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The Quarter Mage #3

The Never Mage

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When you lose everything, how fast will you break?

Killing the Crow should have been Sanja’s death. Instead, she finds herself with the fairy king unwilling to heal her, and a palace full of gorgeous fairies swarming the halls she’s been walking in solitude for the past months.

As Sanja slips into her role as Recienne’s political guest, she is more in need of the support of her friends than ever before. Especially when the Crow Fairies have spies everywhere and Sanja’s loss of magic makes her an easy target.

But sitting by and watching Recienne juggle his responsibilities is not part of Sanja’s plans. Time is running out. Ret Relah is around the corner and the Crows are ready to seize power.

Sanja is prepared to fight with all she has—because there is one thing Sanja knows with full She cannot let anything happen to her new family, even if it means she may lose everything.


The Never Mage is the third book in Angelina J. Steffort’s award-winning The Quarter Mage series.


In this series:

The Quarter MageThe Hour MageThe Never MageThe Ever Mage

583 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2023

265 people are currently reading
537 people want to read

About the author

Angelina J. Steffort

39 books1,150 followers
"Chocolate fanatic, milk foam enthusiast and strict fan of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career path for me."

Angelina J. Steffort is a bestselling, award-winning Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series and her Shattered Kingdom series. With over twenty YA and adult fantasy and paranormal romance books under her belt, Angelina is far from done with inventing and exploring new worlds. That might have something to do with her passion for following the narrative of new characters and getting surprised by the twists they spin on her stories. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting. Currently, Angelina lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and her son.

Find Angelina online: linktr.ee/ajsteffort

Subscribe to Angelina's newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ajs_zon_nl

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Kate Cranston.
97 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2023
Potential spoilers ahead……

This is a thrilling continuation of Sanja’s story, continuing on from the Quarter Mage and then the Half Mage.

I received this copy as an ARC and this is my honest review.

I had read the first two books via Kindle Unlimited a couple of months ago as I only discovered the world of fantasy romance in December last year and I’ve fully immersed myself in stories since then!! I’ve read ACOTAR and FBAA plus more then I discovered The Shattered Kingdom which led me to Ms Stoffert’s Facebook group and then The Mage series!!!

I can honestly say that the storytelling of Angelina Stoffert is epic and I think more people need to find out about her books!! I felt so bereft on completing The Half Mage and realising that I had to wait for the next instalment. I’m feeling more than bereft right now having just finished The Never Mage. I read it in just over 24 hours! It kept me engrossed and I would have read it in one sitting if I didn’t have school runs and work to do!!

I’ve found her books are great stories with skilful world building and although there’s the most wonderful slow burn romance, it’s really well written and enhances the plot rather than being there for spice sake which I know can be off putting for some. I love the slow burn of the romance element between Sanja and Rogue (you forget easily she’s married to the dreadful Cyril!) and the outcome was worth the wait.

I thought the character development of Sanja through this novel is just perfect. She’s gone from being a runaway bride who’s just survived circumstances, to finding her own strength to do what she deems right as her own person. She has a more than a few moments where she needs saving in this book and healing from severe injuries and relies on others to help her out (and I admit I did think….. another attack?! Another injury ….. BUT….. it’s all part of a skilfully woven meaning which leads to an awesome reveal) and by the end of the story she is the one in control. And what a cliffhanger ending…… I cannot fathom where things are going to go at all to conclude this series but I cannot wait to find out.

I loved the development of her friendship with Tori, I thought it was portrayed remarkably well and I especially the way they had a special bond with communicating. I’m longing for a happy resolution for Tori and Clio but am sure that will be delivered next…..

I also enjoyed the building of the family which gave the secondary characters some lovely development…… I’d love to have a good conclusion for Zelia and Dimar.

There’s still plenty of story yet to come with loose ends to tie up in the forthcoming fourth book. Tristan doesn’t appear much at all in this one so I feel something big is going to happen with his character involving crow magic but whether that’s for good or evil remains to be seen. I sense that clues have been laid through the last three books and hindsight will be a wonderful thing come the conclusion of the series.

I would heartily recommend this instalment of The Mage series but certainly read The Quarter Mage and Half Mage first. Add it to your TBR pile/list but don’t wait too long. Curl up in a cosy chair with a mug of tea and some shortbread (yes I’m British !) and get lost in the wonderful adventures for a few hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Crystal Ann.
2 reviews
May 31, 2023
I received a copy of this ARC and this is my honest review:

Woo, this book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. This has by far been the best book in the series, and I feel like this was the book that finally pulled away from The Cruel Prince and Court of Thorn and Roses shadow. It was slow moving at first, and I found myself frustrated with Sanja multiple times (the whole just friends thing got old), but honestly I’d do it all over again to get the satisfaction of FINALLY seeing her and Rogue together.

“I have tried to shut it away and lock my heart. I’ve tried and failed to not want what will destroy both you and me. I can’t afford to love someone and hope to be loved in return. But for now, Sanja … just for now, please let me be all I can never be again. Please let me love you. Please let me be more than the king who denies himself everything that makes him happy.”

This line was what I’d waited the whole book for. The cliffhanger killed me, but I can’t wait to see how the series wraps up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ana.
20 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2024
i promised myself I would finish this but I couldn’t and here is why

First of all, Sanja is stupid, dumb, lacking in personality, and so so so naive. One of the most boring characters I ever had to put up with. I managed 2.5 books JUST WAITING for her to somehow develop into something better but she simply didn’t. Actually, none of the characters did. It honestly feels like the author completely forgot to develop her characters, rather just granting them a specific personality and sticking to with for three books.

Second of all, I must have read 400 pages of nothing. Or rather, if the same things happening over and over again. Nothing happens in this book. It is basically just every single character besides Sanja making plans and trying to fight off the Crows and her being completely useless and just waiting for someone to tell her what to do so she could go there and do it (or fail miserably most of the time). She doesn’t ask questions, she doesn’t try to improve, she avoids conflict at all cost… she’s fucking boring and dumb. A specific scene that annoyed me was when she was talking to one of Rogues subordinates in the palace and she was about to TELL HIM ALL THE SECRETS SHE WASNT SUPPOSED TO TELL ANYONE??? BECAUSE SHE GOT NERVOUS AND DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO SAY??? EVEN THOUGH AHE WAS RAISED TO BE A QUEEN AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO TALK HER WAY OUT OF THESE SITUATIONS???? it simply doesn’t make any sense. AND MORE, the beginning of the book is all about how Sanja would always love Tristan but she would need to let him go and THEM TOWARDS THE END OF THE BOOK SHE ASKS ZELIA WHAT IF FEELS LIKE TO LOVE SOMEONE??? BITCH YOURE BEING A WHINY WHORE ABOUT LOVING TRISTAN AND NOW YOURE ACTING CRAZY???

I think these is honestly one the most poorly written books i’ve ever read. so disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley | A Pair of Readers.
459 reviews26 followers
May 31, 2023
Angelina Steffert blew me away with this follow-up to The Quarter Mage and The Hour Mage. It is hands down my favorite of the series (so far). It has everything you need. Found family, slow burn enemies to lovers romance, a powerful FMC, drama, witty banter, strong characters, a thought-out plot, and heartbreak (mostly your own by the end of the book). I read this ARC in a single day. I could not put it down.

This book has even more character development than the first two and I fell hard for it. Steffort finally, *finally*, (one more time for the people in the back) *finally* lifts on the curtain on the most mysterious character, Recienne. He. does. not. disappoint. He is everything you want him to be in an MMC and more.

Steffort also manages to continue to grow Sanja's character. I love this journey she is on and how she continues to grow into this badass powerful female character, who has to make these gut-wrenching decisions and stands by them.

And I can't forget to discuss the awesome support cast of characters (Clio, Tori, Clio, Demir, and Zelia). As heartbreaking as this story is, this cast of characters brought the banter, humor, and wit that made me smile. They added to the power of this story. And I love a good found family plotline.

As for the romance in this book. The slow burn almost killed me. Steffort nailed the will they, won't they until I was screaming for them to just admit their feelings. This slow burn, enemies to allies to friends to lovers story will win you over.

THAT ENDING?!
This ending was a freaking punch to the gut. It truly makes my list of "WTF! Cliffhangers" because I could see it happening and there was nothing to do but go off the (metaphorical) cliff with the characters as it was happening. I need book four now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hayley camp.
30 reviews
May 19, 2023
Never Mage is the 3 installment of the Quarter Mage series, and it’s by far the most beautiful, heartwarming and heartbreaking. This book packs the punches and is a very hard book to put down. I loved this story, and Angelina’s writing is blossoming into a beautiful form of storytelling. I’m so proud of her in not only the intense series this one is becoming, but all of them. What a masterpiece.

Okay, so Sanja regains consciousness under the fairy king, Recienne’s clutches. He heals her with a bit of discomfort but does anyway. In doing so, a hint of chemistry lingers between them. Throughout the story, of hurt, dancing, fun and acting, these two grow closer than ever before. The chemistry between Sanja and Rogue is undeniable, as I knew deep down what was going on (I was riiiight). Throughout all of the setbacks, these two are such a beautiful beginning.

I love Tori, Clio, Zelia and Demir in this book too, the goofiness, playful banter in this installment is wonderful to see.

I couldn’t put this freaking book down, even during the scenes that put Caspar to shame (joking) haha

Anyway the ending got me hard… I knew it was coming because Angst is a girl’s best friend, but my god Ange, why!? You clever woman…

Bring on book 4 and I’m so proud of her guys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ursala.
357 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2023
What a great 3rd book!

As always, the story is told with great details, the world building is amazing, and the characters grow and evolve.

With so much at stake, these MC's need to be prepared for any and everything.

I can not get over his much happened in this book! No filler book here. Everything that's happening leads to something.

I laughed so much! Poor Tori and his abilities 🤣🤦🏽‍♀️. He could not get a break. I enjoyed watching as Tori and San built their relationship. It really was like watching siblings who finally got past the fighting stage!

I love this series so much, I completely 💯 recommend it ❤️.
Profile Image for Stacey Turner.
11 reviews
June 12, 2023
I laughed. I cried. And I am not ok after that ending.
I am impatiently waiting for the release of the 4th book.
Profile Image for D.
1,069 reviews
May 31, 2023
The Never Mage

Yes!!! Can yes be all I say about this book? Yes, it's great! Yes, it's epic. Yes, it's intriguing. Yes, it's amazing! Yes, I love the characters and the journey they are taking me on. Yes, Sanja is awesome! Yes, Rogue is brilliant! This book is pure joy and happiness. So I say YES to everything about this story, and I want more. I'm glad I discovered this series. Yes! Yes! Yes! And yes, you should go get you a copy and buy a copy for your friend.
Profile Image for Beth.
144 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2023
Page turner

She did it again. Every time I start one of her books I end up reading it very quickly. It is like I can't put it down, all my free time is used to read it.
Profile Image for Heather.
404 reviews47 followers
May 31, 2023
The Never Mage by Angelina J. Steffort



***Warning, there are spoilers in my review. I tried not to reveal too much, but I couldn't really express my thoughts without giving a little backstory. Proceed with caution.***

The Never Mage picks up right where we left off from in the second installment, The Hour Mage. Sanja had just been attacked by the Crow at the border and miraculously survives even though her mage stone is left broken and depleted of all magic. The fact that Moyen was apart of the attack and witnessed Rogue defending Sanja, sets a whole lot of rather frustrating events into motion.
King Recienne calls his court back to the palace and announces Sanja as a visiting political guest. Fearing that the Fae of his court would realize his feelings for Sanja and then use her as a weakness against him, Recienne is determined to not pay any particular attention to Sanja's presence at his castle and takes it one step further by openly flirting with and consorting with the various females of his court.

I did not like this even though I do understand why it's necessary. He's protecting Sanja because if anyone became aware of his feelings for her, it would then put a target on her back for enemies to threaten her wellbeing as a means to get to him, but man oh man did my heart break for her having to witness all of it.
I loved that you got to see Sanja's relationships with other supporting characters grow and develop further. I particularly enjoyed how heavily involved Tori was in this installment and how close him and Sanja grew to be. Their banter over her thoughts and his lack of not being able to read them kept me literally laughing out loud. And because Rogue couldn't openly be there for her that much when they were at court, Tori truly did pick up the slack and was a source of strength for Sanja in some of her weakest and most desperate moments. I already liked him from book 2, but his involvement and dedication to being there for Sanja when Rogue couldn't truly earned my respect and love for the character.
Lastly, I want to say that Angelina Steffort brought the HEAT in this installment and I am so here for it!

I have been waiting for that spark to ignite ever since Sanja first met a certain bandit in book one and all I can say is that Angelina did not disappoint in her delivery! It was everything I had hoped for and more. Sanja and Rogue share such a beautiful love story and that's perhaps the most heartbreaking thing about this particular installment. They've been through so much, inside and outside of their relationship together. They've sacrificed, putting others before themselves, fought desperately to keep those they care about safe, and it finally comes down to the one thing they can't deny themselves-- each other-- yet fate doesn't even allow them to hold onto that for very long before it's all swept out from underneath them.

I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who loves epic fantasy complete with spectacular world building, a unique development of magic and the magical creatures that wield it, and it all converges beautifully into a tale of love, family, and friendship and the great lengths our completely devoted characters will go in order to keep all those they care about safe.

I would like to sincerely thank the author for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of The Never Mage in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I absolutely cannot wait for August so I can find out what you have in store for these beloved characters in The Ever Mage.
Profile Image for Ana-Maria Derzsi.
363 reviews32 followers
June 6, 2023
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
We get to meet our beloved characters once again. Sanja I am glad to see she's still strong and fighting her way through the cruel world, she's definitely grown since the last book and now we're slowly seeing another side of her which was lovely!
Rogue i loved the change in him, how slowly his hard facade just cracked and you could see and learn so much more about him. All the secrets coming to light were so heartwarming.
The rest of the characters are also an important part of the story because they're also driving the plots and such and some of them deserve so much more than what came upon them, I do hope everyone is going to have a nice happy ending in the end because in this book my heart was in my throat for the characters.

⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building isn't the main focus, you get enough information about the world to know how different the human and the fae world is, and also how beautiful and scary all together.

⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I loved the heartbreak you got from some of the chapters, how my heart ached because the words weren't said, and how Rogue was trying to be deceiving but you could see the desire burning inside of him. Even tho you don't get Rogue's pov you can totally feel his internal struggle when comes to Sanja, how his facade cracks a little by little when he is around her. The game between the two of them is so delicious, I loved each moment when Sanja and Rogue were together. The book had a few of ups and downs when comes to pace which on some parts made me have a bit of a hard time to keep focus, but I've really enjoyed the fact you couldn't figure out what's yet to come and when there was a slower pace the next page something would happen and your attention would get back in the game. Is definitely an entertaining story full of fae political intrigues and lots of frenemies around and also a lot of enemies waiting just a small slip.

⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The story can have some trigger warnings such as blood, abuse towards the end of the story, and also adult-napping. The scenes aren't overly described. The story does contain smutty scenes, the romance isn't a clean one, but I found the sexy scenes in the book to not be overly descriptive and going into the porn side of scenes, I felt the scenes to be more erotic, more sexual tension and more lovely.

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Profile Image for Beba Andric.
1,576 reviews104 followers
May 16, 2023
Ok, I admit it, I'm completely flummoxed! How, HOW does Angelina manage to get my knickers in a knot EVERY SINGLE TIME! Every book of hers, and I do confess to have read them all, sink their hooks into me, painfully, yes, it's majorly painful to block out the world around me, ignore my family and lose sleep, I incur the wrath of my family but you know what? I don't give a hoot! These hooks, so lovingly caress my senses, gouge at my innards, and have me panting in despair when they finally release me, because guess what? I want those hooks back, I want to be oblivious to my surroundings, I WANT MORE of Sanja, Recienne, Clio, heck I want more of all of them, the incredible characters that have each etched a permanent scar on my heart.

Favourite character? Hands down Recienne! There is nothing as rewarding as a character who has the ability to portray a side that is heartless and uncaring and the insight into them showing the exact opposite. He would be my go to place in Fae lands, he has stolen my heart, trampled all over it and cradled it tenderly, all within the span of a few hours, my kinda guy! As for Sanja, well goodness me is she a star! The revelations, the subterfuge, the wicked games of the wicked fairy have nothing on her growth and the truth that hits her like a sledgehammer, opens up a whole new dimension to her and for her. Am I excited to follow this! Before she got to this point, there was much she had to address within herself, about herself and about Recienne. Oh my did I have the giggles over Sanja's jealousy! It's difficult not to be when the fairy's are all beauties throwing themselves at Recienne. Sanja and Recienne's dance of....passion would be the only word for it, is so all encompassing, so riveting, it is glorious to see it, feel it, taste it.

I can see all my theories shattering around me in the next book, that is what Ms Steffort does, lets you think one thing and then blowing that idea to shreds, like a massive tornado who's trajectory changes course's and leaves you barely hanging on. Was I undone by this book? No, I was completely in tatters! My pent up emotions and energy were on the verge of a major eruption through most of the book, an extremely desirable place to be, where nothing existed except for this stupendous book! The intensity of this book surpasses all the others in this series, my heart was thumping so hard by the end of the book, I felt as if my ears would shatter from my galloping pulse! OH heavens! Oh heavens! Please, PLEASE Angelina bring on the next book!!!
520 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2023
Sanja has been living in the care of the Fairy King. For all appearances, she is a prisoner, kept there as part of an agreement between the Fairy King and her unwanted husband. But while actually only a prisoner in name only, life there is far from free, though she has family & friends that she is able to spend some time with, they are no safer than she is. And if most knew that she did not actually consider the King a threat to her safety, all he considered friends would be put in danger from multiple sources. And while the King may be Sanja’s friend, there are few other fairies that the same could be said about. There is danger around them all, and only time will tell if a way can be found to keep them all safe from the dangers they currently face.

This was an interesting story. Sanja & Rogue are growing closer, but there are still many secrets that are slowly unfolding throughout this book. It kept me guessing as to what was really going on between them. There is a lot happening in this story, and though we learn much of it, this story is not over yet. And with the way this book ends, I am very interested in learning what will happen in the next book. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I will say that it has me really wondering how the characters are going to find their way out of the most recent problem they have managed to fall into, as it, once again, feels like an impossible situation to escape.

I received a review copy of this book, and really enjoyed reading it. Ms. Steffort has woven a complex story that draws the reader in. This book does have a couple of sexual scenes, but they are an important part of the story and are not something that could have been left out without changing the entire tone of the book. Also, there is some violence, but again, it was also necessary for the story. I feel that I should also warn you that this book ends leaving the reader desperately wanting to know what happens next. I know I’ll be looking forward to seeing how the characters find their way out of this problem.

If you have enjoyed her other books, you won't want to miss this one. Recommended.
Profile Image for Mickel ☽.
27 reviews
June 7, 2023
A whirlwind of emotions!

Sanja continues to be my favorite character in this series. Her strength has grown over these past 3 books. Now that she is no longer a Mage, she trains with Tori, Clio and Dimar to find other ways in order to stay safe and hopefully defend her kingdom. Her relationships with her family and friends continues to strengthen. It’s nice to see her loved by her made family after she felt alone for most of her life.

I have to say Rogue has made it on the list of my favorite book boyfriends. He started as a hate to love character for me and now I love all all aspects of him: Recienne the second, fairy king, the bandit and just plain Rogue. He’s so good to Sanja. He continues to look out for and take care of Sanja even though they both have to pretend to be different people in the public eye.

POSSIBLE SPOILER: The slow burn is still slow going but does progress into a relationship. FINALLY, we get to see them express their feelings for each other. That revelation though… EEK! I was hoping from the beginning that all those little factors might lead to what I thought it might be and I couldn’t be happier it was true. After all the flirting around the subject, it was so rewarding to see them take that leap. They go all in regardless of the reasons that should be keeping them apart.

With the crows, Moyen, Cyrill and the fairy court all working against both Sanja and Recienne, they stay true to their cause and continue to strive to keep the borders intact and they’re people safe from these threats. There are some close calls and miscommunications along the way but they work through them beautifully, revealing more of why they are truly meant to be.

Just like with the the first two installment of The Quarter Mage series, the third gives me all the feels: the angst, the suspense, the joy, the action, the revelations, the heartbreak. It was a journey I would love to take all over again. My poor emotions are going to be all over the place until I can find out what happens after that crazy bargain was struck at the end.

Ever Mage, where you at? I need you! 😩 August can’t get here fast enough.

*I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
35 reviews
June 17, 2023
I had been looking forward to this book but I have to say it was a struggle to get through. I can usually handle a bit of predictably in these books, but this time I managed to predict every major plot point.

This go around the bulk of the story was a romance that in the first half was just deep insecurity and jealousy. The second half was a slow march toward the inevitable other-shoe-dropping moment. I missed the fairy world as a whole, and sure, Sanja wasn’t a mage anymore, but they could have had SOME new experiences in Askarea, she hasn’t even been there a year!

The thing that really bothered me was that all the hinderances of the main characters seemed incredibly contrived. Can’t be together, why? It puts you at risk of vague potential harm from other fairies. Can’t fight back against enemies why? It puts Askarea at risk of vague potential harm from other fairies, etc. It seemed VERY obvious to me that if they toed the line so much to not break a bargain, why the hell didn’t any of the actions the Crows took break the bond?

Hell they even mention that the Crows might be looking for loopholes like they are. Hello, they crossed the border in an attempt to steal the crown in the last book and tried everything in their power to go around Rogue! I’m sure that had to break some rules if nothing Moyen did managed to do so. And not to mention what an utterly flat and uninteresting villain she makes. She is totally impervious to harm because of a recent association with the Crows. It seems absurd that the crows can get total immunity from breaking the bargain but if Rogue and his associates so much as breathe wrong the bargain breaks. It all just seems really contrived.

At the moment I’m planning to read the next book. There seemed to be solid groundwork being laid for something going on with Sanja after going to the crow court. I’m interested to learn more about that space. If it ends up just being more “Mating bond means human plot armor” I may DNF this series. However I want to be optimistic, I really loved the world of mages and hope to see it redeemed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
May 23, 2023
Cancel your social plans. Put a hold on your streaming accounts. The next instalment has arrived. As usual, the author creates a fantasy world rich in description to make the reader feel as though they are standing right alongside their favourite characters, with an intense focus that can be nowhere else until the narrative is complete!

I have enjoyed each book in this series even more than the last and this one is the best so far! The characters have grown on me over time, as I’ve felt their struggles, pain, humour, attractions and strength right alongside them. Once again I’m hooked, needing to know what happens next immediately whilst I ignore the outside world and read on!

Whilst some hunches were right about certain developments 😍 I am still left wondering about many others and how the plot will further develop! I’ve read the authors other works to know that not everyone will necessarily meet a happy ending, and that anything is possible!

I fell in love with the author’s Shattered Kingdom series and I thought nothing could match it, but the Quarter Mage series is starting to come in as a close second. Having finished Book 3 now I can’t help but wonder, who is the most evil - The Crow King or the Dragon King? Who has more inner strength - Sanja or Gandrett? And who is more powerful - Recienne or Nehelon? Do yourself a favour - grab both series, and see what you think!! You will not be disappointed! But be aware that everything else in your life may take a back burner until you have devoured the entire series so far as have I!
62 reviews
May 31, 2023
What I liked: friendship and relationship building, the plot twists and strong characters.
What I didn't like as much: Mohyen, the twist at the end (lol) and Sanja always getting herself hurt haha.
Tropes: High fantasy, enemies to lovers, found family and fated mates.
Favourite characters were Sanja and Rogue. Sanja being the favourite of the book, as she grew a lot.
Notable scenes: a certain site-hop, one of the plot twists (easily seen), a collapse, Tristan and a bargain.
I felt happy, sad, angry, relieved, tense and annoyed.
A little bittersweet that the next book will be the last, can't wait but also can. Also it comes out on my birthday, yay!
Storyline was amazing, Angelina has a way of sucking you into the storyline and you're unable to stop. Worldbuilding was great and very much found family vibes.
Rogue is one of the best characters and had lots of fantastic scenes and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
Sanja has grown a lot and had a lot of fantastic scenes, some of which were predictable while others completely out of the blue.
I love Tori and wish him the best in the next book.
Clio is also amazing and can't wait to see more.
Mohyen, I hope gets what she deserves.
Crow King is an interesting character, that's all I'll say.
Dinar and Zelia had less in this book but can't wait to see more of them.
Tristan I still don't like but I'm interested to see where he's been and what he's up to.
Will be finishing the series when the final book is out.
I got this as an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marisca.
82 reviews
June 5, 2023
Dnf 89% (I really tried to finish)

The 2 previous books I absolutely loved and was so excited about this one. This one was a little bit to much on the romance for me and the said romance was so slow burning that it annoyed me. I HAAATE the whole I want to be with you but can't becuase of very stupid reasons so lets have plenty of angsty scenes where we don't really get anywhere. Sanja and her self doubt was also annoying has hell. It's okay if she doubts herself here and there but this was doubt about the same things and repeated 20 times even after being reassured 20 times. For example her doubts about his feelings for her even after he said he cared for her and showed her he cared multiple of times. I mean come on!!!!!!!! The same thing happened in the previous book when she kept on repeating the fact that it was her fault everyone lost their magic. Yeah we got it the first time. All of this was okay until l read the 'mate' part!!!! I can't stand mated or bonded romance because then stuff just gets to over the top (she can't even stand next to Tori all of a sudden)!! The whole story line was put on the side and it was just over the top, way to (for no reason) sloooow burn. Don't think I'm going to read the next one.. Sorry
Profile Image for Andra.
1,039 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2023
Book 3 in The Quarter Mage series

What is safety? What is loneliness? Constant push and pull battle.

The Never Mage exceeded all my expectations. Definitely a 5* read with all the angst, intensity, adventure, peril, impossible choices, sacrifice, friendships, found family, and love that I've come to expect from Angelina. She writes characters that pull me alongside on their journey amidst vivid detail and imagery. My emotions have been on a ride with highs and lows, but I wouldn't trade it for anything except to experience it again over and over. The characters have shown such strength and growth. The world building is detailed and paints a picture. It's literary brilliance.

"If there is anything I know, it is that Rogue would go to any lengths to protect his people. To save his people."
"Even a fraction of a second delay would have been too much."
"I trust you with my life, Sanja. Trust me with yours in return."
"I will always catch you."
"There was a power of the mind, of the heart, courage that only blossomed when you had something to lose."
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,897 reviews116 followers
May 31, 2023
This is one of those series that you are so eager to read as each book comes out but then are left anxious as we wait for the next book. It’s turning out to be an incredible series and this third book is every bit as exciting and nail biting as the previous two. As we pick up from where we left off we find ourselves back in the fairy court but this time the court is not empty and there’s danger for Sanja at every turn as our fairy king plays his part well. We get to see our characters grow and develop and it was incredible to get to know them better and get a better understanding of them. We also get to see whose who in this court and who cannot be trusted as the author does an amazing job of weaving this storyline that’s so captivating and gripping and at times had me on the edge of my seat. It’s an incredible adventure brimming not just with action, drama, betrayal and heartbreak but also hope, friendship, family, love and slow burn romance to literary die for. It’s an incredible addition to this incredible series and I cannot wait for book four.
232 reviews
June 1, 2023
The third installment of The Quarter Mage series delves deeper into character development and fleshing out the history of the world. This means that there is not action-heavy until the last little bit of the book, but it does offer an intriguing glimpse into the characters especially its fae characters.

It turns out that despite the dangers of making bargains with faeries, a certain character willingly wanders into one, which will likely be the focus of the fourth book. To be fair, this character was under a bit of distress at the time, so rationality may have fled. Also, I am more than ready to stab Cyrill even as I feel that he is more of a puppet character than anything else: a puppet that doesn't seem to realize that he shouldn't have made a bargain with faeries (seems to be a common theme).

I loved learning more about the characters (Tori and Clio are claiming a special place in my heart even as I hurt for them.). Do be advised that this book has a bit of open-door spice in it between our lovely Mage and her love interest.
Profile Image for Rachel M.
35 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2023
First, if you have not yet read The Quarter Mage, STOP right now and start there. Angelina is an excellent storyteller and this series is amazing!!

The Never Mage is book 3 in the Quarter Mage series.
I COULD NOT put this down and finished it over only 2 days!
The story picks up right where the Hour Mage (book 2) leaves off…that incredible cliffhanger!! This continues Sanja’s story and you see even more character development and relationship dynamics evolve. It is a slow burn, but oh so worth it and I truly feel all the emotions of what each character is going through.
And of course Angelina leaves us on yet another cliff hanger!! I was stunned and sad and frustrated and ugh. I CRIED!
SPOILER below…………



I so badly want Sanja and Rogue to get their happily ever after. Really, I want everyone to get what’s coming to them. I hope that happens in the next book but I know we will be kept guessing and be on the edge of our seats with all the twists that are sure to happen in the next book…the Ever Mage comes out in August! I can’t wait!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2024
Learning Sanja is Rogue's mate explains all of the times Rogue has held her attention and she's found herself drawn to him. It explains why he refused to heal her when she needed his healing the most. It explains why she knows she must do whatever it takes to keep him safe because his people need him. Especially since she knows the Crow King wants his freedom after being confined to his small, dilapidated kingdom for so long.

After the life-threatening situation in the caves, Tristan disappears, and it's safe to say the artifact Sanja stole from the Crow King has something to do with it since he's been unable to gain control over his magic. And Cyrill has changed his tune regarding Sanja too, but the evil behind his mask is deeper than anyone may have realized.

This series is so intricate - like a story woven out of the most striking and intense colors. Once I believe I have things figured out, the author changes direction, keeping me at the edge of my seat. The ending to this series is going to be absolutely awesome.
6 reviews
May 26, 2023
Angelina has done it again! The magic, mystery, and intrigue continue in The Never Mage with the return of the wicked Moyen who stirs up trouble as the deadline for Sanja’s return to her husband draws nears. King Recienne does a balancing act while trying to keep his bargain with the Crow king and the king of Cezux without revealing his growing feelings for Sanja. Tristian and the other mages are hiding in caves until disaster strikes and Tristian disappears. So much is happening on so many fronts making it a fast-paced page-turner.
I'm hooked and can't wait for book four, The Ever Mage, to learn the conclusion. Will Racienne be able to save Sanja from the Crow king? Or will the Crow king make a bargain with her husband in a bid to gain control of the three kingdoms? And what about Clio and Tori? Will they finally be able to reveal their love for each other? And where is Tristian? Has he been turned to the dark side? And when and how will Moyen meet her end?!
Profile Image for Melissa Leist.
25 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2023
The Never Mage is everything you want in a fantasy series. With every new book I am finding a complexity and world building of places and characters that have me completely addicted to Angelina J Steffort’s Quarter Mage series. (I love that the villains of this series are relatively unheard of in fantasy tales too)

In The Never mage, I love that the main character of Sanja, is strengthening and developing and is becoming so much more than the runaway Queen who’s human frailty is a hindrance rather than a strength. Her friendship with Tory and Clio, who’s own story is heartbreaking in itself, solidifies and they have firmly become my favourite characters. Rouge and Sanjas connection throws up some interesting developments, I can’t say more than that!

The Never mage is completely addictive and I cannot wait for the final book in this series!!!
96 reviews
August 3, 2024
Will Sanja be the Queen over all the lands?
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
For so long we have been watching the push and pull of the attraction Rogue and Sanja have for each other, and he is so good at hiding what he feels, that you are always left guessing. Until one night when Sanja drinks the fairy wine, and he lets a comment slip that he is sure she will never remember. Which is heartwarming and very dangerous! Because although when her Husband comes to visit, he may be too dense to figure it out but he definitely has something nefarious up his sleeve. And even worse yet, the Crows are already trying to capture her and find a way to weaken him!
The Plot thickens when Clio goes missing and the ending leaves us with another Cliff hanger that makes me ready to jump into the next book ASAP
Profile Image for Sherri Sharpe.
209 reviews
June 19, 2023
Ready for the conclusion

How frustrating that this ends on a cliffhanger! So much happens in this segment! Sanja and Recienne continue to play the roles of cruel fairy king and the current object of his cruelty. Behind closed doors, Sanja begins to see the king's motivations, so like her own. She begins to accept the loss of her magic with the destruction of her Mage Stone, and tries to find other ways to fight against all of the plans that are in motion. Although she and Rogue are drawn closer and closer, this opens them up to vulnerability to their enemies. This culminates in Sanja making a drastic decision, one that leaves her alone and at the mercy of their most powerful enemy. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Jamie.
454 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2023
I am unwell after that ending. Holy plot twists!

Ok, so Rogue is amazing, all that built up tension of enemies to lovers and then he finally is honest with Sanja - literally couldn’t sleep last night after reading before bed.

Tori may be one of my favorites. My heart hurts for him and Clio. Does this ending mean they can be together?

I wish Sanja would have asked for Cyril AND Moyens head……

I am shook. Hurry up and wait for book 4…… eeekkkkkkk!

I received an eARC from the author for my honest opinion and review.

I do feel a little biased as I loved the first two books in the series and this installment of the story does not disappoint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,617 reviews92 followers
June 12, 2023
“The Never Mage” is the third book in Angelina J. Steffort’s The Quarter Mage series, and I thought it was the best one yet. Sanja, Rogue, and their allies go through so much in this one, this book is beautifully written, it is somehow fast paced and intense while also being agonizingly angsty. I’ve always admired Sanja for her confidence and sass, but I also really loved her character development in this novel. As for Rogue, he’s definitely on my book boyfriend list for a variety of reasons… I promise you will love him!!! And that ending - I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat to see what happens next!!!
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
June 14, 2023
The Never Mage

Sanja's journey continues as she settles into her role as Recienne's guest, and more plotting from the Crows continues.

I'm on the fence with this book. We're on book three of four and the story is pushing towards its ending and Sanja getting to have her new found family without fear. The author does a great job in world building and getting the the reader immersed in the story.

This book fell a little flat when it came to building the story. The plot wasn't as investing as it was in previous books and it felt like we were in the middle of a story where everything is slowing down and getting ready for the final book.

Overall rating
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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