"You won a battle today, but the war is far from over."
Declan Moore is a Warlock. He doesn’t know what that means, he doesn’t know how to use his power, but he has hopes that the people of Vedmark do.
Armed with the knowledge of what he is, Declan’s only chance is to harness his unique power and stop the Fatesmiths for good. But in a Kingdom where he is neither welcome, nor wanted, finding a willing teacher seems an impossible task.
Who can you trust in a land where every question comes with a cost? In a country where enormous eagles prowl the sky, and a Deathless Demon inhabits the forests?
As Vedmark grows more dangerous, Declan grows more desperate. There are things he must learn. His parents may be gone, but he can still save his best friend.
Nathan Taylor is an independent author based in Queensland, Australia.
He made his first professional short story sale in 2018 to Underground Writers Monthly. At this time, he was teaching in the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Writing on the weekends and during school holidays, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In 2023, Nathan started his indie publication process with Magpie Drive Press with his contemporary fantasy, ‘The Non-Magical Declan Moore’ and short story collection ‘Puppies, Pizza, Magic and Murder’.
I love the continuation of this story! The book continues where book one left off and boy are the characters in for a ride. They will face many ups and downs, loss and betrayal. This is a great read for ya and ma readers, a clean fantasy that reminds me of the world's of Brandon Mull. I highly recommend for all fantasy readers! So excited to continue this series.
This is one of those series I think deserve much more recognition! The sequel changes the primary setting and takes the reader to another well-crafted realm. I really like how some of the previously introduced characters grow in importance (and get more story-time of their own) over the course of the sequel. I found the story quite unpredictable, with some dramatic moments coming out of nowhere (I mean it as a good thing). I'm really hyped for the next part of Declan's adventure and I really recommend giving this series a try :)
Declan Moore has just found out he is a powerful Warlock from a land and people he thought were myths. After travelling to this land with his friend Ava, he is left to figure out what this new power means and how he can use it to stop the enemy ruining more of his home. In a new land where he is not welcome or wanted he needs to find someone who can teach him how to access his powers. But what he finds will change his life and the path he was on forever...
In this second book of the Declan Moore adventures, the author takes you on a new journey that has highs and lows and will have you constantly wondering what is coming on the next page. Throughout the book I didn't know where the author was taking his characters what new journey he was taking them on and where it would lead. This book will have you gripped from start to finish and gasping at reveals that you would not expect! The ending leaves you on a high and wanting more immediately... Bring on book 3!!!
I picked this up having read the first book and was desperate to find out what happened next. Declan, the world, the magic and all the many twists and turns had me hooked from the first page. I went along for the ride, and found myself unable to exit until I knew what lay ahead for Declan and the others. There were many reveals that I’d not seen coming and couldn’t help but feel lie I’d missed some pretty big clues along the way. I adorable the rich worldbuilding and the way everything seemed to interconnect. Overall an amazing book, and a series that I will continue to devour when possible! Highly recommended!
So I enjoyed book one but book two is even better as Declan’s journey continues. Declan has discovered that he is now a warlock which to him means nothing and he has no clue how to handle his powers so he must find someone willing to help him. It’s a fantastic, exciting and entertaining read as Declan battles on to learn what he must to defeat the fatesmiths and the struggles he must face from a kingdom that does want him or his help. Gripping, enthralling in a world of magic and secrets, you can only hold onto the hope that Declan will prevail in this fantastic YA fantasy read.
Formatting, spelling, and grammar are all top-notch. The characters have developed well and so has the plot. In contrast to the first book of this series, A Warlock In A Cursed Kingdom has so much going on there is barely time to rest. More world-building is included with this second book which is what epic fantasy is all about. A very enjoyable read that has built up the excitement for book three.
An amazing continuation of The Non-Magical Declan Moore. Completely encapsulating with characters you will love, and some you will love to hate. I enjoyed this so much! The workings of a magic and secrets all curated in the perfect way to keep you wanting more. The Winterthorn series is definitely a must read for all YA Fantasy lovers.
Declan has met heart break after heart break, but his strength is more than he realizes. The story continues to unfold, more twists are revealed, more healing and pain and strength is created. The story is captivating, don't want to put it down. Multiple POVs that really give you so many pieces of the story. Jaw dropping ending just waiting for this next book to come out August 24!!
This continuation of *The Non-Magical Declan Moore* series is truly captivating! You’ll find yourself drawn to the charming characters, alongside those you love to despise. It's an exhilarating read that keeps you engaged with its expertly woven elements of magic and intriguing secrets. If you're a fan of YA fantasy, the Winterthorn series is an absolute must-read that you won't want to miss!
This book left me in a great desire to move right into the third book (which is what I am doing). I loved the many twists and turns of learning Declan’s heritage, to the heartbreak and loss of beloved characters. The way the book ended was a chefs kiss. I am in love with this series and these characters. I have told many a friend and family member about this series and am slowly getting them to read it one by one, primarily because I need someone to talk to about how great it is! Excited to see where Declan and Ava take us next.
This is a book that turned "one more page" into "one more chapter" into "sleep can wait".
A Warlock in a Cursed Kingdom yanked me back in time to the days of reading John Flannagan's Ranger's Apprentice series by flashlight long after I should have been in bed. Once it was over I kept trying to turn the page in hopes of finding one more chapter.
No matter when it is released, the wait for book 3 will be too long.
I loved how this was not a black-and-white good-vs-evil story. There are complex characters with different motives that sometimes work together and sometimes against each other.