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The Spellmonger #18
The Talon and the Flame: A Spellmonger Novel
Time is Running Out!
Dara of Westwood, called the Hawkmaiden, has always been caught between two born to a humble clan of woodsmen, her unexpected magical Talents had seen her apprenticed to Minalan the Spellmonger, the greatest wizard in the world, to fight for years against the goblin invasion that threatened all of humanity. She had been a war hero before her first kiss, riding giant hawks into battle in defense of her people.
But the war is over, now, and Dara finds herself ennobled, wealthy, respected, admired . . . and completely alone. Her comrades, friends, and fellow apprentices are settling down to enjoy their hard-won peace, but Dara has few prospects for happiness now that the war is done. Her command over the other Sky Riders is in jeopardy, as missions dry up, and she discovers she lacks much purpose in this new world. The sacred Flame her family adores beckons her, promising simple home life and domestic happiness . . . but she knows no life without her sword Talon in her hand. While her friends dream of love and marriage Dara’s nights are filled with horrific nightmares about her violent past.
Then the Goddess of Fire, Briga, takes an interest in her love-life . . . and everything changes. Charged by the goddess to rediscover her youthful passions after a lifetime of military service, Dara embarks on a quest to fill the lonely place in her heart . . . only to be distracted by a new danger lurking in the hills near her home. Some insidious force is kidnapping the poor peasant children and inflicting them with a horrible curse, while raising an army of undead and no one but Dara seems to care to stop it.
Supported by her friends Laretha and Alurra, Dara considers the few motley suitors who may have an interest in her – her childhood friend Sir Festaran, her former suitor Gareth, the roguish mage Daro – and she even flirts with the handsome young Baron of Taravanal. But it’s hard to take romance seriously when some dark, necromantic force is rising and preying on the innocent so close to home, a power so terrifying it’s even scaring the hill bandits away.
Dara has to make a does she put aside her sword and her vocation as a magical guardian and embrace her passion, or does she eschew the Flame her people hold sacred and devote her life to defending the innocent against powers only she can confront? While peacetime brings hope and prosperity to others, Dara is torn between the allure of the Talon . . . or the Flame!
Dara of Westwood, called the Hawkmaiden, has always been caught between two born to a humble clan of woodsmen, her unexpected magical Talents had seen her apprenticed to Minalan the Spellmonger, the greatest wizard in the world, to fight for years against the goblin invasion that threatened all of humanity. She had been a war hero before her first kiss, riding giant hawks into battle in defense of her people.
But the war is over, now, and Dara finds herself ennobled, wealthy, respected, admired . . . and completely alone. Her comrades, friends, and fellow apprentices are settling down to enjoy their hard-won peace, but Dara has few prospects for happiness now that the war is done. Her command over the other Sky Riders is in jeopardy, as missions dry up, and she discovers she lacks much purpose in this new world. The sacred Flame her family adores beckons her, promising simple home life and domestic happiness . . . but she knows no life without her sword Talon in her hand. While her friends dream of love and marriage Dara’s nights are filled with horrific nightmares about her violent past.
Then the Goddess of Fire, Briga, takes an interest in her love-life . . . and everything changes. Charged by the goddess to rediscover her youthful passions after a lifetime of military service, Dara embarks on a quest to fill the lonely place in her heart . . . only to be distracted by a new danger lurking in the hills near her home. Some insidious force is kidnapping the poor peasant children and inflicting them with a horrible curse, while raising an army of undead and no one but Dara seems to care to stop it.
Supported by her friends Laretha and Alurra, Dara considers the few motley suitors who may have an interest in her – her childhood friend Sir Festaran, her former suitor Gareth, the roguish mage Daro – and she even flirts with the handsome young Baron of Taravanal. But it’s hard to take romance seriously when some dark, necromantic force is rising and preying on the innocent so close to home, a power so terrifying it’s even scaring the hill bandits away.
Dara has to make a does she put aside her sword and her vocation as a magical guardian and embrace her passion, or does she eschew the Flame her people hold sacred and devote her life to defending the innocent against powers only she can confront? While peacetime brings hope and prosperity to others, Dara is torn between the allure of the Talon . . . or the Flame!
- GenresFantasy
785 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
79 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
43 books1,178 followersTerry Mancour is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has written more than 30 books, under his own name and pseudonyms, including Star Trek: The Next Generation #20, Spartacus, the Spellmonger Series (more than 11 books and growing), among other works.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 25, 2025
I was expecting YA, but this is more Romantasy. surprising and enjoyable.
October 2, 2025
fantastic work Terry
I was pleasantly surprised how good this was. I honestly didn’t care for Dara before this. Even the other novels I thought she was a brat and very immature. Which she was. But in this story she really comes into her own as a woman. I loved this as it felt like a coming of age story. I highly recommend you give this one a chance. Terry you did an amazing job writing this.
I was pleasantly surprised how good this was. I honestly didn’t care for Dara before this. Even the other novels I thought she was a brat and very immature. Which she was. But in this story she really comes into her own as a woman. I loved this as it felt like a coming of age story. I highly recommend you give this one a chance. Terry you did an amazing job writing this.
October 5, 2025
3.75 Stars
I am a HUGE fan of this series and it pains me to say that this book was just....okay.
We are about a little over 20 books into the series between the main series and the spinoffs and I for one, have fallen hard for our adorable yet sometimes extremely annoying Spellmonger. This is one of the series that is an auto-buy for me, but more than that, I look forward to each new book drop.
I have never really been a fan of the Hawkmaiden. We have watched Dara grow up and for whatever reason, I have had a hard time "liking" her character. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it was the whole thing with Gareth (that was REALLY awful) but she has never been my favorite character. This book spends the first 150 pages with Dara's inner monologue about her love life and it is non-stop. She goes back and forth - complaining about being hassled by everyone about needing a husband, to then complaining because there isn't anyone that she thinks is good enough to like. Then as the book progresses, it becomes VERY apparent that the main storyline of this book is going to focus on her actual love life - and the gods even get involved in one of the wackiest trials that I have ever heard of.
The book finally seems to pick up some steam well after the 60% mark when the other storyline picks up. There are children disappearing in the hills and there is evidence of necromancy being involved. I did enjoy getting to know Sir Fes better. He has been around since the very beginning, yet it was wonderful to spend more time with him.
This book is also happening concurrently with the last two books in the series. That was also a little bit confusing. The Practical Adept (book 17) had us following the Spellmonger as he had his adventure in Farise, then the next book - The Golden Goblin (book 17.5) - had Rondal and Tindall searching for Lilastien during the exact same time frame. So I was completely surprised when this book came out and the Spellmonger hadn't yet left for Farise.
This book was a little under 800 pages and honestly, with everything that occurred, I think it could have still accomplished everything with a 50 % reduction - that is how much unnecessary information was included. I also missed the narration of John Lee even though I understand that the story centered on Dara, so the choice was made to go with a female narrator. Honestly though, I would not have minded hearing Mr. Lee anyway - he is THAT good.
So, now the wait begins to see what is going to happen now that everyone is back home and in the same timeframe. It sounds like things are heating up again and about to get crazy.
I am a HUGE fan of this series and it pains me to say that this book was just....okay.
We are about a little over 20 books into the series between the main series and the spinoffs and I for one, have fallen hard for our adorable yet sometimes extremely annoying Spellmonger. This is one of the series that is an auto-buy for me, but more than that, I look forward to each new book drop.
I have never really been a fan of the Hawkmaiden. We have watched Dara grow up and for whatever reason, I have had a hard time "liking" her character. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it was the whole thing with Gareth (that was REALLY awful) but she has never been my favorite character. This book spends the first 150 pages with Dara's inner monologue about her love life and it is non-stop. She goes back and forth - complaining about being hassled by everyone about needing a husband, to then complaining because there isn't anyone that she thinks is good enough to like. Then as the book progresses, it becomes VERY apparent that the main storyline of this book is going to focus on her actual love life - and the gods even get involved in one of the wackiest trials that I have ever heard of.
The book finally seems to pick up some steam well after the 60% mark when the other storyline picks up. There are children disappearing in the hills and there is evidence of necromancy being involved. I did enjoy getting to know Sir Fes better. He has been around since the very beginning, yet it was wonderful to spend more time with him.
This book is also happening concurrently with the last two books in the series. That was also a little bit confusing. The Practical Adept (book 17) had us following the Spellmonger as he had his adventure in Farise, then the next book - The Golden Goblin (book 17.5) - had Rondal and Tindall searching for Lilastien during the exact same time frame. So I was completely surprised when this book came out and the Spellmonger hadn't yet left for Farise.
This book was a little under 800 pages and honestly, with everything that occurred, I think it could have still accomplished everything with a 50 % reduction - that is how much unnecessary information was included. I also missed the narration of John Lee even though I understand that the story centered on Dara, so the choice was made to go with a female narrator. Honestly though, I would not have minded hearing Mr. Lee anyway - he is THAT good.
So, now the wait begins to see what is going to happen now that everyone is back home and in the same timeframe. It sounds like things are heating up again and about to get crazy.
November 6, 2025
A tough book to review. Did I even like it? The whole time I was reading it I wondered if someone had put all of the Spellmonger books into ChatGBT and then asked for a "Dara in Romantasy-land" novel. There were so many repetitive sections and weird phrasing, I think I actually became MORE annoyed by Dara as a result, haha. I came around by the end of the book though. I wish we got a look into her life after the story resolution, but hopefully we get a little more in the main series.
It felt like 50% of this book was just going over highlights from the Spellmonger universe, which if it were a shorter series one might be able to cobble together enough passages to help this novel work as a standalone work, but as it stands... oof, there were just too many unnecessary passages.
I want to note, I listened to the audio book versions of the Spellmonger series, as well as the Hawkmaiden books, but I read this novel on Kindle and it was TERRIBLE. So many strange spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
My boyfriend is really into this series, and this entry seemed to trick him into reading a romance novel, so bonus points to it for that (lol).
It felt like 50% of this book was just going over highlights from the Spellmonger universe, which if it were a shorter series one might be able to cobble together enough passages to help this novel work as a standalone work, but as it stands... oof, there were just too many unnecessary passages.
I want to note, I listened to the audio book versions of the Spellmonger series, as well as the Hawkmaiden books, but I read this novel on Kindle and it was TERRIBLE. So many strange spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
My boyfriend is really into this series, and this entry seemed to trick him into reading a romance novel, so bonus points to it for that (lol).
November 29, 2025
I haven't written a review in so long, I don't even bother updating my current reads on here anymore. But this book...I need to get this down somewhere. I'm still not completely sure about how I feel about this book, which is likely why I feel compelled to get it out on paper, but I know something about the writing made me feel uncomfortable on some level.
I loved the Hawkmaiden, and really enjoyed the Hawklady and so when I stumbled across this I was so excited. I've been waiting and hoping for the continuation of her story.
I haven't read the other series, Dara is my point of entry so I may lack vital context.
This is meant to be her love story and it's a very fucking depressing love story, if you can even call it a love story.
There was no love in this book, it never reached that point, no emotion of gesture reached that height.
I kind of feel like this book made me sad because it kept telling our protagonist that she wasn't capable or deserving of a great love, and sadly I think she ended up believing that.
I will come back and get all my thoughts out but I don't have the time right now.
I just need to get this little bit out.
I loved the Hawkmaiden, and really enjoyed the Hawklady and so when I stumbled across this I was so excited. I've been waiting and hoping for the continuation of her story.
I haven't read the other series, Dara is my point of entry so I may lack vital context.
This is meant to be her love story and it's a very fucking depressing love story, if you can even call it a love story.
There was no love in this book, it never reached that point, no emotion of gesture reached that height.
I kind of feel like this book made me sad because it kept telling our protagonist that she wasn't capable or deserving of a great love, and sadly I think she ended up believing that.
I will come back and get all my thoughts out but I don't have the time right now.
I just need to get this little bit out.
January 4, 2026
Terry Mancour’s long running Spellmonger series adds a fun but silly addition, The Talon and the Flame(ebook) finds the Hawkmaiden Dara, who had found the magic to enlarge birds and built a flying force of riders, is being encouraged by the female gods (human created by magic) to find a husband. The wars are over and the problem is that she lacks purpose. Instead of husband hunting, she instead goes after a problem of stolen children in a neighboring Barony. Her only attempt at a date turns into an attack on a hidden, and illegal under the peace terms. goblin fortress. After that date disaster, she goes after a powerful necromaster, happily fighting zombies refusing to stop after a concussion weakens her magic. The funniest part is when the three female goddesses take her to a court of love. Yes, she does get engaged but only at the end and to someone unexpected. I love this series.
October 22, 2025
warrior, mage, leader, woman
A well told and thoughtful tale. Mancour surprised me with how effectively he has written this novel with such a great understanding of both the female heart and a woman’s mind.
I was expecting something more along the lines of the preceding trilogy of the Hawkmaiden cadet novellas but the depth and intensity of this story was both illuminating and captivating. Dara has come to fruition and it is a great pleasure to see her finally come of age.
One minor criticism but this book has a smattering of some rather glaring spelling, grammar and formatting issues that will require another editing pass. Or just check out my Goodreads for a complete analysis
A well told and thoughtful tale. Mancour surprised me with how effectively he has written this novel with such a great understanding of both the female heart and a woman’s mind.
I was expecting something more along the lines of the preceding trilogy of the Hawkmaiden cadet novellas but the depth and intensity of this story was both illuminating and captivating. Dara has come to fruition and it is a great pleasure to see her finally come of age.
One minor criticism but this book has a smattering of some rather glaring spelling, grammar and formatting issues that will require another editing pass. Or just check out my Goodreads for a complete analysis
October 24, 2025
Been following this author for a long time and he always has the worst instincts when it comes to interpersonal relationships, especially regarding women. when writing about magic and adventure, he is a good writer.
this book is mostly about a young woman grappling with relationships. unfortunately it delves into a sophomoric ideas about sex and pays attention. too much to people's Anatomy. I Not only found the author's instincts disgusting, I found the book boring. that is kind of a shame too, I had been enjoying the series but I will be discontinuing it now. there was some of this in every book, but this one had little else
this book is mostly about a young woman grappling with relationships. unfortunately it delves into a sophomoric ideas about sex and pays attention. too much to people's Anatomy. I Not only found the author's instincts disgusting, I found the book boring. that is kind of a shame too, I had been enjoying the series but I will be discontinuing it now. there was some of this in every book, but this one had little else
October 29, 2025
Dara has FINALLY loosened up a bit! lol
It’s so hard to see her relax, let go or in love. But I’m glad Terry took some time to shape her story into something for herself and not just the war or her birds.
She is so stubborn and resistant it’s almost annoying. She is her worse enemy sometimes or the one blocking her blessings and be the first one wondering “what’s wrong with me” type of attitude or questioning.
Bless Sir Festaran for being a stalwart and steadfast friend. And Alurra as well! Without them I don’t know who genuinely could tolerate her immaturity.
I am happy for her finding contentment and love in Barron Arlestone!
It’s so hard to see her relax, let go or in love. But I’m glad Terry took some time to shape her story into something for herself and not just the war or her birds.
She is so stubborn and resistant it’s almost annoying. She is her worse enemy sometimes or the one blocking her blessings and be the first one wondering “what’s wrong with me” type of attitude or questioning.
Bless Sir Festaran for being a stalwart and steadfast friend. And Alurra as well! Without them I don’t know who genuinely could tolerate her immaturity.
I am happy for her finding contentment and love in Barron Arlestone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
Brilliant!
Such a welcome addition to the series and quite possibly long overdue. Dara’s rejection of Gareth way back when was completely brutal and put her in a very bad light. The outcome was the one I had been hoping for and it’s heartwarming to see things work out so well. Of course overall it just primes the reader to hope for the next book in the series to arrive quickly!
Fantastic read, a credit to the series.
Such a welcome addition to the series and quite possibly long overdue. Dara’s rejection of Gareth way back when was completely brutal and put her in a very bad light. The outcome was the one I had been hoping for and it’s heartwarming to see things work out so well. Of course overall it just primes the reader to hope for the next book in the series to arrive quickly!
Fantastic read, a credit to the series.
February 4, 2026
Loved the story! It felt very true to character for everyone. Definitely more Romantasy than the other Spellmonger books so be aware if that's not your speed (wouldn't recommend to a young reader- more so than even the other books in the series). Overall, I really enjoyed it and recommend it to Spellmonger fans!
October 4, 2025
Answer to a Long established Question
Thank you Terry Mancour. I read and cried. No spoilers. Many questions in the Spell monger world. The only thing I found a it distracting is that your online publisher needs a much better proof reader!
Thank you Terry Mancour. I read and cried. No spoilers. Many questions in the Spell monger world. The only thing I found a it distracting is that your online publisher needs a much better proof reader!
October 4, 2025
The Talon and the Flame: A Spellmonger Novel ( The Spellmonger Series )
Terry Mancour always gifts us with amazing adventures. His characters are so well thought out, they seem like people I know. He also includes ideas you can't help but think about later.
Terry Mancour always gifts us with amazing adventures. His characters are so well thought out, they seem like people I know. He also includes ideas you can't help but think about later.
October 19, 2025
Terry is still the best.
The fantasy world we so love is in good hands. Some of the books seem over indulgent at times telling the story from multiple perspectives, but I still prefer reading Terrys takes to any other.
The fantasy world we so love is in good hands. Some of the books seem over indulgent at times telling the story from multiple perspectives, but I still prefer reading Terrys takes to any other.
December 15, 2025
Another great story in the Spellmonger series
I don't usually write reviews on books, but I really love all the Spellmonger Books. Best series I've read in a long time, right up there with Wheel of Time.
I don't usually write reviews on books, but I really love all the Spellmonger Books. Best series I've read in a long time, right up there with Wheel of Time.
September 30, 2025
Hawkmaiden's flight
Leest lekker weg spannend maar eind goed met
kans op meer.
Haakt in op gebeurtenissen in spellmonger universe.
Leuk boek.
Leest lekker weg spannend maar eind goed met
kans op meer.
Haakt in op gebeurtenissen in spellmonger universe.
Leuk boek.
October 3, 2025
One of the strongest entries in the series. Still processing. I got red herringed as heck. Well played, and overjoyed.
November 4, 2025
As always Terry doesn't disappoint. An enjoyable book. I did always enjoy reading about Dara. Looking forward to the next one.
January 18, 2026
Love this world.
All of the Spellmonger books are a delight to read. Although it would be nice if the author used a grammar check. He sometimes forgets things about his characters from previous books as well, but they don't diminish the stories one bit. I especially love when humor is injected. We can all use more humor in the world these days.
All of the Spellmonger books are a delight to read. Although it would be nice if the author used a grammar check. He sometimes forgets things about his characters from previous books as well, but they don't diminish the stories one bit. I especially love when humor is injected. We can all use more humor in the world these days.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews