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The Blue Mage
The Gramarye – a mysterious and powerful artefact – has been stolen by a demonic being and bestowed upon a small group of oppressed mages in Vermor. With it, they have a chance to open a gateway to the Otherside – a world of limitless untamed magic.
Defeated and broken, Killian O’Shea must pick himself up and try to fix the wrongs he’s set in motion. Once again, he teams up with Captain Lily Rothbone, and despite the confused tangle of feelings they have for each other, they sail across the sea in search of answers. Killian and Lily, along with a handful of her crew, traverse the unfamiliar and beautiful land of Freischen, where they discover the key to stopping the demon lies in a forbidden ritual.
Killian must contend with the bizarre power that’s growing inside him and using his very life force to fuel itself, and he’ll have to risk his sanity and life if he’s to stand a chance of smothering the nefarious magic of the Gramarye.
Lily will face an ethereal spirit from her childhood as she decides which aspects of her being are worth giving up, what it means to be a pirate captain, and whether someone with her broken past is capable of loving.
In Vermor, Sasha, a lone travelling trickster, is persuaded to join the group of mages. She’s drawn in by the prospect of the infinite power that will be hers once the Gramarye has consumed enough souls.
As the Gramarye grows in power, gateways will collapse, and souls will be lost. All that stands against it are a dejected thief, a doubting pirate queen and a ragtag crew of swashbucklers.
Defeated and broken, Killian O’Shea must pick himself up and try to fix the wrongs he’s set in motion. Once again, he teams up with Captain Lily Rothbone, and despite the confused tangle of feelings they have for each other, they sail across the sea in search of answers. Killian and Lily, along with a handful of her crew, traverse the unfamiliar and beautiful land of Freischen, where they discover the key to stopping the demon lies in a forbidden ritual.
Killian must contend with the bizarre power that’s growing inside him and using his very life force to fuel itself, and he’ll have to risk his sanity and life if he’s to stand a chance of smothering the nefarious magic of the Gramarye.
Lily will face an ethereal spirit from her childhood as she decides which aspects of her being are worth giving up, what it means to be a pirate captain, and whether someone with her broken past is capable of loving.
In Vermor, Sasha, a lone travelling trickster, is persuaded to join the group of mages. She’s drawn in by the prospect of the infinite power that will be hers once the Gramarye has consumed enough souls.
As the Gramarye grows in power, gateways will collapse, and souls will be lost. All that stands against it are a dejected thief, a doubting pirate queen and a ragtag crew of swashbucklers.
620 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Jo de-Lancey
2 books16 followersJo de-Lancey is a fantasy writer from the U.K. She wanted to be an author from a very young age, and used to while away the hours writing stories about enchanted scarecrows – which she’d then read to her older brother and his friends. Yes, she now cringes about this, but everyone has to start somewhere and with some sort of audience.
She’s since left the scarecrows behind in favour of thieves, pirates and magic. A love of the classic Final Fantasy and Zelda games drew her towards the fantasy genre, as well as the desire to create her own world. Her debut novel, The Crystal Shore, is the first in a series of four.
When she’s not writing can be found playing video games, navigating the wilds of the English countryside with her fiancée or watching b-movies while drinking cocktails.
She’s since left the scarecrows behind in favour of thieves, pirates and magic. A love of the classic Final Fantasy and Zelda games drew her towards the fantasy genre, as well as the desire to create her own world. Her debut novel, The Crystal Shore, is the first in a series of four.
When she’s not writing can be found playing video games, navigating the wilds of the English countryside with her fiancée or watching b-movies while drinking cocktails.
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September 16, 2025The Blue Mage by Jo de-Lancey
Happy publishing day!!!
The Blue Mage is book two in The Tempered Souls series following The Crystal Shore.
After the tumultuous events of The Crystal Shore, Killian, Lily, Raven, and gang are left to pick up the pieces after their friend’s passing. As always, Jo’s writing is full of beautiful, vivid colors in her descriptions and I enjoy the sheer imagination of her characters and their world. The Blue Mage dealt with some heavy themes too as each character seemed to be carrying the burden of grief whether from recent events or something that happened in their past and that grief was explored as it manifested in many different ways for each unique character.
I recommend this book if you enjoy a long read that lets you settle in and enjoy the view. Jo takes her time describing the world down to every cup of coffee or sunset from the deck of The Tempest. While the piece is long, the short chapters help to keep the pace moving. The introduction of new characters and a possible villain kept me wondering what was going to happen next as Killian and crew caught their breath after the events of the last book.
Thank you to Jo for my ARC copy—this is my honest review in exchange.
Happy publishing day!!!
The Blue Mage is book two in The Tempered Souls series following The Crystal Shore.
After the tumultuous events of The Crystal Shore, Killian, Lily, Raven, and gang are left to pick up the pieces after their friend’s passing. As always, Jo’s writing is full of beautiful, vivid colors in her descriptions and I enjoy the sheer imagination of her characters and their world. The Blue Mage dealt with some heavy themes too as each character seemed to be carrying the burden of grief whether from recent events or something that happened in their past and that grief was explored as it manifested in many different ways for each unique character.
I recommend this book if you enjoy a long read that lets you settle in and enjoy the view. Jo takes her time describing the world down to every cup of coffee or sunset from the deck of The Tempest. While the piece is long, the short chapters help to keep the pace moving. The introduction of new characters and a possible villain kept me wondering what was going to happen next as Killian and crew caught their breath after the events of the last book.
Thank you to Jo for my ARC copy—this is my honest review in exchange.
September 16, 2025
A desperate quest to set things right, an artefact hungry for souls, pirates, magic and the bonds of friendship.
The Blue Mage is for you if you like:
☠️ pirates
🐉 fantasy
🧭 adventure
✨️ magic
🥃 rum
🍲 whatever form of witchcraft it is that makes anime food look so delicious, but written down
🌍 effortless world building
💜 slow burn, will they/won't they romance
☕️ cosy, but not necessarily wholesome, vibes (swearing, blood, peril, anguish)
🌶🌶 spice rating 2 - Behind closed doors.
If you haven't read The Crystal Shore yet, drop everything and go read it, right now. The Blue Mage picks up about two weeks after the events at the end of The Crystal Shore. You will absolutely need the context from the first book to truly appreciate this instalment in The Tempered Soul series, in all its glory. Seriously, go read it now.
Killian, Lily and her pirate crew are back, along with a new cast of characters to love, and some you might want to kick at times. In this volume, we follow Killian, Lily and the crew, as they venture off in search of a particular artefact which was stolen from them under truly harrowing circumstances at the end of The Crystal Shore. Killian wrestles with his guilt and it's really quite heartbreaking how deeply burdened he is by it. However, that guilt is a strong motivating force, pushing him forward on his quest. Killian also has a secret, in the interests of keeping this review spoiler-free, I won't share more here. I was, however, relieved when he finally shared that secret with a few of the crew.
New POV character Sasha is a mage who wants a better life; one where she doesn't have to hide who she is. It's leading her down a path that honestly makes you question, how far would you go for something you believed in? She's recruited by a band of mages with a mission; to help all the mages of Vermor. A noble cause certainly, but at what cost?
If Raven captured your interest in The Crystal Shore, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Blue Mage to learn more about Lily's enigmatic first mate and his history. Along the way, Killian continues his slow dance around Lily, and at times you can really feel the awkwardness burning into your skull as they trip over their feelings for one another. Someone needs to lock those two in a room together. Killian and Raven, however, do open up to each other, and the bromance is beautiful! Back in Brackmouth, I really enjoyed seeing Killian spend some more time with Stell before setting off on his journey. I love her, she's warm milk and honey on a winter's day and I hope we'll see more of her in the future.
I've really enjoyed the pace of the book and the world building, it's nice and subtle with familiar settings and fantasy creatures. The magic system feels so relatable, the fear that the mages experience at times is very real. It feels something like writer's block or stage fright, or a lack of artistic inspiration. It feels like a battle with your own mental health and willpower.
This sequel answered questions I didn't realise I had, like why did Lily have Killian steal something as simple as a shell in The Crystal Shore? Why is it that Lily seems invulnerable? Why was Lily surprised that Killian hurt her when he came back from The Drop? I love the level of depth and detail, and the call backs to the previous book, Lily's shell, Ruby the barmaid from The Laughing Swan who seemed a little sad, and an amber necklace. It's that intricate web that demonstrates how thoughtfully written these books are. I feel like this might be one of those series that you read, then read again to really appreciate all the little details. This is one of those books where you can 'one more chapter' your way to 3 am if you're not careful, but nestled between the pages there's true wisdom; "you can't control everything, and you can't control what people do and choose to do". We could all stand to remember that at times. I enjoyed this instalment even more than The Crystal Shore, I hope you will too!
The Blue Mage is for you if you like:
☠️ pirates
🐉 fantasy
🧭 adventure
✨️ magic
🥃 rum
🍲 whatever form of witchcraft it is that makes anime food look so delicious, but written down
🌍 effortless world building
💜 slow burn, will they/won't they romance
☕️ cosy, but not necessarily wholesome, vibes (swearing, blood, peril, anguish)
🌶🌶 spice rating 2 - Behind closed doors.
If you haven't read The Crystal Shore yet, drop everything and go read it, right now. The Blue Mage picks up about two weeks after the events at the end of The Crystal Shore. You will absolutely need the context from the first book to truly appreciate this instalment in The Tempered Soul series, in all its glory. Seriously, go read it now.
Killian, Lily and her pirate crew are back, along with a new cast of characters to love, and some you might want to kick at times. In this volume, we follow Killian, Lily and the crew, as they venture off in search of a particular artefact which was stolen from them under truly harrowing circumstances at the end of The Crystal Shore. Killian wrestles with his guilt and it's really quite heartbreaking how deeply burdened he is by it. However, that guilt is a strong motivating force, pushing him forward on his quest. Killian also has a secret, in the interests of keeping this review spoiler-free, I won't share more here. I was, however, relieved when he finally shared that secret with a few of the crew.
New POV character Sasha is a mage who wants a better life; one where she doesn't have to hide who she is. It's leading her down a path that honestly makes you question, how far would you go for something you believed in? She's recruited by a band of mages with a mission; to help all the mages of Vermor. A noble cause certainly, but at what cost?
If Raven captured your interest in The Crystal Shore, you'll definitely want to grab a copy of The Blue Mage to learn more about Lily's enigmatic first mate and his history. Along the way, Killian continues his slow dance around Lily, and at times you can really feel the awkwardness burning into your skull as they trip over their feelings for one another. Someone needs to lock those two in a room together. Killian and Raven, however, do open up to each other, and the bromance is beautiful! Back in Brackmouth, I really enjoyed seeing Killian spend some more time with Stell before setting off on his journey. I love her, she's warm milk and honey on a winter's day and I hope we'll see more of her in the future.
I've really enjoyed the pace of the book and the world building, it's nice and subtle with familiar settings and fantasy creatures. The magic system feels so relatable, the fear that the mages experience at times is very real. It feels something like writer's block or stage fright, or a lack of artistic inspiration. It feels like a battle with your own mental health and willpower.
This sequel answered questions I didn't realise I had, like why did Lily have Killian steal something as simple as a shell in The Crystal Shore? Why is it that Lily seems invulnerable? Why was Lily surprised that Killian hurt her when he came back from The Drop? I love the level of depth and detail, and the call backs to the previous book, Lily's shell, Ruby the barmaid from The Laughing Swan who seemed a little sad, and an amber necklace. It's that intricate web that demonstrates how thoughtfully written these books are. I feel like this might be one of those series that you read, then read again to really appreciate all the little details. This is one of those books where you can 'one more chapter' your way to 3 am if you're not careful, but nestled between the pages there's true wisdom; "you can't control everything, and you can't control what people do and choose to do". We could all stand to remember that at times. I enjoyed this instalment even more than The Crystal Shore, I hope you will too!
January 19, 2026
The Blue Mage not only had me hooked throughout, but reminded me of why I love to read.
I will begin this review with a warning: do not read The Blue Mage on an empty stomach. There is many a delicious description of food and beverages throughout… so many bevvys… so prepare yourself to be constantly hungry whilst reading.
The Blue Mage follows the beloved pirate crew from The Crystal Shore on their adventures through fantastical towns and cities, lush woodlands and haunting graveyards.
Brand new characters brought a fresh perspective, amidst the familiar comfort of Lily, Killian, and the crew of the Tempest – and of course, there’s plenty of banter between the original squad. I fell head over heels for two of the new characters, who battle through their inner demons together whilst greater threats cultivate.
The charm of the seas is not lost in this book – it’s tough not to spoil anything here, but believe me, the ocean still lives within these characters.
We learn a lot more about certain characters’ pasts, many harbouring a twist of darkness. Speaking of, there were some far darker scenes that left me feeling uncomfortable, but in the best way! The author does an excellent job of digging deep into her characters’ minds to offer the most personal (and often relatable) experiences to her readers.
When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it. When I was reading, I was laughing, sobbing or grinning like the Cheshire Cat. The Blue Mage establishes such deep character connection, expertly balanced with high-stakes plot lines, and complex desire between two original characters.
This book is the height of the fantasy genre for me, conjuring vivid imagery and strong emotions. The Blue Mage was my top book of 2025. I cannot wait for the next instalment of The Tempered Soul series.
I will begin this review with a warning: do not read The Blue Mage on an empty stomach. There is many a delicious description of food and beverages throughout… so many bevvys… so prepare yourself to be constantly hungry whilst reading.
The Blue Mage follows the beloved pirate crew from The Crystal Shore on their adventures through fantastical towns and cities, lush woodlands and haunting graveyards.
Brand new characters brought a fresh perspective, amidst the familiar comfort of Lily, Killian, and the crew of the Tempest – and of course, there’s plenty of banter between the original squad. I fell head over heels for two of the new characters, who battle through their inner demons together whilst greater threats cultivate.
The charm of the seas is not lost in this book – it’s tough not to spoil anything here, but believe me, the ocean still lives within these characters.
We learn a lot more about certain characters’ pasts, many harbouring a twist of darkness. Speaking of, there were some far darker scenes that left me feeling uncomfortable, but in the best way! The author does an excellent job of digging deep into her characters’ minds to offer the most personal (and often relatable) experiences to her readers.
When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it. When I was reading, I was laughing, sobbing or grinning like the Cheshire Cat. The Blue Mage establishes such deep character connection, expertly balanced with high-stakes plot lines, and complex desire between two original characters.
This book is the height of the fantasy genre for me, conjuring vivid imagery and strong emotions. The Blue Mage was my top book of 2025. I cannot wait for the next instalment of The Tempered Soul series.
January 7, 2026
I enjoyed this so much, was very excited for it since reading the Crystal Shore and this did not disappoint in the slightest. It has a different feel to the first book, as in more moody and dark but I feel like this is very fitting after the ending of the crystal shore (if you know you know!!!)
The characters lean into deeper emotional stakes, more internal conflict, and darker themes, which is perfect for me. As someone who has struggled with mental health I felt like it was very relatable, and a healthy way to explore these themes of grief and personal growth. Infact I was going through a bad time whilst reading this book and it gave me a lot of strength!
The new characters add so much as well, and I love the moral complexity of it all. Nothing is just black and white, but nuanced and dynamic. I love how magic has consequence, you can't just use it willy nilly and it brings up really interesting trains of thoughts in my head. Very cleverly done.
The world building is just as strong as the first book, so magical!!
If you loved the crystal shore, then this will be the perfect continuation and builds on a already amazing start!!
The characters lean into deeper emotional stakes, more internal conflict, and darker themes, which is perfect for me. As someone who has struggled with mental health I felt like it was very relatable, and a healthy way to explore these themes of grief and personal growth. Infact I was going through a bad time whilst reading this book and it gave me a lot of strength!
The new characters add so much as well, and I love the moral complexity of it all. Nothing is just black and white, but nuanced and dynamic. I love how magic has consequence, you can't just use it willy nilly and it brings up really interesting trains of thoughts in my head. Very cleverly done.
The world building is just as strong as the first book, so magical!!
If you loved the crystal shore, then this will be the perfect continuation and builds on a already amazing start!!
September 21, 2025
The Blue Mage resumes our story not long after the events of the Crystal Shore, continuing the story of Killian, Lily, Raven and the crew of the Tempest as they grasp with the aftermath of the end of the first book.
All characters - new and old - face unprecedented obstacles as they uncover truths about each other and the true power the Gramarye holds. The sequel is a darker and more emotional story as characters face their own fears and demons, a decision that makes this story even more compelling
This is certainly a sequel worth shouting about as we unravel a tale filled with adventure and introspection. Fantastic writing/world building and I cannot recommend enough for anyone wanting to cosy up and take in the vast world that de-Lancey has created in the Tempered Soul series
Read, read, read!!!
All characters - new and old - face unprecedented obstacles as they uncover truths about each other and the true power the Gramarye holds. The sequel is a darker and more emotional story as characters face their own fears and demons, a decision that makes this story even more compelling
This is certainly a sequel worth shouting about as we unravel a tale filled with adventure and introspection. Fantastic writing/world building and I cannot recommend enough for anyone wanting to cosy up and take in the vast world that de-Lancey has created in the Tempered Soul series
Read, read, read!!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews