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The Age of Darkness Trilogy #3
Chaosmage
Voechenka is a city under siege. Decimated by the Battlemage war, its restless dead attack every night, begging the living to join them beyond the grave.
Three survivors will fight to save the city.
TAMMY, whose investigation could rescue Voechenka from its grisly fate.
ZANNAH, who must pay penance for her war crimes.
And BALFRUSS: scholar, traveller, and battlemage.
Three survivors will fight to save the city.
TAMMY, whose investigation could rescue Voechenka from its grisly fate.
ZANNAH, who must pay penance for her war crimes.
And BALFRUSS: scholar, traveller, and battlemage.
454 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2016
60 people are currently reading
1614 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Aryan
17 books756 followersI’m a lifelong fan of fantasy and science fiction. It started with The Hobbit, The Belgariad, the Earthsea books, the Shannara books, DragonLance and then David Gemmell, who was a huge influence on my writing.
My novels include:-
The Nightingale and the Falcon trilogy
The Judas Blossom (July 2023)
The Blood Dimmed Tide (9 July 2024)
The Judas Blossom 3 (July 2025)
The Quest for Heroes duology
-The Coward (June 2021)
- The Warrior (August 2022)
Age of Darkness (first trilogy)
- Battlemage
- Bloodmage
- Chaosmage
Age of Dread (second trilogy)
-Mageborn
-Magefall
-Magebane
A prequel novella to everything, Of Gods and Men, was published in February 2018.
I am represented by Juliet Mushens of Mushens Entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 6, 2017
Wow, what a stroke of luck! The rather crabby clerk at Half-Price Books wanted me to know it'd be half an hour before they'd make me an offer on my books. No worries--I can think of about a hundred things more difficult than spending thirty minutes in a bookstore. So instead of my usual quick scan, I actually looked quite thoroughly at all the books on the trade and hardcover sci-fi shelves. And wow, would you believe how many of my mediocre reads were there? (Apparently, I wasn't the only one unimpressed). I was shocked to see Chasing Embers, and almost bought it just so I could howl with laughter all over again (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ). But I digress.
I found this and tempted by 'chaos' to read a few pages. Two women were standing guard on a wall, defending their motley group against the Forsaken, hollowed-out former friends who had been carried away in the fighting. A few more pages and there was a Guardian woman given an assignment to escort a battlemage to the beleaguered city. Excellent: mages,zombies evangelicals creepy, personality-less shells of people, and women as many of the main characters. I thought I'd spend my ill-gained proceeds from Altered Carbon, American Gods, Charmed by Shadow, and Joy School on this baby, and I have to say, what a prize.
It's kind of old school epic fantasy, writ modern, reminding me of Witch World. Andre Norton had some kind of hollowed, uniform grey men, and I suddenly realized a number of classic authors had flirted with zombie mythology in fantasy land. Although I didn't know it at the time, it's the conclusion of a trilogy, but from what I can tell, it doesn't matter too much in terms of a single overarching story. On my re-read, my sense is that the war has been over for two years, and this is more a 'what are they up to now' for a couple of the characters. It takes place in a distant, isolated city of artisans, Voechenka. It is under siege from the possessed, under threat from mercenaries, and reports are finally starting to reach those who have enough power to act.
The two women standing guard are Zannah, a non-human and member of the prior conquering race, and her friend, Alyssa. They've been rallying survivors to defend their safehouse, a winery (isn't everyone's safehouse full of wine?), from the Forsaken and the mercenaries. Farther away, Tammy the Guardian (easily the worst thing about this book was her incongruous name) is escorting Balfruss the Battlemage to the city of Voechenka. Her superior wants her to investigate the city and discover what is going on, and the mage has been asked to deal with the magical threat.
Once all the characters got into place, action was non-stop. There were a number of issues to sort out, so every one has a part to play. While I expected certain things to play out certain ways, I really enjoyed the ride getting there.
Characters are well done. I think most are newer to the trilogy arc, so we get more information about Zannah, a member of a race of non-humans, and Alyssa, her friend. The battlemage and the warrior also get some development. And you know what else? There's a lot of women in this story. Amazing fighters. Leaders. Spiritual guides. Antagonists. Magic wielders. You know--they're just people, playing a role that isn't just virgin or whore. Give this a try if you like the blood and guts of Mark Lawrence or Brent Weeks but would like less sexism. Or if you sort of liked The Black Company by Glen Cooks, but wanted more detail and characterization.
Although I didn't get too much sense of the larger world, I enjoyed the sense of the city, past and present, and felt like there was a good sense of danger. I recommend this to fans of epic fantasy. I suppose I'll have to search out the first two books, but I'm a little afraid they won't live up to this one.
Four and a half stars, rounding up because it's been quite a while since I've enjoyed an epic fantasy this much. And I'll be keeping the book.
I found this and tempted by 'chaos' to read a few pages. Two women were standing guard on a wall, defending their motley group against the Forsaken, hollowed-out former friends who had been carried away in the fighting. A few more pages and there was a Guardian woman given an assignment to escort a battlemage to the beleaguered city. Excellent: mages,
It's kind of old school epic fantasy, writ modern, reminding me of Witch World. Andre Norton had some kind of hollowed, uniform grey men, and I suddenly realized a number of classic authors had flirted with zombie mythology in fantasy land. Although I didn't know it at the time, it's the conclusion of a trilogy, but from what I can tell, it doesn't matter too much in terms of a single overarching story. On my re-read, my sense is that the war has been over for two years, and this is more a 'what are they up to now' for a couple of the characters. It takes place in a distant, isolated city of artisans, Voechenka. It is under siege from the possessed, under threat from mercenaries, and reports are finally starting to reach those who have enough power to act.
The two women standing guard are Zannah, a non-human and member of the prior conquering race, and her friend, Alyssa. They've been rallying survivors to defend their safehouse, a winery (isn't everyone's safehouse full of wine?), from the Forsaken and the mercenaries. Farther away, Tammy the Guardian (easily the worst thing about this book was her incongruous name) is escorting Balfruss the Battlemage to the city of Voechenka. Her superior wants her to investigate the city and discover what is going on, and the mage has been asked to deal with the magical threat.
Once all the characters got into place, action was non-stop. There were a number of issues to sort out, so every one has a part to play. While I expected certain things to play out certain ways, I really enjoyed the ride getting there.
Characters are well done. I think most are newer to the trilogy arc, so we get more information about Zannah, a member of a race of non-humans, and Alyssa, her friend. The battlemage and the warrior also get some development. And you know what else? There's a lot of women in this story. Amazing fighters. Leaders. Spiritual guides. Antagonists. Magic wielders. You know--they're just people, playing a role that isn't just virgin or whore. Give this a try if you like the blood and guts of Mark Lawrence or Brent Weeks but would like less sexism. Or if you sort of liked The Black Company by Glen Cooks, but wanted more detail and characterization.
Although I didn't get too much sense of the larger world, I enjoyed the sense of the city, past and present, and felt like there was a good sense of danger. I recommend this to fans of epic fantasy. I suppose I'll have to search out the first two books, but I'm a little afraid they won't live up to this one.
Four and a half stars, rounding up because it's been quite a while since I've enjoyed an epic fantasy this much. And I'll be keeping the book.
March 18, 2020
Rating: 4.4/5
Review: Ooooh, zombies.
This series did not follow a set of stories based on one theme with a grande culmination at the end. This was the same world both spatially and temporally but with a new story and characters each time. There are still some characters from other novels that take a back seat in this installment. For a finale’ this was pretty good.
What is not to like? Medieval zombies created from a parasite and manipulated by magic to become something sinister. Flesh mages that burn the life out of people and assume their identities while creating emotional havoc and feeding on the outbursts of anger/lust/hate. Wow. Also, Finn’s sword makes an appearance (yay!).
I am going to hope that this world continues with Balfruss…..someday.
Review: Ooooh, zombies.
This series did not follow a set of stories based on one theme with a grande culmination at the end. This was the same world both spatially and temporally but with a new story and characters each time. There are still some characters from other novels that take a back seat in this installment. For a finale’ this was pretty good.
What is not to like? Medieval zombies created from a parasite and manipulated by magic to become something sinister. Flesh mages that burn the life out of people and assume their identities while creating emotional havoc and feeding on the outbursts of anger/lust/hate. Wow. Also, Finn’s sword makes an appearance (yay!).
I am going to hope that this world continues with Balfruss…..someday.
November 21, 2017
Balfruss is back !
What an epic ride this trilogy was. I can't decide which book was my favorite, but I can decide on a favorite character. I can visulize each character clearly in my mind. And yes, Balfruss is my favorite. He inspired me to create a battlemage in ESO.
Once again, Stephen Aryan delivers a solid story. There were lots of battle scenes for those who hunger for that type of action. But mostly it's a story about people putting their differences aside and creating a union in order to survive. You can feel the rawness for the need to live.
I love this world. There are so many stories to tell within it. I don't want it to end. And it doesn't end. Now I have to get my greedy paws on 
February 25, 2021
Note: this review contains minor spoilers.
Chaosmage is the third and final book in Stephen Aryan’s ‘Age of Darkness’ trilogy, and what a finale it was!
Set in the city of Voechenker with three years having passed since the war, Chaosmage is a gritty exploration of human nature at its very best and at its very worst. Fast paced, dark and with a good mix of old and new, it is a great ‘showdown’ to what has been an epic trilogy.
But even though this book is all leading up to the big finish, it hooks you from the start with the introduction of two new characters (Zannah and Alyssa) both of whom very quickly become integral to the story. Balfruss is also back on the scene from the outset, and with thie cast of colourful characters you are in for a treat with Chaosmage.
I read this book in record time… less than a week which, believe me, is quite an achievement with three kids on half term who are always wanting/needing something or other! My pace did slow down as I reached the final few chapters, but only because I was enjoying it so much, I honestly did not want it to end.
Aryan is a master of writing battle scenes but what I love most about Chaosmage is his ability to turn something so bloody and sinister into something so much deeper. In between all the chaos and fighting, is a deeper exploration of human nature, faith, forgiveness and love and how, even at the darkest of times, people can and do have the capacity to surprise you again and again.
Surprisingly, the character who stands out most to me in Chaosmage is not Balfruss, who would be my usual go to, but the newly introduced Alyssa and her unlikely friendship with Zannah. Through their relationship, Aryan explores the power of faith, forgiveness and compassion and shows how that in the face of hardship and conflict, it does not matter who you are or where you came from. The people are united in the end by their love of Alyssa who unintentionally becomes their leader whether she likes it or not.
The world Aryan pulls the reader into throughout his trilogy is one full of so many layers that the reader can take from it what they want. Whether it simply be a well-written trilogy of books full of battles, camaraderie and constant curveballs, or something deeper. It is the readers choice what he/she takes from it and for me, therein lies the magic and the reason why I have loved every second of these books and am genuinely gutted to have now finished both trilogies!
For those who read the books in order, there is a whole second trilogy in store for you, and I for one am jealous as I read the series’ in the wrong order! Thankfully, there’s also a prequel, perfect for me to finish my completely backwards reading adventure as I embark on my fantasy journey.
Roll on June for Aryan’s next publication ‘THE COWARD’ – I honestly cannot wait!!
Chaosmage is the third and final book in Stephen Aryan’s ‘Age of Darkness’ trilogy, and what a finale it was!
Set in the city of Voechenker with three years having passed since the war, Chaosmage is a gritty exploration of human nature at its very best and at its very worst. Fast paced, dark and with a good mix of old and new, it is a great ‘showdown’ to what has been an epic trilogy.
But even though this book is all leading up to the big finish, it hooks you from the start with the introduction of two new characters (Zannah and Alyssa) both of whom very quickly become integral to the story. Balfruss is also back on the scene from the outset, and with thie cast of colourful characters you are in for a treat with Chaosmage.
I read this book in record time… less than a week which, believe me, is quite an achievement with three kids on half term who are always wanting/needing something or other! My pace did slow down as I reached the final few chapters, but only because I was enjoying it so much, I honestly did not want it to end.
Aryan is a master of writing battle scenes but what I love most about Chaosmage is his ability to turn something so bloody and sinister into something so much deeper. In between all the chaos and fighting, is a deeper exploration of human nature, faith, forgiveness and love and how, even at the darkest of times, people can and do have the capacity to surprise you again and again.
Surprisingly, the character who stands out most to me in Chaosmage is not Balfruss, who would be my usual go to, but the newly introduced Alyssa and her unlikely friendship with Zannah. Through their relationship, Aryan explores the power of faith, forgiveness and compassion and shows how that in the face of hardship and conflict, it does not matter who you are or where you came from. The people are united in the end by their love of Alyssa who unintentionally becomes their leader whether she likes it or not.
The world Aryan pulls the reader into throughout his trilogy is one full of so many layers that the reader can take from it what they want. Whether it simply be a well-written trilogy of books full of battles, camaraderie and constant curveballs, or something deeper. It is the readers choice what he/she takes from it and for me, therein lies the magic and the reason why I have loved every second of these books and am genuinely gutted to have now finished both trilogies!
For those who read the books in order, there is a whole second trilogy in store for you, and I for one am jealous as I read the series’ in the wrong order! Thankfully, there’s also a prequel, perfect for me to finish my completely backwards reading adventure as I embark on my fantasy journey.
Roll on June for Aryan’s next publication ‘THE COWARD’ – I honestly cannot wait!!
September 29, 2018
Chaosmage was a solid ending to the trilogy, packed with explosive magic and action. I would say it a mix of Supernatural and The Walking Dead. There is a quarantined city full of ravaging zombies, sorcerers, a otherworldly monster, and bands of people fighting against the undead to survive.
Most of the action takes place in the city of Voechenka, in the war-torn kingdom of Shael. Here, Balfruss is back again from his self-imposed wandering exile. He, the Guardian Tammy, a plague-priest, and a few others go on a rescue mission to the death infested city. Aryan captures the lifeless smothering despair and gloom of the city in a vivid manner. All the events that happened in the previous novels are connected in a clever way to a very unlikely source here.
We get some strong female characters here. Alyssa, the leader of the group of survivors acts like a beacon of hope. She keeps her faith strong, and acts benevolently. She is compassionate and altruistic. Zannah is a Morrin, and she tries to redeem herself by fighting for the humans whom her race annihilated. She is hated and feared by the humans, and only Alyssa forms a bond of friendship with her. Here, we get to see Tammy in brutal action. She is strong, fearless, and a fighter at heart. The relationship has an emotional edge to it, which makes it heartfelt and I was able to connect with the characters at a deeper level.
The action is bloody when it begins, and, as usual there are magical battles. The plague-priest Kai reminded me of the Lovecraftian horror Cthulhu. The fight with the monster was exhilarating. I was expecting a bloody confrontation of Balfruss with the main antagonist, but, it was disappointing in the manner it ended. All said, I enjoyed reading this to the end, and I hope to see more of this fantasy world.
Most of the action takes place in the city of Voechenka, in the war-torn kingdom of Shael. Here, Balfruss is back again from his self-imposed wandering exile. He, the Guardian Tammy, a plague-priest, and a few others go on a rescue mission to the death infested city. Aryan captures the lifeless smothering despair and gloom of the city in a vivid manner. All the events that happened in the previous novels are connected in a clever way to a very unlikely source here.
We get some strong female characters here. Alyssa, the leader of the group of survivors acts like a beacon of hope. She keeps her faith strong, and acts benevolently. She is compassionate and altruistic. Zannah is a Morrin, and she tries to redeem herself by fighting for the humans whom her race annihilated. She is hated and feared by the humans, and only Alyssa forms a bond of friendship with her. Here, we get to see Tammy in brutal action. She is strong, fearless, and a fighter at heart. The relationship has an emotional edge to it, which makes it heartfelt and I was able to connect with the characters at a deeper level.
The action is bloody when it begins, and, as usual there are magical battles. The plague-priest Kai reminded me of the Lovecraftian horror Cthulhu. The fight with the monster was exhilarating. I was expecting a bloody confrontation of Balfruss with the main antagonist, but, it was disappointing in the manner it ended. All said, I enjoyed reading this to the end, and I hope to see more of this fantasy world.
January 31, 2017
Après la guerre menée par le Roi fou dans Mage de Guerre, les pays se reconstruisent tout doucement les uns après les autres, mais chez certains c’est plus compliqué. En Shael par exemple, qui a été ravagé et dont la population a subi tortures et autres joyeusetés, se relever est déjà pas simple. Les quelques survivants n’avaient vraiment pas besoin d’une invasion de fanatiques zombifiés en plus sur la tronche. Pas de bol, c’est pile ce qui leur arrive dans Mage du chaos.
Ce troisième tome de la série L’âge des ténèbres se concentre ainsi sur la ville de Voechenka qui, se remettant doucement du traumatisme de la guerre, doit faire face chaque nuit aux Réprouvés, des anciens camarades qui reviennent les chercher pour les « transformer ». La ville est mise en quarantaine et ses habitants se calfeutrent dans les quelques bâtiments qui tiennent encore debout. La protectrice Tammy Baker est envoyée de Perizzi pour enquêter sur le phénomène, et elle sera épaulée par un mage bien connu des lecteurs de la série, qui revient de sa petite promenade à l’autre bout du monde. Différents indices pointent Voechenka comme le point de convergence de tous les fléaux que nous avons croisés dans Mage de guerre et Mage de sang, y’a un truc pas net planqué là-bas qui tire des ficelles bien dégueulasses, et faut faire du ménage.
Comme à son habitude, Stephen Aryan nous fait suivre alternativement plusieurs personnages pour cadrer son histoire. On sera évidemment ravis de retrouver Balfruss qui s’était mis au vert depuis son combat traumatisant contre le Nécromancien, et qui nous revient plus sage, plus puissant, plus cool (il a sûrement suivi des stages pour ça). Sa binôme Tammy n’a pas de pouvoir magique mais distribue des mandales pour donner le change, et coupe quelques têtes à l’occasion. Mais ce sont surtout ses talents d’enquêtrice qui la rendent indispensable à l’opération. A Voechenka, Zannah et Alyssa portent la résistance de leur groupe à bout de bras. Les deux femmes repoussent inlassablement les hordes de pourris tout en gardant la cohésion et la santé mentale de leurs compagnons d’infortune. L’arrivée de Balfruss et Tammy serait donc la petite lueur d’espoir qui leur fallait ?
Après un premier tome très guerrier, et un second qui changeait complètement d’ambiance pour nous plonger dans le crime organisé et les meurtres en série, l’auteur s’amuse encore une fois à varier les plaisirs. Dans ce troisième roman de la série, on plonge dans l’horreur apocalyptique la tête la première, et c’est très réussi. Il y a une ambiance vraiment pesante qui règne sur toute l’histoire, c’est un cocktail de glauque, de désespoir et d’héroïsme qui ballote les personnages. Comme dans Mage de guerre, on a des défenseurs qui se battent malgré la fatigue et la puissance de l’assaillant. Mais ici on prend une échelle très réduite. Il ne reste que quelques dizaines de survivants planqués dans la vinerie barricadée, qui repoussent nuit après nuit les hordes de réprouvés.
J’avais mis du temps à rentrer dans le second bouquin de la saga. A posteriori je me demande si c’est pas simplement parce que j’ai pas trop accroché à Fray que mon cerveau a fait son chiant. Parce que là j’ai retrouvé toute l’efficacité qui m’avait tant plu dans le premier tome. On s’attache immédiatement aux héros et on est pris dans leur problématique en quelques lignes. Ils sont solides, on sent qu’ils ont tous un lourd passé à trimballer, chacun a ses secrets et ses conflits propres. Les femmes sont à l’honneur ici puisque sur les quatre protagonistes, trois sont des madames et elles sont toutes vraiment crédibles, esquivant avec classe les clichés lourdauds qui les accompagnent souvent dans la fantasy d’action.
Stephen Aryan s’éparpille moins que dans Mage de Sang, et revient à une trame qui va à l’essentiel, et c’est ce qui lui réussit le plus à mon humble avis. Personnages, action, ambiance. Ces éléments essentiels sont maitrisés pour la conclusion de cette trilogie. Le roman nous propose une vraie histoire d’apocalypse à l’échelle d’une cité, avec les différents groupes qui essayent de survivre chacun dans leur coin, pillant les carcasses des voisins qui sont tombés face à l’ennemi, ou créant des alliances… S’ils sont vraiment désespérés… Et entre les vagues d’ennemis, il faut tenter des sorties pour découvrir ce qui se passe vraiment dans la ville, ou simplement pour se ravitailler.
Si les personnages sont très réussis, je suis toujours un poil réservé sur la magie en elle-même qui reste finalement assez basique dans son système et ses explications. On puise dans la source de magie et on fait des grosses boules de feu, des boucliers magiques et des gros marteau qui font « chboum » sur la tête des méchants mais c’est à peu près tout. Un peu dommage pour une série qui se base sur les mages justement, on aurait préféré quelque chose de plus profond et complexe. Ça ne suffit pas à rendre la lecture déplaisante cependant, Aryan compense ça assez facilement avec les autres qualités de son récit.
Par contre, il y a un rythme assez étrange, l’histoire démarre sur des chapeaux de roue et pose son ambiance avec une facilité déconcertante puis, passé la moitié, y’a une espèce de routine qui s’installe dans les cycles des attaques, ça s’étire et on perd un peu l’élan. On arrive enfin à une conclusion en plusieurs temps qui traine un peu (Ah que tu crois que c’est fini mais que c’est pas fini en fait !). La fin déçoit par son manque de punch, il n’y a pas de grande apothéose désespérée, de déchainement de pouvoir apocalyptique ou de révélation renversante. Le méchant est méchant parce qu’il est méchant, on enchaine des combats jusqu’au boss de fin mais c’est un peu plat, sans surprise. On dirait vraiment un jeu vidéo en fait.
Mage du chaos est un livre qui accroche le lecteur par son atmosphère particulière et ses personnages foutrement bien écrits, il étend encore l’univers de l’âge des ténèbres et donne envie d’en lire plus (ça tombe bien, Stephen Aryan vient de signer pour une seconde trilogie). Ce n’est que par sa conclusion bourrine plan-plan un peu décevante qu’il loupe l’ovation de la foule en délire et les félicitations du jury. Aucune des deux suites n’a égalé le fun du premier tome pour moi, mais l’ensemble forme une série tout à fait satisfaisante et recommandable.
http://ours-inculte.fr/mage-du-chaos/
Ce troisième tome de la série L’âge des ténèbres se concentre ainsi sur la ville de Voechenka qui, se remettant doucement du traumatisme de la guerre, doit faire face chaque nuit aux Réprouvés, des anciens camarades qui reviennent les chercher pour les « transformer ». La ville est mise en quarantaine et ses habitants se calfeutrent dans les quelques bâtiments qui tiennent encore debout. La protectrice Tammy Baker est envoyée de Perizzi pour enquêter sur le phénomène, et elle sera épaulée par un mage bien connu des lecteurs de la série, qui revient de sa petite promenade à l’autre bout du monde. Différents indices pointent Voechenka comme le point de convergence de tous les fléaux que nous avons croisés dans Mage de guerre et Mage de sang, y’a un truc pas net planqué là-bas qui tire des ficelles bien dégueulasses, et faut faire du ménage.
Comme à son habitude, Stephen Aryan nous fait suivre alternativement plusieurs personnages pour cadrer son histoire. On sera évidemment ravis de retrouver Balfruss qui s’était mis au vert depuis son combat traumatisant contre le Nécromancien, et qui nous revient plus sage, plus puissant, plus cool (il a sûrement suivi des stages pour ça). Sa binôme Tammy n’a pas de pouvoir magique mais distribue des mandales pour donner le change, et coupe quelques têtes à l’occasion. Mais ce sont surtout ses talents d’enquêtrice qui la rendent indispensable à l’opération. A Voechenka, Zannah et Alyssa portent la résistance de leur groupe à bout de bras. Les deux femmes repoussent inlassablement les hordes de pourris tout en gardant la cohésion et la santé mentale de leurs compagnons d’infortune. L’arrivée de Balfruss et Tammy serait donc la petite lueur d’espoir qui leur fallait ?
Après un premier tome très guerrier, et un second qui changeait complètement d’ambiance pour nous plonger dans le crime organisé et les meurtres en série, l’auteur s’amuse encore une fois à varier les plaisirs. Dans ce troisième roman de la série, on plonge dans l’horreur apocalyptique la tête la première, et c’est très réussi. Il y a une ambiance vraiment pesante qui règne sur toute l’histoire, c’est un cocktail de glauque, de désespoir et d’héroïsme qui ballote les personnages. Comme dans Mage de guerre, on a des défenseurs qui se battent malgré la fatigue et la puissance de l’assaillant. Mais ici on prend une échelle très réduite. Il ne reste que quelques dizaines de survivants planqués dans la vinerie barricadée, qui repoussent nuit après nuit les hordes de réprouvés.
J’avais mis du temps à rentrer dans le second bouquin de la saga. A posteriori je me demande si c’est pas simplement parce que j’ai pas trop accroché à Fray que mon cerveau a fait son chiant. Parce que là j’ai retrouvé toute l’efficacité qui m’avait tant plu dans le premier tome. On s’attache immédiatement aux héros et on est pris dans leur problématique en quelques lignes. Ils sont solides, on sent qu’ils ont tous un lourd passé à trimballer, chacun a ses secrets et ses conflits propres. Les femmes sont à l’honneur ici puisque sur les quatre protagonistes, trois sont des madames et elles sont toutes vraiment crédibles, esquivant avec classe les clichés lourdauds qui les accompagnent souvent dans la fantasy d’action.
Stephen Aryan s’éparpille moins que dans Mage de Sang, et revient à une trame qui va à l’essentiel, et c’est ce qui lui réussit le plus à mon humble avis. Personnages, action, ambiance. Ces éléments essentiels sont maitrisés pour la conclusion de cette trilogie. Le roman nous propose une vraie histoire d’apocalypse à l’échelle d’une cité, avec les différents groupes qui essayent de survivre chacun dans leur coin, pillant les carcasses des voisins qui sont tombés face à l’ennemi, ou créant des alliances… S’ils sont vraiment désespérés… Et entre les vagues d’ennemis, il faut tenter des sorties pour découvrir ce qui se passe vraiment dans la ville, ou simplement pour se ravitailler.
Si les personnages sont très réussis, je suis toujours un poil réservé sur la magie en elle-même qui reste finalement assez basique dans son système et ses explications. On puise dans la source de magie et on fait des grosses boules de feu, des boucliers magiques et des gros marteau qui font « chboum » sur la tête des méchants mais c’est à peu près tout. Un peu dommage pour une série qui se base sur les mages justement, on aurait préféré quelque chose de plus profond et complexe. Ça ne suffit pas à rendre la lecture déplaisante cependant, Aryan compense ça assez facilement avec les autres qualités de son récit.
Par contre, il y a un rythme assez étrange, l’histoire démarre sur des chapeaux de roue et pose son ambiance avec une facilité déconcertante puis, passé la moitié, y’a une espèce de routine qui s’installe dans les cycles des attaques, ça s’étire et on perd un peu l’élan. On arrive enfin à une conclusion en plusieurs temps qui traine un peu (Ah que tu crois que c’est fini mais que c’est pas fini en fait !). La fin déçoit par son manque de punch, il n’y a pas de grande apothéose désespérée, de déchainement de pouvoir apocalyptique ou de révélation renversante. Le méchant est méchant parce qu’il est méchant, on enchaine des combats jusqu’au boss de fin mais c’est un peu plat, sans surprise. On dirait vraiment un jeu vidéo en fait.
Mage du chaos est un livre qui accroche le lecteur par son atmosphère particulière et ses personnages foutrement bien écrits, il étend encore l’univers de l’âge des ténèbres et donne envie d’en lire plus (ça tombe bien, Stephen Aryan vient de signer pour une seconde trilogie). Ce n’est que par sa conclusion bourrine plan-plan un peu décevante qu’il loupe l’ovation de la foule en délire et les félicitations du jury. Aucune des deux suites n’a égalé le fun du premier tome pour moi, mais l’ensemble forme une série tout à fait satisfaisante et recommandable.
http://ours-inculte.fr/mage-du-chaos/
March 29, 2023
Excellent conclusion to a mighty trilogy as a besieged city becomes the focal point for many characters from previous books. Violent and with some brutal deaths it is a great read and one of my favourite fantasy sagas.
August 28, 2017
Review of
CHAOSMAGE
by Stephen Aryan
Book 3 of The Age of Darkness
The final novel of The Age of Darkness is most certainly the best. CHAOSMAGE succeeds where the initial two stumbled, capitalizing on Aryan’s earlier successes while distancing itself from their slight missteps. Neither BATTLEMAGE or the followup BLOODMAGE had anything in the way of a deal-breaker. The plots were solid, the characters thoughtful (if not thought out, at least at first), and everything tied together quite nicely in the end. I enjoyed the first two immensely, but the third is most certainly my favorite.
Plus, my favorite POV character of the series has been Balfruss, and once I saw that he was back as a POV for book 3… well, it was a no-brainer.
Joining Balfruss are a cast of minor characters from the previous two Age of Darkness entries—including Kai, the Lord of Disease or whatevs from the first book, and Tammy, the Guardian from the second. Thrown in are a few new POVs from a native of Shael (the locale of a majority of CHAOSMAGE) as well as one of its invaders during the previous war.
Here’s the blurb:
‘ The final book in the epic fantasy trilogy that began with Battlemage - expect fireball-filled battles, otherworldy enemies, and heroically powerful mages
Voechenka is a city under siege. Decimated by the Battlemage War, its dead now walk the city at night, attacking survivors, calling their names and begging the living to join them beyond the grave.Tammy is a watchman sent to the city to investigate, so the ruling powers can decide whether to help Voechenka or leave it to its grisly fate.Zannah is a pariah in Voechenka - making up for her people's war crimes by protecting refugees who fear her far more than they fear their unearthly attackers.Balfruss is a scholar, a traveler . . . and the infamous mage who single-handedly ended the war.No one else may enter or leave the city - so if this ragtag group of survivors can't figure out what is going on, they'll live out their last few, short days within its walls.And night is coming on fast . . . ‘
Oh, did I forget to mention the zombies? While the animated dead featured here are not the walking, brain-dead nightmares you may be used to, they still add an otherworldly horror to the plot, which, combined with an ACTUAL otherworldly horror, make up a good threat to not only the city depicted, but also the world beyond. As you know (or may not) from reading the previous two books of Aryan’s Age of Darkness, something lurks beyond the Veil that separates this world from the next. And now is the time when we will get a bit more than a glimpse into just what that might be. As otherworldly bad-guys go, this quasi-alien being actually succeeds where other villains in the Age of Darkness fell short, striking—well, not fear, so much as uncertainty into me as I read this book. Because, as the conclusion of this storyline, I wasn’t sure how the Age of Darkness would end. Yet, with the announcement of a further trilogy set in the same world (and with the first book due out later this year) I was assured that the Age would end, one way or another.
And its end does not disappoint.
In addition to meeting this new horror from beyond the Veil, we are also greeted by the mysterious figure who has been pulling strings from behind the scenes leading up to this conclusion. And if that was not enough, Aryan has a few further surprises in store—including one twist that I didn’t even catch on to until the chapter was nearly through!
With that said, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of the book itself.
The character development of BLOODMAGE was a vast improvement over the initial book, and this is something CHAOSMAGE expands upon, depicting both the characters’ high moments along with their low, and creating a definite character-arc that showcases their development over the course of not just this book, but the series as a whole. For the character of Balfruss this is comparatively simple (as he was featured as a POV in the series entrant), while the new POVs create more of a challenge. Aryan manages this by introducing brief yet poignant glimpses into their past which further underlines their development up to the present. These glimpses often take place within a piece of an existing chapter—which, unlike greater flashbacks in series like THE SHATTERED SANDS or the EREBUS SEQUENCE or etcetera, do not distract from the story at present—creating a reverie which the character will not have time to fully explore before being forced back into the present. While sometimes frustratingly short, these peeks into the past do help create a vivid profile of the character, which—especially in the case of Tammy and Alyssa—helped me connect deeply with their storylines despite their recent entry. Everything Aryan tries in this book to humanize his characters seems to work, despite the fact that not all of them are necessarily “human”. But, while there is a definite sense of development for characters over the course of the series, that of the book alone is somewhat muted. This didn’t ruin anything for me—particularly since the duration of the story seems to take place over the course of maybe a month—as the characters DO change, though the depth of this is muted in the POVs. Balfruss’s storyline in BATTLEMAGE I felt was one of Aryan’s early triumphs and is expounded upon in CHAOSMAGE, thus heightening the extent to which I related with him (Balfruss). As none of the other POVs are slouches, I didn’t find myself dreading the lag between each of his chapters. Instead, every POV in this book is interesting, and while Balfruss was and still is my favorite, all were engrossing and never did I feel boredom or the urge to skip-over a chapter to get to someone else.
The plot isn’t simple. Uh, I should probably explain that.
In THE BOY WITH THE PORCELAIN BLADE, Den Patrick creates a highly vivid—if, small—world and paints an incredibly vibrant word-picture. The plot, however, is shit. It’s boring and straightforward, with no surprises or twists, containing chapters that alternate between the present and flashbacks—even at the point where the past catches up, making any explanation of events in the present tedious and repetitive. The plot of CHAOSMAGE legitimately kept me guessing. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, Aryan threw a curveball and I was engrossed again, as this new thing had caught me by surprise. While Aryan does not paint such a colorful world as Patrick, his is greater in size and spectrum and even refined in its detail. The words may not be as fancy or thought-provoking, but Aryan gets by, and the story succeeds when he doesn’t try to hard. And while there was evidence of such in the previous two books, Aryan has hit his stride by the third. He knows what he’s doing, and doesn’t try overthink it. (Or maybe he has one great editor—who knows? Maybe both.) Overall, the plot—while not highly detailed in regards to Robert Jordan or Brandon Sanderson—is sufficient while not overpowering and left me wanting to explore more of the world while not needing a greater understanding of the plot. In short, the plot works. It’s not too simple, too complex. It just works.
The cover is somewhat lame by the standards of the first two, but whatever. If you’ve made it to the third, the cover and title probably don’t matter as much as if you’d never heard of Aryan before. Also, it’s probably my only legitimate gripe of the entire review, so…
Recommendation
Read it. For fantasy fans—new and old, grimdark and classic, plus whatever in-between. THE AGE OF DARKNESS is not YA. There is brutal violence and depiction of gore. There isn’t a whole lot of sex or swearing or anything too graphic, but these themes are present. It is a series for adults. Or however old someone would consider things change from YA to Teen to Adult, I dunno. I probably wouldn’t recommend it to my mother, but that doesn’t say much unless you know her. So, pretty much, if I just described a lot of things you aren’t into, maybe pass. Otherwise, read it. You won’t regret it.
I would recommend starting at the beginning as THE AGE OF DARKNESS is a chronological series. While it may be possible to jump in without feeling completely lost, eventually (if you like it) you’re going to want to know what all the things being alluded to are. Plus, starting at the beginning means you get to know the whole story, beginning to end. Plus, with MAGEBORN coming out later this year, you don’t want to be left behind. So pick up BATTLEMAGE if you haven’t read it, and make your way through.
Rating
5 / 5 stars
An excellent book and an excellent conclusion to the series. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
CHAOSMAGE
by Stephen Aryan
Book 3 of The Age of Darkness
The final novel of The Age of Darkness is most certainly the best. CHAOSMAGE succeeds where the initial two stumbled, capitalizing on Aryan’s earlier successes while distancing itself from their slight missteps. Neither BATTLEMAGE or the followup BLOODMAGE had anything in the way of a deal-breaker. The plots were solid, the characters thoughtful (if not thought out, at least at first), and everything tied together quite nicely in the end. I enjoyed the first two immensely, but the third is most certainly my favorite.
Plus, my favorite POV character of the series has been Balfruss, and once I saw that he was back as a POV for book 3… well, it was a no-brainer.
Joining Balfruss are a cast of minor characters from the previous two Age of Darkness entries—including Kai, the Lord of Disease or whatevs from the first book, and Tammy, the Guardian from the second. Thrown in are a few new POVs from a native of Shael (the locale of a majority of CHAOSMAGE) as well as one of its invaders during the previous war.
Here’s the blurb:
‘ The final book in the epic fantasy trilogy that began with Battlemage - expect fireball-filled battles, otherworldy enemies, and heroically powerful mages
Voechenka is a city under siege. Decimated by the Battlemage War, its dead now walk the city at night, attacking survivors, calling their names and begging the living to join them beyond the grave.Tammy is a watchman sent to the city to investigate, so the ruling powers can decide whether to help Voechenka or leave it to its grisly fate.Zannah is a pariah in Voechenka - making up for her people's war crimes by protecting refugees who fear her far more than they fear their unearthly attackers.Balfruss is a scholar, a traveler . . . and the infamous mage who single-handedly ended the war.No one else may enter or leave the city - so if this ragtag group of survivors can't figure out what is going on, they'll live out their last few, short days within its walls.And night is coming on fast . . . ‘
Oh, did I forget to mention the zombies? While the animated dead featured here are not the walking, brain-dead nightmares you may be used to, they still add an otherworldly horror to the plot, which, combined with an ACTUAL otherworldly horror, make up a good threat to not only the city depicted, but also the world beyond. As you know (or may not) from reading the previous two books of Aryan’s Age of Darkness, something lurks beyond the Veil that separates this world from the next. And now is the time when we will get a bit more than a glimpse into just what that might be. As otherworldly bad-guys go, this quasi-alien being actually succeeds where other villains in the Age of Darkness fell short, striking—well, not fear, so much as uncertainty into me as I read this book. Because, as the conclusion of this storyline, I wasn’t sure how the Age of Darkness would end. Yet, with the announcement of a further trilogy set in the same world (and with the first book due out later this year) I was assured that the Age would end, one way or another.
And its end does not disappoint.
In addition to meeting this new horror from beyond the Veil, we are also greeted by the mysterious figure who has been pulling strings from behind the scenes leading up to this conclusion. And if that was not enough, Aryan has a few further surprises in store—including one twist that I didn’t even catch on to until the chapter was nearly through!
With that said, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of the book itself.
The character development of BLOODMAGE was a vast improvement over the initial book, and this is something CHAOSMAGE expands upon, depicting both the characters’ high moments along with their low, and creating a definite character-arc that showcases their development over the course of not just this book, but the series as a whole. For the character of Balfruss this is comparatively simple (as he was featured as a POV in the series entrant), while the new POVs create more of a challenge. Aryan manages this by introducing brief yet poignant glimpses into their past which further underlines their development up to the present. These glimpses often take place within a piece of an existing chapter—which, unlike greater flashbacks in series like THE SHATTERED SANDS or the EREBUS SEQUENCE or etcetera, do not distract from the story at present—creating a reverie which the character will not have time to fully explore before being forced back into the present. While sometimes frustratingly short, these peeks into the past do help create a vivid profile of the character, which—especially in the case of Tammy and Alyssa—helped me connect deeply with their storylines despite their recent entry. Everything Aryan tries in this book to humanize his characters seems to work, despite the fact that not all of them are necessarily “human”. But, while there is a definite sense of development for characters over the course of the series, that of the book alone is somewhat muted. This didn’t ruin anything for me—particularly since the duration of the story seems to take place over the course of maybe a month—as the characters DO change, though the depth of this is muted in the POVs. Balfruss’s storyline in BATTLEMAGE I felt was one of Aryan’s early triumphs and is expounded upon in CHAOSMAGE, thus heightening the extent to which I related with him (Balfruss). As none of the other POVs are slouches, I didn’t find myself dreading the lag between each of his chapters. Instead, every POV in this book is interesting, and while Balfruss was and still is my favorite, all were engrossing and never did I feel boredom or the urge to skip-over a chapter to get to someone else.
The plot isn’t simple. Uh, I should probably explain that.
In THE BOY WITH THE PORCELAIN BLADE, Den Patrick creates a highly vivid—if, small—world and paints an incredibly vibrant word-picture. The plot, however, is shit. It’s boring and straightforward, with no surprises or twists, containing chapters that alternate between the present and flashbacks—even at the point where the past catches up, making any explanation of events in the present tedious and repetitive. The plot of CHAOSMAGE legitimately kept me guessing. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, Aryan threw a curveball and I was engrossed again, as this new thing had caught me by surprise. While Aryan does not paint such a colorful world as Patrick, his is greater in size and spectrum and even refined in its detail. The words may not be as fancy or thought-provoking, but Aryan gets by, and the story succeeds when he doesn’t try to hard. And while there was evidence of such in the previous two books, Aryan has hit his stride by the third. He knows what he’s doing, and doesn’t try overthink it. (Or maybe he has one great editor—who knows? Maybe both.) Overall, the plot—while not highly detailed in regards to Robert Jordan or Brandon Sanderson—is sufficient while not overpowering and left me wanting to explore more of the world while not needing a greater understanding of the plot. In short, the plot works. It’s not too simple, too complex. It just works.
The cover is somewhat lame by the standards of the first two, but whatever. If you’ve made it to the third, the cover and title probably don’t matter as much as if you’d never heard of Aryan before. Also, it’s probably my only legitimate gripe of the entire review, so…
Recommendation
Read it. For fantasy fans—new and old, grimdark and classic, plus whatever in-between. THE AGE OF DARKNESS is not YA. There is brutal violence and depiction of gore. There isn’t a whole lot of sex or swearing or anything too graphic, but these themes are present. It is a series for adults. Or however old someone would consider things change from YA to Teen to Adult, I dunno. I probably wouldn’t recommend it to my mother, but that doesn’t say much unless you know her. So, pretty much, if I just described a lot of things you aren’t into, maybe pass. Otherwise, read it. You won’t regret it.
I would recommend starting at the beginning as THE AGE OF DARKNESS is a chronological series. While it may be possible to jump in without feeling completely lost, eventually (if you like it) you’re going to want to know what all the things being alluded to are. Plus, starting at the beginning means you get to know the whole story, beginning to end. Plus, with MAGEBORN coming out later this year, you don’t want to be left behind. So pick up BATTLEMAGE if you haven’t read it, and make your way through.
Rating
5 / 5 stars
An excellent book and an excellent conclusion to the series. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
August 18, 2017
Chaosmage was a satisfying ending to a very enjoyable series. Alongside a few carryover characters from previous books, several new characters filled the story of this trilogy's final volume. I enjoyed how the author didn't follow the more traditional linear storytelling formula with this series, choosing instead to explore different areas of the world he created in each book. The worldbuilding throughout the series is excellent and I enjoyed each new bit that was revealed. Each of the books differed in tone, showcasing the range of the author.
I also appreciated that despite the (sometimes very) dark moments characters experienced, the overall tone wasn't overly grim. I saw in another review that this series felt like an old school epic fantasy story given a modern telling and I think that's an apt description. Overall, a series well worth reading, and I'm glad to see more books are planned in this universe.
I also appreciated that despite the (sometimes very) dark moments characters experienced, the overall tone wasn't overly grim. I saw in another review that this series felt like an old school epic fantasy story given a modern telling and I think that's an apt description. Overall, a series well worth reading, and I'm glad to see more books are planned in this universe.
April 29, 2022
I have completely enjoyed this series. This was a very good way to end the trilogy. I can’t help but wonder if there is gonna be a spin off series for this world. If there is I am absolutely sure it won’t disappoint.
January 6, 2026
4.5 rounded up to 5!
February 17, 2018
3,5
Un piccolo passo indietro rispetto al volume precedente, che rimane il mio preferito dell'intera trilogia: a dire la verità, stava andando tutto bene, ma il finale mi ha un po' delusa.
Sono passati tre anni dagli eventi narrati in "Battlemage" e Stephen Aryan ci porta a vedere cosa ne è stato di Voechenka, remota città di Shael, il regno che forse ha pagato il prezzo più alto dalla guerra scatenata dal re pazzo Taikon. Il problema è che in questa città da qualche mese sta succedendo qualcosa di strano: ogni notte, i morti tornano a far visita ai vivi, nel tentativo di convincerli ad "abbracciare" la loro stessa condizione (mamma che ansia la storia del parassita...bleah!). Molti sono fuggiti, ma i pochi che, o per scelta volontaria o per sfortuna, sono rimasti, si trincerano in piccoli campi e cercano di sopravvivere come possono. Non c'è ordine, non c'è legge e tutto sembra essere destinato a finire in tragedia. Voci su quanto sta succedendo a Voechenka si rincorrono anche oltre i confini di Shael tanto che un piccolo gruppetto di persone viene mandato a investigare: alcuni preti – in particolare Kai che a) sembra sempre impegnatissimo a scolarsi bottiglie di vino, b) non è chi dice di essere (i lettori lo scoprono subito, gli altri avranno una bella sorpresa dopo) –, Tammy – Guardiano della Pace a Perizzi che avevamo già incontrato in "Bloodmage" –, ma soprattutto Balfruss. Infatti, il nostro battlemage preferito torna in scena dopo aver passato tre anni in viaggio ad apprendere nuovi talenti magici: ovviamente, siccome la filosofia del "maiunagioia" è imperante, anche Stephen Aryan non vuole essere da meno, e quindi scopriamo che questo poverino era sposato, ma che che ha perso la moglie...evocato per mettere paura ai bambini disobbedienti manco fosse l'uomo nero e trattato con disprezzo nonostante tutti i sacrifici da lui fatti durante la guerra, direi che il povero Balfruss si meriterebbe un lieto fine. A Voechenka peraltro lo aspetta una resa dei conti mica da ridere: infatti è proprio da quella città che sono passati gli antagonisti dei volumi precedenti, lo Stregone e i Flash Mage, una città scelta come base da qualcuno intento a riesumare vecchie pratiche magiche oscure e poco rassicuranti.
Una volta arrivati, Balfruss e gli altri troveranno ospitalità nel campo di rifugiati guidato da Alyssa, donna che, nonostante tutta la violenza vista e subita nei campi di prigionia e per le vie della sua città, non ha mai perso la speranza e la fede in un futuro migliore. Al suo fianco troviamo quello che è stato il mio personaggio preferito: Zannah fa parte del popolo Morrin che, insieme ai Vorga, hanno messo a ferro e fuoco Shael. Una volta finita la guerra, invece di rispettare gli ordini e tornare a casa, decide di rimanere per espiare le sue colpe: ogni singola notte, lei è sempre in prima linea per difendere gente che, se potesse, la farebbe fuori senza nemmeno pensarci troppo. Consapevole del disprezzo che gli altri provano nei suoi confronti, la poverina è pronta ad accettare il suo destino, vivendo nella quasi più completa solitudine – trattata con affetto solo da Alyssa. Anche gli dei guardano con interesse e preoccupazione a quanto sta accadendo, ma sono costretti ad avere un ruolo marginale, perché non è loro permesso di intervenire in maniera diretta.
La trama mi è piaciuta, ma, come detto prima, il finale mi ha lasciato un po' perplessa (peraltro io non ho nemmeno capito come ha fatto Balfruss a scoprire chi era a tirare veramente le fila di tutto questo casino). Di per sé, la trilogia è finita: l'autore risponde ad alcuni dei quesiti aperti nei vari volumi, ma non tutto viene risolto in maniera definitiva, lasciando intendere che il sangue non ha ancora smesso di scorrere del tutto e che una nuova era di oscurità sta per abbattersi sul mondo della magia. Se sono ispirata, più avanti mi darò alla lettura anche della nuova trilogia.
Un piccolo passo indietro rispetto al volume precedente, che rimane il mio preferito dell'intera trilogia: a dire la verità, stava andando tutto bene, ma il finale mi ha un po' delusa.
Sono passati tre anni dagli eventi narrati in "Battlemage" e Stephen Aryan ci porta a vedere cosa ne è stato di Voechenka, remota città di Shael, il regno che forse ha pagato il prezzo più alto dalla guerra scatenata dal re pazzo Taikon. Il problema è che in questa città da qualche mese sta succedendo qualcosa di strano: ogni notte, i morti tornano a far visita ai vivi, nel tentativo di convincerli ad "abbracciare" la loro stessa condizione (mamma che ansia la storia del parassita...bleah!). Molti sono fuggiti, ma i pochi che, o per scelta volontaria o per sfortuna, sono rimasti, si trincerano in piccoli campi e cercano di sopravvivere come possono. Non c'è ordine, non c'è legge e tutto sembra essere destinato a finire in tragedia. Voci su quanto sta succedendo a Voechenka si rincorrono anche oltre i confini di Shael tanto che un piccolo gruppetto di persone viene mandato a investigare: alcuni preti – in particolare Kai che a) sembra sempre impegnatissimo a scolarsi bottiglie di vino, b) non è chi dice di essere (i lettori lo scoprono subito, gli altri avranno una bella sorpresa dopo) –, Tammy – Guardiano della Pace a Perizzi che avevamo già incontrato in "Bloodmage" –, ma soprattutto Balfruss. Infatti, il nostro battlemage preferito torna in scena dopo aver passato tre anni in viaggio ad apprendere nuovi talenti magici: ovviamente, siccome la filosofia del "maiunagioia" è imperante, anche Stephen Aryan non vuole essere da meno, e quindi scopriamo che questo poverino era sposato, ma che che ha perso la moglie...evocato per mettere paura ai bambini disobbedienti manco fosse l'uomo nero e trattato con disprezzo nonostante tutti i sacrifici da lui fatti durante la guerra, direi che il povero Balfruss si meriterebbe un lieto fine. A Voechenka peraltro lo aspetta una resa dei conti mica da ridere: infatti è proprio da quella città che sono passati gli antagonisti dei volumi precedenti, lo Stregone e i Flash Mage, una città scelta come base da qualcuno intento a riesumare vecchie pratiche magiche oscure e poco rassicuranti.
Una volta arrivati, Balfruss e gli altri troveranno ospitalità nel campo di rifugiati guidato da Alyssa, donna che, nonostante tutta la violenza vista e subita nei campi di prigionia e per le vie della sua città, non ha mai perso la speranza e la fede in un futuro migliore. Al suo fianco troviamo quello che è stato il mio personaggio preferito: Zannah fa parte del popolo Morrin che, insieme ai Vorga, hanno messo a ferro e fuoco Shael. Una volta finita la guerra, invece di rispettare gli ordini e tornare a casa, decide di rimanere per espiare le sue colpe: ogni singola notte, lei è sempre in prima linea per difendere gente che, se potesse, la farebbe fuori senza nemmeno pensarci troppo. Consapevole del disprezzo che gli altri provano nei suoi confronti, la poverina è pronta ad accettare il suo destino, vivendo nella quasi più completa solitudine – trattata con affetto solo da Alyssa. Anche gli dei guardano con interesse e preoccupazione a quanto sta accadendo, ma sono costretti ad avere un ruolo marginale, perché non è loro permesso di intervenire in maniera diretta.
La trama mi è piaciuta, ma, come detto prima, il finale mi ha lasciato un po' perplessa (peraltro io non ho nemmeno capito come ha fatto Balfruss a scoprire chi era a tirare veramente le fila di tutto questo casino). Di per sé, la trilogia è finita: l'autore risponde ad alcuni dei quesiti aperti nei vari volumi, ma non tutto viene risolto in maniera definitiva, lasciando intendere che il sangue non ha ancora smesso di scorrere del tutto e che una nuova era di oscurità sta per abbattersi sul mondo della magia. Se sono ispirata, più avanti mi darò alla lettura anche della nuova trilogia.
March 19, 2023
Chaos Mage is the final book of the trilogy. However, Stephen Aryan has other fantasy books about mages. In Chaos Mage, the city Voechenka is one of many in the country under attack by zombies. A mage and mentor of the infamous Warlock who started the war. The war devastates Voechenka, and in the aftermath, the mentor – through diabolical experiments – is behind the zombie attacks. Tammy, Zannah, and Alyssa are the women in charge of protecting the city. Balfruss, comes to help at the request of a friend/ ex-wife who spends her time rebuilding the red tower school for mages. Balfruss, absent in the second book, is trapped in a game of stones with the Warlock's mentor.
Much like the series's second and first books, many plot lines must come together. Unfortunately, this drags out the ending, and the narrator has to rush them to closure, often telling things that could have been shown throughout the story. Also, unlike the first book, some storylines fell off the cliff. One example is the plotline of the brotherhood. Although the brotherhood was well-established and exciting in the first book of the series, it was reintroduced here but left the reader wondering why, as it does not drive the story.
The strongest element of Battlemage, the series' first book, was the character development. In this book, the characters were not relatable. One goes from a mere entertainer with magical abilities to a leader everyone pledges to, although she has no leadership ability. Tammy, a watchwoman who abandons her child, is the greatest swordswoman of all time – even trouncing the most notorious mercenaries. The characters in this book seemed to have been originally male and changed to female – perhaps to allure female readers. Ultimately, I believe the most exciting story – the one about the gods, their motivations, and quarrels – was not told.
Although this sounds too negative. I admire Stephen Aryan for the work he put into this series. I appreciate his efforts and his struggle as a writer to become published, and I congratulate him on a nice fantasy trilogy. As for the trilogy, I liked it overall. However, because the first book was so good, it seemed hard to make the next two equally fantastic.
Much like the series's second and first books, many plot lines must come together. Unfortunately, this drags out the ending, and the narrator has to rush them to closure, often telling things that could have been shown throughout the story. Also, unlike the first book, some storylines fell off the cliff. One example is the plotline of the brotherhood. Although the brotherhood was well-established and exciting in the first book of the series, it was reintroduced here but left the reader wondering why, as it does not drive the story.
The strongest element of Battlemage, the series' first book, was the character development. In this book, the characters were not relatable. One goes from a mere entertainer with magical abilities to a leader everyone pledges to, although she has no leadership ability. Tammy, a watchwoman who abandons her child, is the greatest swordswoman of all time – even trouncing the most notorious mercenaries. The characters in this book seemed to have been originally male and changed to female – perhaps to allure female readers. Ultimately, I believe the most exciting story – the one about the gods, their motivations, and quarrels – was not told.
Although this sounds too negative. I admire Stephen Aryan for the work he put into this series. I appreciate his efforts and his struggle as a writer to become published, and I congratulate him on a nice fantasy trilogy. As for the trilogy, I liked it overall. However, because the first book was so good, it seemed hard to make the next two equally fantastic.
February 26, 2019
What a great conclusion to this series! I really enjoyed this series, it was light, haha, oh you know I love that word! It was light of writing, it was not light in tone. Nope, it was dark in tone. Light writing and dark tone equals: great fantasy series that people should read.
They are all set at different times and different people, but it works. Sure peace came in book 1 but true peace takes time.
In this one one of the cities in Shael is in trouble. The country suffered greatly in the war. And now the dead walk and hunt the living. No, not zombies. What is going on in the city?
In the city we have the Of Alyssa, who tries to rally people together. And Zannah who was really fascinating. She was the invading enemy that stayed behind and everyone hates her, but they also know she is keeping them alive.
Balruss, the mighty battlemage who saved everyone during the war. And Tammy, the guardian that travels with him to this haunted city. Tammy was kickass!
It takes place in the city. There is death, dead? people. And just a book that I read so fast and could not put it down. Light in writing, dark in tone. Just perfect.
And that was the end! *sobs* But there is another series that takes place 10 years after. Yay. I want more about the weird gods!
They are all set at different times and different people, but it works. Sure peace came in book 1 but true peace takes time.
In this one one of the cities in Shael is in trouble. The country suffered greatly in the war. And now the dead walk and hunt the living. No, not zombies. What is going on in the city?
In the city we have the Of Alyssa, who tries to rally people together. And Zannah who was really fascinating. She was the invading enemy that stayed behind and everyone hates her, but they also know she is keeping them alive.
Balruss, the mighty battlemage who saved everyone during the war. And Tammy, the guardian that travels with him to this haunted city. Tammy was kickass!
It takes place in the city. There is death, dead? people. And just a book that I read so fast and could not put it down. Light in writing, dark in tone. Just perfect.
And that was the end! *sobs* But there is another series that takes place 10 years after. Yay. I want more about the weird gods!
January 14, 2018
Probablement le meilleur de la trilogie. Rempli d'actions et de personnages légendaires (surtout Balfruss et Vargus) le tout dans une histoire épique. Les combats magiques sont excellents et très bien décrits. J'ai adoré, dans ce tome comme dans le reste de la trilogie, l'univers créé et aussi le mélange des genres, dans le deuxième tome, un flirtait, dans la premièr emoitié surtout, avec le roman policier et dans celui-ci l'intégration des «zombies» est bien fait et assez originale pour un roman de fantastique/fantasy. Bref un très bon roman qui conclu une excellente trilogie. Une recommandation aux fans du genre!!
March 17, 2021
O MELHOR DA TRILOGIA!
o fato do livro iniciar não continuando o segundo me deixou confusa de primeira, em geral prefiro narrativas mais lineares então pensei que seria um problema, mas nesse caso
isso ajudou a história a crescer, aqui você lida não com a guerra e sim com as consequências dela, com o que ela faz com um povo e como as vezes “ganhar” se torna algo vazio porque você se fodeu tanto que ganhar e perder parecem a mesma coisa, o livro trabalha vários dos meus temas preferidos e o final me deixou ainda mais ansiosa pra próxima trilogia nesse mundo 👩🍼
o fato do livro iniciar não continuando o segundo me deixou confusa de primeira, em geral prefiro narrativas mais lineares então pensei que seria um problema, mas nesse caso
isso ajudou a história a crescer, aqui você lida não com a guerra e sim com as consequências dela, com o que ela faz com um povo e como as vezes “ganhar” se torna algo vazio porque você se fodeu tanto que ganhar e perder parecem a mesma coisa, o livro trabalha vários dos meus temas preferidos e o final me deixou ainda mais ansiosa pra próxima trilogia nesse mundo 👩🍼
September 6, 2025
This is the 3rd and final volume of the series "The Age of Darkness" but like the previous books the story can be read on its own. The battlemage from volume one reappears but the rest of the characters are mostly new and the story reminds me on some kind of zombie-story in a fantasy setting. I enjoyed the book and I'm looking foward to read more vom Stephen Aryan in the future.
July 4, 2018
I finished the trilogy, all of them via audiobook and enjoyed every single one.
May 25, 2021
Not crazy about the story. I really liked the characters but I was dissapointed by the Kaine-storyline because it felt a bit like the same as the first book. The zombies were cool though. And I really enjoyed the action-scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
10/10.
October 20, 2023
Again this book is nothing like the previous books although some characters reappear. There’s battles, magic, evil, lots of stuff but it was an enjoyable read
August 17, 2017
great ending to a great trilogy. thanks for the story and adventure.
August 17, 2017
Although I struggled some in BloodMage and almost lost interest in the series, I absentmindedly started reading this yesterday and ... couldn't let go. I found it vastly more interesting, with better characters and plot. The only downside/gripe I can point out is that some elements that have been built in earlier parts of the trilogy are treated in a very superficial manner.
But overall, a good finish.
But overall, a good finish.
February 1, 2020
This whole series has been a solid 4 🌟.
Each book in this series builds on the world that Aryan has created, it really makes the world rich and well fleshed out. Looking forward to start the next trilogy in this world.
Each book in this series builds on the world that Aryan has created, it really makes the world rich and well fleshed out. Looking forward to start the next trilogy in this world.
December 29, 2016
A great ending to an excellent trilogy. This probably dipped a little below the 2nd one for me, but that's a testament to how highly I rated Bloodmage, not a reflection on this novel.
Great to see that Steve Aryan has been signed up to do another trilogy set in this universe, there's much more to explore here and I can't wait to do so.
Great to see that Steve Aryan has been signed up to do another trilogy set in this universe, there's much more to explore here and I can't wait to do so.
December 8, 2016
As someone who enjoyed Battlemage, and felt its successor Bloodmage raised the bar further, I picked up Chaosmage with mixed emotions. I felt it would be difficult for the author to improve upon his work in Bloodmage, and I was expecting to be let down. I am happy to report that my fears were unfounded.
Chaosmage is the final book in the Age of Darkness trilogy, and continues with the theme of exploring the aftermath of a fantasy world war. Like Bloodmage, the story in this book focuses on one particular city (though a different one than the one depicted in Bloodmage), and the horrific consequences of the war on the people living there.
Battlemage was a fairly traditional high fantasy epic. Bloodmage felt more like a spy novel and murder mystery set in a fantasy world. Chaosmage changes things up even further by feeling more like dark fantasy mixed with survival horror.
There are three main characters, one of whom will be very familiar to readers of the previous books in this series. The other two characters are new, and are strong female leads. Like in his previous books, I felt that Stephen Aryan creates and develops very likable, relatable characters, and does a good job of portraying women in a positive way.
Just as in Bloodmage, one of the main characters in Chaosmage isn't human. In Battlemage, Aryan introduced two non-human sentient races; the Morrin and the Vorga. In that book, they were mostly villains and were only vaguely described. In Bloodmage, one of the major heroic characters in the story was a Vorga. That character was a means of exploring the culture and physiology of a sentient race that was very different from humans. This book does the same for the Morrin. One of the main characters is Morrin, and her presence in the story allows readers to get to know the culture and physiology of another fascinating non-human race.
Chaosmage was a terrific climax and fitting end to a trilogy that I really love. As a fan of this series, I hope that Stephen Aryan will continue to write stories set in this wonderful fantasy world he created.
Chaosmage is the final book in the Age of Darkness trilogy, and continues with the theme of exploring the aftermath of a fantasy world war. Like Bloodmage, the story in this book focuses on one particular city (though a different one than the one depicted in Bloodmage), and the horrific consequences of the war on the people living there.
Battlemage was a fairly traditional high fantasy epic. Bloodmage felt more like a spy novel and murder mystery set in a fantasy world. Chaosmage changes things up even further by feeling more like dark fantasy mixed with survival horror.
There are three main characters, one of whom will be very familiar to readers of the previous books in this series. The other two characters are new, and are strong female leads. Like in his previous books, I felt that Stephen Aryan creates and develops very likable, relatable characters, and does a good job of portraying women in a positive way.
Just as in Bloodmage, one of the main characters in Chaosmage isn't human. In Battlemage, Aryan introduced two non-human sentient races; the Morrin and the Vorga. In that book, they were mostly villains and were only vaguely described. In Bloodmage, one of the major heroic characters in the story was a Vorga. That character was a means of exploring the culture and physiology of a sentient race that was very different from humans. This book does the same for the Morrin. One of the main characters is Morrin, and her presence in the story allows readers to get to know the culture and physiology of another fascinating non-human race.
Chaosmage was a terrific climax and fitting end to a trilogy that I really love. As a fan of this series, I hope that Stephen Aryan will continue to write stories set in this wonderful fantasy world he created.
November 21, 2016
The final instalment in what has turned out to be an excellent trilogy. This kind of brings everything together. Battlemage was about the use of mages in a war, Bloodmage took some new characters and dealt with the aftermath of war and some dangerous new magic, and Chaosmage brings it all cleverly together. And I do like how the author has let characters move in and out of the books, it has made it very interesting to feel the stories from a variety of perspectives.
But here in volume number three, away in the far reaches, is the city of Voechenka. Decimated during the war, rebuilding was halted by the re-appearance of its dead, begging the living to join them and killing those who won’t. The City has been reduced to a few surviving strongholds and things are looking bleak. Into the fray step the three characters the story will focus on, Tammy – a Guardian who might be able to find the guilty party, Zannah – defending humans even though they hate her for her past crimes, and Balfruss the Battlemage.
A desolate scenario, a ruined city with a few human camps felt a bit “Walking Dead” and with some strong characters in there to make sense of it all. I thought this was great stuff, enough complexity and thought has gone into this to help it rise above many other books of a similar nature and I really enjoyed the way the range of characters were used.
Excellent.
But here in volume number three, away in the far reaches, is the city of Voechenka. Decimated during the war, rebuilding was halted by the re-appearance of its dead, begging the living to join them and killing those who won’t. The City has been reduced to a few surviving strongholds and things are looking bleak. Into the fray step the three characters the story will focus on, Tammy – a Guardian who might be able to find the guilty party, Zannah – defending humans even though they hate her for her past crimes, and Balfruss the Battlemage.
A desolate scenario, a ruined city with a few human camps felt a bit “Walking Dead” and with some strong characters in there to make sense of it all. I thought this was great stuff, enough complexity and thought has gone into this to help it rise above many other books of a similar nature and I really enjoyed the way the range of characters were used.
Excellent.
January 7, 2017
I felt incredibly empty when I finished this book - and I mean empty in a good way; empty as in "what am I going to do with my life now that this wonderful trilogy is over?" Today I just saw Stephen Aryan is writing another trilogy set in the same world and I'm stoked! I can't wait for it!
Chaosmage lived up to every expectation I had to it. Once again we're introduced to same amazing characters. I loved, LOVED seeing Balfruss again - I really missed him in the last book. Since Battlemage he've clearly changed and it was a very realistic change; he felt like a real character who had went through sorrow and now had seen some really tough sides of life.
I love how the author isn't afraid to kill of characters; it would have been completely unrealistic if every character had come out of this alive. It shows life isn't all about roses and unicorns.
The magic system is amazing - it's detailed and realistic. There's limitations and rules in place which makes it's really enjoyable to read about; no character is so buff that they can't be defeated. Magic have a cost; it isn't just a toy.
Chaosmage lived up to every expectation I had to it. Once again we're introduced to same amazing characters. I loved, LOVED seeing Balfruss again - I really missed him in the last book. Since Battlemage he've clearly changed and it was a very realistic change; he felt like a real character who had went through sorrow and now had seen some really tough sides of life.
I love how the author isn't afraid to kill of characters; it would have been completely unrealistic if every character had come out of this alive. It shows life isn't all about roses and unicorns.
The magic system is amazing - it's detailed and realistic. There's limitations and rules in place which makes it's really enjoyable to read about; no character is so buff that they can't be defeated. Magic have a cost; it isn't just a toy.
December 7, 2016
Awesome...just...awesome.
Okay, I was a huge fan of the first book, liked the second book but didn't love it (I missed Balfruss).
Guess what? Balfruss is back. And he's more awesome than ever. You want magic battles with anime levels of gore? You got 'em! You want exciting side characters? Done. You want further development of some of the mysterious games those gods (demigods?) are playing? Yep, that too.
You want an epic amazing final fight? Oh my, yes. And you want an ending filled with hope? Presto!
If you couldn't tell, I really liked this one. It was intense, brutal, exhilarating, and almost impossible to put down. Couldn't recommend it highly enough - it made me want to go back and start the trilogy all over again... Everything Aryan writes is officially on my pre-order list.
Okay, I was a huge fan of the first book, liked the second book but didn't love it (I missed Balfruss).
Guess what? Balfruss is back. And he's more awesome than ever. You want magic battles with anime levels of gore? You got 'em! You want exciting side characters? Done. You want further development of some of the mysterious games those gods (demigods?) are playing? Yep, that too.
You want an epic amazing final fight? Oh my, yes. And you want an ending filled with hope? Presto!
If you couldn't tell, I really liked this one. It was intense, brutal, exhilarating, and almost impossible to put down. Couldn't recommend it highly enough - it made me want to go back and start the trilogy all over again... Everything Aryan writes is officially on my pre-order list.
April 7, 2023
Yet again Aryan has upped his game. If I could give this six stars I would! This final book in the trilogy is more raw and gritty with a darker tone than the previous installments and I loved it! It takes place in Voehenka, a city where the dead are returning to life and are taking or killing the few survivors remaining since the Battlemage war and its aftermath.
As always the action is top notch and the pacing is well done. In terms of world building, we get to know more about the Morrin people and their place in this world.
I loved seeing Balfruss again and learning what he has been up to and Aryan yet again wrote other compelling and diverse characters that I came to like and cheer for.
I can honestly say I have really enjoyed this trilogy and it will be going on my re-read shelf. Also Stephen Aryan has now become another auto-buy for me!
As always the action is top notch and the pacing is well done. In terms of world building, we get to know more about the Morrin people and their place in this world.
I loved seeing Balfruss again and learning what he has been up to and Aryan yet again wrote other compelling and diverse characters that I came to like and cheer for.
I can honestly say I have really enjoyed this trilogy and it will be going on my re-read shelf. Also Stephen Aryan has now become another auto-buy for me!
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