Magnus is a man of contradictions—a spiritual leader in a warrior’s body. To him, laws are for enforcing and visions must be followed—even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden. Betrayed once before, Magnus can barely bring himself to trust another woman. Yet Daenaira’s fiery innocence is drawing them both into a reckless inferno of desire.
Daenaira grew up hearing tales of a fearsome priest who seemed more myth than reality. But Magnus is very real—every inch of him—and so is the treachery surrounding them. Beneath Sanctuary’s calm surface, an enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, unless Magnus trusts in a union ordained by fate, and sealed by unending blissÌý.Ìý.Ìý.
Praise for Ecstasy
“Bestseller Frank’s intensely emotional and sensual series debut expands the universe of her Nightwalkers seriesÌý.Ìý.Ìý. to include the light-shunning Shadowdwellers.Ìý.Ìý.Ìý. This romantic and strongly sexual story between complicated characters is made even richer by an intriguing secondary cast and efficient world-building that’s familiar without being lazy.â€� —Publishers Weekly
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2009
78 people are currently reading
2,575 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Frank
71Ìýbooks3,415ÌýfollowersI live in Asheville NC and have written a book...or two...or is it ten?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 25, 2009
In the end I just couldn't work up the enthusiasm to finish this book. The writing isn't bad - just so slow that even the climactic action scenes seem to be going in slow motion. Over-used inner dialogue is one of the reasons I didn't finish JF's Nightwalkers series, and - although the first book, Ecstasy gave me hope - this one falls back into her old patterns.
Other reasons I didn't really like this one: the hero Magnus is the foster father of Trace, the hero of the last book, and for some reason I can't read about a hero/heroine with a fully grown child; also the hero is a priest in the Shadowdweller Sanctuary, and just that word makes me uneasy in a romance (I can't help it, I was raised Catholic); if you swapped out Drenna (their Goddess) for "God" or "Jesus", this book would become uncomfortably close to being an inspirational romance, and that seems at odds with some of the hot love scenes.
I'll probably still read the next book, because it features the royal Councellor Malaya and her guard Guin, but this one was a big miss for me.
Other reasons I didn't really like this one: the hero Magnus is the foster father of Trace, the hero of the last book, and for some reason I can't read about a hero/heroine with a fully grown child; also the hero is a priest in the Shadowdweller Sanctuary, and just that word makes me uneasy in a romance (I can't help it, I was raised Catholic); if you swapped out Drenna (their Goddess) for "God" or "Jesus", this book would become uncomfortably close to being an inspirational romance, and that seems at odds with some of the hot love scenes.
I'll probably still read the next book, because it features the royal Councellor Malaya and her guard Guin, but this one was a big miss for me.
November 2, 2009
, book 1 in this series, was just an ok read for me, and after enjoying most of Frank's previous Nightwalkers series, I was more than a bit letdown, so I waited quite a while before getting . But I usually give a series a 2nd chance (unless the first is really bad!), so I finally picked it up. And through more than half the book, my thought was, 'this is ok, but I think I'm done with this series' - and then everything started happening! Turns out that Shadowdwellers have a latent '3rd gift', and for Daenaira it's being a berserker in battle. It certainly explains what seemed like self-destructive behavior through 8 years of being a slave. I thought it was great that Frank gave this gift to a female character! But stay away from Magnus - his gift is compelling truth in everybody just through skin-to-skin contact. (I would say that our court/legal system needs this, but they'd screw it up by asking the wrong or inappropriate questions!) And he certainly needed to start using his power - life in Sanctuary had become downright dangerous for everybody - except the ones trying to take over, of course.
July 22, 2009
Great story about Magnus and Daenaira. She has been held as a slave for 8 years and suddenly out of the blue, guards show up and whisk her away to the Sanctuary. She has been abused and does not trust anyone. Magnus has no idea that she has gone through such torture, he simply wants a new handmaiden and the Gods sent him Dae. The relationship between the two of them is intense and very detailed. An additional plot about someone trying to take over the Sanctuary is also included, I think just the relationship aspect would have been enough. It was that good. But, the possible downfall of the Sanctuary was also very good and just added to the story. J. Frank is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is just plain good. I really liked this book and loved all the characters. J. Frank doesn't just give you tidbits of each character of importance, she gives you great details so you can understand why they do or say the things they do. I think that is another one of the reasons I like her writing so much.
December 3, 2012
I am trying my hardest to take this story seriously...It's been difficult to say the least. To start with I can't seem to move past the image I created of Magnus (the male lead) in Ecstasy the first of the Shadowdeweller series. In that book, the idea of him was the father figure � older, wiser, blah, blah, blah � now suddenly I am supposed to see him as a viable character to read about…BORING! To top that off Dae (female lead) is not a very interesting character either. I mean the potential is there but she is just such a bitch for no reason. I am not trying to say that physical and emotional abuse is nothing but she lashes out at everyone and it’s at the drop of a hat. It’s like Frank understands that the sort of abuse Dae has experienced changes a person and makes them slightly irrational in certain circumstances, but the way the story is written makes Dae just seem crazy. Everything is just so warped inside Dae’s head and I feel like Magnus…walking around in the dark.
July 26, 2009
I started the Shadowdwellers series and I have to say, they just keep getting better and better. I cant wait to get my hands on the third one now!
Daenaria was abused and held slave by her family. Magnus, the head Sanctuary priest is called by Drenna, the goddess of darkness, to replace his handmaiden that had betrayed him just six weeks before. Magnus doesnt want to replace her but when Drenna sends him dreams that shows the situation becomming more and more dire for everyone the longer he waits, he has no choice but tot listen. Problem is, Darnaria isnt co-operating like the good little handmaiden she was supposed to be.
A lot of Drama, lots of sex, a laugh or two and a very erotic lesson on a different use for a sari.
Daenaria was abused and held slave by her family. Magnus, the head Sanctuary priest is called by Drenna, the goddess of darkness, to replace his handmaiden that had betrayed him just six weeks before. Magnus doesnt want to replace her but when Drenna sends him dreams that shows the situation becomming more and more dire for everyone the longer he waits, he has no choice but tot listen. Problem is, Darnaria isnt co-operating like the good little handmaiden she was supposed to be.
A lot of Drama, lots of sex, a laugh or two and a very erotic lesson on a different use for a sari.
July 27, 2011
I am so glad I started this series now and didn’t wait like I’ve done with Ms. Frank’s Nightwalkers series, which I’ve yet to start. This second book in the series captivated me just as much as the first, but in a whole different way. Ecstasy, the first book, dealt with the three ‘scapes for the Shadowdwellers as the hero and heroine find each other and fight for a life together and it was as intriguing, adventurous, and romantic as could be. This book, however, deals more with the betrayal that drove Ecstasy, the awakening of both the hero and heroine in several ways, and still gives us a look at those ‘scapes but in more narrow window.
Magnus is the head priest and founder of Sanctuary, the religious haven for the twin monarchs of his people, the other penance priests who teach their children, and the handmaidens who serve side by side with those priests. He is still trying to come to terms with the betrayal of his previous handmaiden who was lured by those wanting to take over Sanctuary and nearly killing both Magnus and Ashla, his new daughter-in-law. Trust is something he now harbors close to the vest and gives to no one without merit.
His goddess has led him to a new handmaiden, Daenaira, whom he finds out is a former slave, a fact that horrifies him. Slavery is against their law, and seeing what it has done to this young woman pushes him even more to gain her trust. He learns very quickly Dae herself can also push his buttons more than anyone has ever done. His patience is put to the test time and time again, along with his temper, and finally everything between combusts. And those are some of the best scenes in the book.
Daenaira is at first skeptical that freedom is now hers. But after learning who Magnus is and where she is to serve with him, she tries to conform to what is expected of her, but Magnus himself is the one who creates such fury and burning in her she can’t help but lash out. As she comes to know and care for the people of Sanctuary, however, she begins to feel that this peaceful and beautiful place can actually be her home. Only after the traitors who are killing the priests one by one are stopped, however, and she’s going to be part of that no matter what Magnus thinks.
Magnus and Dae are fun to read, though most of the time their situation is dire. But once they turn that corner and become lovers, they are a pair to be reckoned with. Getting there, though, is where the great reading comes in. Magnus has not had sex in at least 200 years. He chose to keep things platonic, so to speak, with his previous handmaiden. Dae, of course, being a slave has never had the experience of sex at all. Watching these two come alive in each other’s arms is full of sizzle, charm, and romance.
They both have to learn how to trust and are put to the test very thoroughly throughout the hunt for traitors. Their need for control is also tested, and they must learn to give both trust and control to each other. We get to know more of the priests in Sanctuary a little better this time around, along with a number of other secondary characters, all of whom I hope eventually get their own books. The villains running around this place wanting more of anything and everything they don’t deserve finally get what’s coming to them, and I really enjoyed a couple of those endings. The fight scene at the end in Dreamscape is quite compelling and happens at the same time another betrayal is happening in Realscape, but things are not always what they seem to be.
This is one terrific series, and Pleasure, the third book, is out next month. I can’t wait.
See my complete review at
Magnus is the head priest and founder of Sanctuary, the religious haven for the twin monarchs of his people, the other penance priests who teach their children, and the handmaidens who serve side by side with those priests. He is still trying to come to terms with the betrayal of his previous handmaiden who was lured by those wanting to take over Sanctuary and nearly killing both Magnus and Ashla, his new daughter-in-law. Trust is something he now harbors close to the vest and gives to no one without merit.
His goddess has led him to a new handmaiden, Daenaira, whom he finds out is a former slave, a fact that horrifies him. Slavery is against their law, and seeing what it has done to this young woman pushes him even more to gain her trust. He learns very quickly Dae herself can also push his buttons more than anyone has ever done. His patience is put to the test time and time again, along with his temper, and finally everything between combusts. And those are some of the best scenes in the book.
Daenaira is at first skeptical that freedom is now hers. But after learning who Magnus is and where she is to serve with him, she tries to conform to what is expected of her, but Magnus himself is the one who creates such fury and burning in her she can’t help but lash out. As she comes to know and care for the people of Sanctuary, however, she begins to feel that this peaceful and beautiful place can actually be her home. Only after the traitors who are killing the priests one by one are stopped, however, and she’s going to be part of that no matter what Magnus thinks.
Magnus and Dae are fun to read, though most of the time their situation is dire. But once they turn that corner and become lovers, they are a pair to be reckoned with. Getting there, though, is where the great reading comes in. Magnus has not had sex in at least 200 years. He chose to keep things platonic, so to speak, with his previous handmaiden. Dae, of course, being a slave has never had the experience of sex at all. Watching these two come alive in each other’s arms is full of sizzle, charm, and romance.
They both have to learn how to trust and are put to the test very thoroughly throughout the hunt for traitors. Their need for control is also tested, and they must learn to give both trust and control to each other. We get to know more of the priests in Sanctuary a little better this time around, along with a number of other secondary characters, all of whom I hope eventually get their own books. The villains running around this place wanting more of anything and everything they don’t deserve finally get what’s coming to them, and I really enjoyed a couple of those endings. The fight scene at the end in Dreamscape is quite compelling and happens at the same time another betrayal is happening in Realscape, but things are not always what they seem to be.
This is one terrific series, and Pleasure, the third book, is out next month. I can’t wait.
See my complete review at
June 19, 2016
I loved though honestly I read it so long ago I don't remember a thing about it. I'm spending 2014 trying to get up to speed on many of the series I've started and left behind for new series. Therefore I had and on my list to read in April. When I first started reading Rapture, I didn't remember anything about the Shadowdwellers world except that Magnus was Trace's father and this book revolved around Magnus and the priests themselves.
I can honestly say that this book was hot and I found Daenaira's sexual awakening to be sweet, sexy as hell and extremely well-written. I simply loved Magnus and his tender care and feelings for Daenaira, even against his own will. After Karri's betrayal, he really really didn't want another handmaiden and he didn't want to have any real affection for her either. This is a sweet love story about finding the One, realizing that fact and making it work for both of them while continuing to perform religious duties.
I liked the fact that these priests (and handmaidens) were expected to teach relationship and sexual insight to their Sanctuary students. It's a far cry from abstinence which honestly doesn't help anyone (hence all the priests that are rapists). I felt this book put a new face on religion and doing the right thing for the right reasons. I'm not a religious person but this book really worked for me.
I'm off now to read and see what happened to Sagan.
I can honestly say that this book was hot and I found Daenaira's sexual awakening to be sweet, sexy as hell and extremely well-written. I simply loved Magnus and his tender care and feelings for Daenaira, even against his own will. After Karri's betrayal, he really really didn't want another handmaiden and he didn't want to have any real affection for her either. This is a sweet love story about finding the One, realizing that fact and making it work for both of them while continuing to perform religious duties.
I liked the fact that these priests (and handmaidens) were expected to teach relationship and sexual insight to their Sanctuary students. It's a far cry from abstinence which honestly doesn't help anyone (hence all the priests that are rapists). I felt this book put a new face on religion and doing the right thing for the right reasons. I'm not a religious person but this book really worked for me.
I'm off now to read and see what happened to Sagan.
October 10, 2009
Book 2 in the paranormal romance series Shadowdwellers, about a race of supernatural people who are instantly incinerated if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Their cities are underground, in old mining tunnels. This is Magnus's story - Magnus is their religious leader. He falls in love with Daenaira, a former slave, who helps him unravel a complicated corruption web within their religious institution.
It's a solidly written, passionate, romance with some hot scenes, but th story never really grabbed me and sucked me in the way I like. Good, but not amazing.
It's a solidly written, passionate, romance with some hot scenes, but th story never really grabbed me and sucked me in the way I like. Good, but not amazing.
November 29, 2009
A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE REALMS OF DARKNESS AND MAGNUS THE HEAD PRIEST
OF SANCTUARY WHERE ORDER IS PRIZED AND SIN MUST BE PUNISHED - WHO HAS
JUST LOST A HANDMAIDEN AND IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER - BUT HE DOES NOT
COUNT ON THE LITTLE SPITFIRE HE IS PRESENTED WITH.
WONDERFULLY DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - BEAUTIFULLY PENNED CHARACTERS - I
LOVED DAENAIRA WITH ALL HER TROUBLED PAST AND THE WOEFULLY INEPT
ATTITUDE MAGNUS HAD ON HIS IDEAS WITH HER. FIGHTING THEIR DESIRES
AND THE ENEMY WITH ALL THE TREACHERY SUCKS YOU RIGHT ON IN.
BRILLIANT.
OF SANCTUARY WHERE ORDER IS PRIZED AND SIN MUST BE PUNISHED - WHO HAS
JUST LOST A HANDMAIDEN AND IS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER - BUT HE DOES NOT
COUNT ON THE LITTLE SPITFIRE HE IS PRESENTED WITH.
WONDERFULLY DESCRIPTIVE WRITING - BEAUTIFULLY PENNED CHARACTERS - I
LOVED DAENAIRA WITH ALL HER TROUBLED PAST AND THE WOEFULLY INEPT
ATTITUDE MAGNUS HAD ON HIS IDEAS WITH HER. FIGHTING THEIR DESIRES
AND THE ENEMY WITH ALL THE TREACHERY SUCKS YOU RIGHT ON IN.
BRILLIANT.
August 26, 2009
This series is getting so good. I loved Magnus and Dae, there were so many great twists in this book. Emotional, hot and just really good!
Read
November 11, 2011I loved all 3 of this series, the idea was very original and the plots were fast moving with just enough twists and turns.
February 15, 2013
Okay, as ive said repeatly this book is amazing. There basically is no words to describe why I find this book so damn amazing, unless of course you read it for yourself
Rapture is about a world were, well okay, this book comes in series, but ive only ever read this one in the series.
This book is about a women who has been enslaved for the past eight years. She not just treated like a normal slave, were you would expect doing the unpleasant chores. But no she has to do intolerable things, as if she doesn’t do it, or argues she gets electrocuted. How? You might ask, shes in shakles, burning her skin day and night.
Shes learnt to never trust anyone, only herself. Shes not a woman who pitys her circumstances, she embraces it. She lets not one take any shit. She doesn’t allow being touched. Shes a pure hellion. She fight, even if she gets punished for it. Her spirit refuses to be burnt out. It stays light, pure light.
Her names Dae
Mangus, his man. Not just any man, hes a man whos a believer, a warrior who never gives in. who have unbelievable faith. He’s a priest. Not just the normal, any kind of priests, this guy is endurably amazing. Hes been through hell and high. Hes had his faith tested, he comes close to breaking but hes never given up.
He gives the pure evil souls the change for repentance. If they refuse, he kills.
He fights to the death, he fights for purity. There no guy like Mangus.
The sanctuary he so loves, is being tested. Is being turned from what he once hoped it to be. He wanted the place to be a sacred , safe place. A place where he can train students, teach them about physical and emotional strolls through earth. He doesn’t just teach the pleasantries, not just him, but the priests and handmaids teach students all about sex! Yes that right I said sex. And it doesn’t stop there! They don’t just teach it with words they are very show and tell lessons. If you get what I mean.
This book is about finding the culprit to the one who is behind all the schemes, all the death, all the injures and corruption in the holy place.
But things don’t turn about how they expected, well for any of them to say the least.
Dae gets taken to the sanctuary, its almost like a helping, new turning point for her. But at first she doesn’t know this. She thinks shes being sold to another person whos going to use just as badly as before.
Mangus, the high priest is obviously very shocked to hear about Dae past. Don’t think that she easily gave the information, it was a pure struggle.
But don’t worry Mangus went to get penance for the injustice.
Dae has this fiery sprit. She know how to fight, she lives to fight. As she comes to the holy place she unravels mystery. She becomes a helping hand to Dae.
Obviously shes not just a happy helping hand. Shes gourgous and hot, and test Mangus limits. He finds this one enticing.
Its hard to describe how to put this. The way the books written, its very enticing. Mangus teaches Dae about sex. But remember not just with words!
They both uncover who is responsible for the disaster. The way the work together, the way this book is written� there’s just no words to describe how could I find this book.
There is clearly pure love in this book. This story is not s story to be forgotten.
Rapture is about a world were, well okay, this book comes in series, but ive only ever read this one in the series.
This book is about a women who has been enslaved for the past eight years. She not just treated like a normal slave, were you would expect doing the unpleasant chores. But no she has to do intolerable things, as if she doesn’t do it, or argues she gets electrocuted. How? You might ask, shes in shakles, burning her skin day and night.
Shes learnt to never trust anyone, only herself. Shes not a woman who pitys her circumstances, she embraces it. She lets not one take any shit. She doesn’t allow being touched. Shes a pure hellion. She fight, even if she gets punished for it. Her spirit refuses to be burnt out. It stays light, pure light.
Her names Dae
Mangus, his man. Not just any man, hes a man whos a believer, a warrior who never gives in. who have unbelievable faith. He’s a priest. Not just the normal, any kind of priests, this guy is endurably amazing. Hes been through hell and high. Hes had his faith tested, he comes close to breaking but hes never given up.
He gives the pure evil souls the change for repentance. If they refuse, he kills.
He fights to the death, he fights for purity. There no guy like Mangus.
The sanctuary he so loves, is being tested. Is being turned from what he once hoped it to be. He wanted the place to be a sacred , safe place. A place where he can train students, teach them about physical and emotional strolls through earth. He doesn’t just teach the pleasantries, not just him, but the priests and handmaids teach students all about sex! Yes that right I said sex. And it doesn’t stop there! They don’t just teach it with words they are very show and tell lessons. If you get what I mean.
This book is about finding the culprit to the one who is behind all the schemes, all the death, all the injures and corruption in the holy place.
But things don’t turn about how they expected, well for any of them to say the least.
Dae gets taken to the sanctuary, its almost like a helping, new turning point for her. But at first she doesn’t know this. She thinks shes being sold to another person whos going to use just as badly as before.
Mangus, the high priest is obviously very shocked to hear about Dae past. Don’t think that she easily gave the information, it was a pure struggle.
But don’t worry Mangus went to get penance for the injustice.
Dae has this fiery sprit. She know how to fight, she lives to fight. As she comes to the holy place she unravels mystery. She becomes a helping hand to Dae.
Obviously shes not just a happy helping hand. Shes gourgous and hot, and test Mangus limits. He finds this one enticing.
Its hard to describe how to put this. The way the books written, its very enticing. Mangus teaches Dae about sex. But remember not just with words!
They both uncover who is responsible for the disaster. The way the work together, the way this book is written� there’s just no words to describe how could I find this book.
There is clearly pure love in this book. This story is not s story to be forgotten.
June 24, 2010
Daenaire “Dae� has lived and been treated as a slave by her Aunt and Uncle for the last couple of years. She evens wears a shock collar to prevent her escape and to enforce her obedience. Her Aunt and Uncle are tired of her and sold her to the highest bidder, the shocked her into unconsciousness so she won’t fight them. The next moment she awakens she is in Sanctuary, the church of the Shadowdwellers led by the High Priest Magnus.
Magnus enforces the law of his people and their rulers Tristan and Malaya. He informs Dae that he gets visions sometimes from the Goddess Drenna and that he needed to save her, so she was to become his handmaiden. Dae don’t trust easily after what she’s been through, but for some reason she knows that Magnus can be trusted and finally find some peace in her life.
Magnus has some enemies and they want him dead. But they didn’t counted on Dae’s love for Magnus and she is willing to do anything to keep him save.
Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank is the second novel in her Shadowdwellers Series. I have to say I liked this book better than the first one. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like Ecstasy with characters Trace and Ashla, but their story was slow.
Magnus and Dae are a strange couple, she has been a slave at her Aunt’s and Uncle’s and he is the High Priest of Sanctuary and has been celibate for quite some time. Magnus isn’t planning of giving up his celibacy in the near future, but Dae has other plans. When she finally accepted her fate, she decides that she doesn’t want to be Magnus handmaiden in name only, she wants it all. So she’s taking some secret lessons they teaches at Sanctuary and hope she can seduce Magnus.
Jacquelyn Frank created a fabulous world where Shadowdwellers cannot live in the light and have to live underground, where it is dark constantly. The only way they can take light is in the Dreamscape, but we already know that they cannot stay long because they will go mad.
I have to say I like the world and the characters en I’m really looking forward to read the next novel. Hopefully we will read more about one of the rulers Malaya and her bodyguard Guinn. I believe they are perfect for each other.
Magnus enforces the law of his people and their rulers Tristan and Malaya. He informs Dae that he gets visions sometimes from the Goddess Drenna and that he needed to save her, so she was to become his handmaiden. Dae don’t trust easily after what she’s been through, but for some reason she knows that Magnus can be trusted and finally find some peace in her life.
Magnus has some enemies and they want him dead. But they didn’t counted on Dae’s love for Magnus and she is willing to do anything to keep him save.
Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank is the second novel in her Shadowdwellers Series. I have to say I liked this book better than the first one. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like Ecstasy with characters Trace and Ashla, but their story was slow.
Magnus and Dae are a strange couple, she has been a slave at her Aunt’s and Uncle’s and he is the High Priest of Sanctuary and has been celibate for quite some time. Magnus isn’t planning of giving up his celibacy in the near future, but Dae has other plans. When she finally accepted her fate, she decides that she doesn’t want to be Magnus handmaiden in name only, she wants it all. So she’s taking some secret lessons they teaches at Sanctuary and hope she can seduce Magnus.
Jacquelyn Frank created a fabulous world where Shadowdwellers cannot live in the light and have to live underground, where it is dark constantly. The only way they can take light is in the Dreamscape, but we already know that they cannot stay long because they will go mad.
I have to say I like the world and the characters en I’m really looking forward to read the next novel. Hopefully we will read more about one of the rulers Malaya and her bodyguard Guinn. I believe they are perfect for each other.
June 25, 2011
Well this book was a huge surprise. I just can't understand why I thought I wouldn't like this series in the first place. I just had the idea that this series wouldn't be good, so I just keep getting surprised by it over and over again.
In this installment you will find action, romance, drama, funny moments and everything you love about books form this genre. The hero is alpha to the core and the heroine is spicy and fun. The most interesting scenes develop between this two characters, and the chemistry between them is explosive.
The only reason for why I just CAN'T add this book to my favs is because the "bad guy" was just unconvincing and lame, I hated everything about the enemy. I prefer those kind of bad guys you just love to hate, but in this case the enemy was a wacko bitch who got off by raping kids. Also the mix between sex and religion just seemed wrong.I'm not a religious person but reading about religious figures doing it on the "Sanctuary" was just weird.
Still this things were just barely mentioned, it's not like the whole book was only about this things, They were just annoying but I still got to love the book because the characters are great,the plot is amazing and the world building just too interesting to be able to stop reading about it. The Shadowdwellers culture just amazes me more with every book.
In this installment you will find action, romance, drama, funny moments and everything you love about books form this genre. The hero is alpha to the core and the heroine is spicy and fun. The most interesting scenes develop between this two characters, and the chemistry between them is explosive.
The only reason for why I just CAN'T add this book to my favs is because the "bad guy" was just unconvincing and lame, I hated everything about the enemy. I prefer those kind of bad guys you just love to hate, but in this case the enemy was a wacko bitch who got off by raping kids. Also the mix between sex and religion just seemed wrong.I'm not a religious person but reading about religious figures doing it on the "Sanctuary" was just weird.
Still this things were just barely mentioned, it's not like the whole book was only about this things, They were just annoying but I still got to love the book because the characters are great,the plot is amazing and the world building just too interesting to be able to stop reading about it. The Shadowdwellers culture just amazes me more with every book.
January 1, 2023
Quite enjoyed it! The characters are a little more emotionally mature than is normally in a romance novel, and the world is fascinating! I could do without the "possessive male" trope of romances though... it's such a turnoff. ugh. But it was awesome that the main female character was such a fierce fighter!!
January 29, 2013
The second book in the Shadowdweller series is not as strong as the first. Though it gives a lot more insight into the Shadowdweller world and has a wonderful Beta hero, the heroine made this a less than enjoyable read.
Magnus is the head Priest in the Sanctuary. This gives him an incredible amount of power in the Shadowdweller world. He is an advisor to kings and a man who Sinners fear. But after the death of his handmaiden, Karri, after a shattering betrayal of him, Magnus is torn. His dreams and visions are telling him he must save his next handmaiden while his conscious self doesn't want another. But he can't resist and eventually he saves Daenaira from enslavement by her aunt and uncle. He brings her to the Sanctuary, but his biggest fear is that he is bringing her into a dangerous world. One that is hiding traitors under a thin veneer. As Dae's life is threatened, I think a few times, in only the first few days, he begins to wonder why his goddess Drenna would have sent him after Dae in the first place.
For the full review, please go to
Magnus is the head Priest in the Sanctuary. This gives him an incredible amount of power in the Shadowdweller world. He is an advisor to kings and a man who Sinners fear. But after the death of his handmaiden, Karri, after a shattering betrayal of him, Magnus is torn. His dreams and visions are telling him he must save his next handmaiden while his conscious self doesn't want another. But he can't resist and eventually he saves Daenaira from enslavement by her aunt and uncle. He brings her to the Sanctuary, but his biggest fear is that he is bringing her into a dangerous world. One that is hiding traitors under a thin veneer. As Dae's life is threatened, I think a few times, in only the first few days, he begins to wonder why his goddess Drenna would have sent him after Dae in the first place.
For the full review, please go to
August 13, 2009
I want this rating to be more a 4.5 than a true 5. I was not a HUGE fan of Ecstasy- Trace and Ashla were so-so. Magnus, in Ecstasy, was vaguely interesting, but I was viewing him in more of a Gideon light.
The world, again, was fascinating to me. I would occasionally be aware that they lived in a world of darkness, but it wasn't so driven home as it was in Ecstasy, which is a good thing. The inner workings of Sanctuary held my interest and made me enjoy the book so much more.
As for Dae, normally her type of character would piss me off. But I loved both of them! Such a good couple and the sex scenes were smoking. I loved Nicoya being the baddie and liked her bringing Arcadian back as the main heavy. She is much scarier than Ruth was in the Nightwalkers, to my mind.
Also, can we please have more with Sagan? Yummy... hope he gets a book and that his heroine doesn't suck as so many of the highly anticipated ones do.
The world, again, was fascinating to me. I would occasionally be aware that they lived in a world of darkness, but it wasn't so driven home as it was in Ecstasy, which is a good thing. The inner workings of Sanctuary held my interest and made me enjoy the book so much more.
As for Dae, normally her type of character would piss me off. But I loved both of them! Such a good couple and the sex scenes were smoking. I loved Nicoya being the baddie and liked her bringing Arcadian back as the main heavy. She is much scarier than Ruth was in the Nightwalkers, to my mind.
Also, can we please have more with Sagan? Yummy... hope he gets a book and that his heroine doesn't suck as so many of the highly anticipated ones do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2012
Though book one of this series was good, it was also slow and full of world building that had me unsure about reading book two. I absolutely loved this book and was unable to put it down. I loved the characters, the plot, and the fights scenes. There are assassins, traitors, and one bad ass heroine. There were multiple plots and the buildup of the next book was done right. No cliffhanger, just the need to know how this will all play out. I already have book 3 of this series in hand and can't wait to start it!
August 12, 2017
Die Bewertung von "Magnus" fällt mir wirklich schwer.
Auf der einen Seite war die Handlung um die große Verschwörung, die im ersten Band begonnen hat, sehr interessant und spannend; es ist unklar, wem man vertrauen kann und wer versucht, Magnus zu töten und die Regierung zu stürzen. Dabei werden einige schreckliche Taten begangen, die die Dringlichkeit der Situation verdeutlichten und dazu beigetragen haben, dass man unbedingt sehen wollte, wie die Verräter bestraft werden. Für mich war ziemlich schnell offensichtlich, wer verdächtig ist und genauer betrachtet werden sollte, und insgesamt habe ich nicht verstanden, wieso Magnus nicht alle nach der Wahrheit fragte, die er durch seine Gabe heraushören kann, aber trotzdem war dieser Aspekt der Geschichte fesselnd. Auch die Liebesgeschichte an sich war schön und ich mochte, dass beide einander schließlich ebenbürtig waren und sie dem jeweils anderen Kraft geben konnten.
Auf der anderen Seite hatte ich Probleme mit Daenaira, der Protagonistin. Sie hat in ihrer Vergangenheit schreckliches erlebt, weshalb ich ihr Misstrauen und ihre Unsicherheit, ob sie sich auf eine Beziehung einlassen soll, gut verstanden habe. Ich fand ebenfalls gut, dass sie Magnus Kontra gegeben hat und sich nichts gefallen ließ, nur war sie mir zu sehr auf Konflikt aus. Manchmal hat sie ihn ohne richtigen Grund für etwas angeschrien und beleidigt, beispielsweise wenn er ihr einfach etwas erklärt hat, und gerade, nachdem sie ihn wirklich kennen gelernt hat, ging es mir ein wenig auf die Nerven, dass sie schnell dazu bereit war, ihren Partner zu beschimpfen und das schlechteste von ihm zu denken. Das hat einen faden Beigeschmack bei mir hinterlassen; Magnus hat Fehler gemacht und hätte Dae gegenüber insgesamt offener sein sollen, aber er hat sich bemüht, alles zu tun, damit sie sich wohlfühlt und sie hat ihn im Gegenzug kratzbürstig von sich gestoßen. Ihre Wildheit ist etwas, das er an ihr mag, doch mich hat dieser Aspekt ihrer Beziehung gestört. Die Entwicklung des Konfliktes im Sanktuarium hat mir ebenfalls nicht hundertprozentig gefallen, gerade in Bezug darauf, wie es Dae beeinflusst hat und was sie gezwungen war zu tun.
"Magnus" lässt sich auf jeden Fall gut lesen, die Geschichte ist interessant und obwohl ich mit der Romanze nicht vollständig glücklich war, mochte ich das Paar an sich ganz gerne. Trotzdem kann ich dem Buch nur drei Sterne geben, da meine Kritikpunkte mich doch sehr gestört haben; jetzt bin ich auf den Abschluss der Reihe und die Auflösung der großen Verschwörung gespannt.
Auf der einen Seite war die Handlung um die große Verschwörung, die im ersten Band begonnen hat, sehr interessant und spannend; es ist unklar, wem man vertrauen kann und wer versucht, Magnus zu töten und die Regierung zu stürzen. Dabei werden einige schreckliche Taten begangen, die die Dringlichkeit der Situation verdeutlichten und dazu beigetragen haben, dass man unbedingt sehen wollte, wie die Verräter bestraft werden. Für mich war ziemlich schnell offensichtlich, wer verdächtig ist und genauer betrachtet werden sollte, und insgesamt habe ich nicht verstanden, wieso Magnus nicht alle nach der Wahrheit fragte, die er durch seine Gabe heraushören kann, aber trotzdem war dieser Aspekt der Geschichte fesselnd. Auch die Liebesgeschichte an sich war schön und ich mochte, dass beide einander schließlich ebenbürtig waren und sie dem jeweils anderen Kraft geben konnten.
Auf der anderen Seite hatte ich Probleme mit Daenaira, der Protagonistin. Sie hat in ihrer Vergangenheit schreckliches erlebt, weshalb ich ihr Misstrauen und ihre Unsicherheit, ob sie sich auf eine Beziehung einlassen soll, gut verstanden habe. Ich fand ebenfalls gut, dass sie Magnus Kontra gegeben hat und sich nichts gefallen ließ, nur war sie mir zu sehr auf Konflikt aus. Manchmal hat sie ihn ohne richtigen Grund für etwas angeschrien und beleidigt, beispielsweise wenn er ihr einfach etwas erklärt hat, und gerade, nachdem sie ihn wirklich kennen gelernt hat, ging es mir ein wenig auf die Nerven, dass sie schnell dazu bereit war, ihren Partner zu beschimpfen und das schlechteste von ihm zu denken. Das hat einen faden Beigeschmack bei mir hinterlassen; Magnus hat Fehler gemacht und hätte Dae gegenüber insgesamt offener sein sollen, aber er hat sich bemüht, alles zu tun, damit sie sich wohlfühlt und sie hat ihn im Gegenzug kratzbürstig von sich gestoßen. Ihre Wildheit ist etwas, das er an ihr mag, doch mich hat dieser Aspekt ihrer Beziehung gestört. Die Entwicklung des Konfliktes im Sanktuarium hat mir ebenfalls nicht hundertprozentig gefallen, gerade in Bezug darauf, wie es Dae beeinflusst hat und was sie gezwungen war zu tun.
"Magnus" lässt sich auf jeden Fall gut lesen, die Geschichte ist interessant und obwohl ich mit der Romanze nicht vollständig glücklich war, mochte ich das Paar an sich ganz gerne. Trotzdem kann ich dem Buch nur drei Sterne geben, da meine Kritikpunkte mich doch sehr gestört haben; jetzt bin ich auf den Abschluss der Reihe und die Auflösung der großen Verschwörung gespannt.
October 8, 2024
For a good chunk of the book, I didn’t love the plot as much as the first book. It was very focused on what was happening moment-to-moment with the MCs, but for the most part they weren’t doing much to ferret out the traitors (despite the male MC starting the book off with high hopes that his new hand maiden could bring a good outside perspective to their conundrum). They hardly spent any time even discussing the threat to Sanctuary besides the betrayal the male MC had suffered in the first book and the attempt on his son’s life. The relationship building between MCs was painful in its awkwardness, and not because it was poorly written, but because they took a long time to start speaking the same language, and by then it was almost too late.
I didn’t love the flipping back and forth between the MCs and the rulers. The timing of when the story flipped from one to the other and back seemed a little off and not much happened with the rulers in this book. I feel like those’d scenes were setting up for events in the 3rd book, but they felt chunky in this one.
The last 1/3 or so of the book was on fire. It was action packed, it was harrowing, it was emotional. Fucking loved it. This is how you write a bad bitch heroine. This is how you incorporate SA with grace and sensitivity. I just love how the plots of these books so far are so unique (relative to all the other romance books I’ve read) and how the writing avoids the pitfalls of cliche phrases common to the genre.
I was really excited to see how this male MC’s love story would go. Now I’m curious to discover who’s at the center of the last book. On to the next!
I didn’t love the flipping back and forth between the MCs and the rulers. The timing of when the story flipped from one to the other and back seemed a little off and not much happened with the rulers in this book. I feel like those’d scenes were setting up for events in the 3rd book, but they felt chunky in this one.
The last 1/3 or so of the book was on fire. It was action packed, it was harrowing, it was emotional. Fucking loved it. This is how you write a bad bitch heroine. This is how you incorporate SA with grace and sensitivity. I just love how the plots of these books so far are so unique (relative to all the other romance books I’ve read) and how the writing avoids the pitfalls of cliche phrases common to the genre.
I was really excited to see how this male MC’s love story would go. Now I’m curious to discover who’s at the center of the last book. On to the next!
October 21, 2019
3.00 Stars. (BW/BM). Audible Escape audiobook with narration by Kristen Potter. A few months have passed since the death of Cara, Magnus' handmaiden, M'jan Magnus is the high Priest of the Shadowdwellers and he has chosen and purchased a new handmaiden, Daenaue. Following the instructions of Drenna, the deity of the Shadowdwellers, via Dreamscape, Magnus has been dream sharing with Daenaue and has chosen the 20-year-old uneducated novice and 12-year hostage to be his handmaiden. In reading the stories of this series, I feel that the author is addressing some of today's social issues without being unnecessarily preachy: in this world, a race of dark-skinned people are in the majority and hold the reigns of power; for the most part, women are subservient and must fight for more autonomy and even in a society where sexual expression is taught and encouraged, there are those who still sexually abuse others. I like Magnus and wanted to like Daenaue more than I was able, her audaciousness was over the top-too much. Her pushy, forward, outspoken and disrespectful way of interacting with Magnus and others is out of character for someone who was locked away. Too much of the book was hers and Magnus' internal dialogue and interfered with any romantic chemistry between the two.
July 2, 2019
Daenaira and Magnus's story. I love a strong female and D is very strong. I love her 3rd power (scary, but awesome!) I have loved Magnus, since he went to hospital and brought Ashla back to the Shadow World. I also wish he would have done more to Ashla's mother. I hate that Magnus's vision for his people came crumbling down. The betrayal that took place, which is not like it doesn't happen in reality, but these people are a close knit family. They rely on each other for safety, for survival. It's just hard to believe the deceptions that were uncovered in this book.
I am happy for Magnus and Daenaira. D had a horrific past and it was great to see her come to Sanctuary, where she grew in character. She was the perfect match for Magnus.
I listened to the book and Kirsten Potter is a very good narrator and made the story.
I am happy for Magnus and Daenaira. D had a horrific past and it was great to see her come to Sanctuary, where she grew in character. She was the perfect match for Magnus.
I listened to the book and Kirsten Potter is a very good narrator and made the story.
March 17, 2019
Schlechtestes Buch ever. Gibt leider keine Null Sterne. Priester, der 200 Jahre keinen Sex hatte, dafür aber von seiner Dienerin täglich gewaschen und gekleidet wurde. ich hätte schon viel früher versucht, ihn zu töten. Und jetzt bekommt er eine jungfräuliche (S)Ex-Sklavin, die er sofort f**en will, ihr aber erst Unterricht geben muss. Jungfrau trotz Elektroschockhalsband und geilem Onkel als Herrn, wers glaubt. Sie deckt Missbrauch an kleinenJungen während des Unterrichts auf, tötet alle Bösen und einen guten -seinen besten Freund mit dem sie Sex hat. Nur damit es wieder mit dem Priestersex endet, der eigentlich keusch bleiben wollte, um den Leuten besser dienen zu können...und eigentlich ist Sex vor der Ehe verpönt... Und ihr Charakter machts auch nicht besser.
September 22, 2018
I can't. I just can't.
A secret society hidden under Alaska?!?!? Where handmaidens of the priests wear saris and the priests have Japanese swords? Oh, and they live underground because light is poison?
I wanted an escapist romance, but the blurring of cultural lines, combined with the sheer absurdity of a ancient society with advanced technology, superior to humans, yet living under Alaska? I just can't.
A secret society hidden under Alaska?!?!? Where handmaidens of the priests wear saris and the priests have Japanese swords? Oh, and they live underground because light is poison?
I wanted an escapist romance, but the blurring of cultural lines, combined with the sheer absurdity of a ancient society with advanced technology, superior to humans, yet living under Alaska? I just can't.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 21, 2020I just couldn't get into the story or the darkness. Admittedly I was starting on book 2 so I was probably a little confused but I could just tell this was too dark for me and not something I wanted to spend time with. That being said, I didn't mind the writing and, if I read this years ago, I probably would have liked Magnus, but I just don't read these kind of books as much anymore and that's not the fault of the author.
February 6, 2020
a great read!
I haven't read any other books in the series, but will definitely give it a try!
the h and H stayed true to their characters and unlike w/ most romances, the h did not compromise her character even at the end and challenged the H every step of the way.
Beautifully written and definite recommendation for any PNR lovers.
a definite keeper! 5+++ stars!
I haven't read any other books in the series, but will definitely give it a try!
the h and H stayed true to their characters and unlike w/ most romances, the h did not compromise her character even at the end and challenged the H every step of the way.
Beautifully written and definite recommendation for any PNR lovers.
a definite keeper! 5+++ stars!
May 4, 2021
I loved the first book and HATED this one. I thought Dai was an awful person, reacting wholly on her own emotion with little thought to the needs of others. So much was also missed out of this book - did she ever really apologise to Brendan?
I powered through this as I want to get to Guin and Malaya's story and now I'm not even sure I want to.
I powered through this as I want to get to Guin and Malaya's story and now I'm not even sure I want to.
November 25, 2017
I always find book Two is a better read, book one you are just becoming familiar with the world and characters...in this case it doesn’t seem to improve. The characters are tedious, there is so much about the Shadow Dweller world that is completely implausible and unexplained.
September 12, 2017
Okay to some extant.
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