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The Magician's Brother #7
Ectomancer's Torment: The Magician's Brother, Book 7
A powerful enemy is defeated, his dreams of conquest shattered.
We won. But so did he.
His final act damaged my Well, the source of my magic, perhaps beyond repair. My body is failing as my own powers slowly kill me.
I have to find a cure before it's too late, but there are so few people who can even understand what's wrong, much less how to go about fixing it. Not even my fellow Archons know how to help, and my sources are coming up dry.
Desperation is driving me into branches of magic some might consider dangerous and that others would gladly kill me for just looking at.
But it's either that or surrender to my end...
Dangerous magic it is!
We won. But so did he.
His final act damaged my Well, the source of my magic, perhaps beyond repair. My body is failing as my own powers slowly kill me.
I have to find a cure before it's too late, but there are so few people who can even understand what's wrong, much less how to go about fixing it. Not even my fellow Archons know how to help, and my sources are coming up dry.
Desperation is driving me into branches of magic some might consider dangerous and that others would gladly kill me for just looking at.
But it's either that or surrender to my end...
Dangerous magic it is!
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First published March 24, 2022
69 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
H.D.A. Roberts
9 books180 followershttps://www.facebook.com/The-Magician...
hdaroberts@gmail.com
hdaroberts@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 12, 2022
I really wanted to love it, but just why?
Let's start with the PROS:
The writing style is phenomenal. I love the first person view, the inner monologes and the interactions between characters. Every charater, side character has it's own personality, and goal. The MC is still smart(ish, see cons below) and cunning, very relatable. I was really excited about this book, and it made me laugh a few times, but despite all that, I can't give it more than 1 star.
The CONS: [HEAVY SPOILERS below]
To understand why I'm dissappointed, let me sum up the story real quick:
The book starts a little after the 6th book ends. Matthew lives his life, trying to find a solution for his broken well. His brother, Desmond got on track with his life, the Archons are trying to help Matthew and everythin is fine-ish. Matthew finds a person who is capable of helping him, while he learns enchanting from one of the Archon. But everything goes amiss, after the see-er Achron warns everyone about mysterious danger, saying that they will need all the five Archons to defeat it, making more pressure on Mathew. One night, Desmond betrays Matthew and steals his shadows with the (I forgot what it's called)knife. Jumping forward a bit, withouth his shadows, Matthew is still The Primal and a demigod asks for help from him, saying that her island is in danger. Matthew, of course helps her, but suprise, suprise, she betrays him twitce, and she helps Desmond to attempt to kill Matthew.
Okay, so now you know the basics, I can start ramping about the issues.
First of, it's not enough to cripple Matthew, you, dear writer HAD to stole his power from him. WHY? I hate when the MC becomes strong after a lot of struggling and than you just think, "oh, hee is too OP, I will just make him weak". NO! Don't do that, idiot! I am with Matthew for 6 books now, I want to see him succeed, not throwing him back 5 steps.
Okay, Im still willing to forgive that, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
After Desmond almost kills him, the Archons just like: "sorry, we need all 5 of us, so he will be the first shadow from now on and we trust him so much that we will not monitor him at all, and we are outraged by your hex that you cast on Desmomt in order to stop him from killing you and your family. Oh, and also, give him the shadow codex that is full of black magic and more nasty stuff, because he needs it for doing bad thing to you. But don't woory, we will tell him not to."
I mean, I dont have siblings, but if I were Matthew, I would have sent them all away to screw themselves. It's like, they want Matthew to suffer. Oh, and the cream on the cake is that every time Desmond does something, ie: kills Metthew's only hope, tries to kill him, tries to jail him, tries to kill his friends, the Archons just like. "sorry, our bad, we will be more careful next time..." What an incapable lot, and they call themseves Archons... Sure, go to hell.
Okay, so far we established that rhe Archons are useless a$$holes, Matthew is still incapable of killing Desmond but wait, there is more!
After being betrayed by the demigod TWICE, almost getting Cassanra killed, and being humiliated and mocked by the island leaders, he STILL decides to help them! For Free! He even punts a lot of money into it. And the excuse from Matthew is: "people will probably die" People who despise you, want to kill you and betrayed you already."
And to top it off, the whole story is useless. Nothing gets fixed. At the end, Desmomd is still the first shadow (sort of), Matthew's well is still damaged, the Archons are still morons and the world endig apocalypse is still there.
SUMMARY:
I just can't. I love this series, but I just cant give it more stars. I understand that Matthew has his own personality, but being tricked the 100th time and helping the ones that betray you, i just don't understand. Maybe the problem is with me, and I will read the next book, but if it will take the same direction as this book, I just can't help but drop this series.
I hope you, goodreads comment reader, will have a better time reading it than I have
Let's start with the PROS:
The writing style is phenomenal. I love the first person view, the inner monologes and the interactions between characters. Every charater, side character has it's own personality, and goal. The MC is still smart(ish, see cons below) and cunning, very relatable. I was really excited about this book, and it made me laugh a few times, but despite all that, I can't give it more than 1 star.
The CONS: [HEAVY SPOILERS below]
To understand why I'm dissappointed, let me sum up the story real quick:
The book starts a little after the 6th book ends. Matthew lives his life, trying to find a solution for his broken well. His brother, Desmond got on track with his life, the Archons are trying to help Matthew and everythin is fine-ish. Matthew finds a person who is capable of helping him, while he learns enchanting from one of the Archon. But everything goes amiss, after the see-er Achron warns everyone about mysterious danger, saying that they will need all the five Archons to defeat it, making more pressure on Mathew. One night, Desmond betrays Matthew and steals his shadows with the (I forgot what it's called)knife. Jumping forward a bit, withouth his shadows, Matthew is still The Primal and a demigod asks for help from him, saying that her island is in danger. Matthew, of course helps her, but suprise, suprise, she betrays him twitce, and she helps Desmond to attempt to kill Matthew.
Okay, so now you know the basics, I can start ramping about the issues.
First of, it's not enough to cripple Matthew, you, dear writer HAD to stole his power from him. WHY? I hate when the MC becomes strong after a lot of struggling and than you just think, "oh, hee is too OP, I will just make him weak". NO! Don't do that, idiot! I am with Matthew for 6 books now, I want to see him succeed, not throwing him back 5 steps.
Okay, Im still willing to forgive that, but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
After Desmond almost kills him, the Archons just like: "sorry, we need all 5 of us, so he will be the first shadow from now on and we trust him so much that we will not monitor him at all, and we are outraged by your hex that you cast on Desmomt in order to stop him from killing you and your family. Oh, and also, give him the shadow codex that is full of black magic and more nasty stuff, because he needs it for doing bad thing to you. But don't woory, we will tell him not to."
I mean, I dont have siblings, but if I were Matthew, I would have sent them all away to screw themselves. It's like, they want Matthew to suffer. Oh, and the cream on the cake is that every time Desmond does something, ie: kills Metthew's only hope, tries to kill him, tries to jail him, tries to kill his friends, the Archons just like. "sorry, our bad, we will be more careful next time..." What an incapable lot, and they call themseves Archons... Sure, go to hell.
Okay, so far we established that rhe Archons are useless a$$holes, Matthew is still incapable of killing Desmond but wait, there is more!
After being betrayed by the demigod TWICE, almost getting Cassanra killed, and being humiliated and mocked by the island leaders, he STILL decides to help them! For Free! He even punts a lot of money into it. And the excuse from Matthew is: "people will probably die" People who despise you, want to kill you and betrayed you already."
And to top it off, the whole story is useless. Nothing gets fixed. At the end, Desmomd is still the first shadow (sort of), Matthew's well is still damaged, the Archons are still morons and the world endig apocalypse is still there.
SUMMARY:
I just can't. I love this series, but I just cant give it more stars. I understand that Matthew has his own personality, but being tricked the 100th time and helping the ones that betray you, i just don't understand. Maybe the problem is with me, and I will read the next book, but if it will take the same direction as this book, I just can't help but drop this series.
I hope you, goodreads comment reader, will have a better time reading it than I have
March 29, 2022
What????????
I had enjoyed the earlier volumes the #6 and this one habe been a major disappointment, early girlfriends dumb, not taking his brothers head a mistake!!!!!
I had enjoyed the earlier volumes the #6 and this one habe been a major disappointment, early girlfriends dumb, not taking his brothers head a mistake!!!!!
March 31, 2022
No growth its the 7th book
Its the 19th time he trusts his brother why dunno . so its the 19th time he backstabbed him. Its the 7th book youd think hed learn.
Its the 19th time he trusts his brother why dunno . so its the 19th time he backstabbed him. Its the 7th book youd think hed learn.
October 25, 2023
Good read, however they de-powered the main character which is disappointing.
Overall I enjoyed the series, it's been an enjoyable read with good twists and turns, fast paced and interesting characters. I don't like how they took away the power of the main character and keep making him a weak and suffering protagonist who always has to take the blunt and abuse of his friends in the name of joking. It's very belittling and the author continuously does it throughout the book to where it becomes abusive instead of endearing. Taking away the main character's key Powers which the whole series was based on feels weak as it continues in this book and into the next and is disappointing as the main character just isn't as fun using cunning and trickery.
Again overall it's a good story but I wish they would do away with the belittling of the character disguised as a showing of affection.
Overall I enjoyed the series, it's been an enjoyable read with good twists and turns, fast paced and interesting characters. I don't like how they took away the power of the main character and keep making him a weak and suffering protagonist who always has to take the blunt and abuse of his friends in the name of joking. It's very belittling and the author continuously does it throughout the book to where it becomes abusive instead of endearing. Taking away the main character's key Powers which the whole series was based on feels weak as it continues in this book and into the next and is disappointing as the main character just isn't as fun using cunning and trickery.
Again overall it's a good story but I wish they would do away with the belittling of the character disguised as a showing of affection.
March 30, 2022
a little slow to pick up and a tough cliff hanger
I am going to keep this part spoiler free for y’all.
Let’s start with my two big complaints
1. Books ends on a brutal cliffhanger even worse then book 6 which felt very unsatisfactory. The main premise of this book and what they are trying to do is not even really solved which leaves me feeling cheated
2. The ending felt very rushed and this is my main reason for giving it 3 stars instead of 4. If I could I’d give it 3.75 but that’s not an option.
The good and this part is spoilers
Loved seeing the MC finally embrace his darker side and do his brother mischief.
Seeing characters like Tethys develop was good as it has been building up for a while.
Overall I’m excited for the next one and I really hope it wraps it all up nicely
I am going to keep this part spoiler free for y’all.
Let’s start with my two big complaints
1. Books ends on a brutal cliffhanger even worse then book 6 which felt very unsatisfactory. The main premise of this book and what they are trying to do is not even really solved which leaves me feeling cheated
2. The ending felt very rushed and this is my main reason for giving it 3 stars instead of 4. If I could I’d give it 3.75 but that’s not an option.
The good and this part is spoilers
Loved seeing the MC finally embrace his darker side and do his brother mischief.
Seeing characters like Tethys develop was good as it has been building up for a while.
Overall I’m excited for the next one and I really hope it wraps it all up nicely
March 31, 2022
can’t wait for the next one
I’ll start with what we all don’t like in hopes that it gets fixed by the next book lol. Can the sexual non sexual tension just go away?! Please???? No man is having all these attractive women around that actually want to sleep with him and not doing anything with them. And he’s way way way too powerful for every woman in his life to keep mistreating and making fun of him. It’s gets super old after a while. I don’t care how much stronger they are physically nobody can stop him when it comes to magic. Love the world building, love the magic, hate the moral dilemmas on what to do about being betrayed again and again. Hate the harem that’s not a harem. Hate him enjoying being made fun of all the time.
I’ll start with what we all don’t like in hopes that it gets fixed by the next book lol. Can the sexual non sexual tension just go away?! Please???? No man is having all these attractive women around that actually want to sleep with him and not doing anything with them. And he’s way way way too powerful for every woman in his life to keep mistreating and making fun of him. It’s gets super old after a while. I don’t care how much stronger they are physically nobody can stop him when it comes to magic. Love the world building, love the magic, hate the moral dilemmas on what to do about being betrayed again and again. Hate the harem that’s not a harem. Hate him enjoying being made fun of all the time.
March 29, 2022
Now we're cooking with gas
Logically, I know that rating this book 1 star because Usbryd died is wrong, but it was still a close call.
This was, as expected, a very enjoyable read and stacks up to the previous books in quality. I was about halfway through the book and was amazed at how long it is. I was nearly convinced that it would never end, and that I'd be stuck in my arm chair for the rest of eternity reading it. To be fair, though, I wouldn't have been too upset if that was the case.
All I hope is that I don't have to wait so bloody long for the next book, because I nearly tore out my hair just waiting for this one.
Logically, I know that rating this book 1 star because Usbryd died is wrong, but it was still a close call.
This was, as expected, a very enjoyable read and stacks up to the previous books in quality. I was about halfway through the book and was amazed at how long it is. I was nearly convinced that it would never end, and that I'd be stuck in my arm chair for the rest of eternity reading it. To be fair, though, I wouldn't have been too upset if that was the case.
All I hope is that I don't have to wait so bloody long for the next book, because I nearly tore out my hair just waiting for this one.
March 16, 2023
It comes at you sideways
This book sidles up to you with a bright smile and a laugh that warms you to the bones. And then it wraps you into the creative warped reality of ‘What the HELL!” that only this author brings to the fore! Then it leaves you broken begging for more on the edge of a cliffhanger that cannot be survived, only endured.
There are no curses in entish, elvish, orcish, or the tongues of men that can encapsulate my suffering for want of more at the end of this book. There will be a reckoning and it will begin on the next books release day with me howling, “Just take my money and go!”
This book sidles up to you with a bright smile and a laugh that warms you to the bones. And then it wraps you into the creative warped reality of ‘What the HELL!” that only this author brings to the fore! Then it leaves you broken begging for more on the edge of a cliffhanger that cannot be survived, only endured.
There are no curses in entish, elvish, orcish, or the tongues of men that can encapsulate my suffering for want of more at the end of this book. There will be a reckoning and it will begin on the next books release day with me howling, “Just take my money and go!”
March 31, 2022
So I love this book but for one itty bitty little thing. . .
The Archons are just useless. Given the situation with the characters and their background, I expect a modicum of competency. I did not get it. It made for good story, but broke immersion. The sass, the choices, the horrible luck, all of that made sense and worked. The Archons actions versus their choices, that was silly. For that reason, I knocked off a star.
The Archons are just useless. Given the situation with the characters and their background, I expect a modicum of competency. I did not get it. It made for good story, but broke immersion. The sass, the choices, the horrible luck, all of that made sense and worked. The Archons actions versus their choices, that was silly. For that reason, I knocked off a star.
April 1, 2022
LOVED 5/5
I LOVE this series!!! I look forward to every new release. This deserves 5/5 stars. It is a continuation of a great story with amazing characters! There is a few missed words and wrong spelling but I didn’t care!! Read this series!! ** Did you notice the reversal in roles for magic twins?
I LOVE this series!!! I look forward to every new release. This deserves 5/5 stars. It is a continuation of a great story with amazing characters! There is a few missed words and wrong spelling but I didn’t care!! Read this series!! ** Did you notice the reversal in roles for magic twins?
April 9, 2022
Such a bard
Robert's is able to craft a story in such a rare fashion that I react with legitimate emotion. The byplay between Mathew and the Archons, especially Killian has me rolling with laughter, the same could be said for his relationships with his Wardens. I can't wait for the next one.
Robert's is able to craft a story in such a rare fashion that I react with legitimate emotion. The byplay between Mathew and the Archons, especially Killian has me rolling with laughter, the same could be said for his relationships with his Wardens. I can't wait for the next one.
May 17, 2022
Convoluted Drivel
The plot of the entire series is predicated by the lack of two brain cells between any of the main characters. Every single inevitable betrayal is obvious to the point of parody. This coupled with the lack of agency from the mc and the authors need to add literal deus ex machinas makes this by far the worst in the series.
The plot of the entire series is predicated by the lack of two brain cells between any of the main characters. Every single inevitable betrayal is obvious to the point of parody. This coupled with the lack of agency from the mc and the authors need to add literal deus ex machinas makes this by far the worst in the series.
April 13, 2022
amazing series. Just read them all
Please keep them coming. I love these books! It is so refreshing to read about a hero who knows how to use his powers. In fact, he knows how to use them well.
Please keep them coming. I love these books! It is so refreshing to read about a hero who knows how to use his powers. In fact, he knows how to use them well.
May 24, 2022
Battles just get more intense.
Stubbornness is truly one of his greatest traits. Can't imagine what comes from this set up but I expect to enjoy it. Poor Matthew, he needs a vacation!
Stubbornness is truly one of his greatest traits. Can't imagine what comes from this set up but I expect to enjoy it. Poor Matthew, he needs a vacation!
May 25, 2022
next!!
How dare you take away his shadows just to set up the hope that he will get it back or worst become a “Black” magician. Leaving the plot hole of the soul fragments the fairies too is impressive but lacking in imagination as it leave a get out of jail free card.
How dare you take away his shadows just to set up the hope that he will get it back or worst become a “Black” magician. Leaving the plot hole of the soul fragments the fairies too is impressive but lacking in imagination as it leave a get out of jail free card.
September 28, 2022
The best yet
I am in love with this series. There has never been any series that has made me read until 5 in the morning. It is sooooooooo good I can't even put it into words. This is my all time favorite series and I have read more than 2000 books. It's simply the best
I am in love with this series. There has never been any series that has made me read until 5 in the morning. It is sooooooooo good I can't even put it into words. This is my all time favorite series and I have read more than 2000 books. It's simply the best
October 28, 2022
all 7 books are fantastic
I accidentally downloaded a sample of the magician’s brother and I am so glad that I did, this series is great I couldn’t put it down. Cannot wait for the next books that come out.
I accidentally downloaded a sample of the magician’s brother and I am so glad that I did, this series is great I couldn’t put it down. Cannot wait for the next books that come out.
March 28, 2022
Got to say worth the wait. You do not disappoint. Except for poor Matty. The things you put him through.
March 28, 2022
Worth it
This book was totally worth the wait.I have no idea how I’m going to wait for the next one and the beginning of the next trilogy.
This book was totally worth the wait.I have no idea how I’m going to wait for the next one and the beginning of the next trilogy.
March 29, 2022
Great Read As Usual!!!
A great way to continue this amazing series, with the twist and humor you can easily love too. Can’t wait for the next book!
A great way to continue this amazing series, with the twist and humor you can easily love too. Can’t wait for the next book!
April 1, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine urban light fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine urban light fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel.
April 21, 2022
ready for the next one
I always get too invested. The books are great and now can’t wait for the next one! Love the characters. I am sad about the cliff hanger though.
I always get too invested. The books are great and now can’t wait for the next one! Love the characters. I am sad about the cliff hanger though.
April 29, 2022
LOVED IT
I have read this series three times that should be enough said this book is just great and I love everything about it
I have read this series three times that should be enough said this book is just great and I love everything about it
September 25, 2022
Book 7
Second time I have read the magicians brother series and enjoyed reading it just as much as the first time Hopefully the 8 th book will be out soon!
Second time I have read the magicians brother series and enjoyed reading it just as much as the first time Hopefully the 8 th book will be out soon!
January 30, 2024
More betrayal and the character learning to live without very twist ending.
May 18, 2024
Good book in the series
Put this one on the back burner for a long time, but I'm glad I finally read it. Great sequel and can't wait to read the next ones.
Put this one on the back burner for a long time, but I'm glad I finally read it. Great sequel and can't wait to read the next ones.
November 15, 2025
hated the story. You would think he would have learned not to trust his a**hole brother. the story was just freaking annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ . rounded up .
June 5, 2022
excellent as the last one
Good continuation after the plot hanger of the last one. Continues character development. Can’t wait for the next. Hope it’s soon
Good continuation after the plot hanger of the last one. Continues character development. Can’t wait for the next. Hope it’s soon
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews