What do you think?
Magebreakers #4
The Spirit Siphon
An airship crash in an unfamiliar land brings the Magebreakers to foreign shores.
When an airship crashes under mysterious circumstances, the Magebreakers find themselves embroiled in an investigation that takes them across the Audish Channel to foreign shores. In Belgrier, many blame Audish sabotage for the accident, and for the death of the influential nobleman on board—a dear friend of the Belgrian Kaiser. And if Tane and Kadka can’t prove otherwise, it could become a diplomatic catastrophe.
But the suspicion of a government that views all Audlanders as dangerous pro-magical radicals isn’t the Magebreakers' greatest concern. Nor is the constant obstruction of the Belgrian Guardswoman assigned to supervise them. It’s the possibility that an outside hand is influencing events—an enemy they’ve encountered before.
Endo Stooke.
And if the would-be emperor gets his way, it’s going to mean war.
When an airship crashes under mysterious circumstances, the Magebreakers find themselves embroiled in an investigation that takes them across the Audish Channel to foreign shores. In Belgrier, many blame Audish sabotage for the accident, and for the death of the influential nobleman on board—a dear friend of the Belgrian Kaiser. And if Tane and Kadka can’t prove otherwise, it could become a diplomatic catastrophe.
But the suspicion of a government that views all Audlanders as dangerous pro-magical radicals isn’t the Magebreakers' greatest concern. Nor is the constant obstruction of the Belgrian Guardswoman assigned to supervise them. It’s the possibility that an outside hand is influencing events—an enemy they’ve encountered before.
Endo Stooke.
And if the would-be emperor gets his way, it’s going to mean war.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2019
About the author
Ben S. Dobson
9 books188 followersBen S. Dobson is Canadian writer who has achieved nothing of consequence. Many people like him anyway. This is inexplicable.
When he isn't writing fantasy novels, he can be found enjoying many fine, geeky activities. These include playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching Studio Ghibli movies, and playing video games (as long as they have a good storyline and require little to no skill).
You can email him at bensdobson@bensdobson.com, or find him online at these places:
Website: http://bensdobson.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bensdobson
When he isn't writing fantasy novels, he can be found enjoying many fine, geeky activities. These include playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching Studio Ghibli movies, and playing video games (as long as they have a good storyline and require little to no skill).
You can email him at bensdobson@bensdobson.com, or find him online at these places:
Website: http://bensdobson.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bensdobson
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 22, 2019
I'm enjoying this series, though I still haven't found any of the subsequent books as good as the first one. This one, in particular, seems a little short on tension; I'm not sure why, because the situation (trying not to start a war while tracking down an old adversary) has plenty of tension built in. Perhaps it's that the characters never seem to make much progress on anything. They find things out, the situation complicates, they even confront the adversary, but they don't really succeed at much, and while not succeeding complicates their lives a bit, I didn't get the sense of a powerful downward spiral (followed by last-minute triumph against the odds) that an action-oriented book like this needs.
It feels very much like a transitional book, inserted to move the characters from one situation to another, rather than being a complete adventure in itself.
The half-orc character's zest for life is still on display, but not as much (and that's one of the best aspects of the series, for me). Nor is her human partner's cleverness and ability to defeat mages by getting inside their heads.
All in all, not the best entry in what is still an enjoyable series.
It feels very much like a transitional book, inserted to move the characters from one situation to another, rather than being a complete adventure in itself.
The half-orc character's zest for life is still on display, but not as much (and that's one of the best aspects of the series, for me). Nor is her human partner's cleverness and ability to defeat mages by getting inside their heads.
All in all, not the best entry in what is still an enjoyable series.
September 30, 2026
Rating: 3,5/5
Main tropes:
Review:
Another fun return to this world! At this point I’m definitely invested in Tane and Kadka and the whole weird mix of magic, mystery, and steampunk-ish fantasy that makes this series so much fun. The story kept me interested, and there were some good twists and mysteries along the way.
That said, this one felt a little weaker than the earlier books for me. I missed some of the sharper detective work and banter that made the first books such a highlight, and the pacing felt a bit uneven in places. There were moments where I was really invested, but also a few where the story felt like it was taking the scenic route.
Still, I’m very much enjoying this series and the characters, and at this point I’m absolutely sticking around to see what Tane and Kadka get themselves into next.
Main tropes:
Review:
Another fun return to this world! At this point I’m definitely invested in Tane and Kadka and the whole weird mix of magic, mystery, and steampunk-ish fantasy that makes this series so much fun. The story kept me interested, and there were some good twists and mysteries along the way.
That said, this one felt a little weaker than the earlier books for me. I missed some of the sharper detective work and banter that made the first books such a highlight, and the pacing felt a bit uneven in places. There were moments where I was really invested, but also a few where the story felt like it was taking the scenic route.
Still, I’m very much enjoying this series and the characters, and at this point I’m absolutely sticking around to see what Tane and Kadka get themselves into next.
December 12, 2023
These are really enjoyable books with a different take on magical and non magical interactions. Great characters and story
February 1, 2024
Really enjoyed the change of location and feel of a bigger world. The increase in central characters also made the book feel richer.
November 16, 2019
Fantastic continuation of the Magebreakers series! I love the addition of Tinga the goblin girl to the team. This story pulled in more of Kadka’s backstory, which was fascinating. And of course I still enjoy Tane and Indree’s continuous push-and-pull of rulebreaker vs. law-follower, and how they’re both learning how to work within each other’s boundaries. This is just a fun series and this book does not disappoint. Can’t wait for book 5!
August 24, 2020
Ending = I need the next book! Otherwise, another enjoyable fantasy-mystery-adventure.
Given the semi-cliffhanger, I'm tempted to round down, but it's a fun book, and I like the protagonists. Some of the plot twists are a little predictable, such as the reason for Klenn's seeming fascination with Kadka, and the fact that , but I did enjoy this exciting book. It's a light-ish read, despite some serious world-building elements and grim necessities. I just wish the next installment were already out, since stopping the scheme central to this volume left international relations in even more of a mess than when they started.
Though this isn't a "romance-y" book, it's nice to see Tane and Indree's relationship in a good place.
Teenage goblin girl ~apprentice~ Tinga rushes in where angels fear to tread, even (or perhaps especially) after realizing just how terrible the situation is in Belgier for anyone who isn't non-magical and human, toeing the anti-magic party line, but she does prove her worth.
Kadka has to deal with baggage from her past that she had hoped to avoid, but eventually faces it with all the heart we know she has.
The tangle of who did what and why, who can and can't be trusted (including some evolving character-arcs), is worked out by the end of the dramatic climax. I'm going to give one other spoiler, re. casualties, so avoid it if you want:
As for proofreading, I only spotted three minor goofs.
So, now I just have to make sure I'm subscribed to the author's email list, and hope the next book doesn't take too long to be written!
Given the semi-cliffhanger, I'm tempted to round down, but it's a fun book, and I like the protagonists. Some of the plot twists are a little predictable, such as the reason for Klenn's seeming fascination with Kadka, and the fact that , but I did enjoy this exciting book. It's a light-ish read, despite some serious world-building elements and grim necessities. I just wish the next installment were already out, since stopping the scheme central to this volume left international relations in even more of a mess than when they started.
Though this isn't a "romance-y" book, it's nice to see Tane and Indree's relationship in a good place.
Teenage goblin girl ~apprentice~ Tinga rushes in where angels fear to tread, even (or perhaps especially) after realizing just how terrible the situation is in Belgier for anyone who isn't non-magical and human, toeing the anti-magic party line, but she does prove her worth.
Kadka has to deal with baggage from her past that she had hoped to avoid, but eventually faces it with all the heart we know she has.
The tangle of who did what and why, who can and can't be trusted (including some evolving character-arcs), is worked out by the end of the dramatic climax. I'm going to give one other spoiler, re. casualties, so avoid it if you want:
As for proofreading, I only spotted three minor goofs.
So, now I just have to make sure I'm subscribed to the author's email list, and hope the next book doesn't take too long to be written!
January 23, 2022
Maybe the best so far
Oh, man! I knew I disliked Endo before, But I REALLY* do not like him know (despite having to offer him a bit of respect for just how much planning he's put into his plan).
The Magebreaker team was up against incredible odds, in a country already hostile to mages, so the ending wasn't really in a surprise, in that sense. What was a surprise was how that ending came about.
I don't want to give away spoilers, so I will just say that if you have been reading the series to this point, you definitely need to read this one. If you haven't been, then why are you reading a review for book 4? Go back to book 1 and start the series. There's no jumping the line with this series; you need to read the series in order to understand everything that's going on.
Oh, man! I knew I disliked Endo before, But I REALLY* do not like him know (despite having to offer him a bit of respect for just how much planning he's put into his plan).
The Magebreaker team was up against incredible odds, in a country already hostile to mages, so the ending wasn't really in a surprise, in that sense. What was a surprise was how that ending came about.
I don't want to give away spoilers, so I will just say that if you have been reading the series to this point, you definitely need to read this one. If you haven't been, then why are you reading a review for book 4? Go back to book 1 and start the series. There's no jumping the line with this series; you need to read the series in order to understand everything that's going on.
January 18, 2024
Hmmm
This installment in the Magebreaker series was OK. It mostly dealt with political cat and mouse games, and the position of characters for the next book. As a result, the story's pacing felt slow.
I keep thinking this would make a fun RPG console game to play. Something similar to Skyrim or Witcher. The books are short. But there's definitely enough content in these past 5 books to fill up 30-40 of game play. Plenty of character classes to pick, different levels of magic, artifacts, dragons, and more.
This installment in the Magebreaker series was OK. It mostly dealt with political cat and mouse games, and the position of characters for the next book. As a result, the story's pacing felt slow.
I keep thinking this would make a fun RPG console game to play. Something similar to Skyrim or Witcher. The books are short. But there's definitely enough content in these past 5 books to fill up 30-40 of game play. Plenty of character classes to pick, different levels of magic, artifacts, dragons, and more.
July 3, 2020
Tane Carver and his crew get sent on a diplomatic mission to Belgria.
As a nation, it distrusts magic users, and keeps it own locked up in warded work houses.
There aren't too many surprises along the way, but it moves at a good pace and keeps the core characters from previous books in focus.
Currently this is the last book in the series, but the ending leaves me hopeful that there will be more adventures for them.
As a nation, it distrusts magic users, and keeps it own locked up in warded work houses.
There aren't too many surprises along the way, but it moves at a good pace and keeps the core characters from previous books in focus.
Currently this is the last book in the series, but the ending leaves me hopeful that there will be more adventures for them.
January 3, 2020
Great books
Fast paced, exciting, excellent world Building and multi dimensional characters you can't help but love. But the story isn't finished! I hope there is another book or more coming. I loved the 4 books but they definitely leave a feeling of being incomplete. Excellent series. Very much above the crowd on all levels. Thank you
Fast paced, exciting, excellent world Building and multi dimensional characters you can't help but love. But the story isn't finished! I hope there is another book or more coming. I loved the 4 books but they definitely leave a feeling of being incomplete. Excellent series. Very much above the crowd on all levels. Thank you
December 23, 2023
Magical fantasy
The Magebreakers and Indree find themselves sent on a mission by Lady Abena. An airship provided to Belgaria, which districts mages already, has exploded with the Kings best friend on board and if they can't provide proof it was not deliberate a war is pending. They are convinced their old enemy Endo is to blame but they have to prove it.
The Magebreakers and Indree find themselves sent on a mission by Lady Abena. An airship provided to Belgaria, which districts mages already, has exploded with the Kings best friend on board and if they can't provide proof it was not deliberate a war is pending. They are convinced their old enemy Endo is to blame but they have to prove it.
June 7, 2024
Kadka, Carver, Indre, and their apprentice/stowaway, Tinga, find themselves in a bind when they're sent to another country to hunt down a rogue mage. Shenanigans ensue which leads to diplomatic problems and a potential war. In the mean time, Kadka comes up against an unexpected family member and isn't sure what to make of him or her feeling on the matter.
A fun listen/read!
A fun listen/read!
March 3, 2025
I always struggle with books that contain a political plot (or sub-plot) but this one was worth reading. It pushes the story further, introduces some new elements and gears toward the final showdown with Endo. As frustrating as it is to know there’s another book before Endo gets what’s coming, this was an enjoyable addition to the series.
July 27, 2022
okay
Much like previous books in series. Nothing special, simple, straightforward and predictable. Okay story and characters, but by 4th books would expect some growth that hasn’t occurred. If food, it’d be fast food.
Much like previous books in series. Nothing special, simple, straightforward and predictable. Okay story and characters, but by 4th books would expect some growth that hasn’t occurred. If food, it’d be fast food.
October 6, 2022
Another very good entry in the series though this one ended with much more unresolved than usual and clearly expects the reader to pick up the next book to find out what happens. That's what I plan to do.
January 20, 2023
Another great read!
I have all ways loved Sherlock Holmes books and movies. This series reminds me of them with a twist that make it more modern with a fantasy touch to it. Really enjoyed it. Hope for many more books.
I have all ways loved Sherlock Holmes books and movies. This series reminds me of them with a twist that make it more modern with a fantasy touch to it. Really enjoyed it. Hope for many more books.
September 20, 2023
4/5: I liked this book, but it was my least favorite of the series so far. It mostly felt like a setup for the last book (which it is). I think it could have been a shorter story, which could have been the first section of a longer last book, but overall still good!
July 7, 2024
Still going strong
The people in this story are believable and I want them to succeed. It's funny how bad people manage to get ahead no matter their species. I'm rooting for the good guys.
The people in this story are believable and I want them to succeed. It's funny how bad people manage to get ahead no matter their species. I'm rooting for the good guys.
January 28, 2020
We get quite the fun reveal early in this book and things get quite intense near the end. Hope to see more from this series.
April 29, 2021
Good book
May 6, 2022
Absolutely LOVE this series.
I have enjoyed every line, every paragraph, every page. It’s a fun romp with some great twists and excellent character development.
I have enjoyed every line, every paragraph, every page. It’s a fun romp with some great twists and excellent character development.
September 19, 2022
Wow
What a great ending! Now you must get the next book to see what is going to happen and how are they going to survive!
What a great ending! Now you must get the next book to see what is going to happen and how are they going to survive!
October 23, 2022
Brilliant Series
The Magebreaker series had me hooked from the first chapter. Great characters and a gripping plot that gets better with each book. Cant wait to read book 5.
The Magebreaker series had me hooked from the first chapter. Great characters and a gripping plot that gets better with each book. Cant wait to read book 5.
January 6, 2023
Exciting!
The adventures continue with our favorite characters, Kadka and Tane! This is a face to face with the enemy, Endo in all his evil glory! Great read!
The adventures continue with our favorite characters, Kadka and Tane! This is a face to face with the enemy, Endo in all his evil glory! Great read!
October 4, 2023
Such a good series! I'm hoping my library gets hold of the 5th book soon!
January 31, 2024
A bit predictable, but a good book over all
May 19, 2026
Things are continuing to ramp well.
October 18, 2024
The Mage Breakers visit a foreign country that hates magic It is it their job to investigate the reason behind an airship crash. While there they discover more than they bargained for.
October 18, 2019
This book opens this world to another city and other problems with society in that city. It also expands more on the machinations of the main villain, which was nicely executed and I really enjoyed the new characters… as well as the growth of the familiar ones. Really gripped me at the end, which means I'm rearing for that next book.
October 23, 2019
Good Read
Tane and Kadka are sent to solve a mystery in another country hostile to theirs. Another character is added to the Magebreakers with Tinga, the young Goblin girl, involving herself in the investigation. I like the action, humor, and a bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
Tane and Kadka are sent to solve a mystery in another country hostile to theirs. Another character is added to the Magebreakers with Tinga, the young Goblin girl, involving herself in the investigation. I like the action, humor, and a bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews