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Age of Dread #2
Magefall
The land is in turmoil. Mages are hunted by men and gods alike. Even their own kind betray each other in the name of safety and protection.
With their last refuge fallen, two young mages must conspire against a god to show the world that their abilities aren't a curse; they are the only way to ensure lasting peace. Under the threat of anti-magic fanatics, Wren struggles to find her place as a leader and to keep her people safe as they build a new home. While Danoph searches for answers on a spiritual journey, determined to find out who he really is and where he came from in an effort to calm the coming storm.
Their world has turned against them, yet only they can save the world.
With their last refuge fallen, two young mages must conspire against a god to show the world that their abilities aren't a curse; they are the only way to ensure lasting peace. Under the threat of anti-magic fanatics, Wren struggles to find her place as a leader and to keep her people safe as they build a new home. While Danoph searches for answers on a spiritual journey, determined to find out who he really is and where he came from in an effort to calm the coming storm.
Their world has turned against them, yet only they can save the world.
438 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2018
55 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Aryan
17 books756 followersI’m a lifelong fan of fantasy and science fiction. It started with The Hobbit, The Belgariad, the Earthsea books, the Shannara books, DragonLance and then David Gemmell, who was a huge influence on my writing.
My novels include:-
The Nightingale and the Falcon trilogy
The Judas Blossom (July 2023)
The Blood Dimmed Tide (9 July 2024)
The Judas Blossom 3 (July 2025)
The Quest for Heroes duology
-The Coward (June 2021)
- The Warrior (August 2022)
Age of Darkness (first trilogy)
- Battlemage
- Bloodmage
- Chaosmage
Age of Dread (second trilogy)
-Mageborn
-Magefall
-Magebane
A prequel novella to everything, Of Gods and Men, was published in February 2018.
I am represented by Juliet Mushens of Mushens Entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 21, 2018
Could not get past page 90. Loved the first book but this for me was just not happening.
July 30, 2020
Rating: 3.7/5
Review: Quite a step up from "Mage Born" which read like a disheveled nurse in a pox factory.......jumpy. There is still a bit of circuitous back story that slows the read and emotional introspection that fails to go deep enough to matter. Explaining to yourself why you are, the way you are based on your past, is rather myopic and fails to transcend the reader to a backing position of the character. In short, you really don't care what happens to them. The characters that you do care for have established themselves in prior novels and benefit from subtle development. This can be applied to new characters as seen by the young mage, Kalina. She has a short and intense background which quickly establishes her persona and is able to drift through the story line in meaningful ways.
So Wren sucks, as the constant bombardment of speshulness is never ending as is the "splaining" of her emotions based on every single event. If it is not tied to Drassia and her family, then the faults are more immediate and external to her experience. "Oh, I get all weepy and stuff, oh and I twemble too when thinking of dummy who died in agonizing ways as I was protecting myself. But it's still my fawlt, I'm just sure of it. Forget that these raiders have killed everyone in their path and we're next but I can't kill again, even though I didn't really kill in the first place...". I thought Tianne would be the loser in this novel, but she turned out pretty good what with escaping a dead end predicament.
Balfruss and Munroe are really good, and the fight scenes between mages is really well done. There are a few show downs that drive the focus of this novel. Inventive magic is key here and the author delivers in spades. Looking forward to the finale'.
Review: Quite a step up from "Mage Born" which read like a disheveled nurse in a pox factory.......jumpy. There is still a bit of circuitous back story that slows the read and emotional introspection that fails to go deep enough to matter. Explaining to yourself why you are, the way you are based on your past, is rather myopic and fails to transcend the reader to a backing position of the character. In short, you really don't care what happens to them. The characters that you do care for have established themselves in prior novels and benefit from subtle development. This can be applied to new characters as seen by the young mage, Kalina. She has a short and intense background which quickly establishes her persona and is able to drift through the story line in meaningful ways.
So Wren sucks, as the constant bombardment of speshulness is never ending as is the "splaining" of her emotions based on every single event. If it is not tied to Drassia and her family, then the faults are more immediate and external to her experience. "Oh, I get all weepy and stuff, oh and I twemble too when thinking of dummy who died in agonizing ways as I was protecting myself. But it's still my fawlt, I'm just sure of it. Forget that these raiders have killed everyone in their path and we're next but I can't kill again, even though I didn't really kill in the first place...". I thought Tianne would be the loser in this novel, but she turned out pretty good what with escaping a dead end predicament.
Balfruss and Munroe are really good, and the fight scenes between mages is really well done. There are a few show downs that drive the focus of this novel. Inventive magic is key here and the author delivers in spades. Looking forward to the finale'.
April 2, 2019
I absolutely loved the first trilogy (Age of Darkness) and the author's writing greatly improved throughout the series. There is some wish-fulfillment in Balfruss, the sorcerer, and that is fine by me. In fact, I have re-read several portions of the books. If you enjoyed that trilogy, I recommend the Age of Dread series.
The Age of Dread series, however, builds on the previous trilogy. Do not feel compelled to go back and read the first trilogy - the books stand fine on their own. The story, however, can be more satisfying if you start from the beginning. Of course, the first three books are great on their own, so you can't go wrong if you hold off on the Age of Dread series to read the first trilogy.
The first book of the Age of Dread series was just not as fun as the previous trilogy so I was worried about Magefall. My concern was misplaced. Apparently, the author felt it necessary to add a fair amount of world-setting exposition in the first book which, let's face it, is just not as exciting. Based on the foundation of the previous book, Magefall includes plenty of action and intensifies mysteries and tensions. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I read Magefall in about three days which is blazing fast for me. The family had to settle down without me for a little while. :-)
The Age of Dread series, however, builds on the previous trilogy. Do not feel compelled to go back and read the first trilogy - the books stand fine on their own. The story, however, can be more satisfying if you start from the beginning. Of course, the first three books are great on their own, so you can't go wrong if you hold off on the Age of Dread series to read the first trilogy.
The first book of the Age of Dread series was just not as fun as the previous trilogy so I was worried about Magefall. My concern was misplaced. Apparently, the author felt it necessary to add a fair amount of world-setting exposition in the first book which, let's face it, is just not as exciting. Based on the foundation of the previous book, Magefall includes plenty of action and intensifies mysteries and tensions. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I read Magefall in about three days which is blazing fast for me. The family had to settle down without me for a little while. :-)
November 21, 2018
I received a copy of Magefall from Hachette Australia to review.
In the aftermath of the devastating battlemage war, magic became mistrusted and feared by the common population of all the lands. However, the mysterious Akosh managed to turn this mistrust into outright hatred, and her manipulations and minions led the populace to attack and destroy the Red Tower, the seat of all magical learning. While the tower was destroyed, many of its students and teachers managed to escape and the outcast mages must now find a new path for their magic and abilities.
While the powerful and disturbed former instructor of the Red Tower, Garvey, leads several of his former students on a murderous rampage through the countryside, three other refugees from the Red Tower attempt to change the public perception of magic. Wren and Danoph have started their own community of mages in the abandoned fringes of Shael, and attempt to protect the local villages from a murderous band of bandits. At the same time, their friend Tianne returns home to Zecorria in order to take advantage of the regent’s amnesty for mages. But as she begins to work in an official capacity for the regent, she is forced to become more involved in his despotic policies.
Elsewhere, Akosh continues to manipulate events across the lands, attempting to gain even more influence and control. However, her actions have not gone unnoticed, and several individuals are rallying to counter her bid for power. The new head of the Guardians, Tammy, moves to shatter Akosh’s influence in the country of Shael, but how far will she go to win this fight, and what will the consequences be? Old friends Balfruss and Vargus attempt to counter both Garvey and Akosh, while Munroe, the most powerful mage in existence, embarks on deadly rampage to find Akosh and get her revenge. But Akosh is far more powerful than anyone believes possible, and what will happen when a mage goes up against a god?
Magefall is an intriguing and enjoyable book from talented fantasy author Stephen Aryan and one that I had a lot of fun reading. Magefall is the second book in Aryan’s Age of Dread trilogy, which followed on from his initial The Age of Darkness trilogy. I have to admit that I have not had a chance to read any of Aryan’s previous books before, and as a result, I had a bit of a harder time getting into this story initially, due to the author’s assumption of his readers’ knowledge of the four previous books’ established plot and lore. While I was eventually given a clearer picture of some of the previous events, the initial confusion and uncertainty when it came to certain plot points did slightly colour my assessment of this book. As a result, I have knocked my rating down to four stars, rather than the four and a half stars I probably would have given to it if I were more familiar with the previous books in this universe. That being said, Magefall is still an amazing piece of fantasy fiction that I really enjoyed, and I am intending to check out some of Aryan’s previous novels at a later date.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/11/21/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
In the aftermath of the devastating battlemage war, magic became mistrusted and feared by the common population of all the lands. However, the mysterious Akosh managed to turn this mistrust into outright hatred, and her manipulations and minions led the populace to attack and destroy the Red Tower, the seat of all magical learning. While the tower was destroyed, many of its students and teachers managed to escape and the outcast mages must now find a new path for their magic and abilities.
While the powerful and disturbed former instructor of the Red Tower, Garvey, leads several of his former students on a murderous rampage through the countryside, three other refugees from the Red Tower attempt to change the public perception of magic. Wren and Danoph have started their own community of mages in the abandoned fringes of Shael, and attempt to protect the local villages from a murderous band of bandits. At the same time, their friend Tianne returns home to Zecorria in order to take advantage of the regent’s amnesty for mages. But as she begins to work in an official capacity for the regent, she is forced to become more involved in his despotic policies.
Elsewhere, Akosh continues to manipulate events across the lands, attempting to gain even more influence and control. However, her actions have not gone unnoticed, and several individuals are rallying to counter her bid for power. The new head of the Guardians, Tammy, moves to shatter Akosh’s influence in the country of Shael, but how far will she go to win this fight, and what will the consequences be? Old friends Balfruss and Vargus attempt to counter both Garvey and Akosh, while Munroe, the most powerful mage in existence, embarks on deadly rampage to find Akosh and get her revenge. But Akosh is far more powerful than anyone believes possible, and what will happen when a mage goes up against a god?
Magefall is an intriguing and enjoyable book from talented fantasy author Stephen Aryan and one that I had a lot of fun reading. Magefall is the second book in Aryan’s Age of Dread trilogy, which followed on from his initial The Age of Darkness trilogy. I have to admit that I have not had a chance to read any of Aryan’s previous books before, and as a result, I had a bit of a harder time getting into this story initially, due to the author’s assumption of his readers’ knowledge of the four previous books’ established plot and lore. While I was eventually given a clearer picture of some of the previous events, the initial confusion and uncertainty when it came to certain plot points did slightly colour my assessment of this book. As a result, I have knocked my rating down to four stars, rather than the four and a half stars I probably would have given to it if I were more familiar with the previous books in this universe. That being said, Magefall is still an amazing piece of fantasy fiction that I really enjoyed, and I am intending to check out some of Aryan’s previous novels at a later date.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/11/21/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
August 6, 2025
4.5 rounded to 4. Great book, with some slight overcrowding and pacing issues. I've really become a fan of Stephen Aryan's writing! The man knows how to do a plot twist.
July 17, 2022
I tek sada cijela priča dobija smisao.
November 5, 2018
A good sequel to Mageborn, and it picks up right after the ending of the previous book. The pacing as usual is brilliant, and Aryan focuses on plot, events, as well as character developments. It begins right after the fall of the 'Red Tower' and the tumultuous aftermath of the bloody uprising against magic and sorcerers. It doesn't have the pulse-pounding action, rather is filled with an atmosphere of tension and hostility.
Here we get three major story arcs - one Wren and her community's struggles against a group of murderous bandits, two the quest for Munroe's vengeance, Tianne's attempt to find herself a identity and sense of respect in her home kingdom. There is a whole lot of politics going on where both gods and men are meddled up pretty dangerously. Magic is still seen as a curse, and those born with abilities are either killed or hidden. Meanwhile, the Guardians investigate regarding the violence done in the name of magic and discovers a prime suspect. While, a powerful sorceress is bent on getting revenge against an immortal for her family's demise, while the rumors add to the situation seething with mistrust and unstability.
There were some surprises along the way regarding character revealations and motives which was pretty interesting. Balfruss here didn't have much role to play, though he did appear on a few situations, one of them being his confrontation with Garvey. I particularly was intrigued by Akosh and her ruthless manipulation of her followers. Her confrontation with Munroe was epic and terrible. Munroe is quite the badass lady sorceress here who doesn't give a fuck about anything. Her grief and wrath was violently destructive. Tianne was a very conflicting character who comes out of her naivete. She learns that nothing is simple as she thought, and her interactions with Garvey reveals a lot about her. I want to see how she grows into her potential and what role doe she play in the upcoming conflict. And, what surprised and terrified me more was Kai and his horrific ambition. I'm interested to see how the Alliance between him and Akosh play out in the end. Wren here develops more significantly as a character. She grows to be a leader of her small community of friends and followers. She unites them like a family, and fights with them against all odds to protect innocents and commoners alike. Her decisions and outlook while fighting Boric reveals her inner strength as well as her discipline. Danoph also develops his mysterious powers and is a supportive pillar to Wren. There is a surprise about his background in the end which will excite the readers to no ends.
This was an exciting read, and it builds up the tempo for the climax that is to come. I can't wait for the third book to come out. Stephen Aryan is a strong storyteller with a magic of his own. I hope, The third book will be a epic blast of gods and men and sorcerers in a great battle. Magefall promised this, and I want the mysteries of Kai, Elwei, Vargus, the Maker, and Munroe's family revealed soon.
Here we get three major story arcs - one Wren and her community's struggles against a group of murderous bandits, two the quest for Munroe's vengeance, Tianne's attempt to find herself a identity and sense of respect in her home kingdom. There is a whole lot of politics going on where both gods and men are meddled up pretty dangerously. Magic is still seen as a curse, and those born with abilities are either killed or hidden. Meanwhile, the Guardians investigate regarding the violence done in the name of magic and discovers a prime suspect. While, a powerful sorceress is bent on getting revenge against an immortal for her family's demise, while the rumors add to the situation seething with mistrust and unstability.
There were some surprises along the way regarding character revealations and motives which was pretty interesting. Balfruss here didn't have much role to play, though he did appear on a few situations, one of them being his confrontation with Garvey. I particularly was intrigued by Akosh and her ruthless manipulation of her followers. Her confrontation with Munroe was epic and terrible. Munroe is quite the badass lady sorceress here who doesn't give a fuck about anything. Her grief and wrath was violently destructive. Tianne was a very conflicting character who comes out of her naivete. She learns that nothing is simple as she thought, and her interactions with Garvey reveals a lot about her. I want to see how she grows into her potential and what role doe she play in the upcoming conflict. And, what surprised and terrified me more was Kai and his horrific ambition. I'm interested to see how the Alliance between him and Akosh play out in the end. Wren here develops more significantly as a character. She grows to be a leader of her small community of friends and followers. She unites them like a family, and fights with them against all odds to protect innocents and commoners alike. Her decisions and outlook while fighting Boric reveals her inner strength as well as her discipline. Danoph also develops his mysterious powers and is a supportive pillar to Wren. There is a surprise about his background in the end which will excite the readers to no ends.
This was an exciting read, and it builds up the tempo for the climax that is to come. I can't wait for the third book to come out. Stephen Aryan is a strong storyteller with a magic of his own. I hope, The third book will be a epic blast of gods and men and sorcerers in a great battle. Magefall promised this, and I want the mysteries of Kai, Elwei, Vargus, the Maker, and Munroe's family revealed soon.
March 30, 2019
Now, I love Stephen Aryan's work. I think he's an amazing author who truly knows how to write and create a dynamic story with diverse and intense characters. I love his world and what he does with it; I love how he brings the characters to life and how he makes you turn page after page. I love how he takes the concept of gods and turns it into his own thing that are so unique and wonderful that it makes me crave more stories about them.
Magefall was a slower book - and I think I just have to accept that Age of Dread is a slower trilogy than The Age Of Darkness - and that's okay! It was building up a sense of the world and the characters. I did miss some of the action from the first trilogy, but I think I simply have to stop comparing them because they're not the same thing at all. I'm excited to see Aryan tie the threads of the story together in the next book.
Magefall was a slower book - and I think I just have to accept that Age of Dread is a slower trilogy than The Age Of Darkness - and that's okay! It was building up a sense of the world and the characters. I did miss some of the action from the first trilogy, but I think I simply have to stop comparing them because they're not the same thing at all. I'm excited to see Aryan tie the threads of the story together in the next book.
October 9, 2018
Oh. My. God.
This book! Ah I don’t even know what I can say that will do it justice. The way he writes his books are just so easy to read, they drag you deep into it just when it’s needed. The way he builds his characters and plots read so effortlessly that I can never say a bad word about them!
The book continued from Mage born and is following the key characters and after the events of what happened to the red tower and the build up to it. Munroe is by far one of my favourite characters from both trilogies and watching her story progress makes me love her even more, I cannot wait for the last book because the way this one has been it has set the final instalment open to something that I can imagine is going to be pretty spectacular. Whenever I write a review I’m always wary of giving away any spoilers because I don’t want to ruin the experience for anyone, I will drop this though, you know shits about to get real when you read this...
“Kill them all” said the Queen
😍 my favourite quote
This book! Ah I don’t even know what I can say that will do it justice. The way he writes his books are just so easy to read, they drag you deep into it just when it’s needed. The way he builds his characters and plots read so effortlessly that I can never say a bad word about them!
The book continued from Mage born and is following the key characters and after the events of what happened to the red tower and the build up to it. Munroe is by far one of my favourite characters from both trilogies and watching her story progress makes me love her even more, I cannot wait for the last book because the way this one has been it has set the final instalment open to something that I can imagine is going to be pretty spectacular. Whenever I write a review I’m always wary of giving away any spoilers because I don’t want to ruin the experience for anyone, I will drop this though, you know shits about to get real when you read this...
“Kill them all” said the Queen
😍 my favourite quote
September 10, 2018
Great middle book
This book has hinted to so many potential storylines for the third. I can't wait to find out what happens next!! So many subtle clues. So many good characters. So many potentials stories.
I must admit, Monroe and Wren are my favourite. Hoping in the third book Monroe gets more of the spotlight...
I have so many unanswered questions, which is typical of a second book.
This book is good context and develops from where the first left off well.
Please don't make us wait long for the next!!
This book has hinted to so many potential storylines for the third. I can't wait to find out what happens next!! So many subtle clues. So many good characters. So many potentials stories.
I must admit, Monroe and Wren are my favourite. Hoping in the third book Monroe gets more of the spotlight...
I have so many unanswered questions, which is typical of a second book.
This book is good context and develops from where the first left off well.
Please don't make us wait long for the next!!
March 6, 2023
I will not lie. I struggled advancing with this one.
Though I like the characters, I felt some parts lacked depth in the writing whilst other parts seemed overly repetitive; some parts of the plot felt senseless and not very well thought-out.
However, as I read through it I found myself enjoying it more and more.
One thing is for sure, with Stephen Aryan, you end up completely immersed in the characters' storyline.
Though slow, the plot is surely advancing, and there were some twists at the end of the book I was not expecting, at all.
Overall, a positive experience and I look forward to starting the next book.
Though I like the characters, I felt some parts lacked depth in the writing whilst other parts seemed overly repetitive; some parts of the plot felt senseless and not very well thought-out.
However, as I read through it I found myself enjoying it more and more.
One thing is for sure, with Stephen Aryan, you end up completely immersed in the characters' storyline.
Though slow, the plot is surely advancing, and there were some twists at the end of the book I was not expecting, at all.
Overall, a positive experience and I look forward to starting the next book.
December 19, 2018
Too many words. I am awaiting the next novel with stretched patience.
December 25, 2018
Another great story full of wonderful characters, old friends and old enemies. It’s hard to believe there’s only one more book left in this fantastic world. Say it ain’t so Stephen 😀
September 26, 2018
Next one please !!!
Couldn't put the book down. Brilliant series. Chomping at the bit for the next book !!! Hopfully many more to come. Tv series would be cool 😁😁😁
Couldn't put the book down. Brilliant series. Chomping at the bit for the next book !!! Hopfully many more to come. Tv series would be cool 😁😁😁
September 27, 2018
I love this book! Love this series! And recommend to all epic fantasy lovers. Stephen Aryan has become my favourite author! I can not wait for his last book and to read what he writes next!.
September 11, 2018
Yet another amazing book! Munroe is my absoloute favourite character and i cannot wait for the next book now!!!
November 27, 2018
As this series continues to grow I find myself growing evermore amazed of the vast scope in which Steven Aryan must see this series. Every time I feel like I'm beginning to know where this series is headed it shifts again. It's almost as if my merely mortal mind can't fully grasp the god's play unfolding across the pages. Take my advice and dive in, it's well worth the ride, just don't expect roses and rainbows along the way.
October 31, 2018
Great book.This second book continues the story from mage born unlike the second book from the first trilogy. Some great character developments and this is a must read for anyone who likes fantasy.
April 13, 2019
4.5 / 5 stars
Originally reviewed on: https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/
I actually received a free copy of Magefall a little while after it was published, and am kinda embarrassed to admit that I put it off for so long. Not because of the wait. I read what I like, and sadly it kept getting pushed back. But mostly… mostly because it was really good. I’m a big fan of Stephen Aryan’s books, and this one was no exception.
I really shouldn’t have to say it, but my opinions are my own, and I don’t change them for anyone, even nice people that send me free books. Don’t let that stop you, though.
Mageborn saw the fall of the Red Tower. Mages and talents alike became reviled, hated for the magic they were born with. Children showing the spark were no longer delivered so that they might be trained but drowned in rivers or smothered in their sleep. The former high mage’s council has fractured into three; each now traveling their own path. Balfruss—arguably the most powerful mage alive—accompanied by Eloise, he leads his group into the east, and to safety. They are welcomed by the desert kingdoms, but once there, it is difficult to return. Garvey leads the faction of students that refuses to bow, nor to run. They rove between the borderlands of Zecorria and Yerskania, murdering and razing towns that will not allow them succor. They become feared, hated, in equal measure. Wren leads a small group out into the wilds of Shael, where they set up camp and try to learn, grow, survive. They are safe, for now. In Yerskania, Monroe searches in vain for her family, an anger unlike anything the world has seen building within her. In Perizzi, Tammy suffers under the mantle of leadership, trying to guide the Guardians through a web of lies and betrayal, while their country crumbles from within. In Zecorria, the Regent attempts to create his own cabal of mages, but for the safety of it or power it brings only he can say. On another plane, gods and immortals play quite a different game, each with their own pieces and rules. Akosh, one such being, plays a dangerous game. But if she can maneuver it correctly, there waits a sea of certainty and power in an uncertain world. But as always, Vargus lurks nearby, waiting for any that dare cheat. A storm looms, and none know where the wind shall take it.
Magefall continues the Age of Dread trilogy (which follows the Age of Darkness trilogy, and will likely precede the Age of Sunshine and Adorable Bunnies trilogy), which began with Mageborn, and in which Stephen Aryan firmly establishes himself as one of the masters of dark fantasy. The quality of the world continues from the pinnacle it reached in Chaosmage and while most of the POV feature returning characters, there are a few new faces as well. The story is solid and yet toes the line between simply advancing the overarching plot and going off on its own course. It’s… it does advance the Age of Dread plot. But there exist slight distractions between this and the characters’ own individual stories, some of which are more self-contained than threads in a greater story.
The overarching plot isn’t terribly intricate, with the events of Aryan’s debut Battlemage as the main focus. The war that turned people firmly against magic. While the Age of Darkness has ended, and the darkness pushed back, the commonfolk it seems are not eager to return to such a time. And there you have it. Short and sweet. I mean, it’s not terribly inventive, and one could say that Aryan is certainly getting his money’s worth out of his first novel. But it works. And it’s entertaining. So, I don’t really have a problem with it.
I really loved this book. The characters, the depth, the world-building, the plot (even though I found it a bit simple), the writing were all truly amazing. Almost up to Chaosmage levels. I’ve really enjoyed the journey so far, and Magefall did nothing to dampen my enthusiasm.
The most inconsistency Magefall shows is in its characters. Though not their motivations, nor arcs. It’s mostly the POVCs (Point Of View Chapters) in the text. Munroe had increasingly dark POVCs throughout, which—though holding to her deepening thirst for vengeance—made her chapters do little more for me than to move the story along. Akosh was difficult to relate to as all gods are, but particularly the kind of god that you’ve seen in POVCs since Battlemage and are still trying to figure out how they work exactly. But minor players in Book 1; Tianne, Danoph and Garvey stepped into the spotlight. Honestly, two even featured twists I never saw coming. One was so surprising that I keep going back and rereading it. For the most part, the POVs of Magefall I found grossly entertaining, even the few I had trouble relating to. The one-hit wonders provided a bit of struggle, as they do anywhere really. Still, you’re going to encounter that in 99% of novels, and this was by no means flagrant, or a deal-breaker. It may’ve helped hold the book back from a full 5 star rating, but did little else. Magefall is still damn good. And if you haven’t yet read any of Aryan’s books, it’s past time to start.
Pleasantly but not devilishly dark, Magefall features both deep and relatively green characters, both of which help drive its excellent story. While a few, minor inconsistencies and the occasional dropped POV held it back from being something truly special, Magefall is nevertheless one of my favorite Aryan books, and so far the best book I’ve read this year. Can’t wait for Magebane. It drops in June, giving everyone just enough time to catch up on the series if they haven’t already done so.
But.
Literally. Cannot. Wait.
Originally reviewed on: https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/
I actually received a free copy of Magefall a little while after it was published, and am kinda embarrassed to admit that I put it off for so long. Not because of the wait. I read what I like, and sadly it kept getting pushed back. But mostly… mostly because it was really good. I’m a big fan of Stephen Aryan’s books, and this one was no exception.
I really shouldn’t have to say it, but my opinions are my own, and I don’t change them for anyone, even nice people that send me free books. Don’t let that stop you, though.
Mageborn saw the fall of the Red Tower. Mages and talents alike became reviled, hated for the magic they were born with. Children showing the spark were no longer delivered so that they might be trained but drowned in rivers or smothered in their sleep. The former high mage’s council has fractured into three; each now traveling their own path. Balfruss—arguably the most powerful mage alive—accompanied by Eloise, he leads his group into the east, and to safety. They are welcomed by the desert kingdoms, but once there, it is difficult to return. Garvey leads the faction of students that refuses to bow, nor to run. They rove between the borderlands of Zecorria and Yerskania, murdering and razing towns that will not allow them succor. They become feared, hated, in equal measure. Wren leads a small group out into the wilds of Shael, where they set up camp and try to learn, grow, survive. They are safe, for now. In Yerskania, Monroe searches in vain for her family, an anger unlike anything the world has seen building within her. In Perizzi, Tammy suffers under the mantle of leadership, trying to guide the Guardians through a web of lies and betrayal, while their country crumbles from within. In Zecorria, the Regent attempts to create his own cabal of mages, but for the safety of it or power it brings only he can say. On another plane, gods and immortals play quite a different game, each with their own pieces and rules. Akosh, one such being, plays a dangerous game. But if she can maneuver it correctly, there waits a sea of certainty and power in an uncertain world. But as always, Vargus lurks nearby, waiting for any that dare cheat. A storm looms, and none know where the wind shall take it.
Magefall continues the Age of Dread trilogy (which follows the Age of Darkness trilogy, and will likely precede the Age of Sunshine and Adorable Bunnies trilogy), which began with Mageborn, and in which Stephen Aryan firmly establishes himself as one of the masters of dark fantasy. The quality of the world continues from the pinnacle it reached in Chaosmage and while most of the POV feature returning characters, there are a few new faces as well. The story is solid and yet toes the line between simply advancing the overarching plot and going off on its own course. It’s… it does advance the Age of Dread plot. But there exist slight distractions between this and the characters’ own individual stories, some of which are more self-contained than threads in a greater story.
The overarching plot isn’t terribly intricate, with the events of Aryan’s debut Battlemage as the main focus. The war that turned people firmly against magic. While the Age of Darkness has ended, and the darkness pushed back, the commonfolk it seems are not eager to return to such a time. And there you have it. Short and sweet. I mean, it’s not terribly inventive, and one could say that Aryan is certainly getting his money’s worth out of his first novel. But it works. And it’s entertaining. So, I don’t really have a problem with it.
I really loved this book. The characters, the depth, the world-building, the plot (even though I found it a bit simple), the writing were all truly amazing. Almost up to Chaosmage levels. I’ve really enjoyed the journey so far, and Magefall did nothing to dampen my enthusiasm.
The most inconsistency Magefall shows is in its characters. Though not their motivations, nor arcs. It’s mostly the POVCs (Point Of View Chapters) in the text. Munroe had increasingly dark POVCs throughout, which—though holding to her deepening thirst for vengeance—made her chapters do little more for me than to move the story along. Akosh was difficult to relate to as all gods are, but particularly the kind of god that you’ve seen in POVCs since Battlemage and are still trying to figure out how they work exactly. But minor players in Book 1; Tianne, Danoph and Garvey stepped into the spotlight. Honestly, two even featured twists I never saw coming. One was so surprising that I keep going back and rereading it. For the most part, the POVs of Magefall I found grossly entertaining, even the few I had trouble relating to. The one-hit wonders provided a bit of struggle, as they do anywhere really. Still, you’re going to encounter that in 99% of novels, and this was by no means flagrant, or a deal-breaker. It may’ve helped hold the book back from a full 5 star rating, but did little else. Magefall is still damn good. And if you haven’t yet read any of Aryan’s books, it’s past time to start.
Pleasantly but not devilishly dark, Magefall features both deep and relatively green characters, both of which help drive its excellent story. While a few, minor inconsistencies and the occasional dropped POV held it back from being something truly special, Magefall is nevertheless one of my favorite Aryan books, and so far the best book I’ve read this year. Can’t wait for Magebane. It drops in June, giving everyone just enough time to catch up on the series if they haven’t already done so.
But.
Literally. Cannot. Wait.
June 5, 2020
Nouvelle résolution en 2020 : Ne pas laisser trainer mes séries. Allez, hop hop hop on se bouge et on se met à jour sur les sagas en cours, on lambine pas ! Après avoir lu Mageborn il y a quelques semaines, j’enchaine donc avec Magefall, la suite de la seconde trilogie de Stephen Aryan.
La fin de l’épisode précédent nous a montré de bien terribles évènements, la tour est tombée, les élèves et le personnel de l’école se sont éparpillés dans la nature et répartis en différents groupes avec différentes « philosophies ». Eloïse est partie mettre certains élèves à l’abri à l’étranger, d’autres ont choisi de se fondre dans la population pour faire profil bas, Garvey est bien décidé à résister, et un quatrième groupe veut construire une nouvelle voie et une nouvelle communauté avec Wren, Tianne et Danoph. Tammy endosse ses nouvelles responsabilités et va continuer son enquête tandis que Munroe est super énervée, elle part en chasse pour accomplir sa vengeance. Leur cible est bien évidemment Akosh qui tire encore les ficelles dans l’ombre.
Dans cette suite on a effectivement beaucoup de points de vue différents à explorer, l’action est très éclatée et chacun fait sa tambouille de son côté. Certains font un peu « quête secondaire » (Wren contre les voleurs, par exemple) mais on suit avec plaisir toutes les trames mélangées qui permettent une évolution aux personnages qui sont tous très intéressants. Il y a quand même un petit effet « Second tome de trilogie » qui donne des développements mais laisse au troisième tome le soin de retricoter tous les fils de cette trame. Les seuls passages un peu moins intéressants pour moi ont été le point de vue d’Akosh, ça complote, ça discute, mais c’est nécessaire aussi. Par dessus tout ça, l’auteur développe toujours sa politique entre les différents pays et les reines et régents qui se positionnent face aux mages. C’est excellent mais manque toujours peut-être d’une carte pour situer les pays qu’on mélange un peu.
La série prend une tournure assez « X-Men » avec ces mages qui ont des positions différentes dans leur rapport aux « moldus », schisme qui sera encore plus incarné par l’opposition entre Balfruss et Garvey qui jouent un peu les « Professeur Xavier contre Magneto » de cet univers. Comme chez les mutants, la situation est socialement explosive mais chaque point de vue est compréhensible, on explore la peur de l’inconnu, le rejet de l’autre et les mouvements de foule qui peuvent se révéler dangereux (et irréfléchis). C’est amusant parce que vu la situation, tout le monde marche sur des œufs mais pas Munroe qui, fidèle à elle-même, fonce dans le tas pour atteindre son but et j’ai adoré son arc.
Ceux qui connaissent l’univers auront le plaisir de retrouver le fameux « conseil des immortels » qui commence à regarder ce qui se passe chez les humains. Comme dans d’autres séries de fantasy, on a des divinités qui jouent un peu aux marionnettistes avec les pauvres humains pour leur propre intérêt, mais le fonctionnement de ceux-ci est assez rigolo avec des anciens et des nouveaux qui naissent sans arrêt dans un cycle naturel. Et ils servent un peu moins à rien que dans Les jardins de la lune, par exemple. Le retour de ces zigotos (avec notre bon vieux bourrin taciturne) amène au livre son dernier twist sur un plateau, et je suis content d’avoir acheté toute la trilogie d’un coup pour pouvoir la continuer dans pas trop longtemps.
La trilogie de Stephen Aryan continue donc sur sa très bonne lancée en creusant un peu plus ses excellents personnages et son histoire explosive. L’univers de l’auteur est solide et permet de poser de belles surprises dans les trajectoires de tout ce petit monde qui se croisent sans arrêt. Voilà une très belle série de fantasy, j’espère que Bragelonne se penchera un jour sur cette seconde trilogie et qu’elle ne rejoindra pas ce gros cimetière de « on a commencé mais si tu en veux plus t’as qu’à lire en anglais ».
https://ours-inculte.fr/magefall/
La fin de l’épisode précédent nous a montré de bien terribles évènements, la tour est tombée, les élèves et le personnel de l’école se sont éparpillés dans la nature et répartis en différents groupes avec différentes « philosophies ». Eloïse est partie mettre certains élèves à l’abri à l’étranger, d’autres ont choisi de se fondre dans la population pour faire profil bas, Garvey est bien décidé à résister, et un quatrième groupe veut construire une nouvelle voie et une nouvelle communauté avec Wren, Tianne et Danoph. Tammy endosse ses nouvelles responsabilités et va continuer son enquête tandis que Munroe est super énervée, elle part en chasse pour accomplir sa vengeance. Leur cible est bien évidemment Akosh qui tire encore les ficelles dans l’ombre.
Dans cette suite on a effectivement beaucoup de points de vue différents à explorer, l’action est très éclatée et chacun fait sa tambouille de son côté. Certains font un peu « quête secondaire » (Wren contre les voleurs, par exemple) mais on suit avec plaisir toutes les trames mélangées qui permettent une évolution aux personnages qui sont tous très intéressants. Il y a quand même un petit effet « Second tome de trilogie » qui donne des développements mais laisse au troisième tome le soin de retricoter tous les fils de cette trame. Les seuls passages un peu moins intéressants pour moi ont été le point de vue d’Akosh, ça complote, ça discute, mais c’est nécessaire aussi. Par dessus tout ça, l’auteur développe toujours sa politique entre les différents pays et les reines et régents qui se positionnent face aux mages. C’est excellent mais manque toujours peut-être d’une carte pour situer les pays qu’on mélange un peu.
La série prend une tournure assez « X-Men » avec ces mages qui ont des positions différentes dans leur rapport aux « moldus », schisme qui sera encore plus incarné par l’opposition entre Balfruss et Garvey qui jouent un peu les « Professeur Xavier contre Magneto » de cet univers. Comme chez les mutants, la situation est socialement explosive mais chaque point de vue est compréhensible, on explore la peur de l’inconnu, le rejet de l’autre et les mouvements de foule qui peuvent se révéler dangereux (et irréfléchis). C’est amusant parce que vu la situation, tout le monde marche sur des œufs mais pas Munroe qui, fidèle à elle-même, fonce dans le tas pour atteindre son but et j’ai adoré son arc.
Ceux qui connaissent l’univers auront le plaisir de retrouver le fameux « conseil des immortels » qui commence à regarder ce qui se passe chez les humains. Comme dans d’autres séries de fantasy, on a des divinités qui jouent un peu aux marionnettistes avec les pauvres humains pour leur propre intérêt, mais le fonctionnement de ceux-ci est assez rigolo avec des anciens et des nouveaux qui naissent sans arrêt dans un cycle naturel. Et ils servent un peu moins à rien que dans Les jardins de la lune, par exemple. Le retour de ces zigotos (avec notre bon vieux bourrin taciturne) amène au livre son dernier twist sur un plateau, et je suis content d’avoir acheté toute la trilogie d’un coup pour pouvoir la continuer dans pas trop longtemps.
La trilogie de Stephen Aryan continue donc sur sa très bonne lancée en creusant un peu plus ses excellents personnages et son histoire explosive. L’univers de l’auteur est solide et permet de poser de belles surprises dans les trajectoires de tout ce petit monde qui se croisent sans arrêt. Voilà une très belle série de fantasy, j’espère que Bragelonne se penchera un jour sur cette seconde trilogie et qu’elle ne rejoindra pas ce gros cimetière de « on a commencé mais si tu en veux plus t’as qu’à lire en anglais ».
https://ours-inculte.fr/magefall/
April 8, 2023
As I had hoped, this book was so much better than the first for me personally. I got to spend more time with the characters that I love from previous books, and I particularly enjoyed the direction the plot has taken in relation to the gods of this world
While I struggled with the 1st book in this series, Aryan's ability to immerse me in his stories shone through with this installment. One of the things that really gripped me here was how events happening meant that all of the characters were faced with terrible decisions to make.
There is plenty of action in here, but the emphasis is definitely more on choices made and the consequences for those choices as fear and prejudice for magic heighten. While the mages struggle to survive and defend themselves, others use the chaos and conflict for their own advancement.
Given where the plot is heading, I'm so excited to dive into the finale. I have a feeling I'm in for a hell of a ride. I fully trust Aryan to stick the landing and I'm predicting the final book will be a five star.
While I struggled with the 1st book in this series, Aryan's ability to immerse me in his stories shone through with this installment. One of the things that really gripped me here was how events happening meant that all of the characters were faced with terrible decisions to make.
There is plenty of action in here, but the emphasis is definitely more on choices made and the consequences for those choices as fear and prejudice for magic heighten. While the mages struggle to survive and defend themselves, others use the chaos and conflict for their own advancement.
Given where the plot is heading, I'm so excited to dive into the finale. I have a feeling I'm in for a hell of a ride. I fully trust Aryan to stick the landing and I'm predicting the final book will be a five star.
January 5, 2020
The middle book in the “Age of Dread” series. I urge you to read all three closely together as there are so many moving parts it will take you time to “tune in” if you leave a gap. And you MUST read them in order.
This is very much a middle book, kicks the story along some but doesn’t resolve a great deal, still very readable though.
After book one and the fall of the red tower, those with magic are seen as the enemy and are in hiding or seeking revenge on an unappreciative population. Garvey has gone rogue and has a band of killers terrorising the population, while Wren is trying to build a peaceful community and learning that peace and leadership come with a price. Balfruss has come to realise that he may need to kill one of the few friends left alive…
Not to mention, of course, that the Gods are also playing their games.
Such a lot going on here and lots of interesting ideas and perspectives.
This is very much a middle book, kicks the story along some but doesn’t resolve a great deal, still very readable though.
After book one and the fall of the red tower, those with magic are seen as the enemy and are in hiding or seeking revenge on an unappreciative population. Garvey has gone rogue and has a band of killers terrorising the population, while Wren is trying to build a peaceful community and learning that peace and leadership come with a price. Balfruss has come to realise that he may need to kill one of the few friends left alive…
Not to mention, of course, that the Gods are also playing their games.
Such a lot going on here and lots of interesting ideas and perspectives.
November 20, 2018
Frustrating on several levels. Firstly I thought the number of POVs distracted me badly, limiting my ability to immerse myself in the perspective of the core characters.
Secondly I felt that the plot speed was inconsistent - nothing happened for ages and then suddenly a crucial reveal, then back to nothing.
Thirdly I felt that the relative importance of the plot strands was frustratingly inconsistent. On one hand you have a cult doing devious things across multiple countries and the actions of others resisting it. Then you have some people in a village fighting bandits. With equal billing. Why?
Stephen Aryan's original series was superb because it was tightly plotted and focused on only a couple of POVs. This series is total 180 degree change and I am not enjoying it. This might be the last one I read.
Secondly I felt that the plot speed was inconsistent - nothing happened for ages and then suddenly a crucial reveal, then back to nothing.
Thirdly I felt that the relative importance of the plot strands was frustratingly inconsistent. On one hand you have a cult doing devious things across multiple countries and the actions of others resisting it. Then you have some people in a village fighting bandits. With equal billing. Why?
Stephen Aryan's original series was superb because it was tightly plotted and focused on only a couple of POVs. This series is total 180 degree change and I am not enjoying it. This might be the last one I read.
September 18, 2020
I am not sure how much I liked this one. I certainly liked it more than Mageborn and upon thinking about that book it some of the direction he took things makes more sense now after reading Magefall. I think this will fall into that 3 and a half for me but bordering on a 4 stars. The story went in a bunch ways I thought it would go but never quite what I expected in others. The writing seemed a little better in this one as well. The characters are learning and some are avoiding the same mistakes. There is still so much potential for some of these characters I don't think it will be entirely realised in this series. There are some things that still annoy me though with this story line but that is my personal bias I guess. Still reading them though. I look forward to see it all ends.
February 20, 2025
I was going through my list of series/trilogies ongoing in a bid to whittle down the list. I found this trilogy as one of the shorter ones, found an online copy at my library after learning a lot of people had been taken off the paperback waitlist years ago apparently, and finished it early this morning. Overall its more slow then I remembered the first book being but it also gave it more time to flesh things out. I can't recall too to much about the first book characters and every detail that happened so I can't do a proper compare and contrast but this author is fairly consistent so I imagine it being somewhat similar to this one. As I'm trying to finish the trilogy I've got book 3 ready to go and hope to wrap things up by tomorrow night as there's bad weather ahead and it looks like the closures are already being announced so if I don't have to go anywhere I won't be.
March 23, 2023
A solid, well-written tale of greed and political intrigue set in a world of fantasy, with mages fighting humans, fighting gods. The characters were interesting and their motivations were all well developed. The battles were well-thought-out and written to maximize the suspense. One thing about the magic system I really enjoy is that every mage has, potentially, different abilities, or at least skew toward a talent (such as healing, or fire manipulation, etc.). The cast of characters all kept me interested in their own, particular stories and Mr. Aryan's writing continues to get better and better with each passing novel (this is the 2nd book of his 2nd trilogy, all set in the same world). Strongly recommended!!
March 15, 2019
Magefall is the second novel in Stephen Aryan’s Age of Dread trilogy, preceded by Mageborn and to be followed later this year by Magebane. I very much enjoyed Mageborn when I read it at the end of 2017, but I missed getting to Magefall last year on release despite it being high on my list. With events having led to some interesting and dangerous paths by the end of Mageborn I was more than eager to see how Aryan would move the story forward, and there were plenty of surprises in store when the pages started turning…
Following the fall of the Red Tower and the dispersion of the young mages, many of them are trying to find their way in a world that despises them simply for what they are. Wren, Danoph, and Tianne are among these young mages, each of whom has their own power and motivations, but mostly they just want to get along and live in peace with their non-magical fellows. This is much easier said than done, and even when trying to help they are hated and sent away. But together they try to have their own community, despite the attention this brings.
Meanwhile, former teacher at the Red Tower and powerful sorcerer Garvey is causing trouble wherever he goes. He and his followers don’t take no for an answer and often leave villages destroyed with all occupants dead, a situation that gravely concerns the rulers of the affected countries. Balfruss, former Battlemage, teacher, and colleague of Garvey’s is confused as to these actions, determined to find the truth to the rumours. And, of course, there is Munroe, a powerful mage on a quest to avenge the death of her family that leads her to a god…
While the above is a general look at Magefall, it is certainly not everything on offer, and Aryan manages to tell the story simply and efficiently, weaving intrigue into the narrative without sacrificing character progression. It’s a deft trick, and with chapters changing point of view between a handful of main protagonists and antagonists, there is always that ‘one more chapter’ need and wanting to find out what happens next. It’s one of the reasons I enjoyed Magefall so much, though certainly not the only one.
The story itself is a logical progression from the first novel, with Akosh being front and centre as the antagonist responsible for some horrendous events carried over from Mageborn, many of which have repercussions across the board. But while she has a clear goal in mind and tailors her actions to suits, other characters come across as many different shades of grey. There are clearly those that do all in their power to do good, yet events don’t always allow them to take their chosen path. Aryan provides an interesting array of characteristics across the scope of Magefall, and an ever-changing world helps this enormously.
In short, I very much enjoyed Magefall. It continued the story well, kept the pacing of the novel tight and focused, yet expanded the mythos a little more with some very interesting revelations. This is epic fantasy with a personal twist, giving much to savour and enjoy, and highly recommended.
On a final point, it’s worth noting that this trilogy is itself a sequel trilogy of sorts to his Age of Darkness books (Battlemage, Bloodmage, Chaosmage), though none of these are required reading to enjoy the Age of Dread books. A novella has also been released looking at a character from both trilogies, Of Gods and Men, and is also a stand-alone that has ties to the wider world of these trilogies. While the Age of Dread books can be read independently of the Age of Darkness books, it does benefit the reader to have some knowledge of what came before, more for a deeper background than any necessary information.
Following the fall of the Red Tower and the dispersion of the young mages, many of them are trying to find their way in a world that despises them simply for what they are. Wren, Danoph, and Tianne are among these young mages, each of whom has their own power and motivations, but mostly they just want to get along and live in peace with their non-magical fellows. This is much easier said than done, and even when trying to help they are hated and sent away. But together they try to have their own community, despite the attention this brings.
Meanwhile, former teacher at the Red Tower and powerful sorcerer Garvey is causing trouble wherever he goes. He and his followers don’t take no for an answer and often leave villages destroyed with all occupants dead, a situation that gravely concerns the rulers of the affected countries. Balfruss, former Battlemage, teacher, and colleague of Garvey’s is confused as to these actions, determined to find the truth to the rumours. And, of course, there is Munroe, a powerful mage on a quest to avenge the death of her family that leads her to a god…
While the above is a general look at Magefall, it is certainly not everything on offer, and Aryan manages to tell the story simply and efficiently, weaving intrigue into the narrative without sacrificing character progression. It’s a deft trick, and with chapters changing point of view between a handful of main protagonists and antagonists, there is always that ‘one more chapter’ need and wanting to find out what happens next. It’s one of the reasons I enjoyed Magefall so much, though certainly not the only one.
The story itself is a logical progression from the first novel, with Akosh being front and centre as the antagonist responsible for some horrendous events carried over from Mageborn, many of which have repercussions across the board. But while she has a clear goal in mind and tailors her actions to suits, other characters come across as many different shades of grey. There are clearly those that do all in their power to do good, yet events don’t always allow them to take their chosen path. Aryan provides an interesting array of characteristics across the scope of Magefall, and an ever-changing world helps this enormously.
In short, I very much enjoyed Magefall. It continued the story well, kept the pacing of the novel tight and focused, yet expanded the mythos a little more with some very interesting revelations. This is epic fantasy with a personal twist, giving much to savour and enjoy, and highly recommended.
On a final point, it’s worth noting that this trilogy is itself a sequel trilogy of sorts to his Age of Darkness books (Battlemage, Bloodmage, Chaosmage), though none of these are required reading to enjoy the Age of Dread books. A novella has also been released looking at a character from both trilogies, Of Gods and Men, and is also a stand-alone that has ties to the wider world of these trilogies. While the Age of Dread books can be read independently of the Age of Darkness books, it does benefit the reader to have some knowledge of what came before, more for a deeper background than any necessary information.
April 24, 2019
This was a good and gripping read with lots of exciting action. However, like the first book, the constant switching between different points of view means that the story becomes very disjointed. Also, as some of the main characters break off from one plot line, the points of view increase in number! I am wondering if all of this will come together at some point? I hope so!
As I have not read the previous trilogy, I am not aware if this is a regular writing style for Aryan. If so, I am not sure whether I will read other books by him in the future, which would be a shame.
As I have not read the previous trilogy, I am not aware if this is a regular writing style for Aryan. If so, I am not sure whether I will read other books by him in the future, which would be a shame.
July 24, 2019
4.5 rating.
I don't know if it is just me, but there is something about this series that reminds me of what drew me into fantasy series. Every time I am reading this series whether it be at work, before bed or when I'm bored, I am taken back to when I was young and would read fantasy books and dream up worlds of my own and the magic that lies within them.
Gross I know.
If you like classic fantasy tropes with an interesting magic system with down to earth characters this is the book for you.
I don't know if it is just me, but there is something about this series that reminds me of what drew me into fantasy series. Every time I am reading this series whether it be at work, before bed or when I'm bored, I am taken back to when I was young and would read fantasy books and dream up worlds of my own and the magic that lies within them.
Gross I know.
If you like classic fantasy tropes with an interesting magic system with down to earth characters this is the book for you.
January 25, 2019
I’m having issues giving this one a rating. I throughly enjoyed the story line, but had issues with the amount of POVs. It almost feels like Aryan is trying his hands of a G R R Martin vibe with a ton of POVs. It almost seemed that at the end of each POV something was happening and when that POV came back around it was already over. I still really enjoyed the story and can not wait for the third installment.
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