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The Vellhor Saga #2
Battle Mage (Volume 2 of the Vellhor Saga): A Fantasy Realms Novel
From the award-winning Vellhor Saga—winner of multiple prestigious awards—comes
Battle Mage
, a heart-pounding adventure where the fate of the world hangs by a thread.
A world teetering on the edge...
Gunnar and Anwyn are thrust into the Echo Realm—a deadly dimension where trust is a luxury and every move could be their last. With time slipping through their fingers, they must defy the odds, or risk losing everything—including each other. Can their love withstand the storm, or will they be torn apart by the very forces they seek to destroy?
Ruiha—the darkness is closing in. If she doesn’t break free, the entire realm faces obliteration.
Power is a double-edged sword. Kemp stands on the brink of unlocking an ancient magic that could save Vellhor—or bring about its complete destruction. One wrong step, and it’s all over.
Heroes don’t just fight—they sacrifice. But as ancient forces collide and the lines between ally and enemy blur, every choice they make could tip the scales toward salvation or utter destruction.
This is just the beginning. As the saga unfolds, the stakes will only grow higher, and the choices more perilous. Will they rise as heroes, or be consumed by the darkness?
Awards and Accolades for the Vellhor
🏆 WINNER of the High Fantasy category in the American Fiction Awards 2024
🏆 WINNER Gold - Literary Titan Book Awards 2024
🏆 WINNER of the Dark Fantasy category in the Firebird Book Awards 2024
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"The characters are beautifully crafted, the world-building is rich, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat." - Mary, Amazon Customer
A world teetering on the edge...
Gunnar and Anwyn are thrust into the Echo Realm—a deadly dimension where trust is a luxury and every move could be their last. With time slipping through their fingers, they must defy the odds, or risk losing everything—including each other. Can their love withstand the storm, or will they be torn apart by the very forces they seek to destroy?
Ruiha—the darkness is closing in. If she doesn’t break free, the entire realm faces obliteration.
Power is a double-edged sword. Kemp stands on the brink of unlocking an ancient magic that could save Vellhor—or bring about its complete destruction. One wrong step, and it’s all over.
Heroes don’t just fight—they sacrifice. But as ancient forces collide and the lines between ally and enemy blur, every choice they make could tip the scales toward salvation or utter destruction.
This is just the beginning. As the saga unfolds, the stakes will only grow higher, and the choices more perilous. Will they rise as heroes, or be consumed by the darkness?
Awards and Accolades for the Vellhor
🏆 WINNER of the High Fantasy category in the American Fiction Awards 2024
🏆 WINNER Gold - Literary Titan Book Awards 2024
🏆 WINNER of the Dark Fantasy category in the Firebird Book Awards 2024
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
"The characters are beautifully crafted, the world-building is rich, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat." - Mary, Amazon Customer
- GenresFantasy
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2024
370 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 17, 2025
AI "written", no thanks.
And yet another author for my do-not-support list. *sigh* Can we just NOT?
And yet another author for my do-not-support list. *sigh* Can we just NOT?
January 30, 2025
I really wanted to like this book, the story itself is great, but this felt like an unedited draft.
There were a lot of repeated lines and descriptions that did not improve the story telling and often distracted from the weight of a scene. There were some utterly beautiful paragraphs where you could visualise everything that was happening in such a visceral way - you would think the writing had redeemed itself and then the next paragraph would appear to be perhaps, the original draft of the previous paragraph and leave you with the taste of disappointment. On the flipside there seem to be a lot of scenes or events that were glossed over or skipped entirely (the dwarves accepting a bunch of refugees soldiers of the race they’re currently in a war with, without any kind of resistance even after the resistance has been foreshadowed). The timelines didn’t always seem to align with what was stated - using portals in some instances but then travelling back the opposite direction on foot within a realm in what appears to be the same amount of time somehow.
I experienced one of those moments where you realise you’ve seen particular words on repeat. You get to a point where every time you see the word you roll your eyes or you just want to stop reading the book. It no longer has meaning, and becomes an annoyance.
According to Goodreads this book was 440 pages. I found some of the repeated words so annoying I actually checked the count.
Determination - 207 times (determined another 51) - chapter 21 nearly had me throw my kindle at a wall because ‘determination’ shows up 17 times in 20 pages. Kill me.
You expect words to be repeated to main consistency and flow throughout but please please Please consider instead: conviction, confidence, persistence, tenacity, fortitude, confidence, resoluteness, strength, unfaltering, unflinching, courage, or really just use a thesaurus. (Did seeing confidence twice make your eye twitch? Try seeing it 207 times like I did with determination).
Other eye twitch gems included:
Resolve (x178)
Testament (x58)
Unwavering (x63)
There were a lot of repeated lines and descriptions that did not improve the story telling and often distracted from the weight of a scene. There were some utterly beautiful paragraphs where you could visualise everything that was happening in such a visceral way - you would think the writing had redeemed itself and then the next paragraph would appear to be perhaps, the original draft of the previous paragraph and leave you with the taste of disappointment. On the flipside there seem to be a lot of scenes or events that were glossed over or skipped entirely (the dwarves accepting a bunch of refugees soldiers of the race they’re currently in a war with, without any kind of resistance even after the resistance has been foreshadowed). The timelines didn’t always seem to align with what was stated - using portals in some instances but then travelling back the opposite direction on foot within a realm in what appears to be the same amount of time somehow.
I experienced one of those moments where you realise you’ve seen particular words on repeat. You get to a point where every time you see the word you roll your eyes or you just want to stop reading the book. It no longer has meaning, and becomes an annoyance.
According to Goodreads this book was 440 pages. I found some of the repeated words so annoying I actually checked the count.
Determination - 207 times (determined another 51) - chapter 21 nearly had me throw my kindle at a wall because ‘determination’ shows up 17 times in 20 pages. Kill me.
You expect words to be repeated to main consistency and flow throughout but please please Please consider instead: conviction, confidence, persistence, tenacity, fortitude, confidence, resoluteness, strength, unfaltering, unflinching, courage, or really just use a thesaurus. (Did seeing confidence twice make your eye twitch? Try seeing it 207 times like I did with determination).
Other eye twitch gems included:
Resolve (x178)
Testament (x58)
Unwavering (x63)
December 19, 2024
Good ideas, Poor execution
I like the concepts of this series, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. A much better editor would have helped quite a bit. The world building and character development lack depth. There really isnt a narrative as to why or how a segment of dwarves align with their enemy which feels just plopped in the middle of the book with limited context on why the reader should care. I also, for the life of me, cannot believe how many chapters end with… they are ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Phrases and word choices are duplicated throughout as well…. “The oppressive X pressing down…” It also feels so strange that the majority of the book is just the thoughts and feelings of the characters from inside their heads with limited verbal interaction. They are also very clearly delineated in groups of good v bad but no clear backstory on why with any historical context. There has not yet been a character with shades of gray which I feel is a huge miss in an epic fantasy series. It really is as though the author has literary concepts on dice, gave them a toss and ended up with fantasy, dwarves, elves, magic, group of heros….oh and try to work in a love story. This was a free read on Kindle Unlimited, i wouldn’t buy this one. I’ll finish out the series with hope that the quality of the writing improves because leaving a series unfinished and unresolved feels sacrileg.
,,
I like the concepts of this series, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. A much better editor would have helped quite a bit. The world building and character development lack depth. There really isnt a narrative as to why or how a segment of dwarves align with their enemy which feels just plopped in the middle of the book with limited context on why the reader should care. I also, for the life of me, cannot believe how many chapters end with… they are ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Phrases and word choices are duplicated throughout as well…. “The oppressive X pressing down…” It also feels so strange that the majority of the book is just the thoughts and feelings of the characters from inside their heads with limited verbal interaction. They are also very clearly delineated in groups of good v bad but no clear backstory on why with any historical context. There has not yet been a character with shades of gray which I feel is a huge miss in an epic fantasy series. It really is as though the author has literary concepts on dice, gave them a toss and ended up with fantasy, dwarves, elves, magic, group of heros….oh and try to work in a love story. This was a free read on Kindle Unlimited, i wouldn’t buy this one. I’ll finish out the series with hope that the quality of the writing improves because leaving a series unfinished and unresolved feels sacrileg.
,,
January 18, 2025
It’s a tough read. The characters are constantly being described as: Steely determination, unyielding, unyielding resolve, furrowed brows, yearning. Their thoughts are always an inner monologue. Which would be fine, but it’s hard to enjoy when a character has 3 inner monologues and hardened their resolve, have unyielding determination and furrowed brows within a single chapter. The weight of expectations is constantly being written about them. And I mean every character has these long paragraphs about their emotions. I can barely remember what is actually happening as the plot is overshadowed by constant descriptions of every single character’s steely determination, or shivers up the spine. Every bit of information a character receives has them pondering the implications or weight of responsibility or I don’t even know. In a single page the author describes 2 separate characters and their emotions utilizing almost the exact same descriptions. The battle scenes are terrible. All about emotions and how each and every single character s feeling. I picture them standing going through an inner monologue as other characters do the same. I’m cringing as I read. If it wasn’t on kindle unlimited I would not be finishing. I’m not even sure I can finish the second book, much less the series
January 24, 2025
Disappointing read, poorly written
Has the appearance of being written by AI. Thoughts and sentences are frequently repeated in consecutive paragraphs, overuse of the same few words and phrases, and a general lack of description or explanation for situations or human connection. Everybody either likes each
other unquestionably for no reason, or is evil. If the character is on the side of good, everything they say to anybody is accepted as absolute truth, and everybody agrees with them wholeheartedly.
Increasingly frustrating read. Gave up!
Has the appearance of being written by AI. Thoughts and sentences are frequently repeated in consecutive paragraphs, overuse of the same few words and phrases, and a general lack of description or explanation for situations or human connection. Everybody either likes each
other unquestionably for no reason, or is evil. If the character is on the side of good, everything they say to anybody is accepted as absolute truth, and everybody agrees with them wholeheartedly.
Increasingly frustrating read. Gave up!
September 9, 2025
Good story. Needs editing.
The story is really good, with engaging characters. This book needs an editor. The formatting, grammar and punctuation all need work. Even a spellcheck would be welcome. I’m pretty easy-going and would normally overlook a few errors, but this was over that line. If the story wasn’t so good I wouldn’t be able to read it.
The story is really good, with engaging characters. This book needs an editor. The formatting, grammar and punctuation all need work. Even a spellcheck would be welcome. I’m pretty easy-going and would normally overlook a few errors, but this was over that line. If the story wasn’t so good I wouldn’t be able to read it.
April 27, 2025
I enjoy the story and the first half of this book but my opinion very quickly changed because of the spelling mistakes (there's even a number in the middle of a word near the end of the book) and things contradicting themselves, like two characters having "fought battles over the years with eachother" then a few pages later "having not known eachother long". also the repetition of the words "determination" and "resolve" which became irritating. Every time a character is mentioned it seems to be the same few sentences about their struggles but their determination takes over. I enjoyed the first book and the story but not sure if I'll continue the series
September 11, 2024
Thanks to Hidden Gem and Booksiren for the book arcs.
Vellhor Saga is ideal for readers who crave a richly woven fantasy world, compelling magical system, adventure, ancient rivalries, and impending war. Mark’s detailed world-building provides readers an immersive experience to the Vellhor world. I wished the author had used more varied descriptions instead of repeatedly relying on the word “Beacon” or phrase “Beacon of hope”, to enhance the showing rather than telling as a storyteller. The romantic connection between the prophesized “Forbidden Lovers”, Anwyn and Gunnar, lacks depth compared to the relationship between Ruiha and Kemp. The forced nature of their arranged “marriage/love” due to the prophecy feels underdeveloped and I hope it picks up in the upcoming book. Overall, the unique magical element allows Elves, Fae, Dwarves, Humans, and even half-human-animal beings, to harness the spirit of magic. Vellhor Saga, presents a gripping tale of strength as the different races work together to prepare in saving their realm from Nergai.
Vellhor Saga is ideal for readers who crave a richly woven fantasy world, compelling magical system, adventure, ancient rivalries, and impending war. Mark’s detailed world-building provides readers an immersive experience to the Vellhor world. I wished the author had used more varied descriptions instead of repeatedly relying on the word “Beacon” or phrase “Beacon of hope”, to enhance the showing rather than telling as a storyteller. The romantic connection between the prophesized “Forbidden Lovers”, Anwyn and Gunnar, lacks depth compared to the relationship between Ruiha and Kemp. The forced nature of their arranged “marriage/love” due to the prophecy feels underdeveloped and I hope it picks up in the upcoming book. Overall, the unique magical element allows Elves, Fae, Dwarves, Humans, and even half-human-animal beings, to harness the spirit of magic. Vellhor Saga, presents a gripping tale of strength as the different races work together to prepare in saving their realm from Nergai.
