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Minalan’s Summer Vacation!
What does the most powerful wizard in the world do after the war is over? Despite the hordes of goblins still ready to ravage human lands, King Rard has signed a treaty with them, so Minalan is forbidden from taking advantage of their weakened state. Most would take a well-deserved rest over the summer . . . but Minalan and his household are busy repaying a favor owed to the tribal Kasari for their help in the war, and the Spellmonger pays his debts. So Minalan spends his summer sneaking two thousand Kasari children through enemy lines, goblin territory, hostile Wilderlords, and through some of the roughest territory in the Five Duchies toward salvation.
But the Spellmonger soon learns that not even the help of a goddess is going to be sufficient to contend with the realities of the quest. Despite his best efforts and some of the most advanced magic seen since the Magocracy, the march attracts enemies . . . and far too many friends.
For when the desperate refugees of the war-torn Alshari Wilderlands see the well-fed legions of Kasari march by, they cannot help but follow, even if they have no idea of the destination. Any life is better than the hopeless existence they’ve lived avoiding starvation and the goblins’ stewpot. And the promise of hope the great march of the Spellmonger’s children offers is just too good to pass up. Security and the promise of a brighter future lie just on the other side of the border with the duchy of Castal.
The problem is that the Duke of Castal, Prince Tavard, who is also Minalan's titular overlord, is dead-set against a single Alshari refugee crossing his frontier – and he’s assembled a small army to stop any from doing so. With political pressure high and the very gods maneuvering behind the scenes, it’s going to take some clever magic, some inspired legal maneuvering, and some serious effort to pull off this miracle . . . but that’s the kind of job the Spellmonger does in Journeymage!

488 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2015

436 people are currently reading
610 people want to read

About the author

Terry Mancour

42 books1,173 followers
Terry 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.

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5 stars
2,317 (59%)
4 stars
1,243 (32%)
3 stars
283 (7%)
2 stars
31 (<1%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Justin Lambert.
105 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2017
Great story line

Once in a while you come across a book and you can't put it down, but it touches you in some way. This story deals with the trial and tribulations of moving 2,000 refuge children across a continent and the mantle of leadership that our beloved Spellmonger must face.

These children are orphans and Terry Mancour shows a side of war that people never truly understand. That is the number of Orphans a war creates.

Whenever you hear about an adoption, I don't care how disgruntled you are with life, you inherently know the good in that action. You just can't help but smile because with evil in the world you see and hear everyday it just resonates with your soul. That is what the Spellmonger does, well adopts these children for a short while, but you have to read it to get the wonderful details.
Profile Image for Curtis.
774 reviews20 followers
June 16, 2015
It just keeps on getting better

It seems I just can't get enough of Terry Mancour's Spellmonger, and this latest work only enforce s that.

We get to see magic and characters grow (a lot), we get some answers, more questions, and good drama with a deft touch of humor. We also get to see an excellent solution to a very bad war issue, but most of all we once again get that easy Mancour narrative in a compelling story that is somehow impossible to put down, set in a complex and ever-expanding world. Don't hesitate: read it now. (Unless you've never read the series before, in which case do yourself a favor and read it all from the beginning. Not because you have to, but because it's a pleasure to do so.)
Profile Image for Adam Clements.
188 reviews
December 21, 2019
The best of the series so far. The author seems to be a brilliant writer in the Magic/Fantasy genre but the previous books have a really unfortunate and distracting portrayal of sex and women in general. This book does better in that regard.

For several books women are poorly developed as characters, subservient, or their primary characteristic is based on the act of having sex (sex magic, sexually based assassination). Some parts include pedophilia. I'm as male and heterosexual as anyone else but these aspects almost made me put the series down. I can't imagine a female reader getting this far in the series.
19 reviews
February 25, 2019
Rarely have I felt so utterly satisfied by a fantasy novel. I've been a huge fan of Terry Mancour's spellmonger series, impressed with his prodigious pace of writing & publishing, the sheer level of detail in his world building, obvious depth of his historical research on medieval society constantly increasing my vocabulary & understanding of how society was ordered in feudal times. (It really helps to use the dictionary function on my kindle).
Reading the book description, I thought this would be more of an adventure story, taking Minalan out of his domain of Sevendor putting him on the road for months on the outskirts of the kingdom. Not so! Duchies politics, building defences against the marauding Goblins, fighting said Goblins with his child army, spreading the Scouting association throughout 2 duchies, logistically dealing with thousands of refugees, & towards the end some superb Deus ex machina tantalisingly setting us up for two or three spin-off novels as well as the next Spellmonger book.
Well done Terry thoroughly satisfying
51 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2015
I don't think I have ever given a five star rating to a novel that needs editing as much as this book could use. So why the five, it is because Terry Mancour is an excellent story teller. I am hoping there is a short story a novel that will come out that will explain what happened to Tyndel and Ronald when they went on the mission to the shrine. Also I know it is a spoiler but I recommend jumping to the end to read the short story there that really introduces Guri. He has a small part in this book but it helps to understand them stone singers better in this novel.
Profile Image for Xander.
46 reviews
February 23, 2019
I love the Spellmonger series, and Journeymage is a story that could only be told in the wonderful universe Terry Mancour has built. Having agreed to escort the children of allies who were timely in their assistance, Minalan the Spellmonger turns his considerable arcane resources to the task of keeping a thousands strong march supplied and safe as they cross paths and purposes with hungry goblins, defiant feudal lords, and even his own lawful sovereign.

A unique and beautiful tale, and a sterling example of storytelling done right.
Profile Image for Jeff R Hawkins.
110 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2017
I remain delighted

I barely slept while reading this book. In spite of working 12 hour shifts, I've spent about 6 or eight hours a day reading. I can't really put my finger on why I like this series so much. But I am looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Thomas.
265 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
General Overview
Another average instalment in the adventures of Minalan the Spellmonger. Clearly I bounce off Mr Mancour's writing style somewhat, because it is clearly not going to develop. The story is good however, though this book once more feels like I mere stepping stone for the next.

Style
Mr Mancour continues to go over well understood and established pieces of his narrative. This is under the clear assumption that his readers are going to forget his rather enjoyable narrative. The story is good. The characters are colourful and well written. But points from previous chapters let alone books are gone over repeatedly. It is lazy writing.

Which is a true shame because I am loving this series besides. It is a witty and enjoyable ride, and quite clever at points. Some of the narrative ques and leads are easy to spot, but that's no bad thing. I do not always want a confusing and gripping read after all.

Story
Minalan is going to need all the help he can get, divine or otherwise, to complete he promise to the Kasari, and safely take their children to safety. It is an epic tale, and one well suited to the Spellmonger. With his companions he leads them to safety, as you would expect.

However, Minalan grows over this story, mainly by realising the world cannot rest on his shoulders. I will leave it there for spoilers.

Journeymage much like High Mage before it seems to be setting up for later novels. This feels to be its main purpose. It ties off a promise from the Protagonist, expands to the lore of the world, and thats it. Its not a bad story because of it.

Final Thoughts
A staple for the series, if nothing dramatic.
356 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2020
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book compared with the previous few. There is a truce and everyone have withdrawn to their own borders to tend to their wounded and to prepare for the future.

Minalan is wary about the truce but does not get traction with the other nobilities. So, what does he do? Whatever he wants, just in secret and without permission...well, sort of without permission.

He was put in charge of building 7 new towers around the Penumbra lands. However, he uses this as an excuse to lead the Kasari children out of Northern Alshar to their new home. The only snag is his liege, Duke of Castal forbid the children from entering Castali lands.

How do you smuggle children from one place to another, past dangers to life and reputation? Well, Minalan just had to plan a perfect heist. This novel read like a well planned heist novel, except rather than steal something, he moved a large gathering of people (mostly children) from Alshar to Castal.

This book is a fun read, plotting and executing plans, being countered, doing something different. It all ends well but this book makes the how sound fun. Alas, like all the other books, magic plays a big part to push the narrative along. Divine intervention played a big part in the book as well. Sounds like some rather big players are interested in Minalan.

If you're reading this series, I think most people would enjoy this book as it's different to the others.
Profile Image for Annalise.
541 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
“It’s my choices that have gotten me here in the first place,” I sighed. “Everyone has to be somewhere,” he shrugged. “And where we are is always the result of the steps we’ve chosen to take.” Min does lots of philosophical thinking in this installment in the Spellmonger series as he spends his summer sneaking two thousand Kasari children by enemy lines, goblin territory, hostile Wilderlords, (some of the roughest territory in the Five Duchies) toward salvation. And his thinking proves worthwhile as he plans effectively enough and turning those plans into action whilst dealing with unexpected complications - he makes good choices! I like these sideline stories that connect to the main storyline. Not every book can be battling goblins and this has a bit of everything - battles, romance, politics, interactions with the Gods and good magic while linking to other parts of the series (for instance, reminding us that Min's Aprrentices still have unfinished business with an old enemy). Terry Mancour's writing is good although there are still times I find it repetitive (Min has told us something in a previous chapter and then he tells us again which is fristrating) - but this could be because of the impressive pace of the author's writing. Keep them coming I say! The narration by John Lee in the audible version is flawless as always and he really brings out the humour in the book. Well done - I'm continuing with the series for sure!
Profile Image for Jordan Steinhoff.
514 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2021
Enjoyable but lacking.

While it was a basically enjoyable story, there was a definite feel that this was just a transitional story. A few bits of politics. a few bits of wizardry a few bits of romance. But, nothing that really stood out to make this feel like more than a regrouping moment for the writer.

Everybody's story advances a bit. Everybody has a few moments to be important. Everybody you've liked or disliked from previous books are there.

I'm left feeling that not only is this a transition book it's also just there so the writer can hear himself speak. The strength of this series is the amusing dialog, expounding on history and the conflicts. The conflict wasn't really there and was handled with the standard macguffinery that is common to this series. The dialog is not quite as amusing. The history often seemed to serve no purpose.

Still, enjoyable and it hasn't put me off the rest of the series but it's starting to feel like maybe we're in the matrix or something and Minalan is fixing AIs.

Tithe.
2 reviews
March 12, 2024
This was the least interesting of the books as I read ahead. It seemed the most non-relevant. Many books when you get into a series become transformational. They do not tell a lot of stories, nothing really happens, but they set up the following stories in important ways. Kind of like middle chapters in a book.
Yet i was wrong. I am writing this after I have read the entire series so far. This becomes so enjoyable looking back. It is not the fight filled story that preceded it. I have come to think back over this story more and more.
What is even more disappointing to me is my stupidity.
It was fun, enjoyable. Yes it built a lot for future books, but no more than any other book. It was just a fun, enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Derek Keast.
23 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2019
I listened to this one, as well as the others in the series. Like the other books, this one is jam-packed with interesting dialogue (witty banter, heated debates, friendly jibes). However, it is missing some crucial elements of a story, like any falling action at the end.

This book is great to listen to as long as it’s accompanied by the rest of the series, because there is actually little to no story progression. For this reason, I was close to giving it 3 stars. It’s entertaining, and works well for passing the time. I wouldn’t recommend actually reading a physical copy though. I haven’t seen a physical copy to any book in this series, and I’m pretty sure I know the reason for that.
Profile Image for Erin.
335 reviews
September 17, 2020
Can’t decide on my rating; Better than 3 but 4 seems maybe a tadddd bit like too much, but I’m rounding up. The first book or so of this series really pulled me in. Now the series is just kind of plodding along doing its thing like a tv series that just keeps on keeping on. It’s not nearly so exciting as the beginning but I’ll keep up with it because when a series goes on for a long time and stays at least acceptably good it’s nice to just sink into. I already know the characters, I don’t need to pay attention to world building. The familiarity and the acceptable story line make this a good book at this point, just not “oh wow, amazing!”
Profile Image for Jay Collins.
1,630 reviews15 followers
September 18, 2019
3.5 to 4 stars, Liked this one as well. As I said in my last review if you liked the other books this one is good as well. I like this one a little more than the last two as it was not with spin off characters and was more on the MC. This series is a lot like others that I have done but it did take more time to like it as much as some of the other series. The many plot did not get progressed in this book but I still liked it. In some of the other series the MC is a little smarter and sees the big picture more than this guy but all in all it is still pretty good.
Profile Image for Patrick Tidwell.
54 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2023
minor spoilers

Full disclosure I am utterly unable to be unbiased regarding Journeymage. I was a Scout and this is the sneakiest most heartfelt love letter to the scouting ever written. Every Scout who has ever trekked through Philmont, or even watched a patrol come together as a team will feel immediate nostalgia for the Kasari. We also see Min at probably his most unambiguously virtuous. We also get lost of Pentandra which is wonderful. It will probably always be my favorite of the series.
“Byddwch yn Barod!”
681 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2019
Did this one audio book style.

the continuing saga. I really like this series. the guy reading it for me is perfect for the books.

all the characters are here and moving forward, continuing to develop quite nicely.

not as much action in this one as the others but the final battle is a good one.

on to book 7
6 reviews
December 17, 2017
As always, a decent book with some pretty shoddy editing. I've started making a game of highlighting the mistakes in my Kindle. The most amusing one from this book:

Abbess Parsily squealed a "Oh, bloody hells! Not again!" and fell prostate at her feet.
32 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2018
Imagine yourself on a stormy night snug under the blankets, with a masterful story teller reading to you an enchantingly spun story while your eyes droop and the the television of your mind takes you into the realms of a fantastic land and meet interesting people, creatures, Gods and humanoid beings on an adventure through the woods. Ahhhh.
Profile Image for David Campbell.
68 reviews
July 3, 2020
Wonderful book

I really enjoy the story of Minalyn the Spellmonger and his epic adventures across the world of California. The fun never ends! I can’t wait to read and continue this great series. This author is right up there with Robert Jordan in my opinion.
52 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
Moving Story

A great story about the spellmonger. Royal intrigue, refugees, and the road. Just a great story. Really enjoyed learning more about the world and the inhabitants. This is my current favorite series.
Love it and can't wait to see how it all ends
Profile Image for Pip.
173 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2020
I'm really liking this series. Even though there was not a lot of action in this book there was a lot of elements getting pulled together and enough details I was not able to puzzle out before hand. That has become increasingly rare the more books I read so it's always nice to be surprised.
Profile Image for Anthony Milton.
195 reviews3 followers
November 17, 2020
Loved it

This book surpassed all expectations.I honestly don’t see how it could’ve been written better.My favorite part of the book is the insight into the personalities of Minalan an his support group.
897 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2021
Spellmonger continues to be a comfort read of an epic fantasy series. Very trope-y but fun, well thought-out and each book differs in their setting. This time, the march across the country with the war refugees - an interesting angle that came with some great moments.
349 reviews
March 7, 2022
Great read

There are so many good things to say about this book: I could tell this is one of the author's favovrite endeavors. I loved the afterwood and the short story that followed...
426 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2018
Excellent

Much more political than the other books. Still enjoyable though. Interested to see where the next book in the series will go
325 reviews
July 6, 2018
Though this book is not as intense as the others it was more enjoyable and I think Minalan is finally getting some brain.
Profile Image for Heath.
521 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2018
Good Read.

The story continues from the previous book. From a promise made, this is the story of the trip of 2000 Kasari children safely delivered across enemy lines.
107 reviews
January 18, 2019
Quite a Journey

It was a interesting tale. Many twists and turns. I enjoyed the way the Spellmonger worked his way around friend and foe. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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