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The Mage Chronicles #3
Darkmage
Book 3 of the epic young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles...
Almost two years have passed since Alyx Egalion was first sent to DarkSkull Hall to become a mage. Now a half-trained mage apprentice, Alyx wields a depth of magic that scares even the corrupt Mage Council.
Summoned abruptly home, Alyx and her friends find themselves unprepared for the changes that have occurred in Rionn during their absence. Her father has lost influence at court. Lord-Mage Casovar claims to be protecting Rionn, but his new Mage Guard is harassing citizens on the street. Worse, the Shiven threat is growing, their armies building up along the Rionnan border. Invasion seems inevitable.
When a Taliath is revealed, Alyx and Finn find themselves on opposing sides of a larger battle. Neither of them is willing to yield. Alyx’s special abilities make her a powerful weapon, but they also make her a threat. As darkness sinks its tendrils even deeper into Alistriem, a horrifying discovery drives Alyx and her friends even further apart.
An old enemy is on the hunt…
Almost two years have passed since Alyx Egalion was first sent to DarkSkull Hall to become a mage. Now a half-trained mage apprentice, Alyx wields a depth of magic that scares even the corrupt Mage Council.
Summoned abruptly home, Alyx and her friends find themselves unprepared for the changes that have occurred in Rionn during their absence. Her father has lost influence at court. Lord-Mage Casovar claims to be protecting Rionn, but his new Mage Guard is harassing citizens on the street. Worse, the Shiven threat is growing, their armies building up along the Rionnan border. Invasion seems inevitable.
When a Taliath is revealed, Alyx and Finn find themselves on opposing sides of a larger battle. Neither of them is willing to yield. Alyx’s special abilities make her a powerful weapon, but they also make her a threat. As darkness sinks its tendrils even deeper into Alistriem, a horrifying discovery drives Alyx and her friends even further apart.
An old enemy is on the hunt…
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
408 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2018
164 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Cassidy
18 books256 followersLisa is a fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She’s a self-confessed coffee snob (don’t try coming near her with any of that instant coffee rubbish) but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers.
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 20, 2024
Yep, Ms. Cassidy came through! Alyx has grown and matured - at least enough to really like her, and the story is deepening, and progressing in a way that is SO hard to put down! Now, I’m loving this series! On to the finale!!
May 21, 2021
5 Stars
You know how you start reading an epic fantasy and as you go on, it starts to slow down? Well, not this series. It keeps getting better and better with each book. I can't wait to see how this all turns out¡
You know how you start reading an epic fantasy and as you go on, it starts to slow down? Well, not this series. It keeps getting better and better with each book. I can't wait to see how this all turns out¡
June 12, 2020
Darkmage picks up with Alyx and her friends being suddenly summoned back to Rionn by the lord-mage, Casovar. Back in Rionn, Casovar has taken over the military, has a separate police force dedicated to sniffing out Shiven spies, and has too much influence over the King, to the extent that everyone was turning a blind eye to the methods he was implementing. Not being able to trust anyone, Alyx keeps a tight lid on the extent of her abilities. After that, as revelations after revelations come to light, events start unfolding some to devastating lengths, endangering the lives of loved ones and the future of the world. A threat from the past resurfaces, and the book ends with everyone scattered and too much uncertainty.
I swear the story keeps getting better after each book in the series! The characters have grown on me so much, having seen everything they experienced since the first book. The story is fast-paced and packed with so much suspense I flew through the book. It will be interesting to see how the story will be wrapped up in the next (final) book.
I swear the story keeps getting better after each book in the series! The characters have grown on me so much, having seen everything they experienced since the first book. The story is fast-paced and packed with so much suspense I flew through the book. It will be interesting to see how the story will be wrapped up in the next (final) book.
April 11, 2021
Holy BEJEEZUS. This was amazing but I cried at least three times. Not over any deaths either but the heartbreaking emotions of these characters. My heart is constantly breaking for Dashan. He deserves so much more. Even though Dashan and Alyx is who I ship, I felt sooo bad for Cayr when he found out about them. His love for both of his friends is strong but Cayr’s heartbreak did me in. Cried, I did. I also absolutely love Cario. He comes off as that arrogant, I don’t give a shit about anything boy, when in fact, isn’t true at all. He is much more and such a great addition to this circle of friends. Finn really grinded my gears though, let me tell you. 🙄 I wanted to punch him so bad and still do.
After that ending, I’m ready to start the final book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After that ending, I’m ready to start the final book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
Finally book 3 is available!! Finished it the same day I bought it. Bit of a cliffhanger at the end and spent every moment in the Catch22 wanting to know what would happen but not wanting the book to end! Left a void now that it’s done and I’m waiting for the final of the series (when!? @tatehousebooks doesn’t say!) and am having to remind myself the characters are not actually my friends, they are fictional. Fictional. 10 out of 10!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2019
Really and truly such a good series.
😸 😸 😸 😸 😸
Usually, when I like something this much and am at a loss as to how to say enough good things, I just leave a "ditto" for all the praise in other reviews. For some reason, they're MIA here at Amazon at the time I'm posting this. (You'll find several reviews and ratings on Goodreads.)
This story is well told and the writing craft is excellent. Even though some things are less than subtly foreshadowed, the plot doesn't feel predictable. I wanted to spend time with these characters and share their journeys.
Kindle Unlimited availability is much appreciated.
😸 😸 😸 😸 😸
Usually, when I like something this much and am at a loss as to how to say enough good things, I just leave a "ditto" for all the praise in other reviews. For some reason, they're MIA here at Amazon at the time I'm posting this. (You'll find several reviews and ratings on Goodreads.)
This story is well told and the writing craft is excellent. Even though some things are less than subtly foreshadowed, the plot doesn't feel predictable. I wanted to spend time with these characters and share their journeys.
Kindle Unlimited availability is much appreciated.
November 5, 2021
Robuster
Each book seems to get a little better. This is a series for teenagers or young adults.m
I find them to be excellent for that age group.
The series follows the path of the genre faithfully.
Protagonist finds power they didn't realize , a group of friends who follow without question, the adventure to save their Homeland , the villain as despicable as can be . Throw in the love affair, some teenage angst and viola, a series of epic fantasy.
Good read at an excellent price point .
I highly endorse.
Good work .
If you are into adult fantasy , Game of Thrones , The First Law , etc this series may be to tame .
Each book seems to get a little better. This is a series for teenagers or young adults.m
I find them to be excellent for that age group.
The series follows the path of the genre faithfully.
Protagonist finds power they didn't realize , a group of friends who follow without question, the adventure to save their Homeland , the villain as despicable as can be . Throw in the love affair, some teenage angst and viola, a series of epic fantasy.
Good read at an excellent price point .
I highly endorse.
Good work .
If you are into adult fantasy , Game of Thrones , The First Law , etc this series may be to tame .
May 18, 2022
This series just keeps getting better and better, each installment more intricate, more detailed, more wonderful than the last. I love each and every character so much - Lisa Cassidy is an absolute master at character development. I feel so close to all these characters, am proud of them, am growing with them, am cheering them on and crying with them.
This may be a YA series, but the world and the journey is epic so far.
This may be a YA series, but the world and the journey is epic so far.
August 19, 2018
This book steps up the action from the previous two books. The characters also experience more turmoil in this book, so there's plenty of development of each of them. I'd definitely continue with the series if you've read the other two. I would recommend reading it in one go, as it's an easy page-turner and a pretty enjoyable way to make time fly.
January 19, 2019
Wow, just wow...
This book has completely blown me away! I feel like I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through! This was full of so much heartache for Alyx. I cried right along with her. And such a testing time for her friendships also. Truly amazing book, would definitely recommend this series
This book has completely blown me away! I feel like I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through! This was full of so much heartache for Alyx. I cried right along with her. And such a testing time for her friendships also. Truly amazing book, would definitely recommend this series
October 14, 2021
Man this book was a rollercoaster! I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. I love how Cassidy writes flawed characters. They make mistakes, they feel the good and the bad. It only makes me feel for them more. I can't lie, my heart broke more than once in this book. Here's hoping the 4th book mends it maybe a little.
February 7, 2022
Mage chronicles 3
spoiler alert in next paragraph. Recommend this book and series
A number of things revealed. Some surprises. Plot holds true to the other two. Book plods a bit w nightmares nightmares. Author could've left out at least twenty of them Some of the angst and longing went on and on.
But good nonetheless.
spoiler alert in next paragraph. Recommend this book and series
A number of things revealed. Some surprises. Plot holds true to the other two. Book plods a bit w nightmares nightmares. Author could've left out at least twenty of them Some of the angst and longing went on and on.
But good nonetheless.
December 22, 2022
3.5 stars
This series has gotten progressively better with each book. Honestly, I’m kind of impressed with the quality jump between this and the last. I’m not sure if it’s me watching the author improve her craft in real time, or if it’s because of story progression. Regardless, I enjoyed all the drama and intrigue, even if some characters (alyx and finn) got on my nerves sometimes.
This series has gotten progressively better with each book. Honestly, I’m kind of impressed with the quality jump between this and the last. I’m not sure if it’s me watching the author improve her craft in real time, or if it’s because of story progression. Regardless, I enjoyed all the drama and intrigue, even if some characters (alyx and finn) got on my nerves sometimes.
January 11, 2019
This is book 3 of the Mage Chronicles series and I loved it! The intrigue, suspense and fast moving plot made it so difficult for me to put this book down, and the ending left me impatient for the next book. Can't wait!
October 27, 2020
Lisa why are doing this 😭😭😭😭 this was so cruel of an ending... A perfect development of the storyline, but cruel nonetheless :( I loved how things were going for a while and then you went and did what you did. I'm not feeling well
April 11, 2021
I’m just here for DASH. Jk I love this story so much, it’s really the perfect books to go to when you feel down or if you’re slumping and need something fast paced, action packed and occasionally cute to pull you through. Cant wait to get to the final book!!
February 13, 2022
darkmage chronicles
Just finished the third book in the series, am completely addicted to the story and all the characters, the plot is brilliant and could put the books down to each one was read. Am about to read the next book and can’t wait
Just finished the third book in the series, am completely addicted to the story and all the characters, the plot is brilliant and could put the books down to each one was read. Am about to read the next book and can’t wait
February 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this one as well and it was a great continuation in the series. There were a few pet peeves that popped up starting in this one, but it's hard to discuss without putting in spoilers. I still really enjoyed it and would recommend the book and series.
March 2, 2018
Fast moving plot and three dimensional characters. I can't wait for the final of the series.
March 4, 2018
The Mage Chronicles have made a terrific (Australian) summer read for me. Really looking forwards to the conclusion.
August 28, 2020
I love this book, it continues Alyx's story & I couldn't put it down. I love watching Alyx's character continue to change as she tries to figure out who to trust & if she should follow her heart
September 7, 2020
My favorite of the 3 books
This one has more action and story movement, my only complaint is I just wish it wasn’t so predictable , like too much foreshadowing and hints
This one has more action and story movement, my only complaint is I just wish it wasn’t so predictable , like too much foreshadowing and hints
October 14, 2020
Each book gets better
I enjoyed this book looking forward to the next book in this series. Once I finish this series I will check out more books by Ms Cassidy
I enjoyed this book looking forward to the next book in this series. Once I finish this series I will check out more books by Ms Cassidy
May 9, 2021
Excellent books, fast paced with twists and turns
September 19, 2021
Best of the series
This book is best of the series so far. I did a lot of skimming in the first two books, but this one I read.
Great series, great storylines!
This book is best of the series so far. I did a lot of skimming in the first two books, but this one I read.
Great series, great storylines!
December 31, 2021
A totally smashing series I am to on my 4th book this is a real page turned
February 18, 2022
Another fabulous book in this series. Instantly going to start the next. I've stopped doing anything else just to read these stories. Absolutely gripping.
June 15, 2022
Superb read!
Excellent combination of world-weaving and character arc developments. Truly, terrific rhythms and cadence. I really love the clean reading also!
Excellent combination of world-weaving and character arc developments. Truly, terrific rhythms and cadence. I really love the clean reading also!
October 18, 2022
This series is seriously epic and develops with every book, I'm so curious to see where it's going!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews