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Darkling Mage #3
Grave Intentions
Something has stolen the darkling mage’s face.Reports of arcane theft and violence are pouring in from all over Valero. They all have one thing in a perpetrator who looks exactly like Dustin Graves. But Dust has been hanging in the hideout, barely out of sight of his bloodthirsty companions.
An impostor is clearly on the prowl, and soon a vampire clan, the Lorica, and even Dust’s own allies are giving him hell for crimes he didn’t commit. There’s also the matter of finding an entity powerful enough to reforge Vanitas. But the darkling mage will pull through. Dustin always does. Well… except when he doesn’t.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the third book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Grave Intentions today.
An impostor is clearly on the prowl, and soon a vampire clan, the Lorica, and even Dust’s own allies are giving him hell for crimes he didn’t commit. There’s also the matter of finding an entity powerful enough to reforge Vanitas. But the darkling mage will pull through. Dustin always does. Well… except when he doesn’t.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the third book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Grave Intentions today.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2018
286 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books393 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 8, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I am really enjoying this series! After enjoying the first two installments in this series, I was pretty excited to start listening to this audiobook. I am happy to report that this book lived up to my expectations. The story grabbed me from the very first paragraph and held my interest until the very end. I am so glad that I decided to give this series a try.
Dustin starts this book out in a bit of trouble and finds more before everything is settled. There are more than enough Dustins to go around in this book. It seems that there are crimes being committed all over town by people who look exactly like Dustin, except they aren't Dustin. Things will be quite exciting until Dustin and his team are able to figure out exactly what is going on.
Dustin is a great character. I love his sense of humor and how quickly he is able to think through almost impossible situations. He is quite resilient and it seems that no matter how dire the situation he finds a way to make things work. I am also really enjoying getting to know some of the other recurring characters a bit better.
Luke Daniels is one of my favorite narrators and he does an excellent job with the narration of this book. He does a fantastic job of bringing Dustin to life and is able to add a lot of excitement to the story. There are times that the dialogue in this book is rather comical and I think that his performance made everything even more enjoyable. I think that the narration increased my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. This is the third book in the Darkling Mage series which really should be read in order. This book had the perfect combination of great characters, a compelling mystery, and just the right amount of humor. I cannot wait to read about Dustin's next adventure.
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Initial Thoughts
I am really liking this series. Dustin is a great character and I love the humor that is worked into the story. The story really had me interested and I couldn't wait to see what would end up happening. Luke Daniels does a stellar job in bringing this series to life. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
I am really enjoying this series! After enjoying the first two installments in this series, I was pretty excited to start listening to this audiobook. I am happy to report that this book lived up to my expectations. The story grabbed me from the very first paragraph and held my interest until the very end. I am so glad that I decided to give this series a try.
Dustin starts this book out in a bit of trouble and finds more before everything is settled. There are more than enough Dustins to go around in this book. It seems that there are crimes being committed all over town by people who look exactly like Dustin, except they aren't Dustin. Things will be quite exciting until Dustin and his team are able to figure out exactly what is going on.
Dustin is a great character. I love his sense of humor and how quickly he is able to think through almost impossible situations. He is quite resilient and it seems that no matter how dire the situation he finds a way to make things work. I am also really enjoying getting to know some of the other recurring characters a bit better.
Luke Daniels is one of my favorite narrators and he does an excellent job with the narration of this book. He does a fantastic job of bringing Dustin to life and is able to add a lot of excitement to the story. There are times that the dialogue in this book is rather comical and I think that his performance made everything even more enjoyable. I think that the narration increased my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would recommend this book to others. This is the third book in the Darkling Mage series which really should be read in order. This book had the perfect combination of great characters, a compelling mystery, and just the right amount of humor. I cannot wait to read about Dustin's next adventure.
I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Initial Thoughts
I am really liking this series. Dustin is a great character and I love the humor that is worked into the story. The story really had me interested and I couldn't wait to see what would end up happening. Luke Daniels does a stellar job in bringing this series to life. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
June 15, 2020
Book 3 in the Darkling Mage series.
Someone or something is stealing rare arcane artefacts. The trouble is, that the someone or something has Dustin's face....
Another fast paced story, with full on action from the start.
Someone or something is stealing rare arcane artefacts. The trouble is, that the someone or something has Dustin's face....
Another fast paced story, with full on action from the start.
October 21, 2018
Mighty Nazri Noor strikes again!
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind how much I love this author, and his consistent fabulous writing style keeps winning me over and over again. The authors signature sarcasm is present, however a bit subdued this time, as the story focuses on family, friends, loved ones in general, and loss of them. There are more emotions in this book than in the previous ones. And although this story might be a bit subdued compared to the previous ones, there is still a lot of funny situations.
Dust is growing up a bit and becoming more responsible, perhaps due to the fact that he is no longer the youngest member of the crew. Apart from Herald and short appearances of Bastion and Prudence, Lorica is mostly in the background this time, as the story focuses primarily on Dust, Carver, Sterling, and Asher.
As Dust chases all kinds of leads and gets into personal debts to all kinds of deities and demons, the situations with his father on the one hand, and Vanitas on the other hand, slowly resolve. Then there is this little issue with the end of the world as we know it. The story was as gripping and addictive as the previous ones, and I loved every minute of it. The ending is as epic as the previous two books and it kept me biting nails in anticipation. And although the villain was not at all unexpected, the ending itself was quite shocking. There is no cliffhanger but the ending leaves an opening for a sequel, which I hope will happen.
I absolutely love this author, his writing, this series, the characters, the world, everything! Dustin Graves is still one of the best male characters ever created.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage, #1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage, #2), and Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3). I hope there will be more.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind how much I love this author, and his consistent fabulous writing style keeps winning me over and over again. The authors signature sarcasm is present, however a bit subdued this time, as the story focuses on family, friends, loved ones in general, and loss of them. There are more emotions in this book than in the previous ones. And although this story might be a bit subdued compared to the previous ones, there is still a lot of funny situations.
Dust is growing up a bit and becoming more responsible, perhaps due to the fact that he is no longer the youngest member of the crew. Apart from Herald and short appearances of Bastion and Prudence, Lorica is mostly in the background this time, as the story focuses primarily on Dust, Carver, Sterling, and Asher.
As Dust chases all kinds of leads and gets into personal debts to all kinds of deities and demons, the situations with his father on the one hand, and Vanitas on the other hand, slowly resolve. Then there is this little issue with the end of the world as we know it. The story was as gripping and addictive as the previous ones, and I loved every minute of it. The ending is as epic as the previous two books and it kept me biting nails in anticipation. And although the villain was not at all unexpected, the ending itself was quite shocking. There is no cliffhanger but the ending leaves an opening for a sequel, which I hope will happen.
I absolutely love this author, his writing, this series, the characters, the world, everything! Dustin Graves is still one of the best male characters ever created.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage, #1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage, #2), and Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3). I hope there will be more.
May 23, 2020
Dustin is so irritating!! I swear, I know he’s not stupid but he certainly acts stupid more often than not!! And he really needs to learn to keep his freaking mouth shut!!!!
On a positive note, that scene with his father was soo 😊💞😌🥺
On a positive note, that scene with his father was soo 😊💞😌🥺
May 9, 2024
GRAVE INTENTIONS hits us with some major revelations and it's probably my favorite of the series so far. Dustin's control over his magic is growing, he's learning more about his past, and he's really settled into his friendships with the Boneyard guys and Herald. He's still as confident as ever but now it's coming from a place of belonging rather than just false bravado. I'm excited to see what will happen next!
December 12, 2019
A bit repetitive the plot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
The third installment of the Darkling Mage series picks up largely where Book 2 left off. This time, Dust faces a new threat: thefts of arcane tools are being committed by an individual with his own face.
The story moves along at a fast pace, as I have become accustomed to expect from this author. Dust's sarcasm and lack of filter continue to make things worse for him, although this seemed to be toned down a little bit in this novel (probably due to the ways he interacts with the other major players in this novel and the more serious thematic material being explored).
Dust (and, therefore, the reader's) understanding of the rules of the arcane world continues to grow. Some familiar faces from past exploits appear as well, and are welcome.
This novel touched a little more deeply on more emotional, personal issues, so the tone was a little more subdued than previous installments. I do wish that this had been explored more deeply as I think there's potential to really improve our understanding of a number of characters, and I don't feel that these opportunities were seized as much as they could have been. I hope that future entries will allow us to see more of the characters being vulnerable.
I also think that one particular plot direction has run its course for me. Unfortunately, it seems to be so tied to other threads that are not as resolved as I'd like, so I anticipate this will continue for at least another book in the series.
I really like the world that the author has created, with the arcane existing in parallel with "normal" experiences. I think the author has done a great job with world-building and I'm eager to see where the next adventure will go.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
The story moves along at a fast pace, as I have become accustomed to expect from this author. Dust's sarcasm and lack of filter continue to make things worse for him, although this seemed to be toned down a little bit in this novel (probably due to the ways he interacts with the other major players in this novel and the more serious thematic material being explored).
Dust (and, therefore, the reader's) understanding of the rules of the arcane world continues to grow. Some familiar faces from past exploits appear as well, and are welcome.
This novel touched a little more deeply on more emotional, personal issues, so the tone was a little more subdued than previous installments. I do wish that this had been explored more deeply as I think there's potential to really improve our understanding of a number of characters, and I don't feel that these opportunities were seized as much as they could have been. I hope that future entries will allow us to see more of the characters being vulnerable.
I also think that one particular plot direction has run its course for me. Unfortunately, it seems to be so tied to other threads that are not as resolved as I'd like, so I anticipate this will continue for at least another book in the series.
I really like the world that the author has created, with the arcane existing in parallel with "normal" experiences. I think the author has done a great job with world-building and I'm eager to see where the next adventure will go.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
March 20, 2020
I can easily see how popular these stories have become and it makes me feel like just one voice who cheers at the end of each. The tale is so exciting to me that I am surely enjoying the ride. I'll tell you why. The characters, the action, the characters, the settings, the characters. Get it? The good guys are simply more fun than most I have read. I can see them because of their quirks, their behavior and the lovable way they interact with the others is just plain real. Now, with the evil, scheming and obnoxious baddies it's easy to wish the worst for them. It is so satisfying to see them get their comeuppance.
There's a massive battle at the end that just held me breathless. My eyes were stinging from reading so long and wanting to sleep, but I kept going to the very end so I could not have to lay awake wondering what would happen. The debt Dust owes to the demon prince is troubling and I hope that when I get into the next book I will have some relief with that. I want the sword to come back to life and see Dust discover more abilities to do battle. He seems to love that action. I will be here cheering him on with all the other readers who love these adventures.
There's a massive battle at the end that just held me breathless. My eyes were stinging from reading so long and wanting to sleep, but I kept going to the very end so I could not have to lay awake wondering what would happen. The debt Dust owes to the demon prince is troubling and I hope that when I get into the next book I will have some relief with that. I want the sword to come back to life and see Dust discover more abilities to do battle. He seems to love that action. I will be here cheering him on with all the other readers who love these adventures.
June 5, 2020
And this is where the series hooks me in
So someone has stolen Dustin's face and is committing theft in Valero, and in some cases attacking Dust's friends. Dustin, having an alibi, gets the team together to figure out who or what is going on tarnishing his good name with his good looks. Dustin has to contend with a vampire clan, the Lorica, and his own allies. There's also the matter of reforge Vanitas, Dustin's literal closest friend.
The snarky and snappy dialogue are even better, and I believe that this book gets even darker, excuse the pun. Nazri Noor is really coming into his element here and it shows. Noor has really improved his weaving of story arcs here, and I am glad he stuck with it. Some of my favorite moments were Dustin really coming into his own concerning his magic, delving more into the other characters personalities and backgrounds, finding Dust's father, and experiencing the subtle world building Nor is developing.
Again, I'm pretty sure this series was made for Luke Daniels to narrate; perfect choice.
So someone has stolen Dustin's face and is committing theft in Valero, and in some cases attacking Dust's friends. Dustin, having an alibi, gets the team together to figure out who or what is going on tarnishing his good name with his good looks. Dustin has to contend with a vampire clan, the Lorica, and his own allies. There's also the matter of reforge Vanitas, Dustin's literal closest friend.
The snarky and snappy dialogue are even better, and I believe that this book gets even darker, excuse the pun. Nazri Noor is really coming into his element here and it shows. Noor has really improved his weaving of story arcs here, and I am glad he stuck with it. Some of my favorite moments were Dustin really coming into his own concerning his magic, delving more into the other characters personalities and backgrounds, finding Dust's father, and experiencing the subtle world building Nor is developing.
Again, I'm pretty sure this series was made for Luke Daniels to narrate; perfect choice.
December 23, 2019
This is the third book in this series and while it works as a standalone, anyone considering the book should check out the previous ones in the series first as you will more fully appreciate the characters and they are also extremely entertaining too.
This time round, Dustin is troubled by a number of cases of mistaken identity where thefts involving magical items are being carried out by people who look exactly like him and while this doesn't initially seem overly world-threatening at first, things get more troublesome as he investigates further.
Once again the narrator gives an extremely strong performance with a wide range of distinctive tones for the main character and a varied supporting cast.
Overall, another enjoyable instalment in this series and I can't wait for the next one to be released.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
This time round, Dustin is troubled by a number of cases of mistaken identity where thefts involving magical items are being carried out by people who look exactly like him and while this doesn't initially seem overly world-threatening at first, things get more troublesome as he investigates further.
Once again the narrator gives an extremely strong performance with a wide range of distinctive tones for the main character and a varied supporting cast.
Overall, another enjoyable instalment in this series and I can't wait for the next one to be released.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
November 13, 2018
Someone is stealing arcane items and doing acts of violence - the problem is the person/people doing it all look just like Dustin Graves - problem is Dust was in the hideout and was nowhere near those places. Before he knows it he is being sought by a vampire clan, the Lorica and even some of his own allies. He is also trying to find anyone who can reforge his sword (and friend) Vanitas. Can the darkling mage solve all these problem and come out the other end with his life?
This story moved along at a fast pace and there was plenty of twists, turns and action as it unfolded. Throughout it all, Dust was his usual snarky self finding a place for his very own brand of sarcasm. Well written and clear/easy to understand, this was a great third book in the series and definitely kept my attention all through the book and the events that were unfolding.
This story moved along at a fast pace and there was plenty of twists, turns and action as it unfolded. Throughout it all, Dust was his usual snarky self finding a place for his very own brand of sarcasm. Well written and clear/easy to understand, this was a great third book in the series and definitely kept my attention all through the book and the events that were unfolding.
October 22, 2018
Dustin is at it again....or is he? Things are disappearing and Dustin is the culprit or at least his victims thinks so. Soon Dustin and the other team members find his has a doppelganger. Now all they have to do is find out who is creating them and why...and are the thefts and objects stolen random? And if that is not enough questions, what about Dustin's magic? Is it ever going to get stronger? With all these questions I guess you will need to read this book in order to answer them. If you really want to be entertained read the whole series. The books are well worth reading. Fast paced, strong characters, violence and gore, tons of villains, and of course magic. You'll soon be hooked. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
March 19, 2024
Rollin’, rollin’, rolling’… keep on rollin’!
This installment is substantially faster paced than its predecessors, and that’s saying something since those moved at a pretty quick clip, themselves.
Plot lines are tied up, losses are felt, but Hope is born and victory wrested from defeat. But losses ARE felt. Nothing comes for free. And yet, hope is born and victory wrested from defeat.
I repeat myself, because in some ways, I am at a loss for words, while in others, I simply don’t want to wax over exuberant at this step in the storyline. I’ll save that for the end. I’m simply glad that the series is complete before I started it because I wouldn’t want to wait. Do yourself a favor, pick up the first book and begin a great and fun journey. Until next time .
This installment is substantially faster paced than its predecessors, and that’s saying something since those moved at a pretty quick clip, themselves.
Plot lines are tied up, losses are felt, but Hope is born and victory wrested from defeat. But losses ARE felt. Nothing comes for free. And yet, hope is born and victory wrested from defeat.
I repeat myself, because in some ways, I am at a loss for words, while in others, I simply don’t want to wax over exuberant at this step in the storyline. I’ll save that for the end. I’m simply glad that the series is complete before I started it because I wouldn’t want to wait. Do yourself a favor, pick up the first book and begin a great and fun journey. Until next time .
January 25, 2019
This is the third book in the Darkling mage series this book in about a young man who learns that he is a dark mage after he is killed by a cult but is brought back to life .
I have to say that I'm loving this series I love the unique characters I find myself becoming invested in them I care what happens to them . Not only does this book have a interesting plot the world building is pretty decent too looking forward to the next installment of this series .
I have to say that I'm loving this series I love the unique characters I find myself becoming invested in them I care what happens to them . Not only does this book have a interesting plot the world building is pretty decent too looking forward to the next installment of this series .
May 23, 2022
Grave Intentions brought in a super cool conflict that initially fooled even his nearest and dearest, and then got even more unique once they started figuring out what was going on. Dustin is getting stronger and he is surrounded by some cool people. I really like that the conflicts and battles are true group efforts instead of 'super MC saves the day'. These characters are becoming a family and I'm loving it.
April 8, 2023
Where do I even start?
This was, quite possibly, the best book I’ve ever read by Nazri Noor. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. The climactic scene was definitely one of his most exciting. It was written so well I just sat in the break room at work with my hands over my mouth gasping as things just got worse and worse and worse for our heroes. True to form though, this author always leaves his characters in a good place at the end of each book.
This was, quite possibly, the best book I’ve ever read by Nazri Noor. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. The climactic scene was definitely one of his most exciting. It was written so well I just sat in the break room at work with my hands over my mouth gasping as things just got worse and worse and worse for our heroes. True to form though, this author always leaves his characters in a good place at the end of each book.
September 14, 2025
Grave Intentions sharpens the series’ voice, giving Dustin a more compelling arc and higher stakes than before. The humor still risks repetition, but the mystery of his double adds enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Familiar urban fantasy tropes linger, yet there’s a stronger sense of pacing and purpose this time around. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s the first book in the series that feels like it has real momentum.
December 1, 2023
enjoying
I am enjoying this series. I thought it was gonna have a little MM romance in it but I don’t think it is and now that I’ve accepted that I’m really getting into the story and I am enjoying Dustin and all the boys at the boneyard.
Now I’m interested to see where it goes since Thea is dead what’s going to be the next foe…
I am enjoying this series. I thought it was gonna have a little MM romance in it but I don’t think it is and now that I’ve accepted that I’m really getting into the story and I am enjoying Dustin and all the boys at the boneyard.
Now I’m interested to see where it goes since Thea is dead what’s going to be the next foe…
March 23, 2019
Love this series
I really enjoy all the different characters in this series of books and want to find out what powers they have and where they are going.
Writing is good as always plot full of twists and turns what’s not to like about it
I really enjoy all the different characters in this series of books and want to find out what powers they have and where they are going.
Writing is good as always plot full of twists and turns what’s not to like about it
March 25, 2019
He died it again
Solid story and the characters are so good. Fast paced and full of twists too. It's good to see the main character get knocked around and shown up constantly. So funny!
Solid story and the characters are so good. Fast paced and full of twists too. It's good to see the main character get knocked around and shown up constantly. So funny!
December 18, 2019
If you haven’t read this series you are missing big time.
A coward hero with impressive burst of awesomeness. This book fixed many of the annoying points of the story and cleans the plot to be consistent, and fast paced. I loved it.
A coward hero with impressive burst of awesomeness. This book fixed many of the annoying points of the story and cleans the plot to be consistent, and fast paced. I loved it.
June 14, 2021
Amazing!
This series just gets better and better! More characters, more excitement, more questions. Nazri Noor has a true gift of writing and this series is one of the best urban fantasy I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommended
This series just gets better and better! More characters, more excitement, more questions. Nazri Noor has a true gift of writing and this series is one of the best urban fantasy I’ve read in a long time. Highly recommended
November 9, 2018
Great book
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and the premise involved. I only wish there were a dozen more books that I hadn't read yet.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and the premise involved. I only wish there were a dozen more books that I hadn't read yet.
November 13, 2018
Excellent reading
The whole series is very well written. I like the concept and the characters. I hope the series keeps going!
The whole series is very well written. I like the concept and the characters. I hope the series keeps going!
November 14, 2018
Great Series
The characters are all interesting. Dust is just starting to come into his powers. Good action and storyline. All 3 books are worth buying.
The characters are all interesting. Dust is just starting to come into his powers. Good action and storyline. All 3 books are worth buying.
December 28, 2018
Couldn't stop reading it
Finished this book in one sitting. If I could change anything though, Id make this a longer book! Love this series!
Finished this book in one sitting. If I could change anything though, Id make this a longer book! Love this series!
March 22, 2019
Still liking it
Damn I hate writing these.
It's a good series. Glad I got into it.
Gets better put together with each book, which I suppose , as it should do.
Next!
Damn I hate writing these.
It's a good series. Glad I got into it.
Gets better put together with each book, which I suppose , as it should do.
Next!
September 1, 2019
Fun
Another fun story. I guess l might as well read them all. Then go back to more books waiting in my library
Another fun story. I guess l might as well read them all. Then go back to more books waiting in my library
October 27, 2019
Great book
Cannot wait to read the next book. Well written and interesting to read. Recommend this book to anyone. Love the world building in the book
Cannot wait to read the next book. Well written and interesting to read. Recommend this book to anyone. Love the world building in the book
March 5, 2020
3.75*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews