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Feral Mage #1
Feral Mage: The Red Pine Kingdom Contract
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.
That’s the old human saying anyway. For Bryce, it’s a little more literal. He’s a Feral Mage, someone who gains the abilities of monsters by devouring them. This magic has allowed him to excel as a mercenary, rising to the top rank of the guildhall.
Bryce finds more than he bargained for while taking what should have been a simple job. Accompanied by a feral wolfkin and a wannabe monster hunter kitsune, he tries to escort a young snow elf woman to the Red Pine Kingdom. Between monsters, criminals, and a pissed-off swordswoman, danger is an inevitability. The further Bryce gets into this job, the more dangerous it becomes. With the deck stacked against them, there’s only one ace up their sleeves.
BRYCE IS A BIT OF A MONSTER OR SEVERAL.Feral Mage contains unconventional relationships in a world dominated by magic, monsters, and the sword.
That’s the old human saying anyway. For Bryce, it’s a little more literal. He’s a Feral Mage, someone who gains the abilities of monsters by devouring them. This magic has allowed him to excel as a mercenary, rising to the top rank of the guildhall.
Bryce finds more than he bargained for while taking what should have been a simple job. Accompanied by a feral wolfkin and a wannabe monster hunter kitsune, he tries to escort a young snow elf woman to the Red Pine Kingdom. Between monsters, criminals, and a pissed-off swordswoman, danger is an inevitability. The further Bryce gets into this job, the more dangerous it becomes. With the deck stacked against them, there’s only one ace up their sleeves.
BRYCE IS A BIT OF A MONSTER OR SEVERAL.Feral Mage contains unconventional relationships in a world dominated by magic, monsters, and the sword.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
346 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Chase Kilgore
10 books53 followersAn avid reader with a fondness for Fantasy, Sci-fi, and HaremLit Books. I strive to write interesting worlds and characters like those that drew me to these genres. My debut book, Exile: De'Vas Chronicles Book 1, is my aim to achieve that goal. I hope you enjoy the book and the others to come in the future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 22, 2025
So far, I've enjoyed every book this author has written. I was a bit uncertain as this is another series (I am assuming) from this author, who doesn't have a large number of published books. Sometimes a new author has a great idea and writes a few good books. When these authors attempt a second series, sometimes the other series fall flat.
In this author's books I have enjoyed how the magic system works. I like the fact that there is no free lunch - you don't have a Gandalf-like character running around casting awesome magic with no costs.
I am looking forward to the next book in both series.
In this author's books I have enjoyed how the magic system works. I like the fact that there is no free lunch - you don't have a Gandalf-like character running around casting awesome magic with no costs.
I am looking forward to the next book in both series.
March 23, 2025
I loved this. It very much focuses on its story and character builds first and foremost. The harem element is added on as a story layer. This is balanced beautifully.
October 19, 2025
I'm always hesitant to read a novel tagged as Harem. In this case there's a good fantasy story with a really interesting magic system. The protagonist, Bryce, is a hard-bitten misanthrope who, deep down, has a heart of gold. In fact, most of the characters are likeable and make for an easy read.
NOTE: If, like me, you tend to skip the lurid sex scenes, there are just two and they are easily skipped by moving to the following chapter.
NOTE: If, like me, you tend to skip the lurid sex scenes, there are just two and they are easily skipped by moving to the following chapter.
March 21, 2025
Good ideas, decent writing. Felt like it wobbled a bit too much between grim and fun, though. Not really a fan of that as I avoid grim and gritty stuff. Just be fun. Come on!
March 25, 2025
This book was a really good start to a series.
The MC is what is often called a "feral mage", or one that eats parts of just killed animals to take on their aspects. He's a mercenary, and ends up buying out the debt of a winter elf woman that is working at an inn after completing a contract she told him about. As part of that contract, he accidentally freed a wolf woman, who has decided he's her mate. He rolls his eyes a lot at that, but that's how things start.
There is only one actual lover by the end of the book, and it takes a while before that happens, which is refreshing. There are several other women present: the winter elf, a kitsune, and maybe even more in the future. They have distinct personalities, and can be quite entertaining at times.
I very much look forward to book 2.
The MC is what is often called a "feral mage", or one that eats parts of just killed animals to take on their aspects. He's a mercenary, and ends up buying out the debt of a winter elf woman that is working at an inn after completing a contract she told him about. As part of that contract, he accidentally freed a wolf woman, who has decided he's her mate. He rolls his eyes a lot at that, but that's how things start.
There is only one actual lover by the end of the book, and it takes a while before that happens, which is refreshing. There are several other women present: the winter elf, a kitsune, and maybe even more in the future. They have distinct personalities, and can be quite entertaining at times.
I very much look forward to book 2.
April 5, 2025
If you read the other comments, I totally agree the book is great; however, I gave it 4 stars only because I feel the MC's past and past relationships don't quite add up. I assume he's a mid- to high-level mercenary with tons of missions under his belt, but somehow never met a monster worthy enough to add to his repertoire. With how he is talked about in the series, I'm pretty sure he's killed quite a few powerful creatures, so it doesn't quite add up, especially considering his type of magic. I feel that if he weren't drummed up to be some seasoned veteran but just a startup, the storyline would make more sense, as would some of the consciously bad decisions he made.
April 22, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars
It was good, but there were a couple of things that I thought could be better. I liked the premise. A feral mage or aspect mage is someone who consumes monsters they fight to take on some of their "aspects". The MC is Bryce and he has a Mantacour aspect and then latter gets a troll aspect. He is a mercenary and spends most of his time between jobs just having a good time until he is out of money. Things change right after he gets his troll aspect.
It was good, but there were a couple of things that I thought could be better. I liked the premise. A feral mage or aspect mage is someone who consumes monsters they fight to take on some of their "aspects". The MC is Bryce and he has a Mantacour aspect and then latter gets a troll aspect. He is a mercenary and spends most of his time between jobs just having a good time until he is out of money. Things change right after he gets his troll aspect.
July 14, 2025
So-so..
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The Audio I listened to had a technical issue in occasional volume dips throughout the read, lasting less than 5 seconds upon occurrence. I also think the narrator mixed up the voices at times between base narrative voice and character.
--
First off, the story comes across as not knowing what it wants to be. At times nauseatingly so, like being a passenger in car who's driver keeps violating the breaks in a vomit inducing manner.
--
There are also far to many poorly handled minor plot progression points/holes. I found these causing a discordance to the story flow that kept breaking overall immersion.
The author at times fails (purposefully or not for drama and progression..) to portray his main character in a way believable with the already provided backstory and with what the reader has been shown. Like the mc shifting from high capable veteran in one scene to a fng numpty in the next one, some chapters later.
The male MC's female companions are also exceedingly witless, in various ways I will give the author that, but its bordering on caricature.. If I was a woman I'd probably take offense.
Example: MC leaves his companions in a fairly safe place and tells them not to leave until he returns because they are being hunted by all and sundry. Guess what the dozy twits go and do within just a few hours when he doesn't instantly return!? All three are equally stupid. Its facepalm.. no its bash ones brains out against a stone wall level of absurd. On the whole far to many of the side characters are just over the top caricatures in some way.
My first glance evaluation, so to say, of this story had me rating it a solid 3/5 but the further along I got listening the more the sheen wore off. By the end I was considering rating the book a 1/5.
--
The Audio I listened to had a technical issue in occasional volume dips throughout the read, lasting less than 5 seconds upon occurrence. I also think the narrator mixed up the voices at times between base narrative voice and character.
--
First off, the story comes across as not knowing what it wants to be. At times nauseatingly so, like being a passenger in car who's driver keeps violating the breaks in a vomit inducing manner.
--
There are also far to many poorly handled minor plot progression points/holes. I found these causing a discordance to the story flow that kept breaking overall immersion.
The author at times fails (purposefully or not for drama and progression..) to portray his main character in a way believable with the already provided backstory and with what the reader has been shown. Like the mc shifting from high capable veteran in one scene to a fng numpty in the next one, some chapters later.
The male MC's female companions are also exceedingly witless, in various ways I will give the author that, but its bordering on caricature.. If I was a woman I'd probably take offense.
Example: MC leaves his companions in a fairly safe place and tells them not to leave until he returns because they are being hunted by all and sundry. Guess what the dozy twits go and do within just a few hours when he doesn't instantly return!? All three are equally stupid. Its facepalm.. no its bash ones brains out against a stone wall level of absurd. On the whole far to many of the side characters are just over the top caricatures in some way.
My first glance evaluation, so to say, of this story had me rating it a solid 3/5 but the further along I got listening the more the sheen wore off. By the end I was considering rating the book a 1/5.
March 24, 2025
Amazing book as usual from this author
This author is rapidly becoming one of my favorites.
This book has an already strong MC who’s just been drifting, waiting for something to care about. He meets a few women who insert themselves in his life and slowly carve out a spot.
There isn’t much spice and what is there is fairly tame and quick but it’s not bad.
The magic system is fun, even if it hasn’t really been explored or explained all that much.
The politicking is fun and all the players are interesting with believable motivations.
The world building is prettt good and makes you want to learn more.
It has flashes of other characters POV at good times that breaks up the reading well.
Overall highly recommend.
This author is rapidly becoming one of my favorites.
This book has an already strong MC who’s just been drifting, waiting for something to care about. He meets a few women who insert themselves in his life and slowly carve out a spot.
There isn’t much spice and what is there is fairly tame and quick but it’s not bad.
The magic system is fun, even if it hasn’t really been explored or explained all that much.
The politicking is fun and all the players are interesting with believable motivations.
The world building is prettt good and makes you want to learn more.
It has flashes of other characters POV at good times that breaks up the reading well.
Overall highly recommend.
September 3, 2025
This book surprised me. I have to admit I bought it with a bunch of LitRPGs but it definitely isn't one. This is a more classic sword and sorcery fantasy. Well, maybe not classic.
Regardless, I enjoyed the read, decent world-building around it, mostly good characters. The women are a bit one-dimensional and they all seem to want to get into our heroes pants.
I was a bit startled by the more, ah, spicy parts; given that apparently I hadn't read the description all that hard I guess. If you're looking for that, it's actually fairly well written.
Is this really 4 stars? I don't know, maybe 3 is more appropriate, but I read the book in a couple of days when I had other things going on, so...
Regardless, I enjoyed the read, decent world-building around it, mostly good characters. The women are a bit one-dimensional and they all seem to want to get into our heroes pants.
I was a bit startled by the more, ah, spicy parts; given that apparently I hadn't read the description all that hard I guess. If you're looking for that, it's actually fairly well written.
Is this really 4 stars? I don't know, maybe 3 is more appropriate, but I read the book in a couple of days when I had other things going on, so...
November 19, 2025
I haven’t actually finished the book. I listened to the audible version and have about 2 hours left.
The problem is that was a while ago and I still feel no real need to go back and finish it.
The story wasn’t bad, enjoyable even.
I can actually remember a few characters that I liked.
I really only hated one character, though she was reoccurring.
I guess this book’s only real sin is that it didn’t make me stay to finish and months later I still don’t really feel the need. I haven’t deleted it from my library though, so there is that.
TLDR: I just don’t think this book was for me. It was overall not bad, but I didn’t finish it, which is why the review is so low. It didn’t make me want to finish it.
The problem is that was a while ago and I still feel no real need to go back and finish it.
The story wasn’t bad, enjoyable even.
I can actually remember a few characters that I liked.
I really only hated one character, though she was reoccurring.
I guess this book’s only real sin is that it didn’t make me stay to finish and months later I still don’t really feel the need. I haven’t deleted it from my library though, so there is that.
TLDR: I just don’t think this book was for me. It was overall not bad, but I didn’t finish it, which is why the review is so low. It didn’t make me want to finish it.
April 5, 2025
I'm a little proud to see Kilgore increase the technical quality of his writing.
This was a fun book. Vex was a bit much but I'm never too fond of the overly possessive girlfriend trope. I am honestly getting kind of sick of reading about kitsune and would like just a regular ass fox girl if we have to have one. Bryce's reasoning for working alone was never fleshed out, which was disappointing but he's mostly an entertaining character. Callie was almost likable for a minute but she turned out to be a bitch to Alice. I liked the story. Not super political but enough to be interesting.
I'll probably keep my eye out for the next one
This was a fun book. Vex was a bit much but I'm never too fond of the overly possessive girlfriend trope. I am honestly getting kind of sick of reading about kitsune and would like just a regular ass fox girl if we have to have one. Bryce's reasoning for working alone was never fleshed out, which was disappointing but he's mostly an entertaining character. Callie was almost likable for a minute but she turned out to be a bitch to Alice. I liked the story. Not super political but enough to be interesting.
I'll probably keep my eye out for the next one
March 24, 2025
I would give this 6 stars
I enjoyed Chase's other books, but this book takes it to another level. In my mind, the characters in this book are unparalleled. They are all so unique and interesting, especially Vex and Callie. Buy all of them are fantastic in their own way. I loved the multiple POVs, and the story was very fast-paced. It works very well in this book with the amount of ground we covered and doesn't take from the story. I eagerly await the next one!
I enjoyed Chase's other books, but this book takes it to another level. In my mind, the characters in this book are unparalleled. They are all so unique and interesting, especially Vex and Callie. Buy all of them are fantastic in their own way. I loved the multiple POVs, and the story was very fast-paced. It works very well in this book with the amount of ground we covered and doesn't take from the story. I eagerly await the next one!
July 4, 2025
Ok story, but boring and predictable!
The story was very generic, not bad just not exciting and rather boring. The characters were okay but none stood out. The main character was likable but was dragged along by the supporting cast of characters. There really were no thrills or steaks to the protagonists journey. It was okay but I'm already forgetting it. Simple read that maybe younger readers would enjoy.
The story was very generic, not bad just not exciting and rather boring. The characters were okay but none stood out. The main character was likable but was dragged along by the supporting cast of characters. There really were no thrills or steaks to the protagonists journey. It was okay but I'm already forgetting it. Simple read that maybe younger readers would enjoy.
March 18, 2025
Book 2 please
I have to say that I had great fun reading this book its a fun story with fun characters ,fun girls fun chicken dogs, I wish it was longer the girl were great vex is best girl could have been a mono romance book and still made back signed a fluffy tail addict ps more vex and longer plx
I have to say that I had great fun reading this book its a fun story with fun characters ,fun girls fun chicken dogs, I wish it was longer the girl were great vex is best girl could have been a mono romance book and still made back signed a fluffy tail addict ps more vex and longer plx
March 19, 2025
What an outstanding story
Although the MC is once again a generic human with magical powers. The story and cast of characters surrounding him is simply great, nothing formulaic (besides the generic MC) about the dialogue, smooth paced story telling and transitions between characters POV. Can't wait for book 2
Although the MC is once again a generic human with magical powers. The story and cast of characters surrounding him is simply great, nothing formulaic (besides the generic MC) about the dialogue, smooth paced story telling and transitions between characters POV. Can't wait for book 2
March 21, 2025
Great new series!
This is only the third book by this author and I can already tell this author will become one of my top 5. The writing is impeccable and the story fun and addictive. That alone is enough to read this book but on top of that you have u pique and lovable characters as well as some very well written romance. Can’t wait for more!
This is only the third book by this author and I can already tell this author will become one of my top 5. The writing is impeccable and the story fun and addictive. That alone is enough to read this book but on top of that you have u pique and lovable characters as well as some very well written romance. Can’t wait for more!
March 22, 2025
Well written with one dissonant
An intriguing story that is well written, with memorable characters. There is one thing that bothered me though: the way Vex is portrayed is quite different from the others - she seems to be in the book as a comic relief, and for bed sport. The rest of the book is quite serious, the story is deep, so it jars a bit.
An intriguing story that is well written, with memorable characters. There is one thing that bothered me though: the way Vex is portrayed is quite different from the others - she seems to be in the book as a comic relief, and for bed sport. The rest of the book is quite serious, the story is deep, so it jars a bit.
May 9, 2025
An amazing start to what I am sure will be a fantastic series.
Feral Mage is a rollercoaster read that builds a fascinating world filled with enthralling characters and an intriguing magic system. Between action and espionage I couldn't put it down and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Feral Mage is a rollercoaster read that builds a fascinating world filled with enthralling characters and an intriguing magic system. Between action and espionage I couldn't put it down and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
November 26, 2025
Poorly written
Missing words and strange phrases make this book a chore to read. The very first page had two egregious errors. The story line isn't awful but it isn't ground breaking either. The tired trope of the females all swooning for the MC really brought down the enjoyment of this book. Pass this up until the author learns how to write.
Missing words and strange phrases make this book a chore to read. The very first page had two egregious errors. The story line isn't awful but it isn't ground breaking either. The tired trope of the females all swooning for the MC really brought down the enjoyment of this book. Pass this up until the author learns how to write.
March 19, 2025
Some forced stupidity
Lost a star due to the forced stupidity of him setting the book down rather than bringing it with him, right next to the one who he knows doesn't want him to learn the language.
Lost a star due to the forced stupidity of him setting the book down rather than bringing it with him, right next to the one who he knows doesn't want him to learn the language.
March 20, 2025
Very fun
This book was a lot of fun to read. It's harem, so there are some spicy scenes. It also has lots of actions with some quite likable characters. It's well worth the read.
Highly recommended
This book was a lot of fun to read. It's harem, so there are some spicy scenes. It also has lots of actions with some quite likable characters. It's well worth the read.
Highly recommended
March 24, 2025
interesting take on mages!
This one was a different take on a mage than normal. Very cool world with fun characters. All of the main characters feel well fleshed out and the world has a lot left to be discovered. Looking forward to the next book!
This one was a different take on a mage than normal. Very cool world with fun characters. All of the main characters feel well fleshed out and the world has a lot left to be discovered. Looking forward to the next book!
March 27, 2025
Fun read
I really enjoyed this, I also enjoyed the editing. Its amazing to find a book with only one or two typos. I did find one factual error but it really doesn't hurt the story. Epilogue was well done as well. I look forward to book two.
I really enjoyed this, I also enjoyed the editing. Its amazing to find a book with only one or two typos. I did find one factual error but it really doesn't hurt the story. Epilogue was well done as well. I look forward to book two.
March 31, 2025
Amazing Story!
Liked the story. There was action, humor, and lots of drama. Very well crafted and no stumbling over poor grammar or poor editing. Enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Looking forward for a speedy continuation.
Liked the story. There was action, humor, and lots of drama. Very well crafted and no stumbling over poor grammar or poor editing. Enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Looking forward for a speedy continuation.
April 9, 2025
Pre-ordered with pride.
Loved Exile so much that I didn't even hesitate to pre-order this. And glad I did. SPOILER! I was mad when Alice went with Callie, only to turn the page and be happy again. lol
Loved Exile so much that I didn't even hesitate to pre-order this. And glad I did. SPOILER! I was mad when Alice went with Callie, only to turn the page and be happy again. lol
April 21, 2025
Too many POV swaps
It could be a good story, although it looks like a start to a harem series, but it's really hard to tell because there's constant jarring POV changes that happen so often I can barely tell what is going on or get any sense of who the characters are.
It could be a good story, although it looks like a start to a harem series, but it's really hard to tell because there's constant jarring POV changes that happen so often I can barely tell what is going on or get any sense of who the characters are.
May 2, 2025
Great start to a new series!
I do wish however the author would tone down a bit the amount of females in the harem...only the first book and already one mate for sure with 3 other obvious choices in the making....
I do wish however the author would tone down a bit the amount of females in the harem...only the first book and already one mate for sure with 3 other obvious choices in the making....
May 22, 2025
A good read
I loved reading this book. I think the feral mage concept is amazing and I hope to see the main character advancing with more monsters. Please keep them going. Thanks for your hard work
I loved reading this book. I think the feral mage concept is amazing and I hope to see the main character advancing with more monsters. Please keep them going. Thanks for your hard work
July 20, 2025
This was very good. I liked it better than his De'Vas series even. Bryce gives off some strong Geralt vibes, and his interactions with his female companions were entertaining. Some predictable reveals, but I'm excited to read book two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews