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Path of Heroes #1
Rogue Mage: Age Of Magic
Out of the ruin of civilization rises good men and dark-hearted bastards. Eighteen-year-old Payetta is particularly fond of killing the bastards.
Payetta hungers for payback against Titannus, the mage who wiped her village off the map. She bides her time by protecting the innocent farmers of the Meadowlands from the mage’s raiders and awaits the day she can fight Titannus face to face using her own deadly magic.
That day comes in like a storm.
Sweeping into the fray is a loner with a personal mission to restore civilization. He carries with him a swift sword and his legendary ancestor’s tenacious desire for justice.
An epic showdown awaits in the Meadowlands and when it happens? Heads will fly.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, Rogue Mage tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2017
261 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Barr
34 books149 followersBrandon Barr is a USA Today bestselling author and is the creator of the Song of the Worlds Series. You can grab a FREE copy of the series prequel, Ella Dethroned, here: http://www.subscribepage.com/brandonbarr
Hailing from California. Brandon Barr writes in the genres of science fiction and fantasy and often combines the two, preferring stories where the science is soft, the fantastic is vivid, and the flesh and soul characters are front and center.
Hailing from California. Brandon Barr writes in the genres of science fiction and fantasy and often combines the two, preferring stories where the science is soft, the fantastic is vivid, and the flesh and soul characters are front and center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 16, 2017
I have to confess I haven't read any books from this universe, but I've read Brandon Barr's books and loved them, so I pre ordered this one. And I was gratified with a wonderful story, full of daring, dangerous, nerve wrecking scenes. Bold characters, fighting mages for their lands and freedom, a terrific and passionate female protagonist. It's about revenge, vengeance, despair, but also hope for survival, to defend loved ones and others. It's has an outrageous dialogue I enjoyed tremendously, fun and witty too. I hope Barr continues with this series!
August 20, 2017
Love this book
Brandon she is sassy foul mouthed and a kick ass mage. One of the good ones. And I love that one of the characters is a grandson of Terry Henry and Char. So if you like Age of magic you will love this book. You will have fun reading this kick ass story. Can't wait for the next one. Write fast Brandon
Brandon she is sassy foul mouthed and a kick ass mage. One of the good ones. And I love that one of the characters is a grandson of Terry Henry and Char. So if you like Age of magic you will love this book. You will have fun reading this kick ass story. Can't wait for the next one. Write fast Brandon
August 16, 2017
Great start
Welcome to the family!! Ok the book was great and I love the skunk!! Can't wait to see where this goes!!!
Welcome to the family!! Ok the book was great and I love the skunk!! Can't wait to see where this goes!!!
August 19, 2017
Awesome!
Thank you Michael Anderle for including Brandon Barr in your KG universe! Loved this story, the characters, the humor, the non stop action...can't wait for next book!
Thank you Michael Anderle for including Brandon Barr in your KG universe! Loved this story, the characters, the humor, the non stop action...can't wait for next book!
August 13, 2017
Great beginning to a series. Character set up was interesting. The main character, is a no nonsense, kick butt, take action type, that grabs onto you very quickly. I am looking forward to reading more books from this series. Ending leaves you wanting more!
August 19, 2017
I have to admit this book is a nice romp thru another world. So feisty! I love a woman who's in charge and loving it. I look forward to more.
August 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this one
I don't know if I'm a fair judge on book reviews due to loving all things Kurtherian. A new look on what happened after the age of madness. Enjoyed the storyline and the new characters
I don't know if I'm a fair judge on book reviews due to loving all things Kurtherian. A new look on what happened after the age of madness. Enjoyed the storyline and the new characters
August 11, 2017
I like it, I love it I waffled between the 2 ratings. Not a typical Brandon Barr book, maybe because it's co-written with Michael Anderle. The beginning took a while to get into but as the book progressed I couldn't turn pages fast enough. Well worth the read!
August 13, 2017
Really outstanding
Such a great start to a series. So much emotions and dad's in one so young. And to add a Walton descendant, this will be great.
Such a great start to a series. So much emotions and dad's in one so young. And to add a Walton descendant, this will be great.
August 18, 2017
Brandon Barr's 'Rogue Mage' is about Payetta: an 18-year-old girl with magical powers, hence the title. Her village and her parents with it have been annihilated by the evil mage Titannus. This mage is now threatening the area she lives in. Together with her husband Justen she has started the Heroes Brigade to fight this menace. Later in the story, Daeken also joins this brigade. He is a powerful asset with his own battles to fight.
What I did not like about this book was Payetta. She is young and loud-mouthed. All of her 'funny' situations and sentences concern sex. I am the last one to be against jokes over sex, but this was too crude and too much. There is way too much talking about the sex she has with her husband, and I found it off-putting. I found it too bland, too rude and just too much.
Apart from that, I loved almost everything else. I love all the characters and how well-rounded they are. You definitely believe them and their quests. I loved the mysterious little Shepherd boy and his finale. I loved how evil the evil characters were. I truly believed them and even felt for them in a way. I loved how fast-paced the story was, and the actions were very well-described.
So no, it's not a bad book, and I did enjoy reading it. Leaving Payetta aside, I loved everything about it. I would love to read more about this world and how these characters will develop in other situations. But a skunk biting a man in his groin?
What I did not like about this book was Payetta. She is young and loud-mouthed. All of her 'funny' situations and sentences concern sex. I am the last one to be against jokes over sex, but this was too crude and too much. There is way too much talking about the sex she has with her husband, and I found it off-putting. I found it too bland, too rude and just too much.
Apart from that, I loved almost everything else. I love all the characters and how well-rounded they are. You definitely believe them and their quests. I loved the mysterious little Shepherd boy and his finale. I loved how evil the evil characters were. I truly believed them and even felt for them in a way. I loved how fast-paced the story was, and the actions were very well-described.
So no, it's not a bad book, and I did enjoy reading it. Leaving Payetta aside, I loved everything about it. I would love to read more about this world and how these characters will develop in other situations. But a skunk biting a man in his groin?
August 11, 2017
Through the eyes of a sparrow, Payetta watched the 3 armed raiders walk through the woods. She and her husband, Justen, tracked the men to the edge of the woods. As Justen approached to fight, Payetta was attacked by two others she hadn’t seen. With the help of her skunk, She Grunts, all of their foes were killed as they provided protection for the local farmers. But the appearance of these meant more would be coming. Killing the man who sent them, the mage Titannus, was her top priority. She would continue honing her own magic skills until that day came.
Daeken Zee Walton, a man of justice, had been walking since dawn. His feet were blistered and he was ready to stop and rest. He saw smoke from a fire and smelled meat. The two men allowed him to sit but would not share the food. He asked them questions about the mages and people of the area while they continued to cook human flesh for their dinner! Daeken would not allow them to eat the “meal” and killed both when they fought him. A battle was coming. Would Daeken join the Heroes Brigade and fight with Payetta and Justen’s group again the evil mages? Would Payetta get her vengeance against the mage who destroyed her community?
These combined authors gave us a wonderful story and a promise of more to come! I enjoyed how they presented the characters to the reader, allowing their actions to reveal their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. That stays with the reader throughout and makes the story come alive! I love the magic and the excitement of the story-building as the heroes and villain come together. Civilization had somehow been destroyed and was still crumbling around them, but the heroes give us hope that it may not be the end of things. Don’t miss out on this start of an amazing adventure!
Daeken Zee Walton, a man of justice, had been walking since dawn. His feet were blistered and he was ready to stop and rest. He saw smoke from a fire and smelled meat. The two men allowed him to sit but would not share the food. He asked them questions about the mages and people of the area while they continued to cook human flesh for their dinner! Daeken would not allow them to eat the “meal” and killed both when they fought him. A battle was coming. Would Daeken join the Heroes Brigade and fight with Payetta and Justen’s group again the evil mages? Would Payetta get her vengeance against the mage who destroyed her community?
These combined authors gave us a wonderful story and a promise of more to come! I enjoyed how they presented the characters to the reader, allowing their actions to reveal their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. That stays with the reader throughout and makes the story come alive! I love the magic and the excitement of the story-building as the heroes and villain come together. Civilization had somehow been destroyed and was still crumbling around them, but the heroes give us hope that it may not be the end of things. Don’t miss out on this start of an amazing adventure!
August 21, 2017
WOW With !!!!
With a grip like a Grizzly in Mating passion, Brandon has DEFINITELY ensnared me on this ride.! Love the storyline, am going into second gear as fast as I can. WONDERFUL!!!!
With a grip like a Grizzly in Mating passion, Brandon has DEFINITELY ensnared me on this ride.! Love the storyline, am going into second gear as fast as I can. WONDERFUL!!!!
August 19, 2017
I loved the Rogue Mage! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Five stars good. The characters are great and believable. This is the story of a female mage who is not experienced with her magic but learns more as the battles and excitement goes on. The action is great, I can picture the fighting scenes and want more. I look forward to the next book, this cannot end here.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
A Great new book
Really enjoyed this story and loved the main characters. The main Female character is a hoot! Enjoyed her a whole lot!!!
Really enjoyed this story and loved the main characters. The main Female character is a hoot! Enjoyed her a whole lot!!!
August 12, 2017
Great addition to the universe!
Wow what a fun read, caught me right away with fun daring characters very nice new storyline can't wait for the next one! Welcome Brandon and thank you for a great read.
Wow what a fun read, caught me right away with fun daring characters very nice new storyline can't wait for the next one! Welcome Brandon and thank you for a great read.
February 10, 2018
At first i thought through the first chapter that i might not enjoy this as much
I was wrong in so many ways it is embarrassing. The characters are human and real. The story will only get better, and I will inhale this as I have every single one of the others in this universe. Thanks, Brandon, you rock.
I was wrong in so many ways it is embarrassing. The characters are human and real. The story will only get better, and I will inhale this as I have every single one of the others in this universe. Thanks, Brandon, you rock.
July 22, 2020
A continuation of the Kurtherian Gambit story
I am so happy about this new path in the Kurtherian Gambit series. Tying together the different story lines and bring the Heroes full circle. I recommend this entire series, that is if you want to lose yourself in wonderful world Authored by some of the best in the business.
Thank you Brandon
And Thank you Michael for having the vision to create this wonderful community of authors.
I am so happy about this new path in the Kurtherian Gambit series. Tying together the different story lines and bring the Heroes full circle. I recommend this entire series, that is if you want to lose yourself in wonderful world Authored by some of the best in the business.
Thank you Brandon
And Thank you Michael for having the vision to create this wonderful community of authors.
June 17, 2018
I am a great fan of Brandon Barr's writing and make sure to read all his novels however this book struck a real chord with me! I am so in love with the fearless, kick-ass, bad-mouthed but with her heart in the right place, Payetta, the heroine in this very well written novel. She was a very young girl when she saw her parents killed right before her eyes and her community burnt to a cinder and she fled with her now husband Justen who had also lost all he knew and loved. Payetta was out for vengeance on the mage who had taken her life away and turned her into a rogue mage. They made their way to Hargstead and vowed to protect this community of farmers with all their might, and Payetta's might as a mage grew the stronger her emotions became. A stranger Daekin turns up in Hargstead just when the mage Titannus decided to attack and he manages to save a young boy Sheperd, he too was out for redemption, and both he and Payetta wanted a second chance in life to do what was right by those who were defenceless to atone for being unable to save their own loved ones! Justen saw Payetta as the judge of God and saw his role as that of her protector, whilst Daekin said she was the woman who could change the world and Payetta set out to do just that! Using her skills in talking and guiding animals to rally to her needs she travelled with she grunts, her skunk who was a terrible enemy to face and used many other animals who responded to her wishes, and when angered she was unstoppable, and she was often angry. Payetta is like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment. I could put Payetta on a par with the other great mercenary kick ass hero, Corin an Fol, in JW Webb's The Legends of Ansu, they would make a fine pair I think though Justen would not appreciate this! This book is awesome, characters are very charismatic and with Payetta's foul mouth and easy bantering ways it is also a real fun read, so much so that I read it all in one sitting and am now dying to get my hands on book 2 in this series. So if you enjoy magic, mages, great fighting scenes, battles of good against evil and appreciate a strong female heroine this is the series for you, can't get much better than this. Well done Brandon Barr for another great book.
July 4, 2019
Best characters ever!!!
This is the most bittersweet thing I've ever had to write. Brandon's creation in the TKU magic era had the most wonderfully hilarious characters!!! I love his writing style and wit!!! Then I went to see a more detailed map on his site and discovered he had lost his battle with cancer. Please accept my condolences to the family and friends of Brandon Barr. Know that the readers of his books, including me, will also mourn the loss of him. He had so much more to offer the world! How amazing is it that he would spend time planning with truly wonderful friends , to complete his Songs of the World series, after he was gone. I'm so humbled by his love for his work and for his readers. And I also want to acknowledge the authors who will complete his series for him. Y'all are truly amazing and caring individuals!!! I look forward to reading the entire series!!! I know it will be great, based upon the tale he spun in Rouge Mage!!!
This is the most bittersweet thing I've ever had to write. Brandon's creation in the TKU magic era had the most wonderfully hilarious characters!!! I love his writing style and wit!!! Then I went to see a more detailed map on his site and discovered he had lost his battle with cancer. Please accept my condolences to the family and friends of Brandon Barr. Know that the readers of his books, including me, will also mourn the loss of him. He had so much more to offer the world! How amazing is it that he would spend time planning with truly wonderful friends , to complete his Songs of the World series, after he was gone. I'm so humbled by his love for his work and for his readers. And I also want to acknowledge the authors who will complete his series for him. Y'all are truly amazing and caring individuals!!! I look forward to reading the entire series!!! I know it will be great, based upon the tale he spun in Rouge Mage!!!
October 6, 2017
I'm hooked and ready for book 2!
I would recommend this book for folks who love the epic sword and sorcery genre and don't mind a little bit of dough around the edges character personalities. I love the characters in this book and I have become emotionally invested in the outcome of the series, especially regarding the strong female lead found in Payetta. She is absolutely an irrepressible free spirit and needs the folks closest to her who love and care for her to temper her anger issues that result from her dramatic youth, which completely allowed me to identify with her on a level that I had not expected to find but enjoyed immensely. The story is well crafted as are the characters and the backdrop. I have found a great new series and a new author to love in one of my top three favorite genres.
I would recommend this book for folks who love the epic sword and sorcery genre and don't mind a little bit of dough around the edges character personalities. I love the characters in this book and I have become emotionally invested in the outcome of the series, especially regarding the strong female lead found in Payetta. She is absolutely an irrepressible free spirit and needs the folks closest to her who love and care for her to temper her anger issues that result from her dramatic youth, which completely allowed me to identify with her on a level that I had not expected to find but enjoyed immensely. The story is well crafted as are the characters and the backdrop. I have found a great new series and a new author to love in one of my top three favorite genres.
August 30, 2017
WOW! Another great series in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe
Just when you figure they couldn't possibly get any better, along comes a new direction in the Kurtherian Gambit Series by Michael Anderle. Brandon Barr has taken the Age of Magic into a new and completely different direction. There were so many things I loved about this book but especially the fresh view of the world following the Age of Madness. I especially loved the tie in to the Terry Henry Walden's Nomad series. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's hard to believe I had never read any sci-fi until I signed up for Kindle Unlimited, who wants to spend a limited book budget on something you might not enjoy?
Just when you figure they couldn't possibly get any better, along comes a new direction in the Kurtherian Gambit Series by Michael Anderle. Brandon Barr has taken the Age of Magic into a new and completely different direction. There were so many things I loved about this book but especially the fresh view of the world following the Age of Madness. I especially loved the tie in to the Terry Henry Walden's Nomad series. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's hard to believe I had never read any sci-fi until I signed up for Kindle Unlimited, who wants to spend a limited book budget on something you might not enjoy?
November 28, 2018
Charcters won my heart 🌹
I fell for Payetta and her pet She Grunts right away. Payetta, a young novice mage has an appetite for her husband, the fast lane, crude banter, and revenge. She is extremely protective over the Meadowlands - and its farmers who think she is crass.
Of course, the story rolls out her journey to attempt to defeat a mammoth mage who murdered her family and entire village.
About the time I tired of Payetta, Deaken stepped onto the scene. A loner in search of a place to belong. He adopts a small mute boy named Shepard. Shepard stole my heart!
Plenty of humor, likable characters, and Brandon Barr's great themes. A couple epic battles and interesting magic.
A fun book overall!
I fell for Payetta and her pet She Grunts right away. Payetta, a young novice mage has an appetite for her husband, the fast lane, crude banter, and revenge. She is extremely protective over the Meadowlands - and its farmers who think she is crass.
Of course, the story rolls out her journey to attempt to defeat a mammoth mage who murdered her family and entire village.
About the time I tired of Payetta, Deaken stepped onto the scene. A loner in search of a place to belong. He adopts a small mute boy named Shepard. Shepard stole my heart!
Plenty of humor, likable characters, and Brandon Barr's great themes. A couple epic battles and interesting magic.
A fun book overall!
May 20, 2019
Amazing Story written by a Duo
Who would’ve thought the heroine in this story was a sharp tongue, anger infused, sexual fiend 18 year old girl. Thankfully Payetta and Justen’s marriage is unconventional but it works for them. As for their small horde of companions, the Heroes Brigade, came to the rescue of those small minded and unwilling to see the dangers they were facing. Before their battle begins, a traveler, Daeken, arrives with a small boy, Shepherd, on his back. He’s looking for kinship, and helps rally more farmers.
I really liked this book! I haven’t successfully completed a Madge book before this. I thoroughly enjoyed the action of battle throughout this read. It was well written and should be read by all!
Who would’ve thought the heroine in this story was a sharp tongue, anger infused, sexual fiend 18 year old girl. Thankfully Payetta and Justen’s marriage is unconventional but it works for them. As for their small horde of companions, the Heroes Brigade, came to the rescue of those small minded and unwilling to see the dangers they were facing. Before their battle begins, a traveler, Daeken, arrives with a small boy, Shepherd, on his back. He’s looking for kinship, and helps rally more farmers.
I really liked this book! I haven’t successfully completed a Madge book before this. I thoroughly enjoyed the action of battle throughout this read. It was well written and should be read by all!
April 10, 2021
A wonderful addition!
I would love to know why the heroine's eyes glow blue instead of green but that really didn't distract me too much from the story. I love love love that TH has a descendant who wants to live up to his values and carry on his fight for the innocent! The fact that he shares some of Char's eye color is just a wonderful way for him to carry a legacy from both great, great-grandparents. I hope that at some point the story can continue because I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I would love to know why the heroine's eyes glow blue instead of green but that really didn't distract me too much from the story. I love love love that TH has a descendant who wants to live up to his values and carry on his fight for the innocent! The fact that he shares some of Char's eye color is just a wonderful way for him to carry a legacy from both great, great-grandparents. I hope that at some point the story can continue because I enjoyed it quite a bit.
December 6, 2018
Beautiful book!
Alright, tbh, i only bought this because i heard that Mr Barr succumbed to his cancer and i wanted to help his family because we are ALL part of the KGU.
Then i read it. Mr Barr is an incredible author. I will be buying the rest of the series and reading it with a heavy heart because he's not around to write anymore.
Mr Barr, wherever you might be, thank you for this. Rest in peace knowing that this part of your legacy will live on in our hearts.
Alright, tbh, i only bought this because i heard that Mr Barr succumbed to his cancer and i wanted to help his family because we are ALL part of the KGU.
Then i read it. Mr Barr is an incredible author. I will be buying the rest of the series and reading it with a heavy heart because he's not around to write anymore.
Mr Barr, wherever you might be, thank you for this. Rest in peace knowing that this part of your legacy will live on in our hearts.
January 10, 2019
Rogue Mage
Payetta is a teenage undercover mage, leading a small ragtag band of fighters trying to hold off the invasion of more powerful mages and deadly raiders. She's a temperamental, foul mouthed scrapper who, luckily, has a calm, loving husband to smooth her rough edges. The story provides humor, lots of edge of your seat action, and many great characters. Thank you Brandon for this great read.
Payetta is a teenage undercover mage, leading a small ragtag band of fighters trying to hold off the invasion of more powerful mages and deadly raiders. She's a temperamental, foul mouthed scrapper who, luckily, has a calm, loving husband to smooth her rough edges. The story provides humor, lots of edge of your seat action, and many great characters. Thank you Brandon for this great read.
October 10, 2017
This has a bunch of impressive characters. The story flows and keeps you engaged. The writing is a bit risque, but at the same time it is humorous which will keep you interested. Payetta, Justen, Daeken and She Grunts are the main characters that you'll grow to love. I can't wait for the next book. Great Reading Everyone!!!
March 10, 2018
Another great read
I loved the characters in this book and cannot wait to meet them again. The characters really mesh well together and I enjoyed a few of the surprises that pop up. The story line is great and really kept me interested. I hope there will be more stories to follow.
I loved the characters in this book and cannot wait to meet them again. The characters really mesh well together and I enjoyed a few of the surprises that pop up. The story line is great and really kept me interested. I hope there will be more stories to follow.
September 16, 2019
This appears to be a medieval magic world without modern technology, but the introduction has it happening after a calamitic change in our future. There are farmers and there are a few people who do magic. We have some heroes led by a 19 year old who does magic (and her not much older husband), and other rare magicians who are conquering to rule. This is the first of a series.
December 25, 2020
This book was really enjoyable. It is unfortunate that there is only one book in this series. It has been several years since it was released. It was worth the read, and I really hope Brandon Barr is doing alright. If he is, I really hope he rights the next book in the series. It was a great addition to the Age of Magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews