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The Spellmonger #9
Shadowmage
Rescuers. Avengers. Thieves. Spies.
The life of a knight mage is never easy, but sometimes the gods smile on you and grant you an errand of incredible complexity . . . without regards to casualties. When Tyndal and Rondal, journeymen wizards and knights errant, travel to southern Alshar to rescue a helpless boy and his mother, it sets in motion a series of events that will shake the foundations of the Five Duchies! While they are beginning their quest against the vast criminal gang known as the Brotherhood of the Rat, the two knights encounter the Cats of Enultramar, a family of shadowmagi (masters of shadow, illusion, and obfuscation) and high-class thieves who help them discover a plot to attack the rich lands and prosperous people of Alshar, from the Wilderlands to the Great Bay . . . and only Rondal and Tyndal can stop them! From thugs and thieves to irate Censors of Magic to dragons and undead, the intrepid pair face the challenges of a new land and an old enemy! For when a new, powerful threat in the form of the Necromancer of Olum Seheri looms against them, the brave young knights magi can only hope to defeat it with the help of a . . . SHADOWMAGE!
The life of a knight mage is never easy, but sometimes the gods smile on you and grant you an errand of incredible complexity . . . without regards to casualties. When Tyndal and Rondal, journeymen wizards and knights errant, travel to southern Alshar to rescue a helpless boy and his mother, it sets in motion a series of events that will shake the foundations of the Five Duchies! While they are beginning their quest against the vast criminal gang known as the Brotherhood of the Rat, the two knights encounter the Cats of Enultramar, a family of shadowmagi (masters of shadow, illusion, and obfuscation) and high-class thieves who help them discover a plot to attack the rich lands and prosperous people of Alshar, from the Wilderlands to the Great Bay . . . and only Rondal and Tyndal can stop them! From thugs and thieves to irate Censors of Magic to dragons and undead, the intrepid pair face the challenges of a new land and an old enemy! For when a new, powerful threat in the form of the Necromancer of Olum Seheri looms against them, the brave young knights magi can only hope to defeat it with the help of a . . . SHADOWMAGE!
681 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2016
468 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
42 books1,172 followersTerry 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 26, 2024
All I can say to the end of this book is WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING TO HAPPEN?? I'm very excited to continue on with this series.
July 17, 2019
I've been reading the series since the beginning, but once the books started coming out on audio, I stopped reading them.
The narrator is tremendous at it and bring a whole new life to the story that it's impossible to consume this another way.
4 stars for the story and the 5th for the narrating/voice acting.
A truly entertaining story that made a 10 hour drive enjoyable. There were 3 separate times in the story that I actually laughed out loud.
The narrator is tremendous at it and bring a whole new life to the story that it's impossible to consume this another way.
4 stars for the story and the 5th for the narrating/voice acting.
A truly entertaining story that made a 10 hour drive enjoyable. There were 3 separate times in the story that I actually laughed out loud.
January 31, 2019
This was a stress reliever
I skipped court wizard and read this one. Ill wait for the audiobook tbh.
However, after enchanter i needed some story pretty badly and this delivered. Its a fairly good natured tale of the aprentices winning in life during and after the points of book 7. That being said there wasnt a lack of opposition in the story. The telling was blunt in its objectives and still added much to the world of the spellmonger. Im excited to read how the many things set up play out.
I skipped court wizard and read this one. Ill wait for the audiobook tbh.
However, after enchanter i needed some story pretty badly and this delivered. Its a fairly good natured tale of the aprentices winning in life during and after the points of book 7. That being said there wasnt a lack of opposition in the story. The telling was blunt in its objectives and still added much to the world of the spellmonger. Im excited to read how the many things set up play out.
December 5, 2019
I was fine with more not so plot progressing stuff because I really enjoy the Spellmonger series, but the Gurtina character or whatever her name is (I listen to the audiobooks, don't know the actual spelling) was just such a horrificly bad character I couldn't finish the book. I understand that it's supposed to be set in a feudal society, but that's not an excuse to have an almost pre-teen female character be super hot and sexy and incredibly pushy when it comes to sexual matters and every character in the book thinking she is mega hot and sexy. No thanks. I'll skip this book and continue with #10.
December 21, 2016
Poorly written. New characters are cliche. Old characters are not developed. Combat strategies and tactics are nonsensical. Overall arc is not progressed.
October 31, 2024
Solid book. I was hoping this book would go back to the MC main story, but still solid writing and as always, engaging character development. Solid read! This is quickly becoming my favorite series. Being 10 books in and I am still intrigued and am surprised by plot developments says a lot to the writers dedication to the series.
April 10, 2024
Another good read
Excellent continuation of the story. Focus on apprentices that are now war mages and their adventures. Looking forward to the next book.
Excellent continuation of the story. Focus on apprentices that are now war mages and their adventures. Looking forward to the next book.
August 3, 2017
Not as captivating, but still good
Quite a bit of overlap with the previous book. I suppose it's fun to see the same events from various perspectives sometimes. This book does not really have a cohesive story arc. It's sort of an in-between book, I think.
I still intend to read more, though, because I really love this story.
Quite a bit of overlap with the previous book. I suppose it's fun to see the same events from various perspectives sometimes. This book does not really have a cohesive story arc. It's sort of an in-between book, I think.
I still intend to read more, though, because I really love this story.
June 30, 2019
Not sure why I'm still reading this series.
May 31, 2020
Okay 13 year old Loli aggressively pursues the 20 year old neckbeard stand in. This is just gross and weird. You could have done anything other than make gatina a waifu why?
April 9, 2024
Tyndal and Rondal are some of my favourite characters I'm glad they got book about there exexcersions to the south.
July 25, 2021
General Overview
Another refresher to the Spellmonger series! Minilan is a great character, but any chance to delve into characters away from the titular Spellmonger always seems to go very well for Mr Mancour.
Style
I have spoken at Mr Mancour's style in my other reviews of this series. His writing still suffers from the same issues. Namely over repetition of well established story points. I won't say any more on it. Thankfully I can ignore this due to the fact that his books are well written and colourful besides.
Story
Following the adventures of the Spellmonger's first two apprentices, Tyndal and Rondal, this book covers some of the events briefly mentioned in a previous book of the series, Enchanter, I was very excited to return to the adventures of these Knights-Magi.
Mr Mancour delivered. The adventure was great, the characters they meet delightful, and the stakes feel real.
Final Thoughts
Overall a fantastic read, that once again brings my love of this series back to me.
Another refresher to the Spellmonger series! Minilan is a great character, but any chance to delve into characters away from the titular Spellmonger always seems to go very well for Mr Mancour.
Style
I have spoken at Mr Mancour's style in my other reviews of this series. His writing still suffers from the same issues. Namely over repetition of well established story points. I won't say any more on it. Thankfully I can ignore this due to the fact that his books are well written and colourful besides.
Story
Following the adventures of the Spellmonger's first two apprentices, Tyndal and Rondal, this book covers some of the events briefly mentioned in a previous book of the series, Enchanter, I was very excited to return to the adventures of these Knights-Magi.
Mr Mancour delivered. The adventure was great, the characters they meet delightful, and the stakes feel real.
Final Thoughts
Overall a fantastic read, that once again brings my love of this series back to me.
October 31, 2024
Another Brilliant Addition ** NO SPOILERS **
The outline of the successes of Rondal and Tyndal were apparent at the end of Court Wizard (book 8) when the High Mages of Alshar and some of Castal, Minalan etc. This book really fills in all the details as well as supplying much more to the overall plot. There are also‘historical excerpts’ at the beginning of each chapter from the assorted accounts of mages, scribes and clergy.
I admit I was doubtful about reading this book initially, it was due entirely to the summary at the end of book 8 but I’m happy to be proven wrong. Additionally, I would stress that it’s important to the overarching plot that you read “The Spellmonger’s Yule” because it explains in great detail exactly what Minalan and Sire Cei are up to. To paraphrase it also explains the “greater threat” that the gods have hinted at to Minalan. I don’t know if the novella is available in an anthology or not but if you’re not using KU to read this epic saga then you might want to check on that. Worthy of another 5+ stars.
The outline of the successes of Rondal and Tyndal were apparent at the end of Court Wizard (book 8) when the High Mages of Alshar and some of Castal, Minalan etc. This book really fills in all the details as well as supplying much more to the overall plot. There are also‘historical excerpts’ at the beginning of each chapter from the assorted accounts of mages, scribes and clergy.
I admit I was doubtful about reading this book initially, it was due entirely to the summary at the end of book 8 but I’m happy to be proven wrong. Additionally, I would stress that it’s important to the overarching plot that you read “The Spellmonger’s Yule” because it explains in great detail exactly what Minalan and Sire Cei are up to. To paraphrase it also explains the “greater threat” that the gods have hinted at to Minalan. I don’t know if the novella is available in an anthology or not but if you’re not using KU to read this epic saga then you might want to check on that. Worthy of another 5+ stars.
November 29, 2023
Rather than starting another series from the beginning, digging thru introductory book once again, I needed to see large values in book numbers. For whatever reason, research proved reading from n-th book in this series would work this time. In the end I wasn't mistaken. As a standalone it works very well.
With amount of character development and world building it is satisfactory, even thou they seem over-competent and powerful often. Descriptions of the world, how grim it is, can serve as an excuse for that. Great pacing, with travel in the world included. Topped with action scenes of small encounters or large battles.
With amount of character development and world building it is satisfactory, even thou they seem over-competent and powerful often. Descriptions of the world, how grim it is, can serve as an excuse for that. Great pacing, with travel in the world included. Topped with action scenes of small encounters or large battles.
May 17, 2024
Tyndal and Rondal, journeymen wizards and knights errant, travel to southern Alshar to rescue a helpless boy and his mother, As our two favourite apprentices are off on errantry and becoming more masterful by the minute making new friends and falling in love, they take on the Brotherhood of the rat and the censurate and accomplish great feats as knights magi - it is non stop action and picks up right where Court Wizatd finishes off leading straight to book 10. Excellent narration as always and I really enjoy these side adventures from Min as they build the storyline and our favourite fun characters.
August 11, 2018
Like all Mancour’s Spellmonger novels, Shadowmage: Book Nine Of The Spellmonger Series by Terry Mancour is entertaining, engaging, lots of fun with a fast moving plot, complex villains and earnest heroes. I enjoyed it very much, despite poor editing.
Journeymen Ron and Tyndal hunt down and destroy the Brother of the Rat crime gang and pick up some new friends, shadowmage siblings Atopol and Gatina.
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/sha...
Journeymen Ron and Tyndal hunt down and destroy the Brother of the Rat crime gang and pick up some new friends, shadowmage siblings Atopol and Gatina.
Please see my full review here: https://www.morebooksthantime.com/sha...
October 27, 2019
Another audio book for me.
much like book 8 the first half of this book is a rehash of book 7 but from the apprentices perspective. Again i felt ripped off. Fortunately the second half was about the boys own adventures.
I really like Tyndal and Rondal, they are great characters. Very funny. Also a couple of new characters are introduced. At the moment they are not hurting the story.
the story advances these characters quite nicely. The ongoing storyline seems to be slowing down a bit for me. Hopefully we will get back on track.
much like book 8 the first half of this book is a rehash of book 7 but from the apprentices perspective. Again i felt ripped off. Fortunately the second half was about the boys own adventures.
I really like Tyndal and Rondal, they are great characters. Very funny. Also a couple of new characters are introduced. At the moment they are not hurting the story.
the story advances these characters quite nicely. The ongoing storyline seems to be slowing down a bit for me. Hopefully we will get back on track.
March 14, 2022
Similar to Knights Magi, where the book is about Minalan's apprentices Tyndal and Rondal. And again, it felt more like a series of short stories then a cohesive novel, though it tried at times. I really liked certain portions of the book - the two new Shadowmages (Attidor and his sister Kat), the run-ins with the Brotherhood of the Rat. However, the drama between Rondal and Kat's relationship was tedious, and it felt like the book dragged on in places. Still, enjoyable enough, I just prefer the main story versus side adevntures.
July 23, 2019
With each book I read in the Spellmonger series I love them even more, Shadowmage gives us another look into Tyndal and Rondal. These two character have quickly become my favorites and the dynamic between these two is excellent. We may not see much of the illustrious spellmonger what we do see is enough to keep me wanting more. I feel like my reviews of Terry Mancour are sounding to much alike so all I can say is you should read this book and every book he's written.
September 18, 2022
As the series as gone on, I've gotten to like it even more. He has toned down the sex a bunch, but still has crude language for the in-book curses. Difficulties and challenges continue to grow as Minalan's power does, so the challenges stay fresh. More of the backstory gets filled in, which only genders more questions as to what actually happened in the past and were it will go in the future. Will definitely continue reading!
April 1, 2024
Great, amazing entry even. As usual, Tyndal and Rondal's shenanigans are a nice way to spruce up the story. It's also really interesting how the author handled the same timeline and foreshadowing in the span of 3 books with Minalan in Enchanter, Pentandra in Court Wizard and now the lads in Shadowmage.
The only part I didn't like was...Gatina's unhealthy obsession with Rondal. She is hecking 14!!!
The only part I didn't like was...Gatina's unhealthy obsession with Rondal. She is hecking 14!!!
December 2, 2020
I feel a bit like a broken record, but I’ll say it again, the first couple books got me hooked and now I’m just in it for the continuity. Being so many books in means not needing to pay too much attention to world building. And there are new characters but not many and they’re generally not very complex.
March 25, 2021
Solid entry to the series. After reading this book I feel like Rondal and Tyndal are better at getting things done than Minalyn. It almost feels like they can do no wrong while Minalyn deals with all hard stuff. This book had some really fun stories in it. I really like the new characters and hope to see more of them. I’m excited to see what happens next.
November 29, 2021
I really do enjoy the Spellmonger series but this one stands out. The previous two books, while good, were mired in political drama. This is a good old fashioned action/heist book. The progression of Ron and Tyn's relationship is satisfying and the new characters are instantly likeable and interesting.
July 27, 2025
Very good but so many typos
The story was entertaining, and I like this author. But the sheer number of typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, and missing words or phrases was very disappointing. It’s clear that spellcheck into a basic grammar check weren’t done. Hopefully this improves for the next book and a basic editing and review is given.
The story was entertaining, and I like this author. But the sheer number of typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, and missing words or phrases was very disappointing. It’s clear that spellcheck into a basic grammar check weren’t done. Hopefully this improves for the next book and a basic editing and review is given.
April 23, 2019
Another piece of the puzzle.
More intrigue and battles. The tale widens and cements the players in place. The final battles are coming into play, with the future of the humans in the balance.
More intrigue and battles. The tale widens and cements the players in place. The final battles are coming into play, with the future of the humans in the balance.
June 10, 2019
Enjoyed every section of the book, it really develops Tyndal and Rondal’s role in the grand scheme of things! Loved getting to know more about shadow magic and learning about Enultramar! Awesome ending!
January 14, 2021
Better editing
This is a great series but the editing is shite. There many places where the wrong word is in place and it was annoying during reading. Not that it stopped me from enjoying the story but my enjoyment could have been better
This is a great series but the editing is shite. There many places where the wrong word is in place and it was annoying during reading. Not that it stopped me from enjoying the story but my enjoyment could have been better
March 28, 2022
Great read
Nice to get a different perspective from some of the other characters. Tyndal and Rondal are truly like brothers and fought like brothers. This book wss the funniest book in the series, thus far...
Nice to get a different perspective from some of the other characters. Tyndal and Rondal are truly like brothers and fought like brothers. This book wss the funniest book in the series, thus far...
August 16, 2023
Good yarn, but the errors...
An enjoyable read somewhat spoiled by the incessant spelling, grammatical and factual errors.
Is there really any excuse when there is software available, for free, that literally proof reads.your work?
An enjoyable read somewhat spoiled by the incessant spelling, grammatical and factual errors.
Is there really any excuse when there is software available, for free, that literally proof reads.your work?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews