Nefarious Allure

Devious Arcana #1

by M.R. Mathias

In the realm of fantasy, where imagination knows no bounds, there lies a novel that promises to captivate readers and transport them to a world filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue. Using the meticulous world-building established in the million selling, The Wardstone Trilogy, and new well-developed characters, the Devious Arcana series invites readers to embark on an epic journey, where heroism is tested and the boundaries between good and evil are blurred. The narrative offers a reading experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

The allure of fantasy is undeniable, and this novel delivers on all fronts. It’s a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre, as well as newcomers seeking an enthralling escape. Prepare to be swept away by a story that will leave readers yearning for more, long after the last page is turned.

Braiden Thane, an orphaned Seaward City cobble rat, helps Big Bolly Boreck collect debts and keep tabs on those who owe their various employers. When a collection goes bad and Braiden ends up on a ship tied to a millstone with their murdered mark, he has to find a way to survive. Turns out their mark was one of High King Mikahl's men. Braiden's only option to avoid being sunk is to jump ship, and all he has with him are the few coins and a pocket-watch he pilfered from the corpse.

Thus begins a time-travel, fantasy, adventure across the known kingdoms as Braiden and his amazing array of companions battle sea marauders, feral giants, and evil wizards, all while trying to figure out a magical timepiece that might take him back to the girl who has his heart. But first he and another young lady, who is both beautiful, and brave, must get to the Summers Day Festival, to find out how to access the hoard of treasure they stumbled on when forced to flee an angry pirate and his crew.

Genres: Fantasy

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

About the author

M. R. Mathias is a member of the Authors Guild who cares for his wife, a Breast Cancer Warrior who has Parkinson's. After raising two boys into fine young men, they and two dogs split their time between a modest smalltown home, and an apartment built on a floating dock on Lake Ultura (aka Lake Texoma) which foots into an amazing State Park brimming with all sorts of wildlife. Like the wizards of old, he tends to the animals who share the area and inspire the creatures in his works. He likes to fish, write, play guitar, and he builds all sorts of things out of reclaimed wood. He sold over two million eBooks most of them before eBooks were cool. His work is critically acclaimed, and has earned multiple literary awards, including a coveted Locus Poll nomination.

**Featured in the March 2020, Publisher's Weekly article, "As Luck Would Have It"

"The Master of Epic Fantasy" - Kindle Nation Daily, Nov. 2017

Mathias has authored several fantasy series and compiled an admirable list of accolades along the way.

--Devious Arcana, (ongoing)

--The Wardstone Trilogy (3 Books)

-- Perpetual Fantastica Fantastica (4 Books)

--The Dragoneer Saga (6 Books)

--The Legend of Vanx Malic (10 Books)

--The Crimzon and Clover Short Story Series (8 Books)

--Master Zarvin's Adventures (3 Books)

--Dragon Racers (3 books)

If you are a Kindle Unlimited user, treat yourself to some of the best "hidden gem" fantasy ever written.

Find M. R. Mathias online: mrmathiasbooks .com

Here is what others are saying about M. R. Mathias:

"There are few writers in the genre of fantasy that can equal the creative mind of M.R. Mathias - now acknowledged as a master in this genre of dragons and dwarves, and magic, and spells, and all aspects of fantasy."-- Top 100, Hall of Fame, Vine Voice, Book Reviewer, Grady Harp

"M.R. Mathias imagines a setting that will entice readers and lead them, along with his characters, on a breathtaking adventure." -- Readers Favorite Book Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2017 Award Winning novel "A Gossamer Lens" from The Legend of Vanx Malic series

"M.R. Mathias is a master at world building and is so good with creative descriptions that you can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair as you soar along on the back of a dragon." -- Readers Favorite Awards review of M. R. Mathias's 2015 "Gold Medal" Award Winning novel "Blood and Royalty" from The Dragoneer Saga"

"You've (Mathias) already achieved much, much more than so many people who like to think of themselves as writers." -- @Gollancz The Deputy Publishing Director of SF, Fantasy & Horror list of the Orion Publishing Group, 2013

Reviews

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting beginning to a story! My attention was captivated by Nefarious Allure from the first page on. It is obvious that this first book marks the start of an epic series. The author creates a world that is intricate, magical and dangerous. Every scene, creature, and area of this cosmos is obviously the result of a great deal of creativity.


As an avid reader of fantasy, I value reading tales that genuinely transport and inspire me to dream. I couldn't stop reading "just one more" till I finished the book since every chapter was unexpected.


If you enjoy well-written fantasy with a fast-paced story and memorable characters, don't miss this one. I can't wait to continue this saga, which undoubtedly has so much potential.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nefarious Allure is the first installment in the Devious Arcana saga written by Mathias, where adventure and time travel quickly captivate the reader. Its protagonist is Brainden, who fights against sea marauders, savage giants, and evil wizards, while trying to discover a magic clock that could take him back to the girl who has won his heart. But not everything will go as he wants, and Brainden must prove his courage on several occasions.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy book and I definitely hope to read the next books in the series soon! I found the characters very interesting and well-described, and the plot is super captivating and engaging. I recommend it to all readers who love fantasy and time travel.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series that looks to be extremely promising. Throughout this title, readers are taken into a world full of magic, fantasy and adventure.
As soon as I read what this story was about, I thought I wouldn't totally like the plot, however something about it attracted me and I didn't hesitate to give it a chance. I was really surprised by how well narrated it is, the details provided in each scenario are sublime as well as how well the magic and reality are intertwined.
I couldn't put the book aside because I was intrigued to find out what would happen to the main characters.
I will definitely continue with the next installments of this series that caught my attention!

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to embark on one of the most epic stories, in a world where your imagination will have no limits, this story aims to involve you with magic, pirates, treasures, and the strangest creatures. ''Nefarious Allure'' is an adventure-filled novel that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from the start. With a magic pocket watch, the main character has to figure out how to find a treasure that will change his life. The novel has great storytelling and is richly descriptive. It's definitely an adult novel due to some of the content, but overall it's an intriguing story. I'm looking forward to reading the second book!

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

In the realm of fantasy, where imagination knows no bounds, there lies a novel that promises to captivate readers and transport them to a world filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue. Using the meticulous world-building established in the million selling, The Wardstone Trilogy, and new well-developed characters, the Devious Arcana series invites readers to embark on an epic journey, where heroism is tested and the boundaries between good and evil are blurred. The narrative offers a reading experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series that has it all. A time-travel romance, set in the author's highly detailed world from The Wardstone Trilogy. This is a must read, if you liked The Dragoneer Saga, The Legend of Vanx Malic, Perpetual Fantstica, or The Wardstone Trilogy, because if you have read all of those series, you will know they are all tied together.

[Jackie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, intriguing and absolutely great read!! M.R Mathias books always keep me wanting to read more of his books!! Definitely a 5 star 🌟 author and a 10 star 🌟 book!!

[Amber Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Right as soon as you get to an actual plot, the book ends :(
I am hooked so I’m going to dive into book 2 soon.
Very thankful I won the giveaway :)

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enticing new characters in a familiar world

Mr. Mathias has begun an exciting new series in a world that will be familiar with readers of his past Wardstone books. He has brought a fresh onlook into his own created world. This fantasy tale begins with all new likeable characters that make their interactions more enjoyable and enticing. The possibilities that these characters bring to mind will leave you waiting for the next adventure. If you enjoy his created world, make sure to check out his previous Wardstone stories with different characters.

[Vance Schollmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mathias is back on full stride

The start to a great adventure in a familiar world with new characters and an engaging story . Looking forward to the next book