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The Rhythm of Rivalry #1.5
The Sartious Mage
At just seventeen years old, Jek Trayden's power with Sartious Energy could be the greatest in the world, but that power comes at a price--a darkness within him that attacks while he sleeps, producing nightmares so real they leave him bruised and bloody.
With the attacks worsening, Jek can't refuse an opportunity to end his nightmares for good when the King promises him a cure in exchange for a task.
But after the King's true intentions are revealed, Jek finds himself in a fit of rage, stealing the King's fearless and livid daughter from the palace--on her wedding day--and fleeing the city with the wrath of her father on his tail.
Jek's about to find out there are some things in this world worse than his darkness.
A note on this novel in relation to the series:
The Sartious Mage can be read as the first or second novel in the Rhythm of Rivalry series, but it should be read before the third.
This novel takes place in the same world and at the same time as Bastial Energy, but on another continent with different characters that play a major role in later novels.
With the attacks worsening, Jek can't refuse an opportunity to end his nightmares for good when the King promises him a cure in exchange for a task.
But after the King's true intentions are revealed, Jek finds himself in a fit of rage, stealing the King's fearless and livid daughter from the palace--on her wedding day--and fleeing the city with the wrath of her father on his tail.
Jek's about to find out there are some things in this world worse than his darkness.
A note on this novel in relation to the series:
The Sartious Mage can be read as the first or second novel in the Rhythm of Rivalry series, but it should be read before the third.
This novel takes place in the same world and at the same time as Bastial Energy, but on another continent with different characters that play a major role in later novels.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2013
108 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 8, 2020
To much teen romance
The romance in the authors other books I’ve read was palatable. This book I found myself skipping paragraphs and pages just to get through the book to have a background for the rest of the books. I just wanted some substance to read. There’s is way to much talking about this feeling and that, pages in a row worth. The reason the kings advisor gives at the end of the book for having ark steal the princess was meh and didn’t add up. There were some unrealistic holes in the plot.
The romance in the authors other books I’ve read was palatable. This book I found myself skipping paragraphs and pages just to get through the book to have a background for the rest of the books. I just wanted some substance to read. There’s is way to much talking about this feeling and that, pages in a row worth. The reason the kings advisor gives at the end of the book for having ark steal the princess was meh and didn’t add up. There were some unrealistic holes in the plot.
October 16, 2019
Interesting and Solid
I was excited to continue the story from book 1...and was amazed that it had different characters with no interaction with the first book. However, the main character and supporting cast developed into a solid story. I also became eager to find out what would happen at the end.
Well done.
I was excited to continue the story from book 1...and was amazed that it had different characters with no interaction with the first book. However, the main character and supporting cast developed into a solid story. I also became eager to find out what would happen at the end.
Well done.
December 22, 2021
This one by B T Narro felt a like like Alice in wonderland, with odd and neither clearly good nor evil characters making you play along with their odd little games. Which was a welcome bit of a change from his other books which all sort of seem to follow similar story beats.
It was alright. I listened to it on audiobook. It wasn't very memorable in the sense you'd reccomend it to someone else.
It was alright. I listened to it on audiobook. It wasn't very memorable in the sense you'd reccomend it to someone else.
May 3, 2017
New Family
I felt this was a delightful way to characters into the storyline. For me, reading The Rhythm of Rivalry series is like going to a site to check family's background. As expected....intrigue, romance, strategy and adventure. Start with book one! Enjoy
I felt this was a delightful way to characters into the storyline. For me, reading The Rhythm of Rivalry series is like going to a site to check family's background. As expected....intrigue, romance, strategy and adventure. Start with book one! Enjoy
April 11, 2018
Another great book
Although definitely not necessary read the books in order. You are going to read them all anyway - might as well start from the beginning. The first book has some issues but the author gets better the more he writes. Enjoy this one, I did.
Although definitely not necessary read the books in order. You are going to read them all anyway - might as well start from the beginning. The first book has some issues but the author gets better the more he writes. Enjoy this one, I did.
August 19, 2020
Stating actions from a first person perspective with no discernable reason for the decisions the characters make is not good writing. Also, throwing in new mechanics for the magic system whenever the main characters get into a tough spot is just lazy writing.
March 19, 2021
Delightful
I don't usually read novellas within series I'm reading, but I'm glad I did this time. Jek and Lisanda's chemistry was great. I can't wait to read more about them in the later books.
I don't usually read novellas within series I'm reading, but I'm glad I did this time. Jek and Lisanda's chemistry was great. I can't wait to read more about them in the later books.
September 24, 2023
The sartorius Mage
Another excellent book by B.T Narro.
Excellent story.
Well written, which will keep you reading until you finish the book.
An excellent addition to this series of books.
Another excellent book by B.T Narro.
Excellent story.
Well written, which will keep you reading until you finish the book.
An excellent addition to this series of books.
October 11, 2017
A bit too much romance
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but it was more of a romance novel than any of the others in Barro's repertoire.
I enjoyed the story and the characters, but it was more of a romance novel than any of the others in Barro's repertoire.
July 16, 2023
Loved it!
I can't get enough of these books! I can't seem to put them down! Even on my second read through.
I can't get enough of these books! I can't seem to put them down! Even on my second read through.
February 26, 2024
A very nice book:)
May 25, 2017
The Sartious Mage is part of the series The Rhythm of Rivalry, but as the note in the description says, it stands a little apart. I started reading the first couple chapters of The Sartious Mage and realized that it was book 1.5 in a series and then (reluctantly; it had already pulled me in) went off to get the first one, Bastial Energy. I think the best way to describe it would be to say that they are two halves of one story, two books to read side-by-side, and in book 2, Bastial Steel, both sets of characters are going to meet up to continue the plotline that really is revealed mostly in Bastial Energy. That said, they are both well-worth the read, whatever order you do so in!
The Sartious Mage picks up right in the middle of the action, and introduces our main character Jek Trayden at his very best, rather humbly saving the day. Even while kidnapping the prince of the neighboring kingdom, he's never the bad guy, just in an... awkward situation.
Secrets abound in this book, and the twists just keep coming. I never saw how this one was going to get to the end, although I certainly hoped hard for the ending I got. At the same time, it's pretty obvious that their story is not over.
More than anything in this book, I loved the subtle humor. Though certainly not a snarky or comedic fantasy, there's a certain absurdity, or sense of disbelief, that comes over Jek and Lisanda at times due to the situations they find themselves in. They just can't seem to help themselves!
You can take this for granted: I will be reading the next one. Soon.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
The Sartious Mage picks up right in the middle of the action, and introduces our main character Jek Trayden at his very best, rather humbly saving the day. Even while kidnapping the prince of the neighboring kingdom, he's never the bad guy, just in an... awkward situation.
Secrets abound in this book, and the twists just keep coming. I never saw how this one was going to get to the end, although I certainly hoped hard for the ending I got. At the same time, it's pretty obvious that their story is not over.
More than anything in this book, I loved the subtle humor. Though certainly not a snarky or comedic fantasy, there's a certain absurdity, or sense of disbelief, that comes over Jek and Lisanda at times due to the situations they find themselves in. They just can't seem to help themselves!
You can take this for granted: I will be reading the next one. Soon.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
January 4, 2016
Reading this as an adult, I'd give it about 1.5 or two stars -- mostly because it seems much more appropriate (and enjoyable) for a young adult or even middle school audience. Essentially, this novel is about a boy trying to overcome a rather painful (and perhaps ultimately fatal) side affect from his unusually strong magic ability. This draws him into an adventure that involves kidnapping, fleeing across the countryside, and magical fights with a seriously deranged rival magician. (Warning... Some possible spoilers below)
That being said, the plot is relatively straightforward (no major twists or surprises), and the characters' emotions are likewise overly simple and shallow. In addition, the main character (Jek) develops a serious case of male teenage hormones in the latter half of the book, and his constant middle school style distraction quickly becomes tiresome and detracts from the books's plot. In short, when he finds himself falling for the girl that he isn't supposed to become attached to, instead of a real relationship, it feels like it's a teenager's first crush.
In addition, the characters don't seem to grow and mature throughout the book -- it's as though they're just the same people they were at the start... Except that now they all somehow inexplicably get along with each other. The resolution between Jek and the king felt the most forced / unrealistic. Honestly, the king tries to *kill* Jek, and then within a few days it's as though this attempted murder never happened... Or rather, stubborn, headstrong, hormone-filled Jek seems to have drunk the kook aid and now has no problem working for the man who just days ago tried to end his life.
These are the kinds of things that made me cringe as I read this book and are the reasons why I almost didn't make it through to the end (only the fact that I hate leaving a story unfinished sustained me through to the last page).
I'd recommend it as a decent fantasy novel for a younger audience, but I found it to be a pretty painful read myself.
That being said, the plot is relatively straightforward (no major twists or surprises), and the characters' emotions are likewise overly simple and shallow. In addition, the main character (Jek) develops a serious case of male teenage hormones in the latter half of the book, and his constant middle school style distraction quickly becomes tiresome and detracts from the books's plot. In short, when he finds himself falling for the girl that he isn't supposed to become attached to, instead of a real relationship, it feels like it's a teenager's first crush.
In addition, the characters don't seem to grow and mature throughout the book -- it's as though they're just the same people they were at the start... Except that now they all somehow inexplicably get along with each other. The resolution between Jek and the king felt the most forced / unrealistic. Honestly, the king tries to *kill* Jek, and then within a few days it's as though this attempted murder never happened... Or rather, stubborn, headstrong, hormone-filled Jek seems to have drunk the kook aid and now has no problem working for the man who just days ago tried to end his life.
These are the kinds of things that made me cringe as I read this book and are the reasons why I almost didn't make it through to the end (only the fact that I hate leaving a story unfinished sustained me through to the last page).
I'd recommend it as a decent fantasy novel for a younger audience, but I found it to be a pretty painful read myself.
July 23, 2013
The Sartious Mage is a story set in the same world as Mr.Narro's other book Bastial Energy. It's set in a different kingdom(The Kingdom of Goldram) and slightly before the events of the other story but is connected to it though a minor character that appears in both (Jessend Takary).
What I liked
- Increased character focus.
- Characters that have solid depth.(mostly)
- Really fleshes out the Kingdom of Goldram. (Setting the stage for the next The Rhythm of Rivalry book)
What I didn't like.
- The villain was a weakpoint
- The way the romance flowed resulted in some cheesyness near the end.
- Story was a little simplistic.
- Awkwardly frequent usage of the full phrase "Sartious Energy"
The Sartious Mage is one of those "Goodhearted protagonist reluctantly kidnaps a fiery princess leading to hijinks and romance." stories. If you read fantasy at all, you should pretty much know what to expect with that and Sartious Mage makes no effort to reinvent that particular wheel.
Unlike it's predecessor this story focuses entirely on "reluctant royal kidnapper" Jek Trayden and his royal abductee. The expected problems arise but overall it's a fairly straightforward tale.
However there was one nagging issue which was an nuisance for me. And that was the branding of the phrase "Sartious Energy". It gets irritating after a while that there doesn't seem to be any shorthand. Seeing that many syllables spoken and thought that often kind of kills the the pacing of the action scenes.
It also should be mentioned that the main villain is pretty weak. His motives never really made sense to me.
What I liked
- Increased character focus.
- Characters that have solid depth.(mostly)
- Really fleshes out the Kingdom of Goldram. (Setting the stage for the next The Rhythm of Rivalry book)
What I didn't like.
- The villain was a weakpoint
- The way the romance flowed resulted in some cheesyness near the end.
- Story was a little simplistic.
- Awkwardly frequent usage of the full phrase "Sartious Energy"
The Sartious Mage is one of those "Goodhearted protagonist reluctantly kidnaps a fiery princess leading to hijinks and romance." stories. If you read fantasy at all, you should pretty much know what to expect with that and Sartious Mage makes no effort to reinvent that particular wheel.
Unlike it's predecessor this story focuses entirely on "reluctant royal kidnapper" Jek Trayden and his royal abductee. The expected problems arise but overall it's a fairly straightforward tale.
However there was one nagging issue which was an nuisance for me. And that was the branding of the phrase "Sartious Energy". It gets irritating after a while that there doesn't seem to be any shorthand. Seeing that many syllables spoken and thought that often kind of kills the the pacing of the action scenes.
It also should be mentioned that the main villain is pretty weak. His motives never really made sense to me.
January 25, 2016
Far more enjoyable than the first book in the Rhythm of Rivalry series, easily because it kept to a single character's point of view the whole way through instead of skipping about. The summary doesn't do it much justice, making Jek out to be much more insane than he actually is. In fact, he reminds me a great deal of Kvothe from Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles, which probably endeared me a lot more to the story than I would have been otherwise. His interactions with Lisanda during the first few days of her kidnapping are quite honestly hilarious, and though Lisanda develops a serious case of Stockholm syndrome, she behaves just the way a headstrong, neat freak princess should when kidnapped by a "dirty farmboy".
However, that's about where my love for the book ends. The writing is only marginally better than the first book, which is to say it's not terrible but it's not quite thrilling, either. There's a surprising amount of deus ex machina used to move the story forward throughout the book, which leads to a few awkward and mildly forced situations and character reactions, which in turn detracted from Jen ' character and made the king seem like nothing more than an emotionally vascillating plot device. In fact, as I'm coming to expect from this author, quite a few characters had over-exaggerated emotional responses, either for plot movement or because they're just highly exaggerated characters.
So, overall, it was a good book and a quick read that I enjoyed more than its predecessor, and I hope to learn what happens to Jek's darkness in later Rhythm of Rivalry books, but if the characters remain overblown and the rest of the RofR series goes back to manic POV jumping, I don't know how much longer I can hang on.
However, that's about where my love for the book ends. The writing is only marginally better than the first book, which is to say it's not terrible but it's not quite thrilling, either. There's a surprising amount of deus ex machina used to move the story forward throughout the book, which leads to a few awkward and mildly forced situations and character reactions, which in turn detracted from Jen ' character and made the king seem like nothing more than an emotionally vascillating plot device. In fact, as I'm coming to expect from this author, quite a few characters had over-exaggerated emotional responses, either for plot movement or because they're just highly exaggerated characters.
So, overall, it was a good book and a quick read that I enjoyed more than its predecessor, and I hope to learn what happens to Jek's darkness in later Rhythm of Rivalry books, but if the characters remain overblown and the rest of the RofR series goes back to manic POV jumping, I don't know how much longer I can hang on.
June 29, 2020
A Fun Love Story With Adventure
Jek may be the most powerful sartious mage at the young age of 17. He has a condition where nightmares leave him bloody. A normally kind soul, he flies into a rage when the King changes the deal to give him a cure at the completion of a successful mission. Marriage to a beautiful princess and appointment as the Kong's Mage are not the cure he bargained for. Abducting a Princess about to be married as leverage to get his cure, seemed like a good idea at the time. Hilarity, danger, and adventure ensue as he drags her through the city and countryside to escape the pursuers. Princess Lisanda is feisty and hates to get dirty. Naturally, the escape route goes through some very filthy places. I like the by play between them as they get to know each other and distrust fades. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to another book.
Jek may be the most powerful sartious mage at the young age of 17. He has a condition where nightmares leave him bloody. A normally kind soul, he flies into a rage when the King changes the deal to give him a cure at the completion of a successful mission. Marriage to a beautiful princess and appointment as the Kong's Mage are not the cure he bargained for. Abducting a Princess about to be married as leverage to get his cure, seemed like a good idea at the time. Hilarity, danger, and adventure ensue as he drags her through the city and countryside to escape the pursuers. Princess Lisanda is feisty and hates to get dirty. Naturally, the escape route goes through some very filthy places. I like the by play between them as they get to know each other and distrust fades. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to another book.
September 20, 2013
The book was easy and enjoyable. I was drawn in by the story and the characters. It is in many ways the typical fantasy story but done with some likeable characters and some twists.
I especially liked the interaction between the main character, Jek, and the kidnapped princess. The other characters, while not fleshed out as much, still were adequate for the roles they played. The villain, while kind of a melodramatic type, was still able to get my blood boiling at some of the things he did.
The world building seemed pretty consistent and believable. This is the only story by Narro I’ve read so far, but I’m definitely interested in reading the others. All in all, while not a great book, it was still a good, entertaining, engaging read.
I especially liked the interaction between the main character, Jek, and the kidnapped princess. The other characters, while not fleshed out as much, still were adequate for the roles they played. The villain, while kind of a melodramatic type, was still able to get my blood boiling at some of the things he did.
The world building seemed pretty consistent and believable. This is the only story by Narro I’ve read so far, but I’m definitely interested in reading the others. All in all, while not a great book, it was still a good, entertaining, engaging read.
November 5, 2013
If you like fantasy adventure that is action packed then you will love The Sartious Mage by B.T. Narro. This book kept me glued to its pages from start to finish.
The author did an excellent job of developing a story that was both believable and realistic. The plot was full of twist and turns that kept you guessing what was going to happen next. Even with all this it was easy to follow and a fun read.
I like the way B.T. Narro developed each of the main characters in the story. He takes the time to give a background of the individual which makes them more real and easier to identify with.
I really enjoyed reading The Sartious Mage by B.T. Narro and I highly recommend this book.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
The author did an excellent job of developing a story that was both believable and realistic. The plot was full of twist and turns that kept you guessing what was going to happen next. Even with all this it was easy to follow and a fun read.
I like the way B.T. Narro developed each of the main characters in the story. He takes the time to give a background of the individual which makes them more real and easier to identify with.
I really enjoyed reading The Sartious Mage by B.T. Narro and I highly recommend this book.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
July 26, 2013
By ANNETTE MARDIS
If you liked B.T. Narro's "Bastial Energy," you'll want to read "The Sartious Mage" before you continue with The Rhythm of Rivalry series.
The plot of "Mage" runs concurrent with the story in "Bastial Energy" and helps set up the sequel to "Bastial."
"Mage" is filled with Narro's trademark action, adventure, coming of age angst, humor, romance, sorcery and character-driven narrative. Like "Bastial," you'll root for the protagonists in "Mage" to achieve their heart's desires.
And you'll definitely want to read more from B.T. Narro to find out what happens next.
If you liked B.T. Narro's "Bastial Energy," you'll want to read "The Sartious Mage" before you continue with The Rhythm of Rivalry series.
The plot of "Mage" runs concurrent with the story in "Bastial Energy" and helps set up the sequel to "Bastial."
"Mage" is filled with Narro's trademark action, adventure, coming of age angst, humor, romance, sorcery and character-driven narrative. Like "Bastial," you'll root for the protagonists in "Mage" to achieve their heart's desires.
And you'll definitely want to read more from B.T. Narro to find out what happens next.
February 16, 2014
This half-entry into the series is a much more solid intro than its predecessor Bastial Energy. The characters here are better fleshed out and more interesting, which makes it a much easier read. Not much else to say about this one.
September 11, 2016
The book made a nice diversion from my usual routine. It wasn't a bad book, but it was not outstanding either. It is written with more of an urban style than I am used to from this genre, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
I should note that I could not pin down a target audience for this book at all, so reader be warned.
I should note that I could not pin down a target audience for this book at all, so reader be warned.
September 1, 2013
Much better than book one, although the two are not linked YET... The main character gives a great link to himself and I keep routing for him. The ending had me on the tip of my seat and provided great entertainment.
April 8, 2025
I know, I know, I give a lot of 5 stars, but honestly I’m very picky about the kinds of books I read and considering it’s a pretty particular style/genre I like it’s not surprising that I come across them and love them. I hope we learn more about these characters!
July 27, 2016
DNF at 51% The characters stopped being the least bit real to me / loss of suspension of disbelief / stopped caring / hurry up and die already.
September 30, 2013
Inoffensive.
April 13, 2017
The Sartious Mage was a great standalone novel and also a part of the Rhythm of Rivalry. I loved Jek as a character and seeing his struggles internally as he overcame trials. It was a short story that kept me thoroughly engaged and excited to keep reading. While it had plenty of twists and turns throughout the ending was not too surprising given the characters and their arcs. Overall I would definitely read this again and would recommend it for anyone interested in classic fantasies.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews