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Nightblade Epic #2
Mystic: A Book of Underrealm
A GIRL ON A PATH TO INFAMY. A WIZARD ON A PATH TO DARKNESS.
An epic tale of adventure, in a world you’ll never forget.
Loren has set her feet on the first miles of her road to becoming the woman of her dreams: Nightblade, a soldier of the darkness but a champion of the light. But her adventures have nearly cost her life, and now she searches for lost friends in the kingdom of Selvan.
Beside her is the Mystic Jordel, a mysterious figure who seems to know more about Loren than she would wish—and something about the dagger she stole from her parents. But Loren has much to learn about the Mystics, and not all of it is good.
BUT DARKNESS GATHERS ACROSS THE NINE KINGDOMSJordel seeks the wizard Xain, for he is recruiting those he believes can help him fight a growing evil. He will say little about the gathering darkness, but what Loren can discover is unsettling, and soon it seems like more than her own life may be in peril.
First, Loren must find her friends. Then, she must decide the course her life will take—and whether that will be to flee the world’s evil, or stand and fight it.
This is the complete second book of the Nightblade Volumes, containing Episodes 9-16.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS THROUGH THE NINE KINGDOMS. GET IT NOW.382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2015
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September 15, 2017
The Mystic Jordel is in search for the fugitive wizard Xain. Jordel will only say he needs Xain for a fight that's coming, but nothing more. Loren seeks to find Annis and resume her life of adventure.
Mystic is a book about running away. People are chasing Loren constantly and she uses a carriage, her feet, a boat, and horses to run away...for nearly the entire book. If Loren isn't running away she's making plans to run away.
When Loren isn't running away or planning to run away she's making terrible choices. I don't know that any character in any book has survived so long after making so many terrible choices. Granted she was slightly smarter than she was in the first book, but that was the most horrible display of decision making I ever witnessed.
I'd like to say there were good points, but they were rather obvious. The magestones come into play and shortly afterward it's apparent what the result will be. A new piece of information about Loren's dagger is learned, but it felt mostly irrelevant.
The story in Mystic and the first book of the series has no actual plot. The only thing it seems the characters have done is run away. There are a few quick moments where other things happen, but they are quickly replaced by the characters running away some more.
Perhaps the biggest head scratching part of the story is that for some reason all of the main characters look to Loren for advice. Loren the bad decision maker born in a back water little town most haven't heard of is looked to for guidance from everyone. I'll grant that she has skill with stealth and lying, but outside of that she needs to sit down, be quiet, and be glad they let her come along.
Mystic and the series as a whole are just not for me.
Mystic is a book about running away. People are chasing Loren constantly and she uses a carriage, her feet, a boat, and horses to run away...for nearly the entire book. If Loren isn't running away she's making plans to run away.
When Loren isn't running away or planning to run away she's making terrible choices. I don't know that any character in any book has survived so long after making so many terrible choices. Granted she was slightly smarter than she was in the first book, but that was the most horrible display of decision making I ever witnessed.
I'd like to say there were good points, but they were rather obvious. The magestones come into play and shortly afterward it's apparent what the result will be. A new piece of information about Loren's dagger is learned, but it felt mostly irrelevant.
The story in Mystic and the first book of the series has no actual plot. The only thing it seems the characters have done is run away. There are a few quick moments where other things happen, but they are quickly replaced by the characters running away some more.
Perhaps the biggest head scratching part of the story is that for some reason all of the main characters look to Loren for advice. Loren the bad decision maker born in a back water little town most haven't heard of is looked to for guidance from everyone. I'll grant that she has skill with stealth and lying, but outside of that she needs to sit down, be quiet, and be glad they let her come along.
Mystic and the series as a whole are just not for me.
January 25, 2018
Definitely liked this a lot less than the first book in the series. For one thing, Loren's whole ~I won't kill anyone~ schtick is getting really old really fast. I'm not saying that she should just run around murdering everyone she meets, but she keeps putting her 'friends' in danger because she refuses to kill someone even if they are trying to kill her first. Also I'm not sure what the overarching plot of this book was supposed to be because it felt like there wasn't really one at all. It was just Loren over and over again betraying either Xain or Jordel for the other one, and while I guess she has [FINALLY] chosen a side now I'm still afraid she's just going to change her mind again at the beginning of the next book.
I really liked all the characters in the first book but now they just all seem very flighty and are doing weird things that make no sense. There were still good parts in this book which is why I gave it 3 stars, but if the next book continues in the same vein I might have to drop this series. I really like the idea of Nightblade but Loren needs to start like ...actually doing something besides making wishy-washy 'decisions'.
I really liked all the characters in the first book but now they just all seem very flighty and are doing weird things that make no sense. There were still good parts in this book which is why I gave it 3 stars, but if the next book continues in the same vein I might have to drop this series. I really like the idea of Nightblade but Loren needs to start like ...actually doing something besides making wishy-washy 'decisions'.
August 23, 2018
I enjoyed the book, for the most part, but IMO it lacks the believability of "Nightblade". The mistakes Loren makes don't seem natural. It's as if she's required to make them in order to move the plot forward. I wonder if the story could benefit from "Nightblade" and "Mystic" merged into one book, because the end of "Mystic" is when it seems the Nightblade is truly born. Which is also why I believe that if you liked the first book, you should read the second. The two build a strong story with many answers you've wanted.
May 7, 2017
I had a hard time liking the main character Loren or really any of the characters except Gem. Most of their decisions didn't make any sense, Loren couldn't make up her mind who she trusted between Jorel and Xain, she has no real purpose/plan, and it was hard to see where the plot was going.
I did finish it, and I didn't see horrible typos/grammar errors, so it got 2 stars but I won't be continuing the series.
I did finish it, and I didn't see horrible typos/grammar errors, so it got 2 stars but I won't be continuing the series.
January 23, 2016
DNF
I gave up on the last 15% of the book because it became literally unbearable.
All my complaints behind the spoiler because at this point, I don't even know what counts as spoiler because I am still wondering, what exactly the main plot is supposed to be.
All in all, unfortunately, all I can call the book is terrible.
I gave up on the last 15% of the book because it became literally unbearable.
All my complaints behind the spoiler because at this point, I don't even know what counts as spoiler because I am still wondering, what exactly the main plot is supposed to be.
All in all, unfortunately, all I can call the book is terrible.
July 12, 2017
Unbelievable characters, constant fleeing, no real plot
The author is a good writer as far as grammar and telling the story, but there are a few issues that kept me from enjoying it. I was hoping that the series would improve but that is not the case.
1. Believability of the main character
- Constant bad decisions, I think there are about 2 good decisions in 2 books of the series?
- No mentor figure other than a convenient tinker that used to visit her village, and somehow she overcame two parents that mis-treated her and no schooling or training of any kind
2. Constant fleeing for both books with no knowledge gained by the characters, no skills learned (other than cutting a purse string which is never used)
- There is no mentor figure or skills learned by the main characters.
3. May have a main plot after 2 books?
- There isn't really any plot for the first two books other than running from danger to danger
- Finally after two books we have a hint of what the main plot might be.
4. Semi-old English
- Inconsistent usage of "Old English" sounding phrases.
The author is a good writer as far as grammar and telling the story, but there are a few issues that kept me from enjoying it. I was hoping that the series would improve but that is not the case.
1. Believability of the main character
- Constant bad decisions, I think there are about 2 good decisions in 2 books of the series?
- No mentor figure other than a convenient tinker that used to visit her village, and somehow she overcame two parents that mis-treated her and no schooling or training of any kind
2. Constant fleeing for both books with no knowledge gained by the characters, no skills learned (other than cutting a purse string which is never used)
- There is no mentor figure or skills learned by the main characters.
3. May have a main plot after 2 books?
- There isn't really any plot for the first two books other than running from danger to danger
- Finally after two books we have a hint of what the main plot might be.
4. Semi-old English
- Inconsistent usage of "Old English" sounding phrases.
May 24, 2016
I liked this book more than its prequel, but not much more. I still don't feel like I have any idea where the plot is going, and wonder if the author knows. It seems to amble about, and sure, there are entertaining moments and intriguing adventures, but I can't figure out the point of it all. Too much is held back from the reader. Give us a little bit of a clue what the driving plot is and what that stupid dagger is all about and what the urgent mysterious "death of everything" is about, please. Also, Loren is a complete idiot when it comes to common sense, but a clear expert to be deferred to when it comes to plotting and scheming? Really?
Frustrating read. I'm even more frustrated because I want to read more to find out what happens but I'm not sure I have the patience.
Frustrating read. I'm even more frustrated because I want to read more to find out what happens but I'm not sure I have the patience.
December 30, 2024
3,5⭐
Barely made my reading goal by finishing this at the end of the year lol.
Definitely better than the first book, but Loren's naivety is a bit annoying after everything they've been through. I'm sure it'll be her strength in the end and it'll be epic, but for now it feels like so much could be avoided if she was just slightly less trusting.
Will say though, her character and relationship with Annis and Gem is the light that shines in all the darkness happening in these books, and I think that would be lessened if she was different. I'm very curious to see how the story and the characters continue to develop, what the dagger truly is and to get to know more about Jordel and "the darkness" that is approaching.
Will hopefully be able to get through more than one book in this series next year 🤞🏻
Barely made my reading goal by finishing this at the end of the year lol.
Definitely better than the first book, but Loren's naivety is a bit annoying after everything they've been through. I'm sure it'll be her strength in the end and it'll be epic, but for now it feels like so much could be avoided if she was just slightly less trusting.
Will say though, her character and relationship with Annis and Gem is the light that shines in all the darkness happening in these books, and I think that would be lessened if she was different. I'm very curious to see how the story and the characters continue to develop, what the dagger truly is and to get to know more about Jordel and "the darkness" that is approaching.
Will hopefully be able to get through more than one book in this series next year 🤞🏻
August 21, 2025
The same affair as Nightblade in most respects. All the grievances I have toward the first book apply here in one way or another. Underrealm is still woefully underdeveloped as a setting despite now being over a hundred thousand words into the series. Dialogue remains as stilted and overwritten as ever. And characters are just stupid, making bad decisions for bad reasons with little growth to speak of all to forward a "War is coming! The end times are soon upon us!" plot that is, by now, quickly wearing thin. This is a series that is marching steadfast for a destination without any of the setup to support it.
An important thing to note about The Nightblade Epic, although no longer obvious in the Kindle version, is that it was originally written in serial form with every ten thousand words roughly corresponding to an episode. A severe consequence of this approach, which only becomes more predictable after you've noticed it, is that conflict rears its head *constantly* regardless of whether or not the point in the story calls for it. With limited exceptions, there is no lull in the narrative for the reader to breathe, no time spent to develop these characters emotionally or thematically beyond the empty husks they continue to be. Loren and her companions cannot simply go into an inn to rest after weeks of travel, or sail down a river, or do so much as sit down for a meal—no! They have to be chased! Spied upon! Hunted down! They can scarcely take two steps forward without being thrown ten steps back. This plot structure is as exhausting as it is monotonous, most of all because it deprives time for the characters to grow beyond their one dimensional archetypes.
Loren suffers the greatest from this. The book may not realize why, but Loren is an interesting character. She dreams of becoming a world-renowned thief, of becoming Underrealm's Robin Hood with a moral compass who rights wrongs as she sees them. She has one rule: never take a life, and so far that rule survives unbroken. She is a naive illiterate young girl who knows little about the world around her.
All this is fine, but Mystic has no idea what to do with her. Take the robbery scene in the middle of the book where Loren and the party snatch a coin purse from a fat, loud-mouthed merchant and his meek son. The party needs to escape a city at the brink of war but are out of options: they have to procure coin somehow to secure passage elsewhere. Loren isn't eager to rob from a people who need money to survive a coming siege, but knows she has to: she chooses the merchant because he is already well off; he's at no risk of starvation from losing his coin, just slimming down the fat rolls bulging at his gut. This is her rationalization for robbing an innocent man who could conceivably, if indirectly, die because of her actions. It certainly helps, too, that the man is abusive to his son and is therefore not truly 'innocent' in Loren's eyes.
There are countless ways to interrogate Loren's character here. This is the pivotal moment in which she *should* be tested, because she doesn't realize that she may break her one rule if her thievery leads toward another person's harm. The robbery could have gone off without a hitch, only for the party to later learn the man and his son perished after the siege because they had no coin to escape the city. The robbery could've failed and the man killed by either a member of the party or by a constable. Maybe the man had a sick wife unbeknownst to Loren, and the loss of coin led to her death days later because the merchant could not afford their treatment. All this would've been sound plotting.
None of this happens. The robbery fails, the party is apprehended, the merchant is reimbursed for his stolen coin, and the whole incident is quickly forgotten by the narrative when Jordel uses his authority to release them from prison. Ignoring the frustrating fact that there are no true consequences here for Loren or anyone else, Mystic misses an obvious opportunity to develop Loren's character by having her question her beliefs. This is a character whose ethics are diametrically opposed to everything she wants to be. She dreams to be a thief, but cannot steal without risking harm on someone. Her one rule demands that she never take a life, and yet her role as Nightblade all but requires her to break it. This blatant incongruity needed to be attacked in the story. Instead, the novel takes the coward's way out by never having Loren commit crimes at all, or, if she does, arranging the scenario in such a manner that she's never morally responsible for any harm whatsoever.
Just a poorly thought out story at every turn.
An important thing to note about The Nightblade Epic, although no longer obvious in the Kindle version, is that it was originally written in serial form with every ten thousand words roughly corresponding to an episode. A severe consequence of this approach, which only becomes more predictable after you've noticed it, is that conflict rears its head *constantly* regardless of whether or not the point in the story calls for it. With limited exceptions, there is no lull in the narrative for the reader to breathe, no time spent to develop these characters emotionally or thematically beyond the empty husks they continue to be. Loren and her companions cannot simply go into an inn to rest after weeks of travel, or sail down a river, or do so much as sit down for a meal—no! They have to be chased! Spied upon! Hunted down! They can scarcely take two steps forward without being thrown ten steps back. This plot structure is as exhausting as it is monotonous, most of all because it deprives time for the characters to grow beyond their one dimensional archetypes.
Loren suffers the greatest from this. The book may not realize why, but Loren is an interesting character. She dreams of becoming a world-renowned thief, of becoming Underrealm's Robin Hood with a moral compass who rights wrongs as she sees them. She has one rule: never take a life, and so far that rule survives unbroken. She is a naive illiterate young girl who knows little about the world around her.
All this is fine, but Mystic has no idea what to do with her. Take the robbery scene in the middle of the book where Loren and the party snatch a coin purse from a fat, loud-mouthed merchant and his meek son. The party needs to escape a city at the brink of war but are out of options: they have to procure coin somehow to secure passage elsewhere. Loren isn't eager to rob from a people who need money to survive a coming siege, but knows she has to: she chooses the merchant because he is already well off; he's at no risk of starvation from losing his coin, just slimming down the fat rolls bulging at his gut. This is her rationalization for robbing an innocent man who could conceivably, if indirectly, die because of her actions. It certainly helps, too, that the man is abusive to his son and is therefore not truly 'innocent' in Loren's eyes.
There are countless ways to interrogate Loren's character here. This is the pivotal moment in which she *should* be tested, because she doesn't realize that she may break her one rule if her thievery leads toward another person's harm. The robbery could have gone off without a hitch, only for the party to later learn the man and his son perished after the siege because they had no coin to escape the city. The robbery could've failed and the man killed by either a member of the party or by a constable. Maybe the man had a sick wife unbeknownst to Loren, and the loss of coin led to her death days later because the merchant could not afford their treatment. All this would've been sound plotting.
None of this happens. The robbery fails, the party is apprehended, the merchant is reimbursed for his stolen coin, and the whole incident is quickly forgotten by the narrative when Jordel uses his authority to release them from prison. Ignoring the frustrating fact that there are no true consequences here for Loren or anyone else, Mystic misses an obvious opportunity to develop Loren's character by having her question her beliefs. This is a character whose ethics are diametrically opposed to everything she wants to be. She dreams to be a thief, but cannot steal without risking harm on someone. Her one rule demands that she never take a life, and yet her role as Nightblade all but requires her to break it. This blatant incongruity needed to be attacked in the story. Instead, the novel takes the coward's way out by never having Loren commit crimes at all, or, if she does, arranging the scenario in such a manner that she's never morally responsible for any harm whatsoever.
Just a poorly thought out story at every turn.
January 14, 2024
I remain bewildered.
Our main character continues to flail in an honestly realistic depiction of someone who's away from home for the first time and out of their depth. That's fine though because all her good choices are very wise and a sign of...something, and all her bad (awful, terrible) choices are just never mentioned again, despite leaving the entire group significantly worse off.
Characterisation is inconsistent, unless there's some larger conspiracy yet to be revealed (I am beginning to suspect not) and the plot has veered so wildly that there no longer appears to be a central quest. You could argue that 'surviving' is a quest, but the characters don't make sensible decisions on that front either.
So far, so mediocre fantasy, right? I was trying to pin down why this series is irking me so much, and I think it's the worldbuilding. At first I thought there was not enough. But I have revised that to: a lot of effort has actually gone into worldbuilding, but the author has forgotten to put it in the book. Maybe this was an attempt to avoid the common problem of having some characters spout dialogue about their own lives that seems unrealistic?
So, how is this world built? There are nine lands, and a high king. I know the names of, I think, two of these lands? I'm fairly certain we're still in the one the main character is from. Some of these lands war with each other, despite there being a (presumably) unifying high king who lives at the High Seat. Unclear where the High Seat is geographically, who rules each kingdom or what the differences between them are. Oh also, we are introduced in this volume to non-human sentient species, hitherto unmentioned and apparently unknown to our main character, Loren, although she takes it in stride.
Now you could argue we don't need to know any of that, but the heavy involvement of the secret order that everyone knows about but Loren suggests some world-sized events are afoot, so I think a brief rundown would be helpful. Perhaps it wouldn't matter much anyway, as our hero continues to put unreasonable faith in people at random, and to withdraw it at random also. Maybe that's her grand destiny, to be an agent of chaos. But no, then someone unironically refers to her as the legend of Nightblade, so I guess we're playing this one straight.
Leaving all that aside, let me end on the worst gripe I have with this book, the one single thing that infuriated me everytime it arose on the page. It's not even a spoiler because it's so obvious. (And it grinds my gears even more because Loren occasionally has almost inhuman insights into things she knows next to nothing about.) I absolutely refuse to believe that a girl like Loren, who grew up in a village where the only two activities are woodcutting and child-beating, is completely oblivious when witnessing the effects of addiction.
Anhyoo, definitely going to read the third one as I've already bought it, and I want to see how many Chekhov's guns remain unfired.
Our main character continues to flail in an honestly realistic depiction of someone who's away from home for the first time and out of their depth. That's fine though because all her good choices are very wise and a sign of...something, and all her bad (awful, terrible) choices are just never mentioned again, despite leaving the entire group significantly worse off.
Characterisation is inconsistent, unless there's some larger conspiracy yet to be revealed (I am beginning to suspect not) and the plot has veered so wildly that there no longer appears to be a central quest. You could argue that 'surviving' is a quest, but the characters don't make sensible decisions on that front either.
So far, so mediocre fantasy, right? I was trying to pin down why this series is irking me so much, and I think it's the worldbuilding. At first I thought there was not enough. But I have revised that to: a lot of effort has actually gone into worldbuilding, but the author has forgotten to put it in the book. Maybe this was an attempt to avoid the common problem of having some characters spout dialogue about their own lives that seems unrealistic?
So, how is this world built? There are nine lands, and a high king. I know the names of, I think, two of these lands? I'm fairly certain we're still in the one the main character is from. Some of these lands war with each other, despite there being a (presumably) unifying high king who lives at the High Seat. Unclear where the High Seat is geographically, who rules each kingdom or what the differences between them are. Oh also, we are introduced in this volume to non-human sentient species, hitherto unmentioned and apparently unknown to our main character, Loren, although she takes it in stride.
Now you could argue we don't need to know any of that, but the heavy involvement of the secret order that everyone knows about but Loren suggests some world-sized events are afoot, so I think a brief rundown would be helpful. Perhaps it wouldn't matter much anyway, as our hero continues to put unreasonable faith in people at random, and to withdraw it at random also. Maybe that's her grand destiny, to be an agent of chaos. But no, then someone unironically refers to her as the legend of Nightblade, so I guess we're playing this one straight.
Leaving all that aside, let me end on the worst gripe I have with this book, the one single thing that infuriated me everytime it arose on the page. It's not even a spoiler because it's so obvious. (And it grinds my gears even more because Loren occasionally has almost inhuman insights into things she knows next to nothing about.) I absolutely refuse to believe that a girl like Loren, who grew up in a village where the only two activities are woodcutting and child-beating, is completely oblivious when witnessing the effects of addiction.
Anhyoo, definitely going to read the third one as I've already bought it, and I want to see how many Chekhov's guns remain unfired.
May 9, 2020
Suffers from middle novel syndrome and feels like a settling of purpose more than a contained novel, especially considering the (sometimes frustrating) back-and-forth nature of its central character dynamics. By the end, the author knows where he wants to go: he tried the various paths and found what worked. That said, Loren is still an intriguing character and the writing remains fluid and engaging, driving smoothly from minor cliffhanger to minor cliffhanger. Easily readable.
May 2, 2018
Both books are set in "yee olde times" filled with all the yee olde things and yee olde language. The writing is, as you probably can imagine, filled with stereotypes and fantasy reenactment language such as "affore" "ofts" and "leagues" - I havent seen any betwixes yet but I'm expecting them so I'll not pick up the third book in this series. Not only that but the reliance on "fantasy style" language isn't even done well, It's like it's there as a placeholder for actual skillfull writing...
The plot has gone absolutely *nowhere* in two books. I mean are we starting a series with bloody filling episodes now? Not only that but the stuff that does happen is driven entirely by people getting captured or by people comeing to the rescue, generally out of nowhere - in none of it is the main character Lauren a factor. Things just happen to her.
Supposedly Lauren is quick witted yet she fails to see how her actions or lack off them have often immediate consequences. This is espescially evident in her "no murder"-policy, wich apparently is still in effect when people are actively trying to kill her. I guess she thinks those "over a hundred" soldiers are just coming for a nice cuddle and that the town full of innocent people they intend to siege after that will get the same cuddles and warm hugs.
Noone *real* thinks like that, and if you're going to have a character that *does* you better excert some fancy fracking writing to pull it off.
This never happens though so nah. Just nah.
The plot has gone absolutely *nowhere* in two books. I mean are we starting a series with bloody filling episodes now? Not only that but the stuff that does happen is driven entirely by people getting captured or by people comeing to the rescue, generally out of nowhere - in none of it is the main character Lauren a factor. Things just happen to her.
Supposedly Lauren is quick witted yet she fails to see how her actions or lack off them have often immediate consequences. This is espescially evident in her "no murder"-policy, wich apparently is still in effect when people are actively trying to kill her. I guess she thinks those "over a hundred" soldiers are just coming for a nice cuddle and that the town full of innocent people they intend to siege after that will get the same cuddles and warm hugs.
Noone *real* thinks like that, and if you're going to have a character that *does* you better excert some fancy fracking writing to pull it off.
This never happens though so nah. Just nah.
March 12, 2018
I wanted to like this book but there were certain parts that didn't just do it for me. Firstly, the main character Loren was very inconsistent. She was indecisive, she was constantly betraying Xain or Jordel, I couldn't understand the purpose of this. In my opinion, Loren's character could have benefited from a mentor.
The characters were constantly on the run. For me, this felt as if the plot had no clue what its end game was. We have no idea about who the general antagonist is, except for Jordel's "great evil." The story dragged as I tried to follow along, leaving the ending feeling quite...anticlimatic.
My favourite characters were Annis & Gem, though I wish Annis had more speaking roles. In my opinion, the book isn't entirely bad but it could have benefited from better characterization and further reveals of what is happening. That, in the least, might have made me care for the characters and their story.
Follow me at Camillea Reads for more bookish adventures
The characters were constantly on the run. For me, this felt as if the plot had no clue what its end game was. We have no idea about who the general antagonist is, except for Jordel's "great evil." The story dragged as I tried to follow along, leaving the ending feeling quite...anticlimatic.
My favourite characters were Annis & Gem, though I wish Annis had more speaking roles. In my opinion, the book isn't entirely bad but it could have benefited from better characterization and further reveals of what is happening. That, in the least, might have made me care for the characters and their story.
Follow me at Camillea Reads for more bookish adventures
October 27, 2019
It’s time for Nightblade pt. 2 as I continue to spiral deeper into Garrett Robinson’s Underrealm.
Mystic continues where Nightblade left off. Now escaped from the perils of the city, Loren continues her journey to become a famous thief of legend—the Nightblade. But war is brewing in the nine lands, and a conflict to span the ages has risen once again. Together with her companions, Gem and Annis, Loren continues her flight from her enemies on her way to make a fortune if she can find a buyer for her precious cargo.
While Nightblade hinted at a larger world, Mystic begins to dive into it. The story expands the lore and magic. We learn about the order of the Mystics, get a more complete view of the magic systems within Underrealm, and explore new regions of Robinson’s secondary world. The voice of the series is consistent and is reminiscent of the classic fantasy style. And the story is paced with the appropriate amount of action and adventure.
While Loren isn’t my favorite protagonist, I warmed to her a bit in this story, but not without several dozen “No! Why would you do that?!” moments. But Gem is becoming a more interesting character, and grumpy-due-to-withdrawals Xain is far more interesting than the normal Xain we meet in book one.
When I talked about the previous installment, I mentioned that book one felt incomplete with such a hard cliffhanger. I think the story is meant to feel episodic, but making one story out of Nightblade and Mystic would have satisfied me more. The second book answers many of the questions I expected the first novel to answer, and it feels like Loren really becomes the Nightblade at the end of Mystic. But since the first book is technically free, it’s easy to forgive.
Because this book feels more like a continuation of the previous story than its own story, my opinion of the Nightblade saga remains unchanged: while not a personal home run, it’s a fun adventure, worth diving into if you’re looking for a story with a Salvatore, Weis & Hickman, or Goodkind tone. And you can read book one for free by going here: https://underrealm.net/).
Mystic continues where Nightblade left off. Now escaped from the perils of the city, Loren continues her journey to become a famous thief of legend—the Nightblade. But war is brewing in the nine lands, and a conflict to span the ages has risen once again. Together with her companions, Gem and Annis, Loren continues her flight from her enemies on her way to make a fortune if she can find a buyer for her precious cargo.
While Nightblade hinted at a larger world, Mystic begins to dive into it. The story expands the lore and magic. We learn about the order of the Mystics, get a more complete view of the magic systems within Underrealm, and explore new regions of Robinson’s secondary world. The voice of the series is consistent and is reminiscent of the classic fantasy style. And the story is paced with the appropriate amount of action and adventure.
While Loren isn’t my favorite protagonist, I warmed to her a bit in this story, but not without several dozen “No! Why would you do that?!” moments. But Gem is becoming a more interesting character, and grumpy-due-to-withdrawals Xain is far more interesting than the normal Xain we meet in book one.
When I talked about the previous installment, I mentioned that book one felt incomplete with such a hard cliffhanger. I think the story is meant to feel episodic, but making one story out of Nightblade and Mystic would have satisfied me more. The second book answers many of the questions I expected the first novel to answer, and it feels like Loren really becomes the Nightblade at the end of Mystic. But since the first book is technically free, it’s easy to forgive.
Because this book feels more like a continuation of the previous story than its own story, my opinion of the Nightblade saga remains unchanged: while not a personal home run, it’s a fun adventure, worth diving into if you’re looking for a story with a Salvatore, Weis & Hickman, or Goodkind tone. And you can read book one for free by going here: https://underrealm.net/).
August 19, 2024
I have forgotten so much of this series because I read it so long ago so I'm not sure if my feelings now are what my feelings were years ago. All I can do is write my review on my thoughts now.
Unfortunately, I didnt love this one as much as book 1. Loren made decisions and flip flopped so much that I wasn't sure why I had loved her character in the first one. I felt her to be quite naive even though in book 1, she made smart decisions that saved her life countless times. I don't feel that I'm reading about the same character.
The plot in this one seemed to be missing. It was more about the dumb decisions Loren kept making and not advancing the overall story. I think this book would have been better off as a novella or attached to book one. Nothing new was revealed or learned. It's a massive disservice because the way the author writes and the writing itself was great.
By the end of Mystic, I was so ready to put the series down and remember it fondly from years ago. However, the last few pages kicked the Nightblade legend in full gear and kickstarted the plot again.
Now, as much as I didn't like the plot or Loren, Gem is well, a gem! I love him. He made the whole book better.
I'm definitely going to continue the series. But, I think I'll take a break to get my book hangover to go away.
Unfortunately, I didnt love this one as much as book 1. Loren made decisions and flip flopped so much that I wasn't sure why I had loved her character in the first one. I felt her to be quite naive even though in book 1, she made smart decisions that saved her life countless times. I don't feel that I'm reading about the same character.
The plot in this one seemed to be missing. It was more about the dumb decisions Loren kept making and not advancing the overall story. I think this book would have been better off as a novella or attached to book one. Nothing new was revealed or learned. It's a massive disservice because the way the author writes and the writing itself was great.
By the end of Mystic, I was so ready to put the series down and remember it fondly from years ago. However, the last few pages kicked the Nightblade legend in full gear and kickstarted the plot again.
Now, as much as I didn't like the plot or Loren, Gem is well, a gem! I love him. He made the whole book better.
I'm definitely going to continue the series. But, I think I'll take a break to get my book hangover to go away.
June 20, 2017
Nightblade the first book in the series was entertaining enough to warrant me starting on Mystic. It is free on Amazon Unlimited which helped. I enjoy many things about this series but I had to stop 1/4 of the way through this book as I could no longer take the hypocrisy of the main character. I think it honorable that she does not want to kill people and as it should never be taken lightly. However, she purposefully influences multiple events that directly lead to peoples deaths, or her mistakes lead to others, yet she feels no remorse at all for them and only blames the people that actually physical did the killing. So basically it seems her philosophy is the only person at fault is the person who was holding the blade, as if you hired someone to assassinate someone you would not be at fault, only the actual killer? Regardless her grand standing as a 15 year old know it all got a little old, so I had to stop reading the book after putting down the book in disgust at the above fact a few times, eventually I just didn't want to pick it up anymore. Maybe I should give the character a chance to learn and grow and keep reading the book. I may later, and I'll edit this review. I just have many more books waiting to be read, that I plan on reading first.
March 12, 2018
What I am really liking about this series is that it not trying too hard. It not trying to ram in a whole load of the story in a short amount of pages. It lets the story breath and grow the more you read of the series. Each book has covered a few weeks at the most. It shows the character growth gradually which is really nice to see. All of them are growing, making mistakes or learning.
None of the characters are invincible or all good. There is a lot of grey areas and them learning from their mistakes. I haven’t come across a character that is one-sided, all of them have many layers to their characters.
The world has expanded more but again not too much. It does it slowly and only adding more information as it is needed. I liked how the Wurt were added (Water creatures), it was very subtly done yet also adds a whole new element to the world. Also makes you think what other creatures will be added or are out there?
None of the characters are invincible or all good. There is a lot of grey areas and them learning from their mistakes. I haven’t come across a character that is one-sided, all of them have many layers to their characters.
The world has expanded more but again not too much. It does it slowly and only adding more information as it is needed. I liked how the Wurt were added (Water creatures), it was very subtly done yet also adds a whole new element to the world. Also makes you think what other creatures will be added or are out there?
March 2, 2018
The story continues and it's as engaging as before...
Garrett Robinson serves us another fantastic book in the world of Underrealm. Everything I liked in the Nightblade is still here. The pace of the story is great and kept me reading hardly taking a break. What I also find very fascinating is the fact that it is really a continuation of the previous plot. It is not only yet another story that is related to the previous one, but it feels almost like a next chapter in the Nightblade. Of course one could say that the ending of the Nightblade clearly suggested that it's going to be like that, but still I would like to stress how I like the way it was executed and how I like the concept itself. Because of the way the books are connected with each other I'm even more excited about next ones and the whole Nightblade Epic in general.
Garrett Robinson serves us another fantastic book in the world of Underrealm. Everything I liked in the Nightblade is still here. The pace of the story is great and kept me reading hardly taking a break. What I also find very fascinating is the fact that it is really a continuation of the previous plot. It is not only yet another story that is related to the previous one, but it feels almost like a next chapter in the Nightblade. Of course one could say that the ending of the Nightblade clearly suggested that it's going to be like that, but still I would like to stress how I like the way it was executed and how I like the concept itself. Because of the way the books are connected with each other I'm even more excited about next ones and the whole Nightblade Epic in general.
April 11, 2018
I thought I read Nightblade quick, but this second one in the series—I just can't put down; I'm addicted n IV got to know what happens next that I just can't put the book down for long.
It's such a easy; astonishing quick read. Lovely smooth writing, no errors at all; so I can just zoom along without really taking a breather which is the way I love to read.
I love helping my friends, but it's lovely once in a while to take a back seat n just zoom on by n relax into a story without editing.
This author is astonishing n just by looking at his profile, one can see that he holds a lot of mystery behind his eye. I get the feeling the Garrett is telling the story himself.
what's gonna happen next n where will their travels take them I wonder!
It's such a easy; astonishing quick read. Lovely smooth writing, no errors at all; so I can just zoom along without really taking a breather which is the way I love to read.
I love helping my friends, but it's lovely once in a while to take a back seat n just zoom on by n relax into a story without editing.
This author is astonishing n just by looking at his profile, one can see that he holds a lot of mystery behind his eye. I get the feeling the Garrett is telling the story himself.
what's gonna happen next n where will their travels take them I wonder!
July 5, 2018
I Abso-tively, Poso-lutely loved this book.
Loren is on a quest to become like the legendary thief, the Nightblade. Along the way she has to contend with a Wizard that likes to abandon her at every turn, a Mystic that is sworn to protect her because of the blade she carries, a girl from an abusive home, and a thief who thinks himself smarter than he really is.
The action is well paced and the story keeps me turning the pages and wanting to read more. This is book 2 in the series, so you definitely should read NIGHTBLADE first, but then roll right into this one. I enjoy the characters and the choices are made believable by the way they are written. No one character does something that would not fit their personality, which is not an easy task.
Loren is on a quest to become like the legendary thief, the Nightblade. Along the way she has to contend with a Wizard that likes to abandon her at every turn, a Mystic that is sworn to protect her because of the blade she carries, a girl from an abusive home, and a thief who thinks himself smarter than he really is.
The action is well paced and the story keeps me turning the pages and wanting to read more. This is book 2 in the series, so you definitely should read NIGHTBLADE first, but then roll right into this one. I enjoy the characters and the choices are made believable by the way they are written. No one character does something that would not fit their personality, which is not an easy task.
December 29, 2018
Wizardry, Magic, Suspense and Action all rolled into an epic adventure!
I suggest reading Nightblade first to understand the characters and story line.
Mystic continues the story of Loren, Gem, Annis, Xian and Jordal. As their adventures continue, many obstacles are placed in their path.
Loren learns many lessons in the story, most importantly, that she will have to be very wary of whom she places her trust. Gem continues to amaze me with his versatility in tense situations.
The second book of the series definitely did not disappoint. I couldn't stop reading!
I suggest reading Nightblade first to understand the characters and story line.
Mystic continues the story of Loren, Gem, Annis, Xian and Jordal. As their adventures continue, many obstacles are placed in their path.
Loren learns many lessons in the story, most importantly, that she will have to be very wary of whom she places her trust. Gem continues to amaze me with his versatility in tense situations.
The second book of the series definitely did not disappoint. I couldn't stop reading!
October 26, 2017
This is the second book in the series from Garrett Robinson. This continues the saga focusing on another major character, Jordel, the mystic and highly skilled swordsman. The story line was excellent taking the reader through the travels and interactions between the members traveling together. The battle scenes in this second book were very good and expanded upon the magic and wizardry of this fictitious land. Enjoyed the read - looking forward to the next in the series, Darkfire.
August 24, 2017
Great read, I truly enjoy the world Garrett has created and the characters continue to develop in this second book of the series. The story not only held my interest from the start but also kept me reading, anticipating what was going to happen next. I enjoy the way this book picks up right where NIghtblade left off. This book, like the first, left me wanting more, I can't wait to read the third book. This is a series I will continue to recommend to everyone that enjoys fantasy.
August 21, 2018
Adventures await
I really enjoyed this book. We see Loren growing into her role even as she is unsure what that may be. Her adventure dictates her response, some of which surprises, since we only know so much about her past. This is something special about reading a story, you can fall in love with a person, created in less ideal situations.
I really enjoyed this book. We see Loren growing into her role even as she is unsure what that may be. Her adventure dictates her response, some of which surprises, since we only know so much about her past. This is something special about reading a story, you can fall in love with a person, created in less ideal situations.
February 20, 2017
It's an exciting story about Loren, who seeks a better life. Difficult to determine who is friend or foe. Also hard to say where it's going to end.
She has a strong conviction against hurting and killing any living beings.
She has a strong conviction against hurting and killing any living beings.
May 5, 2017
Well-written and fun, this story continues to build as it goes.
The author strikes an interesting balance between crafting a closed story and pulling you into an epic world. I'm having a lot of fun characters.
The author strikes an interesting balance between crafting a closed story and pulling you into an epic world. I'm having a lot of fun characters.
January 27, 2018
These books get better with each one as it brings new characters to the world and draws you in. No spoilers here! Read it for yourself, you'll be glad you did and a warning of the usual... you won't be able to put them down because once you start, you won't be able to stop!
December 16, 2016
Stranger and stranger
You have no idea what will happen next. Secrets are many! Who can she trust. It seems to change over time!!
You have no idea what will happen next. Secrets are many! Who can she trust. It seems to change over time!!
February 19, 2017
The twist and turns that Garrett Robinson put in his second book mystic leaves you wondering what's next? Can't wait to start Darkfire, what an epic adventure two thumbs up
February 19, 2017
It really expanded on the characters. Gave a rich background to the world and I can't wait to see where the characters go next.
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