The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane, Book 2)

I strongly suggest you check-out from the library the prequel novella "Vampsploitation" in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 and also read the previous book "Red-Headed Stepchild" before tackling this book. This has been my most anticipated April 2010 release and I was not disappointed. Half mage/half vampire Sabina Kane is officially a retired assassin. Sabina Kane knows violence and danger almost as well as she knows the tips of her fangs. Adjusting to her new life of serenity, drinking herbal tea concoctions, meditating and taking time to breathe, is proving to be harder than she anticipated. I enjoyed this book even more than the first book; this installment pretty much had it all. The action was intense, the magic was creative and this book was chock full of hilarious scenes that stayed on my mind well after I finished reading this book! I highly recommend this dark urban fantasy to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and I can't wait for the next book Green Eyed Demon due out in 2011. I also recommend: Bitter Night: A Horngate Witches Book Spider's Bite: An Elemental Assassin Book Shadow Blade (Shadowchasers) Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3) Spellbent

I keep on hearing the song for Men in Black when I think of this title. I believe I gave the first book 5 stars based on the potential of the series, how much I liked Sabina Kane and Giguhl, and how much I was really looking forward to this book. It becomes a separate topic that, after that, I had to wait longer for the book because I'm a Kindle owner. That's not the author's fault though. I think that, all in all, I preferred this outing. I was glad that Sabina kept her fighting, snarking nature, and her fierce loyalty. Last book, we'd seen her in vampire culture she knew well, and this book we see her exploring her mage half and meeting her twin sister. Sabina and Maisie, their names illustrate their different childhoods and how they mirror one another -- as does the locations of their birth marks. Giguhl is as delightful as ever, even though while in cat form her crossed his arms. (Huh?) And he gets a lady friend. The villain of the peace is probably just who you think it is, but the story is a good one, and the stakes (pun a little intended) are raised. I also like the deepening mythology. I don't know if the next book, Green-Eyed Demon, will have time to focus on the burgeoning relationship between Sabina and Adam -- it should be dealing a lot with the cliff-hanger at the end of this one, and who knows if there'll be room -- but I hope so. I like that Sabina has a lot on her plate, other than the guy, but it's sorta time. What I've enjoyed with both books is the simple fact that the narrative kept me happily reading along, wanting to find out what happened next. Looking forward to more. (2 5 star reviews in a row and 2 for this author/series. How will I ever strike fear?)

The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells Urban Fantasy- March 30th, 2010 5 stars Jaye Wells has written a high octane, nonstop Urban Fantasy that left me wanting MORE!! This book is filled with action, tension and plenty of thrills that even those with short attention spans will not be able to let go! The Mage in Black is the 2nd book in the Sabina Kane series. Hunted on all sides, Sabina Kane is a tough half vampire, half mage assassin. A difficult position since vampires and mages have had a centuries old blood feud. As a result, she has been an outcast even though her grandmother is the leader of the vampires. Treated with contempt and as a mere pawn by her grandmother and the rest of the vampires Sabine has had to fend for herself. The only vampire she considered trusting left her after a night of passion and stole her money. At the end of the 1st book in this series Red-Headed Stepchild, Sabine is shocked to discover she has a twin sister who lives with the vampire's mortal enemies, the mages. Adam, a (super sexy) mage has persuaded her to visit the other half of her family. Suspicious, but with nowhere else to turn, Sabine goes with Adam on a journey that will awaken her long dormant magic. But once she arrives Sabine discovers not all the mages are as welcoming as they seem and Sabine soon finds herself trying to fight for her life because she has been targeted by an unknown enemy who has powerful allies. To add to her stress her sister keeps insisting she is the Chosen one. Prophesied to united the races. In addition different factions are determined to force a costly war. Gee, no pressure.... This was an exciting no holds barred thrill ride from start to finish. I love how Sabina begins mage training and how the author skillfully guides the reader through the complex labyrinth of the mage hierarchical system as well as introducing the shifter, vampire and fae society. I was particularly fascinated as Sabina was thrust into a new environment where she didn't know the rules and still tried to uphold her own code of honor. The incredible background made me feel this was a real world and although the heroine is: impetuous, impulsive and stubborn, her `can do' and 'make me' attitude only made me cheer her on! Jaye Wells leaves many unanswered questions we learn more about the mysterious Caste and implications for Sabina's future. If you enjoy books by Megan Chance or the early Anita Blake books you will love this series, guaranteed. It has a gritty, tense atmospheric feel. I love the world the author has created and hope this series continues past 3 books. I think this is because I have been completely won over by the capable and fearless courage of the heroine. I do need to note that this book does end at a cliffhanger but because I have so much confidence in the heroine I know she will be able solve any obstacle. I just want to know how! Next year's book can't come too soon. Reviewed by Step

Former assassin, Sabina Kane has decided to travel to New York to meet her long lost twin at the Hekate Council. And being a vampire/mage hybrid, she can begin a more thorough training of her magical abilities. But after a couple attempts on her life, it seems that someone within the haven of mages wants Sabina out of the way. Meanwhile, her demon familiar decides to join a fight club, where the last rule is `no mercy.' Sabina is a strong, kick-butt female, who doesn't easily trust people after the betrayal of her grandmother. Her sister and demon familiar are more light-hearted and upbeat characters that have a great contrasting affect on Sabina. They bring out a different side of her. Sabina also grows in her magical abilities, and is put to the test in several ways. And along the way, we learn that she has a mysterious destiny involving the unity of all the dark races. There is no sophomore slump here. This second Sabina Kane novel was even more fast-paced and action packed than the first. Once I started, I couldn't put it down, and read it in just a few short hours. Wells' fantastic world of a vast array of magical and mythical creatures focuses more on mages, werewolves and demons in this installment. With mystery, danger, suspense, magic, and a bit of romance, this urban fantasy series has it all. Last year, The Red-Headed Stepchild made my list of favorites, and having enjoyed The Mage in Black even more, I'm sure it will make this year's list as well.

In a world when mortals don't know that vampires, werewolves, faeries, and mages exist, Sabina Kane is an unusual hybrid offspring of a vampire and a mage. Her vampiric grandmother Lavinia the Alpha of the Dominae raised her though she loathed her as an abomination of nature. When Grandma Dearest tried to kill her, she escapes with the mage Adam. They head to New York for her to meet her mage blood side of her heritage especially her twin sister Maise, head of the Hekate Council. Maise opens up her heart to her sibling, but as an enforcer and a Dominae assassin, to stay alive she has trust issues. Her goal is to destroy her grandmother, but to do she needs to learn magic. She never expected to get involved with the mages nor anticipate an unknown enemy will come after her, but Sabina has no choice. She must deal with the leader of the pack and try to survive the assault of Eurynome the demon summoned from beyond to specifically kill her. Evidence surfaces that prove Sabina betrayed the mages costing them their alliance with Queen Maeve of the faeries at a time when the mages consider open war with the vamps. Sabina escapes incarceration with plans to go it alone until she finds proof that her heart is right about the mages especially Maise. Jaye Wells' latest urban fantasy picks up where the Red-Headed Stepchild ended, but goes in a different direction as the heroine leaves behind the vamps to connect she hopes with the mages. She holds the exciting story line together as she struggles with backstabbing political intrigue (talk about realism) and making new relationships especially with ever trusting Maise. Filled with plenty of action focused on Sabina as well as humor mostly by her familiar Giguhl who has never found a moment in which he is not causing trouble without trying. The Mage in Black further defines the fascinating unique "Wellsian" mythos. Harriet Klausner