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The Magician's Brother #5
Heart's Darkness
University was supposed to be a time of exploration, of learning and new discoveries...
I probably should have guessed that my problems weren't just going to vanish because I was feeling optimistic.
The Fairy peoples have cut themselves off, taking important parts of me with them. A new threat emerges, wrapped in a righteousness that serves only to conceal a dreadful rot.
Demons start to circle, Black Magic grows in power and influence, and my old enemies are starting to band together in the service of a new darkness.
And if you think all that's not enough to be going on with, an old flame turns up, just to make sure that it all hurts as much as possible.
It's going to take luck, cunning and a colossal bagful of dirty tricks to get out of this one intact, and I'm pretty sure I spent all my luck the last time something tried to eat me...
Oh well; let's give it the old college try.
I probably should have guessed that my problems weren't just going to vanish because I was feeling optimistic.
The Fairy peoples have cut themselves off, taking important parts of me with them. A new threat emerges, wrapped in a righteousness that serves only to conceal a dreadful rot.
Demons start to circle, Black Magic grows in power and influence, and my old enemies are starting to band together in the service of a new darkness.
And if you think all that's not enough to be going on with, an old flame turns up, just to make sure that it all hurts as much as possible.
It's going to take luck, cunning and a colossal bagful of dirty tricks to get out of this one intact, and I'm pretty sure I spent all my luck the last time something tried to eat me...
Oh well; let's give it the old college try.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2019
184 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
H.D.A. Roberts
9 books180 followershttps://www.facebook.com/The-Magician...
hdaroberts@gmail.com
hdaroberts@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 24, 2019
DNF, I only read the very beginning. I'm disappointed that this series has been slowly deteriorating to a shallow anime-esque harem. Almost every character aside from the mc is female, hot/beautiful/striking, take your pick, and jumps on the mc at every opportunity. The series had flaws but was a fun enough read in the beginning. Time to let it rest.
March 2, 2020
No more harem
The harem concept was already a damper on the series, but it became overbearingly annoying in this book. The only reason I think this book should get two stars is because the magic system is written half way interestingly. It would be amazing if the author took out all the fawning girls and replaced them with actually interesting characters (that don’t fall in love with him). I would love to read a serious series by this author, but sadly it’s just this joke.
The harem concept was already a damper on the series, but it became overbearingly annoying in this book. The only reason I think this book should get two stars is because the magic system is written half way interestingly. It would be amazing if the author took out all the fawning girls and replaced them with actually interesting characters (that don’t fall in love with him). I would love to read a serious series by this author, but sadly it’s just this joke.
October 22, 2019
Wrong Turn
The storyline for this series took a hard turn resulting in a extremely boring harem fantasy with this book. I wish the author would take a mulligan...
The storyline for this series took a hard turn resulting in a extremely boring harem fantasy with this book. I wish the author would take a mulligan...
September 8, 2019
Another interesting and fun book from this author.
Like the previous one, in this book I see a growth up in Mathew, in his confidence and position as Archon.
Something that I find very interesting is the description of the Black like a dark force of creation, it gives me some theories for the next books and i want to see where they go.
Now for those people warried about the "harem" situation, its defused so don't worry, althought there are still Tethys and Kandi :-)
So, now waiting for the next book.
Like the previous one, in this book I see a growth up in Mathew, in his confidence and position as Archon.
Something that I find very interesting is the description of the Black like a dark force of creation, it gives me some theories for the next books and i want to see where they go.
Now for those people warried about the "harem" situation, its defused so don't worry, althought there are still Tethys and Kandi :-)
So, now waiting for the next book.
September 9, 2019
Good read
I liked the book although it felt a little rushed. The fact that now he is truly out as an Archon will change his status in society. Yet the loss of the Princesses bother me for some reason. That complex relationship made it interesting. The progression of the book was very fluid and highly entertaining and answering a few question form the previous books. I am going to reread the all again!
I liked the book although it felt a little rushed. The fact that now he is truly out as an Archon will change his status in society. Yet the loss of the Princesses bother me for some reason. That complex relationship made it interesting. The progression of the book was very fluid and highly entertaining and answering a few question form the previous books. I am going to reread the all again!
August 2, 2022
This could be so much better if the author wasn’t perpetually horny
May 4, 2024
I'm taking a break from this series. The "harem light" elements are getting out of hand.
BTW, it's misogynistic to constantly accuse Matty of being a "girl." Just as it is homophobic to say something a guy just did was "gay."
BTW, it's misogynistic to constantly accuse Matty of being a "girl." Just as it is homophobic to say something a guy just did was "gay."
March 15, 2024
Dnf @ 41%
FCS MC
I think I had my fill of this.
FCS MC
I think I had my fill of this.
September 15, 2019
Almost too much?
The storyline, characters, and balancing "heart" and kindnesses have kept me reading. BUT.... I'm not a big fan of an MC that's perpetually abused and bullied; especially when people who claim to be loving family don't do all they can to support, intercede, and prevent it. It's really hard to watch and I'm not sure how much time I want to spend doing that. Archons okay with him facing tortures and death when they're exempt? And becoming "black" is the ultimate evil abomination? 😎😨 Too perfect an example of the insidiouness of institutionalized bigotry. Ouch.
Plot hole? His signet ring can't "decide" to protect him unless he becomes corrupted? I'm totally annoyed with a certain sentient signet ring that's supposed to be purposed to partner, support, and protect and doesn't decide to disagree with prejudiced agreements.
The parallels to the hell that comes with genetic predisposition to addiction and/or dread disease are beyond well presented. Truly deserving of recognition and high kudos. Again, truths not easy to read through. But I've not seen it more well done.
I'll see where the author goes from here. Personally, I'm not up for the story of a tragic hero, although the work is excellent for those who are made of tougher stuff. Maybe Mira will reveal a saving grace in a previously misunderstood concept? Matthew as the best of all Archons? Maybe a newly discovered immunity?
The storyline, characters, and balancing "heart" and kindnesses have kept me reading. BUT.... I'm not a big fan of an MC that's perpetually abused and bullied; especially when people who claim to be loving family don't do all they can to support, intercede, and prevent it. It's really hard to watch and I'm not sure how much time I want to spend doing that. Archons okay with him facing tortures and death when they're exempt? And becoming "black" is the ultimate evil abomination? 😎😨 Too perfect an example of the insidiouness of institutionalized bigotry. Ouch.
Plot hole? His signet ring can't "decide" to protect him unless he becomes corrupted? I'm totally annoyed with a certain sentient signet ring that's supposed to be purposed to partner, support, and protect and doesn't decide to disagree with prejudiced agreements.
The parallels to the hell that comes with genetic predisposition to addiction and/or dread disease are beyond well presented. Truly deserving of recognition and high kudos. Again, truths not easy to read through. But I've not seen it more well done.
I'll see where the author goes from here. Personally, I'm not up for the story of a tragic hero, although the work is excellent for those who are made of tougher stuff. Maybe Mira will reveal a saving grace in a previously misunderstood concept? Matthew as the best of all Archons? Maybe a newly discovered immunity?
October 19, 2023
Weakest of the series to date..however still a good read and enjoyable.
This book's tempo slowed down a little bit, and I believed it was trying to set up for the next couple of books in the series. My biggest criticism was the amount of time the author put into the main character's relationship really just sappy romance after a while and it started to feel like filler because it was repeated examples of how close a relationship the main character and the supporting cast had. It got to the point where it wasn't pushing the story forward it was just repeating what we already knew about the characters. Overall the world building in the characters with dialogue are really enjoyable and fun to read. The action is good although most of the action scenes written were very short-lived and it was slow reading in between events. Being the fifth book in the series I understand there has to be some story development in this book I hope is the cause of that moving forward, as that would explain the slower pace of this book. Overall I really enjoyed the series and highly recommend it!
This book's tempo slowed down a little bit, and I believed it was trying to set up for the next couple of books in the series. My biggest criticism was the amount of time the author put into the main character's relationship really just sappy romance after a while and it started to feel like filler because it was repeated examples of how close a relationship the main character and the supporting cast had. It got to the point where it wasn't pushing the story forward it was just repeating what we already knew about the characters. Overall the world building in the characters with dialogue are really enjoyable and fun to read. The action is good although most of the action scenes written were very short-lived and it was slow reading in between events. Being the fifth book in the series I understand there has to be some story development in this book I hope is the cause of that moving forward, as that would explain the slower pace of this book. Overall I really enjoyed the series and highly recommend it!
December 12, 2020
Fantastic Series!
This latest book takes the colorful personalities and their relationships to new heights. Not content with (just) a story about a hero / anti-hero’s fall into darkness, the author gives us warm smiles and laughter on the journey. We also see a gorgeous landscape of magic, mayhem, and a hidden treasure of a plot that we can’t set aside. Delightful. Definitely recommended (15+)! Read the series in order though.
This latest book takes the colorful personalities and their relationships to new heights. Not content with (just) a story about a hero / anti-hero’s fall into darkness, the author gives us warm smiles and laughter on the journey. We also see a gorgeous landscape of magic, mayhem, and a hidden treasure of a plot that we can’t set aside. Delightful. Definitely recommended (15+)! Read the series in order though.
May 19, 2022
Good storyline poor execution
It's unfortunate that the author feels the need to keep the main character a horny teenager even in the aftermath of massive death and destruction. I have to read around the constant blathering and sexually aggressive females that happen at really inappropriate times. I'd like to see more maturity and true friendship without the constant succubus attacks. It's just gotten old and annoying
It's unfortunate that the author feels the need to keep the main character a horny teenager even in the aftermath of massive death and destruction. I have to read around the constant blathering and sexually aggressive females that happen at really inappropriate times. I'd like to see more maturity and true friendship without the constant succubus attacks. It's just gotten old and annoying
January 14, 2023
such a good series
Het is echt een goed boek, nu naar mijn reread waardeer ik de serie nog meer. Het is gewoon heel goed uitgedacht, goede world building. De problemen die Matthew ervaart passen ook echt bij zijn karakter en zijn geen standaard domme dingen die characters overkomen om maar een vuller te hebben in het verhaal. Deze series zit in mijn top 5 van beste series ooit.
Het is echt een goed boek, nu naar mijn reread waardeer ik de serie nog meer. Het is gewoon heel goed uitgedacht, goede world building. De problemen die Matthew ervaart passen ook echt bij zijn karakter en zijn geen standaard domme dingen die characters overkomen om maar een vuller te hebben in het verhaal. Deze series zit in mijn top 5 van beste series ooit.
December 26, 2020
Awesome growth and transition
It’s really nice to have a smart kind and generous hero, one who does the right thing it’ll cost. They had him elements are amusing and fun, relationships still seem slightly under developed, but they are very sweet. The fight sequences of fun and the puzzles are wonderfully intricate.
It’s really nice to have a smart kind and generous hero, one who does the right thing it’ll cost. They had him elements are amusing and fun, relationships still seem slightly under developed, but they are very sweet. The fight sequences of fun and the puzzles are wonderfully intricate.
January 19, 2024
Not another harem
The magic in this world is interesting but the obsession with Harems and sex is ridiculous. Just rewrite the story without the harems bits. Have a little balance and add some male friends to the character. Plot twists are fine but how many times can he be seduced.
The magic in this world is interesting but the obsession with Harems and sex is ridiculous. Just rewrite the story without the harems bits. Have a little balance and add some male friends to the character. Plot twists are fine but how many times can he be seduced.
March 9, 2020
Another enjoyable book in the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Roberts takes the next boo. I'm also glad that the series doesn't just end there. The world is interesting, and the author is still expanding it and keeping things exciting.
April 7, 2020
Glorious!
Reading an entry in this series is like watching a season of a binge worthy tv series for me. I simply cannot stop reading, and now I look forward to the next sequence of books. I only ask the author to please hurry up!
Reading an entry in this series is like watching a season of a binge worthy tv series for me. I simply cannot stop reading, and now I look forward to the next sequence of books. I only ask the author to please hurry up!
May 9, 2020
Brilliant in every way
He weaves his story in a way that's lifelike, natural, all while presenting very big moral dilemmas, all while conveying emotion like no other author can, (cried once or twice). And I never see the tragedy coming. 10/10. Cant wait for the next book.
He weaves his story in a way that's lifelike, natural, all while presenting very big moral dilemmas, all while conveying emotion like no other author can, (cried once or twice). And I never see the tragedy coming. 10/10. Cant wait for the next book.
September 7, 2020
Fantastic and underrated
Seriously it genuinely surprises me this series isn't more popular I don't think I've ever devoured an entire five books so fast and I'm already chomping at the bit for the finale to the second trilogy
Seriously it genuinely surprises me this series isn't more popular I don't think I've ever devoured an entire five books so fast and I'm already chomping at the bit for the finale to the second trilogy
December 11, 2020
Lack of growth
The main character was perfect as a bumbling student. As an Archon he is very lacking. While it fits the story, there is an impressive lack of growth and an abysmal lack of sense. I hope this is just a learning curve.
The main character was perfect as a bumbling student. As an Archon he is very lacking. While it fits the story, there is an impressive lack of growth and an abysmal lack of sense. I hope this is just a learning curve.
August 16, 2021
Dnf
Getting tired of revisionist bullshit about the Spanish inquisition. And left does not mean good and right bad. Knight errants being aristocratic would be center right at least as leftist originates in the bourgeois radicals of the French revolution.
Getting tired of revisionist bullshit about the Spanish inquisition. And left does not mean good and right bad. Knight errants being aristocratic would be center right at least as leftist originates in the bourgeois radicals of the French revolution.
March 16, 2024
The series had got pretty bad with plot holes and poor storyline but was forgiven as it's an easy read. But when the defeated characters are wrote back in you know it's one cliche too many and it's time to put the book down and move on.
January 11, 2020
A Great Treat
I have read all five books in the series. It gets better. with each book.However I would like a little more of the parents and just a little fairy magic .
I have read all five books in the series. It gets better. with each book.However I would like a little more of the parents and just a little fairy magic .
June 27, 2020
Fun. Heart Felt. Enthralling.
Very enjoyable sequel that introduces some fun new characters and sets up an interesting future. Can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Very enjoyable sequel that introduces some fun new characters and sets up an interesting future. Can’t wait to see where we go from here.
Read
July 13, 2020Amazing read
This book was an amazing book. I stumbled across this series and couldnt put it down. I anxiously await the sequel.
This book was an amazing book. I stumbled across this series and couldnt put it down. I anxiously await the sequel.
October 10, 2020
Nice read
I really enjoyed Matthews magical,emotional and political development in the series.There was honestly never a dull moment in the entire book.
I really enjoyed Matthews magical,emotional and political development in the series.There was honestly never a dull moment in the entire book.
March 6, 2021
Great read for book 5
I thoroughly enjoyed Mathew’s journey from high school to university and beginning his transition to Master. Looking forward to reading book 6.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mathew’s journey from high school to university and beginning his transition to Master. Looking forward to reading book 6.
January 30, 2024
In some points sets of others similar to the same as the previous books but in a different package.
February 14, 2024
This has been my least favorite of the series but still love the narrator and the characters. Need the last 3 to be made available in audio book! 😊
October 25, 2019
Not much happens
It doesn’t feel like anything happens in this book it’s like it was building up to some great climax that never happened. Can’t say I’m looking forward to the next books with an authors note like that I’ve never been one for tragedies and they tend to involve otherwise smart characters acting like idiots.
It doesn’t feel like anything happens in this book it’s like it was building up to some great climax that never happened. Can’t say I’m looking forward to the next books with an authors note like that I’ve never been one for tragedies and they tend to involve otherwise smart characters acting like idiots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews