Can one soldier, one Genogerian, one old gatekeeper, and a renegade witch save the world? Find out in this all new Michael Talbot adventure series!
The Source, the natural wellspring of Magic in the world, is stretched to the breaking point. If gluttonous witchcraft and human usurpers are not curtailed, it will vanish from the Nine Realms, taking with it every legendary race, and the magical sway of all that is good in the world will disappear forever. Before that end, the gods themselves will wage a final destructive war on Creation.
The quest to save Magic at all costs is at hand, and an ancient prophesy awakens. An unlikely and unwilling hero Michael Talbot, a broken soldier with nothing to live for except the dream of an afterlife where he’s finally reunited with his wife and daughter.
Allies from throughout the Talbot universe rally to his side, and new friendships are formed, though agendas may not align. Talbot finds himself thrust onto a path he would never have chosen, and as the magical world rises to its own defense, the world becomes rife with cruel foes, monsters, and deadly forces no human can guard against.
I have become a big fan of Mark Tufo's through his Devil's Desk series and his novel, The Spirit Clearing. He is a powerful writer with a deep understanding of his protagonist Mike Talbot. The reason he understands his protagonist so well is that he appears to use him in all of his stories (or at least all the ones I have read so far) like some sort of Eternal Champion out of Michael Moorcock's novels. This isn't a bad thing, but it can be a confusing one. I didn't realize I was starting a new series when I bought this book and it took me a few pages to realize that that was what I had done. Then the action settled in and I began to read about two characters (Talbot and BT) that I have grown to like a lot in the Devil's Desk get themselves into a whole new set of problems.
This time we are in a fantasy universe where--unsurprisingly for this genre--the human world is about to end. To be fair, Tufo actually makes you respect the bad guys' decision to wipe humans out. We are (say half intentionally) doing things that will make it impossible for most magical races to survive. But there is a small chance that the end can be averted and everything be made good again if Talbot can just get out of the funk in his head and get motivated again.
By the way, about the time we are discovering all of this is the time that we realize that one of the many races of bad guys is badder than most and it's really hard not to find them the horrible monsters that Tolkien intended his orcs to be—only much more so (and more powerful).
There's a lot happening in this one and Tufo takes his readers on a rousingly fun journey. I'm definitely going to have to read the next one.
Having read just about everything Mark Tufo has available on kindle, I must say that this is some of his best storytelling. My only disappointment is that the story isn’t finished…or maybe that’s something to be excited about. I’m so perplexed…I think Mark is on the cusp of writing a masterpiece that would be mentioned alongside The Stand, Swan Song, or perhaps even a classic such as Phantom of the Opera. Mark has some of the most twisted and gifted ideas floating around in that crayon eating cranium of his and I look forward to seeing what will pour out next!
As per usual, this story involves some great-many familiar-characters who are thrust into situations they reluctantly endure. The interactions between them are top notch and the conflicts they face feel original and real. Sorta ties in all of the worlds into one story but in an original setting. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
So funny that my husband made fun of my startled laugh.
Mike goes on a journey as he always does but this time the beings he’s surrounded by are mystical and mostly magical. Interesting storyline that feels fresh but with the comfort of old friends.
At one point it has the feels of The Iron Druid by Kevin Hearne but with Tufos unique story telling, horror elements and humor
I loved this story. all my very favorite characters from Mark's previous books together in one grand adventure. As always, a lot of humor, friendship, and action. I loved it and hope many more are in the works! EXCELLENT!!!
Loved it, loved it, loved it. Just a shame that Mark insists on having a life outside of being an author, and makes us wait for new tales of Mike Talbot.
Great read and brilliant little 'Easter eggs' from all the other time lines. Was unsure how this was going to be but great to have familiar characters written the way only Mark Tufo can write them. Can't wait for the next instalment.
This was a great and surprising story! I love how the characters are together as in most of Mike Talbot books. This is an awesome read and as usual I can't wait for the next book!!
I have found that Mark Tufo can do no wrong. I’m not even going to bother thinking about my star ratings for his books. All fives from here on out. If you’re a Talbot fan, this is a fantastic take placing him and some other favorites into a strange fantasy like world. It is terrific. That is all.
Ok, this audiobook had me laughing so hard there were tears running down my face! Loved it. But it should have come as no surprise that it ends on a cliff hanger. I wonder how many books will be in this series?
I like books that have an ending then setup next book with a cliff hanger. This book just stops when the baddies are coming. Still a good paced read but needed a few more chapters. I will get book 2 I just hope it's soon as my memory is not great.
Bringing Trip back was the best surprise ever! He's always been my favorite. Took me a few chapters to ease into the different character roles, but once I did, I fell in love with. Can't wait for the next book
Great book. Definitely different than Mr Girl's normal works. I loved the melding of characters in a completely different world. Can't wait for the next one.
This is Mike Talbot in a whole new reality but he is much the same. Aligned with several quirky characters and stuck in an adventure he wants no part of. Loving it so far.