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The Spellmonger #11
Thaumaturge
The Spellmonger In Exile! When Minalan the Spellmonger was exiled from his beloved mageland of Sevendor by Prince Tavard, his friend Duke Anguin made him Count Palatine of the Magelaw, a vast realm in the Alshari Wilderlands that Minalan is all too familiar with. After the goblin invasion, the province is devastated, ruined, and peopled almost only by freed slaves. But Minalan has brought his recovering wife and family into exile with him, and he views their impoverished fief as an opportunity to build a new City of Magi in the wilderness. To assist, he recruits some of his closest friends among the High Mavone, the military intelligence specialist; Sandoval, the Marshal in charge of recruiting Minalan’s army; Carmella, whose genius for defensive magics will be key; Gareth, whose ambition to create knows no bounds; and Terleman, perhaps the greatest tactical warmage of his time. Together, Minalan knows that they can build his new city, Vanador, into an anvil that can blunt the thrust of the dark forces that rise against them. For the first of three Nemovorti have come to the Penumbra, and Gaja Katar has vowed to wipe humanity from the face of the world. Yet he is far from the worst of Minalan’s worries. For the powerful Sea Folk have sent an emissary to see the Spellmonger, and the news he bears will change the fate of all. Minalan’s only hope is to rely on his cunning, and his ability as a Thaumaturge!
778 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2019
404 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
42 books1,171 followersTerry Mancour is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has written more than 30 books, under his own name and pseudonyms, including Star Trek: The Next Generation #20, Spartacus, the Spellmonger Series (more than 11 books and growing), among other works.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
May 20, 2019
I’m not happy
On the one hand, I was thrilled to see another novel in this series.
On the other hand...
This is a sloppy poop sandwich.
Whoever proofread this was vastly overpaid. If it wasn’t proofread... WHY NOT?!!!? At times I felt like I was staggering from grammatical error to grammatical error. Names of principal characters were swapped (pretty sure Tyndal isn’t marrying Gatina). Some sentences were mangled beyond easy reading.
SPELLCHECK CANT SAVE YOU!!! Sometimes a word is spelled right, but it is the wrong word. ‘Aids’ and ‘aides’ - only one of them refers to a person. One of the chapters managed to have the wrong word as it’s very first!!!
It was also a bit repetitive. Not terribly annoying, but it dragged the pace to read essentially the same words about the building of Vanador for the umpteenth time.
The timeline was also chaotic. Some of it was inherent in the style of the narrative, as each concept or plot line was followed for a bit, then a new concept might back the timeline up to fill in events. Occasionally, however, events grew tangled as to who knew what when.
In short, this was an editing failure. Self-publishing is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. If anything, maintaining your personal brand should drive a higher level of detail work.
I will probably buy the next novel because I love the world and the characters. But this is unprofessional.
On the one hand, I was thrilled to see another novel in this series.
On the other hand...
This is a sloppy poop sandwich.
Whoever proofread this was vastly overpaid. If it wasn’t proofread... WHY NOT?!!!? At times I felt like I was staggering from grammatical error to grammatical error. Names of principal characters were swapped (pretty sure Tyndal isn’t marrying Gatina). Some sentences were mangled beyond easy reading.
SPELLCHECK CANT SAVE YOU!!! Sometimes a word is spelled right, but it is the wrong word. ‘Aids’ and ‘aides’ - only one of them refers to a person. One of the chapters managed to have the wrong word as it’s very first!!!
It was also a bit repetitive. Not terribly annoying, but it dragged the pace to read essentially the same words about the building of Vanador for the umpteenth time.
The timeline was also chaotic. Some of it was inherent in the style of the narrative, as each concept or plot line was followed for a bit, then a new concept might back the timeline up to fill in events. Occasionally, however, events grew tangled as to who knew what when.
In short, this was an editing failure. Self-publishing is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. If anything, maintaining your personal brand should drive a higher level of detail work.
I will probably buy the next novel because I love the world and the characters. But this is unprofessional.
July 5, 2019
I second a reviewer’s comment about needing the audio versions to catch-up. But, that’s just me.
Okay, hmmm, how to review book 11? Well, the story arc progressed and that was good, but my gosh was it difficult to get through it while it was happening. Maybe it’s just been a while since I’ve been in Minalan’s world, but I don’t think that was it. It was just too wordy, there were too many unnecessary details that made it more like a textbook read than the exciting continuation of the Spellmonger’s journey. I absolutely LOVE the world that has been created and Minalan is one of a kind. But...there was just too much.....too much....just too much in this book. I didn’t need to read every detail of the landscape, or be told each particular spell in detail by every warmage. I WANT to read about the characters. I want more of Penny and Min, more of Tyndal and Rondal and Alya and the warmages- but their interactions - their lives- not a step by step battle guide. I just finished the book and my head actually hurts. That is never a good sign. I feel like almost half of the book could have been edited and shortened and you wouldn’t have lost anything. I don’t mind long books, but keep me interested. Don’t make me read several chapters before I get actual story arc progression. Who knows...maybe my head is just not in the right place now.
Am I going to stop reading? Absolutely not! I’m 11 books and who knows how many novellas and short stories in and I’m invested. Like I said before- I LOVE Minalan- the brooding, impulsive, emotional, insecure, ego inflated Magelord ( see, just that description is an oxymoron....how can you not love that?) I can’t wait to see what happens next. But, can you please just go back to the less verbose style of the first few books? Just thought I’d ask.
Merged review:
I second a reviewer’s comment about needing the audio versions to catch-up. But, that’s just me.
Okay, hmmm, how to review book 11? Well, the story arc progressed and that was good, but my gosh was it difficult to get through it while it was happening. Maybe it’s just been a while since I’ve been in Minalan’s world, but I don’t think that was it. It was just too wordy, there were too many unnecessary details that made it more like a textbook read than the exciting continuation of the Spellmonger’s journey. I absolutely LOVE the world that has been created and Minalan is one of a kind. But...there was just too much.....too much....just too much in this book. I didn’t need to read every detail of the landscape, or be told each particular spell in detail by every warmage. I WANT to read about the characters. I want more of Penny and Min, more of Tyndal and Rondal and Alya and the warmages- but their interactions - their lives- not a step by step battle guide. I just finished the book and my head actually hurts. That is never a good sign. I feel like almost half of the book could have been edited and shortened and you wouldn’t have lost anything. I don’t mind long books, but keep me interested. Don’t make me read several chapters before I get actual story arc progression. Who knows...maybe my head is just not in the right place now.
Am I going to stop reading? Absolutely not! I’m 11 books and who knows how many novellas and short stories in and I’m invested. Like I said before- I LOVE Minalan - the brooding, impulsive, emotional, insecure, ego inflated Magelord ( see, just that description is an oxymoron....how can you not love that?) I can’t wait to see what happens next. But, can you please just go back to the less verbose style of the first few books? Just thought I’d ask.
Okay, hmmm, how to review book 11? Well, the story arc progressed and that was good, but my gosh was it difficult to get through it while it was happening. Maybe it’s just been a while since I’ve been in Minalan’s world, but I don’t think that was it. It was just too wordy, there were too many unnecessary details that made it more like a textbook read than the exciting continuation of the Spellmonger’s journey. I absolutely LOVE the world that has been created and Minalan is one of a kind. But...there was just too much.....too much....just too much in this book. I didn’t need to read every detail of the landscape, or be told each particular spell in detail by every warmage. I WANT to read about the characters. I want more of Penny and Min, more of Tyndal and Rondal and Alya and the warmages- but their interactions - their lives- not a step by step battle guide. I just finished the book and my head actually hurts. That is never a good sign. I feel like almost half of the book could have been edited and shortened and you wouldn’t have lost anything. I don’t mind long books, but keep me interested. Don’t make me read several chapters before I get actual story arc progression. Who knows...maybe my head is just not in the right place now.
Am I going to stop reading? Absolutely not! I’m 11 books and who knows how many novellas and short stories in and I’m invested. Like I said before- I LOVE Minalan- the brooding, impulsive, emotional, insecure, ego inflated Magelord ( see, just that description is an oxymoron....how can you not love that?) I can’t wait to see what happens next. But, can you please just go back to the less verbose style of the first few books? Just thought I’d ask.
Merged review:
I second a reviewer’s comment about needing the audio versions to catch-up. But, that’s just me.
Okay, hmmm, how to review book 11? Well, the story arc progressed and that was good, but my gosh was it difficult to get through it while it was happening. Maybe it’s just been a while since I’ve been in Minalan’s world, but I don’t think that was it. It was just too wordy, there were too many unnecessary details that made it more like a textbook read than the exciting continuation of the Spellmonger’s journey. I absolutely LOVE the world that has been created and Minalan is one of a kind. But...there was just too much.....too much....just too much in this book. I didn’t need to read every detail of the landscape, or be told each particular spell in detail by every warmage. I WANT to read about the characters. I want more of Penny and Min, more of Tyndal and Rondal and Alya and the warmages- but their interactions - their lives- not a step by step battle guide. I just finished the book and my head actually hurts. That is never a good sign. I feel like almost half of the book could have been edited and shortened and you wouldn’t have lost anything. I don’t mind long books, but keep me interested. Don’t make me read several chapters before I get actual story arc progression. Who knows...maybe my head is just not in the right place now.
Am I going to stop reading? Absolutely not! I’m 11 books and who knows how many novellas and short stories in and I’m invested. Like I said before- I LOVE Minalan - the brooding, impulsive, emotional, insecure, ego inflated Magelord ( see, just that description is an oxymoron....how can you not love that?) I can’t wait to see what happens next. But, can you please just go back to the less verbose style of the first few books? Just thought I’d ask.
July 30, 2020
This used to be a series about a humble countryside wizard taking on the forces of evil. But that now takes back seat to the author's fetish for, what I can only call, literary "base building". For hours at a time he literally just names off random facts about how towns/cities/neighborhoods are advancing in size and ability. Why? Am I studying for a test here? It's dry, impersonal, and lacks any conflict. Everything just gets steadily better. Always. On the rare occasion progress is less than optimum an overpowered character steps in and fixes it. The good guys have ALL the magic and gold. It's like watching someone play a video game with the cheat codes turn on, and all they're really into is "build up your base camp" part. I finally just started skipping ahead to find when it gets back to the plot, (or even just back to frickin' dialog between characters rather than dry progress stats), and I finally started enjoying reading it again...by skipping most of it. I've had to deal with filler before, but this is not too far removed from shoving in phone book pages to make your book thicker. It's is a heluva thing to do to your book series.
May 12, 2019
Always a wonderful gem!
I've been reading this series since it first came out and it hasn't disappointed yet! Just can't wait the the next entry already!
I've been reading this series since it first came out and it hasn't disappointed yet! Just can't wait the the next entry already!
June 26, 2020
Another incredible installment in this series. This one was a lot funnier than any other, the cliffhanger was amazing, and I am so ready to see where the story goes. Truly another work of art.
May 19, 2019
Epic Fantasy
Before reading Thaumaturge I decided that I would re-read the preceding ten books in the series first. As a fan of Tolkein, Feist and Martin (and others) it gave me a chance to compare the Spellmonger series in relation to their works. All of these authors have created the worlds on which their stories are then based providing a familiar setting for subsequent stories. The longer the series the more difficult it is to maintain consistently high standards in terms of the stories, the quality of writing and in terms of continuity.
Having just read all eleven books I have to give Terry top marks for the products of his ingenuity on all counts and particularly on his enthusiasm for the series. As long as he keeps it up I'll happily keep buying the books. However, it is a bit disappointing that no audiobooks have been forthcoming as yet from Amazon for the two most recent books in the series as I use Whispersync to switch between reading and listening. Alexa does her best but between her efforts and those of John Lee there is no comparison.
Before reading Thaumaturge I decided that I would re-read the preceding ten books in the series first. As a fan of Tolkein, Feist and Martin (and others) it gave me a chance to compare the Spellmonger series in relation to their works. All of these authors have created the worlds on which their stories are then based providing a familiar setting for subsequent stories. The longer the series the more difficult it is to maintain consistently high standards in terms of the stories, the quality of writing and in terms of continuity.
Having just read all eleven books I have to give Terry top marks for the products of his ingenuity on all counts and particularly on his enthusiasm for the series. As long as he keeps it up I'll happily keep buying the books. However, it is a bit disappointing that no audiobooks have been forthcoming as yet from Amazon for the two most recent books in the series as I use Whispersync to switch between reading and listening. Alexa does her best but between her efforts and those of John Lee there is no comparison.
October 7, 2019
Another good one.....
Another great book in the series. Terry did start to get a little long winded in this book and I feel like he is trying to build up some things but maybe extending the books a little much. He spent almost one half of the book just talking about building the magelaw. As great as Minalin is at building cities I'm ready for bigger things then fighting goblins again and again. We also got very little insight into forseti and the past of humans on callidore. Hopefully in the next book Terry gets away from fighting goblins and goes into bigger and more important things.
But really a very enjoyable book. Keep up good work Terry
Another great book in the series. Terry did start to get a little long winded in this book and I feel like he is trying to build up some things but maybe extending the books a little much. He spent almost one half of the book just talking about building the magelaw. As great as Minalin is at building cities I'm ready for bigger things then fighting goblins again and again. We also got very little insight into forseti and the past of humans on callidore. Hopefully in the next book Terry gets away from fighting goblins and goes into bigger and more important things.
But really a very enjoyable book. Keep up good work Terry
May 26, 2020
Great story, always a pleasure to read a Spellmonger novel, but this one is definitely in dire need of an editor wizard of some sort. Don't get me wrong, I love the book but sometimes it seemed like I read this same paragraph over and over again about the creation of Vanador. Yes, I understand most of the people living there were one point slaves and are now freed men. I also understand that there are various quarters to the city and that you are doing a wonderful job with cutting down trees making cottages and dealing with all the other crafts that people did back then. HOWEVER, I don't need to hear it 10 times over 3 different chapters. And also seemed like the author decided he was going to word vomit all over the place with large chunks of grammatical errors and misspelled words splashed with a bit of tedium. It's great, you've done your research into feudal society and forging steel and all that...didnt really need to hear about the process.
I loved the magical innovations implemented in the major battles, but it just seemed...a bit too easy? The big bad was a horrible commander and at no point in the story was I nervous that Min would lose, or that someone important would die. There was just no real tension, just a lot of goblin killing.
Other than that, it's a great book!
I loved the magical innovations implemented in the major battles, but it just seemed...a bit too easy? The big bad was a horrible commander and at no point in the story was I nervous that Min would lose, or that someone important would die. There was just no real tension, just a lot of goblin killing.
Other than that, it's a great book!
June 10, 2019
Brilliant continuation of the series! Loved learning about building a huge new community from scratch! This book really sets up the world for the future of the Spellmonger. I’m in awe at how the story has become even more epic! Personally I can’t wait for the next book and the audio books to catch up! I hope there’s more short stories revisiting Sevendor while Min is away! Thanks for another awesome book!
Merged review:
Brilliant continuation of the series! Loved learning about building a huge new community from scratch! This book really sets up the world for the future of the Spellmonger. I’m in awe at how the story has become even more epic! Personally I can’t wait for the next book and the audio books to catch up! I hope there’s more short stories revisiting Sevendor while Min is away! Thanks for another awesome book!
Merged review:
Brilliant continuation of the series! Loved learning about building a huge new community from scratch! This book really sets up the world for the future of the Spellmonger. I’m in awe at how the story has become even more epic! Personally I can’t wait for the next book and the audio books to catch up! I hope there’s more short stories revisiting Sevendor while Min is away! Thanks for another awesome book!
May 8, 2019
Another great epic
So great. I really enjoy this massive epic story. From a small spellmonger to THE spellmonger. Minalan has finally come into his own in trying to revitalize a whole county right next to the penumbra.
Not a lot of massive works of magic, more of a growth novel over how the major problems got solved and issues in building a huge industry and city, and preparing to defend against massive armies.
I do wish that there was more refreshing on characters and key things like the snowflake, because honestly I forgot most names and what things were. Definitely a great addition to the series, with of course more cosmic threats, and secrets of humanities glorious past.
So great. I really enjoy this massive epic story. From a small spellmonger to THE spellmonger. Minalan has finally come into his own in trying to revitalize a whole county right next to the penumbra.
Not a lot of massive works of magic, more of a growth novel over how the major problems got solved and issues in building a huge industry and city, and preparing to defend against massive armies.
I do wish that there was more refreshing on characters and key things like the snowflake, because honestly I forgot most names and what things were. Definitely a great addition to the series, with of course more cosmic threats, and secrets of humanities glorious past.
May 11, 2019
Great beginning to a new Arc
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Wasn't quite what I expected when it was originally compared to magelord which is my favorite book of the series. Min was involved with the details in magelord as the new lord of the domain. We are in a much larger area in thaumaturge with a different title so I understand the different approach. His position has him delegating and focusing on the bigger picture.
I would enjoy novellas or side story though if the actually building of the communities and domains of vanidor and the magelaw though. Maybe more from tyndals perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Wasn't quite what I expected when it was originally compared to magelord which is my favorite book of the series. Min was involved with the details in magelord as the new lord of the domain. We are in a much larger area in thaumaturge with a different title so I understand the different approach. His position has him delegating and focusing on the bigger picture.
I would enjoy novellas or side story though if the actually building of the communities and domains of vanidor and the magelaw though. Maybe more from tyndals perspective.
June 4, 2019
Minimal wording gerboos.
Grammar and editing comments seem to have been addressed, so people can correct and up rate those reviews. Please?
Wars, rumors of war, with a potentially imminent apocalypse. Dire doomitis? These are thankfully offset by happier moments with children and family. And it was really wonderful when other characters were allowed to step up and masterfully defend Vanador; nice when it's not all about one OP character. Loved the world and communities building scenarios. Rudy rules!
Grammar and editing comments seem to have been addressed, so people can correct and up rate those reviews. Please?
Wars, rumors of war, with a potentially imminent apocalypse. Dire doomitis? These are thankfully offset by happier moments with children and family. And it was really wonderful when other characters were allowed to step up and masterfully defend Vanador; nice when it's not all about one OP character. Loved the world and communities building scenarios. Rudy rules!
May 2, 2019
Minalin does it again
Brilliant book. Not that I will spoil it for people. The book will be so much easier to follow if you have read the previous books. Still Mind work looks as if it will never be done. Well worth the wait for this book. Hopefully the next will not be as long in the waiting. Funeral seems to have an interesting storyline. Min's friends and previous Brown up apprentices find their way in life. Read and find out.
Brilliant book. Not that I will spoil it for people. The book will be so much easier to follow if you have read the previous books. Still Mind work looks as if it will never be done. Well worth the wait for this book. Hopefully the next will not be as long in the waiting. Funeral seems to have an interesting storyline. Min's friends and previous Brown up apprentices find their way in life. Read and find out.
May 3, 2019
Just wow
So many thoughts for this new book. I once again love the way we are immersed in the amazing world Minalan resides in. So many new things that we learned with book sets the stage for the rest of the books that are coming. Just when I thought I had a fairly decent idea of the peril that the Spellmonger faced. I was completely surprised by the ending. Well written and quickly devoured I eagerly await the next book.
So many thoughts for this new book. I once again love the way we are immersed in the amazing world Minalan resides in. So many new things that we learned with book sets the stage for the rest of the books that are coming. Just when I thought I had a fairly decent idea of the peril that the Spellmonger faced. I was completely surprised by the ending. Well written and quickly devoured I eagerly await the next book.
June 21, 2019
Weirder than usual but I still read straight through.
He got way to into describing how the town will eventually grow. Half this book is describing the logistical happenings everywhere in the realm and in the end only about 1/3rd seems dedicated to the story overall. I can't say I hated the extra information bit it felt jarring going between the main plot and some story about a knight who sucks as a landlord.
He got way to into describing how the town will eventually grow. Half this book is describing the logistical happenings everywhere in the realm and in the end only about 1/3rd seems dedicated to the story overall. I can't say I hated the extra information bit it felt jarring going between the main plot and some story about a knight who sucks as a landlord.
June 23, 2019
Loved it!
By book 11 we have a vested interest in all of the core player's. Nicely created characters woven into a magical and mundane story of good and evil adventure land, that nicely explore qualities of leadership, a subtle examination of capitalism and core beliefs, stewardship and bigotry, and teamwork that provides a better future for everyone. I can't wait to see where the adventure takes us in the next book.
By book 11 we have a vested interest in all of the core player's. Nicely created characters woven into a magical and mundane story of good and evil adventure land, that nicely explore qualities of leadership, a subtle examination of capitalism and core beliefs, stewardship and bigotry, and teamwork that provides a better future for everyone. I can't wait to see where the adventure takes us in the next book.
July 6, 2019
Excellent
The latest long-awaited Spellmonger novel doesn’t disappoint. (They never do.) We have battles and magic - magical battles even - along with detailed review of the building of Vanador. We meet with old friends and new, and watch them all change as Minalen passes through their lives. We also have the stage set with quite a few subplots and schemes, as well as Dire Portents, that mean the next book(s) will be even more eagerly awaited.
Definitely Highly Recommended
The latest long-awaited Spellmonger novel doesn’t disappoint. (They never do.) We have battles and magic - magical battles even - along with detailed review of the building of Vanador. We meet with old friends and new, and watch them all change as Minalen passes through their lives. We also have the stage set with quite a few subplots and schemes, as well as Dire Portents, that mean the next book(s) will be even more eagerly awaited.
Definitely Highly Recommended
May 21, 2019
Just Does Not Stop
I read the book and now I need to catch up on some sleep. Mr Terry Mancour just does not stop annoying me with this addiction to complete the book. Definitely gonna have to blame him for my lack of concentration at work!!
Couldn't put the blady book down. Curse you Terry and your talent.!!
I read the book and now I need to catch up on some sleep. Mr Terry Mancour just does not stop annoying me with this addiction to complete the book. Definitely gonna have to blame him for my lack of concentration at work!!
Couldn't put the blady book down. Curse you Terry and your talent.!!
July 11, 2019
Love these books! Terry you need an editor.
Another great installment in the series and so many possibilities for another 11 books!
I have to say though that this book really needed a proofreader if not an editor. There were way too many sentences that need revision, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes.
Another great installment in the series and so many possibilities for another 11 books!
I have to say though that this book really needed a proofreader if not an editor. There were way too many sentences that need revision, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes.
Read
October 16, 2021The epic tale continues...but smoothness of the prose slips again
Prior book was well edited. But once again in this book, the rush to get words on paper has resulted in frequent grammar jumbles to challenge the reader. The side by side duplicate and conflicting alternate narratives of events got worse...and not ones intended to represent different characters naturally different understanding and interpretations of the world. There are also sections that are out of chronological order and not really presented as flashbacks or explanations. To be honest I suspect the auther wrote down a lot of inspired fragments of storytelling then organized them in an outline written later. Then he filled in the gaps in the story outline - several times - all the while finding early stuff that's he did not think got stuck into the fleshed out outline. Unfortunates he did not always insert stuff in the correct locations within his story outline and chronology in his haste. With an obvious lack of proofreading effort before publication there are quite few points of minor to moderate reading confuse...some small details of which cannot be resolved on the spot or perhaps ever.
The best way to read this book is rapid skimming without an attempt to appreciate all the details and to just discard anything confusing - because the prose has lots of technical flaws. Fortunately it does not overwhelm the story though I think there were some points the author intended communicate but failed. But with a skimming approach none of that is critical to epic if you simple accept that a few aspects of events may not be explained adequately by prior events or character rationale and knowledge.
Still a very good epic tale if maybe a bit crowded with hard to follow details.
Prior book was well edited. But once again in this book, the rush to get words on paper has resulted in frequent grammar jumbles to challenge the reader. The side by side duplicate and conflicting alternate narratives of events got worse...and not ones intended to represent different characters naturally different understanding and interpretations of the world. There are also sections that are out of chronological order and not really presented as flashbacks or explanations. To be honest I suspect the auther wrote down a lot of inspired fragments of storytelling then organized them in an outline written later. Then he filled in the gaps in the story outline - several times - all the while finding early stuff that's he did not think got stuck into the fleshed out outline. Unfortunates he did not always insert stuff in the correct locations within his story outline and chronology in his haste. With an obvious lack of proofreading effort before publication there are quite few points of minor to moderate reading confuse...some small details of which cannot be resolved on the spot or perhaps ever.
The best way to read this book is rapid skimming without an attempt to appreciate all the details and to just discard anything confusing - because the prose has lots of technical flaws. Fortunately it does not overwhelm the story though I think there were some points the author intended communicate but failed. But with a skimming approach none of that is critical to epic if you simple accept that a few aspects of events may not be explained adequately by prior events or character rationale and knowledge.
Still a very good epic tale if maybe a bit crowded with hard to follow details.
November 26, 2023
First of all, I love the Spellmonger series. But this one had me kind of confused. It felt like not half, not whole. Something missing, something to lead us to something. But for that it was just several 100 pages too long. I get that Vanador will be important but at parts it felt like every single stone erected was described (of course it wasn't, but I guess you know what I mean) and every single foe killed. And I missed so many characters. Yes I know exile and all. But come on, you have the ways, you can just come and go as you please.
And then the end... I mean, isn't one civilization killing being/people enough? At least one at a time, we don't want the series to end. But out of a wizards hat (ha!) there they come. I'm counting four (might have missed some though) so far. I fear it will all get too confusing for me as a reader. Not to mention Minalan. I really feel sorry for the poor guy.
I really hope that this book was kind of a bridge to get everyone where they needed to be and that the story and characters will pick up with the next book, again. Preferably interacting again.
And then the end... I mean, isn't one civilization killing being/people enough? At least one at a time, we don't want the series to end. But out of a wizards hat (ha!) there they come. I'm counting four (might have missed some though) so far. I fear it will all get too confusing for me as a reader. Not to mention Minalan. I really feel sorry for the poor guy.
I really hope that this book was kind of a bridge to get everyone where they needed to be and that the story and characters will pick up with the next book, again. Preferably interacting again.
November 5, 2024
A Breathtakingly Beautiful Story. ** NO SPOILERS **
You’ve made it this far, just hang in there the overarching plot keeps getting more and more complex. The novella’s associated with the series are well worth reading, they focus on specific bits of the story that appear to have been cut from the main books.
It’s a true epic in every sense, in this book the drive and motivation to build Vanador from the ground up and turn starved worn torn refugees from survivors into content settlers complete with social structures, new/ repaired homes and for many new occupations too.
Such a daunting endeavour lies right in front of them but at the same time they’re also under threat from Korbal’s Nemovorti, three of his main lieutenants are each raising an army to come against Minalan and the humani of Alshar and Castal. A whole range of new surprises lie in wait for the Spellmonger. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
The only thing that could improve on this would be a thorough re-editing to handle the spelling, grammar and plot errors. Regardless it’s not enough to drop my rating from 5 stars.
You’ve made it this far, just hang in there the overarching plot keeps getting more and more complex. The novella’s associated with the series are well worth reading, they focus on specific bits of the story that appear to have been cut from the main books.
It’s a true epic in every sense, in this book the drive and motivation to build Vanador from the ground up and turn starved worn torn refugees from survivors into content settlers complete with social structures, new/ repaired homes and for many new occupations too.
Such a daunting endeavour lies right in front of them but at the same time they’re also under threat from Korbal’s Nemovorti, three of his main lieutenants are each raising an army to come against Minalan and the humani of Alshar and Castal. A whole range of new surprises lie in wait for the Spellmonger. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
The only thing that could improve on this would be a thorough re-editing to handle the spelling, grammar and plot errors. Regardless it’s not enough to drop my rating from 5 stars.
December 12, 2021
General Overview
A fine book in the series, that did nothing incredible to excite me. I love Mr Mancour's setting, and my place in the series made this a fun read.
Style
My previous reviews cover my thoughts on Mr Mancour's writing. He repeats unnecessarily, and has a effective fantasy writing style besides. It works and does nothing more impressive then that.
Story
The battles in this book, the construction of Minalan's new realm, all set the scene for the next few books of the series it feels. It is a good read, and a fun story. Mr Mancour is a fine writer, and has crafted an interesting world. It is so big, his story so epic, with a gradual move from Low to High Fantasy, that sadly books sometimes need to be set ups, as opposed to their own dramatic entries in the series.
Final Thoughts
If your this far into the series, your a fan such as myself. Thaumaturge doesn't add anything amazing to the series, but is a delightful read for fans of the series.
A fine book in the series, that did nothing incredible to excite me. I love Mr Mancour's setting, and my place in the series made this a fun read.
Style
My previous reviews cover my thoughts on Mr Mancour's writing. He repeats unnecessarily, and has a effective fantasy writing style besides. It works and does nothing more impressive then that.
Story
The battles in this book, the construction of Minalan's new realm, all set the scene for the next few books of the series it feels. It is a good read, and a fun story. Mr Mancour is a fine writer, and has crafted an interesting world. It is so big, his story so epic, with a gradual move from Low to High Fantasy, that sadly books sometimes need to be set ups, as opposed to their own dramatic entries in the series.
Final Thoughts
If your this far into the series, your a fan such as myself. Thaumaturge doesn't add anything amazing to the series, but is a delightful read for fans of the series.
September 14, 2022
Hard to rate. As a solo book - I loved it mainly because it had more amazing Spellmonger components that it does so well - empire building, lore/history and mostly mages vs supernatural creatures (undead and goblins). For that it was a 5/5 with the Spellmonger banished from his home in Sevendor so he goes to his new province and builds that up as he prepares for an invasion for the Necromancer and goblins.
However, as part of the series, I couldn't help but consider this a lateral (and unnecessary) step. The setting of Valindor was unneeded and took focus away from the overall plot. Yes, they had to fight one of the Necromancer's top generals, but it was only one of three (so had little effect). A lot of the book was like this - he gathers a group of the top Thaumaturges across Callindore in order to research/make new Snowstone but it goes nowhere in this book. It just felt like a filler book.
However, as part of the series, I couldn't help but consider this a lateral (and unnecessary) step. The setting of Valindor was unneeded and took focus away from the overall plot. Yes, they had to fight one of the Necromancer's top generals, but it was only one of three (so had little effect). A lot of the book was like this - he gathers a group of the top Thaumaturges across Callindore in order to research/make new Snowstone but it goes nowhere in this book. It just felt like a filler book.
Read
August 19, 2025A very good novel in the series. Much more involved in plotting, planning and preparations than the hormonal desperations in some of the preceeding novels. Some real plot developments in this book which finally concludes to leave multiple situations looking increasingly dangerous.
Not so much closing on a cliff hanger as closing with multpiple cliff hangers, any one of which could spell an apocalyptic, extinction scale disaster.
Fun times ahead no doubt... :)
Much better formatting and spelling and grammatical accuracy in this one. There were a couple of flaws, for example a couple of instances where the wrong person was being referred to (e.g. Tyndal when it should have said Rondal) but if you'r paying attention youcan ignore these silly mistakes and know what should have been written.
Not so much closing on a cliff hanger as closing with multpiple cliff hangers, any one of which could spell an apocalyptic, extinction scale disaster.
Fun times ahead no doubt... :)
Much better formatting and spelling and grammatical accuracy in this one. There were a couple of flaws, for example a couple of instances where the wrong person was being referred to (e.g. Tyndal when it should have said Rondal) but if you'r paying attention youcan ignore these silly mistakes and know what should have been written.
February 25, 2021
DNF'd...Honestly, it feels like this series will NEVER EVER end.... As much as I originally liked it, it has worn out it's welcome. This book was obviously not going much of anywhere and the dialogue was SO repetitive and overdone that I just couldn't keep going anymore. I think this series has ran it's course for me, which is sad because I would have liked to have gotten an ending. Disappointing when authors start just prolonging a series to make more money instead of having the story be the length it NEEDS to be. When they force it for payment, it feels just that...forced and unnatural. It's too much and Mancour does a huge disservice to himself, his audience and the story by continually dragging it out. He's destroying the story! What a shame.
December 5, 2019
A rival to all Fantasy Epic's of the last 20 years
Being an avid fantasy reader for 32 of my 52 years. I have enjoyed this series immensely for its engaging fantasy. The feudal society from our not so distant past brings a realistic background to this story we can easily identify as realistic. Tying this together with very creative magik, species, politics, warfare, the list goes on. The vocabulary is about a average and the story has a depth any age can appreciate. I have not read a series this good since Robert Jordan's 'Eye of the World' epic series. Fantastic, creative, original, humorous, an absolute joy to read. Every single book in this series has been better and better. Do it again Terry!!!! JWM
Being an avid fantasy reader for 32 of my 52 years. I have enjoyed this series immensely for its engaging fantasy. The feudal society from our not so distant past brings a realistic background to this story we can easily identify as realistic. Tying this together with very creative magik, species, politics, warfare, the list goes on. The vocabulary is about a average and the story has a depth any age can appreciate. I have not read a series this good since Robert Jordan's 'Eye of the World' epic series. Fantastic, creative, original, humorous, an absolute joy to read. Every single book in this series has been better and better. Do it again Terry!!!! JWM
November 23, 2025
So, I'm done with this series. The more I've read of it, and the more I've read other series, I have sadly learned that Mancour's writing isn't really for me. I am learning I prefer to be show, not told the story, and this writing style is the telling not showing type. No offense to anyone who loves this series at all. The only storyline I was still fascinated by at this point was Aliyah's healing. Other than that, this series has just reached a point where I don't want to invest my time and energy into it when there are so many books out there. My spouse still loves and adores this series. I know that it is just a me problem on this one.
March 23, 2021
Fantastic
Great book. As always but this one might not be as great as the others. Mainly because of how the intro is told more of like someone is reading a list of accomplishments as opposed to actually doing things, but that changes and we get back to the usual amazing story. One thing I will never understand is how these books don't get edited. There are so many spelling mistakes that literally anyone who is fluent in English would catch. But at this point I don't think that's going to ever be fixed.
Great book. As always but this one might not be as great as the others. Mainly because of how the intro is told more of like someone is reading a list of accomplishments as opposed to actually doing things, but that changes and we get back to the usual amazing story. One thing I will never understand is how these books don't get edited. There are so many spelling mistakes that literally anyone who is fluent in English would catch. But at this point I don't think that's going to ever be fixed.
September 18, 2022
As the series as gone on, I've gotten to like it even more. He has toned down the sex a bunch, but still has crude language for the in-book curses. Difficulties and challenges continue to grow as Minalan's power does, so the challenges stay fresh. More of the backstory gets filled in, which only genders more questions as to what actually happened in the past and were it will go in the future. Will definitely continue reading!
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