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When using magic is punishable by death, what would you risk to save those you love?

Tammuz has never left the sleepy fishing village of Aleesia. He longs to see what lies beyond the lake. He grew up listening to the legends of King Riehner and the Battlemages and how he united all the races together; humans, elves, and dwarves alike, to defeat the Kapre and bring unprecedented peace to Iradell. But all that changed a lifetime ago when Tzelder, a former Battlemage student, usurped Riehner and has ruled Iradell since.

Now, under Tzelder's rule, magic is illegal, and using it is punishable by death. No one has seen an elf or dwarf in decades, and Tamm feels trapped between the mountains and the lake, drowning in mediocrity. With his sixteenth birthday fast approaching, he must make a choice; choose an apprenticeship like the rest of the young men his age or flee Aleesia in search of the adventure he's always desired. 

Unfortunately, Tamm soon learns you don't have to leave to find adventure; sometimes it finds you. After someone close to him is fatally injured, Tamm discovers a magic that could save them, but it will put him at odds with the king. All the while, an ancient enemy is poised to return and threatens the town he always thought he wanted to leave.

Will his limited knowledge of magic help him save those he loves, or will it get him killed? Can he become the hero he's always wanted to be? Through him, can the Battlemages be Reborn?

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2020

401 people are currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

James Blackwood

1 book18 followers

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Community Reviews

5 stars
154 (43%)
4 stars
125 (35%)
3 stars
41 (11%)
2 stars
27 (7%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2020

Let me start by saying that I am very excited about this series. Mr. Blackwood brings magic and the Battlemages to life. Tammuz has grown up listening to the stories of old. When he learns of his apprenticeship with Linsyn, he has no clue what is in store for him. His entire life is going to change. I appreciated the triangle of Tammuz, Adina and Calla.
This storyline is full of danger, questions and a longing for peace. With Magic on his side, Tammuz can be a great leader.
Profile Image for Hugh Floyd.
18 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2020
Pleasant surprise!

Loved the book and how the characters and plot developed. Can't wait for the next in this series. I am looking forward to seeing this story unfold.
Profile Image for Shane Lawrence.
110 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2020
Despite the other glowing reviews

it’s great to see so many reviews from friends and family, but I’m not sure they read this book, as the plot follows a well worn path but in such a simplistic manner that it’s almost painful to read… I initially assumed it was an AI written book, since there is so little character development and it over simplifies everything TO THE POINT OF A FAIRY TALE. Makes it hard to continue when the characters are so one dimension.
10 reviews
August 17, 2020
It was ok

It's not an original story line or anything like that, just a washed out often repeated version of the same tired scheme. I'm not saying it isnt worth reading but if you choose to retell a story that has already been told, your version must needs have an element to make it rise above, to surpass and shine brighter than the others, and this one just does not.
The conversations in the book are not great. No one would talk like that. It's like one person is having a running conversation and his multiple personalities are just there to agree with him or be annoyingly sappy. I feel like the author may have never actually had a conversation with another person before.
I am interested to find out what this other power is that what's his face found, but I only just a little bit.

That being said it's better than anything I've written so it's super easy for me to sit here and deconstruct it, but kudos for pumping this out and nice job.
81 reviews
April 21, 2020
Great story, perfect way to spend a little free time.

In the past I would spend my down time watching all the action movies I could find on the premium streaming channels or at the movie theatres. Unfortunately, at least to my mind, I have become jaded to the big budget overdone special effects epics long that seem to minimize the depth of feeling that a good book can still create. I think that this story has started down the path toward rewarding me for taking the chance on spending some of the time that God has allowed me. I look forward to continuing this journey with Tamm and friends.
152 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2020
Good story needs editor

***Spoilers*** This is a classic hidden prince sword and sorcery story written at the YA level. The hero is extremely idealistic and very naive. The supporting characters need more fleshing out and this would help make the action more realistic. I keep wondering where the adults are in this plotline? But the primary irritant is the malapropisms sprinkled through the book. For example, the author uses the word alluded when he meant eluded and predilection instead of prediction. Drives me nuts.
127 reviews
June 8, 2020
Swords and Sorcery

Set against a standard fantasy backdrop with some interesting twists, there’s a great and deep adventure building here as our main character grows into a responsibility he wasn’t ready for and learns more about himself as death approaches from all sides. There are a few fits and starts especially with the main characters relationships at times, but ultimately a very entertaining and engrossing story
60 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2020
Fast paced, interesting characters

Things moved along quite quickly. The main character was likeable. For a young character, at times he seemed more capable and mature than was reasonable. His first reconnaissance "mission" I was thinking, what adult would encourage that? However, maybe with the backstory kernels of a warrior legacy for that culture, but still... Looking very much forward to finding out what happens next, esp with the Elves. Great first book!
Profile Image for Ronald Crowe.
11 reviews
January 21, 2021
Good potential needs work

This book is very similar to the first book in line of illegal. The difference is it glosses over or simply forgets to address a LOT of detail and lore. Its a decent quick read without the missing pieces but with them this COULD have been great. I will still be looking forward to the next book but I hope that the author takes more time and remembers those details and lore, then this could be a very good book
94 reviews
March 20, 2023
Enjoyable and traditional

Honestly, from the title, I was expecting a LitRPG book. Was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it was a traditional fantasy.

Overall, it was a little paint by numbers but in a good way. Characters are a little one-dimensional, and the relationships seem simple. But all in all, I liked it.

I am definitely picking up book 2 when it comes out, so if that's any indication.

4/5 would recommend.
Profile Image for David M Drewry.
65 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2020
Good Book

This was a good start in this trilogy. Enjoyed how Tamm's character was built and how he learns magic and adventure he involved in. Look forward in how man, elf and dwarf come together as well how much more Tamm learns magic and fighting
22 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2020
Battlemage

Good read, a little light on character development and plot. Book has a ton of unfulfilled potential. Looking forward to more publishings with a fuller spectrum on both the above points. If the audience is young teenagers them the book is spot on.

JK

28 reviews
June 23, 2020
Battle mage, good read

This is good story, some twists and turns, but good protagonist and strong supporting characters. Needs a bit more polishing and editing, but definitely worth the read.
27 reviews
August 8, 2020
Great book!

I’m not much of a fantasy reader but Reborn had me hooked and turning the pages to see what would happen next. I enjoyed reading it very much and look forward to reading more about Tamm and Aleesia!
Profile Image for Andrew.
19 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
Hidden Gem

I am a sucker for sword and sorcery. I like the ability the author bestowed on the reader captivating each thought as a painted image as the story grew to life. I cant wait for more good reads like this one.
5 reviews
October 30, 2021
A Great Story

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story was interesting and heartfelt. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I am anxious to see what the next book holds.
5 reviews
July 11, 2020
Good read

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks for writting and publishing it
Profile Image for michael fultz.
132 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2020
Great ride

A very fun and imaginative story that introduces us to some very interesting characters that come together to gives us a great story
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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