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Prof Croft #4
Death Mage
Playing fast and loose with the Order's rules has finally caught up with me.
Sentenced to hunt down a cagey insurgent known as the Death Mage, I'm not feeling overly optimistic. Wizards with far more experience have tried and, well...died.
But overmatched or not, I want this assignment. The Death Mage killed my mother - he might also be my father.
I can't lose my head, though. The mage wields an evil, mind-warping magic. A power that undermines his victims' sanity while pledging their souls to an ancient being and devourer of worlds.
How would I even know if his magic was corrupting me?
Or is it already?
Sentenced to hunt down a cagey insurgent known as the Death Mage, I'm not feeling overly optimistic. Wizards with far more experience have tried and, well...died.
But overmatched or not, I want this assignment. The Death Mage killed my mother - he might also be my father.
I can't lose my head, though. The mage wields an evil, mind-warping magic. A power that undermines his victims' sanity while pledging their souls to an ancient being and devourer of worlds.
How would I even know if his magic was corrupting me?
Or is it already?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2017
643 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Brad Magnarella
49 books379 followersBrad Magnarella writes urban fantasy for the same reason most read it – to explore worlds where magic crackles from fingertips, vampires and shifters walk city streets, cats talk (some excessively), and good prevails against all odds. It’s shamelessly fun.
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
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November 12, 2017
Is Prof Croft worth checking out?
Negatives: I'll be honest, the series don't stand out much. The world is ok, the protagonist is ok, everything is ok and that's pretty much it. If you want to read something similarI suppose to the Harry Dresden series, only without Harry, then Prof Croft is what you need. The books didn't leave a lasting impression on me and I am not in a hurry to get the fifth one.
Positives: Nevertheless, there is some great potential here. The author is a great storyteller, his style is fun and easy to follow, and, most of all, he has a talent for plot twists and for keeping his readers in the dark until the last moment. Also, I binge-read all 4 books in less than 2 weeks...
- I adored book 3 which left me dumbfounded when the true villain was revealed;
- book 4 had some great moments that made me questions everything I've read;
- Arnaud, the vampire, was A LOT of fun;
-The prequel was fantastic and highly original
Yes, the series have many flaws and plot gaps, yes, there are many similarities to Harry Dresden and yes, there ARE better, more original Urban Fantasies out there. Yet... I like Prof Croft.
Negatives: I'll be honest, the series don't stand out much. The world is ok, the protagonist is ok, everything is ok and that's pretty much it. If you want to read something similar
Positives: Nevertheless, there is some great potential here. The author is a great storyteller, his style is fun and easy to follow, and, most of all, he has a talent for plot twists and for keeping his readers in the dark until the last moment. Also, I binge-read all 4 books in less than 2 weeks...
- I adored book 3 which left me dumbfounded when the true villain was revealed;
- book 4 had some great moments that made me questions everything I've read;
- Arnaud, the vampire, was A LOT of fun;
-The prequel was fantastic and highly original
Yes, the series have many flaws and plot gaps, yes, there are many similarities to Harry Dresden and yes, there ARE better, more original Urban Fantasies out there. Yet... I like Prof Croft.
July 22, 2021
The best so far!
I really, really enjoyed this one. It was very well paced and broke free of some of the cliches that tend to plague this genre. I also love the fact that the author doesn't spend unnecessary time rehashing what has happened in past books. Now on to the next.
I really, really enjoyed this one. It was very well paced and broke free of some of the cliches that tend to plague this genre. I also love the fact that the author doesn't spend unnecessary time rehashing what has happened in past books. Now on to the next.
June 10, 2025
So why good people need to die?
December 1, 2022
What a great series, I highly recommend.
May 28, 2017
Professor Croft's Greatest Challenge and True Legacy
Wow, what an ending to Professor Croft's story arc. I normally read this series while listening to the audiobooks, but the audio book for this particular book won't be out for a few months. I had also read all the other books except Purge City, so there are major spoilers in this book. If you have read the earlier novels, Brad takes bits of what seemed like trivial information and tied them all together in a thrilling, dangerous, heartbreaking and yet heartwarming finale. This book hits the ground running and doesn't let up. After all the lumps, beatings and tough luck he's had, it was wonderful to see Everson finally get some help. Despite everything that happens, he remains the brave, charming, wonderful nice guy he's always been. When I first picked up Book of Souls, I had no idea I would enjoy this series so much and I'm looking forward to more in this series. Well done Brad Magnarella!
Wow, what an ending to Professor Croft's story arc. I normally read this series while listening to the audiobooks, but the audio book for this particular book won't be out for a few months. I had also read all the other books except Purge City, so there are major spoilers in this book. If you have read the earlier novels, Brad takes bits of what seemed like trivial information and tied them all together in a thrilling, dangerous, heartbreaking and yet heartwarming finale. This book hits the ground running and doesn't let up. After all the lumps, beatings and tough luck he's had, it was wonderful to see Everson finally get some help. Despite everything that happens, he remains the brave, charming, wonderful nice guy he's always been. When I first picked up Book of Souls, I had no idea I would enjoy this series so much and I'm looking forward to more in this series. Well done Brad Magnarella!
March 13, 2020
I believe the stories are getting better as the series progresses. Croft's life is getting much more complex as truths he has believed all his life are exposed as perhaps not as valid as he thought. His mother's murderer is called into question as is the Order who oversees his magical exploits. (BTW, it becomes clear why the Order didn't discipline him when he used magic against their edict in an earlier volume)
He discovers a secret that his grandfather had imparted to him. (I think I must be confused. It seems to me that his magic didn't manifest until he was in Romania but his grandfather gave him his sword when he was young. Perhaps he didn't know it had magical properties?)
Speaking of Romania, Croft returns there to seek out his former mentor in search of answers to his dilemma. Prior to this he finally meets another wizard operating in New York - the first he's met in all his years as a guard against evil in Manhattan.
He finally determines who is telling the truth and who has deceived him. This leads to an explosive climax and confrontation.
He discovers a secret that his grandfather had imparted to him. (I think I must be confused. It seems to me that his magic didn't manifest until he was in Romania but his grandfather gave him his sword when he was young. Perhaps he didn't know it had magical properties?)
Speaking of Romania, Croft returns there to seek out his former mentor in search of answers to his dilemma. Prior to this he finally meets another wizard operating in New York - the first he's met in all his years as a guard against evil in Manhattan.
He finally determines who is telling the truth and who has deceived him. This leads to an explosive climax and confrontation.
May 23, 2017
The Prof Croft series has been pretty firmly 2nd tier urban fantasy at best from the beginning. The first book was okay, the second book was more of the same, then starting with the third book it started building on itself in a way that was genuinely interesting. This book goes several notches past that with a premise that is not just clever but retroactively makes a lot of otherwise fairly bland stuff from the previous books brilliant in retrospect. At this point I'm eager to see where the series is going from here.
That said, it goes to darker places than any of the previous books. Not only does the protagonist intentionally ingest the drug marijuana, he is actively inflicts it on others. A lot of others. Croft has drawn on a power far more evil than Thelonious, and I hope the author is responsible in exploring the consequences of him sucking the devil's penis.
That said, it goes to darker places than any of the previous books. Not only does the protagonist intentionally ingest the drug marijuana, he is actively inflicts it on others. A lot of others. Croft has drawn on a power far more evil than Thelonious, and I hope the author is responsible in exploring the consequences of him sucking the devil's penis.
September 2, 2019
Death Mage (Prof Croft, Book #4)
by Brad Magnarella
Definitely the best in the series so far. Although Croft starts out still unable to keep a firm hold on his cane/sword/staff and amulet, this novel is probably more about his growth as a wizard and gaining confidence to fulfill his potential, that about the very dire affect of the novel's crisis. Again, we have excellent proofing and editing, great plotting and pacing, tons of very exciting action, a major change in not only Croft's worldview, but in his personal relationships, a new, although evidently temporary, sidekick, and still the author ties things up in the end neatly, leaving just enough open ended to hint at future adventures.
It was a slam-bang joy ride that should please any adrenaline junkie. Books 5, 6, and 7 and definitely going on my "to get" list.
by Brad Magnarella
Definitely the best in the series so far. Although Croft starts out still unable to keep a firm hold on his cane/sword/staff and amulet, this novel is probably more about his growth as a wizard and gaining confidence to fulfill his potential, that about the very dire affect of the novel's crisis. Again, we have excellent proofing and editing, great plotting and pacing, tons of very exciting action, a major change in not only Croft's worldview, but in his personal relationships, a new, although evidently temporary, sidekick, and still the author ties things up in the end neatly, leaving just enough open ended to hint at future adventures.
It was a slam-bang joy ride that should please any adrenaline junkie. Books 5, 6, and 7 and definitely going on my "to get" list.
March 11, 2020
My first review on here. I also want to mention that I listened to this as an audiobook (Don't Judge).
I also apologize for uppercase/lowercase mistakes, I'm on a german autocorrect.
Talking about the series I would say that it is okay, good Entertainment Nothing too heavy to Digest but Nothing boring either. This book however...is the culmination of it. In my personal opinion what the series could have been and at some Points it really f*cked with my brain and the expectations I had for this Story. The only thing wished is for more developent of each "Setting", it feels like we are Jumping around a lot and things are going too fast; I just want to enjoy some of those Scenes, build Tension and all that.
I loved this book, but sadly I am not sure if any of the series could end up being as good as this one.
I also apologize for uppercase/lowercase mistakes, I'm on a german autocorrect.
Talking about the series I would say that it is okay, good Entertainment Nothing too heavy to Digest but Nothing boring either. This book however...is the culmination of it. In my personal opinion what the series could have been and at some Points it really f*cked with my brain and the expectations I had for this Story. The only thing wished is for more developent of each "Setting", it feels like we are Jumping around a lot and things are going too fast; I just want to enjoy some of those Scenes, build Tension and all that.
I loved this book, but sadly I am not sure if any of the series could end up being as good as this one.
October 7, 2017
This Prof. Croft series has kept entranced from beginning to end. I am so glad that we are not saying goodbye to Croft as a new series develops. I hope more will be written about "The Team." I also would like to see more of Vega's and Croft's relationship developed. This last book in the series pulled all the twisted threads that have been strung out in the others in the series and made a neat braid that is twisted but tidy. Things that we believed as readers were revealed to be not true and things that were thought to be true was false. This author has all of his chicks in a row and brings us an incredible adventure with each of his books.
March 12, 2022
Just couldn't get into this book. It is very different style and tone than from the previous books. For most of the book the reader is left to think what is real and what is not. For me I don't think the payoff was worth the slog. The book leaves the core supporting characters in the previous two books behind, where as I was hoping to see those relationships grow.
Most of the other reviews love this book, for me I'm going to read one more book on the series and might be done if it doesn't improve. There are much better wizard detective books out there that I am much more invested in.
Most of the other reviews love this book, for me I'm going to read one more book on the series and might be done if it doesn't improve. There are much better wizard detective books out there that I am much more invested in.
July 17, 2018
Probably the strongest Professor Croft yet.
A real growth story for the world Magnarella has built and for the Everson Crofton character. The stakes are very high in this one, and it's also tied up in the mystery of Croft's family, the Order and his mentor, Chicory. Everything I'd have to say would count as a spoiler except these points. The pacing is good, the tension is real and you are really not gonna know what's what until the end. There's at least 1 moment of wtf, Crofton, why so dumb?, but otherwise, it holds up well.
A real growth story for the world Magnarella has built and for the Everson Crofton character. The stakes are very high in this one, and it's also tied up in the mystery of Croft's family, the Order and his mentor, Chicory. Everything I'd have to say would count as a spoiler except these points. The pacing is good, the tension is real and you are really not gonna know what's what until the end. There's at least 1 moment of wtf, Crofton, why so dumb?, but otherwise, it holds up well.
May 30, 2021
Saving the world one book at a time
Once again Professor Croft finds himself in the unenviable position of saving the world as he knows it. He soon realizes he might not know this world at all. While trying to investigate the death of his mother, Croft is recruited to help stop members of the Front who are working to destroy the Order and the world. Croft soon can’t tell reality from fiction. Meanwhile all the powerful magic mentors are missing. Croft doesn’t know who to trust in this latest adventure.
Once again Professor Croft finds himself in the unenviable position of saving the world as he knows it. He soon realizes he might not know this world at all. While trying to investigate the death of his mother, Croft is recruited to help stop members of the Front who are working to destroy the Order and the world. Croft soon can’t tell reality from fiction. Meanwhile all the powerful magic mentors are missing. Croft doesn’t know who to trust in this latest adventure.
May 28, 2017
Wow! What a ride! The death mage twists Croft's perception of reality so that he has to doubt everything he's ever known. The essence of evil also invades Manhattan and the populace goes crazy with rioting without purpose. Croft is taken to unfamiliar realms and fights some of the most disgusting creatures ever encountered. Fast paced and fascinating! Had to just keep reading until finished. I will read it again when the audiobook comes out!
February 21, 2018
Updated opinion since reviewing the first in the series
While there are still similarities between this series and the Dresden Files series, as I had hoped, the characters in this series developed enough, and the stories got even better. So if you are put off at first don't be! I would say they are not as dark or as complex as the world of Butchers books, but still they are fab.
While there are still similarities between this series and the Dresden Files series, as I had hoped, the characters in this series developed enough, and the stories got even better. So if you are put off at first don't be! I would say they are not as dark or as complex as the world of Butchers books, but still they are fab.
January 23, 2019
A Great Read
Professor Croft is still trying to save the world. He fights evil, protects people, and fits in a bit of romance. The chess game has many twists and turns. It is difficult to see the next moves and know what is truth. I like the action, humor, and romance. This book takes the series to the next level. A lot comes together from previous books. I look forward to the next book.
Professor Croft is still trying to save the world. He fights evil, protects people, and fits in a bit of romance. The chess game has many twists and turns. It is difficult to see the next moves and know what is truth. I like the action, humor, and romance. This book takes the series to the next level. A lot comes together from previous books. I look forward to the next book.
November 22, 2022
Captivating yet light
The awkwardness of the first two books is gone ... I kept reading the series for the love of the characters, and I'm so glad I did. His writing has come far ... captivating plot, surprises that feel well- thought-out, and more imagery. Yet still the fun characters and light- hearted humor ... definitely recommend for anyone who needs light, yet engrossing, reads.
The awkwardness of the first two books is gone ... I kept reading the series for the love of the characters, and I'm so glad I did. His writing has come far ... captivating plot, surprises that feel well- thought-out, and more imagery. Yet still the fun characters and light- hearted humor ... definitely recommend for anyone who needs light, yet engrossing, reads.
May 24, 2017
A solid piece of urban fantasy
The series definitely builds on a lot of the building blocks of the urban fantasy genre, but the characters are likeable (well, the heroes are, the villains are suitably unlikable ) and the story is solid. I look forward to a future where we get to read more about Prof. Croft.
The series definitely builds on a lot of the building blocks of the urban fantasy genre, but the characters are likeable (well, the heroes are, the villains are suitably unlikable ) and the story is solid. I look forward to a future where we get to read more about Prof. Croft.
June 3, 2019
I really like the Prof. Croft books, and I think this one is one of the best.
The writing was crisp, his relationships with the other characters made sense withing the context of the book, as well as the universe as it previously written in the earlier novels.
I first encountered Croft and Wesson in a short novel that was included in a box set called "Eight in the Chamber" (some of the books in that collection are quite good, others, not so much. So, if you get it for yourself, be warned), so I was aware of them and their association, but it was fascinating to see them at their first meeting.
Magnarella has ironed out some of the clunkier bits that pop up in a couple of earlier novels, so this one runs much more smoothly.
I strongly recommend this book and the earlier ones in the series.
The writing was crisp, his relationships with the other characters made sense withing the context of the book, as well as the universe as it previously written in the earlier novels.
I first encountered Croft and Wesson in a short novel that was included in a box set called "Eight in the Chamber" (some of the books in that collection are quite good, others, not so much. So, if you get it for yourself, be warned), so I was aware of them and their association, but it was fascinating to see them at their first meeting.
Magnarella has ironed out some of the clunkier bits that pop up in a couple of earlier novels, so this one runs much more smoothly.
I strongly recommend this book and the earlier ones in the series.
July 24, 2020
Croft finds out that someone called the Death Mage is responsible for his mother's death. He starts tracking down clues to find out who that is and where he can be found. Things are not always what they seem.
This book has more of a Cthulu type feel than film noir that the previous volumes had. Croft will have to up his game to get at the being responsible
This book has more of a Cthulu type feel than film noir that the previous volumes had. Croft will have to up his game to get at the being responsible
March 7, 2021
Prof Crofton is great
This is a new series I've picked up recently. It's been a great series, not the usual wizard type. He's kinda a nerd with no one to help him. It's been great getting into his life more. A different world but still very believable. Hoping we get to read about Everson for many more books!!
This is a new series I've picked up recently. It's been a great series, not the usual wizard type. He's kinda a nerd with no one to help him. It's been great getting into his life more. A different world but still very believable. Hoping we get to read about Everson for many more books!!
August 29, 2022
Bro, this story had so many jaw-dropping moments, I'm shocked I didn't unhinge my lower mandible! Just when you think you have a CLUE what's actually happening, Magnarella pulls the rug out from under you three times over. I *really* lost myself in the puzzles and betrayals and secrets! This was probably the best book of the series thus far!
April 11, 2023
I can't read through these books fast enough! This one did take some time but only because life happens but when I was actually able to sit down, I gobbled up over 150 pages in one go! I love this series, it's fun, it's exciting, the characters are memorable, and hey, the fella on the cover is HOT! lol I really enjoy Brad Magnarella's writing style and will read ANYTHING he writes!
December 10, 2023
Leave the past
This is a prime example of what happens when something you absolutely know to be true, isn't. The author puts us thru the shock and overwhelming emotions as though this was happening to us personally. We go thru the grief stages and then thru the acceptance and finally take on the change & make it ours. What comes thru to the other side is a new beginning.
This is a prime example of what happens when something you absolutely know to be true, isn't. The author puts us thru the shock and overwhelming emotions as though this was happening to us personally. We go thru the grief stages and then thru the acceptance and finally take on the change & make it ours. What comes thru to the other side is a new beginning.
February 9, 2024
The series takes a definitive turn at this point. The total mood ends, and the continuation is unclear. This is the end of the series 0 through 4 of the entire thing (if that makes any sense). It no longer seems similar to the Dresden files (by Jim Butcher), but there is a lot of potential in the next episodes. I truly look forward to it!
May 22, 2017
WOW
This was one of the best urban fantasy books I have read. And I read at least 2 each week. Everything you thought was good, turned out to be a lie. A true double bluff.
Creative, action packed, thought provoking and leaving you anticipating the next book.
This was one of the best urban fantasy books I have read. And I read at least 2 each week. Everything you thought was good, turned out to be a lie. A true double bluff.
Creative, action packed, thought provoking and leaving you anticipating the next book.
October 31, 2017
Good!
There was a bit of a disconnect between this one and the previous one, just because of the opening. I checked a couple of times to make sure I didn't skip a book. BUT, once I got my bearings, yeehaw!
There was a bit of a disconnect between this one and the previous one, just because of the opening. I checked a couple of times to make sure I didn't skip a book. BUT, once I got my bearings, yeehaw!
March 9, 2018
Wow
What an ending. A bit sad at the end but excellent storytelling. I couldn't put it down. Definitely looking forward to reading more about Prof Croft's adventures. Also looking forward to seeing him get properly trained so he doesn't have to rely on his luck quotient.
What an ending. A bit sad at the end but excellent storytelling. I couldn't put it down. Definitely looking forward to reading more about Prof Croft's adventures. Also looking forward to seeing him get properly trained so he doesn't have to rely on his luck quotient.
April 23, 2018
I read the last two books in the series over three days. Could not put the final one down. I s'pose I'm going to end up movings from this series to the next one. Curse you, entertaining writer fella! How will I ever get my work done when I can't put your books down?
May 11, 2018
Amazing book!
Amazing book and an amazing series and I hope that it continues! The series is getting so good and since Caroline screwed him over I'm glad to see the professor might have romance in his future! Can't wait for the next book!
Amazing book and an amazing series and I hope that it continues! The series is getting so good and since Caroline screwed him over I'm glad to see the professor might have romance in his future! Can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews