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Tales of Blood & Light #4
Mage and Source
The next world arrives in a shattering fall.
The Cedna is dead, and magic is broken. Laith Amar, a famous mage, must learn to live without his skill as all of Lethemia reels from the Fall. Fighting despair and skeptical colleagues, Laith seeks any solution that can return his talents.
From hidden sources, hope emerges.
Angered by losing the war against Lethemia, the Eastern Emperor dispatches Elena Rith, a trained potion-mistress, to assassinate the Lethemian King Costas Galatien and to learn what she can of the West’s fallen magic. Alone in a foreign country, Elena battles new hazards and old fears as an Eastern hunter tracks her.
A new alchemy ignites an old power.
After fate throws them together, Laith and Elena discover an intriguing method to revive magic that depends on them both. But when Elena’s foe finds her, can Laith save her from a past of pain and violation?
Only love can resurrect Laith’s faith and Elena’s hope, but darkness surrounds them as their enemies close in.
Magic’s restoration hangs in the balance.
The Cedna is dead, and magic is broken. Laith Amar, a famous mage, must learn to live without his skill as all of Lethemia reels from the Fall. Fighting despair and skeptical colleagues, Laith seeks any solution that can return his talents.
From hidden sources, hope emerges.
Angered by losing the war against Lethemia, the Eastern Emperor dispatches Elena Rith, a trained potion-mistress, to assassinate the Lethemian King Costas Galatien and to learn what she can of the West’s fallen magic. Alone in a foreign country, Elena battles new hazards and old fears as an Eastern hunter tracks her.
A new alchemy ignites an old power.
After fate throws them together, Laith and Elena discover an intriguing method to revive magic that depends on them both. But when Elena’s foe finds her, can Laith save her from a past of pain and violation?
Only love can resurrect Laith’s faith and Elena’s hope, but darkness surrounds them as their enemies close in.
Magic’s restoration hangs in the balance.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2017
2 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 26, 2017
Mage and Source tells the story of Laith, a mage who suddenly finds himself in a world devoid of the magic that defined his life, and Elena, a poison-master trying to escape the trauma that has defined hers for so long. The fourth in the ToBaL series, Mage and Source is the first to tell the story in two perspectives, an excellent narrative choice that really drew me in. Laith has been my favorite character based on his appearances in the other novels, and I was so excited to finally get his story. I was not disappointed! Laith is charming, vulnerable, and headstrong, but also deeply compassionate--especially toward his love. What I was not expecting was to fall equally in love with the new character, Elena Rith. She is very different than other romantic heroines, far more likely to lead from her head than her heart in many situations. Although reserved in some situations, her shy exterior belies an inner strength and vitality that makes her a character for whom you can't help but root. Besides the intriguing characters, this book really shines with a plot full of twists and dangers you won't see coming. Moreoever, it also ties together many elements from the previous stories, hinting at an overall series arc that I cannot wait to see unfold. If I had to choose, I think this may be my favorite of the series thus far, but book 5 can't come quickly enough!
June 13, 2017
Tales of Blood and Light is swiftly becoming one of my favorite series, and that's mostly because each new book that comes out is stronger than the last.
Generally, most series I've read have weakened as they've progressed, due to several factors, but mostly due to lack of detailed planning on the author's part, so plot points sort of fall where they may in the final books, and haphazard loopholes crop up in various places. No such thing in Street's books. Careful, methodical, and well-plotted, these books grow stronger with each new addition.
I love Mage and Source. The two main leads are finely characterized and complement each other well--what one looks for in any good romance--but with the added nuances of an intricate magic system that requires them to rely on each other. There's mystery, suspense, and espionage in addition, and the writing is full to the brim of vivid color and imagery.
More than anything, I love how Mage and Source is a piece of a puzzle that fits seamlessly into a complete series arc, holding its own place without being in any way a weaker link from any other part of the series. Mage and Source (as with most series) is best read in order--as the fourth book after The Gantean, The Cedna, and Sterling, but it could be read independently as well without making the reader suffer.
Five stars; Street is amazing. I'd give six stars if I could.
Generally, most series I've read have weakened as they've progressed, due to several factors, but mostly due to lack of detailed planning on the author's part, so plot points sort of fall where they may in the final books, and haphazard loopholes crop up in various places. No such thing in Street's books. Careful, methodical, and well-plotted, these books grow stronger with each new addition.
I love Mage and Source. The two main leads are finely characterized and complement each other well--what one looks for in any good romance--but with the added nuances of an intricate magic system that requires them to rely on each other. There's mystery, suspense, and espionage in addition, and the writing is full to the brim of vivid color and imagery.
More than anything, I love how Mage and Source is a piece of a puzzle that fits seamlessly into a complete series arc, holding its own place without being in any way a weaker link from any other part of the series. Mage and Source (as with most series) is best read in order--as the fourth book after The Gantean, The Cedna, and Sterling, but it could be read independently as well without making the reader suffer.
Five stars; Street is amazing. I'd give six stars if I could.
July 21, 2017
Book is available from July 21, 2017.
Book Four of Tales of Blood & Light
Fantasy Series
Enjoy!
Book Four of Tales of Blood & Light
Fantasy Series
Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews