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Spell Fade
A dying wizard, a thousand years of spells poised to fade with him, and a kingdom that will likely follow if a successor is not found. Too bad the most likely candidate has no idea he's a wizard.
- GenresFantasy
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2015
45 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
J. Daniel Layfield
5 books38 followersDaniel was born and raised in Alabama, and, due to his inability to tolerate cold weather, refuses to live any further north than Birmingham. The earliest memory he has of wanting to be a writer is when he wrote a one page story for an English assignment in third grade. The teacher wrote some encouraging remark on the page, and the idea he could someday be a writer was born. Sorry, he doesn't remember her name, so there's no chance any of you can go back in time and stop her.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 10, 2018
It’s easy to get lost in a fantasy novel. All it takes is an author able to reconstruct a believable but implausible universe. An author setting up an intricate yet simple plot capable of sweeping you off your feet and capturing every moment, as tiny as it may be. An author that helps you blindly wander through countless adventures, accompanied by various characters with particular personas. It’s by identifying yourselves through the characters that readers are blown away and feel nonfictional emotions towards fictional characters. Wait a second. That didn’t sound easy. Spell Fade was definitely a fantasy novel that excelled on several—not all—fields and managed to deliver a linear and entertaining fantasy adventure tale. Set in Pavlora, a moribund Great Wizard needs to quickly find a ruler for the kingdom before it also follows him to death. However, Dartan, a boy raised in a farm, doesn’t realize that the future lies in his hands and his hands holds more power than one could every imagine.
This novel plays out like a good ol’fashioned magical adventure cartoon. The characters were all lively and each had their own personalities. The world-building was kept at a minimal but the author still managed to capture an entertaining universe. What I truly enjoyed of Spell Fade was how J. Daniel Layfield managed to create a well-balanced novel with great characters, interesting villains and a compelling fantasy environment with a perfect touch of entertainment in every possible scene. Every character manages to evoke a reaction, even if its just a face-palm because of the giant ego of one character. Being able to arouse reactions from readers through great characters is always a good thing for the book. The major downside in this novel lies in its details. In fact, its the lack of details that really bummed me. The novel contains brilliant ideas and is perfectly constructed in order to create a great flow to this fast-paced novel. However, most scenes could’ve benefited of ample descriptions and longer adventures just to have Pavlora swallow readers whole and make this a much better immersive story.
Spell Fade also contains its fair share of fun surprises. Although it may become quite obvious and predictable at times, the author still has several clever and entertaining moments spread across the novel. Honestly, once I finished this novel, I was craving for more fantasy stories. I also hoped the book would end and somehow insinuate discreetly a potential sequel, but from the look of things, this novel is a standalone adventure. As previously mentioned, Spell Fade contains just about everything. From romance to unexpected gore-filled action. The humor was also amusing, especially when Logan was introduced to the cast. The life he brings and the chemistry he creates between everyone is one to applaud. His evolution was truly subtle and appreciable. In fact, character development in this novel was well executed. Details could’ve helped in making this novel an undeniably fascinating Arthurian adventure. Scarce descriptions is probably the sole reason for the difficulty in connecting with some characters or even feeling connected to them. Even if they were portrayed quite well, the novel still felt like it was missing the extra layer needed to purely love the characters and the love. Nonetheless, Spell Fade is without doubt a quick fun read.
Spell Fade is a beautiful bowl of humor, adventure, romance and magic. It’s fairly easy to eat this up quickly and wish you could have some more. This story of wizardly sets Dartan and friends on a linear blind quest that reserves plenty of surprises for them. Thanks to J. Daniel Layfield’s writing, the book has an excellent flow and helps read through this novel without any struggle whatsoever. The author succeeds in creating a unique universe with a fun magical touch to it. He assures fantasy fans that the genre still holds plenty of potential undiscovered angles to tackle upon. This novel is definitely worth your time.
You can find a picture and quote-filled review right here: https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/...
Yours truly,
Lashaan
Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
This novel plays out like a good ol’fashioned magical adventure cartoon. The characters were all lively and each had their own personalities. The world-building was kept at a minimal but the author still managed to capture an entertaining universe. What I truly enjoyed of Spell Fade was how J. Daniel Layfield managed to create a well-balanced novel with great characters, interesting villains and a compelling fantasy environment with a perfect touch of entertainment in every possible scene. Every character manages to evoke a reaction, even if its just a face-palm because of the giant ego of one character. Being able to arouse reactions from readers through great characters is always a good thing for the book. The major downside in this novel lies in its details. In fact, its the lack of details that really bummed me. The novel contains brilliant ideas and is perfectly constructed in order to create a great flow to this fast-paced novel. However, most scenes could’ve benefited of ample descriptions and longer adventures just to have Pavlora swallow readers whole and make this a much better immersive story.
Spell Fade also contains its fair share of fun surprises. Although it may become quite obvious and predictable at times, the author still has several clever and entertaining moments spread across the novel. Honestly, once I finished this novel, I was craving for more fantasy stories. I also hoped the book would end and somehow insinuate discreetly a potential sequel, but from the look of things, this novel is a standalone adventure. As previously mentioned, Spell Fade contains just about everything. From romance to unexpected gore-filled action. The humor was also amusing, especially when Logan was introduced to the cast. The life he brings and the chemistry he creates between everyone is one to applaud. His evolution was truly subtle and appreciable. In fact, character development in this novel was well executed. Details could’ve helped in making this novel an undeniably fascinating Arthurian adventure. Scarce descriptions is probably the sole reason for the difficulty in connecting with some characters or even feeling connected to them. Even if they were portrayed quite well, the novel still felt like it was missing the extra layer needed to purely love the characters and the love. Nonetheless, Spell Fade is without doubt a quick fun read.
Spell Fade is a beautiful bowl of humor, adventure, romance and magic. It’s fairly easy to eat this up quickly and wish you could have some more. This story of wizardly sets Dartan and friends on a linear blind quest that reserves plenty of surprises for them. Thanks to J. Daniel Layfield’s writing, the book has an excellent flow and helps read through this novel without any struggle whatsoever. The author succeeds in creating a unique universe with a fun magical touch to it. He assures fantasy fans that the genre still holds plenty of potential undiscovered angles to tackle upon. This novel is definitely worth your time.
You can find a picture and quote-filled review right here: https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/...
Yours truly,
Lashaan
Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
January 12, 2019
This was a decently developed book, with likable characters and interesting world building. The humour was cute and successfully counterbalanced the ramifications of the plot. I liked that the H wasn’t a manho. He was adorable and innocent. However, there were many unanswered questions upon finishing and I’m not sure the writing was engaging enough for me read book two. The pacing was good but the jumps between scenes and perspectives left a bit to be desired.
However, overall a good effort for a debut work.
However, overall a good effort for a debut work.
December 15, 2017
Sometimes a book will sit on your "shelf" for a long time. There's no particular reason why. You know you'll get to it eventually, but you're in no rush for some reason. Then you finally pick up that book and start to read, and you start to wonder why you waited so long. You feel like a fool for not reading this book much, much sooner.
This was one of those books for me. Mr. Layfield has created a wonderful fantasy world with Spell Fade that is excellently crafted and a delight to read. Replete with wizards, dragons, and rougish ne'er-do-wells, Spell Fade is an epic adventure that will please even the most die-hard fantasy fan. Equal parts charming, witty, exciting, and fun.
Highly recommended!
This was one of those books for me. Mr. Layfield has created a wonderful fantasy world with Spell Fade that is excellently crafted and a delight to read. Replete with wizards, dragons, and rougish ne'er-do-wells, Spell Fade is an epic adventure that will please even the most die-hard fantasy fan. Equal parts charming, witty, exciting, and fun.
Highly recommended!
February 14, 2016
This was an enjoyable adventure that falls somewhere between epic fantasy and fairytale quest. A light, easy read, which is something that I appreciate in fantasy. There was little need for world building and all the information that we needed was woven into the story itself.
Dartan is in many ways the typical unassuming hero, but he's got his own personality. The rest of the cast is just as enjoyable and fleshed out, which makes for some great interaction with a lot of wit and banter. Easily recommended for all fantasy fans.
Dartan is in many ways the typical unassuming hero, but he's got his own personality. The rest of the cast is just as enjoyable and fleshed out, which makes for some great interaction with a lot of wit and banter. Easily recommended for all fantasy fans.
August 1, 2018
Entertaining, characters with likeable personalities, magic, quests, a few twists and turns and an ending that was fun. Any fan of Sword and Sorcery tales will enjoy this book. Trust me, read this book for a good time.
December 1, 2015
the plot was fast but that was okay. the characters are likeable. would have loved to see a more fleshed out version, but still very happy with this
Want to read
January 17, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
The 200 yr old Virgin Queen has died after 6 months of sudden illness that took her beauty. Her wizard advisor, forever young, contemplates his responsibility for her death and the succession of the kingdom
This was a masterful example of third person close perspective that grounds us in the thoughts and feelings of our wizard MC while also introducing the important details to open the story.
Not only does this efficiently tell the reader what the current state of the story is, it also shows us the character of our wizard by way of his distant, unemotional contemplation.
The opening feels active, even though our MC does little more than sit in his private chambers considering what has transpired. This is the difference between movement and action.
I, the reader, am being introduced to a store full of possible intrigue, magic, and mystery. The beautiful queen has suddenly died. She has left behind a secret ‘basket’ (child?). This and our wizards spell doomed her to die.
There is now the looming question of succession. Power struggles and court politics. A kingdom of unrest. And our POV is grounded in the back rooms of the ancient architect of that kingdom, and the conversation he has with one of the queen’s mourning maidservants.
In a word, this opening is perfect. Even our maidservant is interesting in her reserve and lack of fear of our wizard, though she gives him his due deference. These seem like smart, resourceful characters. I like characters like that.
I’ve watched a lot of court intrigues lately, especially K-dramas, and this is reminding me of one of those meets Michael Moorcock in the best way so far. I bought it. I’m in!
The 200 yr old Virgin Queen has died after 6 months of sudden illness that took her beauty. Her wizard advisor, forever young, contemplates his responsibility for her death and the succession of the kingdom
This was a masterful example of third person close perspective that grounds us in the thoughts and feelings of our wizard MC while also introducing the important details to open the story.
Not only does this efficiently tell the reader what the current state of the story is, it also shows us the character of our wizard by way of his distant, unemotional contemplation.
The opening feels active, even though our MC does little more than sit in his private chambers considering what has transpired. This is the difference between movement and action.
I, the reader, am being introduced to a store full of possible intrigue, magic, and mystery. The beautiful queen has suddenly died. She has left behind a secret ‘basket’ (child?). This and our wizards spell doomed her to die.
There is now the looming question of succession. Power struggles and court politics. A kingdom of unrest. And our POV is grounded in the back rooms of the ancient architect of that kingdom, and the conversation he has with one of the queen’s mourning maidservants.
In a word, this opening is perfect. Even our maidservant is interesting in her reserve and lack of fear of our wizard, though she gives him his due deference. These seem like smart, resourceful characters. I like characters like that.
I’ve watched a lot of court intrigues lately, especially K-dramas, and this is reminding me of one of those meets Michael Moorcock in the best way so far. I bought it. I’m in!
November 19, 2017
Now THAT was swords and sorcery at its finest. I absolutely recommend this book! There's nothing more to say. Read it. You won't regret it. ☺
April 20, 2021
An interesting enough read.
The characters are undeveloped and the plot is linear and predictable. There's the gem of a great duology or trilogy here, but the author didn't seem to want to put the time and effort into developing multiple storylines or delving much deeper into their world than was absolutely necessary for the main story.
The characters are undeveloped and the plot is linear and predictable. There's the gem of a great duology or trilogy here, but the author didn't seem to want to put the time and effort into developing multiple storylines or delving much deeper into their world than was absolutely necessary for the main story.
September 1, 2015
Fun read
Entertaining and easy to follow! It reminded me a great deal of Arthurian style storytelling, and that's never a bad thing.
Entertaining and easy to follow! It reminded me a great deal of Arthurian style storytelling, and that's never a bad thing.
December 1, 2017
I like it.
I am impressed. The story is new in an old setting.
I recommend this to all readers. Only one typo and two clarifications needed. :-)
I am impressed. The story is new in an old setting.
I recommend this to all readers. Only one typo and two clarifications needed. :-)
July 24, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of SPELL FADE by J. Daniel Layfield from the author for the purpose of reviewing it for #SPFBO9 for the team created by @coverswithcassidy.
SPELL FADE begins with the virgin queen dead and the great wizard dying and a kingdom wondering who will be put in place to rule. There is a candidate that the wizard must reach out to, but there’s a few problems with this. Dartan has been raised as a farmer by an adoptive mother, with no idea who his parents were or what magic they’ve passed along to him.
There is a willing successor to the throne, someone that the wizard knows would not be good for the kingdom, so time is not on his side as he must get Dartan what he needs to claim his rightful place with the help of his friends and more picked up along the journey.
This book just has a two sentence synopsis on Goodreads, so I really didn’t known what to expect going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I became invested in the story. We start from the wizard’s point of view which gave us a good background on the story and the kingdom. The queen has ruled for two hundred years, seemingly immortal, until something caused her to begin aging and deteriorating at a rapid rate. The wizard himself is fading as well, adding to the urgency of his quest to get Dartan onto the throne.
Much of the book is written moreso from Dartan’s point of view and I very much enjoyed his perspective as well. Dartan is pretty in the dark about magic, having been raised by a mother who really doesn’t put much stock in magic. Magic seems to be a bit more of a rarity in this world. The local wizard where Dartan lives has recently passed without a replacement and his magic is undergoing spell fade, with the spells he enacted in his life (from making someone prettier to keeping a farm thriving) are beginning to wear off.
We don’t start off with a lot of magic knowledge, but get to see Dartan learn along the course of the story. I did appreciate that while Dartan has some innate ability, he doesn’t immediately gain perfect mastery. His practice along their journey leads to some fun moments and also breaks up the travel a bit which I liked.
Dartan takes his neighbors/friends along with him when following the wizard’s instructions for how to proceed. I really liked Aliet and the fact that Dartan had a lot of respect for her in addition to having a big crush on her. She was raised by her warrior brother and he spent his time training both Aliet and Dartan. Dartan is happy to admit that Aliet is the best with the sword and she proves that time and again through their journey.
There were a few side characters who I initially didn’t connect with. I thought that Marcus (and later in the story Logan) start out fairly underdeveloped. Marcus in particular is someone that we’re told about, but we don’t witness about him for ourselves. He gives up his entire life and career to come home to care for his sister after their parents’ death before the story starts, but on page he’s pretty gruff and doesn’t say much. Logan is a character who started off fairly funny but also a little unlikable, but by the end he really grew on me and I appreciated the way he integrated into the found family.
In terms of the plot, I found it to be fairly well done if a bit predictable at times in the sense that it follows what felt like a pretty classic fantasy progression. I did like that when a reveal happened that had been fairly well hinted at that even Dartan pointed out that he made the same guess the reader likely did. There were small bits from the lore earlier in the book that carried through into important elements toward the end which is something I really like to see happen.
There were a few times where significant scenes happened off page, one that especially comes to mind being a battle. Because we’re following Dartan and he’s not present, we only see the aftermath, but I think that did remove some of the impact for me. There were a few places where I thought the emotional impact could have landed a bit harder as well given the things the characters have been through.
This is a world that believes dragons are a thing of the past, but the plot takes us in directions that disproves that idea. I really enjoyed the lore built up around dragons’ history with the world and the dragon riders / dragon slayers that play into that. The interplay between the politics of the world and the dragons was interesting as well.
Overall I had a really good time with SPELL FADE and definitely would pick up more from the author. This had a fairly classic fantasy feeling overall, but not in a way that made me feel like I’ve read it all before. It also fully wraps up in the end in a way that comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Though this book isn’t flagged as part of a series on Goodreads, and though it does have the feel of a standalone, I did spot a sequel on Amazon. It again has a very brief synopsis, but it seems to be focused on Logan, so I will be picking that up. Also to note – this book is available via Kindle Unlimited!
SPELL FADE begins with the virgin queen dead and the great wizard dying and a kingdom wondering who will be put in place to rule. There is a candidate that the wizard must reach out to, but there’s a few problems with this. Dartan has been raised as a farmer by an adoptive mother, with no idea who his parents were or what magic they’ve passed along to him.
There is a willing successor to the throne, someone that the wizard knows would not be good for the kingdom, so time is not on his side as he must get Dartan what he needs to claim his rightful place with the help of his friends and more picked up along the journey.
This book just has a two sentence synopsis on Goodreads, so I really didn’t known what to expect going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I became invested in the story. We start from the wizard’s point of view which gave us a good background on the story and the kingdom. The queen has ruled for two hundred years, seemingly immortal, until something caused her to begin aging and deteriorating at a rapid rate. The wizard himself is fading as well, adding to the urgency of his quest to get Dartan onto the throne.
Much of the book is written moreso from Dartan’s point of view and I very much enjoyed his perspective as well. Dartan is pretty in the dark about magic, having been raised by a mother who really doesn’t put much stock in magic. Magic seems to be a bit more of a rarity in this world. The local wizard where Dartan lives has recently passed without a replacement and his magic is undergoing spell fade, with the spells he enacted in his life (from making someone prettier to keeping a farm thriving) are beginning to wear off.
We don’t start off with a lot of magic knowledge, but get to see Dartan learn along the course of the story. I did appreciate that while Dartan has some innate ability, he doesn’t immediately gain perfect mastery. His practice along their journey leads to some fun moments and also breaks up the travel a bit which I liked.
Dartan takes his neighbors/friends along with him when following the wizard’s instructions for how to proceed. I really liked Aliet and the fact that Dartan had a lot of respect for her in addition to having a big crush on her. She was raised by her warrior brother and he spent his time training both Aliet and Dartan. Dartan is happy to admit that Aliet is the best with the sword and she proves that time and again through their journey.
There were a few side characters who I initially didn’t connect with. I thought that Marcus (and later in the story Logan) start out fairly underdeveloped. Marcus in particular is someone that we’re told about, but we don’t witness about him for ourselves. He gives up his entire life and career to come home to care for his sister after their parents’ death before the story starts, but on page he’s pretty gruff and doesn’t say much. Logan is a character who started off fairly funny but also a little unlikable, but by the end he really grew on me and I appreciated the way he integrated into the found family.
In terms of the plot, I found it to be fairly well done if a bit predictable at times in the sense that it follows what felt like a pretty classic fantasy progression. I did like that when a reveal happened that had been fairly well hinted at that even Dartan pointed out that he made the same guess the reader likely did. There were small bits from the lore earlier in the book that carried through into important elements toward the end which is something I really like to see happen.
There were a few times where significant scenes happened off page, one that especially comes to mind being a battle. Because we’re following Dartan and he’s not present, we only see the aftermath, but I think that did remove some of the impact for me. There were a few places where I thought the emotional impact could have landed a bit harder as well given the things the characters have been through.
This is a world that believes dragons are a thing of the past, but the plot takes us in directions that disproves that idea. I really enjoyed the lore built up around dragons’ history with the world and the dragon riders / dragon slayers that play into that. The interplay between the politics of the world and the dragons was interesting as well.
Overall I had a really good time with SPELL FADE and definitely would pick up more from the author. This had a fairly classic fantasy feeling overall, but not in a way that made me feel like I’ve read it all before. It also fully wraps up in the end in a way that comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Though this book isn’t flagged as part of a series on Goodreads, and though it does have the feel of a standalone, I did spot a sequel on Amazon. It again has a very brief synopsis, but it seems to be focused on Logan, so I will be picking that up. Also to note – this book is available via Kindle Unlimited!
September 8, 2015
Fantastic read.
Would love to see this as a movie. I am sure that the screenwriters would play up the relationship between character and the girl but even so is a good story. How I judge a book is whether or not I would reread it sometime in the future and for this story I would definitely reread it and reread it and reread it. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and magic stories.
Would love to see this as a movie. I am sure that the screenwriters would play up the relationship between character and the girl but even so is a good story. How I judge a book is whether or not I would reread it sometime in the future and for this story I would definitely reread it and reread it and reread it. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and magic stories.
September 17, 2015
Wonderful Adventure
The story is a pleasant mixture of adventure, mystery, suspense, with a bit of romance and humor woven into the tale for good measure. The characters are well developed in a way that evolves with the story. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next.
The story is a pleasant mixture of adventure, mystery, suspense, with a bit of romance and humor woven into the tale for good measure. The characters are well developed in a way that evolves with the story. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next.
November 29, 2015
I feel like this book plot was a little fast but I liked the book over all. I think the book about becoming a wizard if good. I want to someday learn I have powers too. I love to live in the fantasy world with my books and this book takes me there as well. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
October 2, 2015
This book is WONDERFUL
I highly recommend this to all you readers that love a great story told beginning to end in one book!!!!!!
The story is good and the characters are even better! Together those add up to a darn good read.
Please enjoy!
I highly recommend this to all you readers that love a great story told beginning to end in one book!!!!!!
The story is good and the characters are even better! Together those add up to a darn good read.
Please enjoy!
September 7, 2015
Good story to enjoy over a long weekend.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I enjoy fantasy and it is a real coming of age story. It is a quick read.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I enjoy fantasy and it is a real coming of age story. It is a quick read.
September 14, 2015
Thoroughly Enjoyable
I loved the sense of humor. The characters were great. I just finished reading the book and I have a big smile on my face. Highly recommend!!!!
I loved the sense of humor. The characters were great. I just finished reading the book and I have a big smile on my face. Highly recommend!!!!
September 16, 2015
Creative
I enjoyed this book. Took me a little while to get into it but then often didn't want to stop reading.
I enjoyed this book. Took me a little while to get into it but then often didn't want to stop reading.
November 2, 2015
Spell Fade is a well plotted, personable trip to a world of the very vivid imagination of J. Daniel Layfield. I would recomend it to everyone, young adult and older.
October 9, 2015
Good book, fun read, there was plenty of action and romance, but still well developed characters. Hope to see more from this author.
December 5, 2015
Kept my attention.
Although the story was similar to many I have read, poor child discovers he has magic, then discovers he is actually royalty, I enjoyed the book.
Although the story was similar to many I have read, poor child discovers he has magic, then discovers he is actually royalty, I enjoyed the book.
December 23, 2015
Good book.
Thus is a good book. I especially liked the ending that left me chuckling. I will be looking out for other book by this author.
Thus is a good book. I especially liked the ending that left me chuckling. I will be looking out for other book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews