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The Death Wizard Chronicles #3
Shadowed by Demons
Author's note: This edition is out of print but new editions are being released in 2025.
“Many things roam the streets in the darkness, and some are not human. Creatures lurk in the crannies and alleyways, pouncing on their victims with murderous intent. It is not unusual to be awoken from sleep by screams, but most of us just check the latches on the shutters and press our pillows against our ears, hoping the horrors of the night don’t find their way into our own bedchambers." Demons roam unchecked as the evil sorcerer, Invictus, tightens his grip on the world . . . Hounded by Invictus' minions, Torg and Laylah escape into the northern wilds of Triken where the wizard, sorceress, and a handful of loyal companions encounter a menagerie of hideous monsters. Even worse, the demon Vedana manipulates their every move from her black realm, wielding her wicked magic like a diabolical chess-master. Against such evil, what hope have they to reach the safety of the White City?
“Many things roam the streets in the darkness, and some are not human. Creatures lurk in the crannies and alleyways, pouncing on their victims with murderous intent. It is not unusual to be awoken from sleep by screams, but most of us just check the latches on the shutters and press our pillows against our ears, hoping the horrors of the night don’t find their way into our own bedchambers." Demons roam unchecked as the evil sorcerer, Invictus, tightens his grip on the world . . . Hounded by Invictus' minions, Torg and Laylah escape into the northern wilds of Triken where the wizard, sorceress, and a handful of loyal companions encounter a menagerie of hideous monsters. Even worse, the demon Vedana manipulates their every move from her black realm, wielding her wicked magic like a diabolical chess-master. Against such evil, what hope have they to reach the safety of the White City?
- GenresFantasy
306 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2007
About the author
Jim Melvin
21 books51 followersJim grew up on the shores of western Florida, and he spent much of his childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie "Jaws" put a scare into everyone. At the time, he probably was too skinny to attract a bull shark's attention. About ten other boys Jim's age lived on his same street, and they hung out morning, noon and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, "kill the carrier," etc. — but as a group they also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters and superheroes. It was in this setting that Jim's imagination was born and nurtured.
Jim's latest work is an updated edition of "The Death Wizard Chronicles," an action-packed dark fantasy for mature audiences. Volume 1 debuted April 2025. Volume 2 is set for July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.
Literary Titan's 5-star review of Volume 1 included the following: "For the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, this hits like thunder."
Jim also recently published a teen fantasy adventure trilogy titled "Dark Circles," which is about a group of kids who are transported to a magical land where it can be deadly to sleep. This is a great coming-of-age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Kirkus Reviews described book 1 as "a delightful beginning to a promising series that’s sure to appeal to teen readers who feel like outsiders."
"Dark Circles" is the winner of fourteen awards, including double finalist in the 21st annual Best Book Awards.
Jim is also the author of two books of nonfiction.
"The Adventures of a Florida Boy" chronicles
Jim's boyhood spent in Florida in the 1960s on an island called Coquina Key. His parents’ waterfront home overlooked a large expanse of Tampa Bay. Back then, parts of the island were undeveloped, which left plenty of room for outdoor adventures.
One reviewer said this: “A joyous glimpse into a childhood we all wish we’d had: fun, carefree, and near the sea.”
Jim was also the lead writer and editor for the nonfiction book "Eclipse Over Clemson: The day Tigertown will never forget," which chronicled the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse that passed over Clemson University. The on-campus event which Jim coordinated was a once-in-a-lifetime experience attended by more than 50,000 people.
Jim lives in a valley surrounded by mountains in the Southern Appalachians. He was previously an award-winning journalist at several national newspapers and a communications director at a major university.
Jim's latest work is an updated edition of "The Death Wizard Chronicles," an action-packed dark fantasy for mature audiences. Volume 1 debuted April 2025. Volume 2 is set for July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.
Literary Titan's 5-star review of Volume 1 included the following: "For the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, this hits like thunder."
Jim also recently published a teen fantasy adventure trilogy titled "Dark Circles," which is about a group of kids who are transported to a magical land where it can be deadly to sleep. This is a great coming-of-age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Kirkus Reviews described book 1 as "a delightful beginning to a promising series that’s sure to appeal to teen readers who feel like outsiders."
"Dark Circles" is the winner of fourteen awards, including double finalist in the 21st annual Best Book Awards.
Jim is also the author of two books of nonfiction.
"The Adventures of a Florida Boy" chronicles
Jim's boyhood spent in Florida in the 1960s on an island called Coquina Key. His parents’ waterfront home overlooked a large expanse of Tampa Bay. Back then, parts of the island were undeveloped, which left plenty of room for outdoor adventures.
One reviewer said this: “A joyous glimpse into a childhood we all wish we’d had: fun, carefree, and near the sea.”
Jim was also the lead writer and editor for the nonfiction book "Eclipse Over Clemson: The day Tigertown will never forget," which chronicled the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse that passed over Clemson University. The on-campus event which Jim coordinated was a once-in-a-lifetime experience attended by more than 50,000 people.
Jim lives in a valley surrounded by mountains in the Southern Appalachians. He was previously an award-winning journalist at several national newspapers and a communications director at a major university.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 12, 2020
Wow!
The ride doesn't stop! New characters, plot twists and turns, crazy action. Ups and downs and I am starting the next book in the series NOW!
The ride doesn't stop! New characters, plot twists and turns, crazy action. Ups and downs and I am starting the next book in the series NOW!
May 30, 2013
Intresting! ^_^
Short, sweet and to the point. That will be my review as was this book, short sweet and to the point. Torg shows us another glimpse of his past that will feed the hungry minds of those that are reading the Death Wizard chronicles. This is the brief tale of how Torg came to be a Death-Knower. I enjoyed the originality of it as much as the short tale itself. I suppose its official, I must buy more to enjoy more of Jim Melvin's writing!
Short, sweet and to the point. That will be my review as was this book, short sweet and to the point. Torg shows us another glimpse of his past that will feed the hungry minds of those that are reading the Death Wizard chronicles. This is the brief tale of how Torg came to be a Death-Knower. I enjoyed the originality of it as much as the short tale itself. I suppose its official, I must buy more to enjoy more of Jim Melvin's writing!
on-hiatus
December 5, 2014Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
April 2, 2017
Keeps your attention
With each book you appreciate more and more each character..you fall in love with some and bored with others..but over all a good read..
With each book you appreciate more and more each character..you fall in love with some and bored with others..but over all a good read..
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews