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The Chronicles of Lumineia: The White Mage Saga #3
Descent Unto Dark
The Dark has been unleashed.
Impervious to mage or man, its almighty power is only matched by its hunger. Unchecked it will devour the planet . . . until even the dawn is extinguished. Human and creature alike will become twisted, beasts slaved to the Dark's will. The leash is held by the Harbinger Master, who requires a simple offering to stay the impending slaughter.
Obedience Absolute.
But the nations of Earth have proven their will to fight, and by revealing magic to them the Oracle has ensured they will. Now she must reunite the mage and human worlds—before the Master retaliates. Facing supreme foes and the end of mankind, she needs allies.
She needs an army . . .
Impervious to mage or man, its almighty power is only matched by its hunger. Unchecked it will devour the planet . . . until even the dawn is extinguished. Human and creature alike will become twisted, beasts slaved to the Dark's will. The leash is held by the Harbinger Master, who requires a simple offering to stay the impending slaughter.
Obedience Absolute.
But the nations of Earth have proven their will to fight, and by revealing magic to them the Oracle has ensured they will. Now she must reunite the mage and human worlds—before the Master retaliates. Facing supreme foes and the end of mankind, she needs allies.
She needs an army . . .
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2014
51 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Ben Hale
50 books352 followersAs an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Graduating from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful businesses before publishing his first novel in June of 2012. By the end of the year he'd sold almost ten thousand copies of The Second Draeken War, and he began writing full-time. Now spanning 10,000 years, ten titles, and two series, The Chronicles of Lumineia represents a sprawling YA series that has sold over fifty thousand copies, and continues to expand its readership across all ages. Each of his books has been inspired by his wonderful wife and five beautiful children.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 30, 2022
Enjoying the series so far. On to the next one!
July 29, 2017
Uh..pretty good?
I hesitate to say this is good because it is obviously a rip off of Harry Potter. In so many ways it is like it and it didn't have to be. It is really a good story and the similarities are very off putting to me. That said I will finish the series because it is good and I want and need to find out what happens. Even with the it's Potter-ness it is worth reading. Very clean, good magic and interesting characters.
I hesitate to say this is good because it is obviously a rip off of Harry Potter. In so many ways it is like it and it didn't have to be. It is really a good story and the similarities are very off putting to me. That said I will finish the series because it is good and I want and need to find out what happens. Even with the it's Potter-ness it is worth reading. Very clean, good magic and interesting characters.
March 15, 2017
A lot of folks are saying this story is great, and they can't wait for the next installment. Well, I say good for them, because I'm not seeing it.
The whole Harry Potter clone thing continues in this third installment, and I found nothing in here that was surprising, new, or original. I do have to say the author is getting better though, because unlike in the second book that felt like Harry Potter with Babylon5 thrown in for good measure, this one actually felt like the author was making an attempt to become his own man, and take the story where he wanted it to go instead of piggybacking on previous retellings of age old plots. Honestly, it's not that great of a story, but I like it anyway, and will likely read the rest of them (if I can get ahold of them), just because it's the kind of thing I like to read, and it's actually pretty well handled. The story doesn't feel contrived (for the most part), though Tess inability to figure things out even when they're staring her in the face is irritating, though that's normal for these kinds of books. The whole magic world not knowing what to do is irritating too, (but again, perfectly normal for these kinds of books). I really like the fact that the regular folks aren't just sitting around going "Oh, Woe is me." No, they're actually standing up, and trying to take part in the butt kicking. Good for them, that's certainly a refreshing turn of events, even if the magic world doesn't act similar.
Just wish Tess would figure out how to do her white light thing, so she can kick the evil's butt, but hey, if she figured that out, then I guess there wouldn't be much of a story, so ...
I like this one, even with it's obvious knockoff roots, and it's simplistic storylines, it's still a refreshing read over some of the other stuff I've read recently, so I'm happy to continue the series, though I don't know (yet) if Audible has the rest of them, the first three are in a single audio collection that doesn't show up as a separate book here on goodreads. So, onward and upward as it goes.
The whole Harry Potter clone thing continues in this third installment, and I found nothing in here that was surprising, new, or original. I do have to say the author is getting better though, because unlike in the second book that felt like Harry Potter with Babylon5 thrown in for good measure, this one actually felt like the author was making an attempt to become his own man, and take the story where he wanted it to go instead of piggybacking on previous retellings of age old plots. Honestly, it's not that great of a story, but I like it anyway, and will likely read the rest of them (if I can get ahold of them), just because it's the kind of thing I like to read, and it's actually pretty well handled. The story doesn't feel contrived (for the most part), though Tess inability to figure things out even when they're staring her in the face is irritating, though that's normal for these kinds of books. The whole magic world not knowing what to do is irritating too, (but again, perfectly normal for these kinds of books). I really like the fact that the regular folks aren't just sitting around going "Oh, Woe is me." No, they're actually standing up, and trying to take part in the butt kicking. Good for them, that's certainly a refreshing turn of events, even if the magic world doesn't act similar.
Just wish Tess would figure out how to do her white light thing, so she can kick the evil's butt, but hey, if she figured that out, then I guess there wouldn't be much of a story, so ...
I like this one, even with it's obvious knockoff roots, and it's simplistic storylines, it's still a refreshing read over some of the other stuff I've read recently, so I'm happy to continue the series, though I don't know (yet) if Audible has the rest of them, the first three are in a single audio collection that doesn't show up as a separate book here on goodreads. So, onward and upward as it goes.
January 6, 2023
I mistakenly thought this was a trilogy but was definitely wrong. I was looking forward to finishing it but I think I'll wait. It's a good series so far, but not great. I hope to eventually get into books 4 and 5.
Overall, I enjoyed the world and magic setting...much more than I thought I would. Being a modern world magic/fantasy, it's definitely something different than I'm used to reading.
Overall, I enjoyed the world and magic setting...much more than I thought I would. Being a modern world magic/fantasy, it's definitely something different than I'm used to reading.
June 1, 2018
Fantastic series
A wonderful series which blends the world of magic with the natural world. The planet will onle survive if the Oracle finds her way back from the darkness which ensnared her. A page turner!
A wonderful series which blends the world of magic with the natural world. The planet will onle survive if the Oracle finds her way back from the darkness which ensnared her. A page turner!
December 26, 2020
I liked this book a lot, even though most of it was doom and gloom. I liked it enough to keep going with the story and picking up the next book right away. Also really good to listen to while traveling.
April 6, 2019
Excellent
I really love this series. Read has grown so much and become a symbol of hope. You have to read this one, I can't day more or I will give it away.
I really love this series. Read has grown so much and become a symbol of hope. You have to read this one, I can't day more or I will give it away.
June 28, 2022
Quickly became boring
October 12, 2024
Meh, I don't really care enough to continue. It's just too much of a Harry Potter copy.
February 8, 2016
This is the latest book in the White Mage Saga written by Ben Hale who also wrote one of my favorite series, the Chronicles of Lumineia. I thoroughly enjoyed that series and have also enjoyed what interaction I've had with Ben Hale after I first started reviewing his books.
As I've written in my previous reviews of the White Mage Saga books, I tend to shy away from fantasy books set in the modern era. I'm a pre-Industrial type of guy I suppose. However, such was my enjoyment of the Chronicles and my desire to support Hale that I forged ahead into the White Mage saga. This series is set in the same world as the Chronicles of Lumineia, which is our own world, but in today's era where mages live and work unbeknownst to the public at large.
Just to get it out of the way: yes, there are a lot of similarities to a certain series with a lightening bolt-marked wizard to be found. However, I've found that as I get further into each book, those parallels are pushed to the side and become less and less of a mental tic for me.
This book picks up shortly after the end of the last as the existence of magic users is revealed to the world at large and the big bad herself makes her appearance. Tess, the latest (and last?) Oracle has to deal with the repercussions of that revelation as well as the expanding Dark; a cloud-type physical manifestation of the whatever power resided past the portal from whence came all of the evil forces in the Chronicles of Lumineia. As this cloud expands over the earth, the nations of the world are faced with an ultimatum; submit or be destroyed. The mage community, as well as the world's governments (The US mainly, which conviently is on the opposite side of the globe from the Dark's epicenter :) ) has to decide how they want to deal with the crises, and whether Tess, the Oracle is to be their leader in the fight.
Much like in Chronicles there was a sub-theme of small things (people, actions) leading to big happenings in the storyline, in this book there seems to be an exploration of various characters' pressure points, and what happens when those points are squeezed. Those points could be loved ones, your nation, your career, or your way of life, be it the mage or non-mage populations. When faced with a terrorist-like threat, or a totalitarian regime, how does one deal with it? Do you only look after yourself and/or your family? Do you fight back? Do you duck your head and try not to be noticed?
I was concerned while reading this book as it seemed like, again, a lot had to happen in an ever dwindling amount of book. However, this book is not the end. It does finish with a cliff-hanger; I don't think there's a lot of actual suspense in it, but I am grateful that the next book is due out in a short amount of time.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next. I felt that a some of my questions (or raised eyebrows) from the first books were answered to a certain degree, though, of course, much more is still left unresolved. Further, we have a few new wrinkles that will be interesting to see how they iron out.
As I've written in my previous reviews of the White Mage Saga books, I tend to shy away from fantasy books set in the modern era. I'm a pre-Industrial type of guy I suppose. However, such was my enjoyment of the Chronicles and my desire to support Hale that I forged ahead into the White Mage saga. This series is set in the same world as the Chronicles of Lumineia, which is our own world, but in today's era where mages live and work unbeknownst to the public at large.
Just to get it out of the way: yes, there are a lot of similarities to a certain series with a lightening bolt-marked wizard to be found. However, I've found that as I get further into each book, those parallels are pushed to the side and become less and less of a mental tic for me.
This book picks up shortly after the end of the last as the existence of magic users is revealed to the world at large and the big bad herself makes her appearance. Tess, the latest (and last?) Oracle has to deal with the repercussions of that revelation as well as the expanding Dark; a cloud-type physical manifestation of the whatever power resided past the portal from whence came all of the evil forces in the Chronicles of Lumineia. As this cloud expands over the earth, the nations of the world are faced with an ultimatum; submit or be destroyed. The mage community, as well as the world's governments (The US mainly, which conviently is on the opposite side of the globe from the Dark's epicenter :) ) has to decide how they want to deal with the crises, and whether Tess, the Oracle is to be their leader in the fight.
Much like in Chronicles there was a sub-theme of small things (people, actions) leading to big happenings in the storyline, in this book there seems to be an exploration of various characters' pressure points, and what happens when those points are squeezed. Those points could be loved ones, your nation, your career, or your way of life, be it the mage or non-mage populations. When faced with a terrorist-like threat, or a totalitarian regime, how does one deal with it? Do you only look after yourself and/or your family? Do you fight back? Do you duck your head and try not to be noticed?
I was concerned while reading this book as it seemed like, again, a lot had to happen in an ever dwindling amount of book. However, this book is not the end. It does finish with a cliff-hanger; I don't think there's a lot of actual suspense in it, but I am grateful that the next book is due out in a short amount of time.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next. I felt that a some of my questions (or raised eyebrows) from the first books were answered to a certain degree, though, of course, much more is still left unresolved. Further, we have a few new wrinkles that will be interesting to see how they iron out.
August 10, 2014
The book Literally starts from where the last one ended.
The dark has been revealed and unleashed to the world, ALice is exposed and the magic is visible to the world.
The book moves on with how the Auren world is perceiving the magic and preparing for the inevitable.
The so called minor countries (all the non- american countries) are being consumed by the dark people twisted to become the Fiends.
Meanwhile Oracle Tess is in Auroraq and trying to learn things (specially Far-sight and how to open the crest).
The story in Auroraq is nice with students forming rebel groups and trying to get ready for the war. the Voidlings taking over Tryton and Alice taking over Magethian.
Hawk being revealed to the worked Guildhalls being destroyed by the harbingers.
The story moves on with lots of plots. Tryton, Aururaq, USA, Russia, IRis and her mother, removal of magic from DRAKE the SIARRA's Refuge.
There are lots of plots and lots of scope for next 2 books.
Specially i am looking forward to the talismans and how Tess and Group will get it.
There are lots of plots which are not relevant. some places the book looks to be dragged a little.
The story as such is good and the small tit bits getting revealed make the story interesting .
I loved the story and give this book 4/5 .
waiting for next
Devil D
The dark has been revealed and unleashed to the world, ALice is exposed and the magic is visible to the world.
The book moves on with how the Auren world is perceiving the magic and preparing for the inevitable.
The so called minor countries (all the non- american countries) are being consumed by the dark people twisted to become the Fiends.
Meanwhile Oracle Tess is in Auroraq and trying to learn things (specially Far-sight and how to open the crest).
The story in Auroraq is nice with students forming rebel groups and trying to get ready for the war. the Voidlings taking over Tryton and Alice taking over Magethian.
Hawk being revealed to the worked Guildhalls being destroyed by the harbingers.
The story moves on with lots of plots. Tryton, Aururaq, USA, Russia, IRis and her mother, removal of magic from DRAKE the SIARRA's Refuge.
There are lots of plots and lots of scope for next 2 books.
Specially i am looking forward to the talismans and how Tess and Group will get it.
There are lots of plots which are not relevant. some places the book looks to be dragged a little.
The story as such is good and the small tit bits getting revealed make the story interesting .
I loved the story and give this book 4/5 .
waiting for next
Devil D
February 8, 2016
Description:
The Dark has been unleashed.
Impervious to mage or man, its almighty power is only matched by its hunger. Unchecked it will devour the planet . . . until even the dawn is extinguished. Human and creature alike will become twisted, beasts slaved to the Dark's will. The leash is held by the Harbinger Master, who requires a simple offering to stay the impending slaughter.
Obedience Absolute.
But the nations of Earth have proven their will to fight, and by revealing magic to them the Oracle has ensured they will. Now she must reunite the mage and human worlds—before the Master retaliates. Facing supreme foes and the end of mankind, she needs allies.
She needs an army . . .
my review:
Good 3rd installment in the White Mage Saga.
The Dark has been unleashed.
Impervious to mage or man, its almighty power is only matched by its hunger. Unchecked it will devour the planet . . . until even the dawn is extinguished. Human and creature alike will become twisted, beasts slaved to the Dark's will. The leash is held by the Harbinger Master, who requires a simple offering to stay the impending slaughter.
Obedience Absolute.
But the nations of Earth have proven their will to fight, and by revealing magic to them the Oracle has ensured they will. Now she must reunite the mage and human worlds—before the Master retaliates. Facing supreme foes and the end of mankind, she needs allies.
She needs an army . . .
my review:
Good 3rd installment in the White Mage Saga.
July 3, 2016
Book three improved over the second installment, but the joy of the first novel is nowhere in sight. Despite the dark turn of events, the stakes don't feel like they've risen at all. There's a sense of disconnection from the plight of the world and the hopelessness of the characters hasn't moved an iota from book two. I've lost interest in the heroes. I've lost interest in the story. I won't be continuing this series.
March 21, 2016
The story continues in this third book in the series is deeper and more creative than any of the others. The author seems to have come into his own. It starts with a huge plot twists and picks up speed from there. It's full of complicated choices and unexpected outcomes. I can't say more without giving away the plot surprises, but I'll read the rest of the series for sure.
August 7, 2014
A masterful addition to the series. Ben has a talent for really sucking the reader into the struggle of his characters. I really liked the growth that occurred across most of the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 21, 2014
I found this a bit slow at some places. The few action-packed scenes were good though. Really liked the bang towards the end of the book.
April 6, 2015
Hale strikes again
Another fast paced and compelling read with an ending that leaves you clamouring for more. A worthy addition to a strong series.
Another fast paced and compelling read with an ending that leaves you clamouring for more. A worthy addition to a strong series.
February 25, 2016
The plot finally gets far enough from a Harry Potter outline to come into its own.
August 27, 2016
Overall score: 4.25 stars.
Connection to the main characters: 4 stars.
World(s) portrayed: 3.25 stars.
Magic system: 4.
Depth: 3.75 stars.
Connection to the main characters: 4 stars.
World(s) portrayed: 3.25 stars.
Magic system: 4.
Depth: 3.75 stars.
September 9, 2016
I had a really hard time buying the evil overload take over followed by a return to school as if all was normal... I do have to admit that the climax was very good.
February 1, 2017
Tess to the rescue
Ben does it again! Another great Book in a great story. I am really enjoying the story that Ben Hale has written. Thanks again Ben!
Ben does it again! Another great Book in a great story. I am really enjoying the story that Ben Hale has written. Thanks again Ben!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews