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Darkling Mage #1-3
Darkling Mage: Box Set: Books 1 to 3
The gods are dying. But for one man, death is only the beginning.
Magic, mythology, murder, and mayhem collide! Read the first three books in the Darkling Mage supernatural suspense series and indulge in almost 200,000 words of urban fantasy action. If you like Shayne Silvers, Orlando A. Sanchez, or John P. Logsdon… well, you’re in for a treat. Explore a dangerous and darkly comical new universe. Discover Darkling Mage today.
Book 1: Shadow Magic
The gods are dying. But for one man, death is only the beginning.
Murdered as a ritual sacrifice, amateur thief and professional charmer Dustin Graves mysteriously survives, finding himself gifted with strange, dark magic. Then more dead bodies turn up. Some are human, but one is a god of the old world, slain at his own doorstep.
Mortal or divine, the bloodshed must end, and Dust is the mage for the job. But first he must contend with a succubus, a talking sword, a spider queen, a goddess of magic, and eldritch abominations from beyond the stars. No big deal… right?
Book 2: Dark Harvest
Dustin Graves has three days to live.
The darkling mage has found himself in the company of scoundrels. Maybe that’s what Dustin deserves: a werewolf, a vampire, and a talking sword for teammates, and a rogue sorcerer as his mentor and master.
But a doomsday cult has surfaced. Twelve mutilated bodies are found drowned in blood and in wine. The massacre stinks of both the divine and the supernatural. Worst of all, an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission, one he must complete in three days. The reward? He gets to live. Well… maybe.
Book 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 common: 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.
- GenresFantasy
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2018
53 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books394 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 18, 2019
*Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage, #1)
This is the debut novel for this author and I cannot believe how good it is in every possible way. I love discovering great new authors, and Nazri Noor certainly fits the bill. His writing style is engaging and interesting, his plot is well thought through, dialogues amusing, characters well developed, and the world well built. I absolutely fell in love with the main character Dustin Graves and cannot wait to read more of his adventures.
The plot starts with retrieval of magical artefacts, but then develops into something completely unexpected and complex. I have to admit that in the beginning there was some familiarity in the plot, however, later on when the author takes off on his own creative journey and extends all the possible avenues, the story becomes all immersing and more engaging than I have encountered in a while. The overall context of the story is based on a very original concept, only here and there using familiar elements, which made me love it even more.
The world the author created is enormous and with endless possibilities. The creatures inhabiting the world are numerous and intriguing, as are the characters. I already mentioned that Dustin Graves is my absolute favourite male character, I fell in love with him from the first page. He is not a standard hero, his powers are unusual but quite limited, at least in the beginning, he is not a fighter, and in the beginning, he does not seem to be anyone special. All that said, I have to emphasise that he is also the most lovable character I have ever encountered, his charm, wit and fast thinking, are unparalleled. He makes everyone love him and want to protect him. His internal monologues are probably the best part of the story, at least for me. And his interactions with other characters are incredibly amusing. I think I could write lines and lines about how much I love him, so I’ll stop here.
Overall, great beginning of the series, great novel on its own, and the moment the next book comes out, it will be on top of my reading list. This is a rare find and well worth reading. For Character development I recommend reading Penumbra before reaching middle of this book.
*Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2)
The first couple of pages immediately reminded me why I love this author, his stories, and his characters. I think I loved this book even more than the previous two. And Dustin is still one of the most lovable characters ever created.
First of all, the author's writing style is superb, consistent without a flaw, and with a particular note of dry satire and black humour. I could not love his stories more. I wish a had the next book(s) immediately to continue. The characters created by this author are simply amazing, and I am not even referring to my beloved Dustin. All of the characters have their own strengths, flaws, and lovable sides, or superevil intentions. The author develops his world further and adds incredible dimensions and entities.
The story itself, continues several months after the ending of the previous book, and it immediately start off into a roller coaster of action and confrontations, with Dustin somehow always ending up in the middle of them, and some of the time seriously hurt. Fortunately, he is a very resilient character.
I don't think I can express with words how much I enjoyed this book, I just know that I got sucked into the story from page one and I didn't want it to end. This is truly an amazing series and I hope the author is planning many more books.
*Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3)
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.
Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4) was recently released and more books have been announced. There is also a prequel, Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0) available with subscription for the author’s newsletter.
This is the debut novel for this author and I cannot believe how good it is in every possible way. I love discovering great new authors, and Nazri Noor certainly fits the bill. His writing style is engaging and interesting, his plot is well thought through, dialogues amusing, characters well developed, and the world well built. I absolutely fell in love with the main character Dustin Graves and cannot wait to read more of his adventures.
The plot starts with retrieval of magical artefacts, but then develops into something completely unexpected and complex. I have to admit that in the beginning there was some familiarity in the plot, however, later on when the author takes off on his own creative journey and extends all the possible avenues, the story becomes all immersing and more engaging than I have encountered in a while. The overall context of the story is based on a very original concept, only here and there using familiar elements, which made me love it even more.
The world the author created is enormous and with endless possibilities. The creatures inhabiting the world are numerous and intriguing, as are the characters. I already mentioned that Dustin Graves is my absolute favourite male character, I fell in love with him from the first page. He is not a standard hero, his powers are unusual but quite limited, at least in the beginning, he is not a fighter, and in the beginning, he does not seem to be anyone special. All that said, I have to emphasise that he is also the most lovable character I have ever encountered, his charm, wit and fast thinking, are unparalleled. He makes everyone love him and want to protect him. His internal monologues are probably the best part of the story, at least for me. And his interactions with other characters are incredibly amusing. I think I could write lines and lines about how much I love him, so I’ll stop here.
Overall, great beginning of the series, great novel on its own, and the moment the next book comes out, it will be on top of my reading list. This is a rare find and well worth reading. For Character development I recommend reading Penumbra before reaching middle of this book.
*Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2)
The first couple of pages immediately reminded me why I love this author, his stories, and his characters. I think I loved this book even more than the previous two. And Dustin is still one of the most lovable characters ever created.
First of all, the author's writing style is superb, consistent without a flaw, and with a particular note of dry satire and black humour. I could not love his stories more. I wish a had the next book(s) immediately to continue. The characters created by this author are simply amazing, and I am not even referring to my beloved Dustin. All of the characters have their own strengths, flaws, and lovable sides, or superevil intentions. The author develops his world further and adds incredible dimensions and entities.
The story itself, continues several months after the ending of the previous book, and it immediately start off into a roller coaster of action and confrontations, with Dustin somehow always ending up in the middle of them, and some of the time seriously hurt. Fortunately, he is a very resilient character.
I don't think I can express with words how much I enjoyed this book, I just know that I got sucked into the story from page one and I didn't want it to end. This is truly an amazing series and I hope the author is planning many more books.
*Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3)
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.
Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4) was recently released and more books have been announced. There is also a prequel, Penumbra (Darkling Mage, #0) available with subscription for the author’s newsletter.
June 7, 2019
A great collection containing the first 3 books in this very enjoyable series - and a bargain to get them together at the same time. Problem is, read these and you'll have to buy the rest too!
#1 - Shadow Magic
While the gods are dying, Dustin Graves was murdered as a ritual sacrifice but finds himself the recipient of some strange dark magic instead. The more bodies start turning up - some human and worryingly one old world god. Somehow the bloodshed has to stop and it appears that Dust is now the mage for the job. However, on his journey, he ends up having encounters with a succubus, a talking sword, a spider queen and a goddess of magic. This is the first book in the Darkling Mage series.
This was a well thought out and clearly told a story that kept my attention from the start to the end of the book. The story unfolded in such a way that I was hooked on the story and actually found myself reading it faster as it progressed. It was well written and very easy to read and comprehend. As a YA book, it was nicely pitched to not push the boundaries of that genre while at the same time giving more than enough story to keep your attention and need to know what happened next. Well written it was clear and easy to understand. I think you will enjoy this story and find it easy to become addicted and need to know what happens to Dustin next.
#2 - Dark Harvest
Dustin Graves is a darkling mage and is now part of a group of scoundrels working for a rogue sorcerer and a teammate of a werewolf and a vampire. Dustin is also using a mysterious talking sword (who seems to be a bit bloodthirsty). When a doomsday cult appears and they come across 12 bodies life appears complicated enough but them an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission that he has to complete within 3 days or else he will die. (no pressure then!). Can he survive and complete the mission?
Wow - this book was full of action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and turns. Throughout it had lots of great dialogue and snarky comments that made me smile. It was definitely a great example of urban fantasy and the world that the author created was very clear and easy to understand. The way the book ended definitely made me laugh - all I will say is it happens in a park and involves a finger. Well written and a delight to read - I can't wait to find out what happens to Dust next!
#3 - Darkling Mage
Someone is stealing arcane items and doing acts of violence - the problem is the person/people doing it all look just like Dustin Graves - the 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 problems 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
#1 - Shadow Magic
While the gods are dying, Dustin Graves was murdered as a ritual sacrifice but finds himself the recipient of some strange dark magic instead. The more bodies start turning up - some human and worryingly one old world god. Somehow the bloodshed has to stop and it appears that Dust is now the mage for the job. However, on his journey, he ends up having encounters with a succubus, a talking sword, a spider queen and a goddess of magic. This is the first book in the Darkling Mage series.
This was a well thought out and clearly told a story that kept my attention from the start to the end of the book. The story unfolded in such a way that I was hooked on the story and actually found myself reading it faster as it progressed. It was well written and very easy to read and comprehend. As a YA book, it was nicely pitched to not push the boundaries of that genre while at the same time giving more than enough story to keep your attention and need to know what happened next. Well written it was clear and easy to understand. I think you will enjoy this story and find it easy to become addicted and need to know what happens to Dustin next.
#2 - Dark Harvest
Dustin Graves is a darkling mage and is now part of a group of scoundrels working for a rogue sorcerer and a teammate of a werewolf and a vampire. Dustin is also using a mysterious talking sword (who seems to be a bit bloodthirsty). When a doomsday cult appears and they come across 12 bodies life appears complicated enough but them an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission that he has to complete within 3 days or else he will die. (no pressure then!). Can he survive and complete the mission?
Wow - this book was full of action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and turns. Throughout it had lots of great dialogue and snarky comments that made me smile. It was definitely a great example of urban fantasy and the world that the author created was very clear and easy to understand. The way the book ended definitely made me laugh - all I will say is it happens in a park and involves a finger. Well written and a delight to read - I can't wait to find out what happens to Dust next!
#3 - Darkling Mage
Someone is stealing arcane items and doing acts of violence - the problem is the person/people doing it all look just like Dustin Graves - the 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 problems 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
March 23, 2019
Twisted tale, good storyline. Interesting cast of characters.
I'm often worried to try out a new author, but this one grew on me. From the first to the third novel of the trilogy, his writing grew on me. It may have even improved as he fell into the story more. The novels are written in first person of a young man with a decent sense of humor, self-humility but then other times, excess bravado. I was reminded of other 20 year old males who I've found annoying but also amusing in their airs. The prequel to this storyline is called Penumbra which likely would help the start of book 1---which felt disjointed a bit. However, book 2 and 3 were exceptional. I definitely enjoyed the tales, as I tried to figure out each newly introduced character and his/her backstory. I'll continue to follow this author.
I'm often worried to try out a new author, but this one grew on me. From the first to the third novel of the trilogy, his writing grew on me. It may have even improved as he fell into the story more. The novels are written in first person of a young man with a decent sense of humor, self-humility but then other times, excess bravado. I was reminded of other 20 year old males who I've found annoying but also amusing in their airs. The prequel to this storyline is called Penumbra which likely would help the start of book 1---which felt disjointed a bit. However, book 2 and 3 were exceptional. I definitely enjoyed the tales, as I tried to figure out each newly introduced character and his/her backstory. I'll continue to follow this author.
September 29, 2020
I heard of Nazri Noor long ago... I actually read the spin-offs before this long thick volume collecting Books One Two and Three. I absolutely LOVE each and every one of his series. And now I can finally tick off the first three books of his first series off that HUGE To Be Read Book Pile List. Dustin is an amazing character. You’ll like him too I am sure of it. I’m off to finally start OBLIVION HEART.
February 18, 2019
Good young adult urban fantasy
Enjoyed the main character Dustin. He's a likeable new to magic and somewhat bumbling shadow jumper. He has many things he needs to learn about the arcane world and meets some very interesting people, entities and just all around strange beings to say the least. It's a fun journey and I will definitely keep reading this series.
Enjoyed the main character Dustin. He's a likeable new to magic and somewhat bumbling shadow jumper. He has many things he needs to learn about the arcane world and meets some very interesting people, entities and just all around strange beings to say the least. It's a fun journey and I will definitely keep reading this series.
April 7, 2020
Good series that's getting better each book!
I'm starting to trust in Dustin. Lol the characters growing power is making the series more interesting and the setting of plots to come only add to the richness of the story.Well done!
I'm starting to trust in Dustin. Lol the characters growing power is making the series more interesting and the setting of plots to come only add to the richness of the story.Well done!
August 17, 2025
Less a review; more a few observations since 4 stars. This is strictly a supernatural adventure story. After 3 books, there is still not even a hint of a romance except between two side characters. It appears to be geared as a YA (young adults) series. That being said, as long as no one is expecting any romance not even "puppy love", it is an interesting ride. I am not sure how memorable it will be, but it kept me entertained and engaged.
I love a bundle! I feel they are such a good deal and make it easier to take a risk.
I feel those who enjoyed Hailey Turner's Soulbound series will also enjoy this one as long as in the mood for no romance. The books were solid. There were a few editing / proofing issues but nothing that was problematic.
I will continue to read this series even without a bundle. This is the 2nd series I have started from this author. I also really enjoyed Nazri's "Arcane Hearts".
I love a bundle! I feel they are such a good deal and make it easier to take a risk.
I feel those who enjoyed Hailey Turner's Soulbound series will also enjoy this one as long as in the mood for no romance. The books were solid. There were a few editing / proofing issues but nothing that was problematic.
I will continue to read this series even without a bundle. This is the 2nd series I have started from this author. I also really enjoyed Nazri's "Arcane Hearts".
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews