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The Legend of Vanx Malic #3
Saint Elm's Deep
The Legend of Vanx Malic continues with Book Three, "Saint Elm's Deep"
After finding a map on a grueling hunt, Vanx and his new companions decide to travel deep into the Bitterpeaks, where a fabled hoar witch's crystal palace supposedly sits hidden in a valley called Saint Elm's Deep.
The story deepens, as we delve into Vanx's past and the future of as unlikely a group of heroes as you will ever find. Action and adventure, drama and thrills, and a barrel keg full of fantasy adventure await readers in Saint Elm's Deep, the third installment of The Legend of Vanx Malic.
After finding a map on a grueling hunt, Vanx and his new companions decide to travel deep into the Bitterpeaks, where a fabled hoar witch's crystal palace supposedly sits hidden in a valley called Saint Elm's Deep.
The story deepens, as we delve into Vanx's past and the future of as unlikely a group of heroes as you will ever find. Action and adventure, drama and thrills, and a barrel keg full of fantasy adventure await readers in Saint Elm's Deep, the third installment of The Legend of Vanx Malic.
- GenresFantasy
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2013
68 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Mathias
89 books397 followersM. R. Mathias is a member of the Authors Guild who cares for his wife, a Breast Cancer Warrior who has Parkinson's. After raising two boys into fine young men, they and two dogs split their time between a modest smalltown home, and an apartment built on a floating dock on Lake Ultura (aka Lake Texoma) which foots into an amazing State Park brimming with all sorts of wildlife. Like the wizards of old, he tends to the animals who share the area and inspire the creatures in his works. He likes to fish, write, play guitar, and he builds all sorts of things out of reclaimed wood. He sold over two million eBooks most of them before eBooks were cool. His work is critically acclaimed, and has earned multiple literary awards, including a coveted Locus Poll nomination.
**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"
"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017
Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.
--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)
--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)
-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)
--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)
--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)
--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)
--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)
--Dragon Racers (3 books)
If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.
Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com
Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:
"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp
"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series
"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"
"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013
**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"
"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017
Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.
--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)
--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)
-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)
--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)
--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)
--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)
--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)
--Dragon Racers (3 books)
If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.
Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com
Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:
"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp
"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series
"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"
"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2022
Vanx Malic: Saint Elm's Deep
Vanx is going hunting for the ferocious saber shrew. He puts together a new cast of characters for the expedition but it's all a preliminary excursion to the real draw that is calling him to find his heritage in Saint Elm's Deep.
The hunt was very exciting and the dialogue and interaction amongst the new characters very enjoyable. The stage is now set for the real journey to begin.
Vanx is going hunting for the ferocious saber shrew. He puts together a new cast of characters for the expedition but it's all a preliminary excursion to the real draw that is calling him to find his heritage in Saint Elm's Deep.
The hunt was very exciting and the dialogue and interaction amongst the new characters very enjoyable. The stage is now set for the real journey to begin.
November 3, 2019
All the way through this book I felt angry towards the author for naming this heroic dog...poops. The story was ok but not my cup of tea.
November 20, 2019
Exciting hunt for a giant shrew. Highly recommended!
For anyone interested in the Vanx Malic saga, this book is a must have. This is an exciting step in the total Vanx experience
For anyone interested in the Vanx Malic saga, this book is a must have. This is an exciting step in the total Vanx experience
August 29, 2020
Saint Elm’s Deep is an urban fantasy novel written by M.R. Mathias. Published by CreateSpace in 2013, it’s the third installment of The Legend of Vanx Malic.
Vanx Malic and his motley crew of companions, including poops the dog, are all back for another adventurous trek through the wilderness. In between hunting leapers and killing a giant mouse like creature with a long pointed nose and the personality of an ill tempered woman, they stumble across a map to the hidden valley of Saint Elm’s Deep where an age-old witch is said to reside in a crystal palace. Within seconds, a mysterious force beyond his control began calling the half-human, half-zythian Vanx right to it. He couldn’t explain it. All he knew was that the pull was strong and whatever awaited him wasn’t going to be good.
The one good thing about this book is that you don’t have to read the previous two in order to read this one. It has a separate storyline all its own. I did, however, appreciate the little poem at the beginning of each chapter. They gave you some much needed insight because the book, in its entirety, was drawn out, confusing and hard to get through. With non-existent, made-up words such as “bitterpeaks,” “haulkattens,” “skmoes,” “lurr” and “skog” the reader is forced to use their imagination and create their own idea as to what exactly these things are. I have to hand it to the author though, they are original. Targeted towards mature audiences only, it’s not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen.
Vanx Malic and his motley crew of companions, including poops the dog, are all back for another adventurous trek through the wilderness. In between hunting leapers and killing a giant mouse like creature with a long pointed nose and the personality of an ill tempered woman, they stumble across a map to the hidden valley of Saint Elm’s Deep where an age-old witch is said to reside in a crystal palace. Within seconds, a mysterious force beyond his control began calling the half-human, half-zythian Vanx right to it. He couldn’t explain it. All he knew was that the pull was strong and whatever awaited him wasn’t going to be good.
The one good thing about this book is that you don’t have to read the previous two in order to read this one. It has a separate storyline all its own. I did, however, appreciate the little poem at the beginning of each chapter. They gave you some much needed insight because the book, in its entirety, was drawn out, confusing and hard to get through. With non-existent, made-up words such as “bitterpeaks,” “haulkattens,” “skmoes,” “lurr” and “skog” the reader is forced to use their imagination and create their own idea as to what exactly these things are. I have to hand it to the author though, they are original. Targeted towards mature audiences only, it’s not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen.
March 27, 2015
Another great episode in Vanx Malic's adventures.
Anther great installment in the adventures of that lovable rogue Vanx Malic and the ever-enduring dog Poops. Several new characters are introduced in this episode, and readers still have our favorite characters from the previous book in The Legend of Vanx Malic book 2, Dragon Isle.
M.R. Mathias has written an excellent and exciting book 3 of The Legend of Vanx Malic, this one being Saint Elms Deep. It is another masterpiece and continues in the same wonderful fun way that Dragon Isle is written.
Vanx is the main character in Saint Elms Deep, and he leads us to Great Vale where the character Chelda grew up. The resulting fantasy associated with these characters will stay in the reader’s mind with the same power as a great J. R. R. Tolkien novel. M.R. Mathias is a master of the series, giving the reader a satisfying conclusion to each book and a cliff-hanger to excite them about the next. Then he satisfies that eagerness for the following release by regularly publishing. This is what impresses today’s reader. I am looking forward to reading the continuing story.
All of Mathais's books are page-turners, and I would certainly recommend this author's work. He enthralls you with his exciting and well-written stories. I’m so eager to get to the next book in the series, The Legend of Vanx Malic book 4.
Anther great installment in the adventures of that lovable rogue Vanx Malic and the ever-enduring dog Poops. Several new characters are introduced in this episode, and readers still have our favorite characters from the previous book in The Legend of Vanx Malic book 2, Dragon Isle.
M.R. Mathias has written an excellent and exciting book 3 of The Legend of Vanx Malic, this one being Saint Elms Deep. It is another masterpiece and continues in the same wonderful fun way that Dragon Isle is written.
Vanx is the main character in Saint Elms Deep, and he leads us to Great Vale where the character Chelda grew up. The resulting fantasy associated with these characters will stay in the reader’s mind with the same power as a great J. R. R. Tolkien novel. M.R. Mathias is a master of the series, giving the reader a satisfying conclusion to each book and a cliff-hanger to excite them about the next. Then he satisfies that eagerness for the following release by regularly publishing. This is what impresses today’s reader. I am looking forward to reading the continuing story.
All of Mathais's books are page-turners, and I would certainly recommend this author's work. He enthralls you with his exciting and well-written stories. I’m so eager to get to the next book in the series, The Legend of Vanx Malic book 4.
July 29, 2016
Saint Elms Deep continues the legendary tale of Vanx Malic, another impressive entry in this fantasy series. M. R. Mathias takes readers through a journey through another treacherous and perilous landscape to the land where Chelda was born. Apart from the wonderful cast of characters featuring Vanx Malic, Chelda, Poops and a host of others, readers get to know lovely creatures as well, including the cunning serpent, monitaurs, warlocks, and others. In the tradition of Tolkien, Mathias has the knack for creating breathtaking scenes on and unbeaten tracks that readers feel like they've been there all along.
The plot is powerfully woven with a lot of suspense, intense action, and unexpected twists along the way that will wow many readers. I loved the writing, the very beautiful prose, and the author's ability to convey magic through a powerful choice of words. The setting is the work of great imagination and as one reads the book, one gets the feeling that they were part of the paraphernalia of that beautiful setting. The characters, as usual as stellar, and as the story progresses on only gets to love them more. Mathias is a master storyteller and underscores success at different levels of the work, including plot, characterization, and the ingenious use of literary elements that juice up the story.
The plot is powerfully woven with a lot of suspense, intense action, and unexpected twists along the way that will wow many readers. I loved the writing, the very beautiful prose, and the author's ability to convey magic through a powerful choice of words. The setting is the work of great imagination and as one reads the book, one gets the feeling that they were part of the paraphernalia of that beautiful setting. The characters, as usual as stellar, and as the story progresses on only gets to love them more. Mathias is a master storyteller and underscores success at different levels of the work, including plot, characterization, and the ingenious use of literary elements that juice up the story.
July 8, 2016
The third installment in M.R. Mathiass "The Legend of Vanx Malic" saga takes us to Saint Elms Deep. The tale begins when Vanx stumbles across a mysterious map while on a hunt and his companions agree to travel with him to a crystal palace in a valley called, you guessed it, Saint Elms Deep. The second installment did a much better job at tying up the story than the first and this one felt like a great continuation which relies on your knowledge of the characters to move forward but not the prior plot.
I initially criticized the first installment of this series about the characters and really have to take all of that back. Vance has quite possibly become the most fun character which Mathias has written to date and the perfect flow of how he gets into new quests with non-stop action and adventure will really just draw you in.
Speaking of backstory, the best part here is that the author finds a way to not move Vance forward in the plot and character development areas but also reveal more about his mysterious past. Not only that but here is where we will learn much about where Chelda came from as well.
Another great installment in the world of Vanx Malic that will have you eagerly coming back for the fourth novel!
I initially criticized the first installment of this series about the characters and really have to take all of that back. Vance has quite possibly become the most fun character which Mathias has written to date and the perfect flow of how he gets into new quests with non-stop action and adventure will really just draw you in.
Speaking of backstory, the best part here is that the author finds a way to not move Vance forward in the plot and character development areas but also reveal more about his mysterious past. Not only that but here is where we will learn much about where Chelda came from as well.
Another great installment in the world of Vanx Malic that will have you eagerly coming back for the fourth novel!
July 18, 2016
With Gallarael saved - mostly, Vanx is free to pursue his personal quest, and heads North with Darbon, who is trying to get over his lost love. Finding a new band of merry men, Vanx strikes out to pursue the Hoar Witch, who is presumably his grandmother, if legends about his father are to believed. Naturally it’s a trip fraught with danger and mystery, and has become habit for Vanx, lots of loss. Can he find out his real claim to the Saint Elm name?
In book three of the Vanx Malic series he goes deeper into his roots, which has been a mystery for some time. Drawn by some unknown force he pursues a difficult course and again, risks life and limb for knowledge, his limbs and his companions. I felt like this story was not just an afterthought, or wrapping up a dying plot point, as it seemed with book 2, but I still was frustrated by some of the superficiality of the characters and the past pace of the plot. I’m hoping that we go a little farther in depth in the rest of the series, as there are many fascinating characters to meet along with some interesting lineage. Honestly, I couldn’t get over the “Elm’s Deep” as it seemed a blatant rip off of Tolkein and “Helm’s Deep” but I suppose that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and there is no shame in imitating Tolkein.
In book three of the Vanx Malic series he goes deeper into his roots, which has been a mystery for some time. Drawn by some unknown force he pursues a difficult course and again, risks life and limb for knowledge, his limbs and his companions. I felt like this story was not just an afterthought, or wrapping up a dying plot point, as it seemed with book 2, but I still was frustrated by some of the superficiality of the characters and the past pace of the plot. I’m hoping that we go a little farther in depth in the rest of the series, as there are many fascinating characters to meet along with some interesting lineage. Honestly, I couldn’t get over the “Elm’s Deep” as it seemed a blatant rip off of Tolkein and “Helm’s Deep” but I suppose that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and there is no shame in imitating Tolkein.
June 16, 2014
M.R. Mathias’ ‘Saint Elm’s Deep’ is an excellent story with a remarkable plot and characters that will leave you desiring more. The story really comes to life as you are reading!
The plot centers on Vanx Malic and his companions and their trial and tribulations in a cold land. M.R. Mathias makes a smooth continuation of the storyline in his ‘The Legend of Vanx Malic’ series, with this being the third book. The character development is great, the plot is well crafted, and the characters are trustworthy and pleasant. In this third book, M.R. Mathias has successfully built on Vanx, while adding new, fascinating characters and scenes.
Overall, I find M.R. Mathias has a compelling approach to his writing that easily draws the reader into the fantasy world created by the plot. The characters, their dialog and the circumstances are very vivid and incredibly entertaining. With plenty of action, adventure, and fantasy, this series is easy to get addicted to!
The plot centers on Vanx Malic and his companions and their trial and tribulations in a cold land. M.R. Mathias makes a smooth continuation of the storyline in his ‘The Legend of Vanx Malic’ series, with this being the third book. The character development is great, the plot is well crafted, and the characters are trustworthy and pleasant. In this third book, M.R. Mathias has successfully built on Vanx, while adding new, fascinating characters and scenes.
Overall, I find M.R. Mathias has a compelling approach to his writing that easily draws the reader into the fantasy world created by the plot. The characters, their dialog and the circumstances are very vivid and incredibly entertaining. With plenty of action, adventure, and fantasy, this series is easy to get addicted to!
September 22, 2015
I'm beginning to think that M.R. Mathias writes stories just to kill characters off. Ugh.
I actually started caring about Vanx a little bit in this story thanks to his symbiotic relationship with Poops. That makes me more afraid to read any further because the author will probably kill off Poops.
Darbon gets to fulfill Matty's dying wish, which is both sweet and makes an exit for my favorite character.
I downloaded book 4 before I started this series but after death after death of characters, I doubt I'll read it. I did sneak peak ahead to it enough to see one of the characters I thought was dead apparently didn't die, but I'm sure M.R. Mathias will solve that in book 5.
I actually started caring about Vanx a little bit in this story thanks to his symbiotic relationship with Poops. That makes me more afraid to read any further because the author will probably kill off Poops.
Darbon gets to fulfill Matty's dying wish, which is both sweet and makes an exit for my favorite character.
I downloaded book 4 before I started this series but after death after death of characters, I doubt I'll read it. I did sneak peak ahead to it enough to see one of the characters I thought was dead apparently didn't die, but I'm sure M.R. Mathias will solve that in book 5.
February 5, 2014
Really starting a bit of a new saga here, with again additional characters. But Vanx remains an engaging protagonist and Mathias is doing a great job developing his world history and geographies.
* Couldn't finish
** I had nothing else to do
*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans
**** Everyone could enjoy this book
***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again
* Couldn't finish
** I had nothing else to do
*** Passed the time, would be **** for genre / author fans
**** Everyone could enjoy this book
***** Everyone should read this book, I'll read it again
March 17, 2015
How I love these stories. Vanx always has the best adventures and I really enjoy the humor and wit of these stories.
I enjoyed this book and Vanx's pursuit of saber shrew furs to follow whatever calls to him. There are a new set of adventure companions and it's a wonderful new adventure. I'm finding that this author doesn't have a formula he's beating to deaths as happens with so many series.
I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
I enjoyed this book and Vanx's pursuit of saber shrew furs to follow whatever calls to him. There are a new set of adventure companions and it's a wonderful new adventure. I'm finding that this author doesn't have a formula he's beating to deaths as happens with so many series.
I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
January 17, 2016
M. R. Mathias has done a great job with this series. I enjoyed this book with the interaction of the various characters and have come to like Vanx. This is book three of the series and it does leave you
hanging at the end. This means you have to read book four, which isn't a bad thing. Read other reviews if you want spoilers.
hanging at the end. This means you have to read book four, which isn't a bad thing. Read other reviews if you want spoilers.
March 23, 2015
Continued of a fast-paced storyline
The author continues to be an able storyteller with a gift for surprise and anticipation. The plot thickens with excitement and allows you to be in the story.
The author continues to be an able storyteller with a gift for surprise and anticipation. The plot thickens with excitement and allows you to be in the story.
February 22, 2014
saint elm's deep
I like Mathias' style. This book made for easy reading. I know the character's and have enjoyed all three of the series.
I like Mathias' style. This book made for easy reading. I know the character's and have enjoyed all three of the series.
December 22, 2015
Another fun book
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews