Mage Quest

Erinsmore #2

by Julia Blake

Erinsmore ... Ruby has longed to return for six lonely years. When her wish is granted, over twenty years have elapsed in that magical land. Ruby's family and friends are older. Her dragon, Iliana, is fully grown. And she's an aunt to teenage twins. After his mother's death, Finley Smith is sent to live with his uncle Mick. Curious about the red-headed woman who visits Mick to talk about somewhere called Erinsmore, Finley follows Ruby into a strange new world. Invited to accompany the royal twins on a quest to find the Mage to the Heir Apparent, Ruby and Finley have no idea of the dangers ahead. Joined on their journey by the twins' bodyguard, Merric, and the mysterious healer, Xem, this odd assortment of adventurers will face dangerous creatures, dark magic, and an evil foe intent on conquering Erinsmore. Against overwhelming adversity, Ruby and her friends will discover that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Let the Quest Commence ... Mage Quest is Volume Two of the wonderful Erinsmore Chronicles

Genres: Fantasy

359 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

I was born and raised in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where I live still with my kid, one crazy cat and a succession of even crazier lodgers. I'm a multi-genre author which basically means I write whatever story floats into my head and worry about what genre it fits into afterwards. So far, I have written in contemporary fiction, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, poetry, and even a fabulous steampunk retelling of the Snow White story.

I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.

www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author

Reviews

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good…

Just as book one, this was a fantastic story. I normally don’t read fantasy, but sometimes I like to support Indie authors and am usually always happily surprised. I loved the romance in it, the playful interactions and the adventure. For a moment I thought Xem was the mage, but I was wrong. This book is definitely worth reading, but read book one first.

[Kara Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to read Erinsmore , a secondary-world fantasy novel coincidentally written by my former landlady from when I lived in England. Erinsmore works quite well as a standalone novel. However, in Mage Quest, Julia Blake provides us with an excellent sequel story, one that revisits beloved characters from the first book, introduces new ones, and builds further on the lore of this world.

On Earth, six years have elapsed since Ruby returned from her adventure in Erinsmore. She routinely visits with Mick, one of the few people she knows who remembers this other world. When a portal to Erinsmore opens for her, Ruby is overjoyed—but her return to Erinsmore is complicated by the fact that Mick’s new ward, his thirteen-year-old nephew, Finn, follows her. Stuck in Erinsmore for the time being, Finn and Ruby acclimate and join the heir to the throne on a quest to find her mage. This quest takes them to the extreme edges of Erinsmore and will force them to confront an existential threat far older and more sinister than they dared imagine.

Much as I observed in my review of the first book, the charm of Mage Quest lies somewhat in nostalgia for the fantasy novels of my youth. Returning to Erinsmore is like returning to those good ol’ days of devouring doorstopper epic fantasy novel after epic fantasy novel in the big comfy chair in the living room of my parents’ house. Its style and atmosphere are so much like the fantasy of the late nineties, early oughts—without, you know, any of the racism or sexism or whatnot that often creeped into our fantasy worlds. Indeed, this book introduces a nonbinary character, Xem, to the cast, which was nice.

So the plot structure will feel very familiar to fantasy fans, as will the supporting characters, and that’s all to the good. Blake wastes no time, once we get to Erinsmore, getting us into the quest. Ruby’s return to Erinsmore is rightfully treated as a kind of homecoming, but she’s there for barely a day before it’s all, “By the way, the crazy old woman said you should come with us, so you’re coming, right?” and she’s all, “Of course I’m coming, sillies,” and off they go on their dragons. It’s awesome.

Last time we were here, the kingdom was devastated and at war. I really enjoyed getting to see Erinsmore at peace, and if anything, I wish we had seen more of that. However, I can appreciate the need for pacing, and I can’t fault Blake for how well she balances wanting to show off this world with the need to get the characters further along the map until they find and fight this book’s Big Bad.

As with the setting and plot, the characters are comfy archetypes too, and this goes for the Big Bad. I really enjoyed watching our heroes become ensnared in the Big Bad’s trap, their struggle to escape it, and in particular, the way that Blake finds a way for each of them to shine. This is true even for Finn—whose role in the story otherwise feels somewhat superfluous and disappointing, given how much emphasis is placed on him at the start of the book. He’s rather sidelined by the end, but he still manages to eke out a contribution to the climactic battle.

Perhaps my ambivalence about Finn comes from a wider ambivalence I sense about the audience for this series. Erinsmore is firmly a teen/ YA, sitting comfortably on a shelf alongside, say, The Dark Is Rising . Mage Quest, on the other hand, feels a little older and more mature. This makes sense, for Ruby, our protagonist for most of the book, is older and more mature. So maybe Finn’s presence as deuteragonist is to function as a character that younger readers, having devoured Erinsmore, will identify with when they pick up the sequel.

All of this is to say, of course, that even though I appreciate the nostalgia factor inherent to this book, I can still only comment on it from my present perspective as a thirty-four-year-old woman—and that perspective is that I am here for this series now in a way I wasn’t necessarily when I read Erinsmore. The first two acts of Mage Quest are a little slow, as you might expect from a sequel that, for some, will be their first foray into Erinsmore. That third act, from climax to denouement, though? Love it. I love the resolution, and I love the way Blake takes her worldbuilding to the next level, opening up worlds (quite literally) of possibility to explore in the future.

So it was that Erinsmore was a perfectly fine standalone novel, but I also wasn’t itching for a sequel. In contrast, the ending to Mage Quest, while not a cliffhanger by any means, nevertheless screams for more. It reminds me quite a bit of Lisa Shearin’s Raine Benares series (starting with Magic Lost, Trouble Found : I just want to keep coming back to this world and its characters and its politics and vibe with them. I don’t really even care what the plot is at this point; I just want to hang out with them.

Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.

[Angela Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest by Julia Blake

I binge read Mage Quest directly after Erinsmore, eager to continue the adventure.
When the portal opens again for Ruby, time has slipped, more so in Erinsmore. Eager to find her sister Cassie - now her only living relative, Ruby inadvertently takes her friend Mick’s nephew with her.
Unfortunately an instability caused by dark magic has opened more than one portal…
Ruby is once more called on to embark on a perilous adventure to save Erinsmore.
In a truly magical tale with mermaids, monsters, mages, pirates and dragons, Blake has linked the two lands by cleverly weaving fables and fairy tales as cross cultural links, She carries us breathless through danger, desire and despair to the exciting finale.
Will the forces for good win the day? You’ll have to read Mage Quest to find out.

[Becky Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest, volume two in the Erinsmore Chronicles, is the perfect sequel to Erinsmore.

It has been six long years since Ruby left Erinsmore, and now she is finally back in the magical land. But Ruby is not alone; someone followed her through the portal, young Finley Smith, nephew to Ruby's friend Mick, and the only other person who knows of the magic. Once in Erinsmore, Ruby finds that twenty years have passed for her sister Cassie, and Ruby is aunt to twins who are now coming of age. Her niece is headstrong and wilful and one day be queen. But first, she must find her Mage.

Ruby and young Finley join the 'mage quest', but is Finley ready for such an adventure that has only existed in fairy tales? There are heroics, battles with dark magic and an evil foe out to conquer Erinsmore.

With a cast of diverse characters, old and new, and three fabulous dragons, they travel through this story, this epic adventure that, along the way, realise that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination.

Fantasy is not an auto-read for me, but once again, Julia Blake swept me into the pages of this extraordinary adventure. This series is a must if you love medieval-based fantasy, Arthurian legends, dragons, and of course, we must not forget about the pirates.

[Caroline Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a few years since Ruby left her sister behind in the magical kingdom of Erinsmore. When she finally returns, accidentally trailing frazzled young Finley, she's shocked to discover decades have passed. Heading out on a quest to find a princess's missing mage, flying on the backs of dragons, is only the first move in a trail of adventure that leads, inexorably, to a mighty showdown with evil.

What can I say? As it sounds, this is enormous fun, incorporating magic, adventure, intrigue, all manner of mythical beasties, pirates and a fabulous dollop of romance to boot. And, well, a baby dragon. Yippee.

[Sherry Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest is book two in Julia Blake’s Erinsmore Chronicles. I enjoyed book one, Erinsmore, very much and was excited to read Mage Quest and find out what happened to Ruby and her sister Cassie. I was thoroughly delighted with the creative and exciting adventures Ms. Blake has given us in Mage Quest. In fact, I can’t wait to share both books with my twin granddaughters, who are a bit young for these tales right now. The Erinsmore Chronicles are just the kind of fantasy that I would have gobbled up as a kid. The author blends the classic with a modern sensibility that will engage young readers of fantasy. It has a natural flow and rhythm to it, peppered with so many adventures and characters, that you move with anticipation from one chapter to the next with ease and enjoyment. I think this is very important in an older children’s or teen’s work. The language is beautiful, with literary depth, and yet accessible and not overly old-fashioned.

Ruby, at the end of book one, has left Erinsmore, and returned to our world without her sister. Mage Quest picks up six years later, when she returns to Erinsmore. But she unintentionally returns with a 13-year-old boy, Finley. He is accidentally pulled through with Ruby as she enters the portal to Erinsmore. This is the first time a portal back to Erinsmore has offered itself to Ruby. I really enjoyed Finley’s character and he added a lot to the story. Ms. Blake has shown herself, in other novels, to be great at developing the characters of children. Finley is appealing and lovable, and yet not too ideal. He has already suffered a load of woes in his short life and is not the perfect child. I loved reading about his reactions and adaptions to the world of Erinsmore.

The six years on earth are 20 in Erinsmore. Much has changed since Ruby’s last visit. It is a beautiful world, but one also threatened by darkness. There are three magnificent dragons, each with their own personality and Merric, Ruby’s bodyguard, who is very crucial to the tale and was a young lad in book one. I loved the very memorable pirate, who is based on the disappearance of the famous 17th century pirate, Captain Henry Every. There are mermaids, the healer Xem, a most mysterious being, and the owl, Ule. There is even a very heart-warming love story. As in book one, evil has infiltrated Erinsmore and our MCs must save their world once again. But this time there is an added purpose, a mage must be found for one of the main characters. In Erinsmore, one must discover their mage and bond in order to be complete and fulfill their destiny. And so they are off on this quest, to find a much needed mage, as the tale unfolds.

Another strength in this fantasy saga, is the additional story telling within the novel. These “extras” are really a wonderful way to add to the world building of Erinsmore, by giving us glimpses into their belief systems and values. It helps to create an Erismore culture and history. A particular favorite of mine was the tale of the mermaid. It is a story that will stay with me and comes full circle back into the progression of the main tale and resolves many issues. It is told from the mermaid's view and is beautiful.

And no review would be complete without mentioning the lovely black and white illustrations throughout that help make it the beautiful book it is. The Erinsmore Chronicles would make a wonderful and treasured gift to an older child or teen.

[Rachel Churcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more YA reviews, visit my blog – Unsupervised in a Bookstore .

The sequel to Erinsmore is here! Book Two of the Erinsmore Chronicles brings new characters, old friends, and three spirited dragons.

It’s been six years since Ruby returned from Erinsmore, leaving her sister Cassie behind. When she eventually finds a portal and takes the opportunity to slip between worlds, she inadvertently brings thirteen-year-old Finley with her. Twenty years have passed in Erinsmore. Everyone she left behind has aged without her, and she’s surprised to discover that she is aunt to a seventeen-year-old princess (and heir to the throne), and her twin brother.

The heir to Erinsmore’s throne is expected to find the mage who will be her lifelong companion and guide. Most heirs discover their mages early in life, but the princess has never felt the presence of hers. She will be using the traditional tour of the kingdom when she turns eighteen to search for her companion.

With their eighteenth birthday only days after Ruby’s arrival, the twins invite their aunt and her accidental companion to join them on their quest. The plan is to visit every major settlement, and for the princess to meet her future subjects. With the help of Lord Merric, Protector of the Royal Children, three awe-inspiring dragons, and a mysterious healer named Xem, the group sets out to tour the kingdom, and search for the heir's mage.

But something is rotten in Erinsmore. Evil is rising, and strange and frightening creatures are terrorising the people. The quest becomes more dangerous, and the evil forces stronger, as the group travels north. Working together, can they track down and defeat the dark forces – and will the quest lead the princess to her mage?

This is a long-awaited and exciting return to the world of Erinsmore. While Ruby is older and wiser, and thrilled to see her sister again, thirteen-year-old Finley provides the sense of wonder as the newcomer to a place where magic and dragons are real. The reader rediscovers Erinsmore with Ruby, while seeing everything for the first time with Finley. It’s a great way to balance the wonder of the magical world with Ruby’s six-year exile and her wish to return.

When Ruby and Finley have found their feet and been welcomed into the castle, the story takes off (literally, on the backs of dragons), and the quest begins. Strange creatures, evil pirates, hidden mermaids and mysterious dark forces lie in wait for our characters, and they must work together to keep each other out of danger.

It’s a gripping story. The tension builds as the group draws closer to the dark power infecting Erinsmore, while the princess’s search for her mage brings unexpected leads and crushing dead ends. I was on the edge of my seat as the end of the book approached. I won’t spoil the story, but it grows more emotional and more exciting as the pages turn.

Julia Blake has written another fast-paced, engrossing novel that drags the reader in and begs to be read in one sitting. Dive in for a fantastic tour of Erinsmore, a mystery that builds as the story progresses, and just the right mix of romance, danger, friendship, and action.

You’ve waited long enough. It’s time to go back to Erinsmore.

[Jessica Juby | jesshidesinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two sittings. I really enjoyed the first in the series, and our return to Erinsmore is extremely welcome.

While the first instalment can be considered an Arthurian-esque tale, and it does reference those myths in its set-up, this one is much stronger in its own identity. The story arc is your typical fantasy quest, much like the first, but we have largely a new crew of heroes and heroines. Some familiar faces that we grew fond of return from book 1, but we are introduced to new characters to become attached to.

The POV mostly follows Ruby, a returnee, but we are also treated to two almost mini stories within the story; one in the form of an illusion and another from a mermaid, which serves to provide backstory. I loved both, providing reader enjoyment rather than detracting from the main story.

The author takes a perceived character flaw and instead makes it arguably the key factor in the group's survival.

Mostly, the narrative is wholesome, but there is one scene in particular that deviates from this as it contains the pirate's version of attempted date rape. I did not like this pirate at all, and I was willing for his failure throughout. He was weak-minded and loathsome. Serious ick factor. I do love, however, that the author wove in some historical fact here to create this particular character, once again tying the magical world of Erinsmore to its connection with earth.

Each chapter is preceded by an illustration, which are incredible (I think my favourite is that for chapter 22). There's a map, and the detailing on the front and back cover is beautiful.

We have the first androgynous character for the series. There are dragons, mermaids, pirates, elves, and even cyclops. Also, hello to slow burn romance! 🔥

If you love traditional fantasy elements, then please run to buy these books.

[Julia Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author's Review:

When the idea for Erinsmore first came to me over seventeen years ago, it was never intended for it to be a standalone novel. Whole storylines buzzed through my mind and the endless possibilities for more adventures in this wonderful magical land I had created have been popping up ever since. At the end of Erinsmore, Ruby returns alone to London, leaving behind her beloved older sister, Cassie, who has fallen in love with Colwyn – the heir to the Dragon Throne.

Anyone who has read Erinsmore – and I sincerely hope if you are reading this, that you have – will know that time moves differently between our world and Erinsmore. When Ruby eventually returns in Mage Quest only six years have passed for her, but over two decades have passed there.
But Ruby does not return alone – Finley Smith, thirteen-year-old nephew to Mick Smith – accidentally follows Ruby through the portal and finds himself in a world beyond his wildest imagination.

What changes will Ruby find? Her sister is now a woman in her forties. Married to Colwyn, Cassie is Queen of Erinsmore and mother to a pair of teenage twins. Ruby’s dragon, Iliana, is a fully grown queen herself, and all the friends Ruby left behind are older and wiser.
Erinsmore has been at peace ever since the defeat of Lorcan in the bitter war twenty years earlier, but Ruby is asked to accompany the twins on a very important quest to find the Mage destined to be linked to the Heir Apparent to the Dragon Throne.

Gladly agreeing to accompany her niece and nephew, Ruby, Finley, and the twins are joined on their quest by Merric, the twins’ bodyguard. When Ruby was last in Erinsmore, Merric was only eight years old. Now a man, what is the strange connection he and Ruby share? Could he be the reason she was drawn back to Erinsmore?

And then there is Xem – the mysterious healer and their owl companion, Ule. Joining the unlikely band of adventurers, Xem is a welcome addition blessed with valuable healing gifts, knowledge of the land and its people, and unusual and powerful magical skills.

Climb onto the back of a dragon, strap on tightly, and let’s go on a fabulous and fast-paced quest to find that elusive Mage – encountering mythical creatures, pirates, and even mermaids along the way – this is one adventure you won’t forget.

[Linda Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest is an enjoyable and fast paced read with several story lines both old and new. The story unfolds fluidly without a hitch as I stepped back into this magical world of Erinsmore. Time passes much faster in Erinsmore, so it was amazing how well the story blended even with a few OMG moments and surprises along the way. I must confess I had read Mage Quest a year ago; but had not written a review. All I had were my notes. So, I opened Mage Quest and began my journey once again. My traveling back to Erinsmore this second time was better than the first…perhaps because I knew the story; I could take the time to savor and enjoy every morsel.

Blake aced this story with all three elements of storytelling: character development, story flow and world building. The characters are colorful and three dimensional and include pirates, a mermaid, some dragons and an owl. The story pace ebbs and flows in all the right places while creating an intricate world of magic of both good and evil coming to life right off the page. This world of Erinsmore is colorful, action packed and chocked full of magic with a love story or two. I didn’t want to close the book, so I didn’t. In stead, I reread the last 3 chapters I don’t know how many times till I finally closed the book with a long whimsical sigh.

I’m thinking another portal just may open for another revisit to Erinsmore. If I happened upon a misty out of focus space, what would I do? What would you do ? So, just kick back and enjoy an exciting, magical and masterfully told story.

A Smashing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julie Embleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest is the brilliant sequel to the equally thrilling Erinsmore, but time has progressed in this instalment, and although Ruby returns to Erinsmore after 6 years of ‘our’ time, she discovers 20 years have passed in this magical land.

From the opening chapter, Mage Quest whisks the reader off on an exciting adventure. Portals? Check. Dragons? Check. Majestic castles and brave warriors? Check, check. The pace is cracking, and as the intrepid heroes and heroines tumble from one adventure to the next, the plot builds towards the princess Chardonnay finding her Mage. Blake leaves us guessing until the very end before revealing the quest’s outcome, and with it, inches the portal open just a crack for a potential third book in this series.

As always, Blake writes solid characters you’ll quickly find yourself rooting for. I especially enjoyed Ruby’s blossoming relationship, the sibling banter between the royal twins, and the telepathic connection between dragon and rider.

Suitable for young and old, Mage Quest delivers a hearty tale packed with action, treachery, and ultimately, hope.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun jaunt through the fantasy world of Erinsmore!

From the first page to the last, Blake takes you on a wild ride as the characters traverse Erinsmore in search of a mage. (Considering it’s the title, I didn’t think it would be considered a spoiler. 😀)

Filled with characters you grow to love and ones you love to hate, Blake gives a nod to popular beloved (and some feared) legendary characters throughout the journey while still crafting a tale that is all her own.

All-in-all, like the first in the series, Mage Quest is a fun escape from reality. And while I say fun, like all of her books, Blake doesn’t water down the story, even when it turns a little dark. Instead she unapologetically takes the reader through the dangers of a quest in a world of dragons and magic, good and evil.

But while the characters aren’t given a pass from pain and sadness, it just makes the lighter hearted bits more enjoyable. And there is a little something for everyone in her tale.

For some it might be the dragons. Or the fighting. The quest itself or the locations.

For me? Telepathic flirting, y’all! ❤️

And I’ll leave this review there.

[Ian Hornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to the sequel to Erinsmore, Julia Blake’s first fantasy book in the magical land of Erinsmore. Mage Quest did not disappoint.

We meet Ruby again, 6 years after she last visited Erinsmore. This time, she is joined by the youngster, Finley, nephew of Mick who has his own connections to the mystical place where dragons fly freely and magic prevails. 20 years have passed when Ruby finally finds her way back. Much has changed. People have aged considerably more than she has and she has two grown-up twins as a niece and nephew. Chardonnay – the heir apparent to the kingdom – is in desperate need of a mage, an advisor and confidante who will guide her through her important years ahead. So begins a quest – a quest fraught with danger – and Ruby and Finley are very much up for it.

This is a great sequel. Great to be reunited with familiar friends and to meet new characters. The author links in past events well. The plot flows along at pace. Excitement, adventure and dragons! Everything you could possibly need from a great fantasy.

[Ellen Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mage Quest is Volume Two in the exciting Erinsmore Chronicles.

I read Erinsmore when it was released, and was eager to return to this magical world.

Ruby wished she could return, to the wondrous world and to her sister Cassie. When a portal opens, she doesn’t hesitate to go, but she doesn’t realise that Mick’s nephew, Finley, tags along.

While six years have passed for Ruby, she discovers that over twenty years have passed in Erinsmore. She has a nephew , and a niece, who will one day be queen. It is her quest to search for a Mage that Ruby and Finley join.
So the adventure begins.

Julia Blake, as author, leads us on this quest too, to encounter weird and wonderful creatures, mermaids, pirates, and a mysterious healer, Xem. We travel on dragons and ultimately face the forces of evil.

If you love a tale of magic, ancient fables and Arthurian legends, this book is for you.

I highly recommend this 5 Star book.
A fabulous series.

[Rachel Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Erinsmore and so I was delighted when I learned that there was going to be a second in the series - Mage Quest. I was not disappointed. I blew through the pages of the book because the story is packed full of adventure. There are new characters to meet - Finley is a sweetheart - as well as old ones to catch up with. Ruby and her sister and both still as enchanting as they were in Erinsmore, but time has changed them both. Merric too, seemingly he and Ruby needed time apart. Am I being obtuse enough? I'm trying not to put any spoilers in my review. The dragons were, of course, a firm favourite of mine, particularly the baby. My heart broke for him at the end of the story, can you believe that I actually cried? And Pearl too, her story was beautifully told. But did they all have a happy ending? You'll have to read Mage Quest yourself to find out. You won't be disappointed, what's not to like about a fantasy adventure that includes dragons and mermaids?

[Ch'kara SilverWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this adventure with Erinsmore, and the adventures of Ruby and Cassie. Mage Quest begins six years later in Ruby's world.

She has been searching for a portal to return to Erinsmore and one day stumbles across one and passes through only to be followed by Finley a young boy she recently met.

Ruby reconnects with Cassie discovering 20 years has passed in Erinsmore. Cassie has twins and the girl Chardonnay is the heir and needs to find her Mage and so the quest begins.

A book of excitement and adventure for people of all ages.

These books would make an awesome TV series and I am looking forward to more adventures in Erinsmore.

[Barbara Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read

This is a lovely fantasy for young adult and adults alike. It has a lovely flow, is full of adventures and has endearing characters. The dragons in particular are wonderful creatures, strong and loyal and with personalities.
The author has kept the world building simple but colourful enough to have us enter the world and believe in it, and interesting enough for us to want to know more another day. I hope there is a third book.
A very easy read.