What do you think?
Rate this book
Age of Magic: Tales of the Feisty Druid #2
The Undying Illusionist
With Doyle’s grim warning to Amelia before he was killed, the Chancellor is struggling to find clues to who the wolf in their blossoming city could be. But Arryn has already found her. The problem is proving it.
Student after student has gone missing, and the remnant have been invading the Valley, ripping it apart one village at a time—but Arryn knows more will come and something has to be done. After getting help from an unlikely source, Arryn finds the proof she needs— but her problems have only just begun. Talia’s compatriot, a dark mystic named Scarlett, has quite a game planned for Arryn, and she may have to abandon the city she loves in order to save it. Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, The Arcadian Druid tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
Student after student has gone missing, and the remnant have been invading the Valley, ripping it apart one village at a time—but Arryn knows more will come and something has to be done. After getting help from an unlikely source, Arryn finds the proof she needs— but her problems have only just begun. Talia’s compatriot, a dark mystic named Scarlett, has quite a game planned for Arryn, and she may have to abandon the city she loves in order to save it. Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, The Arcadian Druid tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
340 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2018
199 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 19, 2024
Arryn left Arcadia with a target on her back. The Druids took her in, accepted her as one of their own and proceeded to teach her their ways. Feeling compelled to help rebuild her home, she returns with an eye toward revenge, but also with an eye toward teaching others Druid magic. It is there, in the school where she confronts an old enemy that she believed to be dead, but there are restrictions in place to keep her focused on the things that are more important, like teaching others magic to help rebuild Arcadia.
This is a strong fantasy story with some wonderful beats consistent with the heroes' journey. I love the additional touches of horror and mystery, with missing students that we are uncertain if these touches are a side story or whether they are all part of the main narrative.
(I am still experiencing annoyance with the dropping of f-bombs by fantasy characters. If Crum wanted her characters to swear she should have created a list of expletives the way Howard did. Or just use the f-word more sparingly.) I'm not a prude. I admit to using expletives occasionally, but not at work. I just think the genre is unique.
This is a strong fantasy story with some wonderful beats consistent with the heroes' journey. I love the additional touches of horror and mystery, with missing students that we are uncertain if these touches are a side story or whether they are all part of the main narrative.
(I am still experiencing annoyance with the dropping of f-bombs by fantasy characters. If Crum wanted her characters to swear she should have created a list of expletives the way Howard did. Or just use the f-word more sparingly.) I'm not a prude. I admit to using expletives occasionally, but not at work. I just think the genre is unique.
September 1, 2017
Good second installment
This lived up to the standard set by the first. Good right narrative and good characterization. Surprise twists the end but sets the stage for the third with a strong focus.
This lived up to the standard set by the first. Good right narrative and good characterization. Surprise twists the end but sets the stage for the third with a strong focus.
August 3, 2022
I've always enjoyed a good fantasy, and this one - the second book in The Feisty Druid series - had everything I had found in the first, and more.
Arryn really is feisty, and she has far more strength in her than even she realises. But she's now fighting against the evil Adrien's daughter, Talia, who not only had a Mystic at her beck and call, but half the staff and pupils of the Academy.
Things loom really bad at the end of this book, but I like Arryn, and I'm sure she's going to find some way to survive the fix that Talia has left her in.
I'm really enjoying this series so far. The characters are believable, and the humour is just the ticket when things look dark.
I also love that the Druids are reminiscent of my favourite Elves, Samuel is very much like the Dwarves I found so fascinating when I first read The Lord of The Ring, and the Remnant are very like the Ogres found in the same book. I loved this, as it gave me a sense of continuity, as I read that first book 50 years ago now, but this series, although very different, had ideas that spanned those decades, and made the people inhabiting this book that little bit more familiar to me.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to leave Arryn in her perilous situation right now as, according to my reading list, the next book I need to read, is book one of a new series to me:, which is New Dawn, and the title is: Dawn of Destiny.
I just hope it's as connected to these first two series in the Age of Magic Arc, ad I'd like it to be!
Arryn really is feisty, and she has far more strength in her than even she realises. But she's now fighting against the evil Adrien's daughter, Talia, who not only had a Mystic at her beck and call, but half the staff and pupils of the Academy.
Things loom really bad at the end of this book, but I like Arryn, and I'm sure she's going to find some way to survive the fix that Talia has left her in.
I'm really enjoying this series so far. The characters are believable, and the humour is just the ticket when things look dark.
I also love that the Druids are reminiscent of my favourite Elves, Samuel is very much like the Dwarves I found so fascinating when I first read The Lord of The Ring, and the Remnant are very like the Ogres found in the same book. I loved this, as it gave me a sense of continuity, as I read that first book 50 years ago now, but this series, although very different, had ideas that spanned those decades, and made the people inhabiting this book that little bit more familiar to me.
Unfortunately, I'm going to have to leave Arryn in her perilous situation right now as, according to my reading list, the next book I need to read, is book one of a new series to me:, which is New Dawn, and the title is: Dawn of Destiny.
I just hope it's as connected to these first two series in the Age of Magic Arc, ad I'd like it to be!
November 8, 2020
This book was great and would have gotten five stars from me, but it had a number of parts where it was from the perspective of the villains. When I read a book, I tend to feel a connection to the character whose perspective things are from. As a result, I don't like to read from the perspective of the bad guys. It makes me feel wrong. Perhaps I feel a connection to characters in stories way more than is normal for most people, but I really dislike reading a story from the perspective of a bad person. The worse the person is, the more I dislike reading stuff from their perspective. The sections of the book from the perspective of the antagonists really did a disservice to my enjoyment of the book and managed to knock a whole star of quality off. Still, the protagonist of the book, and her companions, all were really interesting and fun to read about. This series and book is a highlight in the Age of Magic Kurtherian books. If you like the Kurtherian books, this is one to definitely check out.
August 12, 2017
Better
This story was better than the first one by introducing the other villains aka the dark druids. But sadly in my opinion the main focus was still on Adrien's psycho spawn and the Mind**** that goes by the name of Scarlett. I am pretty much dreading the next Book, wondering just how much more we have to endure of the dimwit sisters. Of course I expected this to be more about the druid than about the 2nd sacking of Arcadia. Arryn is an interesting character but I have grown tired of the mind game theme. And keep hoping that at least one book in the AoM will get back to the fun read instead of all this doom and gloom **** that seems to be the main focus of this series.
This story was better than the first one by introducing the other villains aka the dark druids. But sadly in my opinion the main focus was still on Adrien's psycho spawn and the Mind**** that goes by the name of Scarlett. I am pretty much dreading the next Book, wondering just how much more we have to endure of the dimwit sisters. Of course I expected this to be more about the druid than about the 2nd sacking of Arcadia. Arryn is an interesting character but I have grown tired of the mind game theme. And keep hoping that at least one book in the AoM will get back to the fun read instead of all this doom and gloom **** that seems to be the main focus of this series.
October 15, 2019
Heroines All
I'm Loving this series!!! And it is building to a fascinating storyline. I would really like to see a bit more dimensionality to Cat, but ill wait.
Ok, a kid story.
My friend's daughter was riding with us in the car and we were just having fun naming things. Turns out she couldn't quite pronounce Bird. It came out buuudth.
Trying not to laugh, we gently urged her to say it correctly.
Errrrd was not happening.
It was uuuudth
She could tell we were having abit too much fun over her frustration and when I pointed at a bird again and asked what it was - she said Seagull perfectly.
We laughed so hard that I had to pull over.
Indeed it was a Seagull.
She won.
Next stop was McD's for soft serve.
I'm Loving this series!!! And it is building to a fascinating storyline. I would really like to see a bit more dimensionality to Cat, but ill wait.
Ok, a kid story.
My friend's daughter was riding with us in the car and we were just having fun naming things. Turns out she couldn't quite pronounce Bird. It came out buuudth.
Trying not to laugh, we gently urged her to say it correctly.
Errrrd was not happening.
It was uuuudth
She could tell we were having abit too much fun over her frustration and when I pointed at a bird again and asked what it was - she said Seagull perfectly.
We laughed so hard that I had to pull over.
Indeed it was a Seagull.
She won.
Next stop was McD's for soft serve.
October 4, 2020
Arryn goes about her business teaching nature magic and learning physical magic at the Academy. More students are disappearing and ending up dead. Arryn and Talia's enmity comes to a head.
Arryn is set up for the fall in the murder of a student and winds up in prison. Meanwhile Talia is winding up the remnants to attack Arcadia and planning to kill the Chancellor Amelia.
Overall the story was enjoyable but nitpicking I found it totally unbelievable that Arryn's stepbrother would fall for Talia's lies and doubt both the woman he grew up with and his own animal companion
Arryn is set up for the fall in the murder of a student and winds up in prison. Meanwhile Talia is winding up the remnants to attack Arcadia and planning to kill the Chancellor Amelia.
Overall the story was enjoyable but nitpicking I found it totally unbelievable that Arryn's stepbrother would fall for Talia's lies and doubt both the woman he grew up with and his own animal companion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
I told you so!
Even at the best of times it's kinda difficult to ascertain the loyalties of personages untill a very life changing decision is made. Woe is you, if it wasn't you. Tannya has Talia to thank. When Tannya survives her deep north snow & returns. She'll give back a emotion charged whammer jammer of gratitude with interest. Talia & her gang shouldn't have dumped her naked & alive. Payback is a beetch.
Even at the best of times it's kinda difficult to ascertain the loyalties of personages untill a very life changing decision is made. Woe is you, if it wasn't you. Tannya has Talia to thank. When Tannya survives her deep north snow & returns. She'll give back a emotion charged whammer jammer of gratitude with interest. Talia & her gang shouldn't have dumped her naked & alive. Payback is a beetch.
March 4, 2018
Going on to the wasteland
Another great book in this series. I am so happy that I started reading the Kurtherian books. All I can say is I enjoy them a lot and will continue to buy them and read them as long as the authors continue to write them. On to the next book in the series.
Another great book in this series. I am so happy that I started reading the Kurtherian books. All I can say is I enjoy them a lot and will continue to buy them and read them as long as the authors continue to write them. On to the next book in the series.
March 16, 2018
Dreadline
(Dreadline: dreading deadline.) I'm dreading the possibility of beating the deadline for whatever will be the latest entry in Candy Crum's Age Of Magic - Arryn Kicks Butt series. For all I know the series might have already been completed, as this is just book 2. I know, it's an addiction, but the more I read her work the more I want. Enjoy.
(Dreadline: dreading deadline.) I'm dreading the possibility of beating the deadline for whatever will be the latest entry in Candy Crum's Age Of Magic - Arryn Kicks Butt series. For all I know the series might have already been completed, as this is just book 2. I know, it's an addiction, but the more I read her work the more I want. Enjoy.
March 29, 2019
sneak attack
Arryn and Talia have butted heads enough times they could be deer..... Scarlett's mystic interference tips the scales onto Talia's side. that doesn't mean she's winning; just that Arryn has to work hard to stay a step ahead. what is more important to her is her city, but Arryn can't protect it if she's dead
Arryn and Talia have butted heads enough times they could be deer..... Scarlett's mystic interference tips the scales onto Talia's side. that doesn't mean she's winning; just that Arryn has to work hard to stay a step ahead. what is more important to her is her city, but Arryn can't protect it if she's dead
July 2, 2019
Thanks for another adventure!!!
Love your work!!! Love your characters and the magic you created!!!
Funny children stories, I have tons!!! But one is especially fit for the KGU! In the 80's, we were always flipping off everyone. My 2 year old daughter would hold up her middle finger and scream "Phillip Moth"!!!
Love your work!!! Love your characters and the magic you created!!!
Funny children stories, I have tons!!! But one is especially fit for the KGU! In the 80's, we were always flipping off everyone. My 2 year old daughter would hold up her middle finger and scream "Phillip Moth"!!!
August 15, 2017
Dark
A lot of dark things happening in this one. Is her father dead or alive. Who will prevail in the end. Not giving it away you will have to read to find out. Waiting for the next one hint, hint!!
A lot of dark things happening in this one. Is her father dead or alive. Who will prevail in the end. Not giving it away you will have to read to find out. Waiting for the next one hint, hint!!
August 1, 2023
Wow
So much happens in this book and Candy Crum and Michael Anderle have created such great characters and stories that it's hard to put down. Watching the characters and relationships develop is a joy. Don't forget to read the author's notes and enjoy!
So much happens in this book and Candy Crum and Michael Anderle have created such great characters and stories that it's hard to put down. Watching the characters and relationships develop is a joy. Don't forget to read the author's notes and enjoy!
August 11, 2017
Loved it
So much excitement. A thrill from beginning to end. Such a thrill to see so many strong but vulnerable women. Keep it up!!!!
So much excitement. A thrill from beginning to end. Such a thrill to see so many strong but vulnerable women. Keep it up!!!!
August 24, 2017
Arryn part 2.
August 29, 2017
Incredible
Book two, just wonderful! This entire series is wonderful. References made to the other books. It's just been incredible! I can't wait to keep reading!
Book two, just wonderful! This entire series is wonderful. References made to the other books. It's just been incredible! I can't wait to keep reading!
March 3, 2018
It only gets better!
The second book the series takes off. I am enjoying the series and the characters r very humorous and serious at the same time. Keep up the good work.
The second book the series takes off. I am enjoying the series and the characters r very humorous and serious at the same time. Keep up the good work.
May 22, 2018
Explosive!
Lots more Magic action, smart aleck comebacks, and hilarious animal antics. Watching Arron grow into her magic is fascinating, and I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Lots more Magic action, smart aleck comebacks, and hilarious animal antics. Watching Arron grow into her magic is fascinating, and I can't wait to see where she goes next.
April 24, 2020
Lot's of love
And humor I have truly enjoyed this novel and the kurkurian universe I can tell you that I am very sure I will be looking forward to the next installment.
And humor I have truly enjoyed this novel and the kurkurian universe I can tell you that I am very sure I will be looking forward to the next installment.
July 15, 2021
Too good to put down. I am truly enjoying this series.
March 13, 2022
Ending you don’t see coming…
Holy Dooley, what an absolute twister this series is. Loving it sooo sooo much and can’t wait to read the next book, bring it on!!!
Holy Dooley, what an absolute twister this series is. Loving it sooo sooo much and can’t wait to read the next book, bring it on!!!
May 7, 2023
Loved this book
Awesome as always. Loved the book and can't wait
to read the next one. Love reading Kurtherian Gambit series books.
Awesome as always. Loved the book and can't wait
to read the next one. Love reading Kurtherian Gambit series books.
August 14, 2017
Liked the humor and the way all the characters interacted. I was drawn in from the very first sentence of the very first chapter. There were several times when I needed to quit reading, but kept reading anyway. I wanted more even as I was reading the last page, needed to see what was happening next. I have to wait for a new release, I HATE WAITING...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews