Who is Maggie Shayne

The first time that I did dock trials on a ship in 1997 as a Naval Officer, I had Maggie Shayne's "Wings In The Night" book. I had never read a vampire/paranormal romance at all before that date. I was nervous about being on a ship for the first time in my life. My "Wings In The Night" book started my love of vampires, vampire romance, and paranormal. It spoke to my soul and it made me feel I had my own private world on a ship of many. So the first three books that was in "Wings In The Night" is why I love Maggie Shayne. Maggie Shayne laid the foundation and Christine Feehan that can be found on my squidoo lens solidified the relationship http://www.squidoo.com/christinefeehan

For centuries, loneliness has haunted them from dusk till dawn. Yet now, from out of the darkness, shines the light of eternal life . . . eternal love.

Reason # 1 Twilight Phantasies
Cruel fate condemned Eric Marquand to walk forever in shadow -- alone. To possess his soulmate was to destroy her. But Tamara believed in taking fate into her own hands . . .

Reason # 2 Twilight Memories
Rhiannon was a dangerous creature of the night. If Roland cast her away, it would be like driving a stake through her heart -- exactly what the mortal on her trail wanted!

Reason # 3 Twilight Illusions
He was the greatest of his accursed kind. But Damien's ancient mystic power was threatened by a terrible weakness -- a passion for a woman of mortal flesh and blood . . .

The Twilight Series Vampire Romance:

Wings in the Night Reissue contains:

Book 1
Wings in the Night: Twilight Phantasies / Twilight Memories / Twilight Illusions (Twilight Series Books 1, 2, & 3)

Book 1 Twilight Phantasies - Eric & Tamara,

Book 2 Twilight Memories - Roland & Rhiannon,

Book 3 Twilight Illusions - Damian & Shannon

At Twilight Reissue contains: At Twilight (Twilight Series Books 4 & 5)

Book 4 Beyond Twilight - Cuyler and Ramsey

Book 5 Born in Twilight - Jameson and Angelic

Book 7 Twilight Hunger - Dante & Morgan,

Book 8 Embrace The Twilight - William & Sarafina,

Two By Twilight Reissue contains: Run From Twilight\Twilight Vows (Twilight Series Book 9 and 6)

Book 9 Run From Twilight Micheal & Mary

book 6 Twilight Vows - Donovan & Rachel

Book 10 Edge Of Twilight Edge & Amber Lily

Book 11 Blue Twilight - Lou & Maxie

Book 12 Prince Of Twilight - Vlad & Stormy

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5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars - This rich relationship driven ensemble piece is the first book in Shayne's new vampire series.,
By melindeeloo

While Demon's Kiss has paranormal romance overtones it is very much a relationship driven ensemble piece that develops a very interesting group of characters and relationships.

Seth has been waiting all his life for something and has had visions of a woman, a woman who is somehow wrapped up in his destiny. When Sean is mugged, beaten and left for dead Sean readily accepts vampire Reaper's offer of immortality and even on the brink of death Sean realizes that at last he is on the road to fulfilling his purpose. Reaper former CIA assassin during life and now vampire rogue hunter has compelling reasons for shunning any relationship, but since Seth is the one Chosen with whom Reaper has an undeniable bond, Reaper cannot ignore his compulsion to protect Seth. In Shayne's vampire world this bond is not necessarily a romantic bond and Reaper's bond with Sean allows Sean to begin to crack the isolation that loner Reaper has maintained in life and death.

Sean is also the catalyst for cementing the ragtag group that begins to form around Reaper, much to Reaper's frustration. Initially the group is Sean, Reaper, Roxy and Topaz. Roxy, the only non-vampire, is a seer and powerful in her own right. Roxy is the voice of reason for the group and was previously Reaper's only friend and privy to his dark secret. Topaz is a socialite pampered princess on the surface but tough and smart underneath. Topaz hooks up with the group to seek vengeance on the vampire that stole her heart and her money. The remaining important characters are associated with the rogue group that Reaper hunts: Vixen - held captive by the group - is Sean's mystery woman. Vixen is both vampire and fox-shifter but alien in her thinking, almost more fox than woman even when in human form. Briar - beautiful, dark and cruel, is no longer able to feel her own pain and revels in inflicting it on others. And Jack - perpetual con-man, is the vampire who broke Topaz's heart. Jack is always running a scam, loyal only to himself, he never lets any one close to his heart.

It is very difficult to write a decent synopsis for Demon's Kiss because all seven main characters have distinct personalities and roles to play in the action. Shayne intertwines her characters and sets up their relationships, so that while you can see six of them starting to pair off, there are other friendships and other bonds developing between the group that are just as important. Shayne does a good job weaving her story with threads following various members of the ensemble, coming together, splitting off and reforming.

Demon's Kiss is not one of those series romances that focuses solely on a single couple as they take their romantic turn in the spotlight. While Sean & Vixen's is the only romance that runs full course here, there is a strong foundation laid for the past and future relationship between Topaz and Jack. Reaper is also such a strong character that there is no way to keep Reaper staying meekly in the background. The beginning of the complex relationship between Reaper and the evil Briar, whose soul is just as dark and damaged as Reaper's own, steals the spotlight at times. I look forward to seeing where both of those relationships go in the follow on books: Lover's Bite (May 2008 Jack & Topaz) and Angel's Pain (Oct 2008 Reaper & Briar).

Demon's Kiss is set in the same world as Shayne's popular Wings in the Night/Twilight Series (Rhiannon makes a brief appearance here) so check these out if you are looking for something to tide you over until May. Some of the older stories are being released as ebooks, Shayne's website has summaries and a `family tree' that shows the connections between books, she also has a movie trailer for Demon's Kiss by the same production company that does Christine Feehan's, the short one is fun and the longer one a bit hokey.

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Silver RavenWolf is one of the most widely recognized names in circles of witchcraft, and with good reason; she has written some of the best guides to contemporary Witchcraft available. To Ride a Silver Broomstick is a handbook aimed at the beginner, and doesn't get bogged down in history, dogma, or gender roles. It is a workbook for the individual, whether one is a solitary practitioner or part of a coven, that covers the basics of the craft--from useful vocabulary to setting up an altar--and briefly delves into more advanced concepts such as astral projection and telepathy. To Ride a Silver Broomstick may not be the most comprehensive single volume on the subject of witchcraft, but RavenWolf focuses on the aspects most important to a beginner, and keeps her introduction to the craft approachable and easy to follow.

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The Spiral Dance is a complex myriad of thoughts, dreams, creation and spiritual exercises that can challenge even the most experienced magical practicioners. This is not a light'n'fluffy read, definitely not a basic introduction to witchcraft, wicca or paganism in any of its forms. For many years, this book was the only widely available text on the Great Goddess religion and, with two updates to the original work, remains relevant to this day. This book challenges the reader to take their spiritual path more seriously and can be a truly life-changing and mind-expanding experience. All readers will find exercises to suit them, as there are plenty to choose from. The feminist aspects teaches respect for the feminine to both men and women, being honest and confronting without going to excess. I'd recommend this to anyone seeking to find/understand themselves and their spiritual path, however this is not really a starting point but a way to expand your knowledge and practices. Beginners would be better off looking at Scott Cunningham and Jennifer Hunter first. Starhawk's book goes into more depth on the Goddess aspect and on meditation and ritual, and it is useful to have a little grounding in the basics before moving into more complex intellectual and experiential territory. Fiona Horne's books are also great basic guides, with extra information for those of us in the southern hemisphere.

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Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is the essential primer from one of the best known authors on Wicca. Focusing on the importance of individualism in your spiritual path, Cunningham explains the very basics of Sabbats (holy days), ceremonies, altars, and other nuts and bolts of Wicca that a solitary practitioner may have trouble finding elsewhere. While Wicca shouldn't be your sole point of reference when considering Wicca as your way of life, it is one of the best starting points.

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In this authoritative study, the authors discuss the principles underlying all spells and explain why a successful spell is usually composed of three elements: intent, visualization, and will-power. Careful at all times to observe basic rules of responsibility - that a spell should never intend anyone harm or manipulate anyone against their will - this is a comprehensive guide to ways of effective spell-casting. This book covers all aspects of spells - including psychic self-defense, sex magic, qabalistic magic, and talismans. There is a generous anthology of actual spells worldwide, past and present, drawn from history, literature, folklore, old grimoires, and from the 20 years experience of the authors. Spells of love, healing, weather, binding, and more combine in this unique addition to the literature on magical workings.

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What is the relationship of the Bible to Witchcraft? What are Fairies, and Magical Alphabets? What were the links between Druidism and Witchcraft? An ABC of Witchcraft covers these subjects and many more from the well-informed and gentle viewpoint of practicing witch, Doreen Valiente.

Arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference, the book discusses over 125 subjects that may concern anyone wishing to know more about this ancient pagan religion. Other topics include Atlantis, Witches' Familiars, Dancing, Fire Magic, Flying Ointments, Horses and Witchcraft, Initiations, Love Charms, Royalty and its connection with witchcraft, etc., etc., with up to several pages on each subject.

About the Author
Doreen Valiente was raised in the pagan "heartland" of England and has been initiated into four different branches of The Old Religion. As High Priestess to Gerald Gardner she is considered one of the revivers of modern-day witchcraft. She is the author of four books on the subject.

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books for beginners.,
By Philip Davis (Indiana) - See all my reviews

I have read many, many books on Beginner's Wicca and WitchCraft and this is one of the best and is the first beginner's book I give five stars. This is a very spiritual book and includes an abundance of information as well as many of Laurie's own personal experiences which I enjoyed. This book contains in-depth historical information. Some people have questioned its' accuracy. I found most of the history to accurate, but no, like one book reviewer said, she doesn't really give a bibliography. After the history, Laurie gets into the Craft of the Wise. This book contains good information on Covens and Solitaries, and also good information on the Pentacle and the Magic Circle. This book contains a section on the Wheel of the Year. I was a bit disappointed on the area where she describes each sabbat, but she includes enough, she wrote a whole book on the Sabbats, that's why I was suprised she didn't write more. There is also good information about altars, crystals, stone circles/sacred sites, herbs, and Divination. The next chapter is excellent. It speaks about the Science of WitchCraft. She explains how magick and items (such as herbs and stones) work (finally, someone does, she also mentions light, and the seven hermetic laws. Her chapter on Alpha is excellent and very accurate. It is also very fascinating. Very well worth your time to give her practices a try. I'm not sure why other Wiccan authors don't get into this area more deeply. Her chapter on everyday magic is good, but she should have mentioned that not all Witches fix their altar like that. I'm afraid mine looks little like hers. Her information on Protection, Prosperity, and Healing magick is good, but her area on love magick (another area she wrote her own book on) was less than appealing, and she forgot to mention you shouldn't target a specific individual although she does speak about that area. There are some great spells in here, just have good luck finding some of those ingredients like wolf's hair, off a live shedding wolf for protection potion. The next chapter is also excellent, it's entitled "A Witch's Life: Milestones". It speaks about such things as marriage, handfasting, a large section on Witch Children, and an interesting section on Death. The final chapter, Witchcraft Tommorow is good, but in a sense, unrealistic. Laurie speaks about her plan to educate others on WitchCraft. Yeah, I liked this book, Yeah, I was very impressed with this book, and if you are a beginner, this is what WitchCraft is all about. Thank you.

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Few I've Bothered to Read Twice,
By Elderbear (Loma Linda, Aztlan)

I have more books on the Craft than any sane person would keep. The useless ones I get rid of. This is one of the few I've actually read more than once. It contains quality material and makes an excellent first or second book for somebody new to the Craft.

Vivianne takes Wiccan tradition seriously, and doesn't cheapen it by making wild & unsubstantiated claims. She introduces her own material and names it as such. This book is complete. Rituals, directions, poems & liturgy. Everything you need but a coven, a calling and a connecttion to the Goddess.

Not only does this book describe Wiccan practice, but it describes it in sociological, historical, and psychological context, too. It is an example of applied Jungian theory. She uses the psychology of Carl Jung to explain the sense behind magic and Craft rituals. She bats around phrases like "Our Gods are the archetypal forces which inhabit the collective unconscious." To the question of "Are the forms of the Gods 'real'?" she answers first with a quote of Jung "they are images of contents which for the most part transcend consciousness." and then adds "what lies beyond the images is a divine reality ... true experessions of the nature of the divine translated into human terms."

This book contains a great deal of Craft practice, along with solid, original thought. Index, footnotes, a bibliography and a glossary round it out. A magnificent effort--more than earns its five stars! Every Witch ought to have read this book at least once!

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Doesn't that feel good?