November 27, 2025
I gave it a go and I shouldn't really have wasted my time.
The story is interesting and there's a lot of potential here, but the writing is pretty bad.
The characters are flat and repetitive and they get annoying very fast.
No clue if this series is AI-written, it does have a certain feel to it, but who am I to judge. Writing a mean review doesn't count...right? Right?
Anyway.
Has potential, but bad writing. AI or not, it's novice writing.
The story is interesting and there's a lot of potential here, but the writing is pretty bad.
The characters are flat and repetitive and they get annoying very fast.
No clue if this series is AI-written, it does have a certain feel to it, but who am I to judge. Writing a mean review doesn't count...right? Right?
Anyway.
Has potential, but bad writing. AI or not, it's novice writing.
Read
February 4, 2025you made the trees too pretty to see the forest
this is a great 200 page story fluffed up into a seemingly 2000 page book. too many times you add unnecessary descriptive language that interferes with the flow of the story and knocks the reader off track. find you a goid content editor and let them cut and hack their way through the jungle of flowery language to reveal the gem that this story could truly be.
this is a great 200 page story fluffed up into a seemingly 2000 page book. too many times you add unnecessary descriptive language that interferes with the flow of the story and knocks the reader off track. find you a goid content editor and let them cut and hack their way through the jungle of flowery language to reveal the gem that this story could truly be.
March 15, 2025
The 4* is mostly for enjoyment - despite its flaws, it managed to get me interested in the outcome.
As with the first book, the writing is mechanically lacking, so to say. While formatting issues aren't as frequent as in the first book, repeated words or even phrases - often in back-to-back paragraphs - are way too frequent.
The story itself benefits a bit from the fact it's down to two major plot lines and thus not so much all over the place.
As with the first book, the writing is mechanically lacking, so to say. While formatting issues aren't as frequent as in the first book, repeated words or even phrases - often in back-to-back paragraphs - are way too frequent.
The story itself benefits a bit from the fact it's down to two major plot lines and thus not so much all over the place.
March 28, 2025
Repetitive stuff
I tried very hard and actually managed to get to the end but it was really hard work. The prose is horribly repetitive. If you took out the instances of "determination" , "resolve" and looking into each other's eyes, it would be three chapters shorter. A pity the author cannot string his ideas together in a better fashion because there is the ghost of a half decent story in amongst the dreadful filler. Sorry, two books is all I could wade through.
I tried very hard and actually managed to get to the end but it was really hard work. The prose is horribly repetitive. If you took out the instances of "determination" , "resolve" and looking into each other's eyes, it would be three chapters shorter. A pity the author cannot string his ideas together in a better fashion because there is the ghost of a half decent story in amongst the dreadful filler. Sorry, two books is all I could wade through.
September 26, 2025
This book is incredible! Firstly, I am impressed by the authors imagination! He has come up with a compelling tale, which is slowly beginning to take shape. Initially, It was a bit difficult to keep the characters sorted in my mind, as there were many. Gradually, it became easier to follow. The transformation of the main characters is the main part of this book, and it continues on into the next chapter. Im looking forward to seeing how this ends up!
September 9, 2024
They are pulled into a magical journey as they try to find the answers they need. They need to battle against an enemy who wants to ruin their world and families. How will it all go? Can they battle the enemy? Can they defeat the enemy? See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
March 2, 2025
A battle is coming.
Dwarves, humans, magical beings all striving to save their world from an ancient malevolent god.
Struggle & strife, life & death, sorrow & war. But with determination, camaraderie & belief in themselves, a group of different races bond together to face the threat.
Dwarves, humans, magical beings all striving to save their world from an ancient malevolent god.
Struggle & strife, life & death, sorrow & war. But with determination, camaraderie & belief in themselves, a group of different races bond together to face the threat.
June 10, 2025
A riveting tale filled with action
In a realm teetering on the brink of war, an unprecedented alliance of dwarfs, elves, and humans rises to challenge the tyrannical forces that threaten their very existence, forging an epic tale of resistance, hope, and the unyielding spirit of freedom against overwhelming odds.
In a realm teetering on the brink of war, an unprecedented alliance of dwarfs, elves, and humans rises to challenge the tyrannical forces that threaten their very existence, forging an epic tale of resistance, hope, and the unyielding spirit of freedom against overwhelming odds.
August 5, 2025
Battle Mage
Mark Stanley has an imagination like no other. This book volume2 of the Velour Saga was a bit more disappointing than the first. Around the Middle of the story there were a lot of typos and story mistakes. Having said this it still is an amazing series that I do plan to finish.
Mark Stanley has an imagination like no other. This book volume2 of the Velour Saga was a bit more disappointing than the first. Around the Middle of the story there were a lot of typos and story mistakes. Having said this it still is an amazing series that I do plan to finish.
September 8, 2025
I liked the story however the editing was either not done at all or to much ai went into this book. There were dozens of all cap book title references between paragraphs and probably hundreds of spelling errors. It was very hard to keep on track because I kept getting so distracted by all the errors.
I was reading it on the Kindle.
I was reading it on the Kindle.
September 16, 2025
disappointed
I was so looking forward to this second book, but was distracted by the obvious lack of any proofreading. There were numerous errors, including paragraphs being reaped, significant spelling issues and inserts in all caps of book titles after certain paragraphs. Unfortunately, for me these were irritating interruptions to the story line.
I was so looking forward to this second book, but was distracted by the obvious lack of any proofreading. There were numerous errors, including paragraphs being reaped, significant spelling issues and inserts in all caps of book titles after certain paragraphs. Unfortunately, for me these were irritating interruptions to the story line.
September 8, 2024
4-star
The author has created an interesting world filled with magic and battles. Friendships and alliances are forged through trials and strengths of
endurance. Recommend.
This book was received from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author has created an interesting world filled with magic and battles. Friendships and alliances are forged through trials and strengths of
endurance. Recommend.
This book was received from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2024
An amazing fantasy fiction of action and adventure.
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction that transports you to a thrilling world.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Absolutely brilliant fantasy fiction that transports you to a thrilling world.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
January 22, 2025
Wordy flowery
Too much flowery description and explanation. Repetitive. Just because a character marvels does not encourage us to marvel instead we wonder if the author thinks we are stupid - or maybe the author is getting paid for extra words.
Too much flowery description and explanation. Repetitive. Just because a character marvels does not encourage us to marvel instead we wonder if the author thinks we are stupid - or maybe the author is getting paid for extra words.
April 19, 2025
Could not put it down
Great story with wonderful, honorable main characters. Very clever and original sub plots that easily merge into the conclusion of this seconds book in the series. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Great story with wonderful, honorable main characters. Very clever and original sub plots that easily merge into the conclusion of this seconds book in the series. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
September 23, 2025
Never had to put a book down for how many terrible spelling, grammar and editing errors there are before... but here we are. Story was enjoyable but the book is completely unreadable due to all the errors.
December 14, 2025
Engaging, but lots of typos
The characters are fu!l fledged with personality and humor. The reason for 3 stars, not 4 or 5, is amount of typos: misspellings, double or extra words, headings misplaced, and the confusing timelines for various characters.
The characters are fu!l fledged with personality and humor. The reason for 3 stars, not 4 or 5, is amount of typos: misspellings, double or extra words, headings misplaced, and the confusing timelines for various characters.
December 29, 2025
I only got part way through it because the absolute lack of editing made it clear that hey, no human hand had touched this. Add in the lacklustre story itself... I honestly thought I was a I'll read anything sort, but nope! Enjoy your single star for being the first, I guess.
September 27, 2024
not as good as the first book
An ok read, it seemed to be a repeating itself a lot as the book went on, I’m hoping part 3 is better, I will still read it.
An ok read, it seemed to be a repeating itself a lot as the book went on, I’m hoping part 3 is better, I will still read it.
September 29, 2024
Greatness is the heart
Fast fun enjoyable and heart Warming at times honor wins in end darkness will always fail looking forward to next chapter of this story
Fast fun enjoyable and heart Warming at times honor wins in end darkness will always fail looking forward to next chapter of this story
December 7, 2024
Battle Mage vol 2
I must admit this book dragged quite a bit for me, but I I persevered and enjoyed it more in the final chapters
I must admit this book dragged quite a bit for me, but I I persevered and enjoyed it more in the final chapters
January 6, 2025
love it
On to book 3, great series lots of action and adventure great characters, great world building
Will be reading more from this author
On to book 3, great series lots of action and adventure great characters, great world building
Will be reading more from this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews