Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2010), Edition: Original, Paperback, 336 pages
Description
When the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn Finvarra to act as a guide for a half-incubus who is known to possess dark magick and sexual powers, she must protect not only her heart - but her very life. But, as Aislinn is about to find out, being spellbound is not without its charms. Fans of Anya Bast's Elental Witch series will not what to miss this first novel her brand-new series of sizzlingly hot paranormal romance.
User reviews
LibraryThing member nickeemattos
From the very first paragraphs of any Anya Bast novel you instantly know that this is a writer who definitely enjoys what she does and excels at it. On all levels Bast delivers and Wicked Enchantment is no exception. From the first two pages I was chuckling knowing this book was going to be
Even the language, descriptions, characters, the history, the Fey religion, and that of the Phaendir are balanced just enough that they do not overpower the reader. Bast's rich textural world is easy to digest but no less riveting and original. The thread of romance is held the tautest and is never forgotten. That is what we have to come to expect of Bast. Exceptional imagination with a steamy set of characters.
The tale of Aislinn and Gabriel is white-hot and drawn out, but Bast takes her time to tell the story and build a connection between these two. The unlikely relationship between an Unseelie incubi and a Seelie is the first hurdle to overcome but when Aislinn's lineage is called into question things get even more interesting. By the time you reach the end of the book you are craving more, and more will definitely come. With the fate of the Book of Bindings, and the two lost pieces of the puzzle still unfound, the future of Piefferburg is up in the air. Bast has a never-ending well in which to draw from for future sequels and ones that her fans will clamor for more. Cruel Enchantment, the sequel to Wicked looks to be released in September of this year. I cannot wait.
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amazing. All the elements we have seen exhibited before in Karen Marie Moning, Laurell K. Hamilton, Richelle Mead and others who have penned novels about the Seelie Courts are evident, but like a master Bast recasts the tale and its lore and forges something fresh, white-hot, modern, and indelibly hers. The concept of the Fey, even both courts being held contained in Piefferburg is singular. Even the language, descriptions, characters, the history, the Fey religion, and that of the Phaendir are balanced just enough that they do not overpower the reader. Bast's rich textural world is easy to digest but no less riveting and original. The thread of romance is held the tautest and is never forgotten. That is what we have to come to expect of Bast. Exceptional imagination with a steamy set of characters.
The tale of Aislinn and Gabriel is white-hot and drawn out, but Bast takes her time to tell the story and build a connection between these two. The unlikely relationship between an Unseelie incubi and a Seelie is the first hurdle to overcome but when Aislinn's lineage is called into question things get even more interesting. By the time you reach the end of the book you are craving more, and more will definitely come. With the fate of the Book of Bindings, and the two lost pieces of the puzzle still unfound, the future of Piefferburg is up in the air. Bast has a never-ending well in which to draw from for future sequels and ones that her fans will clamor for more. Cruel Enchantment, the sequel to Wicked looks to be released in September of this year. I cannot wait.
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LibraryThing member pacey1927
I enjoyed the first book in Anya Bast's new Dark Magic series. The story is set in a world where are dark(Unseelie)and a light (rose- Seelie) towers are ran by their respective king and queen, near in proximity to each other but worlds away in politics and beliefs. The Rose tower is the light fae,
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ran by a Queen whose entire kingdom focuses only on social aspects. Few of these fae are magically inclined and if they are it is frowned upon. The dark tower is run by a King who encourages magical skills from birth. The Rose Tower and the Dark Tower's inhabitants don't communicate or run in the same circles. Each tower kind of keeps to itself. Both the light and dark fae are kept apart from the rest of the world by magical boundaries, put in place by there by a group of druids called the Phaendir. They are distantly related to the fae themselves but 'beat' that part out of themselves. This first installment revolves around a Seelie woman named Aislinn who is given a task by her Queen. She is to host Gabriel, a man from the dark tower who is hoping to change to the Seelie rule. Gabriel, of course, has an agenda of his own. He is an incubus and is supposed to woo Aislinn over to the dark tower, per the command of his King. Gabriel doesn't know why exactly the King wants her but doesn't believe he means any harm. Aislinn actually has magical powers, she can see and speak with the dead. This is her greatest secret because in her society, it is a terrible thing. Gabriel too has magic pertaining to the dead. He is the Lord of the Wild Hunt which collects the souls of the day's deceased each night. I was impressed by "Wicked Enchantment" because of its strong and intriguing world. The fae politics are amazing and Bast's story is well thought out and delivered upon. If you cut out the romance, this story would be classified as urban fantasy. Which brings me to the negative, and why the book is a four star in my opinion. I like romance, but I found this book had way too many sex scenes. After the first one, each scene read the same way. I found myself skimming pages of the romantic stuff, and I never do that. The actual romance was well done, I could totally believe in Gabriel and Aislinn's love for each other. If the book had 1/2 of the sex scenes in this book, I think it would have been even stronger. Overall the story was amazing and I fully intend to revisit it when the next installment comes out in September. Show Less
LibraryThing member FantasyDreamer
Wicked Enchantment was an entertaining and fast read revolving around the fae, the Seelie and the Unseelie. The whole setup in the world surrounding the fae was for the most part a typical fae fairy tale except the humans are aware of them and have the fae magically trapped in a city built for
I'll definitely by reading the next book in this series Cruel Enchantment.
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especially for them. The excitement in the story was the twists and turns that Anya Bast mixed in throughout the story that kept it entertaining, and the colorful characters. Oh, and I loved the build up in passion between Gabriel and Aislinn, I was completely pulled into their romance. Very steamy!I'll definitely by reading the next book in this series Cruel Enchantment.
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LibraryThing member pollywannabook
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
After being blown away by CRUEL ENCHANTMENT (the second book in this series) it was only a matter of time before I devoured WICKED ENCHANTMENT. Fortunately the Dark Magick series features a different couple each time so it didn’t matter too much that I
Centuries ago, the humans, aided by the nefarious religious group of druids known as the Phaendir, rounded up all the world’s fae and imprisoned them in a enchanted city known as Piefferburg. Within the city, the fae are divided up into two kingdoms: The Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Deeply suspicious of each other, the two courts rarely mix which is why Seelie fae Aislinn is wary when the incubus Unseelie fae Gabriel shows up and expresses his desire to, among other things, defect to the Seelie Court. As the titles in this series suggests, many of the fae in the Dark Magick books are wicked, cruel, and dark in turn, and half the fun of WICKED ENCHANTMENT is trying to ascertain exactly what everyone’s motives are.
I appreciated that WICKED ENCHANTMENT didn’t waste time keeping the couple estranged over simple misunderstandings that could be resolved in a few words, rather the obstacles between Aislinn and Gabriel are not so easily dismissed. For example, as an incubi, Gabriel is know to enslave women through his touch, something Aislinn isn’t willing to risk. And even though Gabriel is charming and attentive, Aislinn rightly suspects that he is concealing vital information from her. Their romance is hesitant and approached with the utmost caution. The result is an extremely satisfying slow and steady burn that gets quite hot.
And in case you’re not familiar with Anya Bast’s writing, let me warn you that WICKED ENCHANTMENT is highly sexual and does contain plenty of explicit sex. I don’t usually read super sensual books, but I think I’ll be making an exception when it comes to this series as I’m already spellbound.
Anya Bast is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. Her writing is deeply sensual without neglecting the exhaustive world building that an urban fantasy fan like me craves. The second Dark Magic book, CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is available now and the hotly anticipated third book, DARK ENCHANTMENT, is due out April 5, 2010
Sexual Content:
Several graphic sex scenes.
After being blown away by CRUEL ENCHANTMENT (the second book in this series) it was only a matter of time before I devoured WICKED ENCHANTMENT. Fortunately the Dark Magick series features a different couple each time so it didn’t matter too much that I
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read this series backwards (and I’ll soon be reading the prequel story found in the anthology HOT FOR THE HOLIDAYS). Like the sequel, this book is dangerously good, with multiple plot lines that all support and complement each other. If you’re craving an dark paranormal romance that’s hot enough to burn your fingers, look no further than WICKED ENCHANTMENT.Centuries ago, the humans, aided by the nefarious religious group of druids known as the Phaendir, rounded up all the world’s fae and imprisoned them in a enchanted city known as Piefferburg. Within the city, the fae are divided up into two kingdoms: The Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Deeply suspicious of each other, the two courts rarely mix which is why Seelie fae Aislinn is wary when the incubus Unseelie fae Gabriel shows up and expresses his desire to, among other things, defect to the Seelie Court. As the titles in this series suggests, many of the fae in the Dark Magick books are wicked, cruel, and dark in turn, and half the fun of WICKED ENCHANTMENT is trying to ascertain exactly what everyone’s motives are.
I appreciated that WICKED ENCHANTMENT didn’t waste time keeping the couple estranged over simple misunderstandings that could be resolved in a few words, rather the obstacles between Aislinn and Gabriel are not so easily dismissed. For example, as an incubi, Gabriel is know to enslave women through his touch, something Aislinn isn’t willing to risk. And even though Gabriel is charming and attentive, Aislinn rightly suspects that he is concealing vital information from her. Their romance is hesitant and approached with the utmost caution. The result is an extremely satisfying slow and steady burn that gets quite hot.
And in case you’re not familiar with Anya Bast’s writing, let me warn you that WICKED ENCHANTMENT is highly sexual and does contain plenty of explicit sex. I don’t usually read super sensual books, but I think I’ll be making an exception when it comes to this series as I’m already spellbound.
Anya Bast is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. Her writing is deeply sensual without neglecting the exhaustive world building that an urban fantasy fan like me craves. The second Dark Magic book, CRUEL ENCHANTMENT is available now and the hotly anticipated third book, DARK ENCHANTMENT, is due out April 5, 2010
Sexual Content:
Several graphic sex scenes.
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LibraryThing member cranberrytarts
The beginning of this novel is somewhat confusing. There's quite a bit of info dumped on the reader and it was hard to follow along for the first 3 or 4 chapters. After that it really settled into the story, however, and things kind of fell into place.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Wicked Enchantment
4.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Numerous fae races are in existence and they have been incarcerated for hundreds of years. Aislinn Finvarra, one of the Seelie fae, has been assigned to escort Gabriel Mac Braire, an Unseelie fae, who has apparently decided to defect to the Seelie. Aislinn will
Review:
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because it starts off a little slow but once it gets going – look out!
The plot is imaginative and Bast has constructed an immersing and detailed world incorporating magical abilities as well as social, political and familial intricacies. The characters, both primary and secondary, are well developed with interesting back stories and the dialogue is engaging. Aislinn is a sweet character with just the right amount of independence and vulnerability, and Gabriel , a mysterious and gorgeous incubus, belongs to my favorite type of hero - bad boy with a heart of gold. Boy does he fall hard!
The romance is fiery and sensual and while the sex scenes are steamy, they do not overshadow the story and contribute to the emotional connection between the characters. The battle scenes are also well written and never become confusing to the reader.
Recommendation: I can whole heartedly recommend this book and will definitely be continuing with the series.
4.5 Stars
Synopsis:
Numerous fae races are in existence and they have been incarcerated for hundreds of years. Aislinn Finvarra, one of the Seelie fae, has been assigned to escort Gabriel Mac Braire, an Unseelie fae, who has apparently decided to defect to the Seelie. Aislinn will
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soon discover that everything she believes about herself is a lie, and that dangerous forces both from within and without are working to destroy everything she holds dear. Ultimately, she and Gabriel must trust each other and work together before their world is annihilated. Review:
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because it starts off a little slow but once it gets going – look out!
The plot is imaginative and Bast has constructed an immersing and detailed world incorporating magical abilities as well as social, political and familial intricacies. The characters, both primary and secondary, are well developed with interesting back stories and the dialogue is engaging. Aislinn is a sweet character with just the right amount of independence and vulnerability, and Gabriel , a mysterious and gorgeous incubus, belongs to my favorite type of hero - bad boy with a heart of gold. Boy does he fall hard!
The romance is fiery and sensual and while the sex scenes are steamy, they do not overshadow the story and contribute to the emotional connection between the characters. The battle scenes are also well written and never become confusing to the reader.
Recommendation: I can whole heartedly recommend this book and will definitely be continuing with the series.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
This fantasy is the first in the Dark Magick series. Aislinn Finvarra is a resident of the Summer Court ruled by the Seelie Summer Queen. She is ordered to be the guide for Gabriel who has come from the Unseelie Court and is petitioning for entry into the Seelie Court.
Aislinn isn't interested in
Gabriel also has a Secret. He has been ordered by the Shadow King to seduce Aislinn into joining his court. The Shadow King claims to have no ill will toward Aislinn but Gabriel doesn't know what he intends for her. Gabriel thinks his task will be easy. After all, he's had centuries seducing women. But Aislinn is a challenge.
The world building is interesting in this story. The fae have all been rounded up and imprisoned by the Phaendir who are a race of druids. They are mortal enemies of the fae. There are mixed views among the Phaendir. Some are content with keeping the fae imprisoned. While others especially Gideon, a viewpoint character, want the fae all killed.
There is a book and three talismans that have the key to ending the fae's imprisonment. Aislinn has inherited the book from her father. Because only the Queen practices magic in the Seelie Court, Aislinn has never been taught to use her own magic. The draw of learning her magic is one of the lures Gabriel uses to seduce Aislinn to the Unseelie Court.
Meanwhile, Gideon is determined to recover the book and the one talisman that has found its way into Piefferburg - the fae prison. And the fae who want to be free are searching for the two talismans they don't already have, and which are somewhere in the human world.
The main focus of this story - besides the smoldering romance between Gabriel and Aislinn - is the quest to defeat the Shadow King who wants Aislinn dead.
Aislinn isn't interested in
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the Unseelie incubus who has a well-known reputation for seducing women. She is just getting over being jilted by a lover who was just using her in his quest for higher status in the court. Aislinn has been growing bored in the court which emphasizes social events and gossip. She has a Secret.Gabriel also has a Secret. He has been ordered by the Shadow King to seduce Aislinn into joining his court. The Shadow King claims to have no ill will toward Aislinn but Gabriel doesn't know what he intends for her. Gabriel thinks his task will be easy. After all, he's had centuries seducing women. But Aislinn is a challenge.
The world building is interesting in this story. The fae have all been rounded up and imprisoned by the Phaendir who are a race of druids. They are mortal enemies of the fae. There are mixed views among the Phaendir. Some are content with keeping the fae imprisoned. While others especially Gideon, a viewpoint character, want the fae all killed.
There is a book and three talismans that have the key to ending the fae's imprisonment. Aislinn has inherited the book from her father. Because only the Queen practices magic in the Seelie Court, Aislinn has never been taught to use her own magic. The draw of learning her magic is one of the lures Gabriel uses to seduce Aislinn to the Unseelie Court.
Meanwhile, Gideon is determined to recover the book and the one talisman that has found its way into Piefferburg - the fae prison. And the fae who want to be free are searching for the two talismans they don't already have, and which are somewhere in the human world.
The main focus of this story - besides the smoldering romance between Gabriel and Aislinn - is the quest to defeat the Shadow King who wants Aislinn dead.
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Language
Original publication date
2010-01-05
Physical description
336 p.; 6.7 inches
ISBN
0425232018 / 9780425232019