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Rogue Mage Anthology #1
Trials
21 Vignettes and Short Stories set in Faith Hunter’s World of Thorn St. Croix.
The Rogue Mage world began long ago, when the epic battle between the High Host and the Darkness was won and lost. TRIALS takes fans of Thorn St. Croix into the past, before the opening pages of BLOODRING. These stories, set in Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage world, are adventures with new characters and old, facing dangers unimaginable. And they must save the world all over again.
If you ever wondered what happened between seraphs, kylen, second-unforeseen, mages, seraph-touched, spawn, humans, dragons, and their creatures before the series, now is your chance to delve deeper and wider. TRIALS features new short stories from nine authors—including Faith Hunter—and vignettes from the Rogue Mage role playing game.
TRIALS will be followed soon by TRIBULATIONS, and then by the omnibus TRIUMPHANT.
TRIALS Authors: Faith Hunter, Misty Massey, Lou J Berger, Ken Schrader, Spike Y Jones, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Christina Stiles, Tamsin Silver, Melissa McArthur.
TRIBULATIONS Authors: Faith Hunter, Jean Rabe, Spike Y Jones, Christina Stiles, and Lucienne Diver.
The Rogue Mage world began long ago, when the epic battle between the High Host and the Darkness was won and lost. TRIALS takes fans of Thorn St. Croix into the past, before the opening pages of BLOODRING. These stories, set in Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage world, are adventures with new characters and old, facing dangers unimaginable. And they must save the world all over again.
If you ever wondered what happened between seraphs, kylen, second-unforeseen, mages, seraph-touched, spawn, humans, dragons, and their creatures before the series, now is your chance to delve deeper and wider. TRIALS features new short stories from nine authors—including Faith Hunter—and vignettes from the Rogue Mage role playing game.
TRIALS will be followed soon by TRIBULATIONS, and then by the omnibus TRIUMPHANT.
TRIALS Authors: Faith Hunter, Misty Massey, Lou J Berger, Ken Schrader, Spike Y Jones, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Christina Stiles, Tamsin Silver, Melissa McArthur.
TRIBULATIONS Authors: Faith Hunter, Jean Rabe, Spike Y Jones, Christina Stiles, and Lucienne Diver.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2016
58 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 23, 2020
2.5/5 stars
Usually, I'd review each story as I go, but I had some GR bugs, and so I discovered that there's really no point to reviewing the ones by Hunter herself. They were well written and I really liked getting these snapshots into the history of her Rogue Mage world.
The other stories, though, should get a thought/comment, as they were VERY mixed.
FINDING THE WAY-Misty Massey
While this one was a little slow, it was well written and kept me interested.
I do wish the ending wasn't so open, though, and that we got to know what Grog actually could
3/5
EPENA'S EPIPHANY-Lou J. Berger
This one didn't feel like it fit into the world of Rogue Mage at all, but more like a "based on" fanfic where the fan think they're better than the author.
I liked elements of it, though, like the tattoos and the general enviournment. Didn't care for much else.
Writing was ok, but felt unfinished.
2/5
THE PRICE OF POWER-Ken Schrader
This story felt like it fit into the Rogue Mage-universe. It was clear the author had done their research.
The story was interesting, but the writing was... Choppy. The author claimed to be a fan of the Oxford comma, but I don't think there were 50 commas all together, not to mention any British ones.
The writing drew the story down a star.
Liked the end result.
3/5
MONSTER-Spike Y. Jones
This was a very slow read. Yes, it was clear the author had done his research on the world, but after the first few pages, the rest was just repetition on repetition.
Not to mention how... Unreal, it all felt. It was one of those stories that felt like it cheated somehow.
And I found the language messy
1/5
ASHES AND DUST-Diana Pharaoh Francis
So... I did like this, but the language was really messy and full of mistakes, and it was another case of "I can do your idea better than you". At least it felt that way.
2/5
ASHES AND DUST update
The more I think about this, the less sense it makes. It basicly takes the OA's notes and say I wanna make it cooler" and then do that, not considering the lore of the world they're writing in.
THAT IS A KYLEN!
DEFIANCE-Christina Stiles
Hey, this was actually a good one! While there were some OP/fanfic elements, the story felt like it could be part of the official Rogue Mage-world.
I also liked how it tied in with the original story, and all the little hints of HOW it did so.
Also well written.
4/5
THE STARS WERE RIGHT-Spike Y. Jones
Uhm, what did I just read? I guess it was supposed to be a satiric play on TV networks and human hubris, but it all just felt... Pointless. Ok language tho
1/5
METTILWYND-Tamsin L. Silver
This one was really well written and I enjoyed the story a lot. Female pirates and warriors, mages and friendship. Just my kind of story.
It was also really interestibng seeing this world from somewhere else than the US, and if I wasn't curious about Africa before, I am now!
Kinda sad that I'll probably never get answers.
4/5
REQUIEM OF THE SEA-Melissa McArthur
This story was not for me. The writing was blocky and messy, the story was boring, and the character rather cliche.
1/5
So, as you see, a really mixed bag of stories and quality. I will be reading Tribulations, but I don't have high expectations.
And I'm honestly unsure if this is an anthology that was made better or worse by the fact that I know the original world. Because I know it and its lore, I see all the ways these different authors mess with the original, and that ruined a lot of them for me. Probably the reason I don't enjoy fanfiction...
Usually, I'd review each story as I go, but I had some GR bugs, and so I discovered that there's really no point to reviewing the ones by Hunter herself. They were well written and I really liked getting these snapshots into the history of her Rogue Mage world.
The other stories, though, should get a thought/comment, as they were VERY mixed.
FINDING THE WAY-Misty Massey
While this one was a little slow, it was well written and kept me interested.
I do wish the ending wasn't so open, though, and that we got to know what Grog actually could
3/5
EPENA'S EPIPHANY-Lou J. Berger
This one didn't feel like it fit into the world of Rogue Mage at all, but more like a "based on" fanfic where the fan think they're better than the author.
I liked elements of it, though, like the tattoos and the general enviournment. Didn't care for much else.
Writing was ok, but felt unfinished.
2/5
THE PRICE OF POWER-Ken Schrader
This story felt like it fit into the Rogue Mage-universe. It was clear the author had done their research.
The story was interesting, but the writing was... Choppy. The author claimed to be a fan of the Oxford comma, but I don't think there were 50 commas all together, not to mention any British ones.
The writing drew the story down a star.
Liked the end result.
3/5
MONSTER-Spike Y. Jones
This was a very slow read. Yes, it was clear the author had done his research on the world, but after the first few pages, the rest was just repetition on repetition.
Not to mention how... Unreal, it all felt. It was one of those stories that felt like it cheated somehow.
And I found the language messy
1/5
ASHES AND DUST-Diana Pharaoh Francis
So... I did like this, but the language was really messy and full of mistakes, and it was another case of "I can do your idea better than you". At least it felt that way.
2/5
ASHES AND DUST update
The more I think about this, the less sense it makes. It basicly takes the OA's notes and say I wanna make it cooler" and then do that, not considering the lore of the world they're writing in.
THAT IS A KYLEN!
DEFIANCE-Christina Stiles
Hey, this was actually a good one! While there were some OP/fanfic elements, the story felt like it could be part of the official Rogue Mage-world.
I also liked how it tied in with the original story, and all the little hints of HOW it did so.
Also well written.
4/5
THE STARS WERE RIGHT-Spike Y. Jones
Uhm, what did I just read? I guess it was supposed to be a satiric play on TV networks and human hubris, but it all just felt... Pointless. Ok language tho
1/5
METTILWYND-Tamsin L. Silver
This one was really well written and I enjoyed the story a lot. Female pirates and warriors, mages and friendship. Just my kind of story.
It was also really interestibng seeing this world from somewhere else than the US, and if I wasn't curious about Africa before, I am now!
Kinda sad that I'll probably never get answers.
4/5
REQUIEM OF THE SEA-Melissa McArthur
This story was not for me. The writing was blocky and messy, the story was boring, and the character rather cliche.
1/5
So, as you see, a really mixed bag of stories and quality. I will be reading Tribulations, but I don't have high expectations.
And I'm honestly unsure if this is an anthology that was made better or worse by the fact that I know the original world. Because I know it and its lore, I see all the ways these different authors mess with the original, and that ruined a lot of them for me. Probably the reason I don't enjoy fanfiction...
June 30, 2023
The first Rogue Mage anthology of twenty-one mostly very short stories in this apocalyptic science fiction series and revolving around the world Faith Hunter created.
The Series
“Stone Walls a Prison Make” (The imprisonment of Batarel in 3000 BC)
“The Honeymoon is Over” (Paris visited with the plague; 12 June 2011)
“Set in Stone” (Holy Amethyst’s capture with a mention of the Mole Man, 2018)
“Wheels in Motion” (Daria’s plans are revealed, 2064)
“Alone" (the day that Thorn’s mind overwhelms her with everyone’s thoughts, 2106)
“The Best Laid Plans” (Audric’s story, 2116)
The Stories
It’s an interesting world Hunter has created with seraphs who are feared for their destructive actions. In Trials, various authors provide assorted background tales.
Faith Hunter’s “Stone Walls a Prison Make”
A true prequel as it takes place in 3000 BC when Batarel, a Watcher, is imprisoned for his sins of inaction. It is an introduction to the requirements and fall of seraphs of the Most High.
The Characters
Batarel is a Watcher. Azazel, who became the Red Dragon of the Dark Host, led the rebellion. Witnesses include Itqal, an angel of affection, and Batarel’s three brothers: Afriel, a watcher over the young in Heaven and on Earth; Hadiririon; and, Vohal. Mention is made of Kochabiel, a participant in the evil.
Faith Hunter’s “The Honeymoon is Over"
A sad tale of a newlywed couple visiting Paris on their honeymoon 12 June 2011 — just before a seraph visits the city. It was so sad, as Carl and Ella are just starting life together.
Misty Massey’s “Finding the Way”
It’s AD 2017 with “Grog”, a.k.a. Gordon Grove, fleeing an evil Pastor Daniel with his scheming and vicious sons. It’s so sad and not really much different from today with the brainwashing the pastor has done to Gordon.
It demonstrates how civilization as fallen apart via the police department and how shorthanded they are, how today’s practices no longer apply.
Faith Hunter’s “Set in Stone"
Set in 2018, Holy Amethyst tries to rescue her mate, Zadkiel.
The Characters
Holy Amethyst is a cherub with too many faces. Her ophanim, her wheels, “escape”. Zadkiel is her mate. Holy Citrine is another cherub. The Most High is God. Michael led the seraphs. The Mole Man.
The Red Dragon led the rebellion and the Dark Host (he’s defeated by Michael). The Aqua Dragon is the primary bad guy. Forcas is his minion.
Faith Hunter’s “Wind Blown"
Set in 2026, we meet Pearl, a water neomage, who meets another of her kind, an air mage. It tells of the first neomages who struggle to understand their power, their abilities to twist the leftover energies of creation.
A theory is noted that the first neomages probably mutated in the womb of human mothers who survived all three plagues.
Faith Hunter’s "TNT"
Set in 2035, it’s the viewpoint of Junior who tells how the seraphs’ judgment doomed the town, how he and a very few others survived with the first instances of deadmining. “TNT” also mentions the new orthodox religious and their police.
Lou J Berger’s “Epena’s Epiphany"
Set in 2048 in Moloka’i somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, the perspective is via the bullied Epena Kawai who battles against a Dark seraph, desperate to save her little cousin. A dangerous need that finally allows Epena to learn the truth about her neomage parents.
Ken Schrader's “The Price of Power"
Set in 2048, a deadmining expedition explains the limits of a neomage who accompanies a team to “harvest” what exists in an abandoned town only to encounter something evil who wants to escape.
Faith Hunter’s “Day One"
Set in 2050, this story explains the mage-rut, what sets it off, what the results are, and how neomages cope with it.
Spike Y Jones’ "Monster"
Set between 2050 and 2063, it’s a tale of young musings and sword play just before a rut is set to occur in New Orleans and the boys encounter a seraph whom they beg for help. By the time the story gets to 2063, Damocles, an omega mage, has a band of warriors heading toward St Louis to battle a fallen.
It certainly creates tension, as Jones creates some nasty problems for the band to struggle against.
Faith Hunter's “Wheels in Motion"
Set in 2064, it’s early in Daria’s life as she attempts a spell to gain souls for the neomages and redemption for the watchers.
The Characters
Daria, a.k.a. Lolo, will be Thorn’s grandmother. Emilel, a first generation kylen, is a firstborn of Daria and Barak, a Watcher imprisoned by the Darkness.
Woodrift is a River mage; Evelyn is a Moon mage. Together, Daria believes they can produce an omega mage, Thorn.
Faith Hunter's "Bait"
Set in 2065, this story involves a neomage man of the Muslim faith in this new era who is suffering for a greater good.
Diana Pharaoh Francis’ “Ashes and Dust"
Set in 2069, we follow the trail of Mistral Woods as he journeys to Tarrytown to trade. There doesn’t seem to be any purpose in Mistral’s torture other than because his “master” can.
It’s sweet the care Mistral takes of his mules, Ben and Buck. And it’s interesting how much Mistral, with the ability to draw the fertility of anything, hates both Light and Dark. Nara March is quite the contrast to Charles Flanders. She wants to help the ill Mistral while Charles wants him gone. Nara has no intention of her or her fellow citizens leaving town, and she insists that Mistral figure it out.
Ooh, another theory. This one believes the Most High had turned the Fallen into reflections of their inner ugliness.
Faith Hunter’s “Storm Songs"
In 2075, it’s a story of neomages working a spell to move a hurricane where it can do good instead of bad. And the value of this contracted work.
Christina Stiles’ "Defiance"
It’s 2088, is a nasty story about kidnapped children forced to be soldiers with an even nastier end for the girls. One of the best parts of “Defiance” is how supportive the kids are of each other.
Spike Y Jones’ “The Stars were Right"
It’s 2096 and there’s an obnoxious director who blasphemes right and left thinking he’s all that. He is so NOT happy when the seraphs launch his precious satellite without giving him a chance for the BIG moment.
Faith Hunter’s "Alone"
It’s 2106 and Thorn and Rose St Croix are hanging out at a sidewalk café when Thorn’s gift tears her mind open. It’s primarily the tale of Thorn’s journey to Mineral City and her adventures on the train. Hunter makes some pointed comments about humans who hate mages, but not enough to eschew the benefits of those amulets. Hypocrites.
Hmm, Hunter mentions a dragon story where they and humans are friends . . . Pern, anyone, *grin*.
Tamsin L Silver’s "Mettilwynd"
It’s a tale of piracy from 2107 to 2115, we begin with a story of two girls kidnapped by pirates in Mumbai, a partial rescue, and . . . years later, a final rescue with the truth coming out after travels throughout the South China Sea. Definitely interesting, if somewhat confusing and juvenile. It does bring on thoughts of the Dread Pirate Roberts.
Faith Hunter’s "Sons"
It’s 2112 with a mother willing to do anything to save her son.
Melissa McArthur’s “Requiem of the Sea"
It’s 2113 and a tale of two young, unthinking neomages seduced by a more pure taste of their abilities.
Faith Hunter’s “The Best Laid Plans"
It’s 2116 and Audric has been deadmining, avoiding the plan Lolo has set for him. Until he finally shows up at Thorn’s Gems and is sucked under.
The Characters
Audric Cooper, a deadminer, is a mule set on his path by Lolo, a neomage priestess and Thorn St Croix’s grandmother. Jacey and Rupert Stanhope are Thorn’s partners in her shop, Thorn’s Gems, which is based in Mineral City.
The Cover and Title
The cover is black with pale yellow text. I think it’s Thorn in black waving her magic as electric green feathers in a corridor of metal-framed walls. The series info is at the top with the title immediately below and the info about the number of stories in this World of Thorn St Croix. On the left, starting at Thorn’s shoulder is a list of the authors with white text at the bottom informing us of the editors. On the far right bottom is a colophon.
The title is about the Trials suffered by an assortment of characters.
The Series
“Stone Walls a Prison Make” (The imprisonment of Batarel in 3000 BC)
“The Honeymoon is Over” (Paris visited with the plague; 12 June 2011)
“Set in Stone” (Holy Amethyst’s capture with a mention of the Mole Man, 2018)
“Wheels in Motion” (Daria’s plans are revealed, 2064)
“Alone" (the day that Thorn’s mind overwhelms her with everyone’s thoughts, 2106)
“The Best Laid Plans” (Audric’s story, 2116)
The Stories
It’s an interesting world Hunter has created with seraphs who are feared for their destructive actions. In Trials, various authors provide assorted background tales.
Faith Hunter’s “Stone Walls a Prison Make”
A true prequel as it takes place in 3000 BC when Batarel, a Watcher, is imprisoned for his sins of inaction. It is an introduction to the requirements and fall of seraphs of the Most High.
The Characters
Batarel is a Watcher. Azazel, who became the Red Dragon of the Dark Host, led the rebellion. Witnesses include Itqal, an angel of affection, and Batarel’s three brothers: Afriel, a watcher over the young in Heaven and on Earth; Hadiririon; and, Vohal. Mention is made of Kochabiel, a participant in the evil.
Faith Hunter’s “The Honeymoon is Over"
A sad tale of a newlywed couple visiting Paris on their honeymoon 12 June 2011 — just before a seraph visits the city. It was so sad, as Carl and Ella are just starting life together.
Misty Massey’s “Finding the Way”
It’s AD 2017 with “Grog”, a.k.a. Gordon Grove, fleeing an evil Pastor Daniel with his scheming and vicious sons. It’s so sad and not really much different from today with the brainwashing the pastor has done to Gordon.
It demonstrates how civilization as fallen apart via the police department and how shorthanded they are, how today’s practices no longer apply.
Faith Hunter’s “Set in Stone"
Set in 2018, Holy Amethyst tries to rescue her mate, Zadkiel.
The Characters
Holy Amethyst is a cherub with too many faces. Her ophanim, her wheels, “escape”. Zadkiel is her mate. Holy Citrine is another cherub. The Most High is God. Michael led the seraphs. The Mole Man.
The Red Dragon led the rebellion and the Dark Host (he’s defeated by Michael). The Aqua Dragon is the primary bad guy. Forcas is his minion.
Faith Hunter’s “Wind Blown"
Set in 2026, we meet Pearl, a water neomage, who meets another of her kind, an air mage. It tells of the first neomages who struggle to understand their power, their abilities to twist the leftover energies of creation.
A theory is noted that the first neomages probably mutated in the womb of human mothers who survived all three plagues.
Faith Hunter’s "TNT"
Set in 2035, it’s the viewpoint of Junior who tells how the seraphs’ judgment doomed the town, how he and a very few others survived with the first instances of deadmining. “TNT” also mentions the new orthodox religious and their police.
Lou J Berger’s “Epena’s Epiphany"
Set in 2048 in Moloka’i somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, the perspective is via the bullied Epena Kawai who battles against a Dark seraph, desperate to save her little cousin. A dangerous need that finally allows Epena to learn the truth about her neomage parents.
Ken Schrader's “The Price of Power"
Set in 2048, a deadmining expedition explains the limits of a neomage who accompanies a team to “harvest” what exists in an abandoned town only to encounter something evil who wants to escape.
Faith Hunter’s “Day One"
Set in 2050, this story explains the mage-rut, what sets it off, what the results are, and how neomages cope with it.
Spike Y Jones’ "Monster"
Set between 2050 and 2063, it’s a tale of young musings and sword play just before a rut is set to occur in New Orleans and the boys encounter a seraph whom they beg for help. By the time the story gets to 2063, Damocles, an omega mage, has a band of warriors heading toward St Louis to battle a fallen.
It certainly creates tension, as Jones creates some nasty problems for the band to struggle against.
Faith Hunter's “Wheels in Motion"
Set in 2064, it’s early in Daria’s life as she attempts a spell to gain souls for the neomages and redemption for the watchers.
The Characters
Daria, a.k.a. Lolo, will be Thorn’s grandmother. Emilel, a first generation kylen, is a firstborn of Daria and Barak, a Watcher imprisoned by the Darkness.
Woodrift is a River mage; Evelyn is a Moon mage. Together, Daria believes they can produce an omega mage, Thorn.
Faith Hunter's "Bait"
Set in 2065, this story involves a neomage man of the Muslim faith in this new era who is suffering for a greater good.
Diana Pharaoh Francis’ “Ashes and Dust"
Set in 2069, we follow the trail of Mistral Woods as he journeys to Tarrytown to trade. There doesn’t seem to be any purpose in Mistral’s torture other than because his “master” can.
It’s sweet the care Mistral takes of his mules, Ben and Buck. And it’s interesting how much Mistral, with the ability to draw the fertility of anything, hates both Light and Dark. Nara March is quite the contrast to Charles Flanders. She wants to help the ill Mistral while Charles wants him gone. Nara has no intention of her or her fellow citizens leaving town, and she insists that Mistral figure it out.
Ooh, another theory. This one believes the Most High had turned the Fallen into reflections of their inner ugliness.
Faith Hunter’s “Storm Songs"
In 2075, it’s a story of neomages working a spell to move a hurricane where it can do good instead of bad. And the value of this contracted work.
Christina Stiles’ "Defiance"
It’s 2088, is a nasty story about kidnapped children forced to be soldiers with an even nastier end for the girls. One of the best parts of “Defiance” is how supportive the kids are of each other.
Spike Y Jones’ “The Stars were Right"
It’s 2096 and there’s an obnoxious director who blasphemes right and left thinking he’s all that. He is so NOT happy when the seraphs launch his precious satellite without giving him a chance for the BIG moment.
Faith Hunter’s "Alone"
It’s 2106 and Thorn and Rose St Croix are hanging out at a sidewalk café when Thorn’s gift tears her mind open. It’s primarily the tale of Thorn’s journey to Mineral City and her adventures on the train. Hunter makes some pointed comments about humans who hate mages, but not enough to eschew the benefits of those amulets. Hypocrites.
Hmm, Hunter mentions a dragon story where they and humans are friends . . . Pern, anyone, *grin*.
Tamsin L Silver’s "Mettilwynd"
It’s a tale of piracy from 2107 to 2115, we begin with a story of two girls kidnapped by pirates in Mumbai, a partial rescue, and . . . years later, a final rescue with the truth coming out after travels throughout the South China Sea. Definitely interesting, if somewhat confusing and juvenile. It does bring on thoughts of the Dread Pirate Roberts.
Faith Hunter’s "Sons"
It’s 2112 with a mother willing to do anything to save her son.
Melissa McArthur’s “Requiem of the Sea"
It’s 2113 and a tale of two young, unthinking neomages seduced by a more pure taste of their abilities.
Faith Hunter’s “The Best Laid Plans"
It’s 2116 and Audric has been deadmining, avoiding the plan Lolo has set for him. Until he finally shows up at Thorn’s Gems and is sucked under.
The Characters
Audric Cooper, a deadminer, is a mule set on his path by Lolo, a neomage priestess and Thorn St Croix’s grandmother. Jacey and Rupert Stanhope are Thorn’s partners in her shop, Thorn’s Gems, which is based in Mineral City.
The Cover and Title
The cover is black with pale yellow text. I think it’s Thorn in black waving her magic as electric green feathers in a corridor of metal-framed walls. The series info is at the top with the title immediately below and the info about the number of stories in this World of Thorn St Croix. On the left, starting at Thorn’s shoulder is a list of the authors with white text at the bottom informing us of the editors. On the far right bottom is a colophon.
The title is about the Trials suffered by an assortment of characters.
May 21, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Trials is an anthology of stories set in the universe of the Rogue Mage world. Rogue Mage is a book series written by Faith Hunter. It has three books, and a roleplaying game, and now these anthologies.
The stories in this anthology are set in the same universe, but take place before the first book in the Rogue Mage series. The anthology includes stories from nine authors and several vignettes. Despite being new to the Rogue Mage series, I enjoyed getting to know this universe, the author’s diverse writing styles, the interesting characters and creatures that appeared in the stories, and the background and history of this world.
The stories were well written, entertaining and original. I look forward to picking up the Rogue Mage series when I have some time.
Trials is an anthology of stories set in the universe of the Rogue Mage world. Rogue Mage is a book series written by Faith Hunter. It has three books, and a roleplaying game, and now these anthologies.
The stories in this anthology are set in the same universe, but take place before the first book in the Rogue Mage series. The anthology includes stories from nine authors and several vignettes. Despite being new to the Rogue Mage series, I enjoyed getting to know this universe, the author’s diverse writing styles, the interesting characters and creatures that appeared in the stories, and the background and history of this world.
The stories were well written, entertaining and original. I look forward to picking up the Rogue Mage series when I have some time.
December 4, 2016
Fascinating Anthology of the Rogue Mage World
Each short story's author's style is evident and excellent, and Spike Jones' collecting and ordering of them makes the scattered tales through time enjoyable. While I liked some stories more than others, mostly because I wanted more, the entire anthology was a pleasure to read, and a reminder of how fascinating the Rogue Mage world is. Enjoy!
Each short story's author's style is evident and excellent, and Spike Jones' collecting and ordering of them makes the scattered tales through time enjoyable. While I liked some stories more than others, mostly because I wanted more, the entire anthology was a pleasure to read, and a reminder of how fascinating the Rogue Mage world is. Enjoy!
December 3, 2016
I liked the stories in Trials. I got a better understanding of the world within the Rogue Mage. Many of the characters in the original series showed up in the short stories in a prequel kinda way and it was fun to see them. I am looking forward to reading Tribulations.
February 24, 2020
-i wasnt interested in the rogue mage WORLD, i wanted stories about the rogue mage herself. i wanted stories about THORN. this was disappointing and not what i wanted at all. there was only one story about Thorn.
-people keep asking the author for more books about Thorn and she says that she put out this anthology and the second one, 'tribulations', and there wasnt enough interest. so she's not writing more. well OF COURSE there wasnt enough interest. THIS... its not what the fans wanted! we dont want disjointed stories about the rogue mage world written by other authors! we want more Thorn, written by faith hunter.
-i've never read an anthology about one authors series/world, written by OTHER freaking authors.
-the rest of this anthology was confusing and disjointed.
"lay still, it'll only hurt forever."
"they didnt tell you because they feared being my target themselves. its the way people behave. they're sorry, but they'd prefer you suffer instead of them."
"we're about to try something that could very well get us-"
"killed? must be a day that ends in Y."
-introduction - spike y jones and faith hunter (5 pages)
-prologue: stone walls a prison makes - faith hunter (7 pages)
-the honeymoon is over - faith hunter (5 pages)
-finding the way - misty massey (46 pages)
-set in stone - faith hunter (7 pages)
-wind blown - faith hunter (8 pages)
-tnt - faith hunter (5 pages)
-epenas epiphany - lou j berger (46 pages)
-the price of power - ken schrader (54 pages)
-day one - faith hunter (6 pages)
-monster - spike y jones (57 pages)
-wheels in motion - faith hunter (7 pages)
-bait - faith hunter (6 pages)
-ashes and dust - diane pharoah frances (56 pages)
-storm songs - faith hunter (7 pages)
-defiance - christina stiles (59 pages)
-the stars were right - spike y jones (10 pages)
-alone - faith hunter (55 pages) - how THORN came into her powers and was smuggled out the enclave. to me, this was the ONLY story in this collection that i was interested in.
-mettilwynd - tamsin silver (72 pages)
-sons - faith hunter (9 pages)
-requiem of the sea - melissa mcarthur (48 pages)
-the best laid plans - faith hunter (7 pages) (short blurb about how audric meets rupert, thorn is in the background)
-people keep asking the author for more books about Thorn and she says that she put out this anthology and the second one, 'tribulations', and there wasnt enough interest. so she's not writing more. well OF COURSE there wasnt enough interest. THIS... its not what the fans wanted! we dont want disjointed stories about the rogue mage world written by other authors! we want more Thorn, written by faith hunter.
-i've never read an anthology about one authors series/world, written by OTHER freaking authors.
-the rest of this anthology was confusing and disjointed.
"lay still, it'll only hurt forever."
"they didnt tell you because they feared being my target themselves. its the way people behave. they're sorry, but they'd prefer you suffer instead of them."
"we're about to try something that could very well get us-"
"killed? must be a day that ends in Y."
-introduction - spike y jones and faith hunter (5 pages)
-prologue: stone walls a prison makes - faith hunter (7 pages)
-the honeymoon is over - faith hunter (5 pages)
-finding the way - misty massey (46 pages)
-set in stone - faith hunter (7 pages)
-wind blown - faith hunter (8 pages)
-tnt - faith hunter (5 pages)
-epenas epiphany - lou j berger (46 pages)
-the price of power - ken schrader (54 pages)
-day one - faith hunter (6 pages)
-monster - spike y jones (57 pages)
-wheels in motion - faith hunter (7 pages)
-bait - faith hunter (6 pages)
-ashes and dust - diane pharoah frances (56 pages)
-storm songs - faith hunter (7 pages)
-defiance - christina stiles (59 pages)
-the stars were right - spike y jones (10 pages)
-alone - faith hunter (55 pages) - how THORN came into her powers and was smuggled out the enclave. to me, this was the ONLY story in this collection that i was interested in.
-mettilwynd - tamsin silver (72 pages)
-sons - faith hunter (9 pages)
-requiem of the sea - melissa mcarthur (48 pages)
-the best laid plans - faith hunter (7 pages) (short blurb about how audric meets rupert, thorn is in the background)
July 5, 2021
Some of the details in the other authors' stories contradict Faith Hunter's world (like the flying kylen), but all in all a surprisingly consistent narrative and great stories and vignettes all around.
November 16, 2021
After reading the Rogue Mage trilogy, this was great. It was nice to get some more back story on the main characters. A lot of different characters were introduced as well. The world for the Rogue Mage is just so interesting and entertaining.
November 9, 2018
Loved it
Absolutely fantastic. I loved the little insights from all the authors, it has just wet my appetite for more. I loved the different characters and storylines.
Absolutely fantastic. I loved the little insights from all the authors, it has just wet my appetite for more. I loved the different characters and storylines.
December 3, 2016
Not what I expected
For me this was a disappointment. I found many of the stories less, they seemed to me unfinished,, disjointed. I bought this with high expectations so even though I was tempted to stop reading near the beginning I read it all. Some stories had more meat to them but overall at the end it all seemed raw, and needing more, as if this was an excerpt not a complete book.
For me this was a disappointment. I found many of the stories less, they seemed to me unfinished,, disjointed. I bought this with high expectations so even though I was tempted to stop reading near the beginning I read it all. Some stories had more meat to them but overall at the end it all seemed raw, and needing more, as if this was an excerpt not a complete book.
April 5, 2017
Many different stories from the Rogue Mage world
Faith Hunter wrote several vignettes in the time of, before and after her trilogy Rogue Mage. They were all lovely little tastes of that world. Several other authors wrote the same world with new characters. It wasn't the same because of the many different interpretations, but it was all good. I really enjoyed it. The different descriptions of the darkness was really great.
Faith Hunter wrote several vignettes in the time of, before and after her trilogy Rogue Mage. They were all lovely little tastes of that world. Several other authors wrote the same world with new characters. It wasn't the same because of the many different interpretations, but it was all good. I really enjoyed it. The different descriptions of the darkness was really great.
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