The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1

by Jim Melvin

“Melvin’s tale painstakingly builds its magical world, where fantastic creatures abound.” —Kirkus Reviews
Enter a world where death is not final—it's a magical fuel.

In the mystical realm of Triken, enemies are relentless, the struggle is brutal, and one man dares to break the laws of life itself. Torg, a Death Wizard, draws strength from his own demise, rising again and again to defend a world on the brink of ruin. Yet his greatest trial is yet to come—not only against armies and dark sorcery, but against a monster intent on devouring everything Torg loves.

As war ignites and ancient powers awaken, Torg must confront a destiny soaked in blood, bound by sacrifice, and forged in a darkness deeper than death.

Perfect for fans of The Witcher, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and The First Law series, The Death Wizard Chronicles delivers relentless action, rich world-building, sexual tension, and a haunting exploration of power, mortality, and what it means to be truly alive.

From award-winning fantasy author Jim Melvin comes a new three-volume edition of his epic fantasy series, The Death Wizard Chronicles.

Author's This trilogy explores themes and conflicts intended for mature readers.

Genres: Fantasy

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2025

About the author

Jim grew up on the shores of western Florida, and he spent much of his childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie "Jaws" put a scare into everyone. At the time, he probably was too skinny to attract a bull shark's attention. About ten other boys Jim's age lived on his same street, and they hung out morning, noon and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, "kill the carrier," etc. — but as a group they also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters and superheroes. It was in this setting that Jim's imagination was born and nurtured.

Jim's latest work is an updated edition of "The Death Wizard Chronicles," an action-packed dark fantasy for mature audiences. Volume 1 debuted April 2025. Volume 2 is set for July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.

Literary Titan's 5-star review of Volume 1 included the following: "For the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, this hits like thunder."

Jim also recently published a teen fantasy adventure trilogy titled "Dark Circles," which is about a group of kids who are transported to a magical land where it can be deadly to sleep. This is a great coming-of-age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.

Kirkus Reviews described book 1 as "a delightful beginning to a promising series that’s sure to appeal to teen readers who feel like outsiders."

"Dark Circles" is the winner of fourteen awards, including double finalist in the 21st annual Best Book Awards.

Jim is also the author of two books of nonfiction.

"The Adventures of a Florida Boy" chronicles
Jim's boyhood spent in Florida in the 1960s on an island called Coquina Key. His parents’ waterfront home overlooked a large expanse of Tampa Bay. Back then, parts of the island were undeveloped, which left plenty of room for outdoor adventures.

One reviewer said this: “A joyous glimpse into a childhood we all wish we’d had: fun, carefree, and near the sea.”

Jim was also the lead writer and editor for the nonfiction book "Eclipse Over Clemson: The day Tigertown will never forget," which chronicled the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse that passed over Clemson University. The on-campus event which Jim coordinated was a once-in-a-lifetime experience attended by more than 50,000 people.

Jim lives in a valley surrounded by mountains in the Southern Appalachians. He was previously an award-winning journalist at several national newspapers and a communications director at a major university.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was reminiscent of a combination of The Game of thrones, Elden Ring and Lord Of The Rings. The story was extremely engaging and fast paced whilst being filled with suspense and constant intrigue.
In terms of the characters, they were all unique and well developed and fleshed out melding perfectly with the story as a whole. I found the setting to be incredible and on point with the genre of epic fantasy with a splash of horror elements.
The story held my interest throughout and I look forward to reading other works by this author in the future.
A huge thankyou to Net galley and Green Bird Publishing for an arc of this incredible book!.

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cant believe i haven’t found this author sooner! The world building and magic development is impeccable. An absolute page turner. The intensity of and TENSION this book has between all these characters *chefs kiss*. MORE PLEASE!!!

[Laura❄️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death Wizard chronicles have been previously released but now that rights have gone back to author, he has decided to edit it and release it. This book continues the first two books of the series, volume 2 and 3 are to come later this year.

If you like magic, dragons, wizards, demons, vampires, fated love and many other monsters then this is the book for you. Torg is a death wizard who has ruled over his people in peace for a thousand years. A threat to all the free people of Triken has emerged the evil wizard Invictus, who has self styled himself as a god. Invictus imprisons Torg is a pit of depair that carved out of a frozen mountain. Will Torg escape.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a bit of a punt but I’m glad I took a chance and read it. The book has some dark themes but the author doesn’t dwell on these and instead these are used to shape the plot rather than overwhelm it. This was a really well written book and that ending :( I can’t wait until volumes 2 and 3 are released as I’m really enjoying this series. The author made me care about all of the characters and I am eager to read what comes next. There is a love story but this only part of the plot but overall I really enjoyed the world building and the writing was very descriptive.

[Favour Creative · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A gripping and imaginative start to the series, blending dark sorcery, brutal battles, and a truly original magic system. Torg is a fascinating protagonist complex, powerful, and burdened with a destiny that kept me hooked. Fans of epic fantasy will find this both refreshing and unforgettable."

[J.S. Hyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Death Wizard Chronicles by Jim Melvin Volume One contains the first two books in the series, which journeys through the compelling magical world of Triken: Alive with demons, dragons, and strange new creatures.
In Book One, we follow the adventures of the seemingly all-powerful Torg – Death Knower and King of the Tugars, on a mission to abolish the insidious sorcerer Invictus before he destroys all of Triken. Book Two follows the torment of Laylah, sister to Invictus, who is determined to escape her fate.
These books are intended for mature readers, with brief plot points of a sexual nature and monstrous horror elements from our villains. Still, it is interlaced and balanced with emotionally heartfelt moments throughout from our protagonists.

Book One instantly immerses us in this strange new world as we follow Torg - the pacing is fast and action-packed, but there are moments later to relax and enjoy exploring the rich fantasy world Jim has created. The characters are well developed and varied, with sensitivities for each addressed as we learn more about them. I found the amount of world-building, names and numerous references to places and the ancient language slowed my enjoyment in the early scenes, but this was quickly overcome as the story unfolded, and I became used to the author's style and inventiveness.

Book Two brings in a new protagonist - Laylah, sister of Invictus. Fair warning here - the subject of incest is a huge plot point but delivered more in the style of the ancient Greek gods and less of a sexual nature, ensuring we understand how truly twisted Invictus is. I found this book more enjoyable as it opened up the world of Triken and introduced a female lead. It also added interesting new characters and built on the magical systems. While not as action-packed as book one (in the beginning), the character's dilemma gave enough excitement and drama to want to keep page turning.

Overall, this fantasy adventure feels like one of the classics. Yet the concepts, world, and magic systems, especially that of the Death Knower, felt refreshingly new and thought-provoking for a fantasy reader. While the author has expressed this would be for fans of Game of Thrones, I would place it for people who enjoyed The Rift War sagas and wanted a faster Shannara Chronicles: it also has moments of humour, depth of emotion and characters that would be at home in Vox Machina, but it definitely leans on the darker fantasy elements found in books like The Sword of Truth series.
I am looking forward to continuing the saga and recommend those looking for a classic, dark fantasy adventure to give the Death Wizard Chronicles a read.

I am grateful for Jim Melvin for allowing me to ARC read his work.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Melvin’s The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 is a sweeping and gritty epic fantasy novel that plunges the reader into the war-torn world of Triken, where magic, violence, and fate collide. The story centers on Torg, a Death-Knower—a warrior-king who dies and resurrects repeatedly, gaining mystical powers with each return. As the leader of the desert-dwelling Tugars, he stands alone against Invictus, a rising sorcerer whose dark magic and monstrous allies threaten the very balance of existence. When Torg trades his freedom to save a peaceful race known as the Noble Ones, the tale shifts into a tense meditation on sacrifice, loyalty, and power. The plot is fast-paced and cinematic, with vivid world-building and sharp dialogue.

Reading this book was like stepping into a dream soaked in blood and moonlight. I found myself torn between awe and discomfort. Melvin’s writing is intense. Every sentence is packed with texture and movement. He doesn’t shy away from the raw stuff: pain, rage, lust, and death are all front and center. Some of it is genuinely brutal, but it fits the world he’s built. What impressed me most wasn’t the action (though it’s stellar), but the psychological depth of Torg. He’s not your average sword-swinging hero. There’s a stoic grief to him. A strange tenderness even when he’s cracking skulls. That complexity kept me emotionally hooked, even when the violence became overwhelming.

Melvin’s prose is lush and immersive, often leaning into a rich, almost poetic style that brings the world of Triken to vivid life. He isn’t afraid to slow things down with detailed exposition and bold philosophical themes, giving the story a thoughtful, almost meditative weight. The villains are unapologetically dark, embodying evil in a way that feels mythic and larger-than-life. While the lines between good and evil are stark, it adds to the high-stakes drama and classical tone of the tale. What truly stands out is Melvin’s fearless storytelling. He dives deep into spiritual allegory without losing the grit and guts that define epic fantasy.

This isn’t casual fantasy fare. It’s a deep dive into the violent, mystic, and strangely poetic mind of a world at war with itself. If you’re someone who loves dark fantasy with spiritual weight, who doesn’t flinch from graphic content, and who wants more from their fantasy than just dragons and quests, this one’s for you. I wouldn't hand it to a casual reader, but for the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, it hits like thunder.

[Martti Orson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lives and breathes epic fantasy, The Death Wizard Chronicles was an unexpected gut-punch in the best possible way. I went in expecting a gritty sword-and-sorcery saga, and what I got was a dark, deeply immersive tale that refuses to pull its punches.

From the very first chapter, Jim Melvin throws you into the brutal world of Triken, a sun-scorched kingdom where magic is feared, death is never final, and the line between hero and monster is razor thin. The central hook Torg, a Death Wizard who fuels his power through the act of dying is as original as it is unsettling. And trust me, Melvin doesn’t treat this concept lightly. Every resurrection comes with a cost, and that weight sits heavily on both Torg and the reader.

Torg himself is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve come across in a while. He’s not your typical brooding antihero or reluctant chosen one. He’s confident, battle-worn, and fully aware of what he’s capable of and what that means. Watching him walk the tightrope between savior and destroyer, especially when the monstrous evil at the heart of the story begins to reveal itself, is both thrilling and tragic.

The world-building is thick and rich, with desert landscapes, forbidden magic, violent clans, and a mythology that feels ancient and layered. There's a real sense of place and history in Triken like you’re stepping into a world that’s been living (and dying) long before you arrived.

And yes, the book is fierce. The action is relentless, visceral, and sometimes uncomfortably raw. Melvin doesn’t shy away from violence, psychological torment, or sexuality. Some of those scenes definitely push boundaries, but they serve a purpose they make the stakes feel terrifyingly real.

If I had any critique, it's that this isn’t a book for the faint-hearted. There are moments of bleakness and cruelty that will test your tolerance. But if you're a fan of series like The Witcher, Malazan, or The First Law, that challenge is probably exactly what you're looking for.

The Death Wizard Chronicles doesn't just explore death as a theme it stares it in the face and dares it to blink. Gritty, bold, and completely unflinching, this is a must-read for fantasy fans ready to tread into darker territory.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not fond of this book. The premise is good and most of the writing style is good, but I fear that the actual story itself is lacking. I felt like I went from a section that was superb to a section that the author didn’t know how to portray. I think the world building was good and character development was okay. I did not like the unnecessary breaks from the main story to describe something that didn’t give more meat to the story. I won’t purchase the next book in this series but would read it if I came across it through the library or free method.

[Dd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles

The concept is compelling, and Torg’s internal struggle adds emotional depth beyond typical fantasy heroes. The worldbuilding is rich and detailed, though it occasionally slows the pacing. With its grim tone, moral ambiguity, and focus on the cost of power, the book is best suited for fans of dark, character-driven fantasy rather than fast-paced adventure

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 immediately pulls you into a richly detailed and often unsettling world where the veil between the living and the dead is thin and actively manipulated. The author has clearly poured significant effort into crafting the history, lore, and intricacies of this realm, particularly concerning the magic surrounding death. From the nuanced understanding of souls to the societal implications of necromancy, the world feels lived-in and substantial, offering a depth that truly captivates. For readers who appreciate immersive world-building, this first volume lays a fantastic foundation, hinting at a vast and complex universe waiting to be explored.
What truly resonated with me was the distinct "spicy Lord of the Rings vibes" emanating from the narrative. While the themes are darker and the magic more focused on mortality, there's a similar sense of ancient power, looming threats, and epic scope hinted at within the intricate world-building. The detailed histories, the potential for sprawling journeys, and the underlying sense of a grand struggle against encroaching darkness evoke that classic fantasy feel, albeit with a decidedly more macabre and edgy twist. This blend of familiar grandiosity with a unique, death-centric magic system makes Volume 1 a compelling and promising start to the series.

[Darcelle Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers!
This book gave me Game of Thrones and Lord of The Rings vibes.
At first, it was hard to get into, because it was different from the books I usually read. But the pace picked up fast, the story becoming more and more interesting with each page.
I didn’t like how long the chapters were, but it is a personal preference.
The main character, Torg, the Death Wizard is a beautifully written protagonist, I liked how his character evolved throughout the book, growing more complicated while facing the choices he had to make.
I really liked Mala, the main antagonist because she isn’t evil for the sake of it, she has a rich backstory that explores how she became corrupted and why she’s bent on destruction.
I also liked Laylah, a fierce warrior and Torg’s love interest. Their relationship adds more depth to the story, especially since both of them are scarred by their past.
Everything, the plot, the romance, the backstories of the characters are beautifully written and make a perfect book.