The Mage's Master

The Mages #2

by Finley Fenn

She’s a rich, haughty heiress. And he’s about to make her pay…

Fasta Valgeirr always gets what she wants. She’s rich, poised, and beautiful, and one of the top earth-mages in the realm.

But she can’t have the one thing she wants most: Henrik Hallen. Her poor, working-class employee.

Henrik is big, burly, and commanding, crushing rocks and hurling boulders with dizzying power. And though Fasta’s often caught his hungry glances toward her, he’s always kept their relationship friendly. Respectful. Professional.

Until Henrik lands in deep trouble. And Fasta is waiting and ready to help, with one condition…

Henrik finally gives her what she wants. And in return, he can indulge his own forbidden fantasies, too…

But Henrik’s longings are even darker than Fasta imagined. And he won’t stand for a casual, throwaway affair with his spoiled, entitled boss.

Instead, he wants to put Fasta in her place in the dirt. Teach her who’s really in charge. And give her a humbling she’ll never forget…

Can Fasta bend the knee to her rough, dangerous new ruler, and learn her lesson? Or will she end up forever crushed?

_____________________

A dark, angsty, friends to lovers fantasy romance. Happily ever after guaranteed.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Magic, BDSM, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

462 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2019

About the author

Finley Fenn is “the queen of dark orc romance” (Virgo Reader), and her ongoing Orc Sworn series has been praised as “sexy, romantic, angsty, and captivating … utter brilliance” (Romantically Inclined Reviews).

When she’s not obsessing over her stories, Finley loves reading, drooling over delicious orc artwork, and spending time with her incredible readers on Patreon, Discord, and Facebook. She lives in Canada with her beloved family, including her very own grumpy, gorgeous orc mate.

News, free stories, and artwork: www.finleyfenn.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Finley-Fenn/e/...
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/finleyfenn
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/finle...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorfinleyfenn
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/finleyfenn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/finleyfenn

THE ORC SWORN SERIES
1. The Lady and the Orc
1.5: Offered by the Orc: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Heiress and the Orc
3. The Librarian and the Orc
4. The Duchess and the Orc
5. The Midwife and the Orc
6. The Maid and the Orcs
6.5. Tryggred by the Orc
7. The Governess and the Orc
7.5. Yuled by the Orcs
8. The Beauty and the Orcs
9. The Widow and the Orcs
10. The Artist and the Orc

THE ORC FORGED SERIES
1. The Sins of the Orc
2. The Fall of the Orc

THE MAGES SERIES
0.5: The Mage's Maid
1. The Mage's Match
1.5: The Mage's Groom: Free with signup at www.finleyfenn.com
2. The Mage's Master

Reviews

[A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I literally only activated this account again to say this book was full of emotional and physical abuse. Nothing here seemed like a consensual BDSM relationship. Everything the FMC did was out of desperation. All the beatings, sexual stuff, and verbal 'forth and back' between her and the MC was accepted because she so, SO desperately wanted to be with him.... There was never any after-care (it got so bad at times that she would dissociate because she needed to have some love, care or praise after all his rough beating and abusive behaviour and he just REFUSED or left her ALONE) . Nothing she did was ever good enough and everything that came out of his mouth was manipulative and demeaning. Yeah, there's angst, but it's the same issue being discussed over and over again. AND the conclusion is basically that he's always jealous of her and other rich mages (even if he says he isn't) but literally, all he does is act and say stuff that shows he is deeply jealous and resentful) . No matter what the FMC said, the MMC just took it as he wanted and then proceeded to make her feel even worse than before. IDK what others were reading that showed 'two people growing together, but it definitely wasn't this story.

I truly wanted to like this story and maybe even give the MMC some kind of leeway, cause of the whole class divide and disgusting behaviour from minor characters, but this dude was truly unhinged and not even in a redeemable, 'dark' alpha or whatever trope way. Just an abusive a-hole . The FMC also had no backbone and seemed like she only allowed him to be her 'master' so that she could experience something twisted that resembled love? loyalty? (she sure as hell didn't get that from home..so maybe explore that first, but whatevs). But sure he brought her lunch every day.. gurl bye! I'd recommend the FMC to read 'why does he do that' by Lundy Bancroft and wish her all the luck in the world.

[Ruby Dixon]

Finley Fenn Fangirl (FFF) checking in, heh.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like this author’s writing style. I absolutely loved The Mage’s Match. This story left me wanting. I didn’t think Harry was very good to Fass. He always put her needs last. She was the one who had to do all of the work in pursuing him. He seemed to take her for granted. He was constantly hurting her in BDSM scenes and offering no aftercare. It really seemed like he was using her and she was just a doormat. He should’ve had to work for it and grovel and none of it came. Fass was just happy with whatever scraps she was offered. She rescued him at the end as the h does in the previous book, so I’m starting to detect a formula. The world building, secondary characters, and writing style kept me glued to the story though. I love this author’s imagination. It was only the romance and chemistry between the MC’s that I found lacking.

[Kourtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emotionally exhausting, abusive H

I skipped through gigantic chunks of this story. I wish we had more of a sense of the 5 years of friendship between Fasta and Henrick. There is so much fighting and yelling, and verbal abuse from insecure Henrick that it feels impossible that they’ve been best friends for years. I was so over his asshole behavior. There wasn’t any softening of him, he started off as a rough character and was abrasive until like the last chapter. She pledges her love and devotion countless times and then all of a sudden at the end he suddenly believes her? And for all his bragging about going to “clubs” for his fetish, he was a shit dom. She had sub drop so many times and he just didn’t care? 5 years of friendship and he doesn’t offer her kind words hardly at all? Have read all of Fenn’s books on kindle unlimited, have felt like the characters all changed in small ways to make the relationships make sense. These two didn’t make sense. She’s obsessed with him, he is insecure and cruel. boring repetitive fights over and over with no development. Just wanted to finally get to the end where he would be somewhat deserving of her for like one chapter.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

gosh, someone could devote an entire dissertation to examining the relationship dynamics in this book

even dinosaur billionaires and Pounded in the Butt by My Own Butt make more sense. never has a book made me feel so damn WEIRD. On a surface level, stuff seems logical, but actually nothing is. Why is he like that? Why is she like that? Why is anyone really anything? Several days later I still find myself engaging in an internal Socratic dialogue trying to figure out what/why/why/why/why things happened. Having said that…everything feels, bizarrely, emotionally consistent (though I think more flashbacks or just scenes with Harry NOT being angry would have enhanced the book substantially). Guv’nor, I don’t even know. I definitely hate it; I read all of it. It just feels very…fucked-up. This is a very uncomfortable voyeurism experience. I love cognitive whiplash.

(Finley Fenn, if you’re reading this, I will pay money for that Thora/Runar story)

[Leyns · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got to 56% and I couldn’t finish it.

The hero is horrible to the heroine. Absolutely horrible. She has been amazing to him. Saved him from poverty, helped support his family, treated him like the talented professional he is, and became his best friend. And what does he do? He treats her like it’s her fault that his social standing is beneath hers, he takes out all his anger and resentment on her, and this is after he is a manwhore for 5 years while expecting her to live like a nun. And he loses his mind anytime it looks like she might sleep with someone after 5 years of celibacy.

So then they have sex. She actually pays him a fortune (because he is desperate for money, but won’t accept charity) for him to have sex with her. And even that is horrible. I’m sorry, but him causing vaginal tearing bad enough that she needs to see a healer is not sexy. And it happens more than once. What makes it worse is that he’s a manwhore - so obviously women wouldn’t keep coming back and he’d have a terrible reputation if he hurt women every time he had sex. So he must know how to prepare a woman, but he doesn’t bother with the heroine. Instead he hurts her, does the whole BDSM dominance thing but he doesn’t check her for injuries, he doesn’t treat any injuries that he does cause, he doesn’t even give her any kindness afterwards. Isn’t the whole BDSM thing supposed to be about trust? Because he does F all to earn her trust in this. He treats her like sh!t. And she keeps grovelling for him. Every time he threatens to leave her (after ALL she’s done for him) she begs and pleads and can’t imagine her life without him. She’s willing to accept any treatment. She needs to grow a damn spine and learn some self- respect.
He keeps going on about how it’s not fair and he wants a life of his own - well wake up and show some damn gratitude because without her you wouldn’t have anything and you know it! He appears to resent all that she’s done instead of being grateful. Why should she bear the brunt of his frustrations?
I just think that if he really cared for her and appreciated what she’d done for him he would be trying to make her happy rather than being out to protect himself and put her down all the damn time.
He’s unfair to her, and she’s a doormat.
It’s demoralising and it’s depressing and I just can’t keep reading this crap. 💩

I’m so disappointed in this book but I am going to give it an extra star for the writing because it flowed well and was easy to read. I also like the world building. But the relationship was so unhealthy, I would say it was abusive. Not romantic at all.

[Leigh Kramer]

DNF at 37%

CW: intimate partner violence

I was really curious about Henrik and Fasta after reading The Mage’s Match but the power dynamics are making me super uncomfortable. Henrik’s anger and BDSM do not and should not mix—this is not how Doms should ever treat their subs. His treatment of Fasta is abusive, no matter what she’s consenting to or what she’s paying him for, and I can't see him suddenly recognizing all the ways he's hurting her. She deserves so much better. It’s unfortunate because I really enjoyed learning about their work as earth-mages and the ways they repair homes and buildings. Plus, Fasta makes her own dildos thanks to her mage skills and who wouldn’t admire that?

Characters: Henrik is a fat white earth-mage mason. Fasta is a 25 year old white earth-mage and earl’s daughter.

Content notes: MMC abuses FMC, internalized fatshaming, diet culture/societal fatphobia, classism, sick mother, past poverty, internalized kink-shaming, on page sex, dubious consent, rough sex, D/s, humiliation kink, bondage, masturbation, master/slave BDSM terminology, alcohol, inebriation, gendered insults, ableist language, references to past enslavement ring

[Cali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not the best representation of BDSM I've ever read but I still enjoyed the book! I also really appreciated all the jealousy and I hope we get a book about Thora and Runar! I've read the author's orc series and while I love that series too, I hope she also continues this one. At this point, I will read anything this author puts out!

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting example of unequal power exchange, with a very grumpy H. He acted badly for most of the book, yet the h knows he's sweet and she's so in love with him, she will do anything. There are so many things happening, with the H treating her badly it was hard to see how they would get a HEA. He's not really a hero, once again the h saves the man she loves. I really liked it.

[Valia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a theme in this series that the hero is a douche but this guy was physically and emotionally abusive.
Henrik's kink of bdsm is portrayed dangerously and I think he just wants to punish the heroine for being rich. He is a hypocrite and the heroine is this apologetic woman who doesn't realize she's been manipulated for so long by a friend.
I love books that do the friends to lovers trope because they mostly show that there wasn't genuine friendship. The only reason he was her friend was because she was his employee and he wanted to benefit from that, she was his friend because she would rather have scraps than nothing.
Tl:dr: Heroine needs better self esteem, hero should have stuck to his kind if he didn't like the heroine helping him.

[Cara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book about an abusive relationship. This MMC is emotionally and physically abusive, and having BDSM be a part of things does not change that. This poor woman spends five years pining after this man while he screws half the women she knows and makes sure she’s aware, but keeps her from dating anyone. He yells, berates her, throws things, hurts her in all the ways, publicly humiliates her, and constantly demands that she tend to his fragile ego and be responsible for his emotions. This is everything that BDSM should never be, unsafe, out of control, and no responsibility for actions or concern for the welfare of the FMC during or after. He’s angry, resentful, envious and jealous, and so he hurts her. This is not a fantasy, it’s a nightmare, and it’s not sexy play with power dynamics, it’s straight up abuse.

[♔Ms. Devotee Reviews♔ · Rating 1 out of 5]

What happened here

The first book in this series was great, this last one is, well, a mess.

There is nothing redeeming about Harry. He is abusive and mean the entire book. Even when he does something nice he turns around and speed the most random emotionally abusive crap. This book was not enjoyable at all and I had to DNF at 70%

[Celeste Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Daring Romance

Ms Fenn is becoming one of my favorite romance authors. Her work is so eloquent. She expresses moods and ideas with beautiful word pictures. I love her use of repeating refrains and phrases. I highly recommend this book for fans of paranormal and bdsm.

[Anne-Marie Romance Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: this review is of the new, revised version of this book.

I really fell in love with Fasta and her story in The Mage's Master. She was so relatable as a woman raised to know her place and pre-destined role and her fight against that to build the life she wants with Henrik, the man she's loved and yearned for for years despite them coming from two different worlds. The angst and drama of their relationship was a real highlight for me. I love a good will they or won't they, how can we possibly get to the HEA story that takes me on an emotional ride and Finely Fenn does them like no one else!

And of course the spice in this book is off the charts! Fasta has a lot of pent up desire and when she finds a way to get Henrik to agree to some spicy games the pent up desire between them explodes. I loved the power exchange dynamics and the way Henrik is both domineering and commanding and also shows he cares for Fasta even if he won't say it. Their relationship is equal turns fraught and spicy explosive and that ride was so enjoyable for me.

Watching Fasta's journey as she takes what she wants in life, fights for the future she wants, and pursues her love was so satisfying and a fantastic read!

[Daron · Rating 3 out of 5]

.... Listen, I don't know what it says about me... but I kind of enjoyed this. I definitely liked it a LOT more than I thought I would (and for sure more than Book 1). This is the kind of angst that always works on me (longing, jealousy, hiding true feelings, pushing people away) as long as it is done a certain way. And for the most part this was. I don't normally partake of BDSM tales (just not my cuppa) but that is front and center here and there are a lot of reviews for this book that go into how this is a wildly unsafe and toxic BDSM dynamic. But, in my opinion, if you go into it knowing that while it doesn't make it ok you understand that it's for entertainment and not as a how-to guide. The bedroom was an extension of how these two were working through their emotional relationship. And they are both idiots.

It's a hot mess and could have been tightened up a LOT more and Fenn is NOT good at mysteries, but overall it punched a lot of my buttons, so I'll be coming back for Runar and Thora's story.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ Unique and enticing world ★

—>>> I was easily drawn into this magical mage world, with Henrik Hallen and Lady Fasta Valgeirr who have been working together as earth mages at the Coven for Magical Advancements, a prestigious magical research and training facility for gifted individuals. However, their social status has always been a great divide, given Henrik’s pride and family situation and Fasta’s privileged background. But their relationship takes a definite turn when their five-year-long attraction has a chance to be nurtured, just when a negative light is cast upon Henrik’s character at the Coven’s Manor and right when his family needs him the most. Fasta jumps right in and comes up with a solution to help, in a way which he could accept, while exploring what they could have together if they just allow themselves to follow their dreams.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hated this book, but I finished it. It was such a strange experience. I hate both of the main characters. The guy is abusive, the girl is dumb as a box of rocks, and they're spurred on by trauma and societal standing. The sex is gross, and it's not even because of what they do but rather the way Fenn describes it. Everything is about coarse, curly hair and everything is pale, pudgy, flabby, freckled, puckered, and I just wanted to hurl.

This book is one hell of a trip. I will be stuck thinking about it for weeks now. I'm not exactly mad about it, but I'm not sure I can say I'm happy to have read this. Did it make my life better, or worse? Who can say? I do not recommend reading this book, but I will probably make my friends read it to share my pain.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

After Care is not negotiable

Harry can go fall into the ocean for all I care. I dont care what angst he was dealing with there was no excuse for denying her after care especially when their play was so intense. She was sobbing her eyes out every night after bc he wasn't taking care of her and I am supossed to root for him?

Also how he would fly into rages and genuinely hurt her and we are supossed to not care about that either bc Fasta didn't realize it was happening. Nah hun, that's abuse.

And the entire thing about oh she was controlling she was lying to him. Please. He was WORSE! He was manipulative and cruel and she deserved way better.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! You do not want to miss this. So many thoughts swirled thru my mind as I read this. Provocative, mesmerizing, erotic, enchanting, spellbound. The visuals that popped in my mind while reading this was endless. I was taken to a world not really known or understood and loved it. Not only loved it but revelled in it. I can say with all honesty I love this author's mind and ability to convey the story in such a mind boggling way. I can't wait for more.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new Author to me I will be reading the other books in this series. The Mages series is different than other books I have read. Fasta Valgeirr is one of the most in-demand earth-mages ,and a heiress who wants to held Henrik Hallen her employee. His family is having problems but he will not let her help until she offers him something he will accept. I enjoyed reading how these two get their happy ending. I received a copy through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Rachel Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for my honest review. I actually went back and read the books before this to familiarize myself with the storyline and writing style of the author. This book can stand alone but there are references to the book prior. The series this far is actually very well written. This book did end up dragging on a bit for me but ended well. I will be looking for the next in the series.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is definitely for the adult 18+ readers. Bdsm and dominant/submissive play...and lots of it. But there is an intense but very romantic story between the rich noble woman Fasta and the poor but brilliant earth mage and commoner, Henrik. I loved reading this and I do recommend it for those who are not offended by the steamy sex and dominant play.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a story about two friends who become more than just friends despite being of different social classes. The plot is interesting, the story is well written, the characters are likable and have believable dialogue. Overall a wonderful way to spend a few hours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love angsty melodramatic corset rippers, but this one did not land. The hero was terrible. He was a pathetic, whiny, insecure man baby. Basically he cannot handle that the heroine is a rich noble lady and treats her like garbage because of it. His passivity was tedious. He never once fought for her.

There's also this annoying thing where he gaslights her into thinking she's a liar when she never lied once in the entire book. He just refused to believe she was telling him the truth.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this read Fasta and Henrick are both Earth Mages however Fasta is Henrik’s boss and comes from wealthy family. No Fasta is offering Henrik something he can’t refuse, herself. Fast-paced steamy read with plenty of emotion, drama and suspense. I was hooked from beginning to end on this sci-fi read and look forward to more in the series.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mage's Master by Finley Fenn is a great story to read. This was a great story that I have really enjoyed reading very much. I recommend this story to everyone who likes reading about Erotic and Paranormal romances in their stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a BDSM story in this genre but it was an interesting read. The book blurb does an excellent job of describing the story. The characters are likable although Henrik can be kind of a jerk sometimes once their "arrangement" begins and Fasta seems a little too desperate sometimes but other than that it was a good story. I would definitely be interested reading other books in this series.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

[Meagan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is blowing my mind that this series did not take off for Finley Fenn!!

I am smitten with The Mages series!

This was deliciously angsty, and I honestly was unsure if we WOULD see a HEA!

Good gods! It's just a lovely down and dirty bdsm show as well. And of course , the main characters make their way back to each other again and again.


Swooooon!!!

[HEA Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book! The characters had a true connection, and were fighting past their flaws to get to their happy ever after. I found the book to be well written, with a great pace. I liked the side characters and really hope to see a book with Runar!! Highly recommend it.

[Kyrie Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot finley fenn in rapid order so I had some fair idea of what was going to happen, plot and pace wise.
I choose not to go through that and skipped to the last chapter because it was easier and I just wanted my happy ever after.amazing sex scenes though, top notch.