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Before Darkness: A Magic Trade School series prequel
Fire took his family but left him with a gift.
Magic is rare in Victorian London, but games of chance are a different story. Enter Regis grifter, prankster, and master of deception. With his extraordinary ability, he tips the odds in his favor, navigating a world where half the games are rigged. To him, it's not really cheating—until he catches the attention of two powerful factions.
One group is sworn to end his tricks; the other wants his magic for a daring stealing an ancient artifact from right under the church's nose. But this relic is no ordinary treasure—its dark aura reveals hidden truths and makes Regis a target. Trust doesn't come easily to the former street urchin, but he’ll need to distinguish friend from foe in a hurry if he wants to survive.
Before Darkness is a stand-alone novella and prequel to the Magic Trade School (MTS) series
Fast forward to modern times and dive into the completed MTS The Heartstone Chamber, The Silver Portal, and The Forgotten Isle, available individually or as an ebook omnibus.
Magic is rare in Victorian London, but games of chance are a different story. Enter Regis grifter, prankster, and master of deception. With his extraordinary ability, he tips the odds in his favor, navigating a world where half the games are rigged. To him, it's not really cheating—until he catches the attention of two powerful factions.
One group is sworn to end his tricks; the other wants his magic for a daring stealing an ancient artifact from right under the church's nose. But this relic is no ordinary treasure—its dark aura reveals hidden truths and makes Regis a target. Trust doesn't come easily to the former street urchin, but he’ll need to distinguish friend from foe in a hurry if he wants to survive.
Before Darkness is a stand-alone novella and prequel to the Magic Trade School (MTS) series
Fast forward to modern times and dive into the completed MTS The Heartstone Chamber, The Silver Portal, and The Forgotten Isle, available individually or as an ebook omnibus.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2024
About the author
Jim Stein
15 books224 followersGrowing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia had perks: Six (count 'em 6!) TV channels, specialty SciFi & Fantasy shows like Gene London and Dr. Shock, and plenty of paperback books. I've been addicted to reading fantastic stories since eighth grade. There's little better than hunkering down with a good book (or audio book), entering the world of "what-if," and unleashing your imagination and creativity with every turn of the page. I am thrilled to share some my stories and hear your thoughts. Visit me at www.JimSteinBooks.com, and as always, happy reading!
Jim Stein’s hunger for stories transporting the reader to extraordinary realms began under one meager bulb, a towel stuffed beneath his door to avoid parental censure. He huddled with Tolkien, Asimov, and all the greats and unknowns plucked from the drugstore shelves to spin tales of the imagination. After writing short stories in school, two degrees in computer science, and several decades as a Naval officer, Jim has returned to his first passion. He writes speculative fiction advocating the underdog and embracing protagonists with strong moral fiber, often overlaid with supernatural elements and a few dark twists. Jim lives in northwestern Pennsylvania with his wife, Claudia, and his muse, Marley the Great Dane.
Jim Stein’s hunger for stories transporting the reader to extraordinary realms began under one meager bulb, a towel stuffed beneath his door to avoid parental censure. He huddled with Tolkien, Asimov, and all the greats and unknowns plucked from the drugstore shelves to spin tales of the imagination. After writing short stories in school, two degrees in computer science, and several decades as a Naval officer, Jim has returned to his first passion. He writes speculative fiction advocating the underdog and embracing protagonists with strong moral fiber, often overlaid with supernatural elements and a few dark twists. Jim lives in northwestern Pennsylvania with his wife, Claudia, and his muse, Marley the Great Dane.
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