Almost missed this write up by this ex-military spouse of a Black Swan fan. It was left as a post on the Facebook fan page and obscured under “posts by others”. I’m so proud of this. Take a look.
By Mark Harris…
I have been a huge science fiction/fantasy/adventure book fan since I was a little boy and I never thought I would say this about a “romance” novel but, I really, really like the Order of the Black Swan series! I think that what makes these books a better read than any romance novel I’ve ever seen is that they are books of a paranormal nature with romance strategically placed within the storyline. The reader is not inundated with a person’s fantasy of how love should be; we are simply made privy to the characters world and that world just happens to have love and romance in it.
What has really drawn me to Victoria Danann’s series is that each character is brought to life in an enrapturing way. You can’t help but want to read more about each of their lives! And the masterful storyteller that she is, Victoria doles out each helping of their history in perfect portion. The first book hooks you, and the rest of them expand your knowledge, understanding, and love of each character. And because each character is well thought out and fully developed, they support each other in a harmony that can only be described as perfect.
My Familiar Stranger introduces you to the “main characters” of the Black Swan world. You realize early on that these people will have a bond that transcends time (much like the bond created by military personnel that have served in combat together). And that bond becomes the center of the storyline. With all the ups and downs, twists and turns that are a part of any true relationship, these characters take you on a ride that is both fantastic and yet, somehow, familiar (at least to me). Action, drama, and romance, all seamlessly blended to tell a tale that is so captivating that you can’t help but feel like you are a part of it as it unfolds before you.
Flowing into the second book, The Witch’s Dream, our beloved characters take on a somewhat supporting role as new characters are brought to the limelight. Just like in the first book, you are at once enthralled by these characters and can’t wait to hear their stories. And once again, Victoria delivers! Fantasy becomes reality; the impossible becomes the possible, and all the while, the reader is led through this magical, yet plausible, world with the anticipation of a child waiting to open their Yule presents.
This then leads to A Summoner’s Tale, the third book in the series. Right from the start you know that this will be yet another adrenaline laced adventure sure to captivate and entertain. The storyline continues to unfold and in the process we are allowed to explore the history of yet another character, while still being enthralled by the lives of the original characters.
You cannot have made it this far in the series without, at least once, having said, “That’s what I would have done!”, or “I can so see myself saying that!”
No, I am not a romance novel reader. But I am a lover of a good story, with wonderful character development, that is able to keep me interested and wanting more. And, in this respect, Victoria Danann delivers! Do yourself a favor and pick up the first book…you won’t be disappointed.
As for me, I can’t wait to read the rest of the Order of the Black Swan series!
