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The Dark Apostle #2
Elisha Magus
Elisha, a barber-surgeon from the poorest streets of benighted fourteenth-century London, has come a long way from home. He was always skilled at his work, but skill alone could not protect him on the day that disaster left his family ruined and Elisha himself accused of murder. With no other options, Elisha accepted a devil's bargain from Lucius, a haughty physician, to avoid death by hanging—by serving under the sadistic doctor as a battle surgeon of the king's army, at the front lines of an unjust war.
Elisha worked night and day, both tending to the wounded soldiers and protecting them from the physician's experiments. Even so, he soon found that he had a talent for a surprising and deadly sort of magic, and was drawn into the clandestine world of sorcery by the enchanting young witch Brigit—who had baffling ties to his past, and ambitious plans for his future. Yet even Brigit did not understand the terrible power Elisha could wield, until the day he was forced to embrace it and end the war...by killing the king.
Now, Elisha has become a wanted man—not only by those who hate and fear him, but by those who'd seek to woo his support. Because, hidden behind the politics of court and castle, it is magic that offers power in its purist form. And the players in that deeper game are stranger and more terrifying than Elisha could ever have dreamed.
There are the magi, those who have grasped the secrets of affinity and knowledge to manipulate mind and matter, always working behind the scenes. There are indivisi, thought mad by the rest of the magical world: those so devoted to their subject of study that they have become "indivisible" from it, and whose influence in their realm is wonderous beyond even the imaginations of "normal" magi. And then there are—there may be—the necromancers, whose methods, motives, and very existence remain mysterious. Where rumors of their passing go, death follows.
But death follows Elisha, too.
Elisha worked night and day, both tending to the wounded soldiers and protecting them from the physician's experiments. Even so, he soon found that he had a talent for a surprising and deadly sort of magic, and was drawn into the clandestine world of sorcery by the enchanting young witch Brigit—who had baffling ties to his past, and ambitious plans for his future. Yet even Brigit did not understand the terrible power Elisha could wield, until the day he was forced to embrace it and end the war...by killing the king.
Now, Elisha has become a wanted man—not only by those who hate and fear him, but by those who'd seek to woo his support. Because, hidden behind the politics of court and castle, it is magic that offers power in its purist form. And the players in that deeper game are stranger and more terrifying than Elisha could ever have dreamed.
There are the magi, those who have grasped the secrets of affinity and knowledge to manipulate mind and matter, always working behind the scenes. There are indivisi, thought mad by the rest of the magical world: those so devoted to their subject of study that they have become "indivisible" from it, and whose influence in their realm is wonderous beyond even the imaginations of "normal" magi. And then there are—there may be—the necromancers, whose methods, motives, and very existence remain mysterious. Where rumors of their passing go, death follows.
But death follows Elisha, too.
386 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
E.C. Ambrose
13 books64 followersI passed a peripatetic childhood reading way too many books, and eventually writing my own little stories, either inspired by my life (such as it was) or by whatever I was reading at the time. I thought I would grow up to be an archaeologist which explains why I read The Last Days of Pompeii at the age of nine. I was fortunate to have a few teachers early on who encouraged my literary tendencies—including one who let me stay inside to read during recess.
When I discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation group, I delved more deeply into medieval history, becoming enthralled with the dark castles, bloodsports and social expectations of the period. I nearly went to Fordham University for Medieval Studies, but chose Stanford instead—then withdrew as soon as humanly possible (before I ever started, as a matter of fact).
By this time, my stories accumulated rejection slips faster than the DOW was rising, yet I continued to hope my writing would be the answer. I started work on a first novel during a summer writing workshop, and finally finished it some years later, while depending on the refuge of aspiring writers everywhere: working customer service and living with family.
A second novel, begun with a notebook full of world-building concepts and great ambitions, lies dormant in a file my computer can no longer read. But when I met Elisha Barber, I knew I was on to something. I have to thank a local workshop with Dan Brown (slightly before he became THE Dan Brown) for my approach to the new project.
Now I find that once I start reading history, science, sociology, I discover a dozen different stories hiding in the details. . .
I live quietly in New England with my family, where I have just found the right dog to defend the new apple trees from the local whitetail deer population.
When I discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation group, I delved more deeply into medieval history, becoming enthralled with the dark castles, bloodsports and social expectations of the period. I nearly went to Fordham University for Medieval Studies, but chose Stanford instead—then withdrew as soon as humanly possible (before I ever started, as a matter of fact).
By this time, my stories accumulated rejection slips faster than the DOW was rising, yet I continued to hope my writing would be the answer. I started work on a first novel during a summer writing workshop, and finally finished it some years later, while depending on the refuge of aspiring writers everywhere: working customer service and living with family.
A second novel, begun with a notebook full of world-building concepts and great ambitions, lies dormant in a file my computer can no longer read. But when I met Elisha Barber, I knew I was on to something. I have to thank a local workshop with Dan Brown (slightly before he became THE Dan Brown) for my approach to the new project.
Now I find that once I start reading history, science, sociology, I discover a dozen different stories hiding in the details. . .
I live quietly in New England with my family, where I have just found the right dog to defend the new apple trees from the local whitetail deer population.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 25, 2014
Ambrose's second book in the Dark Apostle series holds nothing back. It's dark and gritty with its unwashed medieval England. Elisha is a barber by trade, which in those days meant cutting hair and wielding his razor as a doctor and surgeon. The events of the first book informed him of his innate magical abilities and embroiled him in royal and magi politics. The situation is dire as the new heir to the throne is not such a nice guy--and his betrothed is carrying Elisha's unborn child. He feels immense pressure from magi to act on their behalf, even as he's afraid as his new powers over life and death.
My biggest barrier in getting into the book was my own memory. I read the first book last year and names are my weak spot. There are various layers of intrigue within the book, and I was somewhat muddled about who was who as things started. I soon found the proper groove. I did miss the medical scenes that were necessary through the prolonged battle in the first book (because they are totally my sort of thing), but Ambrose's greater emphasis on magic was fascinating. And to reiterate? Very dark. No one is safe, and with necromancers on the prowl, death is not a true escape.
My biggest barrier in getting into the book was my own memory. I read the first book last year and names are my weak spot. There are various layers of intrigue within the book, and I was somewhat muddled about who was who as things started. I soon found the proper groove. I did miss the medical scenes that were necessary through the prolonged battle in the first book (because they are totally my sort of thing), but Ambrose's greater emphasis on magic was fascinating. And to reiterate? Very dark. No one is safe, and with necromancers on the prowl, death is not a true escape.
January 25, 2016
E.C. Ambrose brings us Elisha Magus, book two of The Dark Apostle series, a tale about one mans' rise from obscurity to magical prowess. Months ago, Elisha, a barber-surgeon operating out of the poorer district of 14th-century London, was accused of killing his brother, his wife, and their unborn child. Offered an escape, he went to work on the front lines of an unjust war. There, he learned he had a talent for a strange of deadly magic, and came to the attention of all when he used this power to end the war by killing the king. Now, he is a wanted man, seen as a threat by some and a powerful weapon by others, all either seeking to earn his favor or destroy him. Above all, he is being pursued by all factions of the Magi, including the legendary necromancers, who either want to use him for their dark arts, or welcome him into their fold. These books are very drawn out, with a lot of unnecessary detail and the characters are boring, including the main character. There is also very little magic for how amazing they make his out to be. He only uses it 3 or 4 times throughout the near 400 page book. I wasn't too impressed with either in the series.
August 25, 2014
AN alternate reality story that takes place in 14th century England where the witches that get burned have magical powers. This is the second in the series and it is a short and sweet story that continues to follow Elisha as he continues to discover and learn about his powers. Tightly written story with well-developed characters. Give the series a try.
February 1, 2018
Elisha Magus
By E.C. Ambrose
DAW Books, Inc.
July 1, 2014
402 pages
Equally as grabbing as book one in The Dark Apostle series, Book Two, Elisha Magus, pretty much takes up right where book one left off.
In place of being arrested and charged with his brother’s and newborn child's death he struck a deal with a physician to accompany him to the battlefield where war was being waged between King Hugh and Duke Randall. He would put away his barber blade and become a battle surgeon. Being called upon to do things that horrified him.
He soon discovered his sorcery and alchemy skills and used them in his work. This battle was brutal, new weapons never before used were being tested and proved to inflict grave injuries. Elisha worked hard to prevent the physician from using the soldiers as guinea pigs for his medical experiments. Meanwhile still carrying the guilt of his brother’s death and the dismemberment of his brothers child, whose head he carried in the sealed pot that he kept with him.
Here is where he meets Brigit, a fellow magi. She reminded him of the angel that appeared as they burned a witch at the stake when he was a child. The one whose wing touched his cheek. Brigit teaches Elisha how to communicate with fellow Magi by using water as a means of contact. Never using their real names to avoid discovery. He is introduced to a dark magic, one that is used by the necromancers, which were not believed to even exist.
Elisha’s skills as a Magi improve over time. He continues to be intrigued by the power he feels from the pot that contains his dead nephew’s head. He comes to use this power to end the battle by becoming a wanted man for killing the...
I do not know about other readers and their reading styles, but I for one, when I get hooked on a series of books, must read them one after the other. I was/am fortunate that the last book in this series is being released February 6!!
By E.C. Ambrose
DAW Books, Inc.
July 1, 2014
402 pages
Equally as grabbing as book one in The Dark Apostle series, Book Two, Elisha Magus, pretty much takes up right where book one left off.
In place of being arrested and charged with his brother’s and newborn child's death he struck a deal with a physician to accompany him to the battlefield where war was being waged between King Hugh and Duke Randall. He would put away his barber blade and become a battle surgeon. Being called upon to do things that horrified him.
He soon discovered his sorcery and alchemy skills and used them in his work. This battle was brutal, new weapons never before used were being tested and proved to inflict grave injuries. Elisha worked hard to prevent the physician from using the soldiers as guinea pigs for his medical experiments. Meanwhile still carrying the guilt of his brother’s death and the dismemberment of his brothers child, whose head he carried in the sealed pot that he kept with him.
Here is where he meets Brigit, a fellow magi. She reminded him of the angel that appeared as they burned a witch at the stake when he was a child. The one whose wing touched his cheek. Brigit teaches Elisha how to communicate with fellow Magi by using water as a means of contact. Never using their real names to avoid discovery. He is introduced to a dark magic, one that is used by the necromancers, which were not believed to even exist.
Elisha’s skills as a Magi improve over time. He continues to be intrigued by the power he feels from the pot that contains his dead nephew’s head. He comes to use this power to end the battle by becoming a wanted man for killing the...
I do not know about other readers and their reading styles, but I for one, when I get hooked on a series of books, must read them one after the other. I was/am fortunate that the last book in this series is being released February 6!!
December 26, 2020
This one reads exactly like the second in a trilogy. In that the story starts half way through and does not really end. Weirdly, it does work as a stand-alone novel too.
'Elisha Magus' can be summed up by the phrase 'no good deed goes unpunished' with the long-suffering protagonist being the doer of said deeds. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, life and death.
It will appeal to lovers of fantasy, action and romance.
My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up as the main character spent too much time running around the countryside trying to either find or dispose of a rather revolting talisman.
The plan is to keep my eye out for the final book in this series as it would be good to see how it finally ends.
'Elisha Magus' can be summed up by the phrase 'no good deed goes unpunished' with the long-suffering protagonist being the doer of said deeds. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, life and death.
It will appeal to lovers of fantasy, action and romance.
My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up as the main character spent too much time running around the countryside trying to either find or dispose of a rather revolting talisman.
The plan is to keep my eye out for the final book in this series as it would be good to see how it finally ends.
September 2, 2019
The second book in the Dark Apostle series continues with Elisha now finding his place in the world as a magus, wanted man, and an integral part for the fight for the throne. The book changes tone and setting from the first book. The mystery and scarcity of magic is changed for a much stronger fantasy feel. In a way it made the book more exciting. The barber/surgeon aspect of the character has also changed focus for magus as well. The writing and the plot of the story are decent, but at time not very engaging. I do feel like it was a step up from the first book though.
September 30, 2018
Following a single "ideal hero" as he learns to use his death magic. Slightly interesting, but not well executed.
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August 12, 2014(Description nicked from B&N.com.)
“Elisha, a barber-surgeon from the poorest streets of benighted fourteenth-century London, has come a long way from home. He was always skilled at his work, but skill alone could not protect him on the day that disaster left his family ruined and Elisha himself accused of murder. With no other options, Elisha accepted a devil’s bargain from Lucius, a haughty physician, to avoid death by hanging—by serving under the sadistic doctor as a battle surgeon of the king’s army, at the front lines of an unjust war.
Elisha worked night and day, both tending to the wounded soldiers and protecting them from the physician’s experiments. Even so, he soon found that he had a talent for a surprising and deadly sort of magic, and was drawn into the clandestine world of sorcery by the enchanting young witch Brigit—who had baffling ties to his past, and ambitious plans for his future. Yet even Brigit did not understand the terrible power Elisha could wield, until the day he was forced to embrace it and end the war...by killing the king.
Now, Elisha has become a wanted man—not only by those who hate and fear him, but by those who’d seek to woo his support. Because, hidden behind the politics of court and castle, it is magic that offers power in its purest form. And the players in that deeper game are stranger and more terrifying than Elisha could ever have dreamed.
There are the magi, those who have grasped the secrets of affinity and knowledge to manipulate mind and matter, always working behind the scenes. There are the indivisi, thought mad by the rest of the magical world: those so devoted to their subject of study that they have become “indivisible” from it, and whose influence in their realm is wondrous beyond even the imaginations of “normal” magi. And then there are—there may be—the necromancers, whose methods, motives, and very existence remain mysterious. Where rumors of their passing go, death follows.
But death follows Elisha, too.”
Continue reading...
“Elisha, a barber-surgeon from the poorest streets of benighted fourteenth-century London, has come a long way from home. He was always skilled at his work, but skill alone could not protect him on the day that disaster left his family ruined and Elisha himself accused of murder. With no other options, Elisha accepted a devil’s bargain from Lucius, a haughty physician, to avoid death by hanging—by serving under the sadistic doctor as a battle surgeon of the king’s army, at the front lines of an unjust war.
Elisha worked night and day, both tending to the wounded soldiers and protecting them from the physician’s experiments. Even so, he soon found that he had a talent for a surprising and deadly sort of magic, and was drawn into the clandestine world of sorcery by the enchanting young witch Brigit—who had baffling ties to his past, and ambitious plans for his future. Yet even Brigit did not understand the terrible power Elisha could wield, until the day he was forced to embrace it and end the war...by killing the king.
Now, Elisha has become a wanted man—not only by those who hate and fear him, but by those who’d seek to woo his support. Because, hidden behind the politics of court and castle, it is magic that offers power in its purest form. And the players in that deeper game are stranger and more terrifying than Elisha could ever have dreamed.
There are the magi, those who have grasped the secrets of affinity and knowledge to manipulate mind and matter, always working behind the scenes. There are the indivisi, thought mad by the rest of the magical world: those so devoted to their subject of study that they have become “indivisible” from it, and whose influence in their realm is wondrous beyond even the imaginations of “normal” magi. And then there are—there may be—the necromancers, whose methods, motives, and very existence remain mysterious. Where rumors of their passing go, death follows.
But death follows Elisha, too.”
Continue reading...
September 3, 2014
This review was originally published by Invincible Love of Reading under Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
This is the second book of the Dark Apostle series. Elisha is a barber-surgeon from the poorest streets of 14th Century London. He has come a long way from the days when he was wrongly accused of murder, only to be saved by joining the king’s army to serve a battle surgeon. It was here he discovered he had a talent for magic. He finally ended the war by using it to kill the king.
Now Elisha is living on borrowed time. He is hated and feared as a witch and wooed by those who seek his support and power. He is unwillingly drawn into the world of the sorcerers who live tentative lives, powerful yet trying to remain hidden from a world that fears them. Yet there are those whom even “normal” magi fear and hate. Necromancers who claim the power of death.
This is what truly frightens Elisha. His medical skill and recent experiences seem to have given him the power of death. As he tries to rebuild the country he brought to it’s knees, he begins to wonder if in his battle against darkness, can he overcome his own demons.
Review:
E. C. Ambrose has drawn from research of 14th Century medical practice to weave a tail of might and magic. One is immediately drawn to Elisha who is concerned by the nature of his powers. His role in the death of his brother haunts him as does the murder of the king. In E. C.’s world, magi have affinities. With an affinity for death, Elisha sees similarities between himself and necromancers. He must maneuver around powerful forces, both political and magical. While not overwhelming, the audience will get a sense of the grim backdrop of Medieval England. There are many political intrigues as well as magical battles that are terrifying and exciting. It is by no means clear if Elisha will survive. She handles the stories pacing well and the dialogue is easily graspable. The story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
Synopsis:
This is the second book of the Dark Apostle series. Elisha is a barber-surgeon from the poorest streets of 14th Century London. He has come a long way from the days when he was wrongly accused of murder, only to be saved by joining the king’s army to serve a battle surgeon. It was here he discovered he had a talent for magic. He finally ended the war by using it to kill the king.
Now Elisha is living on borrowed time. He is hated and feared as a witch and wooed by those who seek his support and power. He is unwillingly drawn into the world of the sorcerers who live tentative lives, powerful yet trying to remain hidden from a world that fears them. Yet there are those whom even “normal” magi fear and hate. Necromancers who claim the power of death.
This is what truly frightens Elisha. His medical skill and recent experiences seem to have given him the power of death. As he tries to rebuild the country he brought to it’s knees, he begins to wonder if in his battle against darkness, can he overcome his own demons.
Review:
E. C. Ambrose has drawn from research of 14th Century medical practice to weave a tail of might and magic. One is immediately drawn to Elisha who is concerned by the nature of his powers. His role in the death of his brother haunts him as does the murder of the king. In E. C.’s world, magi have affinities. With an affinity for death, Elisha sees similarities between himself and necromancers. He must maneuver around powerful forces, both political and magical. While not overwhelming, the audience will get a sense of the grim backdrop of Medieval England. There are many political intrigues as well as magical battles that are terrifying and exciting. It is by no means clear if Elisha will survive. She handles the stories pacing well and the dialogue is easily graspable. The story will keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
March 19, 2015
I really want to like this series... honest, I do. It has everything I should love... but in this case, I end up feeling more of a vague fondness. I won't mind meeting the characters every now and then, but I am not going to go out and look for them really.
It is definitely a dark dirty world that Elisha resides in - Fourteenth Century England as it could have been (if magic worked).... sort of. The author has definitely designed an interesting world, I am just not sure its Fourteenth Century England. There are authors out there who have created a fantasy England that is clearly England; despite the fantasy elements, the reader never doubts that the world is sort of England. In this series, although I like the world that has been created, I never felt the connection to England. Saying so and so is a Plantagenet and that the protagonist is a barber from London isn't enough.
As to the characters - I just wish I could feel ANYTHING about the protagonist. This series is one of the few examples of where the minor characters feel more fleshed out than the hero.
I will keep reading these books... but Damn, Elisha and his world desperately needs to get a personality.
It is definitely a dark dirty world that Elisha resides in - Fourteenth Century England as it could have been (if magic worked).... sort of. The author has definitely designed an interesting world, I am just not sure its Fourteenth Century England. There are authors out there who have created a fantasy England that is clearly England; despite the fantasy elements, the reader never doubts that the world is sort of England. In this series, although I like the world that has been created, I never felt the connection to England. Saying so and so is a Plantagenet and that the protagonist is a barber from London isn't enough.
As to the characters - I just wish I could feel ANYTHING about the protagonist. This series is one of the few examples of where the minor characters feel more fleshed out than the hero.
I will keep reading these books... but Damn, Elisha and his world desperately needs to get a personality.
August 26, 2014
This is the second in the Dark Apostle series with the first one, Elisha Barber, coming out last year. When we meet Barber in this volume, he is guest of the new king, but soon on the run. He must track where Brigit hid the talisman, while he evades her new betrothed – the king. She is carrying Elisha’s child but the king doesn’t know that. Most of this is action-packed and very quick-paced. We still get quite a bit of character development and move deeper into an understanding of Elisha’s magic. We meet several new characters that look to be important to the resolution of the third volume and they are interesting and fully-developed. I finished this in a day because I couldn’t put it down. I love when I find books like that.
December 17, 2014
Very good.
So far, we don't really see the integration of magic with the historical world very well...
So far, we don't really see the integration of magic with the historical world very well...
January 7, 2015
rating: 4.0/5.0
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June 2, 2017I enjoyed the first book in this series more than this one, which is the second.
January 2, 2019
This a very action packed book! I don't know if this one is better than the fist in the series but it kept my attention so much that I didn't want to put it down. The family had to fend for themselves for a while there! The story line kept me guessing and the hero is just amazing. If you don't mind stories with a little magic this is a great series! Oh, it also brings in elements of historical settings.
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