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Advent Mage Cycle #8
Warlords Ascending
Earth Mage Rhebentrev’noren never expected to be warlord of anywhere, much less Khobunter. For that matter, he never expected to receive orders directly from a Gardener, which is an experience and a half all by itself. Not that he can properly dwell on it, with everything else demanding his attention. In this harsh, desert land, the new warlords are missing half of the resources they require. They need to build their own magical academy, but sorely lack enough trained magicians to run it. They need to conquer the rest of Riyu without making the same mistakes they did at Alred Watchtower, but don’t possess the means to pull it off. Willpower, dragons, and magic can only carry them so far. They need more allies and time to gather them with. Unfortunately, the remaining warlords of Khobunter have no intention of giving them that time.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2018
119 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books840 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 10, 2020
Very enjoyable!
May 27, 2022
2022 bk 156. As the new Warlords of Khobunter, Becca and her friends continue their fight against slavery of magicians and the poor treatment of the kingdom's people. As they learn the ins and outs of running an economy, starting a magic academy, and repairing the damage done to the land, Becca's brother shows up to aid them in their battles. Battles indeed, their theoretical training is put much to the test, especially when Shad shoes up and they feel like they are taking a final exam. Along with the physical fighting, the trio gets a jolt when it is discovered that the magicians of Khobunter are indeed relatives of theirs when a small girl is freed who is a Rheuben. Priority becomes finding her parents as they take on one warlord after another. Another novel that sucks one into its universe.
November 25, 2021
More adventures in the Advent Mage series. Some new characters along with some previous ones. I'm really loving this series as a whole. They're fun and enjoyable.
July 25, 2018
I love Honor Raconteur's books, and have read nearly all of them to date. This one is an enjoyable addition to the (now quite long) Advent Mage sequence, following on directly from Warlords Rising. (Do not even think about starting here -- if you have not read at least Warlords Rising, Warlords Ascending will make no sense whatsoever.) That book explored new depths of feeling, I felt, with moments of real loss and pathos (which are very often confined to the back story in Ms. Raconteur's tales.) This one felt more like a return to normality -- trouble threatens, things go wrong, but our (rather over-powered) heroes face it all and emerge victorious. Of course, that is part of what makes these books fun to read. Another part is the chance to think about things like, if I could take over a city and fix things in a few days, how would I organise it? What is fair and right? Yet another reason for reading is the banter, and the light-hearted prose style. And of course Dragons.
I do have a few criticisms to make -- there is a lot of moderately enjoyable nothing-much here, as the kids run around and organise their new country. A bit more dramatic tension (a la the previous book) would not go amiss. But spending time in this world with these characters is enjoyable anyway.
So, all in all, I commend this series to you, not for making you cry, or up-ending your world, but just for enjoying. (But don't start here.)
August 19, 2023
The Story Gets Better and Better.
Oh boy, I’m loving this series. It just keeps getting better. The action in this second book is explosive, the political situation isn’t any easier. In fact I’d liken it to a powder keg next to a burning fire with a tendency to spark. Furthermore the book ends upon a tense conference with the rulers of the neighbouring countries and the threat of the Magical Council sticking their unwanted noses in. The next book could very well start with a spark landing in that keg. In my opinion anyone who passes up the chance to read this series is plain and simply crazy. I’m off to read the third and final book. Yahoo!
Oh boy, I’m loving this series. It just keeps getting better. The action in this second book is explosive, the political situation isn’t any easier. In fact I’d liken it to a powder keg next to a burning fire with a tendency to spark. Furthermore the book ends upon a tense conference with the rulers of the neighbouring countries and the threat of the Magical Council sticking their unwanted noses in. The next book could very well start with a spark landing in that keg. In my opinion anyone who passes up the chance to read this series is plain and simply crazy. I’m off to read the third and final book. Yahoo!
July 2, 2018
At last!
Really happy to have story continued. Anti slavery and anti tyranny revolution. Trouble with prolific good author with multiple series means longer wait for series sequels. I also want new artifactor book. Setting Krobunter reminds me that much of Middle East once was lush grasslands with much wildlife. Prehistoric petroglyphs proof.
Really happy to have story continued. Anti slavery and anti tyranny revolution. Trouble with prolific good author with multiple series means longer wait for series sequels. I also want new artifactor book. Setting Krobunter reminds me that much of Middle East once was lush grasslands with much wildlife. Prehistoric petroglyphs proof.
July 3, 2018
Fabulous book. I love reading about the three teenage Mages and can't wait for the next book. Once again Honor Raconteur has outdone herself writing such a fantastic fantasy adventure. Highly recommend this book with a strong recommendation to read the Advent Mage series before embarking on this exciting escapade.
September 8, 2025
Despite the fact that this is mostly a YA book - based on the quite young 3 main characters - I am enjoying the series quite a bit. There is plenty of action and development with the quest and the characters. There is even a touch of romance now. It was previously hinted at but has moved up a bit. I really look forward to book 3 and the conclusion of the series.
August 17, 2018
Okay
You would think that an English major would know proper grammar, such as not ending a sentence with a preposition. She does this, and other errors, so frequently that the flow is rough difficult to follow.
You would think that an English major would know proper grammar, such as not ending a sentence with a preposition. She does this, and other errors, so frequently that the flow is rough difficult to follow.
July 22, 2021
A wonderfully developing story
This is yet another wonderful story of some of our favorite characters development and lives. With this book we see more of the reasons why we love Honor's writing.
This is yet another wonderful story of some of our favorite characters development and lives. With this book we see more of the reasons why we love Honor's writing.
October 9, 2022
Better climax
I enjoy the story line of the these books which keeps me reading them and enjoying them. The books could use a little more development and often the climax is almost monotone to the rest of the book. Over all a very good clean and enjoyable reading
I enjoy the story line of the these books which keeps me reading them and enjoying them. The books could use a little more development and often the climax is almost monotone to the rest of the book. Over all a very good clean and enjoyable reading
April 2, 2023
war, diplomacy, rebuilding …
This book has it all. The warlords continue the fight to free slaves as others are drawn into the situation. Definitely want to read these books in order.
This book has it all. The warlords continue the fight to free slaves as others are drawn into the situation. Definitely want to read these books in order.
January 11, 2024
Wow, what a wonderful addition to the series.
The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and intense. The world building is superb. I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and intense. The world building is superb. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 18, 2025
And Now for Something Completely Unexpected
Just when you thought the story couldn’t show how badly some people could be, you find some even worse. A great follow on and segue to the next chapter.
Just when you thought the story couldn’t show how badly some people could be, you find some even worse. A great follow on and segue to the next chapter.
July 2, 2018
AMAZING
As expected Honor put out another book I just couldn't put down til I finished. I can't wait for the next book to come out to see how my favorite trio accomplish what they set out to do. Even through I'll for sure go through withdrawals of not having anymore stories from this world. 5 stars for sure
As expected Honor put out another book I just couldn't put down til I finished. I can't wait for the next book to come out to see how my favorite trio accomplish what they set out to do. Even through I'll for sure go through withdrawals of not having anymore stories from this world. 5 stars for sure
June 30, 2018
A top favourite - very exciting series. Cannot wait for the next book
June 30, 2018
FINALLY!
Someone please tell me I don’t have to wait more than a month or two before the next book is done! I loved it and can’t possibly wait long for the next one.
Someone please tell me I don’t have to wait more than a month or two before the next book is done! I loved it and can’t possibly wait long for the next one.
July 5, 2018
Waiting is hard
The next installment can't come out too soon forme. I enjoy all of Honor s books and eagerly await further adventures in any of her worlds.
The next installment can't come out too soon forme. I enjoy all of Honor s books and eagerly await further adventures in any of her worlds.
July 8, 2018
Heartwarming characters and exciting plot.
This further instalment from the world of the advent mage does not disappoint. The author affirms life enhancing values. I love her books.
This further instalment from the world of the advent mage does not disappoint. The author affirms life enhancing values. I love her books.
August 30, 2018
Good book.I like honor raconteur she is a great writer.
Great book. I like honors books very much. I enjoy that her books don't end on cliffhangers. Her characters are good too.
Great book. I like honors books very much. I enjoy that her books don't end on cliffhangers. Her characters are good too.
October 4, 2018
A real fan of Honor Raconteur. Starting the next book right away.
November 10, 2018
excellent
second book of the series its packfull of action and unpredictable. Not too mucj of a cliffhanging end but still So happy the third is out already!
second book of the series its packfull of action and unpredictable. Not too mucj of a cliffhanging end but still So happy the third is out already!
February 7, 2019
Very engaging
Fast and entertaining, would recommend to fantasy fanatics everywhere.
Enough said. You don't need to dictate what I write. He happy I gave you a good review!
Fast and entertaining, would recommend to fantasy fanatics everywhere.
Enough said. You don't need to dictate what I write. He happy I gave you a good review!
June 9, 2019
So awesome!!!
This book was amazing!!! I can’t wait for the next one!!! She is an amazing author!!! Love it so much!!!
This book was amazing!!! I can’t wait for the next one!!! She is an amazing author!!! Love it so much!!!
April 15, 2020
It just keeps getting better!
Oh the conquering armies are on the move! Look out bad guys, dragons, mages and good solders are out for your head of you can't play nice!
Oh the conquering armies are on the move! Look out bad guys, dragons, mages and good solders are out for your head of you can't play nice!
August 1, 2020
Makes me smile
Her writing has always been a joy to read and this was no exception. I am starting on the next and waiting for everything after that.
Her writing has always been a joy to read and this was no exception. I am starting on the next and waiting for everything after that.
August 7, 2020
Fun, fun, fun
A great continuation of the magic of the series. I love the goodness of our three mages. And I love the dragons. Highly recommended.
A great continuation of the magic of the series. I love the goodness of our three mages. And I love the dragons. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2021
Good
I loved the focus on family in this book. I still don’t know what the Trasdee Evonditt Orra is though...
I loved the focus on family in this book. I still don’t know what the Trasdee Evonditt Orra is though...
June 28, 2021
Decent young adult fantasy
I enjoyed the storytelling but it was a bit juvenile and repetitive. A fun read though. I will read the third one.
I enjoyed the storytelling but it was a bit juvenile and repetitive. A fun read though. I will read the third one.
May 28, 2022
A fun read. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews