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Saga Of The God-Touched Mage #1
Glamour of the God-Touched
A mage's apprentice. Sorcerers on the hunt. Unnatural magic of devastating power. Garrick is a mage’s apprentice, soon to be a full-fledged sorcerer. The course of his life is clear—he will be an apprentice, a mage, and then a superior. But a tragic accident finds him wielding a god-like power over life and death, and as rumors of mage war grow stronger around him, he learns his future is not fated to be as simple as he dreamed. Glamour of the God-Touched follows Garrick as he discovers the forces behind his new magic. The lessons he learns and how he deals with them will threaten the very nature of who he is. “A riveting tale of magic, death, destiny, and power.” - David B. Coe/D.B. Jackson Author of the Thieftaker Chronicles
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
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193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 21, 2015
Amazing story with magic & drama for your pleasure. Reading this wonderful book takes you on a thrilling ride you will not want to put this book down. My thanks to the author Ron Collins for the privilege of reading his amazing book and I do hope to read more of his wonderful stories in the future. With that said happy reading to all and it would be a pleasure to recommend this book to my friends from wee me. xxxxx
November 9, 2014
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for a review.
A ne'er-do-well mage apprentice plays a nasty trick on a mage of a different order to impress a barmaid. When the barmaid nearly dies, he promises anything to save her life. Promising anything is generally a bad idea, especially when beings of power are listening. He becomes something akin to a vampire and must feed on life to exist.
The story stops before it becomes even remotely interesting. I can't care for the apprentice; he brought this situation on himself and now he's unable to do the right thing and kill himself. He thinks solely of his own good. The larger picture -- the conflict between mage orders is predictable and dull. Also there was a misspelling at the end that made me flinch.
I don't intend to read anything more in this series.
A ne'er-do-well mage apprentice plays a nasty trick on a mage of a different order to impress a barmaid. When the barmaid nearly dies, he promises anything to save her life. Promising anything is generally a bad idea, especially when beings of power are listening. He becomes something akin to a vampire and must feed on life to exist.
The story stops before it becomes even remotely interesting. I can't care for the apprentice; he brought this situation on himself and now he's unable to do the right thing and kill himself. He thinks solely of his own good. The larger picture -- the conflict between mage orders is predictable and dull. Also there was a misspelling at the end that made me flinch.
I don't intend to read anything more in this series.
April 1, 2015
So, I won't be properly reviewing these books until I'm done with the entire series, as they are so short there just isn't much to write about individually, but I will say that if you've ever wondered what a high fantasy story would be like if you cut away all the extraneous storylines and characters and just got right to the meat of the story, this is for you, as that is exactly what Ron Collins is doing with these books.
January 19, 2018
Not to bad
Overall I enjoyed the book. It could use some edits, and I'll admit I was bugged that it ended so quickly. I may grab a collected Edition later on.
But overall I very much enjoyed reading this. The storyline is an interesting one, and I'm curious to know more about this young man and the path he has been set down. And the World At Large.
Overall I enjoyed the book. It could use some edits, and I'll admit I was bugged that it ended so quickly. I may grab a collected Edition later on.
But overall I very much enjoyed reading this. The storyline is an interesting one, and I'm curious to know more about this young man and the path he has been set down. And the World At Large.
July 3, 2021
Way too Short
Can be read in less than 30 minutes. Not even novella length. An interesting premise however, I would have liked to see where the story would go however the short length squashed that desire.
Can be read in less than 30 minutes. Not even novella length. An interesting premise however, I would have liked to see where the story would go however the short length squashed that desire.
January 15, 2015
I found this novel when it was advertised by the author on his Facebook page. After reading the description, I knew it was going to find a place on my TBR list. I was somewhat sad that the book was short in terms of length. However, I found that the lack of pages didn't hamper the progression of the story at all. There was quite a lot of information about the world and its key players packed into the short amount that it still hit all those adventure or fantasy notes.
Like many adventure/fantasy books, there was a central character in which the story revolved around. Garrick's strange, painful journey impacted the entire world, the people within it, and even the plane where magical gates were opened to perform spells. From the beginning of his life, Garrick was nothing more than a throw-away type of individual. He didn't have much to offer anyone around him. He was treated as a piece of property until he became a mage's apprentice. That moment changed the way he thought about himself and what he wanted for his future life. However, he wasn't the only one to be explored in the book. There were also two sects of mages that sought to control the entirety of magic use. Their differences were as drastic and deeply rooted as the way they practiced their craft. Their distrust of one another (and for the free-thinking mages as well) was apparent the moment they appeared in the story. I really liked the fact that each of the three types of mages had their own dress code and also a different "taste" to their magic. I don't think I've come across another book where the magic user described the magic having a taste such as honey or mint. It was unique and intriguing for me.
Now, this book was a quick read for two reasons. One, it did have less pages than I expected for an introduction to a new world and its inhabitants. While the length didn't take away from the quality of the story, it truly did leave me wanting more. The other reason was simply the pace of the book. From the first chapter, the pace was set at a steady clip. When the events of the story began unfolding, there was absolutely no way to stop them. Once those wheels of time and magic turned, no brakes would've stopped them. The end of the book definitely revealed the fact that there were more books to come in this series. Something much larger than Garrick's simple life was at stake, but we have to wait and see what terrors they hold for Garrick and the rest of his world.
Overall, I liked the book because it was a quality read and it left me questioning what was to come. It was easy to relate to Garrick's desire to be his own man, something more than a simple pawn in the game of life. When the one bit of happiness in his life was taken, he became desperate to have it once again. I think nearly everyone has been in this position at least once in their life. Because the decision he made had horrible consequences, he needed to find a way to fix what he'd done - something else that many can relate to as well. If you're looking for a well-written introduction into a world where mages still exist or simply want a quality book to pass the time, this is the book to fulfill both of those and more.
Like many adventure/fantasy books, there was a central character in which the story revolved around. Garrick's strange, painful journey impacted the entire world, the people within it, and even the plane where magical gates were opened to perform spells. From the beginning of his life, Garrick was nothing more than a throw-away type of individual. He didn't have much to offer anyone around him. He was treated as a piece of property until he became a mage's apprentice. That moment changed the way he thought about himself and what he wanted for his future life. However, he wasn't the only one to be explored in the book. There were also two sects of mages that sought to control the entirety of magic use. Their differences were as drastic and deeply rooted as the way they practiced their craft. Their distrust of one another (and for the free-thinking mages as well) was apparent the moment they appeared in the story. I really liked the fact that each of the three types of mages had their own dress code and also a different "taste" to their magic. I don't think I've come across another book where the magic user described the magic having a taste such as honey or mint. It was unique and intriguing for me.
Now, this book was a quick read for two reasons. One, it did have less pages than I expected for an introduction to a new world and its inhabitants. While the length didn't take away from the quality of the story, it truly did leave me wanting more. The other reason was simply the pace of the book. From the first chapter, the pace was set at a steady clip. When the events of the story began unfolding, there was absolutely no way to stop them. Once those wheels of time and magic turned, no brakes would've stopped them. The end of the book definitely revealed the fact that there were more books to come in this series. Something much larger than Garrick's simple life was at stake, but we have to wait and see what terrors they hold for Garrick and the rest of his world.
Overall, I liked the book because it was a quality read and it left me questioning what was to come. It was easy to relate to Garrick's desire to be his own man, something more than a simple pawn in the game of life. When the one bit of happiness in his life was taken, he became desperate to have it once again. I think nearly everyone has been in this position at least once in their life. Because the decision he made had horrible consequences, he needed to find a way to fix what he'd done - something else that many can relate to as well. If you're looking for a well-written introduction into a world where mages still exist or simply want a quality book to pass the time, this is the book to fulfill both of those and more.
January 20, 2015
This review and more over at The Bibliophile Chronicles!
The beginning of an epic fantasy that looks set to develop into a fantastic series!
Synopsis:
Garrick is an apprentice to the mage Alistair, he works hard and his life is set out for him. But not everything is right in the world. There are stirrings of war between the mage clans, and the Torean mages are in danger. All this Garrick is unaware of, as he innocently walks the local barmaid home, but tragedy strikes and in order to save the life of the lovely girl he is given the power of the gods. He saves her life, but at what cost?
Review:
I really enjoyed this one! I love a good fantasy novel and just seeing the cover had me intrigued. It’s very short and it feels like we’re just getting the beginning of what is about to happen, but that just made me want more! I am currently about to start book two and I can’t wait to see how the story develops,
There are loads of unique elements about this that I enjoyed. I also liked the different layers to the story, it’s not all just about Garrick dealing with these horrific powers, it’s also about the Torean mages being massacred and the other houses banding together in order to eradicate them. It’s certainly action packed, and flows really well. There are no boring chapters, it moves at a good pace and it’s well written. The different characters stand out and it definitely leaves you looking for more.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of epic fantasy, and there is lots of potential for the story to go in different directions, with battles and magic galore. The story is well written and unique, though very short - luckily the next volume has just been released and so you don’t have long to wait. If however you are looking for something of a longer length, then perhaps awaiting an omnibus edition would be preferable!
The beginning of an epic fantasy that looks set to develop into a fantastic series!
Synopsis:
Garrick is an apprentice to the mage Alistair, he works hard and his life is set out for him. But not everything is right in the world. There are stirrings of war between the mage clans, and the Torean mages are in danger. All this Garrick is unaware of, as he innocently walks the local barmaid home, but tragedy strikes and in order to save the life of the lovely girl he is given the power of the gods. He saves her life, but at what cost?
Review:
I really enjoyed this one! I love a good fantasy novel and just seeing the cover had me intrigued. It’s very short and it feels like we’re just getting the beginning of what is about to happen, but that just made me want more! I am currently about to start book two and I can’t wait to see how the story develops,
There are loads of unique elements about this that I enjoyed. I also liked the different layers to the story, it’s not all just about Garrick dealing with these horrific powers, it’s also about the Torean mages being massacred and the other houses banding together in order to eradicate them. It’s certainly action packed, and flows really well. There are no boring chapters, it moves at a good pace and it’s well written. The different characters stand out and it definitely leaves you looking for more.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of epic fantasy, and there is lots of potential for the story to go in different directions, with battles and magic galore. The story is well written and unique, though very short - luckily the next volume has just been released and so you don’t have long to wait. If however you are looking for something of a longer length, then perhaps awaiting an omnibus edition would be preferable!
July 10, 2015
Think of this as an origins story for the rest of the series. I've only read the first one, but I quickly bought the second in the series last night. We follow Garrett, a young mage-in-training, as a sudden power comes to him during a life or death situation. He chooses his path, but he never considered the consequences, and now Garrett must learn to control. this. power.
It's raw, fierce, and Garrett is completely out of control, which, for those who come within contact, isn't a good thing. As Glamour of the God-Touched came to a close, we see Garrett come to a few understandings, but I anticipate the rest of the series will grow in awesomeness. The word "Glamour" might make readers think of this as a sf romance, so I recommend thinking of Glamour as a magical element to diffuse/mask or as an element to denote someone has been chosen for something.
Read this novella expecting to be immediately sucked in. Ron is an excellent writer and I've met him at a few writers conferences, but my having met him has no bearing on my review.
I really look forward to the rest of the series.
It's raw, fierce, and Garrett is completely out of control, which, for those who come within contact, isn't a good thing. As Glamour of the God-Touched came to a close, we see Garrett come to a few understandings, but I anticipate the rest of the series will grow in awesomeness. The word "Glamour" might make readers think of this as a sf romance, so I recommend thinking of Glamour as a magical element to diffuse/mask or as an element to denote someone has been chosen for something.
Read this novella expecting to be immediately sucked in. Ron is an excellent writer and I've met him at a few writers conferences, but my having met him has no bearing on my review.
I really look forward to the rest of the series.
November 20, 2014
Garrick is an apprentice mage. While visiting town, he sees the girl he likes and walks her home. On the way, a dreadful accident causes him to plead for help. A mysterious voice offers to help him and he accepts. But is this new power a good thing or a bad thing? How will this affect his life?
This was a quick read, but packed full of action. Nicely written and the main character is full of mystery. The author leaves the reader hanging and wanting more. I would recommend this book, especially if you want a shirt quick read between books or if the reader doesn't have much time. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
This was a quick read, but packed full of action. Nicely written and the main character is full of mystery. The author leaves the reader hanging and wanting more. I would recommend this book, especially if you want a shirt quick read between books or if the reader doesn't have much time. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
March 2, 2015
Not enough detail or back ground for a series start
The story has potential, but at only 50-some pages, it lacks details and back stories for all th characters. I have no idea who Garrick is or why I want to follow him through the mess he has made of his life. I would have sent this version back to the writer with editor's instructions to fatten this thing up. The brevity of the story really hurts it. I have nightingale to base the enmity of the Mage orders on. I have no idea who the other Torean wizards are. I needed this information to get invested in the story. It's simply missing.
The story has potential, but at only 50-some pages, it lacks details and back stories for all th characters. I have no idea who Garrick is or why I want to follow him through the mess he has made of his life. I would have sent this version back to the writer with editor's instructions to fatten this thing up. The brevity of the story really hurts it. I have nightingale to base the enmity of the Mage orders on. I have no idea who the other Torean wizards are. I needed this information to get invested in the story. It's simply missing.
August 5, 2015
Short little book 1 of a series. Mages have clans and don't like how the other ones do things. Apprentice Garrick has a crush on serving girl Adrianna and she falls. He tries to help her but she has a head injury and he pleads with the gods for help. A voice asks if he wants the power of life & death and Garrick says yes so he can help his love. Everything stems from here and most of it is not what Garrick wanted, nor can he handle it. Not a bad start to a fantasy series.
December 7, 2014
3.25-3.5 Stars
A new dark fantasy serial with an awesome cover illustration. This ebook starts off a novelette series, so think of it as one of those stories included in a sci-fi pulp magazine. There's mages and gods, a cursed being similar to a vampire, and the work ends in a good spot. It is brief. I would like to see all the stories in one condensed book.
LT Member Giveaway
A new dark fantasy serial with an awesome cover illustration. This ebook starts off a novelette series, so think of it as one of those stories included in a sci-fi pulp magazine. There's mages and gods, a cursed being similar to a vampire, and the work ends in a good spot. It is brief. I would like to see all the stories in one condensed book.
LT Member Giveaway
December 8, 2014
A got a copy of this book on LibraryThing in exchange for a review. It's an action-packed tale of a young man's struggle with magic and desire run amok. It's the first episode of a serial. I think it's well-written and worth checking out, but it's not quite my cup of tea. If you're into stories with a lot of mage battles, though, go for it!
December 6, 2014
the book is okay, extremely short, would like to see how the story develops furthur, i have a feeling that the coming books could all be combined into one book to make for a more enjoyable reading experience.
August 14, 2015
Short. Too short.
The plot idea is okay, really, but it would've been a lot better with double the word count. For examply - why should the reader care about people if we discover they existed at the same time they are killed/kidnapped?
The plot idea is okay, really, but it would've been a lot better with double the word count. For examply - why should the reader care about people if we discover they existed at the same time they are killed/kidnapped?
December 15, 2014
Review to come soon...
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March 1, 2015Quick read that has me interested in reading the series.
May 27, 2015
Pretty basic writing skills, and fairly boring plot. The worst part is that each "book" in this series is about 75 pages long and can be read in maybe half an hour.
June 12, 2015
I read it, because I figured I'd give it a chance, and then it was over. Didn't quite realize that it was a short story.
July 20, 2015
Good but tiny book
I did not like how short it was but other then that it was a pretty solid
book. Than k you for these books.
I did not like how short it was but other then that it was a pretty solid
book. Than k you for these books.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews