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The Mage Chronicles #4
Heartfire
In the epic conclusion to The Mage Chronicles series, Alyx Egalion and her friends must find a way to defeat the most powerful mage alive before he destroys everything they hold dear.
Shakar’s influence is spreading, his darkness descending on Rionn and Tregaya like a shroud. The Mage Council is cowering in Carhall. Mages everywhere are divided, some cleaving to the council, others to Alyx and the faint hope that she is powerful enough to defeat Shakar. Yet Alyx is on the run, pursued relentlessly by Shakar’s Hunters and hiding a terrible secret from everyone—even those she trusts most.
When tragedy strikes, Alyx is left with a heartbreaking choice. Is she willing to sacrifice those she loves to become the leader the mages need her to be?
- GenresFantasy
470 pages, ebook
Published July 26, 2018
152 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Cassidy
18 books256 followersLisa Cassidy is an Australian epic fantasy author writing character-driven stories filled with political intrigue, found family, loyalty, and magic. Her books span both adult and young adult fantasy, with romance woven in as a slow-burn subplot rather than the central focus.
She is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles and Heir to the Darkmage, and adult epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow and The Inkweaver Archive. She is currently working on a sequel to A Tale of Stars and Shadow.
Lisa is an 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 also partners with One Girl, an Australian charity working to ensure girls everywhere have access to quality education. A percentage of her royalties support this work.
Lisa loves to chat with readers. Visit her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and information about her reader community, the Inkweavers: lisacassidyauthor.com
She is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles and Heir to the Darkmage, and adult epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow and The Inkweaver Archive. She is currently working on a sequel to A Tale of Stars and Shadow.
Lisa is an 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 also partners with One Girl, an Australian charity working to ensure girls everywhere have access to quality education. A percentage of her royalties support this work.
Lisa loves to chat with readers. Visit her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and information about her reader community, the Inkweavers: lisacassidyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 22, 2021
4.5 Stars
This was such an amazing series and ended exactly how I wished it would. *heavy sigh*
But...I am sad to say goodbye to all of these characters since I honestly feel that I became a part of their crew.
This was such an amazing series and ended exactly how I wished it would. *heavy sigh*
But...I am sad to say goodbye to all of these characters since I honestly feel that I became a part of their crew.
December 31, 2024
This series, and book especially, is a great, readable YA/NA fantasy! I didn’t ever connect completely with the Heroine but the story overall was everything a true fantasy aficionado could want. The plot throughout the series was expertly developed and this finale was pitch perfect in its execution. I will absolutely be looking for more from this author!
March 18, 2019
A great ending.
Great ending to a great series. After.reading about Alyx in the first book I really didn't like her much. But she and all the rest of the characters have grown on me. I will miss reading about them. I was pretty ticked off about Cario dying. That broke my heart. Would like to have more stories about the others too. Great job.
Great ending to a great series. After.reading about Alyx in the first book I really didn't like her much. But she and all the rest of the characters have grown on me. I will miss reading about them. I was pretty ticked off about Cario dying. That broke my heart. Would like to have more stories about the others too. Great job.
April 12, 2021
I’m sorry to see the end of this series cause I so enjoyed it. This final book had me in tears way too much. I am still reeling from Cario’s death. I LOVED him and was heartbroken over him. I’m still quite angry about that. Dashan was brilliant as usual and I knew he was alive! This was a wonderful but heartbreaking book with lots of surprises along the way. It kept me on my toes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2020
Heartfire is a brilliant conclusion to the Mage Chronicles Saga, and I cannot recommend taking up this series enough! The plot and the characters were set up perfectly over the previous three instalments, so all that remained was for the rest of the story to play out, which did not let up once throughout the whole book. Fast-paced, action-filled, battle of the wits, the suspense and tugging at the heartstrings - it had it all. I was on edge to know how Alyx and her motley crew's story end, but I was equally distraught in bidding farewell to them. There were multiple time jumps in the final instalment, so from the first book to the last, the characters went from being recruits to fully-fledged mages/warriors. The journey alongside them as they grew into their person, perhaps left the most impressions, and I could not help but get attached to them. Overall, the story delivered all that it promised, and so much more!
July 13, 2018
Epic conclusion is right! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of Heartfire a little early (thanks Lisa!) and blazed my way through it over the last two days. I loved it! Watching the characters grow and change has been one of the highlights of the series for me and the final installment does not disappoint. Alyx and her friends must adjust to her new role as magor-lier as they overcome many challenges in the face of overwhelming odds, testing the outer limits of friendship, loyalty and trust. To unite all people against Shakar, to stand a chance at defeating the invulnerable, all powerful mage, they will have to risk everything they hold dear. With action, suspense and more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, Heartfire is the perfect conclusion to the Mage Chronicles adventure.
January 20, 2019
What an amazing journey..
This book has had me on such an emotional rollercoaster! The first part had me crying so much, I literally felt like my heart was breaking. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just a book, that it wasn't real. That's how u know u have found a brilliant author, when they can weave the story in such a way, that it becomes real to u. When u are completely drawn into what's happening and u are so invested in the outcome. There were also moments when I had such a good laugh, I found Dashan so mischievous and funny! By the end of the book, I was so overwhelmed with joy. What a wonderful end to an amazing series. Lisa Cassidy, I am in awe of u. From the very first book to the last, it has been an absolutely incredible journey. I loved the friendship between Alyx, Cayr, Dashan and the others. The characters were amazing. Everything came together so well. I loved how much Alyx grew in character, from spoilt little rich girl to strong, fierce warrior with so much love for her friends and family and everyone around her. Alex and Dashan were so perfect together! There's so much more I could say but I'll leave it there. I couldn't love these books and more than I already do. I just know I'll be reading these again! I'm so sad it's over but I'm so happy with the ending. The love, loyalty and strength of these characters was truly amazing
This book has had me on such an emotional rollercoaster! The first part had me crying so much, I literally felt like my heart was breaking. I had to keep reminding myself that it was just a book, that it wasn't real. That's how u know u have found a brilliant author, when they can weave the story in such a way, that it becomes real to u. When u are completely drawn into what's happening and u are so invested in the outcome. There were also moments when I had such a good laugh, I found Dashan so mischievous and funny! By the end of the book, I was so overwhelmed with joy. What a wonderful end to an amazing series. Lisa Cassidy, I am in awe of u. From the very first book to the last, it has been an absolutely incredible journey. I loved the friendship between Alyx, Cayr, Dashan and the others. The characters were amazing. Everything came together so well. I loved how much Alyx grew in character, from spoilt little rich girl to strong, fierce warrior with so much love for her friends and family and everyone around her. Alex and Dashan were so perfect together! There's so much more I could say but I'll leave it there. I couldn't love these books and more than I already do. I just know I'll be reading these again! I'm so sad it's over but I'm so happy with the ending. The love, loyalty and strength of these characters was truly amazing
January 21, 2019
I absolutely loved Heartfire, the conclusion to the Mage Chronicles. The author had me laughing and crying and everything in between. Over the three previous books I had got so invested in the characters, so it was a delight to be taken with them on an intense journey to the end, and the conclusion did not disappoint. Beautifully written by Lisa Cassidy and I highly recommend reading all four books.
January 20, 2019
Woot! Woot! & Happy Dancing!
😻😻😻😻😻 Dang! This is so much fun and pretty much perfectly done. My only complaint is that there's so much potential for a sequel that it'll be a shame if that doesn't happen. 😿
There were a couple of picky points (could be resolved in a sequel 😼). With Ladan as the sole heir, all Alyx ends up with is a title? And I can't believe that Dashan's service to the crown didn't result in land and title. Cayr left his two best friends without reward and recognition after what they did for king and country? Finn, as well? And we miss out on a royal wedding?
Give yourself a treat and read this. Then, please oh please write an Amazon review so that more readers will find this treasure.
I got to read this in Kindle Unlimited. Yay! 🙌
😻😻😻😻😻 Dang! This is so much fun and pretty much perfectly done. My only complaint is that there's so much potential for a sequel that it'll be a shame if that doesn't happen. 😿
There were a couple of picky points (could be resolved in a sequel 😼). With Ladan as the sole heir, all Alyx ends up with is a title? And I can't believe that Dashan's service to the crown didn't result in land and title. Cayr left his two best friends without reward and recognition after what they did for king and country? Finn, as well? And we miss out on a royal wedding?
Give yourself a treat and read this. Then, please oh please write an Amazon review so that more readers will find this treasure.
I got to read this in Kindle Unlimited. Yay! 🙌
April 11, 2019
Read them all!
One of the best series I’ve read in a long while. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered. Thank you for building such a vibrant world and wonderful characters. I loved them all.
One of the best series I’ve read in a long while. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered. Thank you for building such a vibrant world and wonderful characters. I loved them all.
March 15, 2024
Lisa Cassidy does it again. :')
August 12, 2018
Fantastic!! I loved the development of the characters as the story continued, the comradeship and #squadgoals, the turns and twists in the plot AND the epic finale. Wish I could read it all over again - actually think I might! Looking forward to more from this author in future.
October 29, 2020
Well,,,,, I just want to say that this book nearly killed me. Lisa really? What on earth have we done to you? You first (spoilers ahead) killed my fave character and made me ugly-cry and then you brought him back and killed my second fave character. Wow. Cario had/has a different place for me, his end shouldn't have been like that... After I finished the book last night I had dreams about Cario, where he was happy. I hope he is :( but other than that the book was amazing. I was satisfied with how everything came together (shakar being who he is surprised me, I wasn't expecting that). Another series ended and I'm kinda heartbroken. I hate it when my fave characters die. But what can we do?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
This series of books was definitely enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone that likes a good fantasy series. The series follows the standard fantasy trope of young person, in this case noble born, finding out they are special and going on the beat the enemy threatening to overturn their world.
The world was well built and the characters rather well developed, but as with most self-published books there were some issues.
The books need to be better edited. There are too many instances of typos, wrong or missing punctuation, and several homonym errors, especially to/too.
There are also several logical inconsistencies. The one that comes to mind most immediately is in book 3. Our hero, Alyx, has just quickly gone to the palace and quite specifically does not take her staff. Yet, just a few paragraphs later she is banging her staff into the ground in her fight against Casovar.
Despite these errors I found the series well thought out and fun to read and I look forward to what the author publishes next.
The world was well built and the characters rather well developed, but as with most self-published books there were some issues.
The books need to be better edited. There are too many instances of typos, wrong or missing punctuation, and several homonym errors, especially to/too.
There are also several logical inconsistencies. The one that comes to mind most immediately is in book 3. Our hero, Alyx, has just quickly gone to the palace and quite specifically does not take her staff. Yet, just a few paragraphs later she is banging her staff into the ground in her fight against Casovar.
Despite these errors I found the series well thought out and fun to read and I look forward to what the author publishes next.
November 16, 2021
Excellent story and series!
Taste is subjective to each individual but there are some universal truths to greatness… The characters (of which there are many) are well rounded and deep… the world is an enticing blend of magic, old and young mages seeking revenge and the arc of each main character is full of growth and learning which is necessary to move a plot along in this story of young mages coming into their own. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy and sadness because of how emotionally connected I got by the last third of the story. The cons? I also admittedly am a snob about my fantasy fiction. The things that fell flat for me were the lack of explanation about the invulnerability Shakar gained, and I felt a bit put out about Galien. Alyx deserved a whole chapter of piercing him repeatedly with her sword… just sayin’ lol. Overall a wonderful series that would make a good television series as well… <<3
Taste is subjective to each individual but there are some universal truths to greatness… The characters (of which there are many) are well rounded and deep… the world is an enticing blend of magic, old and young mages seeking revenge and the arc of each main character is full of growth and learning which is necessary to move a plot along in this story of young mages coming into their own. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy and sadness because of how emotionally connected I got by the last third of the story. The cons? I also admittedly am a snob about my fantasy fiction. The things that fell flat for me were the lack of explanation about the invulnerability Shakar gained, and I felt a bit put out about Galien. Alyx deserved a whole chapter of piercing him repeatedly with her sword… just sayin’ lol. Overall a wonderful series that would make a good television series as well… <<3
May 19, 2022
I truly enjoyed this series!! It’s an amazing world, I love the magic system and the different countries. The characters are what really make this series amazing though, I loved all of them and their growth.
There were however two things that bothered me about this last installment - one is the “he’s dead - just kidding!” trope, my least favorite of all the fantasy tropes; two is the fact that the final battle was planned from the beginning of the book but the reader is kept in the dark. I didn’t mind it at first, but it just kept beating us over the head, that we as readers had to watch every single character in the entire book be told of the plan except for us. It definitely took me out of the book.
Besides these though, I was very happy with the conclusion of this series and I cannot wait to read the new one in the same world!
There were however two things that bothered me about this last installment - one is the “he’s dead - just kidding!” trope, my least favorite of all the fantasy tropes; two is the fact that the final battle was planned from the beginning of the book but the reader is kept in the dark. I didn’t mind it at first, but it just kept beating us over the head, that we as readers had to watch every single character in the entire book be told of the plan except for us. It definitely took me out of the book.
Besides these though, I was very happy with the conclusion of this series and I cannot wait to read the new one in the same world!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2019
Omg you HAVE to read this Series
This series is the bomb! Some series drag. This one started out great, book 2 was still good, but then 3 came and I didn't think anything could top it. But 4. Book 4 takes you through heart wrenches and triumphs that make you just so emotional. It's rare I cry when reading a book and book 4 took me there as well as shouting with joy when the triumph came. The emotions and characters definitely remind me of throne of glass series.
I am sad that it's over, but happy that it didn't drag like most last books can.
This series is the bomb! Some series drag. This one started out great, book 2 was still good, but then 3 came and I didn't think anything could top it. But 4. Book 4 takes you through heart wrenches and triumphs that make you just so emotional. It's rare I cry when reading a book and book 4 took me there as well as shouting with joy when the triumph came. The emotions and characters definitely remind me of throne of glass series.
I am sad that it's over, but happy that it didn't drag like most last books can.
September 16, 2022
An Excellent Series
This is great fantasy. The author is an excellent worldbuilder. The arc of her story over four books is really almost perfect. The story, of magic and politics and war, is solid and engaging. The writing is soooo good. Sometimes it seems like this genre can be a sea of crowded mediocrity, then an author like this appears and stands clearly above the others. She's a gifted writer who obviously takes her craft very seriously. And it shows. Highly, highly recommend.
This is great fantasy. The author is an excellent worldbuilder. The arc of her story over four books is really almost perfect. The story, of magic and politics and war, is solid and engaging. The writing is soooo good. Sometimes it seems like this genre can be a sea of crowded mediocrity, then an author like this appears and stands clearly above the others. She's a gifted writer who obviously takes her craft very seriously. And it shows. Highly, highly recommend.
April 10, 2023
A disappointing finish to what was an enjoyable series.
I'm not the person who gives spoilers, so I'll just say something happened in part one that was devastating and then it was summarily undone in part two. As if that's how things work.
Also, the ending felt anti-climactic after the enormous buildup of the battle between Alyx and Shakar. Which wasn't one-to-one combat at all.
Which I expected since she has never defeated anyone alone (until the middle of part two). The whole idea that "mages are stronger together" has been a theme of the series.
I'm not the person who gives spoilers, so I'll just say something happened in part one that was devastating and then it was summarily undone in part two. As if that's how things work.
Also, the ending felt anti-climactic after the enormous buildup of the battle between Alyx and Shakar. Which wasn't one-to-one combat at all.
Which I expected since she has never defeated anyone alone (until the middle of part two). The whole idea that "mages are stronger together" has been a theme of the series.
September 5, 2021
An absolutely wonderful finale to a brilliant series of books
I'll admit the characters and story didn't grab me at first, but very soon I was hooked. I was wrong, the characters are fabulous. These books are wonderfully written with incredible plot twists. I cried and laughed and cried again throughout this series. Alxy, Dashan and the others will stay with me for a very long time.
I'll admit the characters and story didn't grab me at first, but very soon I was hooked. I was wrong, the characters are fabulous. These books are wonderfully written with incredible plot twists. I cried and laughed and cried again throughout this series. Alxy, Dashan and the others will stay with me for a very long time.
February 23, 2022
A very strong conclusion to the series. I saw the twists coming, but they were well done and I enjoyed reading it. There were 2 big pet peeves of mine that featured in this book, but it was still enjoyable for me to read and I don't see another way around them given the events prior. I do like that the author does a good job of leaving room to wrap things up and concludes stories in an enjoyable way. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 9, 2021
Great series from Lisa Cassidy (again)! I really enjoyed it, it was an incredible journey and a great MC development! But...I was a bit dissapointed by the final book, too many things too fast and sometimes I lost track of what was happening and why.
So, 4.5 starts for the whole series for me, and 3.5 for this book (maybe 'cause the high expectantions I had from the previous book)
So, 4.5 starts for the whole series for me, and 3.5 for this book (maybe 'cause the high expectantions I had from the previous book)
September 25, 2021
Absolutely riveting.
I was just scrolling through kindle looking for a new story, so glad I found this one. My poor house and work suffered I must say as I couldn't stop reading until all 4 books were read. Finished in a week! That's how good this story was for me. Thank you for sharing this story with us fantasy book nerds!!
I was just scrolling through kindle looking for a new story, so glad I found this one. My poor house and work suffered I must say as I couldn't stop reading until all 4 books were read. Finished in a week! That's how good this story was for me. Thank you for sharing this story with us fantasy book nerds!!
October 13, 2021
Quite accomplished storyteller
Liked all four hooks. Author knows how to develop a character and how to put together a story. I've discarded several self published books after 2 chapters because they are so badly written, and I was very pleasantly surprised at this series. Highly recommended.
Liked all four hooks. Author knows how to develop a character and how to put together a story. I've discarded several self published books after 2 chapters because they are so badly written, and I was very pleasantly surprised at this series. Highly recommended.
August 28, 2020
What an ending of Alyx's story! Her journey from where she started, to where she finished! I loved reading this series & will need to re-read again soon to see all the little clues & story lines I missed the first time... I love Alyx's strength
April 20, 2021
So emotional!
Honestly I love this series, this book made me so emotional for...spoiler reasons 👀 and while I loved it I did feel like the main story was a bit rushed. I’m happy with the conclusion though and can’t wait to read the spin-off series!!
Honestly I love this series, this book made me so emotional for...spoiler reasons 👀 and while I loved it I did feel like the main story was a bit rushed. I’m happy with the conclusion though and can’t wait to read the spin-off series!!
May 13, 2021
Very enjoyable and well worth the read.
Excellent read. A book you will not want to put down. Recommended to all my family. Whilst the storyline was not unique it constantly held your attention.
Excellent read. A book you will not want to put down. Recommended to all my family. Whilst the storyline was not unique it constantly held your attention.
October 17, 2021
I knew this ending would be epic and it was. But I have to say I wasn't a huge fan of the quick pace of this last book. The 3 year time jump in the middle left me with some whiplash. But, as you can see, still 5 stars worth of book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
Fabulous series!
Awesome series of books. Never read any better. Excellent character development and i loved the storyline. Absolutely wish there were more. Thanks for the great time reading.
Awesome series of books. Never read any better. Excellent character development and i loved the storyline. Absolutely wish there were more. Thanks for the great time reading.
December 28, 2021
Couldn’t put it down!
Finding an author who can world build and actually take you there can be hard to find. A very good, rounded story and quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Only wish the map was available on kindle… I could never see it.
Finding an author who can world build and actually take you there can be hard to find. A very good, rounded story and quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Only wish the map was available on kindle… I could never see it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews