What do you think?
Rate this book
Familiar and the Mage #4
Echoes
With the root of all evil—at least in Bannen’s opinion—behind lock and key, the team is finally free to do something else with their lives. Bannen quite looks forward to living in Gargan, the new house being built, with the occasional mission to spice things up. Sure, the MISD thinks he needs therapy after everything he’s lived through in the past three years. But Bannen is reasonably sure he can get around that. They just need the downtime necessary to get Chi through therapy, as he’s the one who actually needs it. Peace and relaxation, that’s the theme of the day. So someone needs to explain to him how they ended up chasing after a rumored Void Mage, tunneling through mountains, and embroiling themselves into a danger that not even the giants of Gargan want to face. Because that is not Bannen’s idea of a good adventure.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2018
162 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books842 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 25, 2023
I'd really love to see a series of Dag all grown up. Wonder what familiar he'd summon? :D
November 29, 2019
I'm not really wowed here, I liked it because I love the characters but it almost felt unnecessary and even if it was quite short, it still felt a little too long. I understand wanting to wrap up the whole "Bannen and Chi need therapy" but the adventure in the mountain didn't feel needed.
And I don't know if it's because I've read the 4 books back to back but I was annoyed at Bannen and Chi, is it impossible for them to have a serious conversation (with each other or with an other person)? I know it's part of their "charm" but turning everything into a joke was really starting to get on my nerve.
Anyway, I'm done with this serie, I was really happy to read it and I'm going to see if Honor Raconteur has any other awesome series :)
And I don't know if it's because I've read the 4 books back to back but I was annoyed at Bannen and Chi, is it impossible for them to have a serious conversation (with each other or with an other person)? I know it's part of their "charm" but turning everything into a joke was really starting to get on my nerve.
Anyway, I'm done with this serie, I was really happy to read it and I'm going to see if Honor Raconteur has any other awesome series :)
September 21, 2022
2922 bk 291. A good, solid fourth book for a series - and I do hope there will be more. What an excellent and new twists to plotting. The evil beings are amazingly frightening, but common sense prevails. We get to meet more giants and our hero couple (now married) are now quasi foster parents to an almost pre-teen boy. Fun for the guys, worry for the gals! I think that I enjoyed this book the most.
March 27, 2020
Nice wrap up
What a great continuation!I have to say my favorite part was seeing the backlash from the previous stories. Strong people still needing help from mental medical professionals. What a great way to wrap up a series.
What a great continuation!I have to say my favorite part was seeing the backlash from the previous stories. Strong people still needing help from mental medical professionals. What a great way to wrap up a series.
October 28, 2021
I had a great time reading this book, though it sucks for these characters, because therapy! I hope that the author gets a plot bunny for a 5th book!
December 12, 2021
Disappointed To Say The Least
Out of all Raconteur’s books, this one left me completely baffled, confused, and disappointed.
To begin with it was very short in comparison to what you would expect for a final wrap-up to a trilogy, now a “quartet,” for lack of a better word to call it.
I guess I made the mistake of thinking there was still so much story to tell, in order to end it properly, especially if it required a 4th book to tie up the trilogy.
Boy was I wrong on that count. This almost reads like a side-piece, or a novella.
I truly wanted to rate this as 2 stars, but felt bad about doing so, especially since you can’t go in between, and left it at a 3.
There’s one major theme in the storyline, with much of it dragging out between hotels, trains, offices, eating, sleeping, and a lot of back and forth serious immaturity between Bannen and Chi. It was actually putting me to sleep just trying to drag through it.
The other side story, which I really thought was gong to be a central theme to this book, was whether or not there is truly another Void Mage out there. Which never really gets answered as to what they are.
I’m assuming this is to set up a new series to be surrounded around Dag, the latest of the newest mages to be discovered, trained, and so on.
Can’t really say that I’ll be reading that one if it does suddenly get published.
This one did not have Raconteur’s usual flair to it. It fell more than a little short and flat.
And on the last page of what at the beginning is just titled E., (which I later learned stood for epilogue) I was beyond shocked when I turned the page, expecting another chapter, to only find out, no, that was the fizzled out ending.
I know Raconteur has a lot of other works going on at the same time, and I don’t say this to be harsh, or judgmental, but with great sincerity and concern, possibly it’s time for a hiatus, or even a concentrated effort on wrapping up some of these other bodies of work.
I’m not sure where all the pressure comes from, especially in the SciFi/Fantasy genre, to have to turn everything into a minimum of a 3 book series, and some even a lot longer. It does no justice to the writer, and no favor to the readers.
I will continue to read her work, and look forward to seeing more of what I’ve come to know her talented capabilities can be.
Out of all Raconteur’s books, this one left me completely baffled, confused, and disappointed.
To begin with it was very short in comparison to what you would expect for a final wrap-up to a trilogy, now a “quartet,” for lack of a better word to call it.
I guess I made the mistake of thinking there was still so much story to tell, in order to end it properly, especially if it required a 4th book to tie up the trilogy.
Boy was I wrong on that count. This almost reads like a side-piece, or a novella.
I truly wanted to rate this as 2 stars, but felt bad about doing so, especially since you can’t go in between, and left it at a 3.
There’s one major theme in the storyline, with much of it dragging out between hotels, trains, offices, eating, sleeping, and a lot of back and forth serious immaturity between Bannen and Chi. It was actually putting me to sleep just trying to drag through it.
The other side story, which I really thought was gong to be a central theme to this book, was whether or not there is truly another Void Mage out there. Which never really gets answered as to what they are.
I’m assuming this is to set up a new series to be surrounded around Dag, the latest of the newest mages to be discovered, trained, and so on.
Can’t really say that I’ll be reading that one if it does suddenly get published.
This one did not have Raconteur’s usual flair to it. It fell more than a little short and flat.
And on the last page of what at the beginning is just titled E., (which I later learned stood for epilogue) I was beyond shocked when I turned the page, expecting another chapter, to only find out, no, that was the fizzled out ending.
I know Raconteur has a lot of other works going on at the same time, and I don’t say this to be harsh, or judgmental, but with great sincerity and concern, possibly it’s time for a hiatus, or even a concentrated effort on wrapping up some of these other bodies of work.
I’m not sure where all the pressure comes from, especially in the SciFi/Fantasy genre, to have to turn everything into a minimum of a 3 book series, and some even a lot longer. It does no justice to the writer, and no favor to the readers.
I will continue to read her work, and look forward to seeing more of what I’ve come to know her talented capabilities can be.
December 20, 2022
Oh no! This is the last book in the series, thus far.
Sadly I’ve came to the end of the series that has been written thus far and I want more. The big bad that the previous three books dealt with was only touched upon in passing in this novel. This did not detract from the story at all. In fact this book was utterly compelling. The storyline was excellent with lots of twists and turns and interesting subterfuge and a completely captivating conclusion. The pacing was good and the characters were well written and easily identified with. The whole experience has left me wanting more. In an outstanding series, that is far above the normal standard you’d expect from this type of novel the first novel in the series and this one are particularly exemplary. I thoroughly recommend reading the whole series.
Sadly I’ve came to the end of the series that has been written thus far and I want more. The big bad that the previous three books dealt with was only touched upon in passing in this novel. This did not detract from the story at all. In fact this book was utterly compelling. The storyline was excellent with lots of twists and turns and interesting subterfuge and a completely captivating conclusion. The pacing was good and the characters were well written and easily identified with. The whole experience has left me wanting more. In an outstanding series, that is far above the normal standard you’d expect from this type of novel the first novel in the series and this one are particularly exemplary. I thoroughly recommend reading the whole series.
April 8, 2020
A good story, but it doesn't feel like the end of the series. I always thought the end would be the final destruction of Toh'sellor or at least finally learning exactly what it was and how it got started. It was nice to see an emotional resolution (ie therapy) for the characters but the question of Toh'sellor still dangles over my head.
October 26, 2025
I picked up this series after devouring the "Magic and the Shinigami Detective" series by the same author.
Like the detective series, this is in the "cozy" sub-genre, which I am (a) mildly addicted to, and (b) mildly disgusted with myself for being addicted to.
"Cozy" books are undemanding of the reader. They require minimal intellectual energy and little emotional engagement. The characters are nice to each other. Interpersonal conflict is almost entirely lacking. No-one has any significant moral failings. They're on the side of the right and the just. They have a few hardships to fight through before they get their hearts' desire, but the end is never in question. This series is, in addition, clean: no-one swears (in English), no-one sleeps around or even suggests that sleeping around might be appropriate. It is a Romantasy at heart, but it's not even in the same universe as Fourth Wing. (I don't recommend the Fourth Wing, BTW!)
This makes them easy, quick reads for when the emotional and mental batteries are low, and this whole series has been great when I am having trouble sleeping or just need to zone out.
But it's not exactly great literature.
The first book in this series was quite decent. The characters and the magical system were interesting. I was drawn in and curious, and - especially since I was on vacation and especially interested in "cozy" - I went ahead and bought the rest of the series.
But it didn't get better. Instead, it gets boring. There's not much plot actually going on.
The major villain was (mostly) defeated by the second book. By the third we were spending far more time worrying about sleeping arrangements than advancing the story. By the final book, we'd degenerated to trying to get Chi and Bannen into therapy.
Yes, there's a plot going on and we get to see the giants in action. A little. But really? I found myself a little put out with Rena and Bannen in particular. They sensed there was something wrong with the tunneling assignment. There were lots of clues. But rather than doing even 2 hours of serious investigative work either in town or even with their close friends they chose to entirely ignore the clues and just forge ahead. When the inevitable happened, they were understandably upset. And of course they cleaned up the mess as best as they could. However, when the dust settled they managed to deflect all blame to the railroad company. They accepted exactly none of it. And neither Vee nor her relatives seemed to have a problem with that. And I think that was unfair. Rena knew she was being kept in the dark about something and chose to do exactly nothing about it. In my book that makes her at least a little culpable.
Anyway, apparently the author and/or publisher agreed that the series was going nowhere at this point and quit, despite not wrapping up all the loose plot points. They'd have been better to quit after book 2.
Like the detective series, this is in the "cozy" sub-genre, which I am (a) mildly addicted to, and (b) mildly disgusted with myself for being addicted to.
"Cozy" books are undemanding of the reader. They require minimal intellectual energy and little emotional engagement. The characters are nice to each other. Interpersonal conflict is almost entirely lacking. No-one has any significant moral failings. They're on the side of the right and the just. They have a few hardships to fight through before they get their hearts' desire, but the end is never in question. This series is, in addition, clean: no-one swears (in English), no-one sleeps around or even suggests that sleeping around might be appropriate. It is a Romantasy at heart, but it's not even in the same universe as Fourth Wing. (I don't recommend the Fourth Wing, BTW!)
This makes them easy, quick reads for when the emotional and mental batteries are low, and this whole series has been great when I am having trouble sleeping or just need to zone out.
But it's not exactly great literature.
The first book in this series was quite decent. The characters and the magical system were interesting. I was drawn in and curious, and - especially since I was on vacation and especially interested in "cozy" - I went ahead and bought the rest of the series.
But it didn't get better. Instead, it gets boring. There's not much plot actually going on.
The major villain was (mostly) defeated by the second book. By the third we were spending far more time worrying about sleeping arrangements than advancing the story. By the final book, we'd degenerated to trying to get Chi and Bannen into therapy.
Yes, there's a plot going on and we get to see the giants in action. A little. But really? I found myself a little put out with Rena and Bannen in particular. They sensed there was something wrong with the tunneling assignment. There were lots of clues. But rather than doing even 2 hours of serious investigative work either in town or even with their close friends they chose to entirely ignore the clues and just forge ahead. When the inevitable happened, they were understandably upset. And of course they cleaned up the mess as best as they could. However, when the dust settled they managed to deflect all blame to the railroad company. They accepted exactly none of it. And neither Vee nor her relatives seemed to have a problem with that. And I think that was unfair. Rena knew she was being kept in the dark about something and chose to do exactly nothing about it. In my book that makes her at least a little culpable.
Anyway, apparently the author and/or publisher agreed that the series was going nowhere at this point and quit, despite not wrapping up all the loose plot points. They'd have been better to quit after book 2.
March 4, 2024
Love This World
*Spoilers if you haven’t read the previous books*
So we’ve got two weddings under our belts and happily ever after is being woven. However as we learned about Bannen Hach we are now delving into Chi. They have very different traumas as well as different PTSD. It’s hard for either man to accept therapy but here we are. The great break away is that Toh’sellor isn’t the big baddie in this book and we get to see the team duke it out with new friends it’s not as long as previous battles but it does feel a lot like our heroes aren’t going to win. When a solution is found it isn’t because Void Magic wins the day and that keeps this series fresh for me. It ends abruptly but not really a cliffhanger. If anything it ends at the start of the series.
The writing is fun and the characters very funny. The lack of non-magical technology makes it easy to stay in the moment. They are left to interact for entertainment and Bannen & Chi are the side antics that keep these novels rolling along.
I have enjoyed this installment as much as the others and plan to read the next one.
*Spoilers if you haven’t read the previous books*
So we’ve got two weddings under our belts and happily ever after is being woven. However as we learned about Bannen Hach we are now delving into Chi. They have very different traumas as well as different PTSD. It’s hard for either man to accept therapy but here we are. The great break away is that Toh’sellor isn’t the big baddie in this book and we get to see the team duke it out with new friends it’s not as long as previous battles but it does feel a lot like our heroes aren’t going to win. When a solution is found it isn’t because Void Magic wins the day and that keeps this series fresh for me. It ends abruptly but not really a cliffhanger. If anything it ends at the start of the series.
The writing is fun and the characters very funny. The lack of non-magical technology makes it easy to stay in the moment. They are left to interact for entertainment and Bannen & Chi are the side antics that keep these novels rolling along.
I have enjoyed this installment as much as the others and plan to read the next one.
April 7, 2020
This last book introduces a cute new character, a little boy Mage with similar magic to Rena, our brave Void Mage. His interactions and the way he burrows into the story as well as the presence of the giants are the best parts of this book. I also quite liked the new “villains” and their power.
There’s a part of it that approached the subject of the psychological effects that all these battles and changes had on the characters, however it was all written and treated with such levity that I didn’t really feel it. Again, like with the other books, I felt this one lacked depth. Mirth and fun dialogues, and cute moments just didn’t do it for me anymore, and I truly wished for a more epic conclusion, alas this was not it. This one could have been just another book in the series. Definitely didn’t have the finale mojo in it. Maybe the author plans to write more in this world, I don’t know, I just didn’t feel any kind of closure.
All in all this books are interesting and fun, fast paced and with really cool characters, I would definitely recommend them for mid graders or younger. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
There’s a part of it that approached the subject of the psychological effects that all these battles and changes had on the characters, however it was all written and treated with such levity that I didn’t really feel it. Again, like with the other books, I felt this one lacked depth. Mirth and fun dialogues, and cute moments just didn’t do it for me anymore, and I truly wished for a more epic conclusion, alas this was not it. This one could have been just another book in the series. Definitely didn’t have the finale mojo in it. Maybe the author plans to write more in this world, I don’t know, I just didn’t feel any kind of closure.
All in all this books are interesting and fun, fast paced and with really cool characters, I would definitely recommend them for mid graders or younger. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
August 29, 2021
I enjoy this world, the characters and the banter, what I didn't understand was what the purpose was for this story? We get a glimpse of the domestic bliss (that we want more of frankly) between Rena and Bannen and then bam- right into long travels by train into more trouble. If it was supposed to be a mystery- didn't work. A love story- fell short. An update of our intrepid travelers? I guess so?
It introduces a new little mage, they transport him all over before he gets dropped off at Marys. He plays heavily into the story but I am not sure to what end. And they really took it to the Railroad company for damages- why? I guess I enjoy the series but need a bit more direction for future stories. At least with the Penric and Desmonda series each one was like its own mystery, this one not so much.
It introduces a new little mage, they transport him all over before he gets dropped off at Marys. He plays heavily into the story but I am not sure to what end. And they really took it to the Railroad company for damages- why? I guess I enjoy the series but need a bit more direction for future stories. At least with the Penric and Desmonda series each one was like its own mystery, this one not so much.
May 24, 2020
Another fabulous instalment into the world of the void mage. I absolutely love Honor Raconteur's style of writing and have to admit I've loved everything of hers I've tried so far. It's the character interactions and how they seem to live off the page that really lights up this writing and the Bannen and Chi especially here are so very really and how the things they've lived through really shape how the characters come alive.
Rena of course is worried that the tohsellor has come back and when it appears they have something else to hand the whole team pull together as only they can, with ramifications but also with heart and feeling. I don't know if the author plans to write any more in this world, but I would most definitely read it!
Rena of course is worried that the tohsellor has come back and when it appears they have something else to hand the whole team pull together as only they can, with ramifications but also with heart and feeling. I don't know if the author plans to write any more in this world, but I would most definitely read it!
July 22, 2020
So much fun. Really. Tru!y.
I actually liked this as much as the first book as it kinda seemed like the beginning of a new arc. Dag is fun and I loved the giants coming to the rescue. But did Rena get paid? She should have. In full. With bonuses! And I really like slice of life stuff and happy banter.
As far as length, this is just slightly shorter than the first one. About 30 pages? Cost isn't an issue for me because I simply bypass authors when they don't offer full series Kindle Unlimited. I usually just stop at the point K.U. ends, or wait for the completed series to see if it's truly K.U. as she has done the "Russian author" partial K.U. thing. At $7 (?) each, it's too expensive to "purchase" considering you don't actually own anything.
I actually liked this as much as the first book as it kinda seemed like the beginning of a new arc. Dag is fun and I loved the giants coming to the rescue. But did Rena get paid? She should have. In full. With bonuses! And I really like slice of life stuff and happy banter.
As far as length, this is just slightly shorter than the first one. About 30 pages? Cost isn't an issue for me because I simply bypass authors when they don't offer full series Kindle Unlimited. I usually just stop at the point K.U. ends, or wait for the completed series to see if it's truly K.U. as she has done the "Russian author" partial K.U. thing. At $7 (?) each, it's too expensive to "purchase" considering you don't actually own anything.
December 12, 2018
The gang is back!
To’Sellor is locked away, Bannen and arena are moving into their new home -things are looking up. Then we get reports that there might be a new void mage. On the way to investigating that they get a job. It should be a simple job but with this crew things are never simple. We encounter everything from To’Sellor fragments to legendary monsters. I loved this installment. Pretty light in the world building but great in character development. I also appreciated the ode to mental health wellness! Be sure to check out the deepwoods and the artifcator series- if your looking for snarky characters that will make you laugh !
To’Sellor is locked away, Bannen and arena are moving into their new home -things are looking up. Then we get reports that there might be a new void mage. On the way to investigating that they get a job. It should be a simple job but with this crew things are never simple. We encounter everything from To’Sellor fragments to legendary monsters. I loved this installment. Pretty light in the world building but great in character development. I also appreciated the ode to mental health wellness! Be sure to check out the deepwoods and the artifcator series- if your looking for snarky characters that will make you laugh !
December 19, 2018
Good read!
I’m a sucker for anything Honor writes, and this is no exception. I like how she added some tendrils to another story, that (possibly, pure speculation here) in the future it will be Dag who will solve the riddle of entity t’sor —- however its spelled. There is some necessary closure for the events that happened in the last book but some interesting dynamics that are developing. I hope she pops out another in the next year or so but so many other books need to be finished that are past due!!! Get work to Honor and your lovely crew, we your fans are barely able to wait!!!
I’m a sucker for anything Honor writes, and this is no exception. I like how she added some tendrils to another story, that (possibly, pure speculation here) in the future it will be Dag who will solve the riddle of entity t’sor —- however its spelled. There is some necessary closure for the events that happened in the last book but some interesting dynamics that are developing. I hope she pops out another in the next year or so but so many other books need to be finished that are past due!!! Get work to Honor and your lovely crew, we your fans are barely able to wait!!!
January 13, 2019
Wonderful continuing adventure.
Stumbled across this author a while ago and have become hooked. I'm to the point now where I might just have to break down and buy all her books as hard copies. I'd encourage anybody to start the series. Her books are very well written, characters are developed very well and there is a ton of humor! Her books are extremely enjoyable and, not that I have anything against sex, are clean enough that I will probably introduce her to some of my friends tweens that really like to read. I always like to encourage the habit of reading in the younger generation.
Stumbled across this author a while ago and have become hooked. I'm to the point now where I might just have to break down and buy all her books as hard copies. I'd encourage anybody to start the series. Her books are very well written, characters are developed very well and there is a ton of humor! Her books are extremely enjoyable and, not that I have anything against sex, are clean enough that I will probably introduce her to some of my friends tweens that really like to read. I always like to encourage the habit of reading in the younger generation.
November 24, 2024
I always enjoy books by this author. You want to root for the characters who are just what you want them to be. Good guys are good guys and bad guys get their commupance. Maybe not "realistic" but who needs that. In this one, Rena and Bannen and company are asked to help construct a tunnel through a mountain -- Renu using her special brand of magic. But the townspeople are not at all welcoming, and something feels off with the construction forman and pretty soon they figure out why. A secondary plot involves a young mage called Dag who can see the way Rena can, though he's not a void mage. I look forward to the next installment of the series.
December 27, 2025
What do you do after saving the world?
This is a common problem in the fantasy genre. Your characters spend books ramping up to stop some catastrophe. They accomplish their goal. Some authors stop the series there. Some create a new, bigger challenge, often changing the tone of the stories to become darker or ridiculous. This story is different.
The big catastrophe is taken care of. This story is smaller. A kid. A few monsters. Maybe a shard. Enough to justify getting the gang together and wrap everything up in one book.
I enjoyed it. Just one problem: I don't think bats are scary.
This is a common problem in the fantasy genre. Your characters spend books ramping up to stop some catastrophe. They accomplish their goal. Some authors stop the series there. Some create a new, bigger challenge, often changing the tone of the stories to become darker or ridiculous. This story is different.
The big catastrophe is taken care of. This story is smaller. A kid. A few monsters. Maybe a shard. Enough to justify getting the gang together and wrap everything up in one book.
I enjoyed it. Just one problem: I don't think bats are scary.
July 17, 2021
The adventure continues
Things become everyday and personal, developing the characters. While padding this with an adventure and introducing a new male character. This book feels a bit like a stepping stone to the next in the series. I’m not sure why I find Ms Raconteur’s fresh ‘n clean people so very appealing. I do, and these books are very relaxing. The real magic is in the thoroughly decent and honourable hero’s and heroines.
Things become everyday and personal, developing the characters. While padding this with an adventure and introducing a new male character. This book feels a bit like a stepping stone to the next in the series. I’m not sure why I find Ms Raconteur’s fresh ‘n clean people so very appealing. I do, and these books are very relaxing. The real magic is in the thoroughly decent and honourable hero’s and heroines.
April 5, 2023
Book four in this series kept it lively for everyone. As Rena and Bannen take on an outside job while waiting for their house to finish being built, they find themselves fighting legendary foes few believe are real. Full of action, snark, smarts and a young mage who keeps Bannen very busy. Such good stories and fine characters. It is 2023 and this last book was written in 2018. So sorry there are only four books in this magic series as it has been so much fun to read.
December 10, 2018
Finding Yourself... Through Battle Hot Potato.
As a veteran, seeing a fantasy character deal with the effects of PTSD in a healthy, realistic manner is amazing beyond belief. The journey to find one's self is nicely counterpointed by the journey to fend off magical beasties and fending off overreaching corporations. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
As a veteran, seeing a fantasy character deal with the effects of PTSD in a healthy, realistic manner is amazing beyond belief. The journey to find one's self is nicely counterpointed by the journey to fend off magical beasties and fending off overreaching corporations. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
December 12, 2018
Loved it!
I wasn’t sure how the next instalment in the Familiar Series would sit, but it was a smooth transition. I love the continuing storyline of our old characters and the introduction of a new apprentice mage.
I look forward to other wonderful stories in the familiar universe.
I wasn’t sure how the next instalment in the Familiar Series would sit, but it was a smooth transition. I love the continuing storyline of our old characters and the introduction of a new apprentice mage.
I look forward to other wonderful stories in the familiar universe.
December 25, 2018
Rena and the gang continue to save the world while driving everyone crazy.
I fell in love with Honor Raconteur's style ,mixing humor with Adventure, while not resorting to slap stick humor. She knows that heros are normal people who do what needs to be done. They aren't perfect or all knowing. Serious can also have laughter mixed in.
I fell in love with Honor Raconteur's style ,mixing humor with Adventure, while not resorting to slap stick humor. She knows that heros are normal people who do what needs to be done. They aren't perfect or all knowing. Serious can also have laughter mixed in.
May 28, 2020
Extremely good read!
I am enjoying this series on Renata and Brannen. Rena is a Void Mage which allows her to take things apart. Brennan is her familiar who keeps her safe. There are several neat characters that become best friends with them and participate in all the adventure of Rena and Brannen. I look forward to The next book.
I am enjoying this series on Renata and Brannen. Rena is a Void Mage which allows her to take things apart. Brennan is her familiar who keeps her safe. There are several neat characters that become best friends with them and participate in all the adventure of Rena and Brannen. I look forward to The next book.
June 15, 2020
Enjoyed it all
Honor Raconteur has given me a lot of fun and interesting stories so glad I found her. Void mage, giants, and caves. Shooting arrows while being thrown in the air and fighting creatures that can fly through stone. I recommend this series and suggest starting with the first one.
Honor Raconteur has given me a lot of fun and interesting stories so glad I found her. Void mage, giants, and caves. Shooting arrows while being thrown in the air and fighting creatures that can fly through stone. I recommend this series and suggest starting with the first one.
April 13, 2021
I got a new favorite
It’s surprising how after a few years reading urban fantasy I stumbled upon a completely new author. Honor grabbed my attention with Henri Davenforth files (read them!) and now I’m reading everything she ever wrote. Great humor, good sense of realistic restrictions in magic, consistent characters.
It’s surprising how after a few years reading urban fantasy I stumbled upon a completely new author. Honor grabbed my attention with Henri Davenforth files (read them!) and now I’m reading everything she ever wrote. Great humor, good sense of realistic restrictions in magic, consistent characters.
Read
January 14, 2022Another Great Series
I'd read anything by Honor Raconteur and this is one of her best series. From the moment that Bannon is ported to the end of the battle with giant bats that move through rock, you root for our Void mage, her human "familiar", and their friends. The world and characters are believable and each book ends too soon.
I'd read anything by Honor Raconteur and this is one of her best series. From the moment that Bannon is ported to the end of the battle with giant bats that move through rock, you root for our Void mage, her human "familiar", and their friends. The world and characters are believable and each book ends too soon.
July 2, 2022
Echoes another great read in this series
I have quite enjoyed this series, i like the world the author introduces us to and i like the characters she peoples it with. Of course at the top of it all are two kickass characters, Rena being my favourite, i love woman who can kickass and have a good 💙 and having cool magic doesn't hurt. 👍
I have quite enjoyed this series, i like the world the author introduces us to and i like the characters she peoples it with. Of course at the top of it all are two kickass characters, Rena being my favourite, i love woman who can kickass and have a good 💙 and having cool magic doesn't hurt. 👍
October 6, 2022
That Good Feeling
After all the ups and downs from the previous books in this series this felt like a good epilogue or closure book. Definitely give you that warm all over fuzzy feeling when you finish reading… then want to dive back in with book one.
For sure, a series well worth the read AND future re-reads.
After all the ups and downs from the previous books in this series this felt like a good epilogue or closure book. Definitely give you that warm all over fuzzy feeling when you finish reading… then want to dive back in with book one.
For sure, a series well worth the read AND future re-reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews