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Argosi trilogy #3
Fate of the Argosi
The third utterly compelling fantasy adventure in the ARGOSI trilogy, exploring the origins of the SPELLSLINGER series to enrapture devotees as well as newcomers alike.
While liberating a notorious thief from prison, Ferius Parfax encounters an inmate named Chedran, one of the last living members of her people, the Mahdek. Chedran is leading a group of young Mahdek who are determined to make a future for their people and Ferius agrees to help them find a place where they can live free from persecution.
Meanwhile, having repaid her debt to the thief, Ferius finds her feelings towards Arissa becoming more complicated as she decides what debt she owes the society into which she was born.
While liberating a notorious thief from prison, Ferius Parfax encounters an inmate named Chedran, one of the last living members of her people, the Mahdek. Chedran is leading a group of young Mahdek who are determined to make a future for their people and Ferius agrees to help them find a place where they can live free from persecution.
Meanwhile, having repaid her debt to the thief, Ferius finds her feelings towards Arissa becoming more complicated as she decides what debt she owes the society into which she was born.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published November 14, 2023
47 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Sebastien de Castell
58 books4,990 followersHi Folks!
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 6, 2023
This rating pains me so much, especially for the final Ferius Parfax novel. This felt so off. I can't quite put my finger on what it was, but I found myself easily distracted while reading. I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. I didn't particularly care about the story. Which again is why this pains me to say. I thoroughly enjoy Sebastien De Castell, I enjoy the Argosi history, I like this world. I don't know how this is going to be the last Argosi story because this didn't feel like one. I thought we would at least see Ferius Parfax in the light of who she is in the Spellsinger series. There seems like a lot more growth to be had. I guess we will wait and see what happens. It does sound like De Castell has no intention at the moment to continue. This was unsatisfying, but I still very much enjoy De Castell and all his works.
October 5, 2025
One of the things I loved about Ferius Parfax in the Spellslinger series is her humor and devil may care attitude. She shows none of that in this book or the previous one.
l'm still a fan of de Castell's work, but this book didn't do it for me. Ferius, and the story are just too droll. There's a bit of lackluster romance that really doesn't fit.
l'm still a fan of de Castell's work, but this book didn't do it for me. Ferius, and the story are just too droll. There's a bit of lackluster romance that really doesn't fit.
January 13, 2024
Ferius Parfax is one of my favorite characters ever, I would read a whole book of her doing taxes or mowing the lawn if there was one. So I was always going to rate this book highly. I don't think this book had the best plot in this series, but I enjoyed it a lot anyway.
I am a little sad it seems to be the last one of her backstory, I feel like there was still a far way to go. I liked the romance between her and Arissa, though I was hoping for a bit more of a conclusion. I can only hope the author has more plans for this character/this world. But if that isn't the case, this was still a good wrapping-up point for this series.
I am a little sad it seems to be the last one of her backstory, I feel like there was still a far way to go. I liked the romance between her and Arissa, though I was hoping for a bit more of a conclusion. I can only hope the author has more plans for this character/this world. But if that isn't the case, this was still a good wrapping-up point for this series.
September 19, 2023
Rep: lesbian mc with PTSD, bi li
February 25, 2024
I love the Argosi trilogy - it’s so much better than the original Spellslinger series. That said, this probably was the weakest of the trilogy. The ending felt quite incomplete and it was missing some of the emotional depth from the previous 2 books.
I also think that given current world events, it’s hard to read about a racial genocide and people being pushed out of their lands without comparing it to those irl situations. And in that context, the solution that is provided seemed overly simplistic.
The ending didn’t really feel like an ending given there is still so much unknown and unexplored.
I also think that given current world events, it’s hard to read about a racial genocide and people being pushed out of their lands without comparing it to those irl situations. And in that context, the solution that is provided seemed overly simplistic.
The ending didn’t really feel like an ending given there is still so much unknown and unexplored.
August 21, 2024
It pained me to give this book two stars, but...
Characters were off, plot was dragging in many places, it just seemed forced.
This was not up to the usual de Castell standard.
Characters were off, plot was dragging in many places, it just seemed forced.
This was not up to the usual de Castell standard.
May 24, 2025
Great ending to an excellent trilogy!
February 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this series. This book especially, the last 50 ish pages had me in a grip so tight it made me stay up till 2 in the morning/evening? Either way, I NEEDED to finish this book!!
September 2, 2025
It pains me to say that the concluding tale of Ferius Parfax is a real let-down. The first of de Castel's books I have read that could be described as one. It just missed for me on so many levels that I can't understand the high marks.
The book was short, but seemed like a slog. It was repeptitive to the extent that it was irritating. You know those shows that continually tell you what you've just seen to pad them out? That is how it felt. There was also no flow to the story. You would reach a tense bit, and then get a chapter of some dime store advice from 'pappy' (ugh... just call him Durral). The end was a mess. The climax in the onyx was just nonsense.
A sad end. Still, after 12 books of enjoyment from Mr De Castell, I suppose I should not be surprised by unlucky 13.
The book was short, but seemed like a slog. It was repeptitive to the extent that it was irritating. You know those shows that continually tell you what you've just seen to pad them out? That is how it felt. There was also no flow to the story. You would reach a tense bit, and then get a chapter of some dime store advice from 'pappy' (ugh... just call him Durral). The end was a mess. The climax in the onyx was just nonsense.
A sad end. Still, after 12 books of enjoyment from Mr De Castell, I suppose I should not be surprised by unlucky 13.
September 15, 2024
אין לי מספיק מילים כדי לתאר ולהסביר איך ולמה ועד כמה אני מכורה לסדרת ספרים הזאת. וכן, אני אהיה גרועה בתור ארגוסית אבל יש לאן לשאוף🤣
מדובר בספר האחרון (!!) בטרילוגיה של פריוס, שמספר על אירועיה לפני קלע הכשף עם קלן ומהווה כמין סגירת מעגל לשני הספרים הקודמים בטרילוגיה - ואם עד עכשיו לא הכתרתי את פריוס כדמות הנשית הספרותית שאני אוהבת אז הנה בבקשה, זו היא.
אני די בטוחה שהסופר השתמש בחומרים ממכרים בכתיבה שלו ובעלילה המיוחדת שפשוט אי אפשר לדעת אף פעם לאיפה זה יגיע בגאונות שלו. התלהבתי מכל פרק, התלהבתי מכל משפט, התלהבתי מכל שיחה של פריוס עם עצמה, עם דוראל (אני צריכה בןאדם כמוהו בחיי באמת), אפילו עם הסוס והעז שמפליץ גזים רעילים.
עד כמה שזה פנטזיה, ועד כמה שזה YA, עדיין הספר הצליח לעסוק במסווה בנושאים גדולים ומפוצצים שגרמו להשראה, וגם לגמרי זיכה את פריוס במחיאות כפיים (באמת עצרתי באמצע פרק כדי למחוא כפיים - ברצינות).
כן ציפיתי לטיפטיפה יותר בתור ספר סיום, שיהיו מהלכים יותר גדולים בספר וכולי - אבל בסופו של דבר מאוד נהניתי. זה פשוט נתן לי חשק ענקי לקרוא מחדש את כל סדרת קלע הכשף, עכשיו שאני יותר מכירה את פריוס ואת הדמויות השונות שעיצבו אותה (ולדעתי היא גם פוגשת אותם שוב שם) זה יציג אותה בתור מורת דרך לקלן בנופך אחר ממה שראיתי אותה לפני.
לא יודעת איך אפשר בכלל לסכם את כל החוויה של העולם של קלע הכשף ודרכי הארגוסים, מרגיש לי שזה לא יכול להסתיים וצריך שייצאו עוד ספרים ונובלות. לא פגשתי משהו אחר שדומה לעומק של העולם הזה, לכתיבה הממכרת, לדמויות האייקוניות ולתחושות שהם מעלים בקוראים. אז זה לא פרידה כי בטח אחפור עוד ועוד על הסדרה הזאת מידי פעם והלוואי יהיה לי זמן לריריד - אבל אזכור את הסדרה הזאת כאהבה והתמכרות בקטע פסיכי ולא מוסבר.
מדובר בספר האחרון (!!) בטרילוגיה של פריוס, שמספר על אירועיה לפני קלע הכשף עם קלן ומהווה כמין סגירת מעגל לשני הספרים הקודמים בטרילוגיה - ואם עד עכשיו לא הכתרתי את פריוס כדמות הנשית הספרותית שאני אוהבת אז הנה בבקשה, זו היא.
אני די בטוחה שהסופר השתמש בחומרים ממכרים בכתיבה שלו ובעלילה המיוחדת שפשוט אי אפשר לדעת אף פעם לאיפה זה יגיע בגאונות שלו. התלהבתי מכל פרק, התלהבתי מכל משפט, התלהבתי מכל שיחה של פריוס עם עצמה, עם דוראל (אני צריכה בןאדם כמוהו בחיי באמת), אפילו עם הסוס והעז שמפליץ גזים רעילים.
עד כמה שזה פנטזיה, ועד כמה שזה YA, עדיין הספר הצליח לעסוק במסווה בנושאים גדולים ומפוצצים שגרמו להשראה, וגם לגמרי זיכה את פריוס במחיאות כפיים (באמת עצרתי באמצע פרק כדי למחוא כפיים - ברצינות).
כן ציפיתי לטיפטיפה יותר בתור ספר סיום, שיהיו מהלכים יותר גדולים בספר וכולי - אבל בסופו של דבר מאוד נהניתי. זה פשוט נתן לי חשק ענקי לקרוא מחדש את כל סדרת קלע הכשף, עכשיו שאני יותר מכירה את פריוס ואת הדמויות השונות שעיצבו אותה (ולדעתי היא גם פוגשת אותם שוב שם) זה יציג אותה בתור מורת דרך לקלן בנופך אחר ממה שראיתי אותה לפני.
לא יודעת איך אפשר בכלל לסכם את כל החוויה של העולם של קלע הכשף ודרכי הארגוסים, מרגיש לי שזה לא יכול להסתיים וצריך שייצאו עוד ספרים ונובלות. לא פגשתי משהו אחר שדומה לעומק של העולם הזה, לכתיבה הממכרת, לדמויות האייקוניות ולתחושות שהם מעלים בקוראים. אז זה לא פרידה כי בטח אחפור עוד ועוד על הסדרה הזאת מידי פעם והלוואי יהיה לי זמן לריריד - אבל אזכור את הסדרה הזאת כאהבה והתמכרות בקטע פסיכי ולא מוסבר.
September 11, 2025
Way of the Argosi 5/5 Stars
Fall of the Argosi 5/5 Stars
Fate of the Argosi 4.5/5 Stars
There was an elusive 'something' that pulled the book down just that little bit compared to the rest of the series. As with all the books the descriptions were so good I felt like I was there. The development so good I felt like I was in the MC's head. The Argosi system of survival is awe inspiring of the best warrior monk and mentioned so much I feel that I could write a training manual.
The entire series is filled with life's lessons and mystical wisdom. The multilayered societies are complex as they are worthy of study, with a well thought out history.
For anyone that likes background stories or well-rounded characters, this is the series for you.
Fall of the Argosi 5/5 Stars
Fate of the Argosi 4.5/5 Stars
There was an elusive 'something' that pulled the book down just that little bit compared to the rest of the series. As with all the books the descriptions were so good I felt like I was there. The development so good I felt like I was in the MC's head. The Argosi system of survival is awe inspiring of the best warrior monk and mentioned so much I feel that I could write a training manual.
The entire series is filled with life's lessons and mystical wisdom. The multilayered societies are complex as they are worthy of study, with a well thought out history.
For anyone that likes background stories or well-rounded characters, this is the series for you.
January 27, 2024
I can't believe I'm saying this, having loved every other Spellslinger/Argosi book in this series...
I was disappointed by this book.
The ending wasn't particularly ending-like, it didn't really satisfy and compared to other books in the series, it hasn't left me wanting more.
I was disappointed by this book.
The ending wasn't particularly ending-like, it didn't really satisfy and compared to other books in the series, it hasn't left me wanting more.
September 20, 2023
“Fate of the Argosi” by Sebastien de Castell - ⭐⭐
Summary:
Ferius Parfax has to clear her disharmonies (debts) deck before she can fully travel her Path of the Wild Daisy. While clearing her first card, rescuing the thief Arissa, she comes across another inmate, Chedran. She discovers he is the same as her: Mahdek. She saves them both from the prison, and follows Chedran to a group of Mahdek children, but when they find out one of them has been marked by Jan’Tep, a clan of mages who have hunted down the Mahdek for years, Ferius has to face what has become of her people and work with the ones who have made her suffer the most.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Review:
Warning, don’t read the blurb; it essentially tells you the majority of the plot. This one was hard to review and rate, because I absolutely love Ferius, but this book, in my opinion, wasn’t the best.
A trigger warning would have been great too.
As mentioned, I love Ferius. She is an interesting character and the Argosi people are also fascinating with how they work and perceive the world. Ferius is a fun character, but the Ferius this book presents felt diluted. The story felt less about Ferius, and more about the Mahdek. It read like Ferius was just tagging along with Chedran because she felt she had to because they are her people.
Chedran is insufferable; constantly angry at Ferius for essentially nothing. He doesn’t like how Ferius abandoned her people, when really that isn’t what happened. He hates Arissa, I think because she is a thief. The romance between Arissa and Ferius is being discussed throughout the book, but would’ve enjoyed seeing this chemistry develop while they were travelling.
There are chunks of this book which involve sitting around and talking. Not a lot of action appeared to be happening. The ending for me, felt abrupt. The reader has followed the Mahdek people to this new island, but the reader never fully gets to explore this island.
Summary:
Ferius Parfax has to clear her disharmonies (debts) deck before she can fully travel her Path of the Wild Daisy. While clearing her first card, rescuing the thief Arissa, she comes across another inmate, Chedran. She discovers he is the same as her: Mahdek. She saves them both from the prison, and follows Chedran to a group of Mahdek children, but when they find out one of them has been marked by Jan’Tep, a clan of mages who have hunted down the Mahdek for years, Ferius has to face what has become of her people and work with the ones who have made her suffer the most.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS
Review:
Warning, don’t read the blurb; it essentially tells you the majority of the plot. This one was hard to review and rate, because I absolutely love Ferius, but this book, in my opinion, wasn’t the best.
A trigger warning would have been great too.
As mentioned, I love Ferius. She is an interesting character and the Argosi people are also fascinating with how they work and perceive the world. Ferius is a fun character, but the Ferius this book presents felt diluted. The story felt less about Ferius, and more about the Mahdek. It read like Ferius was just tagging along with Chedran because she felt she had to because they are her people.
Chedran is insufferable; constantly angry at Ferius for essentially nothing. He doesn’t like how Ferius abandoned her people, when really that isn’t what happened. He hates Arissa, I think because she is a thief. The romance between Arissa and Ferius is being discussed throughout the book, but would’ve enjoyed seeing this chemistry develop while they were travelling.
There are chunks of this book which involve sitting around and talking. Not a lot of action appeared to be happening. The ending for me, felt abrupt. The reader has followed the Mahdek people to this new island, but the reader never fully gets to explore this island.
June 24, 2024
FATE OF THE ARGOSI ties up this prequel trilogy by making Ferius face her complicated feelings about the people she's either left behind or been orphaned from (depending on who you ask.)
There is less action and clever trickery in this book than others in either the Argosi series or the SPELLSLINGER one. It is a lot more introspective about relationships - to individuals and people as a whole. There is also a greater focus on the argosi arts about listening and perceiving people's true feelings.
It definitely gives the book a different feeling to the more western action movie conmen style of the others in this world. However, when you look at this series as the explanation for how Kellen's mentor became the woman we see in the SPELLSLINGER series, it makes a lot more sense. FATE OF THE ARGOSI sees Ferius become very wise about people and herself.
Ferius still has an outwardly clever and cocky vibe, irritating a lot of people with her Argosi ways. But the vulnerability that I've enjoyed across this series gets to shine here. She is faced with the chance to save the people she comes from, whose elders do not see her as one of them and she's not even sure if she is. It's a nice way of exploring the Mahdek and what the trauma of their collective heritage does to different people.
In all, it's a good ending that brings a well loved character to life, explaining how she ended up as the figure we know and love.
There is less action and clever trickery in this book than others in either the Argosi series or the SPELLSLINGER one. It is a lot more introspective about relationships - to individuals and people as a whole. There is also a greater focus on the argosi arts about listening and perceiving people's true feelings.
It definitely gives the book a different feeling to the more western action movie conmen style of the others in this world. However, when you look at this series as the explanation for how Kellen's mentor became the woman we see in the SPELLSLINGER series, it makes a lot more sense. FATE OF THE ARGOSI sees Ferius become very wise about people and herself.
Ferius still has an outwardly clever and cocky vibe, irritating a lot of people with her Argosi ways. But the vulnerability that I've enjoyed across this series gets to shine here. She is faced with the chance to save the people she comes from, whose elders do not see her as one of them and she's not even sure if she is. It's a nice way of exploring the Mahdek and what the trauma of their collective heritage does to different people.
In all, it's a good ending that brings a well loved character to life, explaining how she ended up as the figure we know and love.
September 11, 2023
Unfortunately, the weakest of the three books. Half of the book is Ferius going "woe is me, things are going to be dramatic" and then things aren't as bad as she thought. One of the secondary characters is super competent, good at everything, and seems to have no lingering effects from the trauma she supposedly suffered. And the book just kind of ends, there having been no real conflict, and a ferius only really changing the outcome of events in the climax.
Spoilers ahead
If ferius hadn't been there, the images would still have talked to the kids, convinced the elders, and taken the trip. They may have died in the attempt, and Chedran and Arissa may have died in the prison, but Arissa already had started trying to escape. She's competent enough to do it, and Chedran can die with no consequences to the story. Ferius does save these characters, and changes what would have been a tragedy into a success, but the plans are always someone else's plans.
I feel if the self pity party that Ferius insists on throwing was cut down, this would be a short story instead of a full book. Also, Arissa is insufferable and makes every situation worse.
I hope there's a 4th book, since Ferius is still not the Ferius we meet in Spellslinger. She's got a lot of walking on her path left to do in order to get there.
Quadlopo and Conch get full stars. They are perfect. No notes.
Spoilers ahead
If ferius hadn't been there, the images would still have talked to the kids, convinced the elders, and taken the trip. They may have died in the attempt, and Chedran and Arissa may have died in the prison, but Arissa already had started trying to escape. She's competent enough to do it, and Chedran can die with no consequences to the story. Ferius does save these characters, and changes what would have been a tragedy into a success, but the plans are always someone else's plans.
I feel if the self pity party that Ferius insists on throwing was cut down, this would be a short story instead of a full book. Also, Arissa is insufferable and makes every situation worse.
I hope there's a 4th book, since Ferius is still not the Ferius we meet in Spellslinger. She's got a lot of walking on her path left to do in order to get there.
Quadlopo and Conch get full stars. They are perfect. No notes.
December 2, 2023
Another excellent book about the best character in this whole universe. It's so interesting watching Ferius transform from the scared, angry little kid she is in the first Argosi book into the confident, wise, and kind of crazy woman she is in Spellslinger.
As always, this book has great characters, both human and animal, and an interesting plot. I think Reichis would either love or hate Conch, and if they were in the same time period, seeing them interact would be so much fun.
I really liked the way Ferius kept remembering and imaging things that she was taught by Durrel and Enna or things they'd be likely to say in a given situation. Besides just being interesting, sweet, funny, etc., I thought it was a really nice parallel to things that go through Kellen's head in Soulbinder and Queenslayer.
The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that somehow, I was never able to get quite as emotionally invested in it as I have in the other books. Don't get me wrong, I was invested, and it was a fun read, but I just didn't get the same emotional depth as I've come to expect and appreciate.
Really though, a fantastic book. I'm not sure if there will be more Argosi books or not, but I really hope there are!
As always, this book has great characters, both human and animal, and an interesting plot. I think Reichis would either love or hate Conch, and if they were in the same time period, seeing them interact would be so much fun.
I really liked the way Ferius kept remembering and imaging things that she was taught by Durrel and Enna or things they'd be likely to say in a given situation. Besides just being interesting, sweet, funny, etc., I thought it was a really nice parallel to things that go through Kellen's head in Soulbinder and Queenslayer.
The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that somehow, I was never able to get quite as emotionally invested in it as I have in the other books. Don't get me wrong, I was invested, and it was a fun read, but I just didn't get the same emotional depth as I've come to expect and appreciate.
Really though, a fantastic book. I'm not sure if there will be more Argosi books or not, but I really hope there are!
March 21, 2025
This book goes again to the same tired well of the conflict between the Jan'Tep mages and the oppressed Mahdeks. Ferius Parfax gets involved with a group of Mahdek teenagers who had launched a foolish attack against the Jan'Tep, and are now being hunted. But a group of Jan'Tep teenagers decide to get a Nobel peace prize by giving the Mahdeks a homeland. So the two groups try to work together, mistrustfully.
As is his habit throughout this series, Sebastien de Castell spends too much time on two things that I've grown quite bored of. The first is showing how clever the Argosi are, as every meeting and conversation are slow-walked over many pages in order to show how Ferius is smarter than the other person. The second annoying habit is the weepiness of many of the characters, both Jan'Tep and Mahdeks. At least there's some comic relief thanks to the return of Feriu's thief friend from the first book.
As with the second book in this series, the day is saved by Ferius after she discovers hidden depths within herself. Come on.
I probably shouldn't have read this book, considering how bored I am with the Argosi, but I felt a desire to finish the series. OK, job done. How I miss the days when every de Castell book got five stars from me.
As is his habit throughout this series, Sebastien de Castell spends too much time on two things that I've grown quite bored of. The first is showing how clever the Argosi are, as every meeting and conversation are slow-walked over many pages in order to show how Ferius is smarter than the other person. The second annoying habit is the weepiness of many of the characters, both Jan'Tep and Mahdeks. At least there's some comic relief thanks to the return of Feriu's thief friend from the first book.
As with the second book in this series, the day is saved by Ferius after she discovers hidden depths within herself. Come on.
I probably shouldn't have read this book, considering how bored I am with the Argosi, but I felt a desire to finish the series. OK, job done. How I miss the days when every de Castell book got five stars from me.
December 28, 2023
18 yo Ferius Parfax has pretty much hit her stride as an Argosi, that group of mystical misfits who wander the lands alone setting the world to rights. But when she seeks to clear a debt, she find herself face-to-face with some of the last surviving members of her people, the Mahdek. Like her, they have been hunted to the brink of extinction by the Jan’tep mages, so she isn’t expecting a few renegade mages to offer to take the remaining Mahdek to a magical haven. Is it a trap and are the odds of success so small that only a reckless gambler like Ferius would take them?
I’ve loved all the books in the Spellslinger universe but this one failed to hit its mark. Despite the great premise, the epic fate of an entire race in the balance, and a magical pirate ship, I found my mind wandering. The quasi-Buddhist ‘Way of the Argosi’ is woven throughout these books but there seemed to be extra-long screeds of philosophy and psychological analysis in this book that kept pausing the story mid-action. I guess it was to demonstrate how far Ferius has come and how much she has learnt but it just detracted from the plot.🎙️Audio narrator Kristin Atherton did another great job.
I’ve loved all the books in the Spellslinger universe but this one failed to hit its mark. Despite the great premise, the epic fate of an entire race in the balance, and a magical pirate ship, I found my mind wandering. The quasi-Buddhist ‘Way of the Argosi’ is woven throughout these books but there seemed to be extra-long screeds of philosophy and psychological analysis in this book that kept pausing the story mid-action. I guess it was to demonstrate how far Ferius has come and how much she has learnt but it just detracted from the plot.🎙️Audio narrator Kristin Atherton did another great job.
July 11, 2025
Damn. This could’ve been a five star. Easily. The two things dragging it down? One, all the usual Sebastian De Castell writing pitfalls which wouldn’t be enough on their own, and two, that THIS is the end of the Ferius Parfax trilogy, and it’s so obviously left like this to get you to read Spellslinger. The original issue I had with the first book, that it was so obviously a prequel, was nullified by how good the second book was. Even on finishing book one I had faith book two would follow it up well. Book two is free from whatever prequel curse plagued the first. Book three is killed by it. So many threads were tied up in a messy knot because it had to end here. If there was a fourth book on the horizon, this would be five stars because I’d have faith it would conclude the story with more grace and more cunning. Sebastian De Castell, I wish you loved Ferius as much as I do. She deserves a better ending than trying to usher you into what is a far less interesting story. This is easily the most bitter four star I’ve ever given a story. If you’ve just finished the second book, treat that as the ending. It’s far better.
September 4, 2023
I’ve never been the first to review a book, and I didn’t want to the 1st one here. But here I am. There doesn’t seem to be as much publicity around this book, and I’m not sure why. It’s not even in the author’s Goodreads “about me.”
I never post long, detailed reviews, which is why I didn’t want to be first; I’m just not good at reviews. I rely on them to answer one question, though: “Is this book worth my time?”
Short answer: yes!
Longer one: if you’re a fan of The Greatcoats, you should absolutely read the Spellslinger series, including the three prequels about Ferius Parfax. You’ll love them. It’s YA, but not in a bad way. It’s even more fun, with some of the violence toned down.
If you’ve read Spellslinger, but not the three Ferius prequels, do so. They’re great.
If you’ve read the first two prequels, then you know what to expect; you won’t be disappointed. Fate of the Argosi is a great time with a fun character.
I never post long, detailed reviews, which is why I didn’t want to be first; I’m just not good at reviews. I rely on them to answer one question, though: “Is this book worth my time?”
Short answer: yes!
Longer one: if you’re a fan of The Greatcoats, you should absolutely read the Spellslinger series, including the three prequels about Ferius Parfax. You’ll love them. It’s YA, but not in a bad way. It’s even more fun, with some of the violence toned down.
If you’ve read Spellslinger, but not the three Ferius prequels, do so. They’re great.
If you’ve read the first two prequels, then you know what to expect; you won’t be disappointed. Fate of the Argosi is a great time with a fun character.
Read
September 4, 2023I’ve never been the first to review a book, and I didn’t want to the 1st one here. But here I am. There doesn’t seem to be as much publicity around this book, and I’m not sure why. It’s not even in the author’s Goodreads “about me.”
I never post long, detailed reviews, which is why I didn’t want to be first; I’m just not good at reviews. I rely on them to answer one question, though: “Is this book worth my time?”
Short answer: yes!
Longer one: if you’re a fan of The Greatcoats, you should absolutely read the Spellslinger series, including the three prequels about Ferius Parfax. You’ll love them. It’s YA, but not in a bad way. It’s even more fun, with some of the violence toned down.
If you’ve read Spellslinger, but not the three Ferius prequels, do so. They’re great.
If you’ve read the first two prequels, then you know what to expect; you won’t be disappointed. Fate of the Argosi is a great time with a fun character.
I never post long, detailed reviews, which is why I didn’t want to be first; I’m just not good at reviews. I rely on them to answer one question, though: “Is this book worth my time?”
Short answer: yes!
Longer one: if you’re a fan of The Greatcoats, you should absolutely read the Spellslinger series, including the three prequels about Ferius Parfax. You’ll love them. It’s YA, but not in a bad way. It’s even more fun, with some of the violence toned down.
If you’ve read Spellslinger, but not the three Ferius prequels, do so. They’re great.
If you’ve read the first two prequels, then you know what to expect; you won’t be disappointed. Fate of the Argosi is a great time with a fun character.
November 10, 2024
first of all, let me say I am thankful for this book. This series has been such a huge part of my life, and just like Ferius, I feel as if these characters live in my head. This rating pains me because I loved the beginning of this book. It made me feel nostalgic for the first spellslinger and the Jantep, who I feel we haven't seen enough of since. But once I reached the halfway point it became kind of.. directionless? I found myself understanding the plot less and less, and less interested as well. I feel like this book was trying to do something but I'm not sure what? I also wish Chedran (excuse me if this is a wrong spelling, I read this in a different language) was more of a central character, he kinda phased out after a while and then I wasn't sure what he was doing there in the first place.
Anyway, great first half. the rest just felt off.
Anyway, great first half. the rest just felt off.
December 25, 2025
I was expecting a lot more from this book, but there was almost no action in it and just a lot of talking, like a lot a lot. I also could have done without the goat and without Chedran actually. The love triangle also wasn't really my jam.
So, what did I like? Ferius, obviously. Why couldn't she and Arissa actually go and save some kids (action!) and transport them to a safe place? I also like how sapphic this book was. I liked reading about Ferius' skills and her personal growth regarding her background, though it was a bit much having an entire page dedicated to Ferius 'decoding' what someone was saying. Especially when at the end of the passage there's just a summary. I admit to having skipped some of those parts, sadly.
I liked Seraphine's story (can't remember her actual name though there is definitely an ' in there somewhere) and her skills.
So, what did I like? Ferius, obviously. Why couldn't she and Arissa actually go and save some kids (action!) and transport them to a safe place? I also like how sapphic this book was. I liked reading about Ferius' skills and her personal growth regarding her background, though it was a bit much having an entire page dedicated to Ferius 'decoding' what someone was saying. Especially when at the end of the passage there's just a summary. I admit to having skipped some of those parts, sadly.
I liked Seraphine's story (can't remember her actual name though there is definitely an ' in there somewhere) and her skills.
October 27, 2023
Not as utterly amazing as the first two Argosi books, but it's still a must-read for anyone who likes Ferius or Argosi (or both!). It's got its humor, and wisdom that occasionally touches right in the heart. And it has a goat! I love goats! They climb anything any everything and this one doesn't disappoint. And it's just as belligerent as all the other animals Ferius had the.. ahem... honor to meet in her travels.
I hope this isn't really the last Argosi book, although my initial love for de Castell's writing was the Greatcoats series and I am looking forward to return to the continent of Tristia. And we know from Spellslinger series that Ferius is .
Reading time: 8h 50m
I hope this isn't really the last Argosi book, although my initial love for de Castell's writing was the Greatcoats series and I am looking forward to return to the continent of Tristia. And we know from Spellslinger series that Ferius is .
Reading time: 8h 50m
February 21, 2024
Ahhh, Ferius Parfax, coolest heroine ever to walk the pages of a fantasy Western. I love Sebastien de Castell's books and the third installment in the 𝘈𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘴𝘪 series did not disappoint. Plus, look at that COVER! 😍
What have we got?
🃏 A charming, clever, unerringly brave, and altogether hilarious protagonist
🃏 First person narrative
🃏 Cute (also, stinky) animal companions
🃏 LGBTQ+ rep and a queer MC
🃏 Living with (supernatural, in this case) mental illness
🃏 Themes of colonialism and attempted genocide
If the above info didn't make this obvious, all of the books in this series cover serious and dark subject matter. They are also emotive, heartfelt, witty, philosophical, and funny. I think they are YA at it's best, but they are certainly for young ADULTS and not for middle grade kiddies (no matter what Amazon suggests!).
All in all, I adored this one. Ferius makes a lot of somewhat rambling asides during her narration but I'm down with it. With that ending, I'm hoping this might not be the end of Ferius Parfax's prequel adventures? 👀
P.S. The audiobooks narrated by Kristin Atherton are 🔥👌
What have we got?
🃏 A charming, clever, unerringly brave, and altogether hilarious protagonist
🃏 First person narrative
🃏 Cute (also, stinky) animal companions
🃏 LGBTQ+ rep and a queer MC
🃏 Living with (supernatural, in this case) mental illness
🃏 Themes of colonialism and attempted genocide
If the above info didn't make this obvious, all of the books in this series cover serious and dark subject matter. They are also emotive, heartfelt, witty, philosophical, and funny. I think they are YA at it's best, but they are certainly for young ADULTS and not for middle grade kiddies (no matter what Amazon suggests!).
All in all, I adored this one. Ferius makes a lot of somewhat rambling asides during her narration but I'm down with it. With that ending, I'm hoping this might not be the end of Ferius Parfax's prequel adventures? 👀
P.S. The audiobooks narrated by Kristin Atherton are 🔥👌
November 21, 2024
I don't recall if I have reviewed any of these Argosi de Castell books. If I have, it bears repeating. I probably rated them all a 4. Reality says they deserved better. They are charming, fun, fast paced books with characters I really enjoyed and regular spit take moments. There is nothing ponderous or heavy about them. My only real reservation about them is they may be too light. Though, changing that would probably ruin the fun and pacing. So probably more a problem with me than the books. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2025
This whole series has been a riot. I really love, as a whole, how the series expands the worldbuilding--and not just for the Argosi--in this entry we learn more about the Shadowblack and how it's connected to the Mahdek and the Jan'tep as well.
I really enjoyed the new characters--especially the thief--and getting to see old friends again, like Ferius's Jan'tep sister. Ferius, of course, was wonderful! She's grown so much in these books, truly becoming worthy of the Argosi mystique. As one of my reading buddies said, she's finally become the Ferius we love from the Spellslinger books.
I really enjoyed the new characters--especially the thief--and getting to see old friends again, like Ferius's Jan'tep sister. Ferius, of course, was wonderful! She's grown so much in these books, truly becoming worthy of the Argosi mystique. As one of my reading buddies said, she's finally become the Ferius we love from the Spellslinger books.
April 7, 2024
Absolutely brilliant. These books are the epitome of perfection.
To all the reviewers who are disappointed by this book and have rated it poorly, here is my unsolicited opinion. This was Ferius Parfax's story, her struggles, and what she was willing to sacrifice for a better world. It also provides a fantastic prelude to Kellen's Spellslinger adventures.
The writing and story are on par with all the other de Castell books, if not slightly superior, again in my opinion.
They evoke emotion and prompt you to view your life through the characters' perspectives. I ask you, could it be that these feelings have stirred something within you that you are not pleased with, and thus you are rating the book poorly?
To all the reviewers who are disappointed by this book and have rated it poorly, here is my unsolicited opinion. This was Ferius Parfax's story, her struggles, and what she was willing to sacrifice for a better world. It also provides a fantastic prelude to Kellen's Spellslinger adventures.
The writing and story are on par with all the other de Castell books, if not slightly superior, again in my opinion.
They evoke emotion and prompt you to view your life through the characters' perspectives. I ask you, could it be that these feelings have stirred something within you that you are not pleased with, and thus you are rating the book poorly?
December 21, 2024
Leí este libro en un momento muy raro. La primera mitad en una sentada y la última en el transcurso de varios días pues #lavida
De no ser por #lavida creo que lo habría disfrutado más. De todas maneras, el humor y el tono despreocupado con algunas enseñanzas o frases punchy y profundas es una gran combinación.
Creo que el autor y yo nos divertiríamos mucho tomando una cerveza, siento que tiene un humor muy argentino (el mejor del mundo offcourse)
De no ser por #lavida creo que lo habría disfrutado más. De todas maneras, el humor y el tono despreocupado con algunas enseñanzas o frases punchy y profundas es una gran combinación.
Creo que el autor y yo nos divertiríamos mucho tomando una cerveza, siento que tiene un humor muy argentino (el mejor del mundo offcourse)
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