What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkling Mage #1.5
Crystal Brawl
Magic. Murder. Mayhem.
Dustin Graves was never a fan of human sacrifice. Hell, he was one. A knife in the heart changes a man, but Dust survived, awakening to the eldritch gift of shadow magic.
Then one night, he stumbles upon a nocturnal ritual, a cult ceremony he stops with the help of his sentient sword Vanitas. But there was one small thing the two of them hadn't considered.
What if the girl on the altar was the real danger?
Crystal Brawl is a humorous, horrific urban fantasy adventure set in the Darkling Mage universe. Originally published in the Urban Magic: Hungry, Young & Clever: An Urban Fantasy Anthology
Dustin Graves was never a fan of human sacrifice. Hell, he was one. A knife in the heart changes a man, but Dust survived, awakening to the eldritch gift of shadow magic.
Then one night, he stumbles upon a nocturnal ritual, a cult ceremony he stops with the help of his sentient sword Vanitas. But there was one small thing the two of them hadn't considered.
What if the girl on the altar was the real danger?
Crystal Brawl is a humorous, horrific urban fantasy adventure set in the Darkling Mage universe. Originally published in the Urban Magic: Hungry, Young & Clever: An Urban Fantasy Anthology
- GenresMagicFantasyParanormal
ebook
First published August 14, 2019
6 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books397 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 14, 2020
This was an amazing short story to remind all the readers how Dustin used to be in the beginning. I think on the timeline of the series, this story is somewhere between book one and two. And I loved it so much.
Dusting gets himself in trouble as usual, makes new friends, and gets out of trouble as usual. This predicament was nowhere near as serious as the other troubles he got himself into but it was so wonderful to see the old Dustin.
There is another character in this story who Dustin names Spellsa, a witch, who couldn't give him her name, and who could have a been a great friend under different circumstances.
The whole story reminded me how far has the series progressed, how much have characters evolved, and how much I love this author.
Here is the reading order for this amazing series: Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7), Crystal Brawl (Darkling Mage Short Story), Soul Fire (Darkling Mage Book 8), and Endless Knight (Darkling Mage Book 9). A spinoff with one of the characters is also coming Fallen Reign (Sins of the Father Book 1).
Dusting gets himself in trouble as usual, makes new friends, and gets out of trouble as usual. This predicament was nowhere near as serious as the other troubles he got himself into but it was so wonderful to see the old Dustin.
There is another character in this story who Dustin names Spellsa, a witch, who couldn't give him her name, and who could have a been a great friend under different circumstances.
The whole story reminded me how far has the series progressed, how much have characters evolved, and how much I love this author.
Here is the reading order for this amazing series: Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7), Crystal Brawl (Darkling Mage Short Story), Soul Fire (Darkling Mage Book 8), and Endless Knight (Darkling Mage Book 9). A spinoff with one of the characters is also coming Fallen Reign (Sins of the Father Book 1).
July 30, 2021
Crystal Brawl is a short story set in the world of the Darkling Mage series. It’s a great, fast-paced, funny story, and I really enjoyed it.
Dustin/Dust attempts to save Spellsa from becoming a human sacrifice. A quest close to his heart since he was once sacrificed himself. Now a shadow Mage, Dust can walk between the shadows. A handy trick, seeing as he seems to get himself into a lot of trouble! His sidekick is a sentient flying sword named Vanitas, who rivals Dust with his smart, humorous wit.
This is a snapshot into what appears to be an excellent urban fantasy series. I loved Dust and Vanitas. The way they bounce off each other is a delight to read. Loved the narration, great voice, breaking the fourth wall draws the reader into a highly entertaining experience. I don’t usually read urban, but this pair… might just convert me. What am I saying, they already have—adding to my tbr list!
Dustin/Dust attempts to save Spellsa from becoming a human sacrifice. A quest close to his heart since he was once sacrificed himself. Now a shadow Mage, Dust can walk between the shadows. A handy trick, seeing as he seems to get himself into a lot of trouble! His sidekick is a sentient flying sword named Vanitas, who rivals Dust with his smart, humorous wit.
This is a snapshot into what appears to be an excellent urban fantasy series. I loved Dust and Vanitas. The way they bounce off each other is a delight to read. Loved the narration, great voice, breaking the fourth wall draws the reader into a highly entertaining experience. I don’t usually read urban, but this pair… might just convert me. What am I saying, they already have—adding to my tbr list!
May 23, 2021
Darkling Mage Dustin Graves was never a fan of human sacrifice because he was one himself. A knife in the heart changes a man, but Dust survived, awakening to the eldritch gift of shadow magic. One night, he stumbles upon a nocturnal ritual, a cult ceremony he stops with the help of his sentient sword Vanitas. But there was one small thing the two of them hadn't considered. What if the girl on the altar was the real danger?
I loved this story with its usual snark and humour as Dust did his best to help and how he handled what happened next. As always it had to involve eating in some way. You have got to love Vanitas who is like Dust++ in the dry humour stakes. At the end of the book, there were also short stories from the other connected series.
To obtain a copy of this you need to subscribe to the author's mailing list.
I loved this story with its usual snark and humour as Dust did his best to help and how he handled what happened next. As always it had to involve eating in some way. You have got to love Vanitas who is like Dust++ in the dry humour stakes. At the end of the book, there were also short stories from the other connected series.
To obtain a copy of this you need to subscribe to the author's mailing list.
January 21, 2020
Told with the style and flair as well as smart comments that I have come to enjoy and expect from Dust, this story details a familiar formula for Dust: he tries to help and ends up smack dab in the middle of a situation he doesn't understand.
For such a short work, the character development is particularly well-executed. (Of course many questions remain - that's how shorter fiction works). I did miss the usual cameos, however, owing to the length of the piece, it makes sense that this element would be absent (I still don't have to like it).
The pacing is another element that is always strong, and this story was no exception.
I really enjoyed reading this, and am looking forward to the author's forthcoming works.
For such a short work, the character development is particularly well-executed. (Of course many questions remain - that's how shorter fiction works). I did miss the usual cameos, however, owing to the length of the piece, it makes sense that this element would be absent (I still don't have to like it).
The pacing is another element that is always strong, and this story was no exception.
I really enjoyed reading this, and am looking forward to the author's forthcoming works.
January 1, 2020
The FIRST book finished of 2020! I absolutely LOVED this short story!
Any fan of Dustin “Dust” Graves and Vanitas should check this out. Now I want to find out if this other character will return in another book. She sure was interesting! Her name wasn’t mentioned but Dustin had a nice nickname for her.
Any fan of Dustin “Dust” Graves and Vanitas should check this out. Now I want to find out if this other character will return in another book. She sure was interesting! Her name wasn’t mentioned but Dustin had a nice nickname for her.
July 27, 2020
What happens when a man and his talking, flying sword try to help out someone only to find out she had other plans? This short story is one answer to that.
It's a fast, fun, enjoyable read about Dustin and Vanitas (gotten from subscribing to Nazri Noor's mailing list). Can be read as a stand-alone short story, but it exists in the Darkling Mage universe.
It's a fast, fun, enjoyable read about Dustin and Vanitas (gotten from subscribing to Nazri Noor's mailing list). Can be read as a stand-alone short story, but it exists in the Darkling Mage universe.
February 10, 2021
an enjoyable short story. Dustin, a mage, with an enchanted sword, meets Vanitas. a witch, who is about to be sacrificed or so it would appear. How can such a mixual of talent have any problems? A humorous and light read.
April 21, 2020
Cute short story that gives us a look into a day in the life of Dust.
June 3, 2024
2 stars
CRYSTAL BRAWL was alright but it was kind of silly and the interaction between Dustin and the mystery witch just didn't feel very natural. I am curious to know if we'll see her again though.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3 stars
DEAD MEAT features Mason spending the day with his mentor, angel Raziel and of course being hassled by demons. I liked this one and enjoyed seeing Mason and Raziel getting along more.
CRYSTAL BRAWL was alright but it was kind of silly and the interaction between Dustin and the mystery witch just didn't feel very natural. I am curious to know if we'll see her again though.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3 stars
DEAD MEAT features Mason spending the day with his mentor, angel Raziel and of course being hassled by demons. I liked this one and enjoyed seeing Mason and Raziel getting along more.
September 4, 2022
Crystal Brawl was a quick, fun story with Dustin still figuring things out. It's early days and I'd put it somewhere after book 1 but before book 3. He learns a skill in Grave Intentions (book 3) that he is unable to do in the freebie short.
Terror Eyes is the one featuring Quill and it shows how he got his faithful cat, Mr Wrinkles. A fun read that should really be read before Demon Prints.
Dead Meat features Mason and Raziel in a food crawl that ends in chaos. Lots of random meat flying between the 2 stories but well worth the universe additions.
Terror Eyes is the one featuring Quill and it shows how he got his faithful cat, Mr Wrinkles. A fun read that should really be read before Demon Prints.
Dead Meat features Mason and Raziel in a food crawl that ends in chaos. Lots of random meat flying between the 2 stories but well worth the universe additions.
March 19, 2023
Dustin was a bit too foolish for me. The story needed some Sterling. Dustin saves a girl named Spellsa from being a sacrifice. She isn't appreciative.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews