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Brightmoon #3
The Mages of Bennamore
A fragile peace. A clash of magic. A woman with secrets.
Fen’s used to hiding away in her coastal town, keeping her past and her magic far from prying eyes. But the aftermath of the brief war with Bennamore pits her against a different kind of magic, and throws her quiet life into turmoil, threatening to expose all her secrets.
Mal’s job as guard to the mages of Bennamore has always been, frankly, a bit dull, but that was before they were sent to bring magic to the resentful coastal folk. Before he knows it, he finds himself in the middle of riots, disappearances and thievery. And then there’s the infuriatingly snooty Fen, a woman he’d love to tame.
The two will have to overcome their mutual dislike and join forces to untangle the dragon’s nest of deceit around them, or else their countries will be plunged back into disastrous war.
Fen’s used to hiding away in her coastal town, keeping her past and her magic far from prying eyes. But the aftermath of the brief war with Bennamore pits her against a different kind of magic, and throws her quiet life into turmoil, threatening to expose all her secrets.
Mal’s job as guard to the mages of Bennamore has always been, frankly, a bit dull, but that was before they were sent to bring magic to the resentful coastal folk. Before he knows it, he finds himself in the middle of riots, disappearances and thievery. And then there’s the infuriatingly snooty Fen, a woman he’d love to tame.
The two will have to overcome their mutual dislike and join forces to untangle the dragon’s nest of deceit around them, or else their countries will be plunged back into disastrous war.
440 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
87 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Pauline M. Ross
11 books363 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 20, 2015
This third story in the series follows another set of characters in a new corner of the Brightmoon world. While it can be enjoyed by new readers, the subtle references to the previous stories works as a pleasant reward for loyal readers returning to Pauline M Ross's fantasy world.
Fen quickly became my favourite protagonist of the series by feeling very much like a real person. She doesn't have any magical abilities, (at least until she meets the titular mages), and her skeptical personality makes her relatable and easy to like. As the mysteries and drama unfolds, I found myself drawn into the story and quite keen to know how it would all end. While I found the pace of the final third to be a little slow, everything comes to a satisfying conclusion.
If you're after an elegantly written fantasy romp sprinkled with a good dose of romance, then I'd find The Mages of Bennamore (and both previous stories) easy to recommend.
Fen quickly became my favourite protagonist of the series by feeling very much like a real person. She doesn't have any magical abilities, (at least until she meets the titular mages), and her skeptical personality makes her relatable and easy to like. As the mysteries and drama unfolds, I found myself drawn into the story and quite keen to know how it would all end. While I found the pace of the final third to be a little slow, everything comes to a satisfying conclusion.
If you're after an elegantly written fantasy romp sprinkled with a good dose of romance, then I'd find The Mages of Bennamore (and both previous stories) easy to recommend.
April 21, 2015
I really, really liked the premise of this book. However, I couldn't really get a feel for the main character's personality, even though it was in first person. Interesting events happened around her, but I couldn't get much of a feel for her reactions or emotional state. The plot took a while to get started, but it was quite fast-paced- in a good way- when it occurred. It was political while still being suspenseful and interesting. Still, I felt the narrative voice was somewhat more detached than I'm used to.
December 6, 2015
Another intelligent, engaging tale from Ms. Ross's Brightmoon Annals. Prickly, secretive Fen is facing middle age without family, friends, status, or security in the rigidly-ordered Holdings when her employer commits socially correct suicide after his fleet sinks. Badly in need of new employment, Fen, a Recorder (something like a secretary and business manager) accepts a job with the new mages in town, sent from conquering Bennamore to grace the people of the Holdings with their magic. A mage sent to another city disappears, and Fen's employers, along with her and the guard with whom she finds her life unexpectedly entangled, go to find out what happened to the missing mage. The resulting political tangle exposes Fen's own secrets and forces her to finally, at the age of 40, confront what she really wants out of life.
I always appreciate stories about more mature characters (as opposed to coming-of-age stories), so I enjoyed reading about Fen's midlife crisis, and her unexpected, unwelcome romance (us old folks can fall in love, too!). The political plotline didn't engage me as much, mostly because I didn't feel like Fen had any really significant personal stakes in how it all played out other than that it would be bad for her country and people in general. For me, the main story was Fen coming to terms with her past, her abilities, her desires, and herself. I enjoyed this very much, even when I wanted to give Fen a good shaking and yell at her for being all gaga-eyed over the wrong guy. Still, the intrigue is intriguing and the action is exciting, and I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended if you like intelligent, original fantasy with a hefty dose of romance and characters who've already experienced a good bit of living.
I always appreciate stories about more mature characters (as opposed to coming-of-age stories), so I enjoyed reading about Fen's midlife crisis, and her unexpected, unwelcome romance (us old folks can fall in love, too!). The political plotline didn't engage me as much, mostly because I didn't feel like Fen had any really significant personal stakes in how it all played out other than that it would be bad for her country and people in general. For me, the main story was Fen coming to terms with her past, her abilities, her desires, and herself. I enjoyed this very much, even when I wanted to give Fen a good shaking and yell at her for being all gaga-eyed over the wrong guy. Still, the intrigue is intriguing and the action is exciting, and I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommended if you like intelligent, original fantasy with a hefty dose of romance and characters who've already experienced a good bit of living.
May 1, 2015
Fast paced and psychologically tantalizing.
Intriguing twists and turns throughout the book causing the characters to continually to reveal more of their intriguing and often colorful histories. Highly unique
main character who often appears as a complex enigma Highly recommend this book to other readers. The Mages of Bennamore has the same highly creative flare that I found when reading The Fire Mages, also written by Pauline M Ross. Very gifted writing style that I find both refreshing and fascinating.
Intriguing twists and turns throughout the book causing the characters to continually to reveal more of their intriguing and often colorful histories. Highly unique
main character who often appears as a complex enigma Highly recommend this book to other readers. The Mages of Bennamore has the same highly creative flare that I found when reading The Fire Mages, also written by Pauline M Ross. Very gifted writing style that I find both refreshing and fascinating.
August 21, 2017
Book 3 of the Brightmoon series and we finally get a small sense of the connection between the books. This takes place almost immediately after the events in book 2 and in a region mentioned in that book. At the end of that book Bennamore has forced a treaty on the coastal holdings in the south and is sending mages there. Book 3 starts in one of those holdings. The FMC is Fen and she goes to work for a pair of mages and their retinue. This includes Mal, one of their guards.
This book has one of my favourite tropes I enjoyed Fen and Mal getting to know each other and falling in love. Unfortunately the writing somehow failed to convey this love in a convincing manner.
The world was well built and interesting. We got to learn more about the balls seen in book 1 and there were even 2 characters from that book. Again women are seen in all roles. I liked Mal and oddly felt a bigger emotional connection to him than to Fen even though the story is told by her. She is an unreliable narrator in that she keeps secrets. I could not understand her devotion to Ish. And I hope she gets her dragon back in a later book!
This book has one of my favourite tropes I enjoyed Fen and Mal getting to know each other and falling in love. Unfortunately the writing somehow failed to convey this love in a convincing manner.
The world was well built and interesting. We got to learn more about the balls seen in book 1 and there were even 2 characters from that book. Again women are seen in all roles. I liked Mal and oddly felt a bigger emotional connection to him than to Fen even though the story is told by her. She is an unreliable narrator in that she keeps secrets. I could not understand her devotion to Ish. And I hope she gets her dragon back in a later book!
May 11, 2024
Political and military drama with some romance and some magic use. I've read a few other books in this series, out of order. I likely missed a few references to past characters or events in the series. In this book, there were too many minor characters for me to keep track of, especially ones with similar names. I skimmed a few slow spots.
As with other books in this series, a strong woman is wronged by circumstance. Despite that, she survives, gets much of what she wants, and ends up on top.
As with other books in this series, a strong woman is wronged by circumstance. Despite that, she survives, gets much of what she wants, and ends up on top.
October 21, 2017
First loves not always good choices.
Normally this would not be my first choice of reading, but I do occasionally enjoy a good fae or fantasy type book so this one looked interesting. It did not disappoint, and kept me entertained and nearly glued to my book till it was completely read. A very well put together story, with a few twists I did not expect. Very well done!
Normally this would not be my first choice of reading, but I do occasionally enjoy a good fae or fantasy type book so this one looked interesting. It did not disappoint, and kept me entertained and nearly glued to my book till it was completely read. A very well put together story, with a few twists I did not expect. Very well done!
October 15, 2017
This is such a good book. I enjoyed every second of it. Pauline Ross is an author who captures your heart at the first sentence and holds it until the story is finished. This book must is a must read for anyone who loves a really great story!
July 26, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
I was swept away by this book. I read book one they three at one sitting! I was unable to put this book down. You are immersed in the action and are able to relate with the characters. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
I was swept away by this book. I read book one they three at one sitting! I was unable to put this book down. You are immersed in the action and are able to relate with the characters. I highly recommend this series to everyone.
October 14, 2017
Great Fantasy Read!
Great fun and many twists and turns that you didn't expect. I truly enjoyed this book! This fantasy was a wonderful book!
Great fun and many twists and turns that you didn't expect. I truly enjoyed this book! This fantasy was a wonderful book!
October 25, 2017
Loved
Loved this book . A true story with a well developed world and engaging characters. 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃
Loved this book . A true story with a well developed world and engaging characters. 😃 😃 😃 😃 😃
March 16, 2017
Okay, so I was clearly confused in the timeline and see now that book one had happened around this one. It was fascinating to see Kastimar and Tella and Jinnia in this book! And knowing who her father is and his tie to the main character of this book. All very interesting and all of the political intrigue and how everything ties together but from different perspectives of this world. I really am enjoying this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2017
Very enjoyable read
I liked the book and story enough that I will read other books by this author. Main character was a very shallow person and as book progresses the author could have given more depth. That was my only complaint though.
I liked the book and story enough that I will read other books by this author. Main character was a very shallow person and as book progresses the author could have given more depth. That was my only complaint though.
November 22, 2015
Nice story, lacks depth, but nice.
If you're a stickler for editing, pass this one by. Little things like misusing exacerbated, when what's wanted is exasperated can drive some readers mad. I liked the story well enough that I didn't mind too much. If you need deep character development, skip to the next author, this is light, fluffy mind fodder. If you need rich, detailed descriptions, you won't find it here. Calculated plot twists? Nope. Hard corps graphic love scenes? Heck no.
But if what you like is light predictable fantasy with a touch of romance, this is your story.
A little bit of magic, a little, romance, a touch of dragon watching.
If you're a stickler for editing, pass this one by. Little things like misusing exacerbated, when what's wanted is exasperated can drive some readers mad. I liked the story well enough that I didn't mind too much. If you need deep character development, skip to the next author, this is light, fluffy mind fodder. If you need rich, detailed descriptions, you won't find it here. Calculated plot twists? Nope. Hard corps graphic love scenes? Heck no.
But if what you like is light predictable fantasy with a touch of romance, this is your story.
A little bit of magic, a little, romance, a touch of dragon watching.
July 23, 2015
The author has created a world with complex characters and a magic system that I thought was wonderful and unique. There are intriguing .plot twists that draw the reader in as you learn more about the main character which I found to be a complex individual. I loved the author’s style so much that I’ve purchased the other novels in the Bright Moons Annals and I hope to be able to find the time to revisit this interesting world soon.
4.75/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author r for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
4.75/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author r for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
December 15, 2015
Wonderful read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every page is full of excitement and wonder. I couldn't put it down - it's been awhile since I could say that about a book. The story and the telling were equal - I wish that were always the case.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Every page is full of excitement and wonder. I couldn't put it down - it's been awhile since I could say that about a book. The story and the telling were equal - I wish that were always the case.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this book
April 19, 2016
More in depth history of another time and place
Love the unexpected turns the story takes. So unpredictable. Can't wait to read the next one. The images have a run for their money when they discover a rogue mage with intrinsic power
Love the unexpected turns the story takes. So unpredictable. Can't wait to read the next one. The images have a run for their money when they discover a rogue mage with intrinsic power
June 10, 2016
Awesome story
I got so engrossed in this book I could hardly put it down . It wasn't like other books we're you have it figured out in the first few chapters. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Pauline.
I got so engrossed in this book I could hardly put it down . It wasn't like other books we're you have it figured out in the first few chapters. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Pauline.
October 19, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The characters got better the further into the book. The story line was interesting and something a little different and I appreciated the heroine being and older lady and knowing we aren't always past our prime. A decent stand alone book and an interesting world.
June 22, 2015
I loved this story! It is very well written and full of surprises!
January 26, 2016
Outstanding
Thoroughly. Enjoyed, enticing and entertaining. Couldn't put the book down page after page I was entranced by the author. Anxious,to read more of your books
Thoroughly. Enjoyed, enticing and entertaining. Couldn't put the book down page after page I was entranced by the author. Anxious,to read more of your books
February 19, 2016
Exciting, well paces, full of depth and set in a fantastically well-developed world.
August 3, 2016
Great reading
I really liked this tale. It wasn't totally spellbinding, but I kept coming back to read a little more. I think you will too.
I really liked this tale. It wasn't totally spellbinding, but I kept coming back to read a little more. I think you will too.
June 16, 2016
This is an excellent fantasy book. Set in it is politics, intrigue, mystery, romance, and some light comedy. There is something for everyone.
June 16, 2016
Read 14%
March 29, 2017
My favorite of the series so far!
Fen is bitter, cynical, cantankerous, and most importantly, REAL. She played with my emotions countless times. Her attitude toward certain situations honestly pissed me off and made me yell at her (yes, a book character lol). Little by little, with the help of lovable Mal, she grew into her full self. The magic involved in this novel was so exciting and new compared to the previous novels. I'm really hoping there's a sequel that includes Fen & Mal and their magicalness!
Fen is bitter, cynical, cantankerous, and most importantly, REAL. She played with my emotions countless times. Her attitude toward certain situations honestly pissed me off and made me yell at her (yes, a book character lol). Little by little, with the help of lovable Mal, she grew into her full self. The magic involved in this novel was so exciting and new compared to the previous novels. I'm really hoping there's a sequel that includes Fen & Mal and their magicalness!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews