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The Magician's Sin
Titan 1933
Anson Walker is a retired wizard who has spent the last two decades trying to put his past to rest. His cynical retirement is thrown into chaos when the daughter of his ex-wife hires him to rescue her mother from the dark forces who've taken her. The kidnapping is only days before the Aberration, a time every century when the rules of magic don't apply. Anson's investigation reveals an ancient conspiracy, the return of a decades-old nemesis, and feelings he thought long gone.
Will he rescue his old flame, or succumb to the forces against him?
***
"This is an antihero that I feel for, that I want to see succeed." - Author Crystal Kirkham
"His succinct articulate descriptions evoke the vivid imaginary of early Jack Vance novels, and the pace of the book matches the rapid-fire approach of a 1920 radio serial." - Merle (Goodreads User)
"Excellent book. A rollercoaster of emotions, and characters you'll love. I would literally read an entire 6 book series just about Chevron. LOVE." - Kathryn (Goodreads User)
Anson Walker is a retired wizard who has spent the last two decades trying to put his past to rest. His cynical retirement is thrown into chaos when the daughter of his ex-wife hires him to rescue her mother from the dark forces who've taken her. The kidnapping is only days before the Aberration, a time every century when the rules of magic don't apply. Anson's investigation reveals an ancient conspiracy, the return of a decades-old nemesis, and feelings he thought long gone.
Will he rescue his old flame, or succumb to the forces against him?
***
"This is an antihero that I feel for, that I want to see succeed." - Author Crystal Kirkham
"His succinct articulate descriptions evoke the vivid imaginary of early Jack Vance novels, and the pace of the book matches the rapid-fire approach of a 1920 radio serial." - Merle (Goodreads User)
"Excellent book. A rollercoaster of emotions, and characters you'll love. I would literally read an entire 6 book series just about Chevron. LOVE." - Kathryn (Goodreads User)
- GenresFantasy
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2019
About the author
Alexander Thomas
6 books18 followersI'm an author, a game designer, dog lover, karaoke enthusiast, and all around nerd. You may know me from my work on roleplaying games including Mutants & Masterminds for Green Ronin and New Millennium Games, as well as Quantum Black.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 31, 2019
To be honest, I don't think the blurb does this book justice. It certainly sounded interesting to me which was enough to make we want to read it. I suppose that is the goal of the blurb, and, while there's nothing misleading in the back cover, this book is so much more than that. It only takes a few pages for me to realize that and I was quickly hooked.
That first chapter drags you into the world that Alexander created without overwhelming you. A world of magic and mythology in the 1930s. The author weaves in hints of the backstory of our main character, Anson Walker, expertly and, as you read on, more of the world is revealed not only through the eyes of this character but of the other characters as well. It's enough to keep you from getting lost as to what's going on and it's never too much info to bore you.
And in regards to our main character? Well, when it comes to antiheroes, I find some authors miss the mark. Alexander Thomas didn't miss it. This is an antihero that I feel for, that I want to see succeed. Even when his actions and motivations are less than pure, I can understand why he's acting the way he is. And this brings me back to the point above. Alexander does a brilliant job of weaving in that backstory with the right amount of detail at the right time so you are never left thinking that Anson isn't worth cheering for.
With such a wonderful world building and unexpected twists to this tale, The Magician's Sin keeps you engaged and you are left wondering, 'What's going to happen next?' with each chapter that pulls you deeper into the engaging, magical world. Alexander takes you on a wonderful and sometimes frightening, journey with this story that is written with beautiful detail and relatably flawed characters
That first chapter drags you into the world that Alexander created without overwhelming you. A world of magic and mythology in the 1930s. The author weaves in hints of the backstory of our main character, Anson Walker, expertly and, as you read on, more of the world is revealed not only through the eyes of this character but of the other characters as well. It's enough to keep you from getting lost as to what's going on and it's never too much info to bore you.
And in regards to our main character? Well, when it comes to antiheroes, I find some authors miss the mark. Alexander Thomas didn't miss it. This is an antihero that I feel for, that I want to see succeed. Even when his actions and motivations are less than pure, I can understand why he's acting the way he is. And this brings me back to the point above. Alexander does a brilliant job of weaving in that backstory with the right amount of detail at the right time so you are never left thinking that Anson isn't worth cheering for.
With such a wonderful world building and unexpected twists to this tale, The Magician's Sin keeps you engaged and you are left wondering, 'What's going to happen next?' with each chapter that pulls you deeper into the engaging, magical world. Alexander takes you on a wonderful and sometimes frightening, journey with this story that is written with beautiful detail and relatably flawed characters
March 20, 2019
Sinfully Fun: The Magician’s Sin Review
Full of magic and intrigue, The Magician’s Sin is a fun and fast-paced read that you have you enthralled to the end. Alexander Thomas gives the reader a world with demons and mythological creatures of all kinds. On top of all that, we have masterfully-created magic battles and a unique world that will keep you fascinated.
Anson Walker is this badass former wizard with a haunting past. He now uses his skills for demon-hunting for hire. However, when a woman shows up at his practice, he finds out it’s the daughter of his ex-wife. Anson must now find his kidnapped former flame, but there are unfortunately some shady characters who get in his way (and not all of them are human).
The book is set in an alternative 1930s Boston-like city called Titan City, which I absolutely loved. Thomas gives us a well-crafted setting that allows the reader to really dig into the meat of the story. The characters are relatable, and I thought Anson was extremely well-rounded.
If you are looking for a fantasy novel that’s a bit different from typical high-fantasy, I recommend The Magicians Sin. I guarantee that you’re going to have a blast reading it as I did.
Full of magic and intrigue, The Magician’s Sin is a fun and fast-paced read that you have you enthralled to the end. Alexander Thomas gives the reader a world with demons and mythological creatures of all kinds. On top of all that, we have masterfully-created magic battles and a unique world that will keep you fascinated.
Anson Walker is this badass former wizard with a haunting past. He now uses his skills for demon-hunting for hire. However, when a woman shows up at his practice, he finds out it’s the daughter of his ex-wife. Anson must now find his kidnapped former flame, but there are unfortunately some shady characters who get in his way (and not all of them are human).
The book is set in an alternative 1930s Boston-like city called Titan City, which I absolutely loved. Thomas gives us a well-crafted setting that allows the reader to really dig into the meat of the story. The characters are relatable, and I thought Anson was extremely well-rounded.
If you are looking for a fantasy novel that’s a bit different from typical high-fantasy, I recommend The Magicians Sin. I guarantee that you’re going to have a blast reading it as I did.
December 31, 2025
I wanna first say that I have enormous praise to the author for writing and publishing his own book, most people don’t have the courage or determination to do so and I applaud you for that.
What I felt was done really well was the flashbacks. They feel very well placed and provides a lot of context that helps with the understanding of the characters motives. It is also very well set up for future books and the ending was interesting.
However, I feel as if there are fundamental things wrong with the book.
1. grammatical and spelling errors everywhere. The format of the paper copy is also non traditional and hard to follow
2. The book is set in the 1930s with some flashbacks to 1900s. Some parts of the book just didn’t seem plausible for the time period. Simple things like switching seats in a car while moving without serious consequences indicates automatic and that was in prototype in 1909.
3. What genre is the book? Is it action hero, fantasy, history, sci-fi, etc.? Seems to jump all over the place.
4. There seems to be no logical connections to the thing happening to what the character is doing/thinking. A lot of jumping to conclusions.
5. A chapter will be in one point of view but the very last page or paragraph will switch to another point of view without clear separation. Makes it hard to know who is really experiencing what is happening
6. Characters are constantly moving between emotions and their alignment and it’s confusing. Also, suddenly Caroline is able to perform magic without getting trained? Just suddenly can do it?
I would have also loved to see more detailed backgrounds and context of what’s going on. There are many instances that were written hastily and would be much better with increased detail.
I feel as if the characters didn’t face much struggle when it came to making decisions. They just did whatever they were told, and to be fair, there didn’t seem to be much consequences if they did what they were told which makes the progression of this book feel off pace. Where’s the dilemma and personal struggle?
Despite what I’ve said above, I still very much look forward to reading the second book when it comes out
What I felt was done really well was the flashbacks. They feel very well placed and provides a lot of context that helps with the understanding of the characters motives. It is also very well set up for future books and the ending was interesting.
However, I feel as if there are fundamental things wrong with the book.
1. grammatical and spelling errors everywhere. The format of the paper copy is also non traditional and hard to follow
2. The book is set in the 1930s with some flashbacks to 1900s. Some parts of the book just didn’t seem plausible for the time period. Simple things like switching seats in a car while moving without serious consequences indicates automatic and that was in prototype in 1909.
3. What genre is the book? Is it action hero, fantasy, history, sci-fi, etc.? Seems to jump all over the place.
4. There seems to be no logical connections to the thing happening to what the character is doing/thinking. A lot of jumping to conclusions.
5. A chapter will be in one point of view but the very last page or paragraph will switch to another point of view without clear separation. Makes it hard to know who is really experiencing what is happening
6. Characters are constantly moving between emotions and their alignment and it’s confusing. Also, suddenly Caroline is able to perform magic without getting trained? Just suddenly can do it?
I would have also loved to see more detailed backgrounds and context of what’s going on. There are many instances that were written hastily and would be much better with increased detail.
I feel as if the characters didn’t face much struggle when it came to making decisions. They just did whatever they were told, and to be fair, there didn’t seem to be much consequences if they did what they were told which makes the progression of this book feel off pace. Where’s the dilemma and personal struggle?
Despite what I’ve said above, I still very much look forward to reading the second book when it comes out
June 15, 2019
Excellent book. A rollercoaster of emotions, and characters you'll love. I would literally read an entire 6 book series just about Chevron. LOVE.
May 7, 2019
I found Thomas did a great job of describing Anson and his journey. I get lost when there are backstory and flashbacks at times in other books. This was not one of those books where I got lost. I enjoyed the magical elements. The worldbuilding was well thought out and I found it intriguing and fun to see explored. I quite enjoy that he chose the 30s for his story to take place in rather than the modern timeframe. It always gives me a boost of excitement to see authors choose the early decades.
The battles were epic and super enthralling. The storyline was great to decipher and kept me wanting to know more at the end of each chapter. Fighting demons and saving a life the adventure is fast-paced and obstacles tend to get in the way. It's a good read and keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend reading this fantasy novel. It's unique and I really enjoyed it.
The battles were epic and super enthralling. The storyline was great to decipher and kept me wanting to know more at the end of each chapter. Fighting demons and saving a life the adventure is fast-paced and obstacles tend to get in the way. It's a good read and keeps you wanting more. I highly recommend reading this fantasy novel. It's unique and I really enjoyed it.
September 1, 2019
Part superhero story, part love story, part mystery, The Magician’s Sin is a caterwauling romp through the weird and wonderful world of the Golden Age of Superheroes. A time when the ethics of one hero are being supplanted by the twisted ethics of another and right around the corner a magical anomaly is waiting.
This is a well-crafted story that deserves attention. It may be easy to throw a bunch of genres at a book and see what resonates, but it takes a gifted master to weave elements of heroism, failure, magic, detective noir, and romance into a single, cohesive story. And that’s what Alexander Thomas has given us in The Magician’s Sin.
Read the whole review on my blog
This is a well-crafted story that deserves attention. It may be easy to throw a bunch of genres at a book and see what resonates, but it takes a gifted master to weave elements of heroism, failure, magic, detective noir, and romance into a single, cohesive story. And that’s what Alexander Thomas has given us in The Magician’s Sin.
Read the whole review on my blog
May 19, 2020
Amazing! I have so many feels .! I need the next book like now.
March 13, 2019
This book is an intriguing mix of magic and mythology. Gods, creatures, magicians, and mortals creating this amazing environment with the characters pulling you in with relatable personalities and make you feel like you could be in the 1930's along side them.
Definitely cannot wait to see what the next book brings.
Nothing good can come from Tartarus after all...
Definitely cannot wait to see what the next book brings.
Nothing good can come from Tartarus after all...
Read
June 27, 2019Released this April, Alexander Thomas's first book released by Kyanite Publishing (https://kyanitepublishing.com/), "The Magicians Sin" is a fast paced page turner that is a joy to read. His succinct articulate descriptions evoke the vivid imaginary of early Jack Vance novels, and the pace of the book matches the rapid fire approach of a 1920 radio serial. That approach permeates the stark outlines of "Titan city" where the action takes place. The story melds aspects of Jim Butcher's Dresden files, the Gotham of Bill Kane, and the rough world of the early Dick Tracy comics. Although he uses many classical tropes (internally tortured hero, damsel in danger, and calculating agent of evil), they have subtle differences that make them feel familiar yet new. It was a fun book and I look forward to more from this author.
< Truth in advertising - As an old school science fiction and fantasy reader, I love both golden age and modern material. I knew Alex casually for a couple years before this book was published. We had not been close, and I was only exposed to his work at sample chapter reading of this book shortly before its release. After hearing that reading, I knew I had to buy a copy and have not been disappointed and it is my sincere belief you won't be either - Merle S. Robinson (Whitehall Ohio). >
< Truth in advertising - As an old school science fiction and fantasy reader, I love both golden age and modern material. I knew Alex casually for a couple years before this book was published. We had not been close, and I was only exposed to his work at sample chapter reading of this book shortly before its release. After hearing that reading, I knew I had to buy a copy and have not been disappointed and it is my sincere belief you won't be either - Merle S. Robinson (Whitehall Ohio). >
January 6, 2020
Great debut from a nascent writer. Book number two better show up soon!!!
June 24, 2019
I had the opportunity to read the ARC of The Magician's Sin and Thomas does not disappoint. The story takes place in a familiar yet original surrounding of Titan City and to me carried a feel of an alternative London. There was more suspense than I anticipated and while not specifically a thriller (in my opinion), it pulled me in much the same manner. The characters are engaging and relatable focusing on utilizing familiar tropes that keep you interested while allowing you to feel comfortable in the universe Thomas creates.
It's a must read for someone looking for a different world, but fears straying to far from what they love about fiction.
Buy it and enjoy it.
It's a must read for someone looking for a different world, but fears straying to far from what they love about fiction.
Buy it and enjoy it.
August 2, 2019
Anson Walker is a retired-wizard-turned-monster-hunter who can’t die.
It’s a curse, really. One that can only be reversed during the Aberration, a magic event that occurs once every seventy years. Exhausted by the centuries and jaded with life, Anson plans to take advantage of the upcoming Aberration and end his unnatural existence.
Until the disappearance of Dixie Dupree, Anson’s ex-wife. When Dixie’s daughter recruits him to find her mother, Anson can’t turn her away. And as he searches for his former love, he discovers that he’s not quite as ready to die as he thought.
The Magician’s Sin is a fantasy noir novel that combines the elements of a gumshoe detective story with splashes of superhero, classical mythology, and occult motifs. The story is well written, and the pacing and tension are nicely balanced. I enjoyed the story and recommend it to fans of the genre. The only reason I gave it three stars instead of four is because the copy I read contained frequent typographical errors.
It’s a curse, really. One that can only be reversed during the Aberration, a magic event that occurs once every seventy years. Exhausted by the centuries and jaded with life, Anson plans to take advantage of the upcoming Aberration and end his unnatural existence.
Until the disappearance of Dixie Dupree, Anson’s ex-wife. When Dixie’s daughter recruits him to find her mother, Anson can’t turn her away. And as he searches for his former love, he discovers that he’s not quite as ready to die as he thought.
The Magician’s Sin is a fantasy noir novel that combines the elements of a gumshoe detective story with splashes of superhero, classical mythology, and occult motifs. The story is well written, and the pacing and tension are nicely balanced. I enjoyed the story and recommend it to fans of the genre. The only reason I gave it three stars instead of four is because the copy I read contained frequent typographical errors.
September 6, 2019
Totally enjoyable
This was such a different type of story. I love that it takes place during the Thirties. Caroline 's mother is taken so she sets out to find her. The only clue she has is a note from her mother to find Anson if something ever happens to her. It's a mystery with magic. Can't wait to read the sequel!
This was such a different type of story. I love that it takes place during the Thirties. Caroline 's mother is taken so she sets out to find her. The only clue she has is a note from her mother to find Anson if something ever happens to her. It's a mystery with magic. Can't wait to read the sequel!
November 18, 2022
I LOVED this book. Between the fantastic world building and well-written characters, I was hooked in the first chapter.
Thomas writes Titan City as if he's walked the streets a thousand times. Our protagonist is an anti-hero that I couldn't help but root for, even if he tries his best to make you want to hate him.
I can't wait for the next book!
Thomas writes Titan City as if he's walked the streets a thousand times. Our protagonist is an anti-hero that I couldn't help but root for, even if he tries his best to make you want to hate him.
I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews