One knife to take a life. One breath to honor Death.Dustin Graves can’t get a break. Murdering an Old One was only the beginning. Enraged, the Eldest have answered with searing rains of ivory fire from the stars, threatening Valero and the world itself. The madness must be stopped.
Ancient gods of prophecy, death, and darkness themselves answer the call for battle. But the secret to saving the world lies closer to Dustin's heart than he a ritual sacrifice, meant to end the suffering. After all… what’s one life against the fate of billions?
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the sixth book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Last Rites today.
Hi, 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.
Book 6 in the Darkling Mage series. I'm totally invested in this series and the diverse characters, so much so I've gone straight into book 7 and will stick with the series to the end. As I've said before, these books just get better and better as they go on.
This series is so comfortable and enjoyable, the characters feel like an extension of me now. The writing allows you to catch your breath or just have a laugh in among the action and bloody elements. Good writing, and always perfectly edited, makes the Darkling Mage series a joy to pick up.
This was probably my favorite book in the series, I have no idea why, I just keep loving this series more and more. The more time I spend with these characters, closer to them I feel and more invested, I guess. They are my very dear friends. And the author's writing cannot be any better, any more engaging, and so beautifully consistent. Naturally, as it was obvious from the previous stories, the situation escalates yet again. However, this time, Dustin sacrifices more than expected. Surprisingly, this time Lorica is more helpful than usual, and entities are as unhelpful as they usually are, apart from select few who still manage to surprise with their level of concern. The tone of this book corresponds to the level of the threat, it is more serious, more friend and family oriented, and dare I say, there is a touch of romance we've all been anticipating for several books now. And the author reveals the Dark Room's secrets, as Dustin learns more about it. Whole lot of entities get introduced this time, some familiar some new, and most of them want something from Dustin. It is funny how his charm is failing as he is getting more and more tired of the entities and trying to impress them. I still love and adore Dustin, love Sterling and Asher, and I have to admit that Royce is growing on me. There are many more lovely characters, and many more evil ones, but they are all developed to perfection. This is one of my favourite series, and one of the best series out there. And Nazri Noor is one of the best authors of urban fantasy. I can't wait to see what happens next with the series. Trust in Dustin! The books are best read in order. Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), and Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7) .
Pretty much a rerun of book 5. There was good action, but all main characters from book 5. Did not like the main character coming out as being gay. That was an unwelcomed surprise. No indication from prior books that this was coming. This is where I jump off the Dark Mage series.
This book is nothing but a bunch of virtue signaling trope bs. Damn near nothing happens that you didn’t see coming for 6 books. Well except the making all the males all but slobber themselves over cross-dressers. The author explaining, in detail, how the only thing more beautiful than a woman. Is men dressing as women. That was a surprise.
LAST RITES was a fantastic edition to the DARKLING MAGE series and we even got a little bit of romance! Dustin has come a long way from book 1, not just in his powers, but also his confidence and his place in life. He's a great mix of hero trying to save the world and average guy just trying to figure out how to tell his crush he likes him. It's not often we see Dustin unsure what to do and say and I can't wait to see where his relationship with Herald goes from here.
As for the overall plot, the Eldest are still on a mission to break through into our world and Dustin and his allies had their work cut out for them. Things weren't easy and big sacrifices had to be made so I'm curious to see what will be in store for Dustin in the next book.
Because of him I got absolutely NOTHING done today! AND I was almost an hour late for a doctor’s appointment (and that one was pure rudeness on my part, I’m a bit ashamed), and ALL because of Mr. Noor.
What I DID accomplish was reading books five and six in this series. I was THAT engrossed….
Darkling Mage Dustin Graves doesn't seem to be able to get a break in life - the response from the enraged Eldest to him murdering one of the old ones is to send rains of ivory fire down from the stars threatening the world and Valero. Somehow Dust and his friends need to find a way to stop the madness before innocent humans are killed. When the ancient gods finally answer a call to battle it becomes apparent that the secret to saving everyone lies much closer to Dustin and his heart than he realises - even if it involves a ritual sacrifice that will end the suffering. Surely losing one life is nothing compared to saving billions?
Wow - once again Dustin is in the middle of the action trying his best to save humans while maintaining his record of irritating gods and fellow mages without exception in his determination to find ways to protect those weaker from the Eldest. As part of the journey he is on in this story, he will sort out his feelings in several areas, find out more about himself and his past, and find himself in a strange position going forward at the end of the book. Running through everything is his sense of humour getting him into trouble (not everyone understands his genius). Many open ended questions at the end which definitely makes me start to wonder what is going to happen next and can he take any more grief from the Eldest? Well written and very enjoyable, this is definitely a series worth reading - just be careful as you might not be able to put it down.
The sixth book in the Darkling Mage series picks up pretty much where things left off after Book 5.
As always, the author skillfully weaves in new facets of the main characters as well as some side characters through vividly rendered action sequences.
My sense of this book is that it marks a stark turning point both personally and magically for Dust. There are a couple of major personal developments, one of which has been so beautifully set up - I can't even, and the other was a heart-wrenching surprise to me. My sense that Dust is on the cusp of maturity, depending on how he addresses these two situations. Furthermore, Dust's choices in this book mark a new phase for him - he'll have to explore magick in a wholly new way to him.
As far as the overarching story is concerned, I can't say that I felt this was the strongest entry in the series (perhaps that's because I had to satisfy myself with only my SECOND-favourite character) - not that it was in any way weak. It just seemed like a bit of a necessary tying up of some odds and sods, rather than setting up a new arc (I think it would make a fairly satisfying series ending - absence of my favourite character notwithstanding).
Still, the pacing is, as always, excellent. I love how minor characters from Dust's past keep popping up and being expanded on, and I really love how Dust is slowly - painfully slowly - growing into himself. (It kind of happens that way to all of us!) There's an organic feel to the way the characters are revealed that resonates strongly with me. I am very eager to read the next installment!
This novel in the series of Darkling Mage reminds me of The Death Card in my Tarot Deck. If you subscribe to Tarot.com you will read this: "The Death card is not about the literal death of any person. It may represent the death of something else, like a project, plan, or relationship. Everything being pruned away is recycled for the fertility of the future, so that nothing is really ever lost, despite seasonal cycles of gain and loss." For me, this symbolizes what I read in the novel, Last Rites. There is mention of the troubles being "seasonal", an interesting correlation.
In this story, there is more than one element that comes forth with an ending and thus a new beginning that usually springs from death. Again, our exceptionally talented author has woven those issues in a complex resolution that has shown a command of storytelling that rivals the professional writers who have been around for hundreds of years.
As I progress through the books in this series, I truly appreciate how everything that happens to our hero and those fascinating friends of his, continues to find them faced with ever-increasing challenges that call deep into their specialized abilities as Mages and other arcane personalities.
I enjoyed this story so much and have already embarked on the reading of the next book in the series. I am going to feel bereft when it all ends. I really hope that somehow, the author will find a way to continue.
I hated to reach the end...of the book that is. It means another couple of months of waiting to see what Dustin is up to. Is he going to be able to walk in the light? Will he find his way out of the dark shadow closet he is in as he struggles with his attraction to Herald? This book takes us on a dark ride through the "Heart and the Dark" that Dustin has been fighting. He finds how the "Elders" are getting into our universe and in finding out, he may loose everything, especially huge parts of himself in the fight to save the universe. The HFN is really nice, but we are left with questions that only the next book in the series can answer. More questions than answers are in this book of action, violence, friendship, family, the "Dark side," and budding love. Great story, great series. Would recommend both to you readers out there. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
I am happy that Dustin finally accepted and showed his true feelings. It’s great to see the main character reflect people like me. I look forward to reading the next books in the series and hope that there will be sequels to Sins if the Father also. Keep up the fantastic writing and story telling.
Nazri Noor has created a perfect example of an urban fantasy series! Incredible story, fantastic characters and the perfect action. I couldn’t ask for better. Highly recommended
I am devouring these books, my quench for more Dustin Adventures unsated. I need more!!! Another FANTASTIC book!!! And a KISS!!!! WHOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!
I finished the series featuring Dustin Graves, continuing from book 6 though book 9. There are two prequels and a short in there too. I've loved every second of the stories. Lots of action/adventure. Lots of family and friends time. Dustin gains new allies in every book leading up to the finale showdown in book 9. The tasks get harder and the sacrifices get bigger. His abilities are tested. Resources are lost and found. The Deities continue to play with him, but as it turns out, their 'lessons' prepare him for something huge so maybe they can be forgiven? And Dustin falls in love. While this series is not a romance, their relationship adds depth to Dustin's character, both as a person and his motivations.
I can't pick out a favorite part since everything was so good. The end of book 9 easily wraps up this part of the overall Arcane Universe story arc, but I'm sure there will be more from Dustin Graves sprinkled around.
Reading order notes: - There are no spoilers in Penumbra and can be read as a true prequel to the Darkling Mage series. - Crystal Brawl is early days, with Dustin still figuring things out. I'd put it somewhere after book 1 but before book 3. He learns a skill in Grave Intentions (book 3) that he is unable to do in the freebie short. - The next prequel is for a spinoff series that features a different character. Something happens in book 4, Oblivion Heart, that immediately triggers something elsewhere. That's where Ex Nihilo comes in. We don't actually have the resulting crossover until a few books later, but if you're a chronological reader like me, then you'll want to treat the Sins of the Father prequel as book 4.5 in the overall Arcane universe reading order. Otherwise, it can be read anytime after book 7 of the Darkling Mage series.
This series is really growing on me. The first couple looking back were slow and it was focused on Dustin coming to terms with his magic. We are now at the part where he's mastered it to some extent and now it's time for him to grow at an individual. I was really hoping the author wasn't teasing about Dustin and Herald getting to together because I love them both so much and he needs someone to ground him in what I expect to be another intense ride for the next book. This was by far one of my favorite in this series and I'm looking forward to what comes next! This series is addicting and hard to put down now.
This is the sixth book in the Darkling Mage series
This book was amazing truly love your characters I'm definitely invested the action scenes that you write makes me feel like I'm at the movies awesome . I also like your take on the different God's you really bring them to life . Two of my favorite quotes in this book is when Bastian tell Dustin that he will be his hero and Herald was like please that's my job I squeal to hard and the second of course is when he and Herald finally kissed man that one almost did me in . Anyway can't wait for your next book .
And not for that reason, pervert. This book absolutely broke my heart. I’m talking full on ugly crying. I think there were more “holy sh!t” moments in this book than any of the others that came before it. Of course there is still the expected amount of sass and snarky banter and it’s is full of actual laugh-out-loud moments.
Although this books ends in a sort of HFN, I’m left heartbroken and worried for Dustin. He’s had to give up so much, doesn’t he deserve a little bit of a break?
Our friendly neighborhood shadow beast is back and he's on a quest (talk about a shopping list from hell) to close the rifts and shut out the Eldest once and for all. I can honestly say that i didn't see this outcome coming at all. i seriously can't wait to see how it all shakes out for Dust, June cannot come soon enough because I need more STAT.
Dustin always tries to do the right thing, even if it hurts. You have to read the previous books to stay up to date on the characters in relation to Dustin (the main character) but it is well worth it. Nazri is a wonderful weaver of tales. There is a bit of romance. Gay, straight or anywhere inbetween, very tastefully written with a natural progression of characters. Magic and mayhem! I, as always, an looking forward to the next book.
Probably won’t finish the series. It’s interesting and I genuinely wish to see how it turns out, especially the dark room connection. However, I cannot stand the constant degrading and juvenile chatter, specifically to MC. Also, are none of these adults taught professionalism? Why do they talk like 16 yr olds? Very tired of the use of “stupid/idiot” and the invalidation I think the goal was playful.. but it doesn’t work when it’s every single character and every single conversation.
Our handsome, charming, buff sweetling is at it again... with another installment of his Darkling Mage series! More epic battles and evolution of our favorite mage, new challenges and entities. They just get better every time! Devour this with your eyeballs and you'll be begging for more!
By far the best book yet! Our darkling mage faces more obstacles than ever before. This installment is full of magic & action, of course, but this time Dust has to face himself as well. The character development grows so much & creates an even better storyline. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I really enjoy this series of books the characters are so diverse but fit together like a beautiful dysfunctional family. The story as usual had its share of twists turns and surprises and the ending left you wondering what will happen to our little band of heroes next.
This series is the perfect series for a lazy week of reading, long flights, or just because you want to read something fun and light. The story is consistent, the characters develop the right way along the story, and is always something happening. You should definitely give it a chance.
Ancient gods, do-or-die rituals, and a sense that the series has finally expanded beyond its street-level grit! Noor pairs pulpy, grisly scenes with surprisingly honest emotional moments, the sacrifices feel weighty, raw energy and moral stakes. Ambitious, tense, and character-driven, Last Rites is a powerful installment that rewards readers who’ve followed Dustin this far.
It has been an interesting trip in the darkroom and looking forward to the next book in this series. This is the first series I have read by this author but will be following in the future
This wasn’t as good as a previous book but the series is still good and I’m still very invested. I hate what Dustin had to give up for them to defeat the elders I’m glad him and Harold has finally started something and I’m off to the next book.
Wonderful book that gives a lot of answers to some of the questions the first 5 books have formed... it’s a edge of your seat biting your nails type of book....