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Familiar and the Mage #3
Remnants
Finally over with the wedding, managed to escape the parents, signed up with the MISD, yay! Got assigned a permanent team with Chi, Vee, and Maksohm, double yay! Toh’sellor has been stolen.
Yeah, this is not going to be fun.
It is, in fact, anti-fun.
Oh, and monkeys. Poor Chi.
Yeah, this is not going to be fun.
It is, in fact, anti-fun.
Oh, and monkeys. Poor Chi.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2018
314 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 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 62 reviews
November 28, 2019
These characters are the most precious and adorable people in the world!!!
There was a lot of focus on PTSD, in the last book they fought against the nightmare that is Toh'sellor and now it causes problems again. The biggest problem for our character is sleeping, most of them have nightmares (which is understandable), but for Chi, it's worse because of something that happened to him when he was a child (💔), so Chi can't sleep but they find a solution and our 4 characters all end up sleeping in the same bed just so Chi can sleep, like I said they are adorable :)
I did have some issues here, it was a little more boring because there was more waiting around for the bad guys to do something, but to be fair it was also boring for the characters so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I was also annoyed by the repetition of some of the expressions, I mean, I get that Bannen loves Chi like a brother but if I have to here another time that Chi is his "brother from another mother" I'm gonna throw something (which is bad because the only thing I have in my hands at those times are my e-reader).
And I keep on having that "impending doom" feeling, I really keep waiting for something wrong to happen, I'm so used to cliffhangers at the end of the books I read that I'm thrown when there isn't one, but it's good there isn't, right?
Anyway, only one book left!!!
There was a lot of focus on PTSD, in the last book they fought against the nightmare that is Toh'sellor and now it causes problems again. The biggest problem for our character is sleeping, most of them have nightmares (which is understandable), but for Chi, it's worse because of something that happened to him when he was a child (💔), so Chi can't sleep but they find a solution and our 4 characters all end up sleeping in the same bed just so Chi can sleep, like I said they are adorable :)
I did have some issues here, it was a little more boring because there was more waiting around for the bad guys to do something, but to be fair it was also boring for the characters so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I was also annoyed by the repetition of some of the expressions, I mean, I get that Bannen loves Chi like a brother but if I have to here another time that Chi is his "brother from another mother" I'm gonna throw something (which is bad because the only thing I have in my hands at those times are my e-reader).
And I keep on having that "impending doom" feeling, I really keep waiting for something wrong to happen, I'm so used to cliffhangers at the end of the books I read that I'm thrown when there isn't one, but it's good there isn't, right?
Anyway, only one book left!!!
July 6, 2021
I'm sad that this was my least favourite installment. There was enough of a plot for a novella and the banter and joking around really undercut how scary the Big Bad was supposed to me. I really appreciated the clean content and how devoted the MCs were to each other, but their epic love was a lot of telling, not a lot of showing. (I'm sorry.)
April 6, 2020
The only issue I have with these books are they’re middle grade kind of pacing and adventure and I’m always more inclined for a YA or Adult type of fantasy. Having said that...
Trouble never leaves this group.
It was again a very solid, entertaining, and fast paced book. A lot of adventure and mirth, some pain and fighting.
I’m completely in love with Chi and Bannen, their bantering is amazing, actually all the characters are pretty funny and entertaining, and the relationships between them are believable, healthy and loving.
I’m sure the last book will finally have them destroy, or something like that, the chaotic magic energy that has troubled their world for 20+ years.
I’m gonna go and read now and hope for a solid conclusion to this story.
Trouble never leaves this group.
It was again a very solid, entertaining, and fast paced book. A lot of adventure and mirth, some pain and fighting.
I’m completely in love with Chi and Bannen, their bantering is amazing, actually all the characters are pretty funny and entertaining, and the relationships between them are believable, healthy and loving.
I’m sure the last book will finally have them destroy, or something like that, the chaotic magic energy that has troubled their world for 20+ years.
I’m gonna go and read now and hope for a solid conclusion to this story.
September 20, 2022
2022 bk 291. I think I liked this one better than the first two books in the series. Probably because there it was easier to identify whose voice was speaking - the author really improved on putting clues in the first paragraph. I enjoyed the challenge and that the characters have grown into their roles.
October 31, 2018
Snafu of epic proportions
Thank you Amazon for making us wait MUCH longer than what was required. Letting other countries get this book before us. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Do I want to go through that again? Uh, NO! Great third book in this series. Bannen and Chi’s humor shine through and my husband heard me laughing many times.
Thank you Amazon for making us wait MUCH longer than what was required. Letting other countries get this book before us. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Do I want to go through that again? Uh, NO! Great third book in this series. Bannen and Chi’s humor shine through and my husband heard me laughing many times.
October 28, 2021
Lvoed reading this book again, so great, loved watching them deal with this! Just sometimes there are idiots that they have to deal with!
February 1, 2022
not as good as previous books
I was disappointed by the drastic change in Rena and Bannen’s relationship… it’s like that all disappeared. I didn’t enjoy the plot as well as in previous books.
I was disappointed by the drastic change in Rena and Bannen’s relationship… it’s like that all disappeared. I didn’t enjoy the plot as well as in previous books.
January 24, 2019
I really like this series. It's not got any bad language but it's entertaining. It was a little wordy in places but all in all a good story. Kept my attention. I'm a 65 year old who likes a good fantasy read.
November 27, 2021
A Bit Disappointed
I must say, I was indeed a bit disappointed in book 3 in the series. It was as if the effort to finish this one was a bit too strenuous for the author. Almost like she wasn’t quite sure how to keep the novel together in an interesting fashion.
The very limited encounters the characters got into all surrounded the same thing they’ve been battling the entirety of the series. Supposedly, they join this amazing organization, with everyone, including themselves, bragging up all the amazing assignments they’ll see come their way, but yet the majority of the time is spent in hotels, or on trains, waiting on their next move to take down this evil entity.
Plus after 3 books, the over-usage of certain thoughts, phrases and words really began to grate on my nerves:
Sard
Drawl
Waesuck
Bounce/bouncing -EVERYBODY seems to need to bounce in one form or another when excited, nervous, etc.
And in this last one the addition of:
Wife/wifey
Husband
These last were probably used 50 times each. I get the fact it starts off with two weddings, but come on already.
Also the constant reminder that this is his wife and he knew her magic so well by now, he knew this would take a while, another minute, blah, blah blah.
Chi is afraid of monkeys-WE KNOW!
I was really surprised that I couldn’t wait to finish this one-and not for good reasons. Raconteur is one of my favorite authors, but this is not up to the standard I’ve seen in previous series.
She does wrap up all the loose ends, all the characters are accounted for moving forward, but it completely lacks in excitement and flair.
I must say, I was indeed a bit disappointed in book 3 in the series. It was as if the effort to finish this one was a bit too strenuous for the author. Almost like she wasn’t quite sure how to keep the novel together in an interesting fashion.
The very limited encounters the characters got into all surrounded the same thing they’ve been battling the entirety of the series. Supposedly, they join this amazing organization, with everyone, including themselves, bragging up all the amazing assignments they’ll see come their way, but yet the majority of the time is spent in hotels, or on trains, waiting on their next move to take down this evil entity.
Plus after 3 books, the over-usage of certain thoughts, phrases and words really began to grate on my nerves:
Sard
Drawl
Waesuck
Bounce/bouncing -EVERYBODY seems to need to bounce in one form or another when excited, nervous, etc.
And in this last one the addition of:
Wife/wifey
Husband
These last were probably used 50 times each. I get the fact it starts off with two weddings, but come on already.
Also the constant reminder that this is his wife and he knew her magic so well by now, he knew this would take a while, another minute, blah, blah blah.
Chi is afraid of monkeys-WE KNOW!
I was really surprised that I couldn’t wait to finish this one-and not for good reasons. Raconteur is one of my favorite authors, but this is not up to the standard I’ve seen in previous series.
She does wrap up all the loose ends, all the characters are accounted for moving forward, but it completely lacks in excitement and flair.
August 16, 2019
This is the final book in a wonderful trilogy. Renata, the Void Mage, and her familiar/husband Bannen, have finally married and are looking forward to some down time. Needless to say, Toh’sellor has re-entered the picture and is already trying to pull apart their HEA. Luckily they were able to restore their original team plus Emily, Rena's old friend, when Toh'sellor was kidnapped. Now the hunt is on for both the chaos magic and the kidnappers.
I was introduced to this author by one of my bloggers. She advised that readers would either love or hate her, and obviously I love her. I am currently trying to get my hands on all her books so that I can indulge in a reading frenzy!!
If you like paranormal with light romance and a lot of action, give this trilogy a chance.
I was introduced to this author by one of my bloggers. She advised that readers would either love or hate her, and obviously I love her. I am currently trying to get my hands on all her books so that I can indulge in a reading frenzy!!
If you like paranormal with light romance and a lot of action, give this trilogy a chance.
October 12, 2019
Yet another brilliant instalment featuring Rena and Bannen and their now official team mates See, Chi and Maksohm. It appears that Tohsellar has not been put to bed and someone is being extra stupid with it's remains. The team rush around the world in search of those who would be stupid enough o put everyone in danger. With emotions running high, it's hard work for the team and scares have been left and more seem to be forming. Proving that having greta skills does not make you infallible, how these characters come to be so incredibly human and realistic is always a delight to read. Engaging, entertaining and enough to keep me riveted to the page I can't get enough.
October 7, 2024
The third in this series takes up a few months after the end of #2. Which was when the team had successfully contained the dangerous chaotic magic of Toh'sellor. Next step is to figure out how to permanently guard and contain it. And then, idiocy of idiocies, a group of rogue mages decides to steal it.
As always with this author, the 'good guys' are likable and endearing, even if the writing style sometimes gets a little amateurish. It's not 'great literature'. But it's a good adventure with characters you are happy to go along with and who treat each other with respect and care. Kind of a comfort read. I'll be continuing the series.
As always with this author, the 'good guys' are likable and endearing, even if the writing style sometimes gets a little amateurish. It's not 'great literature'. But it's a good adventure with characters you are happy to go along with and who treat each other with respect and care. Kind of a comfort read. I'll be continuing the series.
December 25, 2018
It's actually 2.5 stars. The book is well-written, with decent characters and world-building. But, the first 3/4 is very slow. It's a police procedural in a fantasy world, with very little excitement.
The last 1/4 has great suspense and excitement. It's a credit to the good writing that I was willing to persevere to get to this point; and the conflict of the book is nicely concluded, so there is a sense of satisfaction.
I will probably pick up the next in the series, but not with breathless anticipation.
The last 1/4 has great suspense and excitement. It's a credit to the good writing that I was willing to persevere to get to this point; and the conflict of the book is nicely concluded, so there is a sense of satisfaction.
I will probably pick up the next in the series, but not with breathless anticipation.
August 27, 2021
Great friendly banter in this one, Rena and Bannon are newly married and desperate to escape family. They make a story to leave and then suddenly are involved in a new scandal/adventure. I gave this one a 4 since it is starting to feel formulaic. Like last book, the main fight happens in the last % of the book and its all a desperate fight but they make it somehow. It was slightly different since they didn't burn out like before but still felt similar.
Points to the author, introducing group sleeping, which I DID NOT see coming. Chi and Vee are great, loved dodgeball with arrows.
Points to the author, introducing group sleeping, which I DID NOT see coming. Chi and Vee are great, loved dodgeball with arrows.
June 11, 2022
Lots of kudos to be given for this book. Male main character loves female main character being dangerous and brave. Female main character is good at math (as well as magic). Female giant. Open discussion of trauma and therapy after horrible events. Likable characters, no misogyny.
Is just that I thought the story didn't go anywhere in the middle. It was just sitting around, waiting for events to happen. And yes, this gave the time for therapeutic discussions and such, but it got a little boring and disjointed. Maybe I shouldn't have read 3 of these books in a row.
Is just that I thought the story didn't go anywhere in the middle. It was just sitting around, waiting for events to happen. And yes, this gave the time for therapeutic discussions and such, but it got a little boring and disjointed. Maybe I shouldn't have read 3 of these books in a row.
November 4, 2018
Repeat With Interest
Rena and her familiar/husband are just married and are trying to get away from Bannon's smothering family for some time to themselves. They decide to join the MISD, and oh! Toh'sellor has been stolen. I like the action, humor, and romance. The characters are well done and have good chemistry. Their emotions and feelings are revealed in a skillful manner. I would like to see another book.
Rena and her familiar/husband are just married and are trying to get away from Bannon's smothering family for some time to themselves. They decide to join the MISD, and oh! Toh'sellor has been stolen. I like the action, humor, and romance. The characters are well done and have good chemistry. Their emotions and feelings are revealed in a skillful manner. I would like to see another book.
July 17, 2020
Good plot and characters. The inconsistencies, though, jar my reading flow. For instance, while the story takes place with 19th Century technology, the author uses current colloquial slang like 'cool.'
In addition, the world she has built has railroads, telegraphs and the internal combustion engine. However, they don't have firearms and their weapons is still knives, swords, and bows and arrows. If trains and telegraphs exists, surely so would gunpowder and firearms.
In addition, the world she has built has railroads, telegraphs and the internal combustion engine. However, they don't have firearms and their weapons is still knives, swords, and bows and arrows. If trains and telegraphs exists, surely so would gunpowder and firearms.
November 21, 2021
Hmmm
I’m enjoying Honor Raconteur’s books—great for just relaxing and not worrying about the world. She’s not the greatest writer (there are some pretty awkward passages and phrases), but like I said, the books are good for easy, non-emotional reading. Some of her more recent books are a lot better (the Shinigami Detective books, for instance).
This book got under my skin more than usual with the awkward phrases, although I couldn’t really tell you why.
I’m enjoying Honor Raconteur’s books—great for just relaxing and not worrying about the world. She’s not the greatest writer (there are some pretty awkward passages and phrases), but like I said, the books are good for easy, non-emotional reading. Some of her more recent books are a lot better (the Shinigami Detective books, for instance).
This book got under my skin more than usual with the awkward phrases, although I couldn’t really tell you why.
April 4, 2023
Another good story of adventure and developing relationships while chasing after an alien energy source harming anything living. More about Rena and Bannen and their interactions with other team members of the MISD. I would have enjoyed this story more if it had been more action and less about the developing relationships. That is, I like the team relationships just not so very many examples of same - a bit dragging on. Otherwise, good read Ms. Raconteur.
January 29, 2024
Great story
Just when you think it's safe to go back in the water, some idiots steal the biggest threat the world has ever seen and disappear with it. Rena, Bannen and their team have to deal with some serious PTSD while they hunt for the culprits and help to figure out how to secure the evil once they reacquire it. Lots of action and character building make this a fun addition to the series.
Just when you think it's safe to go back in the water, some idiots steal the biggest threat the world has ever seen and disappear with it. Rena, Bannen and their team have to deal with some serious PTSD while they hunt for the culprits and help to figure out how to secure the evil once they reacquire it. Lots of action and character building make this a fun addition to the series.
December 11, 2018
Loved this book!
To’Sellor is back! Some idiot stole it and now corrupted familiars are popping up all over the continent! Our favorite duo is married and still a Great team but we get great character development with them and some of our favorite secondary characters. I still think book 2 is my favorite but Overall it was a great addition and I can’t wait for the next one.
To’Sellor is back! Some idiot stole it and now corrupted familiars are popping up all over the continent! Our favorite duo is married and still a Great team but we get great character development with them and some of our favorite secondary characters. I still think book 2 is my favorite but Overall it was a great addition and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 21, 2018
Another good story from a great author. This is the third book in the series and should be read in order to avoid confusion. I have enjoyed every book written by Honor Raconteur and although this wasn't her best, it was still good and the overall series is fantastic. You should definitely read the Human Familiar series.
November 17, 2022
Remnants
MISD is impressive. Rena, Bannon, Vee and Chi are a great team and friends. Loved their family style comradeship. The storyline of a human familiar is awesome. The only fault is writing in first person, very confusing. Often don’t know who is speaking Rena or Bannon. Still loved all the books in this series.
MISD is impressive. Rena, Bannon, Vee and Chi are a great team and friends. Loved their family style comradeship. The storyline of a human familiar is awesome. The only fault is writing in first person, very confusing. Often don’t know who is speaking Rena or Bannon. Still loved all the books in this series.
December 16, 2022
Great Fight Scenes.
The third excellent book in this series. An absolute cracker of a plot and great fight scenes. Perhaps a slightly slower pace than the previous two books but still entirely engaging. I can’t wait to read the last instalment. Do yourself a favour and read all three, well four including the one I’ve yet to read.
The third excellent book in this series. An absolute cracker of a plot and great fight scenes. Perhaps a slightly slower pace than the previous two books but still entirely engaging. I can’t wait to read the last instalment. Do yourself a favour and read all three, well four including the one I’ve yet to read.
December 16, 2024
The Gangs’ All Here
Familiar&Mage3
Did we need a wedding?
Not really. I think the greater action is how the marriage works out. Rena and Bannen are so aware of each other, and they treasure the knowledge they have.
They also now have a sense of the kind of team they want to work with. Now, if they can just figure out where they want to live…
Familiar&Mage3
Did we need a wedding?
Not really. I think the greater action is how the marriage works out. Rena and Bannen are so aware of each other, and they treasure the knowledge they have.
They also now have a sense of the kind of team they want to work with. Now, if they can just figure out where they want to live…
November 1, 2018
Another excellent story.
I love this series! As usual Honor provided an excellent story for us(and no cliff hanger!) . I cant wait for the teams next job, I'm sure it will be a doozey.
I love this series! As usual Honor provided an excellent story for us(and no cliff hanger!) . I cant wait for the teams next job, I'm sure it will be a doozey.
November 25, 2018
Disappointing book.
I enjoyed the first book, the second book started to drag, the third book was disappointing. reading Remnants was like your friend telling you about their vacation and describing every meal instead of telling about the journey.
I enjoyed the first book, the second book started to drag, the third book was disappointing. reading Remnants was like your friend telling you about their vacation and describing every meal instead of telling about the journey.
December 15, 2018
Another win for Raconteur!
This is a series that just keeps getting better. From dealing with fantastical magic to dealing with the ensuing psychological trauma, the depth of the stories woven together amazes me.
This is a series that just keeps getting better. From dealing with fantastical magic to dealing with the ensuing psychological trauma, the depth of the stories woven together amazes me.
February 26, 2019
It never fails that you save the world, almost die and by the time you recover the next evil overlord is trying to undo all your hard work.
Why I started this book: I wanted something fun, light and quick.
Why I finished it: Fun series.
Why I started this book: I wanted something fun, light and quick.
Why I finished it: Fun series.
June 14, 2020
Enjoyable
I have enjoyed all of the stories in this series. The idea of a void mage is interesting and being the only one puts a lot of pressure on them, so the idea of a team to help works very well. It's a good series I recommend starting with the first.
I have enjoyed all of the stories in this series. The idea of a void mage is interesting and being the only one puts a lot of pressure on them, so the idea of a team to help works very well. It's a good series I recommend starting with the first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews