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Mage of Silence
Castien, an elf mage who cannot speak except with the aid of a magical dagger, has been captured while on a mission. He is freed by his companion, the warrior elf Daeron, and returns with him to Daeron’s homeland. There they will join forces to rid the land of a Lord bent on the destruction of the elves.
Theirn, a young half-elf thief, attempts to rob Castien during his stay at an inn and is caught by the mage. Much against Theirn’s will he is enlisted into the group of rebel elves. But as Theirn's infatuation with Castien grows, he becomes more eager to risk treachery, betrayal, and even death on dangerous missions just to be close to the man he is growing to love.
Theirn, a young half-elf thief, attempts to rob Castien during his stay at an inn and is caught by the mage. Much against Theirn’s will he is enlisted into the group of rebel elves. But as Theirn's infatuation with Castien grows, he becomes more eager to risk treachery, betrayal, and even death on dangerous missions just to be close to the man he is growing to love.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2011
11 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Edward Kendrick
213 books207 followersBorn and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 4, 2013
Overall exactly the kind of book I like most. Action, detailed fight scenes, cool characters who can do magic, sneak around, pick locks and kick ass. This is mostly a pure fantasy/action/adventure story with a subtle romantic subplot. I've been discovering lately that I'm not much of a romance reader, I guess. I much prefer books like this one, where the entirety of the plot isn't two dudes hooking up. That seems so dull and frivolous in comparison to a plot involving espionage, battle and overthrowing tyrants. There's even some cross-dressing in it. Everything that usually annoys me about romance books is decidedly absent. No inner monologues lasting pages, no cyclical angst as characters wonder how each other feel, think they know, think they might be wrong, angst again and repeat. No long, drawn-out boring sex scenes in every chapter. Nope. These dudes decide they like each other, hook up, and get back to cutting guy's throats and stealing evidence.
Like I said, the characters are so cool. Castien is a mage who can only speak once in a great while due to a curse. He's no stereotypical mage, and is also an accomplished thief and excellent swordsman. Likewise, Theirn is more than just the thief he seems at the beginning and his skills manifest very quickly. These two make a great team both as thieves/assassins/freedom fighters and as lovers. I was so grateful for their non-mushy, no bullshit, angst-free relationship. Not to say they don't care for each other. Each just knows the other is capable and that their work is dangerous. They don't like seeing the person they love in danger, but they don't mope or whine about it, because they know it's necessary. The sex scenes are very brief, do their job adequately, and get back to the plot. I appreciated that. I like sex scenes, but not when they're every ten pages and eight pages long. I'd rather read about mages fighting any day!
I had just a few small criticisms, or I think this might have been the perfect book for me. The world building is pretty standard fantasy, and I wish some of the concepts could have been explored a bit more. I'd also have liked a bit more detail in the descriptions of the weapons, clothing, castles, effects of magic, etc. The only other problem is that I found the use of gamer terms really distracting. The book does have a classic fantasy RPG feel, which I don't mind, not at all, but phrases like "taking damage" and "they cleared that level" might be pushing it a little. Some of the names of the spells felt like they'd been pulled straight out of an RPG as well.
Still, this is the kind of book I love best, action-adventure with a solid relationship supporting it. Anybody who knows me knows I love elves and mages and fantasy, especially when it's handled as it deserves, which this book does. I hope Castien and Theirn have many more adventures ahead of them. I'd happily read every last one.
Like I said, the characters are so cool. Castien is a mage who can only speak once in a great while due to a curse. He's no stereotypical mage, and is also an accomplished thief and excellent swordsman. Likewise, Theirn is more than just the thief he seems at the beginning and his skills manifest very quickly. These two make a great team both as thieves/assassins/freedom fighters and as lovers. I was so grateful for their non-mushy, no bullshit, angst-free relationship. Not to say they don't care for each other. Each just knows the other is capable and that their work is dangerous. They don't like seeing the person they love in danger, but they don't mope or whine about it, because they know it's necessary. The sex scenes are very brief, do their job adequately, and get back to the plot. I appreciated that. I like sex scenes, but not when they're every ten pages and eight pages long. I'd rather read about mages fighting any day!
I had just a few small criticisms, or I think this might have been the perfect book for me. The world building is pretty standard fantasy, and I wish some of the concepts could have been explored a bit more. I'd also have liked a bit more detail in the descriptions of the weapons, clothing, castles, effects of magic, etc. The only other problem is that I found the use of gamer terms really distracting. The book does have a classic fantasy RPG feel, which I don't mind, not at all, but phrases like "taking damage" and "they cleared that level" might be pushing it a little. Some of the names of the spells felt like they'd been pulled straight out of an RPG as well.
Still, this is the kind of book I love best, action-adventure with a solid relationship supporting it. Anybody who knows me knows I love elves and mages and fantasy, especially when it's handled as it deserves, which this book does. I hope Castien and Theirn have many more adventures ahead of them. I'd happily read every last one.
August 4, 2018
As supernatural adventures go, this one is pretty exciting. It’s got mages, elves, spells with various effects, and a worthy quest – that of stopping tyrants from ruling the world, one evil lord in particular, as well as a few other missions. The romance in this story is quite subtle – the “adventure” and Castien’s fight for justice always come first. There is quite a variety of characters, from friendly to evil, and magic plays a significant role, as does “sneakery”, clever thieving, and a few disguises here and there. It’s definitely an interesting world to explore, one with a rich back story and lots of details.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 29, 2012
Fantasy and gay romance done right without additives, fillers or preservatives. I liked the fact that Castien, a mute elven mage and Theirn, a half-elven thief are equally matched. There were one or two "no, not the slender uke in the lap" moments, but overall these two heroes are allowed to be heroic. If you're looking for hot sex scenes, forget it. While the author, Edward Kendrick doesn't shut the door, neither does he regal the reader with things that throb or self-lubricating anuses. I hate those because they don't EXIST!
I loved Ange, the blood-drinking dagger Castien uses when he needs to speak. It reminded me of Stormbringer (i.e. Elric's blood and souls drinking broadsword from Michael Moorcock's Elric Saga) without the tendancy to kill friends as well as foes. Lots of action and adventure and spell-casting. In short a quick and rollicking good time with an equally-matched pair of brave and intrepid heroes whom I would love to meet again.
I loved Ange, the blood-drinking dagger Castien uses when he needs to speak. It reminded me of Stormbringer (i.e. Elric's blood and souls drinking broadsword from Michael Moorcock's Elric Saga) without the tendancy to kill friends as well as foes. Lots of action and adventure and spell-casting. In short a quick and rollicking good time with an equally-matched pair of brave and intrepid heroes whom I would love to meet again.
July 28, 2016
A truly great story with memorable characters that you won't grow to love, you'll just love them period.
Another great from this author and friend!
Another great from this author and friend!
April 12, 2012
This is a great story, which was a fast and easy read. The only reason I’m giving this story 4 stars instead of 5 is that I never really felt a connection with any of the characters.
May 6, 2018
A somewhat enjoyable fantasy novel, although it does have a tendency to jump around and describe things in more of a RPG manner than that of a novel. The author also misses th e occasions where he should be describing costumes and settings better, specifically the times Theirn is in drag. It’s good to know he looks beautiful but I’d like to know what the gown looks like.
This is classified as a romance, however although there are romantic elements to it, which are sweet and fit the story well, it is not the point of the book. Nor do the two barely there love scenes make it anymore of a romance. The one is almost irrelevant and the second appears thrown in there to appease readers expecting something more.
Overall, it is good for what it is. Castien and Theirn are definitely worth reading about and have great chemistry. The rest ... meh, whatever.
This is classified as a romance, however although there are romantic elements to it, which are sweet and fit the story well, it is not the point of the book. Nor do the two barely there love scenes make it anymore of a romance. The one is almost irrelevant and the second appears thrown in there to appease readers expecting something more.
Overall, it is good for what it is. Castien and Theirn are definitely worth reading about and have great chemistry. The rest ... meh, whatever.
February 8, 2013
A fantasy book, with sword fights and... mystery
So it's hard to give less than 5 stars to a fantasy as good as this book. The story seems "simple", but it's very complex.
A mute elf, Castien, fighting to the noble cause of a better world. In this realm, full of magic creatures, wizards and also humans many are persecuted and need help... that's Castien only mission. He may be noble, but his origins are the possible worst. As an ex thieve, and in present time mute after a wizard spell, his missions are not always pleasant.. a spy, an assassin, a magician... he is a weapon, and he will never think twice before killing.
Theirn is young, half elf, and a thieve. Crossing Castien he will be dragged to a world of violence and secret missions with Castien. Nothing better than a thieve, to be faithful and loyal to another one. Castien and Theirn are perfect to each other!
It's a book without sexual content and because of it I'm giving extra stars. I was looking for an adventure and sword fights, and I HAD IT, but it was a 3 stars in my modest opinion... the fact there is just ONE sex scene, and very quick, is a plus, and make me decide to give 5 stars.
What were my problems? Why it was so close to be a 3 stars book
-The plot is very good, and I love everything, BUT the rush of it. I would prefer more description about the world, and most of all a better explanation of how Castien end working for the baron Daeron. Don't give me shit explanations, and DON'T write down
Oh yeah... I know, maybe I should not be so angry but dammit! Don't add "it's a story for another occasion" in a book WITHOUT telling me WTH is that story. It's a lame explanation! Come on! Or leave it out of the book, of take two freaking minutes and tell me. It's a book, for Peter's sake! Not a TV show with a "that's all folks" message. Tell me, or leave it out. Simple.
-Something VERY odd happened over and over in this story... sign language understood by all. Maybe it's really a magic world, but in our world I think it's a huge problem to everyone that communicate with sign language the fact not everyone know it. No one, ever, seems to have problems to understand Castien. Why? Castien muteness was a "lesson", so he would be less arrogant, as a person and using his magic, but he never had problem to cast a spell. Ever. Or to communicate with characters appearing out of nowhere. Ever. Shouldn't his muteness be a problem, a source of frustration for him?
I hope there will be more someday. I really loved the magic and the adventure, and all characters, even secondary characters, were charming and contribute a lot to the complex story. It's fast paced, and a page turner book. I would buy immediately more book with Castien and Theirn... it's my first book of this writer, and if there will be more, certainly will not be the last.
5 stars
So it's hard to give less than 5 stars to a fantasy as good as this book. The story seems "simple", but it's very complex.
A mute elf, Castien, fighting to the noble cause of a better world. In this realm, full of magic creatures, wizards and also humans many are persecuted and need help... that's Castien only mission. He may be noble, but his origins are the possible worst. As an ex thieve, and in present time mute after a wizard spell, his missions are not always pleasant.. a spy, an assassin, a magician... he is a weapon, and he will never think twice before killing.
Theirn is young, half elf, and a thieve. Crossing Castien he will be dragged to a world of violence and secret missions with Castien. Nothing better than a thieve, to be faithful and loyal to another one. Castien and Theirn are perfect to each other!
It's a book without sexual content and because of it I'm giving extra stars. I was looking for an adventure and sword fights, and I HAD IT, but it was a 3 stars in my modest opinion... the fact there is just ONE sex scene, and very quick, is a plus, and make me decide to give 5 stars.
What were my problems? Why it was so close to be a 3 stars book
-The plot is very good, and I love everything, BUT the rush of it. I would prefer more description about the world, and most of all a better explanation of how Castien end working for the baron Daeron. Don't give me shit explanations, and DON'T write down
"Castien managed to escape and vowed from then on he would fight to rid the world of would-be tyrants and those who sought to end the existence of the elves' kingdoms. It was thus he had met up with Daeron. But that was a story for another occasion"
Oh yeah... I know, maybe I should not be so angry but dammit! Don't add "it's a story for another occasion" in a book WITHOUT telling me WTH is that story. It's a lame explanation! Come on! Or leave it out of the book, of take two freaking minutes and tell me. It's a book, for Peter's sake! Not a TV show with a "that's all folks" message. Tell me, or leave it out. Simple.
-Something VERY odd happened over and over in this story... sign language understood by all. Maybe it's really a magic world, but in our world I think it's a huge problem to everyone that communicate with sign language the fact not everyone know it. No one, ever, seems to have problems to understand Castien. Why? Castien muteness was a "lesson", so he would be less arrogant, as a person and using his magic, but he never had problem to cast a spell. Ever. Or to communicate with characters appearing out of nowhere. Ever. Shouldn't his muteness be a problem, a source of frustration for him?
I hope there will be more someday. I really loved the magic and the adventure, and all characters, even secondary characters, were charming and contribute a lot to the complex story. It's fast paced, and a page turner book. I would buy immediately more book with Castien and Theirn... it's my first book of this writer, and if there will be more, certainly will not be the last.
5 stars
June 2, 2012
3 1/2 - 4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Castien was cursed to silence as a punishment. He might be a powerful mage, but because of the curse he is limited to when he can do some spells. Theirn is a thief and gets caught by Castien, but with the information he reveals he is enlisted into the group and also comes in handy when they need access to a castle. Castien and Theirn start to become close, but Theirn has some fears…at first.
There are two parts to this book or more correctly two adventures in one book. The first one is where Castien and Theirn meet and help to get rid of an evil Lord. and the second one show’s how their relationship develops as they set out to spy on a mage/prince. I must admit that I did enjoy this story and the world it was set in. The characters were interesting and their reaction to each other was well written. The entire story was well-written; in fact and I am not being bias just because it’s a fantasy, honest!!
The action was really good and although we don’t see any sex, we do see the lead up which is at first filled with a misunderstanding. The development of the story is good and we do find out about both Castien’s and Theirn’s background and the characters are really sweet together later in the book. I will admit here that there was one bit that niggled for me and that was the curse that Castien has. It just seemed too awkward to be effective but you can make your own mind up about that.
So in all honesty, I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, action, adventure, magic, elves, love, spies and a cracking mage battle near the end.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Castien was cursed to silence as a punishment. He might be a powerful mage, but because of the curse he is limited to when he can do some spells. Theirn is a thief and gets caught by Castien, but with the information he reveals he is enlisted into the group and also comes in handy when they need access to a castle. Castien and Theirn start to become close, but Theirn has some fears…at first.
There are two parts to this book or more correctly two adventures in one book. The first one is where Castien and Theirn meet and help to get rid of an evil Lord. and the second one show’s how their relationship develops as they set out to spy on a mage/prince. I must admit that I did enjoy this story and the world it was set in. The characters were interesting and their reaction to each other was well written. The entire story was well-written; in fact and I am not being bias just because it’s a fantasy, honest!!
The action was really good and although we don’t see any sex, we do see the lead up which is at first filled with a misunderstanding. The development of the story is good and we do find out about both Castien’s and Theirn’s background and the characters are really sweet together later in the book. I will admit here that there was one bit that niggled for me and that was the curse that Castien has. It just seemed too awkward to be effective but you can make your own mind up about that.
So in all honesty, I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, action, adventure, magic, elves, love, spies and a cracking mage battle near the end.
May 18, 2012
This was a solidly entertaining read. There were a few spots where I would guess the author has an interest in RPGs (that's role-playing games) as once or twice the characters "took damage" rather than being injured. There were a few other terms and concepts similar to those one finds in the context of RPGs. In fact the whole story read similarly to a Fantasy RPG. That's not a dig. I really love Fantasy RPGs.
There was some potential missed. The main character has a severe weakness that could have created some fantastic conflict but really only served as a minor inconvenience begging the question, Why bother with it in the first place? The characters themselves were a tad one-dimensional and while I liked them- I didn't love them. Anyone who has read any of my other reviews, that's kind of a big deal for me. I didn't hate any of them either, not even the bad guys. We never get to find out how the boys get home other than a mention of dolphins! Big selling point for me: CROSSDRESSING! Loved it! Every story, TV show, movie would benefit with a little bit of the boys dressin up as girls. (Brits have known it forever).
Based on this book I'd definitely check out this author's other books. As an aside (and nothing against the author) the main character's name was Castien and I couldn't help (each and every time I read it) thinking of Castiel, the angel character on Supernatural. Again that's not the author's fault but the fault of my silly fan-boy mind.
I would definitely recommend this book to Fantasy genre fans.
There was some potential missed. The main character has a severe weakness that could have created some fantastic conflict but really only served as a minor inconvenience begging the question, Why bother with it in the first place? The characters themselves were a tad one-dimensional and while I liked them- I didn't love them. Anyone who has read any of my other reviews, that's kind of a big deal for me. I didn't hate any of them either, not even the bad guys. We never get to find out how the boys get home other than a mention of dolphins! Big selling point for me: CROSSDRESSING! Loved it! Every story, TV show, movie would benefit with a little bit of the boys dressin up as girls. (Brits have known it forever).
Based on this book I'd definitely check out this author's other books. As an aside (and nothing against the author) the main character's name was Castien and I couldn't help (each and every time I read it) thinking of Castiel, the angel character on Supernatural. Again that's not the author's fault but the fault of my silly fan-boy mind.
I would definitely recommend this book to Fantasy genre fans.
August 8, 2012
I always have trouble reviewing books I didn't care for. It's a shame since I was really looking forward to reading this one. Aside from the characters motivations never being clarified, I think the single most distracting thing about this book was that the main characters muteness was treated like an after thought. He NEVER seems to have trouble communicating even without the use of his spell, and for some reason the people around him just automatically seem to know or pick up sign language, with no mention of how they learned. I felt almost like you could replace all of the "He signed" to "He said" and be just fine. I didn't feel anything for the characters at all, I had no idea why they were even doing what they were doing. In the end I felt like nothing was ever explained! A very unsatisfying read that I wanted to give up partway through but finished in the hopes that there would be some kind of explanation in the end. There wasn't. I doubt I will pick up this author again.
July 5, 2012
It was a bit hard to get into at the start since it just throws readers into a scene where the main character,Castien, has been captured and is being interrogated. Readers don't really know why beforehand and it's not really clear as to why he was captured afterwards either.
The transitioning from event to event wasn't as clean cut as I thought it should be and it had a feel of compiled short stories of the same character instead of a tale of the main character working for a cause. The story comes in two parts with Castien first aiding to defeat an evil lord and then going on to defeat an evil mage prince. I would have liked a bit more story development and character building so I could have connected with the characters. Overall not a great read but not a bad one either.
The transitioning from event to event wasn't as clean cut as I thought it should be and it had a feel of compiled short stories of the same character instead of a tale of the main character working for a cause. The story comes in two parts with Castien first aiding to defeat an evil lord and then going on to defeat an evil mage prince. I would have liked a bit more story development and character building so I could have connected with the characters. Overall not a great read but not a bad one either.
July 14, 2014
This had all the makings for a great fantasy story, magic, adventures, mythical creatures, romance, evil mages, tyrannical lords and a unique mage. The characters were well developed and the different errands that were set for Castien and Theirn were exciting. What shot down this book for me was that it was written with very little emotion and that took so much away from the story that it got dull where it should have shone. Edward Kendrick is not a writer without the means to have pumped this story up which makes the unemotional telling all the more vexing.
June 4, 2012
Read it because I had to find out why the pretty pretty pointy-eared guy on the cover was picking his nose with an under-endowed sword hilt. Turns out its a dagger. That's about all I can say about the book. Oh - there's a bit of a love story (which is kinda sweet, but the fade-to-black sex scenes feel like the author just didn't want to write them & hurried on to ...) and some action sequences which have only the barest of threads holding it all together into a plot.
April 15, 2012
I've read this author before and usually enjoy his work. This time though I was sorely disappointed. There was so much potential but the story dragged. It felt like two short stories that were drawn out and then slapped together. The romance is non-existent. I couldn't connect with the characters and became completely frustrated with it as a whole.
April 15, 2012
For me the book was boring. As a reader you are thrown into middle of the happening. The main character Castien is a being tortured from some Lord and then he is rescued. Then he is up to new land and again he has to go to new mission into new castle. Bla, Bla, Bla.
The plot the way its written is really annoying and characters don't pull you into the story.
The plot the way its written is really annoying and characters don't pull you into the story.
July 3, 2012
Here is a YA fantasy novella written with a sure touch. Castien, an elf who needs magic to talk, and Daeron fight evil-doers. Castien catches a young thief, who joins them to help. It's an enjoyable fantasy adventure, that goes down very smoothly, despite some minor plot holes.
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January 16, 2012Review to come
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews