Winter Mage

by T.J. Muir

After five hundred years, forbidden magic is returning—and one relic could make the world fear it all over again.

Kadaris knew more about lost magic than anyone at the castle. At last, that knowledge was about to matter.

For years, she has searched for proof that the old magic survived, studying forgotten spells, buying questionable scraps of ancient writing, seeking out hidden teachers, and following every rumor that promised something real.

Most people at the castle saw only an obsession with a power the world had already buried.

Then reports of rogue mages and outlawed magic arrive from the mountains, and Kadaris suddenly becomes the only person qualified to investigate.

What she uncovers is more than another an ancient relic tied to the vanished power of the Arcana.

And she isn't the only one searching for it.

Some would kill to possess that kind of power. Others would bury it so deeply no mage could ever touch it again. If the relic falls into the wrong hands, it could turn old fear into another purge.

Kadaris spent her life searching for real magic. The relic she found could ignite another purge.

If you loved the determined heroines and dangerous, half-understood magic of Godkiller and The Unspoken Name, Winter Mage is waiting for you.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2026

About the author

TJ Muir writes epic fantasy about dangerous magic, forgotten powers, and the people stubborn enough to go looking for them.

She is the author of the Legacy of the Lost Mage series, beginning with Winter Mage, and the Chanmyr Chronicles. Her books feature expansive fantasy worlds, long-running character arcs, ancient magic returning to a world that has learned to fear it, and characters who rarely make the sensible choice when there’s a mystery to uncover.

Reviews

[Melissa Mancuso · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Winter Mage is told from two different view points, with most of it focusing on Kadaris. Other chapters had us following Fern, but her chapters were so scattered that I never really got hooked onto her. Kadaris can do some magic and she is determined to find ways to learn more. She also seems to want to impress her step father so he would better accept her abilities.

The story is slow going with no urgency. It picks up toward the very end where you really start to feel that something matters. Seeing that it's an eight book series and this is the shortest book, I'd say that it is meant to set up the story and I can forgive it for that. We learn a lot about Kadaris and Fern is still a mystery. I would be interested in seeing how the two work together in the future.

I received an advanced copy of the revised story. I already owned the first version (ebook) and see that this one is a bit shorter. I don't see some of the editing mistakes pointed out in reviews of the first version.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kadaris is a hot headed girl, loves researching magic, and ends up going on a mission of sorts to uncover what is up with some odd rumors and discovers a relic that is a bit odd. Then things really get interesting. Lots of drama, intrigue, surprises and secrets abound. I enjoyed the world building and trying to guess what might happen next. While at times I wanted to slap Kadaris and tell her to grow up, I had to remind myself she is young and her journey is just starting and was just so well written this way to enjoy her. And Kadaris made for a fun and entertaining lead in a good story that is just beginning. Plus cannot forget all the other characters in the story that also have large parts to deal with what is going on and what is coming. (This is the second updated version to her story that tightened up things but the heart of the story stayed true).

[Felicia Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Mage is an enjoyable fantasy filled with magic, mystery, danger, and plenty of intrigue. Kadaris is a determined and sometimes stubborn main character whose journey kept me curious about what she would discover next. I especially enjoyed the magical world, the ancient secrets, and the feeling that something much bigger is building beneath the surface. A solid start to a fantasy series that leaves you wanting to see where the story goes next.

[Quilting Tangent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unknown Magic!
Beginning of an unpredictable tale, dealing with magic in an age when it is feared and guarded. Young and interesting characters will train and learn to make their way in this trouble land.

[jerpburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the rich and varied world building, but just don't think it was the book for me. I can see someone who like YA enjoying this a bit more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read written by TJ Muir; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Legacy of the Lost Mage Series; it is a stand-alone boo. The story is about Kadaris working to restore her magic.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. This is a fast read and a great escape. I was quickly pulled into the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup to a series that will have you hooked with what looks like an eight book series. so far I look forward to see what happens next.