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The Magician's Brother #4
Shadowborn's Terror
There's a new Magical drug flooding the streets, capable of giving Magic to humans. It's addictive, powerful... and it's not what people think it is.
I make a powerful new enemy, alienating the other Archons in the process, and she's clever enough to make me regret it, drawing me ever deeper into a web of vice, power and evil that I struggle to untangle before it's too late.
I discover new allies, but also new threats, and terrors from when humanity was young. Monsters close in from every side, bringing heartbreak, loss and guilt. It will take everything I have to get out of this with my sanity intact and my precious hide in one piece.
And that doesn't even cover the second fairy princess, the large coven of vampires, the crazy Death Mage I get stuck with, and a city so foul, it's known simply as Gomorrah.
To think, there was a time when I thought getting attacked by a Demon King was the worst thing that could happen to me...
I make a powerful new enemy, alienating the other Archons in the process, and she's clever enough to make me regret it, drawing me ever deeper into a web of vice, power and evil that I struggle to untangle before it's too late.
I discover new allies, but also new threats, and terrors from when humanity was young. Monsters close in from every side, bringing heartbreak, loss and guilt. It will take everything I have to get out of this with my sanity intact and my precious hide in one piece.
And that doesn't even cover the second fairy princess, the large coven of vampires, the crazy Death Mage I get stuck with, and a city so foul, it's known simply as Gomorrah.
To think, there was a time when I thought getting attacked by a Demon King was the worst thing that could happen to me...
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2019
216 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
H.D.A. Roberts
9 books180 followershttps://www.facebook.com/The-Magician...
hdaroberts@gmail.com
hdaroberts@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 22, 2020
This series started with a lot of promise. Books 3 and 4 have ruined that promise. In these past 2 books, our MC basically has a weird and unidentifiable relationship with pretty much every single female that he comes across. WTF! Let off that crap, it basically occupies 90% of the book. Relationships do add to a story, but when you have at least 7 different relationships going on that are basically all unidentifiable due to our MC’s complete discomfort and inability to address them, in any situation pertaining to the opposite gender, the story becomes a bear to read. I didn’t like it. Hopefully other people do like it, because I DO want authors to be successful, I guess I just wasn’t the right audience for this story.
March 16, 2019
Teetering on the fence.
😡 SPOILERS Warning 😡
What SMC said. I've just about hit my limit relative to Matty's doomed pariah status. Even the archons have him firmly relegated to less than full member status. Not only do they diss him & toss him out in front of an entire conclave, beat him up repeatedly, call him a liar, put him under the equivalent of guarded arrest, deny ALL privacy, fail to support him in battles, allow him to come to harm, and on and on and on.
No wonder he doesn't wear a signet ring. His isn't real, because his partner ring had to agree to be less than what the other archons have. No wonder the archons didn't insist he wear it. They have a backup partner. He doesn't. Even if he wore it, he wouldn't be protected from harm like the other archons. They actually almost let him get burned at the stake and do let him get overwhelmed by demons to the point of death. Lied to, humiliated, and abandoned. And this when he gives more than 100% and pays incredible personal costs. Then, at the end, there's a "Sutton redux" and they still discount his position even though he was the only actual witness. So much for their righteous guardian "family". All this pretty much boxes Cathy into a corner and puts Matty's mother over the edge.
I'm really hoping to see him step up so high the other archons have to look up to see the bottom of his shoes. I'd love to see him become the master of the Black instead of being destroyed by it. Or maybe the Fae could make a place for him and his people and let the archons deal amongst themselves.
Not gonna down rate just because I find this stuff beyond annoying. The rest is still a good read and I don't know that the author is going to continue to abuse Matty. Hoping for better.
😡 SPOILERS Warning 😡
What SMC said. I've just about hit my limit relative to Matty's doomed pariah status. Even the archons have him firmly relegated to less than full member status. Not only do they diss him & toss him out in front of an entire conclave, beat him up repeatedly, call him a liar, put him under the equivalent of guarded arrest, deny ALL privacy, fail to support him in battles, allow him to come to harm, and on and on and on.
No wonder he doesn't wear a signet ring. His isn't real, because his partner ring had to agree to be less than what the other archons have. No wonder the archons didn't insist he wear it. They have a backup partner. He doesn't. Even if he wore it, he wouldn't be protected from harm like the other archons. They actually almost let him get burned at the stake and do let him get overwhelmed by demons to the point of death. Lied to, humiliated, and abandoned. And this when he gives more than 100% and pays incredible personal costs. Then, at the end, there's a "Sutton redux" and they still discount his position even though he was the only actual witness. So much for their righteous guardian "family". All this pretty much boxes Cathy into a corner and puts Matty's mother over the edge.
I'm really hoping to see him step up so high the other archons have to look up to see the bottom of his shoes. I'd love to see him become the master of the Black instead of being destroyed by it. Or maybe the Fae could make a place for him and his people and let the archons deal amongst themselves.
Not gonna down rate just because I find this stuff beyond annoying. The rest is still a good read and I don't know that the author is going to continue to abuse Matty. Hoping for better.
March 27, 2019
Horrible
This series littally lost its magic. One of the engaging aspects about reading these books was the growing magic system. In this book you are presented with nothing new. Also the harem aspect is annoying. How is everyone stunning? The book is repetitive and the MC is childish.
This series littally lost its magic. One of the engaging aspects about reading these books was the growing magic system. In this book you are presented with nothing new. Also the harem aspect is annoying. How is everyone stunning? The book is repetitive and the MC is childish.
November 24, 2020
Turned into a harem series
Progressivly descending into a book about a guy who has too many girlfriends. First few books were excellant, but more an more women fell in love with the protaganist. Its at the point now where 50 percent of the series is him juggling all the women that want him.
Progressivly descending into a book about a guy who has too many girlfriends. First few books were excellant, but more an more women fell in love with the protaganist. Its at the point now where 50 percent of the series is him juggling all the women that want him.
April 26, 2019
What a wild ride...
So the final (for now) book in this series was every bit as fantastic as the previous three!
Often, in a series, the level of storytelling varies a fair bit, so you might have a fantastic first book, a decent second, a better third, etc. With this series, each of the four books was consistently excellent with characters making freaking tough choices, taking actions to protect even in the face of weakness or fear, and coming out the better for all of it.
I like stories that make my heart feel good, and this one, as all the others had, did that beautifully. There were moments in the book that were really hard for me to read through - a little heavier on the “horror” side of things - but Roberts never lets it go so far that you can’t continue. The “horror” bits are enough to create some strong ass tension, but the author takes it to wonderful places in the end bringing you back to feeling uplifted. Quite a trick, that!
Anyway, want a fantastic series to read? Choose this one - it’ll leave you sated and bereft when you turn the final page in the last book.
So the final (for now) book in this series was every bit as fantastic as the previous three!
Often, in a series, the level of storytelling varies a fair bit, so you might have a fantastic first book, a decent second, a better third, etc. With this series, each of the four books was consistently excellent with characters making freaking tough choices, taking actions to protect even in the face of weakness or fear, and coming out the better for all of it.
I like stories that make my heart feel good, and this one, as all the others had, did that beautifully. There were moments in the book that were really hard for me to read through - a little heavier on the “horror” side of things - but Roberts never lets it go so far that you can’t continue. The “horror” bits are enough to create some strong ass tension, but the author takes it to wonderful places in the end bringing you back to feeling uplifted. Quite a trick, that!
Anyway, want a fantastic series to read? Choose this one - it’ll leave you sated and bereft when you turn the final page in the last book.
January 12, 2021
This one, unfortunately, is more of a 4.75 stars than a 5. Why? Mainly because of two things: one, in which there are too many women in Matthew’s life who are too touchy with him and he lets them, and two, because he’s starting to see his brother in a bad way, kind of like he’s blaming Des for the murder attempts. At this rate, I am definitely sympathising with Des more than with Matthew. I mean, it’s not like Des went insane because he wants to. And Matthew doesn’t even seem to care about Des anymore. He’s not actively searching for a way to cure Des, which is disappointing. Perhaps more so because I am a sucker for sibling affection and I love the first two books when Matthew would do anything for Des and now what has happened to those feelings, Matty?? They’re twins! I’m no expert, not part of a pair myself, but aren’t they supposed to have a special bond or something?
Apart from the two issues I have, this book nailed it in every aspect. The plot is fast, action is everywhere, wit and humour scattered generously. A VERY good series, and I am honestly sad that I am nearing the end. Will definitely reread this in the future, maybe. Definitely maybe.
Apart from the two issues I have, this book nailed it in every aspect. The plot is fast, action is everywhere, wit and humour scattered generously. A VERY good series, and I am honestly sad that I am nearing the end. Will definitely reread this in the future, maybe. Definitely maybe.
February 2, 2019
“Shadowborn’s Terror: Book IV of the ‘Magician’s Brother’ Series” was unexpected. Matthew, Lord Shadow, also known as "First Shadow," is now one of the five Archon’s, masters of much of the magical human world. The novel opens with him also bored with meetings, conclaves, the responsibilities of possibly thousand year old fellow Archons. He is still a student preparing for university, just as he is unprepared for regular interruptions by friendly nymphs and pixies and ghouls and nastier characters. So, he is pulled into battles—including a sort of drug war in this novel—all things he would just as soon avoid. With battles come death, and for a Lord Shadow, a man of the dark side, he shouldn’t be concerned, but Matthew, Lord Shadow, is first a moral and often too forgiving young human male.
If you enjoyed the first three books of the Magician’s Brother Series, you are prepared for this book that adds new versions of goodness, humor, and horror. H D A Roberts’ has come through again. Enjoy.
If you enjoyed the first three books of the Magician’s Brother Series, you are prepared for this book that adds new versions of goodness, humor, and horror. H D A Roberts’ has come through again. Enjoy.
February 20, 2019
I have read twice this book in less than a week and that sound silly, but this and the previous books leave me wanting to read more about them.
Well, this book, like the previous is fun and with spicy situations, but in this book, since the beginning I have the sensation that the author try to "mature" Mathew, center him more in the "magical world" and archon job/duty, getting him away from the teenage days and non-magical family and friends enviroment, which is unexpected, interesting and realistic, to show that grow up on a character, I like it.
That is my sensation, maybe its just that, because there is still family and friends situations.
Apart from that, new enemies, new "romantic" funny complications, new friends and allies, more magic and all that without forget the previous books relations, it could had been a disaster but have turn out really well.
So here I am, waiting for the next book.... come on Roberts, keeps writing :-).
Well, this book, like the previous is fun and with spicy situations, but in this book, since the beginning I have the sensation that the author try to "mature" Mathew, center him more in the "magical world" and archon job/duty, getting him away from the teenage days and non-magical family and friends enviroment, which is unexpected, interesting and realistic, to show that grow up on a character, I like it.
That is my sensation, maybe its just that, because there is still family and friends situations.
Apart from that, new enemies, new "romantic" funny complications, new friends and allies, more magic and all that without forget the previous books relations, it could had been a disaster but have turn out really well.
So here I am, waiting for the next book.... come on Roberts, keeps writing :-).
May 27, 2019
Drama, Action, Comedy, and Fun
If the book series Demon’s Apprentice [excellent, btw] and the anime “Campione!” had a shonen clueless-hero harem action fantasy love child raised in Britain, it would look something like this series. [For the record, that’s not a bad thing.]
While this installment still has plenty of fast humor, snark, action, and magic, it also rears a much darker head than seen before, as Matty wrestles (sometimes literally) with darker creatures, and even darker desires. He also continues to wrestle with unpopular opinion, especially in the most unwanted places.
The series, characters, and situations all keep growing, and only time will tell what will become of our increasingly-OP hero. Can’t wait to see more.
Definitely recommended: tweenagers on up.
If the book series Demon’s Apprentice [excellent, btw] and the anime “Campione!” had a shonen clueless-hero harem action fantasy love child raised in Britain, it would look something like this series. [For the record, that’s not a bad thing.]
While this installment still has plenty of fast humor, snark, action, and magic, it also rears a much darker head than seen before, as Matty wrestles (sometimes literally) with darker creatures, and even darker desires. He also continues to wrestle with unpopular opinion, especially in the most unwanted places.
The series, characters, and situations all keep growing, and only time will tell what will become of our increasingly-OP hero. Can’t wait to see more.
Definitely recommended: tweenagers on up.
August 14, 2019
I read this series in 2 days
I love a magical coming page story and while I was a little bit on the fence when it came to the main character as he is a bit of a empathetic doormat but he grew on me he’s sneaky and snarky and a gentleman which is nice even if he has TSTL moments . I love this urban fantasy world very interesting and the secondary characters were good too. My only real problem is the fact we have a whole harem of smart sophisticated ladies literally trying to ravish this kid who the author has described other than being someone they can sponge off not their cup of tea and the believable relationships are ignored I just hope wish fulfilment harem is not the road this story is riding on. But other than those personal preferences this ticks all the right boxes for me as a series
I love a magical coming page story and while I was a little bit on the fence when it came to the main character as he is a bit of a empathetic doormat but he grew on me he’s sneaky and snarky and a gentleman which is nice even if he has TSTL moments . I love this urban fantasy world very interesting and the secondary characters were good too. My only real problem is the fact we have a whole harem of smart sophisticated ladies literally trying to ravish this kid who the author has described other than being someone they can sponge off not their cup of tea and the believable relationships are ignored I just hope wish fulfilment harem is not the road this story is riding on. But other than those personal preferences this ticks all the right boxes for me as a series
May 4, 2024
My enjoyment is declining. As the action sequences conform, more and more, to a consistent pattern the harem elements expand ever outward.
The portrayed world is inconsistent with the magic system. In a society where mind manipulation is readily available, everyone's veracity would be tested before little things like arrest and imprisonment. When powerful sorcerers can be brought low with a blow to the head from behind, surely magical/mundane armor would be par for the course.
I'm also over Matty's martyr complex. Everything that goes wrong is his fault, because if he hadn't been born then bad things wouldn't happen. Not to worry, dozens of besotted beauties stand willing to soothe his wounded psyche. Sigh.
The portrayed world is inconsistent with the magic system. In a society where mind manipulation is readily available, everyone's veracity would be tested before little things like arrest and imprisonment. When powerful sorcerers can be brought low with a blow to the head from behind, surely magical/mundane armor would be par for the course.
I'm also over Matty's martyr complex. Everything that goes wrong is his fault, because if he hadn't been born then bad things wouldn't happen. Not to worry, dozens of besotted beauties stand willing to soothe his wounded psyche. Sigh.
May 31, 2019
Impressive
I have now finished all four of the books so far in this series, and very much look forward to the next instalment. In my humble opinion, this series could very easily be considered the adults “ Harry Potter”, with a very intelligent and very powerful MC. I am particularly pleased by the authors ability to create and write about an intelligent MC, much like Benedict Jacka with his Alex Verus. I would encourage anyone wanting an enjoyable read to pick up this series immerse themselves. You will not be disappointed.
I have now finished all four of the books so far in this series, and very much look forward to the next instalment. In my humble opinion, this series could very easily be considered the adults “ Harry Potter”, with a very intelligent and very powerful MC. I am particularly pleased by the authors ability to create and write about an intelligent MC, much like Benedict Jacka with his Alex Verus. I would encourage anyone wanting an enjoyable read to pick up this series immerse themselves. You will not be disappointed.
October 18, 2023
Great series. Still fun and engaging storytelling!
The series continues in book 4 and hasn't lost its pace. The main character still has a lot to discover and the supporting cast, along with the world building, provide a world that the reader wants to explore and unlock at every page turn. This book was a bit simple and really more of a filler in the character development, but it was still very fun to read, and keeps the reader's interest. I really recommend the series... can't wait to see how the story continues
The series continues in book 4 and hasn't lost its pace. The main character still has a lot to discover and the supporting cast, along with the world building, provide a world that the reader wants to explore and unlock at every page turn. This book was a bit simple and really more of a filler in the character development, but it was still very fun to read, and keeps the reader's interest. I really recommend the series... can't wait to see how the story continues
March 3, 2019
Cowards are my new super heroes
Mathew has become one of my most beloved characters to ever read about. The struggles he goes threw with so many women in his life are just hilarious specially because he's such a nice guy. I can relate well to the whole coward mentality and no physical ability but the will to hold your ground and fight for those you love. A wonderful read can't wait for next in series.
Mathew has become one of my most beloved characters to ever read about. The struggles he goes threw with so many women in his life are just hilarious specially because he's such a nice guy. I can relate well to the whole coward mentality and no physical ability but the will to hold your ground and fight for those you love. A wonderful read can't wait for next in series.
December 9, 2020
I don't know
Not loving the whole sex constantly innuendos. How can he stand to never have his own space. That lack I find somewhat disrespectful. Some of it is just weird and creepy. The books are clever. Well written. I'm a prude I must admit. Do not read romances especially ones with sex in them. No interest. So I'm struggling even though it's on the edge.
Not loving the whole sex constantly innuendos. How can he stand to never have his own space. That lack I find somewhat disrespectful. Some of it is just weird and creepy. The books are clever. Well written. I'm a prude I must admit. Do not read romances especially ones with sex in them. No interest. So I'm struggling even though it's on the edge.
January 28, 2019
I keep repeating myself, but this series is just so much FUN. Still action-packed with added surprising storylines and it will be very interesting to see how they play out. Looking very much forward to the next book in the series.
February 8, 2019
another fun read.
Honestly I just look forward to the next Roberts book. They are far from perfect, but are adventures with a delightful main character. If you read the previous three, this one will be a great evening.
Honestly I just look forward to the next Roberts book. They are far from perfect, but are adventures with a delightful main character. If you read the previous three, this one will be a great evening.
February 20, 2019
Loved it
Loved this book so much. It is fabulous continuation of the other books. Marty seems to be sort of a ladies magnet. I can’t picture how he looks though with his red eyes and the scar on his face. Evidently, they all still find him attractive.
Loved this book so much. It is fabulous continuation of the other books. Marty seems to be sort of a ladies magnet. I can’t picture how he looks though with his red eyes and the scar on his face. Evidently, they all still find him attractive.
February 23, 2019
Be prepared for a sleepless night at least until you finish
Couldn’t put it down read the whole series in two days. Without much sleep I might add thank for that. Seriously thanks keep em coming😁
Couldn’t put it down read the whole series in two days. Without much sleep I might add thank for that. Seriously thanks keep em coming😁
March 3, 2019
Awesome Series
This story of a Shadow mage who everybody assumes is evil yet he is the definition of a Hero good guy is great. Love to see a spin-off with the wolf girl becoming a supernatural cop.
This story of a Shadow mage who everybody assumes is evil yet he is the definition of a Hero good guy is great. Love to see a spin-off with the wolf girl becoming a supernatural cop.
June 8, 2019
Great!!
Great series!! Hoping for more. Don’t take a break just keep writing. Matthew Graves has become my favorite fantasy character. His inherent decency will make his life tough.
Great series!! Hoping for more. Don’t take a break just keep writing. Matthew Graves has become my favorite fantasy character. His inherent decency will make his life tough.
July 11, 2019
Awesome Series
From the first book to the last I've been captivated by the different relationships of the characters. Wonderfully written and totally enjoyable. I could go on for a while about the things I liked. But two thumbs up on the series as a whole so far.
From the first book to the last I've been captivated by the different relationships of the characters. Wonderfully written and totally enjoyable. I could go on for a while about the things I liked. But two thumbs up on the series as a whole so far.
March 6, 2020
Another enjoyable read in a fun series. Things continue to challenge Mathew as he is growing into what he has taken on, and life is happening to him. I'm looking forward to the fifth book in the series.
December 5, 2020
Hooray for HDA Robert’s!
I am happily working my way through this entire series of which I have already purchased all 6 books in the series. I love everything about the characters & storyline.
I am happily working my way through this entire series of which I have already purchased all 6 books in the series. I love everything about the characters & storyline.
December 11, 2020
I love and hate this in equal measures.
Some of his choices irritate me to no end, but I am not a good person. That is the point. This is a marvelous story wonderfully told about a very good person. That is what I love about it, and what I hate, and I very much want more.
Some of his choices irritate me to no end, but I am not a good person. That is the point. This is a marvelous story wonderfully told about a very good person. That is what I love about it, and what I hate, and I very much want more.
March 5, 2021
Another great read
The book continues in the usual interesting and fast paced way. Author should correct the word “wonder’ and “wondering” ton”wander” and “wandering”. Also, there are times he should use “me” instead of “you”.
The book continues in the usual interesting and fast paced way. Author should correct the word “wonder’ and “wondering” ton”wander” and “wandering”. Also, there are times he should use “me” instead of “you”.
April 17, 2022
Absolutely loved it
Simply amazing best book ever honestly go read it right now you won't regret it I promise this is legitimately my third time reading this series and it is amazing
Simply amazing best book ever honestly go read it right now you won't regret it I promise this is legitimately my third time reading this series and it is amazing
February 16, 2019
Great
Great addition to the series! Lots of action and Angst. Really enjoy the main character. He has lots of integrity and compassion, my favorite kind of hero.
Great addition to the series! Lots of action and Angst. Really enjoy the main character. He has lots of integrity and compassion, my favorite kind of hero.
March 2, 2019
Easy read
This book is fun and an easy read it does what a book should allow you to turn off your mind and immerse yourself in a different universe
This book is fun and an easy read it does what a book should allow you to turn off your mind and immerse yourself in a different universe
April 20, 2019
The funniest and lovable Matty.
I haven’t read a book so wonderfully laughably sweet every chapter an adventure, a laughter in dying pain, every retort a memorable classic.
I haven’t read a book so wonderfully laughably sweet every chapter an adventure, a laughter in dying pain, every retort a memorable classic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews