Death Lord Arcanist

Astra Academy #4

by Shami Stovall

The abyssal hells. Obsessive followers. And a plan to reopen the Twilight Gate…

Gray Lexly is trapped in the abyssal hells. His once enemy, Death Lord Deimos, is injured, and together with Ashlyn, Nini, and Knovak, Gray must find his way home before they all perish.

But even if they manage to escape, that won’t stop the chaos raging out of control in the abyssal hells. Death Lord Naiad is out to kill the other Death Lords, Kallikore is creating monstrous elder creatures, and Umbriel seems intent on using the Oblivion Gate, the heinous counterpart to the Twilight Gate…

Unfortunately, everyone in the realm of the living is oblivious to their schemes. So Gray has to get back and warn everyone—or perhaps team up with Deimos and just fix it himself.

Genres: Fantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2024

About the author

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:

Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one really didn't do it for me. We ended Book 3 on a huge cliffhanger: Gray and three of his classmates were teleported from a party at school directly into the first ring of Hell. And then this book starts off so strong on that premise. We finally get to see Deimos in the flesh again and the first third of this book spent traversing and escaping from the Abyssal Hells is kinda cool. Some weird stuff definitely happens that always made me pause, like Gray and Ashlyn's complete escalation from flirtatious jabs to straight up main-love-duo from a romance book level caring about each other. It really got out of hand fast. But I liked the world building we got and Gray's new resolve to help restore balance to a world that thought it was spinning just fine. Nobody knows they are on an uneven table except for Deimos and Zahn, and while villains in the first few books are clearly set up here as the morally correct ones. It almost makes you mad at Gray for stopping them back during syllabus week. In fact, thoughout this entire book I've finally had enough of Gray. His (self-referenced) sarcastic quips are less and less relevant or funny. His leaps of logic are absurd. His own self-aggrandizement was just so annoying. He thinks he is the greatest person ever. He has such main character energy and confidence, but it is so unearned. All of his combat skills were given, not earned. Every single time he does something cool physically he even admits that he's unsure if he's doing it or if it is Deimos's combat skills (it is always the latter). At a certain point I'd rather this story just be about Deimos and Zahn instead of Gray and Sorin. They have a stronger and more relevant brotherly bond and also millennia of experience to tackle this issue. I'm annoyed that we also keep getting shown and told about much older and more powerful arcanists whom I'd rather be following. I'm assuming they might be the protagonists of Stovall's other series in this world so there's hope if I want to read about them, but it does make me question why they're letting a (confirmed) 15 year old boy handle most of this himself.

The main reason for the low rating is the horrible second and weak third acts of this book. Like I said earlier, loved the creepy and pressing escape from Hell. The middle of this book is pure book-reading pain. Three of four characters succeed in making it out of Hell and into the compound of a new character named Lord Oto. He runs his own racket in a remote town where the law doesn't really exist. He is also self-funding the cult of Death Lord Deimos and has a bunch of arcanists under his employ. So Gray and friends are now in trapped with a bunch of cultists who think Gray IS Deimos and not just sometimes possessed. They're not entirely wrong when Deimos chooses, so I can't blame them. And like I said earlier, Deimos is morally and strategically correct in trying to break out and reopen the gates to the underworld. It's odd then that everyone acts like they're this secret society that just wants death. There's just a weird vibe when the truth is enough to convince Gray to the cause that the cultists do not share. Why not have them on the same page? Mostly so that Gray and Ashlyn's escape is more of a sneak mission I guess. That is thrown off by the big reveal of the spy at Astra Academy (that was never really focused on or even that important of a mystery): Raaza has been informing on the school to this random sect of cultists this whole time! Why? ...I don't really know. What information were they hoping to learn if Gray hadn't started all of this? Raaza was sent while Zahn's plan was about to work. He didn't serve as a backup nor was there Abyssal Hell information at the school. We know, because Nasbit and Gray have been looking for three books. So not only was the traitor reveal laughably anticlimactic, it is almost immediately resolved. Gray turns him in using his Death Lord status for something else and off to cultist jail he goes. Then Gray and Ashyln escape the compound that night easy-peasy before the stupid really starts.

While on top of the wall keeping them with a bunch of deranged cultists, a little girl sees them and asks for her brother who has her mother's life saving medicine. Wouldn't you know it, our main character has a heart and won't run back to school without resolving this so we have to break back in, sneak through until we find Raaza's cell, steal the medicine from his sleeping body, leave him to rot, and sneak back out. We then meet Raaza's mother and oh no, guess we gotta break back in and retrieve Raaza because he has a family. Which on the surface, I guess that tracks. But we're in escape mode. I don't want these side quests. We have important information that needs to get to some kind of authority and the only one Gray knows is Headmaster Venrover (who is still so underwhelmingly useless). But nah, let's go back inside only to learn about a bounty hunter in the area. That sounds bad. They should probably avoid someone like that right? No, instead lets run towards him because maybe the principle hired a bounty hunter to retrieve them. Which turns out to be correct but there's no way the characters could have known that. They go anyway and it turns out he is there to save them, but doesn't like Deimos and immediately tried to gank Gray. That turns into a really fun if confusing fight. Why is anyone fighting anyone else? Not sure but Gray and Zahn are both mimic arcanists so they keep shifting to keep things stable. Gray finally wins and at the last second ends the fight to save the guy they're fighting and we leave the cult behind on a giant dragon the end. What was the point of all of that? It dragged on so long. We snuck in and out of the compound so many times just for the guy who was looking to rescue them to attack them and almost fight them to the death before something kicks in and it's time to run away. I hated every minute of that.

The final third has us not going back to school but to some greek-ish island home of Nasbit's family. Not sure why that was the first destination but it lets us resolve some plot threads like Ashlyn's family. My second least favorite plot point in this book. For some reason they and all of the other noble families assumed that her disappearance at the end of book 3 was her snubbing her betrothed and eloping with Gray. How would that have been the first thought anyone had? Especially because that explanation in no way explains the inclusion of Nini and Knovak in the disappearance. Ashlyn's entire plot is learning to stand up to her family though, so we need to watch her break down in tears because they are so mad at her. But don't worry, Gray steps in (completely eclipsing her and ruining all of her good character work) to proudly and loudly proclaim his eternal love for her in front of her whole family. He then challenges her father and prodigy brother to a street fight to prove himself. And for some reason they accept. Gray wins because of Deimos; his mimic magic is useful a few times but he would have lost twenty times before that was relevant without his gifted abilities. They then announce the marriage is tomorrow to save face. Because everybody knows that a shotgun wedding after a weeklong disappearance is exactly how nobles know things are on the up-and-up. Nobody asks Gray about that, nor consults Soren or their parents about attending. Somehow Gray has to be the one to suggest they wait until his 16th birthday for them to postpone. But even that brings up the question of when was Ashlyn's marriage to the other dude supposed to be? Originally it sounded like it was a betrothal until she graduated, which wouldn't have been for at least four more years. But now they're ready to let two first year students get married right away?

It feels like this series is trying to do too much too fast. I liked magic-creature magic school. Let the dances and big tests be the main conflict for a book. Instead we had to charge straight into Hell and back in the first year. All four books now have been one year. It's insane. The only reason I'm not going to drop the series is that I do love the world, I love the creature system, I love the conflict we are setting up - it's not everyday a death lord is the sympathetic, quippy underdog that you are rooting for. I am curious about Nini who is still trapped in the second layer of Hell too. We got a brief POV shift to her at the end, but that was more flashback than perspective shift. I'll be curious if the next book alternates between the two and what Soren's reaction to learning about her absolute rocketing power levels and her current predicament. It's almost a bit weird he wasn't there at the end with Nasbit and Phila. Does that leave him at school alone with no other classmate than Exie? Oof if that begins a grief-filled love triangle I don't think I'll be able to stomach that.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So everyone's in hell.

Well, not *everyone*. But this book does follow the foursome that gets trapped in the abyssal hells by the end of book three as they try to find a way out without dying in the interim. The setting of the abyssal hells is particularly trippy and offers some rather striking revelations about the state of magic in the entire world. Or rather, the source of magic. I won't get into spoilers, but some of the aspects of the abyssal hells had me questioning things from the entire series. Not in a "the author added in worldbuilding that has unintended consequences" way. But you'll never look the same way at this world's magic.

Some rather large stakes are also revealed about the abyssal hells and the risk towards the world in general. Honestly, the stakes might be even bigger than the Frith Chronicles. The fun part about this is that it looks like some old favorites from the previous series will be called in to help deal with the problem. (Although some old favorites may also be facing big problems. The gasp I gusped when *that one person* told Gray their name. Y_Y)

It's always difficult to talk about Shami's work this far into a series without spoiling anything. Speaking as a reviewer who's now 16 books deep in her library, her writing tends to stay consistent from book to book. So the things I want to talk about the most are usually the big plot points or major lore reveals I can't discuss in any detail. Though I will say that this series has a major improvement on the previous: the romance.

It's no secret that I was ambivalent about the romance in the Frith Chronicles. At one point the protagonist of that series had four separate prospective love interests and constantly wavered on picking one or none. And when a relationship was solidified, there were often times that she felt overlooked or even forgotten in favor of the bigger plot. So Gray's absolute focus on Ashlyn and fight for her in the face of her pretentious family is a welcome change. That being said, there's still a level of pining and/or yearning I'd like to see in his viewpoint. But it's a genuine improvement and I love that Gray differs from Volke in a way that puts him in a good light, instead of favoring his predecessor.

All in all I'm excited for what's to come. "Magical Boarding School" was never my favorite fantasy setting, so having more plot away from classes is a delight for me. And considering how gigantic and dramatic things got in the back half of the Frith Chronicles, I have high expectations for what comes next!

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed what the first 3 books did, but the overall worldbuilding and actions are mediocre, characters are serviceable, and there isn't a really big conflict or a good overarching antagonist to grip the reader after Zahn. With this book, there are some serious flaws that now resurface, but this series isn't as good as Volke's adventure. Moreover, this is an author who is very into Harry Potter and is clearly looking to enter this market, except it feels like a gloss over of the fantasy academia.

What I noticed as the glaring flaw in this book is how, throughout Gray's arc so far, this is still within the first year he spent in the academy. That's insane. In Harry Potter, at least we feel a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and open-ended mystery in the first 4-5 books' ending off the year before it hits the big rising action that climax into the duel, takeovers, and general upheaval of the wizarding world. Astra Academy is trying to do a rising momentum between books, and I wish it succeed, but book 4 bombs. There are a bunch of unnecessary pop culture dialogue, Grey is being more than insufferable, and the supporting adults are proving a bit more like a nuisance than the threat they should impose.

It feels like Boruto after Naruto, and I wish I didn't, but the adults who can clearly handle the issue should have been removed or given more plausible purpose to be super incompetent or negligent. The 'tournament arc', the wedding, the duel with the family, it's all feel bizarre amidst a fantastic hellish journey. I just feel like this book is the most immature so far, and I shouldn't. There are decisions and choices I just cannot ignore, so I hope book 5 returns to Hell and give it the proper focus.

[Michael Schwartz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Taste the stupid

Yep it is full spectrum stupid that it's a full rainbow of stupid.

1) most of this book is about teenagers and their insecurities and the drama that goes with it.


2 most of this book is just plain filler in my opinion.

3 what is wrong with these people 4 people disappear and they are only concerned with of of them possibly eloping ? Nobody asks about them?

Seriously do people just speak to hear the sound of their voice or think everyone does.

Grey is constantly telling people stuff and the standard answer is "really"

Ie

{. Gray,” she replied. Then she motioned to a far counter. Something long was wrapped in blankets and just waiting, like a present. “I made sure no one touched Vivigöl.”

“Really?” I walked over, threw off the blankets, and then admired my golden weapon }

Wow I would be like no not really I was expecting you to carry that item and get seriously hurt and have as many people touch it ... Really indeed.

But seriously if this was the first, or second but no this is a constant in this series.

This series is horrible not even a third as good as the original. It's 85 % nonsense and such actually insignificant low real story content.
There was so much potential in this series but it failed and this book is so very disappointing.

[Craig Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

again with another amazing story

I am waiting for the next book. So many questions so much intrigue around ever corner. One of the best world builder around. Whatever u do don’t pick this up if u need to work the next day or u may look up and it will be 530 in the morning and u only have 20 pages left. No now u must wait questions unanswered. And so many possibilities to imagine. Thank you so much creating a world for me to escape to.

[Nathan England · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely thrilling addition to the series! This book takes readers on a wild adventure, packed with action, intrigue, and a deeper exploration of the magical world. The characters face their toughest challenges yet, and I found myself completely engrossed in the story. With its rich world-building and edge-of-your-seat tension, this book is a fantastic read from start to finish. The stakes have never been higher, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I really think there should be an option for didn’t/wont finish. Because this shouldn’t be added to my Reading Challenge as I didn’t finish it. And shouldn’t be in books I ‘read’ because I didn’t finish. But I also don’t want it forever on my ‘currently reading’ list.

Anyway. I forget what happened. I think it got a bit demonic and you know I’m out when that happens so… pretty good series up until that point, but it’s going to be a hard no for me going forward.

[Josh Stricklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stovall does it again

Another great addition to the Arcanist world! These books are so captivating that I only wish I had waited until they were all out so I wouldn’t have to wait for the next one! Literally on the edge of my seat until the release of Labyrinth Arcanist (so please hurry up!)

[Shaeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building is phenomenal. The characters are dynamic. The story is rich and exciting!!! I continue to be blown away by Stovall’s work. I always get a good chuckle out of the witty dialogue and references. And I’m always sad when the story ends. Can’t wait for the next installment of this series!! I think I enjoyed Death Lord Arcanist the most so far! Definitely give this series a read!

[Dan Drane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Creativity in characters, magic, and realm.

So many life milestone things happen in a small amount of time in these books, but the characters, magic, fight scenes, and imagination make this another great series by the author. I love that characters from previous series appear.. cannot wait until next one.

[RJ Bayron · Rating 5 out of 5]

better and better

Shami continues to weave such an intriguing and intense story for our characters. While I didn’t start off with the Firfth chronicles I will absolutely be reading it now just to fill in all the background information I’m missing. I cannot wait for book 5 to come out!

[Kim Tollison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues

The story continues to soar and characters from previous books arrive, connecting the dots in a magnificent way. Throughout the book, it inspired me to be on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. I am excited to see where the story will lead and hope it will be a never-ending journey of adventure.

[Andres Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The character development in this book was solid. I couldn't quite guess what was going to happen which is a nice relief. Really looking forward to where this series is going. Good tie in to the other books in this world.

[Paul Alcantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

a gift

Shami is a gifted and talented author who consistently executes incredible pieces of work. This was a wonderful addition to this crazy and expansive world. The only downside is that this book wasn’t 10000 pages.

[Kyle Mangum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

My favorite in the series so far! This is definitely the beginning of the end for our heroes, and I can't wait to get reacquaint with many of the characters from the first series

[Jeffrey Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating

The book is a wild ride that I couldn't put down. The author has created a fantastical world that is a joy to explore and filled it with flawed characters that feel so grounded and real despite the wonder of the world they are in. I can't wait for more.

[Giovanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly wait for the next one. I want it...now!!!

[Kyle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another absolute masterwork from Shami Stovall. I’m a long time fan and I am never disappointed.

The humor? Top tier
The emotion? Everything
The action? Stunning

The story? Unparalleled

[D Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series. I feel it’s well balanced in the action and adventure with plot. There is even a little bit of romance.

[Ben Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need next one now!

[Samantha Goodner · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!

Oh my gosh, I LOVED this book! I will be chomping at the bits for the next installments! Favorite so far!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

Probably a series geared more toward teenagers but still keep me up to finish the books! Stovall has created a complete world full of amazing detail that grabs your attention

[Bim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slower pace than the rest of the books. Excited to read the next one

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took too long with uninteresting things, and not enough time on the important stuff.

[Johnie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.

[Ren Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

im in love with this series

Couldn’t stop reading any of this series. It’s so amazing and the more you find out the further you want to read and keep reading.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Nathan Woll · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, dragged a little

[Jake Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great arc in the Astra Academy series

I really enjoyed this book and the additional world building and lore it adds. This book really gives a lot more insight into some of the side characters backstories and provides a lot of progression.

[Kathleen Stpeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need the next book asap

I knew I should have waited until the next book came out. This was amazing and now I have to wait until December to get my fix. I do hope we get more of Nini’s perspective. I loved seeing some of the old cast too! I missed them! Death lord demios (sorry if I misspelled that) and grey’s relationship is adorable, I look forward to seeing how that progresses!