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Advent Mage Cycle #9

Warlords Reigning

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The Empire of Sol is satisfied that the new Warlords of Khobunter intend to be good neighbors. The problem is, neither Becca nor Trev’nor can rightfully claim to be warlords over all of Khobunter. They still have two pesky warlords to either charm into surrendering or take by brute force.

Becca doesn’t like her odds in conquering Von.

The last warlord in the north has made it very clear that the new warlords can take the territory over his dead body. And Von supports it by gathering every able magician he possesses into his stronghold.

It will take considerable magic and might to break through, and the potential for damage near catastrophic. Becca quickly realizes that they’re not going to breach the walls, not with the force she has available, but they don’t have the time for a leisurely siege. There’s only one option left to them—the very thing Becca swore they’d never do: call home for help.

And pray someone answers.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2018

104 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

Honor Raconteur

62 books841 followers
Ever 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.

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5 stars
539 (66%)
4 stars
190 (23%)
3 stars
69 (8%)
2 stars
5 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Debrac2014.
2,335 reviews20 followers
June 12, 2020
Wonderful ending to the series! I'm going to miss reading about these characters!
Profile Image for Eden.
2,221 reviews
May 27, 2022
2022 bk 157. In the final novel of the cycle, the trio are facing their last warlord and his general, the magic council, and their mentors. The three have grown more confident in their positions as Warlords, having taken all but the last territory. It is time for diplomacy and to ally with the countries on their border. Unfortunately this means facing the magic council and one very envious witch. With the aid of teachers and mentors, their actions will shake up the magic and diplomatic relations for years to come. I'm sorry to see these adventures end. It was fun watching the teens grow and a country change.
Profile Image for Pep.
78 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2018
Excellent end to their story

I saw the end book was out and went back to Jaunten, and reread each. I could easily see Honor getting better and better with each one. I had a lot of questions at the end of most of the books, questions about The Gardeners and the events that took place when each appeared. Questions about Star Order rehab, and just general loose threads. I think all were resolved in this last book and I was greatful for that.

I really hated to see those reviewers giving this particular book a low rating because of one character being in a same-sex relationship. I thought this was handled very well and it was pleasant to see that diversity in a wide cast.

I will miss the kids and the details of mundane things. Maybe a series of prequels? We still don't know who made the fuzzies!
Profile Image for Tina M.
705 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2021
Great Ending To What Turned Out…

Great ending to what turned out to be a very long series. I
can say, I’m in agreement with the author whereas I’m glad to see it wrapped up and with a strong finish, but I’ll miss following the adventures and antics of the main characters and the world it revolves around.

It’s also a pretty strong buildup, and has its moments of being fast paced, from the beginning to end.

Not to get too involved in what could be considered a spoiler, but when the early showdown with the Magic Council was going on, I was on the edge of my seat, and riveted to the written word, and I too wished I had been the one to bring the popcorn!!

I realize this was at the beginning of her writing career, and after reading a different series of hers, I am glad to see she’s gotten better at some of the typos, as well as the overuse of certain catch phrases.

I appreciate that it was kept “clean,” in the language used, as well as sexual content, and somewhat in the level and description of violence. I realize part of this is due to the target audience’s age group this was written for, but anymore it seems difficult to find adult level fantasy novels that’s not filled with all of the above.

In order to avoid this, I mainly pick from this genre and targeted age group. I can unequivocally say that I’m not alone in this feeling, based upon reviews I’ve read from other adults looking for the same. Maybe Raconteur will, or possibly already has, consider writing for a more mature audience while keeping this in mind.

I did notice a couple of reviews that mentioned being upset with the nature of violence involved in these last three. I feel this is completely unfounded. The title, and the description from the jacket cover, pretty much says it all. Raconteur may mention the fighting, or some of the realties of being in a war setting, which are inevitable, but IMHO, she never goes full on metal jacket, and keeps it to a minimum, while allowing the reader to pick up on just how ravaging and destructive these times would realistically be.
Definitely recommend reading these from the very beginning, starting with Jaunten, and reading the 9.5 books written around this entire sub-world
476 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2023
Sadly This is the Last in the Series.

This was the last book in the Warlord Trilogy. It is also the last in the Advent series world. I for one are very sorry about that fact. I have thoroughly enjoyed my sojourn to this world and am bidding it a very sorrowful farewell. I will miss the characters, the exciting adventures and battles and the emotional roller coaster I endured while reading it. I laughed my head off when Garth the mage met Garth the dragon, cried with anger and sadness over the wickedness of the Von commander and smiled with happiness for Becca and her Commander. I certainly believe Trev should have got a book of his own as to what happened next for him. Read this book and you will see exactly what I mean.
593 reviews21 followers
September 19, 2018
An excellent final book in an outstanding series. Honestly, I'm a bit sad that the story is ending. You know a fantasy adventure is good when you get to the ending and you already miss the characters. I really love the deeply entrenched ethics system that was displayed along with the value placed on family. There was a noble feeling that was portrayed when these characteristics were written about.

Word of caution, you have to read the previous books in the series to understand anything going on. There are way too many backstories from characters with their own books to get even a fraction of understanding without reading them all. Definitely cost worthy and an all around pleasure.
422 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2020
Wonderful wrap up!

*sigh* the end of any truly good series is always a little bitter sweet. Saying goodbye to all of the characters to have become so emotionally invested in is tough. However, that's the true joy of books. When you want to see a familiar face \voice, you just start the book over and find your friends waiting to share there adventure with you all over again. Adieu.
Profile Image for Jude.
1,173 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2025
Well Sh!t!! While this series does not hit one of my favorite motifs, I was and am enjoying it. Then in this one - the final one apparently- the author does a satisfactory wrap up but then includes just a bit of foreshadowing on one of the main characters that imply their love interest is the same gender!
Now I am pissed as m/m is a favorite motif and ---- is she going to write it? I am left hanging!
1,226 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2025
This is a YA portion of the entire series and IMO it was written that way. I did not feel there was any sexual, violent, or language that was not appropriate for that audience. There were references - especially in the violence. However, these were basically 3 books about WAR. So, expect accordingly, please? The m/m relationship was inferred but in no way acted upon. I personally enjoyed the series and felt this was a fun end to the story.
15 reviews
August 24, 2018
WONDERFUL

I have loved this series for years, and this is a beautiful ending to the story. I will miss all of these characters, but I know I will read the series over and over again for years to come.

Ps I'll probably pester the lovely Honor for tidbits about there lives for just as long!!!!
Profile Image for Heather Pedersen.
17 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2018
Happy to read it again

A very satisfying conclusion to the Advent mage series. As always, fun, interesting characters and interactions between them. There ARE some open questions, that weren’t related to the plot, so I hope for a short story or two on those (council, more city history)
552 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2018
Advent Mage series finishes now.

Series finishes with flourish, mostly talking enemy city into surrender with help of dragons and mages. Shad, Krys and Kaya are guest stars at the end. All but one loose ends are tied up. When did Trevnor get boyfriend? I have read other books in Warlords trilogy. No idea.
Profile Image for H.M..
Author 5 books23 followers
May 24, 2021
Good

I enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that it seems like there should be a glossary at the very least. I didn’t have any idea what the magical council with the long name really was until this book. The term Jaunten was used frequently in this book, but I have no idea what that is.
111 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2019
Wow!

I loved thisbbook. The entire gang is back for this book. My only complaint is that I need more of Donixan and Trevnor. I highly recommend this entire series starting with the Advent Mage.
265 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2021
I love this whole series and Warlords Reigning finishes it off perfectly. I’m now intending to read the compendium before I say goodbye to any of these characters. In these difficult times there is a lot of love and joy in these books. A great relief!
Profile Image for Mark Beardsley.
39 reviews
July 2, 2021
The last one was the worst one.

I shouldn’t complain, these books are free on Prime but this takes juvenile literature to a new low. I read the series and wish I didn’t feel like once I read one that I should finish the series. Juvenile, repetitive and formulaic.
43 reviews
July 18, 2021
What a way to conquer a country

I read this last book in the trilogy first then went back and read the first two and had to reread this one.. The story is great as well as the characters and development of the back stories. As always I love her work
18 reviews
July 26, 2021
Amazing series

Honor has crafted yet another chapter in the lives of the characters we love. She shows how love, determination and the sort of magic friends have with each other can make the world a better place. We would all love to live in a world like her's.
Profile Image for Mary Corso.
1,146 reviews
April 4, 2023
my favorite of the warlords books

This final book is my favorite of the warlords books The warlords books are a continuation of the advent mage series. In this book, we meet again a lot of people that we remembered from that series.
587 reviews
January 12, 2024
What a wonderful ending for the series.

The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is superb. I hope the author will write more books in this universe.
25 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2018
Great read!

Loved this series! The characters were all someone you were cheering for to conquer the day. I wish there was more to their story.
Profile Image for Tumata Garbutt.
120 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2018
Nice way to finish the series. We'll miss this world. Thank you Honor Looking forward to your new books.
Profile Image for Rebecca Armstrong.
67 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2018
Great end to a series

Never been so sad to have a series complete what a joy to read. My favourite author produced another great book
21 reviews
June 10, 2019
Amazing End to an Amazing Series!!!

I loved this book, it was an amazing end to an amazing series. She is such an excellent writer!!! Loved it!!!
202 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
Great story for a great series

I love the way Honor Raconteur thinks and writes. She has given me a world I would like to visit and so many characters I would like to meet.
Profile Image for Jo.
370 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2020
Great conclusion

The end of a great series. Loved the characters including the dragons. I believe these are the best dragons ever. Enjoy
Profile Image for Jim Pike.
204 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2021
Such a great ending to the series. Pretty much all the regulars from previous books are mentioned, or meet up with the three mages. Love this entire series.
Profile Image for Evelyn Ryan.
150 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2022
More

I want more of this world and the people in it. And Dragons.
Is that too much to ask?
And sleep. I blame Honor for many long nights.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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