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The Mortal Mage #1
Awaken
Desil has spent his life training, but a promise to his mother has kept him from using his abilities for anything worthwhile. Now all he does is help his mother manage her tavern as his father rests in a grave. Desil knows there’s at least one other mage somewhere in this territory who can do what he can; they share a connection through their magic, although they’ve never met. He stays up nights wondering what they might be able to accomplish together.
When an opportunity to not only meet this mage but change the course of his future finally presents itself, Desil jumps at the chance. A great leader has disappeared, leaving clues that only Desil and this other mage can see. War is coming, and following the clues could mark Desil as a traitor, but he trained his whole life for something. If this isn’t it, then what is? He might unearth a new power capable of ending war, or he might die trying. Either is better than doing nothing.
When an opportunity to not only meet this mage but change the course of his future finally presents itself, Desil jumps at the chance. A great leader has disappeared, leaving clues that only Desil and this other mage can see. War is coming, and following the clues could mark Desil as a traitor, but he trained his whole life for something. If this isn’t it, then what is? He might unearth a new power capable of ending war, or he might die trying. Either is better than doing nothing.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2017
722 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 17, 2018
Poor writing, virtually no reason to care about the story. The main character is cookie cutter and the only motivation is to get the girl. The "PG" tone of this book ruins what could've been a good plot.
February 19, 2018
The plot is really weak, and the characterization really needs a lot of work.
The info for the book looked interesting, but it was a push to get this done. I'd recommend giving it a pass unless you are out of things to read.
The info for the book looked interesting, but it was a push to get this done. I'd recommend giving it a pass unless you are out of things to read.
July 16, 2019
Just dreadful... when the main character isn’t barking orders at everyone around him (ALL of whom are wiser and more experienced than himself), patronizing the female characters or moaning about being tired, hungry or thirsty, he spends his time engaging in idiotic, alpha-male power struggles and relentless pterodactyl battles.
I guess I should have said “spoiler alert”... now I’ve given away the entire story.
I guess I should have said “spoiler alert”... now I’ve given away the entire story.
June 29, 2017
I didn't much care for this book. It had potential if only there was more to the characters. I mean, Desil's purpose was weak at best. He reminded me of a boy I used to now name Toby. Every time I'd go out to buy something from a store near my house, he'd tag along. I'll go with you, I can carry the milk, or the eggs. Everywhere we went he had to go because, of course, we needed him for some reason. He always had to tag along. I mean, he was a good guy but I felt like he pushed his way into our circle. At the end he turned out to be one of the closest friends I've had, but at first he was so damn annoying, always want to be where all the action was. This is Desil's character. I disliked him immediately.
Desil was willing to put himself and his mother in danger just for the thrill. Also, the romance, what little there was only resulted in his devotion for a weak girl trying to save her family. I mean, could she be anymore shallow. She promises Desil's mom not to put Desil in danger and then every chance she could get she'd use desil.
Also, if Desil was suppose to be this outstanding mage or whatever, why would the author give the same powers to Leida, it made him even less unique. In fact, it made Leida stronger and him weaker.
I tried to understand the purpose for this book but I found none. I mean, they want to prevent a war that has already started. They brought back Desil's dad only to kill him chapters later. I found this book more like the ramblings of an old man than a real book with purpose.
I'm still giving it a two star, but only because he book I read previous to this one was so bad, it made this book shine in comparison.
Desil was willing to put himself and his mother in danger just for the thrill. Also, the romance, what little there was only resulted in his devotion for a weak girl trying to save her family. I mean, could she be anymore shallow. She promises Desil's mom not to put Desil in danger and then every chance she could get she'd use desil.
Also, if Desil was suppose to be this outstanding mage or whatever, why would the author give the same powers to Leida, it made him even less unique. In fact, it made Leida stronger and him weaker.
I tried to understand the purpose for this book but I found none. I mean, they want to prevent a war that has already started. They brought back Desil's dad only to kill him chapters later. I found this book more like the ramblings of an old man than a real book with purpose.
I'm still giving it a two star, but only because he book I read previous to this one was so bad, it made this book shine in comparison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2018
I have been struggling to find a new book to read for quite some time now. My fictional interests include, 'The Dresden Files,' 'The Alex Verus series' and 'The Iron Druid.'
This book isn't perfect, but considering the books I have been trying, it cuts pretty close to 5 stars.
The main character is a strong, competent young man who sets out to prove himself to...himself really. The story does a wonderful job of giving a concise introduction, issue, quest, resolve with just a right amount of suffering,(both physically and emotionally). My only issue is I am a bit of a sadist at heart and love a story with always a little MORE suffering. The story revolves around the concept of magic not being blessed by everyone, but given to enough people to have an Academy to teach them to fight for the king. That being said, I'm glad the story focuses on people with the magical ability. The magical presence is a little watered down, in my taste, but is present none the less.
I listened to the audio book, which was relativity short, stopping around 11 hours long. I would recommend this book, and encourage it to be read. It was not a waste of time.
This book isn't perfect, but considering the books I have been trying, it cuts pretty close to 5 stars.
The main character is a strong, competent young man who sets out to prove himself to...himself really. The story does a wonderful job of giving a concise introduction, issue, quest, resolve with just a right amount of suffering,(both physically and emotionally). My only issue is I am a bit of a sadist at heart and love a story with always a little MORE suffering. The story revolves around the concept of magic not being blessed by everyone, but given to enough people to have an Academy to teach them to fight for the king. That being said, I'm glad the story focuses on people with the magical ability. The magical presence is a little watered down, in my taste, but is present none the less.
I listened to the audio book, which was relativity short, stopping around 11 hours long. I would recommend this book, and encourage it to be read. It was not a waste of time.
July 14, 2017
Consistent story but is missing something
If you are yet to read previous works of this author, I sincerely recommend giving his previous works a chance, not because is necessary for this book plot but because other works are very good and deserve to be read.
I am not qualified to criticize the hard work that surely was put into this work. And I lack the knowledge, experience, and language dominance to write anything good at this moment. But as a reader I am a bit sad that I found the story so compelling, and the main character so hard to relate to in the contest of previous characters. It felt rushed and crude versus previous characters.
In summary the story is good , go ahead and read it, try to suffer the hero here for a bit. With luck he may be taken out with a quick death on a footnote somewhere and be replaced by someone with emotional skills and basic common sense.
If you are yet to read previous works of this author, I sincerely recommend giving his previous works a chance, not because is necessary for this book plot but because other works are very good and deserve to be read.
I am not qualified to criticize the hard work that surely was put into this work. And I lack the knowledge, experience, and language dominance to write anything good at this moment. But as a reader I am a bit sad that I found the story so compelling, and the main character so hard to relate to in the contest of previous characters. It felt rushed and crude versus previous characters.
In summary the story is good , go ahead and read it, try to suffer the hero here for a bit. With luck he may be taken out with a quick death on a footnote somewhere and be replaced by someone with emotional skills and basic common sense.
May 23, 2017
Shallow reading
Motivations for the main character to drop everything and risk being branded a traitor are weak. Later they are trying to catch and defeat a group in a forest... by running after them, hungry, thirsty, exausted, and to a big number disadvantage in the other groups' home turf... these are trained individuals making just dumb decisions. Read %68 couldn't keep going.
Motivations for the main character to drop everything and risk being branded a traitor are weak. Later they are trying to catch and defeat a group in a forest... by running after them, hungry, thirsty, exausted, and to a big number disadvantage in the other groups' home turf... these are trained individuals making just dumb decisions. Read %68 couldn't keep going.
April 25, 2018
at one with nature
Desil works in his mother's bar until trouble steals it's way it. he is forced to leave home and awaken his burgeoning connection to the land around him. now involved in a situation his mother never wanted him to see, Desil travels to a place unknown. returning might be difficult.
Desil works in his mother's bar until trouble steals it's way it. he is forced to leave home and awaken his burgeoning connection to the land around him. now involved in a situation his mother never wanted him to see, Desil travels to a place unknown. returning might be difficult.
August 30, 2017
When teenagers get bored...
That poor boy, bored of the quiet life after a childhood of adventure. The character development is straight out of a 50's B-movie. Enjoyable but yet waiting for that special song to happen.
That poor boy, bored of the quiet life after a childhood of adventure. The character development is straight out of a 50's B-movie. Enjoyable but yet waiting for that special song to happen.
September 11, 2021
I enjoyed listening to books 1-3, and I think the reader saved the day., given his pleasant accent, and skill. I am less critical of what I hear in audible books, somehow it is harder to remember what happens and what isn't well expressed. Desil ( another problem, you don't see names in print so spelling is a questionable process) is not the most likable character because he always has a plan and is consistently in in people's faces with his plan, his sense of direction. Especially if you are a princess, his mother, or a female mage better tranined than hisself. But no matter he just forces his way through the same way he learns to blast through bedrock. There is a lot of discomfort in these books and I found myself wondering if this is the secret appeal of adventure books- your cup of tea is far more delicious when it isn't diluted by sea monster wee or a blizzard. You can also overeat as people are getting faint with hunger. Hmm...far more philosophic tha the book that inspired it. But a word to the good as well- the humans have a bad effect on the world they inhabit. They have chased away the Silurian worms and the little people who lived under the mountains. Now they have imported some dragon like things to spoil the content, because they ripped them off. ANd then there is the character of Desil's Dad to consider. Maybe not convincing but you can see how a gambling drunk might produce a control freak.
August 3, 2018
Good, fairly fast paced fantasy novel set in a world of magic. Well, there is a lot of characters trudging through the wilderness, but once the action starts it picks up a lot. One of the interesting things is the main characters are working to prevent a war and this is a little unusual and refreshing in the world of scifi and fantasy, at least in my experience. This isn't really well explored, but it's definitely something I appreciate and it piqued my interest.
Other reviews have touched on weak character motivations, and I partly agree. The problem is the main character's motivation - partly a thirst for adventure, partly infatuation with a woman and partly a desire to prevent a war that would cause pointless destruction - just isn't well fleshed out. Wanting to prevent war is a perfectly logical motivation for taking great personal risks, it's something that people in real life devote their lives to and it's not difficult to understand. But it's dealt with rather quickly and not in much depth and the end result is a little unsatisfying. I'm giving the second novel a go, to see if the storyline is fleshed out a bit more, as this one read kind of like a prelude or set up for the main story.
Other reviews have touched on weak character motivations, and I partly agree. The problem is the main character's motivation - partly a thirst for adventure, partly infatuation with a woman and partly a desire to prevent a war that would cause pointless destruction - just isn't well fleshed out. Wanting to prevent war is a perfectly logical motivation for taking great personal risks, it's something that people in real life devote their lives to and it's not difficult to understand. But it's dealt with rather quickly and not in much depth and the end result is a little unsatisfying. I'm giving the second novel a go, to see if the storyline is fleshed out a bit more, as this one read kind of like a prelude or set up for the main story.
November 26, 2021
This reads like a YA novel. Simple, one-dimensional characters with simple, one-dimensional motivations. Certainly, no sex, swearing, gore, nuance or depth.
When the ship captain insists upon 'two kisses', it's almost creepier than demanding sex. 'It must be on the lips!' I mean, that was silly.
It all fits together efficiently, its narrative progresses logically. Characters are constantly thinking/discussing tedious logic chains in order to justify why they do what they do. In that sense, this book is 'Honest Trailer' proof (as it were).
I wouldn't necessarily call it unoriginal. It is adequate all round. The world building is quite literally mapped out for the reader very precisely. The walking, immense amounts of exhausted walking, for different reasons at a time, around the island, become very old. Every inch of the place, it seemed.
Now, if the author didn't churn out about three books a year, he might actually write something inspired and worthwhile.
Also, I'm not sure it was the smartest thing to name the scary beasties after a vegetable.
When the ship captain insists upon 'two kisses', it's almost creepier than demanding sex. 'It must be on the lips!' I mean, that was silly.
It all fits together efficiently, its narrative progresses logically. Characters are constantly thinking/discussing tedious logic chains in order to justify why they do what they do. In that sense, this book is 'Honest Trailer' proof (as it were).
I wouldn't necessarily call it unoriginal. It is adequate all round. The world building is quite literally mapped out for the reader very precisely. The walking, immense amounts of exhausted walking, for different reasons at a time, around the island, become very old. Every inch of the place, it seemed.
Now, if the author didn't churn out about three books a year, he might actually write something inspired and worthwhile.
Also, I'm not sure it was the smartest thing to name the scary beasties after a vegetable.
June 2, 2017
Very Good Sword and Sorcery (S & S) Novel
RECOMMENDED AS: IMAGINATIVE SWORD AND SORCERY FANTASY, MUCH BETTER THAN AVERAGE!!
B.T. Narro has created a wonderful, imaginative vision of a magical world. It is a world of swords, sorcery, kings, princesses, magic, flying lizards that eat iron, evil assassins, young men trying to be heroes, young women...but much better than the usual S & S novel.
Like many S & S stories, we begin with a young man, reaching the age of majority, looking for adventure...he soon finds the opportunity for more adventure than he could imagine! I really look forward to reading more about this wannabe hero and his companions.
RECOMMENDED AS: IMAGINATIVE SWORD AND SORCERY FANTASY, MUCH BETTER THAN AVERAGE!!
B.T. Narro has created a wonderful, imaginative vision of a magical world. It is a world of swords, sorcery, kings, princesses, magic, flying lizards that eat iron, evil assassins, young men trying to be heroes, young women...but much better than the usual S & S novel.
Like many S & S stories, we begin with a young man, reaching the age of majority, looking for adventure...he soon finds the opportunity for more adventure than he could imagine! I really look forward to reading more about this wannabe hero and his companions.
January 20, 2022
Awaken has an interesting premise and I love the adventure-fantasy feel, but this long-winded story was all action and adventure, without really having a purpose. It was interesting to learn about the extent of the magic system (which is based on the elements and pretty cool) and having them , but that might be about it.
The main character, Desil, started out cunning and interesting, but then he and the other characters all become lackluster and don’t have much going for them. There isn’t much growth, much plot, nor much else going for the story. They’re supposedly there to prevent a war, but the characters’ motivations are unclear and don’t showcase what is happening.
The main character, Desil, started out cunning and interesting, but then he and the other characters all become lackluster and don’t have much going for them. There isn’t much growth, much plot, nor much else going for the story. They’re supposedly there to prevent a war, but the characters’ motivations are unclear and don’t showcase what is happening.
January 30, 2020
A story about a young boy who has good values and good parents although his dad can be a bit much when drunk. I didn't know this book was part of a series and one of the latest ones at that. So I guess you don't have to read the previous books to get started on this one. Over all the main characters are great. A princess who loves her family but is strong in outward appearances. A solder who is noble with a kind heart and a young boy who wants adventure and stumbles upon love. When I typed this out it sounds very generic doesn't it but I can promise that it is entertaining.
March 19, 2018
New author and new series for me starting with "Awaken". The story set-up is good and the imagination of the author is great. The twists and turns of the story is well planned and the story in itself is good. The reason why I don´t give it a 5 star is that the story is somewhat simpler than one could expect from the elaborate set-up, but I am looking forward to read on to the next book to see if the storyline expands. Well worth a read/listen.
October 13, 2019
Fun Yet...
I enjoyed the book. No cursing and a fun storyline. It falters occasionally as it bogs down in some of the writing. The author continues to build on the main character, Desil, yet does so haltingly.
I like the abilities of the main character yet the inability of the character to determine uses of the abilities seems implausible. He is a thinker yet does not know how to better use the gifts given.
Good read and looking forward to book 2.
I enjoyed the book. No cursing and a fun storyline. It falters occasionally as it bogs down in some of the writing. The author continues to build on the main character, Desil, yet does so haltingly.
I like the abilities of the main character yet the inability of the character to determine uses of the abilities seems implausible. He is a thinker yet does not know how to better use the gifts given.
Good read and looking forward to book 2.
July 25, 2019
The story itself is quite captivating, but the characters are a little bit shallow for my taste.
It appears that I should have read the Rythm of Rivalry first, but I was not aware of that. Eventually it is possible to catch up, but it felt as I was missing something with the lack of introduction to the magic system.
It appears that I should have read the Rythm of Rivalry first, but I was not aware of that. Eventually it is possible to catch up, but it felt as I was missing something with the lack of introduction to the magic system.
October 18, 2020
This book is a great example of why I wish it was a 10 star rating system. This would be a 4.5 or 5 star book. The characters are decent. The story concept is interesting enough. But the pacing and the world building really felt lack luster. I was tempted to give it a 3 here but... really its a strong 2. I'll probably check out the second in the series but am in no particular hurry.
September 21, 2021
Good read!
Good read, however the book took it's time reveling how the storyline was coming together, and was very Unclear in what the MC abilities were or at least to what extent. A lot of the book was traveling for the characters that seemed a little over done, but as it aimed at young adult audience, it was a good read overall!
Good read, however the book took it's time reveling how the storyline was coming together, and was very Unclear in what the MC abilities were or at least to what extent. A lot of the book was traveling for the characters that seemed a little over done, but as it aimed at young adult audience, it was a good read overall!
June 12, 2023
The story moved far too slow for my tastes. I had a difficult time getting through this book. The majority of the story is filled with preparation and mundane events, and I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters.
I highly enjoy the author's Jon Oklar series and wish this would've moved at the same speed.
I highly enjoy the author's Jon Oklar series and wish this would've moved at the same speed.
July 14, 2023
Help me read more books
Not my style.
The story was ok, but it's not for me. I won't be continuing with this series.
It's not a bad story, and it does have some unique magic aspects in it, which made the story interesting, but for the most part, it turns out that the story just wasn't up my alley.
Not my style.
The story was ok, but it's not for me. I won't be continuing with this series.
It's not a bad story, and it does have some unique magic aspects in it, which made the story interesting, but for the most part, it turns out that the story just wasn't up my alley.
March 25, 2017
Again an adventure to get immersed into... A must for fantasy and adventure lovers.
I have read all of BT Naaro's books and this one is the latest of his works. If you have read him before you should go for it without any doubt. And if you haven't, you are missing out a great adventure. Go for it, you will love it.
I have read all of BT Naaro's books and this one is the latest of his works. If you have read him before you should go for it without any doubt. And if you haven't, you are missing out a great adventure. Go for it, you will love it.
January 18, 2018
Book was OK. It moved and flowed fairly well, but seemed very hurried and always behind. I enjoy the world creation, the magic and plot....but it just wasn't great. Worth the read and I will finish the series before it's all said and done!
June 1, 2019
Awesome read. As always. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
Awesome read. As always. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Keep it up! Awesome read. As always. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
Awesome read. As always. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Keep it up! Awesome read. As always. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
October 1, 2019
Bunch a fucking pussies
Who would stand there and let someone commanders there ship. Hey the money back and leave. If they were going to arrest I they would have already. Stupidest story idea I've ever read.
Who would stand there and let someone commanders there ship. Hey the money back and leave. If they were going to arrest I they would have already. Stupidest story idea I've ever read.
May 10, 2017
Interesting plot and characters
Loved the book and the 5 previous will be awaiting book 2 to be released so I can follow desil's journey
Loved the book and the 5 previous will be awaiting book 2 to be released so I can follow desil's journey
January 6, 2018
Is there a sequel to this?
November 12, 2017
Good book, enjoyed listening to it, can't find the next one on Audible yet.
December 25, 2017
Bossy, talented boy defeats monsters, negotiates with elves and casts spells to fend off war, save the day and win the girl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews