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Dark Swan #1-3
Dark Swan, Vols. 1-3
Richelle Mead Dark Swan Bundle: Iron Crowned, Storm Born, & Thorn QueenIron Crowned
"New York Times" bestselling author Richelle Mead takes readers back to the Otherworld, an embattled realm mystically entwined with our world--and ruled by one woman's dangerous choice...
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear...
Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril...
Storm Born
Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...
Praise for Richelle Mead and Succubus Blues...
"This is one of those series I'm going to keep following." --Jim Butcher, "New York Times " bestselling author
"The mix of supernatural mystery, romance, and reluctant succubus is great fun." --"Locus"
"Exciting, witty, sexy, intriguing and had me captivated from the first page." --Cheyenne McCray
""Storm Born" is my kind of book -- great characters, dark worlds, and just the right touch of humor. A great read." --Patricia Briggs
Thorn Queen
Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.
Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature...
"New York Times" bestselling author Richelle Mead takes readers back to the Otherworld, an embattled realm mystically entwined with our world--and ruled by one woman's dangerous choice...
Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear...
Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation--one that will put her soul and the fate of two worlds in mortal peril...
Storm Born
Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...
Praise for Richelle Mead and Succubus Blues...
"This is one of those series I'm going to keep following." --Jim Butcher, "New York Times " bestselling author
"The mix of supernatural mystery, romance, and reluctant succubus is great fun." --"Locus"
"Exciting, witty, sexy, intriguing and had me captivated from the first page." --Cheyenne McCray
""Storm Born" is my kind of book -- great characters, dark worlds, and just the right touch of humor. A great read." --Patricia Briggs
Thorn Queen
Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.
Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature...
1120 pages, ebook
First published February 16, 2011
About the author
Richelle Mead
108 books68.9k followersScorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 17, 2017
Eugenie is awesome and I am on Team Dorian. 5 stars, because these books are amazing and innovative and just generally awesome.
November 18, 2020
The story would of been better if the writer did not make the character so loose. It should of been given a reference of mild porn. Its not even romance. I would skip several pages to get back to the story.
February 14, 2021
I READ THESE BACK-TO-BACK BECAUSE YOU HAVE THIS OVERWHELMING NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT OR WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO NEXT etc.
January 3, 2012
I give Storm Born 3 stars not because it wasn't a good story I just had a hard time reading it, yes it was good and a lot of stuff happened to keep interest I just got bored a lot also. But I figure its the first book in new series so Richelle Mead goes into vast detail about setting, personalities, and plot to help the reader throughout the rest of the series. So I am hoping the rest of the series will keep my intrest because I really do like the concept of this book.
I give Thorn Queen 4.5 stars, it was so much better then Storm Born there were so many twists and turns and heart clenching moments I loved it. I really like the idea of Eugenie and Dorian I think they have more chemistry then Eugenie and Kiyo there relationship just feels like lust to me. I just love Volusian he is just so broody and his and Eugenie "partnership" is just so amazing I love the way they interact he's all like "I'm going to kill you slow and painfully" and she's all like "ahhh theres the Volusian I know and love". Now onto the story Eugenie is searching for missing girls and then she becomes a missing girl herself and turns out she is sold to this Prince who says loves her but she has turned down numerous times and he has this idea that while she is all drugged out he will have sex with her until she becomes pregnant and then he'll bring back to Otherworld to become his queen. Eugenie's only thought is to try and escape but it is hard to do when she is drugged every 6 hours until she enlists the help of the other captured girls who have accpeted their fate as never being released. When she does get out she threatens to kill the prince but Kiyo convinces her not to but Dorian has no problem doing it and this leads to his and Eugenie's kingdom going to war against the princes kingdom. This is were the story leaves us with Dorian and Eugenie getting all their troops together and Eugenie and Kiyo breaking up.
I give Iron Crowned 5 stars, OMG it was so goood especially when it got close to the end the surprise discovery OMG! I can't wait for the next book! I found the part involving the ghost and the detective were kind of unnecessary but I guess Eugenie wouldn't find out waht was going on with Kiyo if the ghost hadn't shown up. And I still love Dorian even though he lies so things turn out good for him, he is a man after all, and after the way Kiyo acted ugh I would never want to see him again. Again CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW IT ALL PANS OUT!
I give Thorn Queen 4.5 stars, it was so much better then Storm Born there were so many twists and turns and heart clenching moments I loved it. I really like the idea of Eugenie and Dorian I think they have more chemistry then Eugenie and Kiyo there relationship just feels like lust to me. I just love Volusian he is just so broody and his and Eugenie "partnership" is just so amazing I love the way they interact he's all like "I'm going to kill you slow and painfully" and she's all like "ahhh theres the Volusian I know and love". Now onto the story Eugenie is searching for missing girls and then she becomes a missing girl herself and turns out she is sold to this Prince who says loves her but she has turned down numerous times and he has this idea that while she is all drugged out he will have sex with her until she becomes pregnant and then he'll bring back to Otherworld to become his queen. Eugenie's only thought is to try and escape but it is hard to do when she is drugged every 6 hours until she enlists the help of the other captured girls who have accpeted their fate as never being released. When she does get out she threatens to kill the prince but Kiyo convinces her not to but Dorian has no problem doing it and this leads to his and Eugenie's kingdom going to war against the princes kingdom. This is were the story leaves us with Dorian and Eugenie getting all their troops together and Eugenie and Kiyo breaking up.
I give Iron Crowned 5 stars, OMG it was so goood especially when it got close to the end the surprise discovery OMG! I can't wait for the next book! I found the part involving the ghost and the detective were kind of unnecessary but I guess Eugenie wouldn't find out waht was going on with Kiyo if the ghost hadn't shown up. And I still love Dorian even though he lies so things turn out good for him, he is a man after all, and after the way Kiyo acted ugh I would never want to see him again. Again CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW IT ALL PANS OUT!
November 3, 2011
This e'book bundle for Kindle is a real bargain! The first three stories of the Dark Swan series in one package and sorted in proper order from Amazon. It is the story of a young Shaman who lives on the north side of Tucson and lives by banishing monsters. Her step father is both her mentor and trainer as she grows in ability and power. She is unique in being the daughter of a human woman and a strong Gentry Ruler from the other side. Her Gentry father lent her power and ability while her human mother contributes to her humanity. The stories follow her development from being a Shaman who operates mostly in the Human World to discovery of her Gentry blood which had been kept from her by her mother and step father. As she evolves into dealings with the Gentry side of her being and participates in the Gentry world, her powers develop and she discovers her father's legacy, to give birth to a child who is claimed to be the one to lead the Gentry into concurring the Human world and taking back their place ruling both worlds. The story is convoluted and includes graphic descriptions of the Dark Swan's sexual predilections. She also has a tendency towards changing allegiances over imagined slights or suspected questionable motives but, in her defense, many of her associates have hidden agendas and no qualms about using Eugenie to further their own purposes by using deception, persuasion or coercion. The story includes many interesting characters (human, Gentry and other worldly) and their interactions are a continual lever for intellectual involvement. Unfortunately, this series ends with a cliff hanger so now I have to wait for completion of the next book (due in December) to find resolution of this part of the story. It is a fun story though so read on!
February 11, 2012
Just finished Dark Swan, the first book in this series. Honestly I am not to sure what I think. I guess I kind of felt like 'SO WHAT!'
First, I did quite understand the purpose of Two names, or the change of royal title through out. So what! Here you have a grown woman who is finding herself and who is going against everthing she has lived by and/or believed in. Is she challeged? I don't know, I guess I just need to keep reading to see if things get better for me. It has not been my fav. A far cry from Vamp. Academy.
2/8/12
So yea I am taking my time with this series. I have to admit book 2 is a whole lot better. Lot of growth has been make, lessons learned, and tragedy. I am looking forward to book 3.
2/10/2012
Okay, what can I say I got hooked. Turns out this last book made me fall in love.
I love the strength & adventure, & the bondings of love.
Cant wait to get to the next book.
First, I did quite understand the purpose of Two names, or the change of royal title through out. So what! Here you have a grown woman who is finding herself and who is going against everthing she has lived by and/or believed in. Is she challeged? I don't know, I guess I just need to keep reading to see if things get better for me. It has not been my fav. A far cry from Vamp. Academy.
2/8/12
So yea I am taking my time with this series. I have to admit book 2 is a whole lot better. Lot of growth has been make, lessons learned, and tragedy. I am looking forward to book 3.
2/10/2012
Okay, what can I say I got hooked. Turns out this last book made me fall in love.
I love the strength & adventure, & the bondings of love.
Cant wait to get to the next book.
September 7, 2011
Storm Born
Good first book in this bundle. Eugenie and Kiyo are great characters as well as introduction of stellar secondary characters. It was a good pace and had humor and excitement. 4 stars.
Iron Crowned
Second book delves deeper into Eugenie's world and you'll be either Team Kiyo or Team Dorian. I, myself, am 100% for Team Dorian (no disrespect to Kiyo, of course). Certain things come to light in this book that will definitely get you thinking. 4 stars
Thorn Queen
Third book in this bundle has angered me greatly. Eugenie, who I thought was much smarter than she is, has become a royal pain in the butt! I am so confused by her behavior and of those she "loves" and I use that term loosely! The plot rolls right along (and not the way this reader would have liked). But, alas, that is what makes it fun - even if things definitely get under my skin! 4.5 stars.
Good first book in this bundle. Eugenie and Kiyo are great characters as well as introduction of stellar secondary characters. It was a good pace and had humor and excitement. 4 stars.
Iron Crowned
Second book delves deeper into Eugenie's world and you'll be either Team Kiyo or Team Dorian. I, myself, am 100% for Team Dorian (no disrespect to Kiyo, of course). Certain things come to light in this book that will definitely get you thinking. 4 stars
Thorn Queen
Third book in this bundle has angered me greatly. Eugenie, who I thought was much smarter than she is, has become a royal pain in the butt! I am so confused by her behavior and of those she "loves" and I use that term loosely! The plot rolls right along (and not the way this reader would have liked). But, alas, that is what makes it fun - even if things definitely get under my skin! 4.5 stars.
May 10, 2011
IMPORTANT: On the copy I downloaded from the Borders/Kobo store, the order has Iron Crowned first. This is not correct; Iron Crowned is the last book in the bundle. If you downloaded this and want to read the series in the correct order, skip to Storm Born first, then read Thorn Queen.
THE BOOKS: The first two are great. The third is terrible. Disappointing.
THE BOOKS: The first two are great. The third is terrible. Disappointing.
December 7, 2012
1/25 update: I'm 23% done with Richelle Mead's Dark Swan Bundle. Since this is a three book bundle, I'd say that I'm about 3/4 of the way through Storm Born, the first in this series.
I'm enjoying it as much as I enjoyed Ms. Mead's Succubus series. It's fast paced with well developed, fun, and lovable characters.
1/26 update: I finished Storm Born last night and immediately started Thorn Queen. I've listed the individual books on my shelves to make reviewing them easier.
I'll review Storm Born soon...if I can tear myself away from Thorn Queen!
1/28 update: I just finished Thorn Queen and immediately jumped into Iron Crowned. It looks like reviews for all three books will have to wait until I finish.
I'm enjoying it as much as I enjoyed Ms. Mead's Succubus series. It's fast paced with well developed, fun, and lovable characters.
1/26 update: I finished Storm Born last night and immediately started Thorn Queen. I've listed the individual books on my shelves to make reviewing them easier.
I'll review Storm Born soon...if I can tear myself away from Thorn Queen!
1/28 update: I just finished Thorn Queen and immediately jumped into Iron Crowned. It looks like reviews for all three books will have to wait until I finish.
September 1, 2011
Loved them! I'm not going to give you plot summary on each book but if you enjoyed the Vampire Academy series but want something that doesn't involve vampires (there's so much of that going around at the moment!!!) and the characters are not whinging teens then you'll enjoy these books. They are a little more adult and raunchy than the Vampire Academy books and Eugenie is a heroine that you'll love to bits and is surrounded by fun and exciting secondary characters. Can't wait for the next book in 2012!
I am yet to read a Richelle Mead book that I haven't loved.
I am yet to read a Richelle Mead book that I haven't loved.
May 11, 2012
Entertaining and decently written. I had to keep reading and read through all three books fairly quickly because I found myself really wanting to know what was going to happen next, which is probably the best thing I can say for an adventure story. Would recommend anyone looking for a fun and entertaining fantasy/adventure escapist read to give the a try. Bit too frequent bed jumping for me, which I found actually did detract from my respect for the character, but that didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story itself.
August 25, 2011
These books were goood!! Eugenie has so much DRAMA in her life!!! These books have a touch of everything. Eugenie's life is like a Jerry Springer/ Maury Povich Show. You are the father, You are not the father!! Yet, I could not put them down and can't wait for the next one. I have not read a book by Richelle Mead that I don't like. Vampire Academy, Georgina Kincaid and the Dark Swan Series are all awesome.!!!
May 11, 2012
I luv luv luv these books! Richelle Mead is a fantastic author. All of her work is amazing, and these books fit right in! I am always amazed at the amount of detail that she has without 'going overboard'. Creating a whole new world that lives in these books is impressive! There is steamy romance, exciting action, and wonderful characters! MARVELOUS job!! :)
July 25, 2014
I love Richelle Mead's worlds—they are so complex, vivid.
That being said, this series as a whole is great, but nowhere near the magnitude of Vampire Academy/Bloodlines, or even Georgina Kjncaid, for that matter. But, still, it's certainly worth a read. In my opinion, still better than "Gameboard of the Gods". (Not a bad novel, either, not at all—but it's different than Mead's other novels.)
That being said, this series as a whole is great, but nowhere near the magnitude of Vampire Academy/Bloodlines, or even Georgina Kjncaid, for that matter. But, still, it's certainly worth a read. In my opinion, still better than "Gameboard of the Gods". (Not a bad novel, either, not at all—but it's different than Mead's other novels.)
May 22, 2011
Ironed Crowned had so many plot twists it kept me glued to the book. I miss it now I have finished & can't wait for another instalment. Some twists did sadden me but at the same time shed new lights & views on the characters
May 9, 2012
Another great series from Richelle Mead. I really got interested in this one after reading the Graphic Novels. These are really addictive, full of action and humour.
These are non stop cover to cover action and adventure. Love them.
These are non stop cover to cover action and adventure. Love them.
July 22, 2012
After reading her Vampire Academy series, I had to read more of her work! This series did not disappoint! I love her sense of humor and her ability to create characters that have you pulling for them throughout each story!
April 23, 2011
My two stars only refer to the third book: iron Crowned (which I can't find separate?). Bleh.
May 25, 2011
FUN read! BEWARE this series is Rater R for sexual content. (don't judge me.) XO
July 16, 2011
Want a quick read with racy scenes? This is your series. Not particularly well written, but some interesting ideas. Definitely a summer vacation read.
October 20, 2011
I'm sorry, but Richelle Mead is my favorite trash.
The back and forth between men annoyed me in these, I have to say, but satisfying to read overall.
The back and forth between men annoyed me in these, I have to say, but satisfying to read overall.
December 13, 2016
First read: March 11, 2012
Fantastic series! Must get my hands on #4!
Fantastic series! Must get my hands on #4!
September 9, 2012
Sadly, I did not know the the series concluded with some kind of an open ending or I would not have started it. I just can't stand open endings. "Use your imagination" be damned.
August 30, 2012
So dramatic and sexy! I always have a great time reading these!
February 2, 2013
They were good but seemed unfinished. Like the vision was hastily written. I'm not sure if I'll read any more in this series.
July 21, 2013
Loved them!
November 3, 2016
I flew through these books! Its been a while since I was able to read like this. It just goes yo show how well she writes!
September 18, 2011
Very good series. If you like the Fever series you will enjoy this as well.
March 24, 2015
One of the best series I've listed to in a long time. Thank you for the entertainment :)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews