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The Ink Mage SideQuest Trilogy #1
The Murder Blossom: An Ink Mage SideQuest
This SideQuest is a 25,000 word novella. Beware the poison of the Murder Blossom! When a desperate wizard sends Templeton Kane on an important quest, he's obliged to team up with a formidable woman named Lill. Not only is Lill an imposing physical specimen -- as are many in her tribe from the Glacial Wastes -- but she's also an Ink Mage, a woman whose magical tattoos give her extraordinary abilities. As they chase an ancient artifact, moving from danger to danger, they discover that legends are not always what they're cracked up to be. Occasional strong language, brief adult situations, and gritty sword-stabbing action. The Murder Blossom is a 25,000 word NOVELLA. A word about Ink Mage SideQuests are meant to be shorter works set in the world of Ink Mage. Think of them as "in between meal snacks" while waiting for the books in the main series. While the SideQuests are meant to stand on their own, characters and situations might (or might not) appear in the main novels.
- GenresFantasy
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2019
118 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Victor Gischler
371 books413 followersVictor Gischler is an American author of humorous crime fiction.
Gischler's debut novel Gun Monkeys was nominated for the Edgar Award, and his novel Shotgun Opera was an Anthony Award finalist. His work has been translated into Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. He earned a Ph.D. in English at the University of Southern Mississippi. His fifth novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse was published in 2008 by the Touchstone/Fireside imprint of Simon & Schuster.
He has also writes American comic books like The Punisher: Frank Castle, Wolverine and Deadpool for Marvel Comics. Gischler worked on X-Men "Curse of the Mutants" starting in the Death of Dracula one-shot and continued in X-Men #1.
Gun Monkeys has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Lee Goldberg writing the script and Ryuhei Kitamura penciled in to direct.
Gischler's debut novel Gun Monkeys was nominated for the Edgar Award, and his novel Shotgun Opera was an Anthony Award finalist. His work has been translated into Italian, French, Spanish and Japanese. He earned a Ph.D. in English at the University of Southern Mississippi. His fifth novel Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse was published in 2008 by the Touchstone/Fireside imprint of Simon & Schuster.
He has also writes American comic books like The Punisher: Frank Castle, Wolverine and Deadpool for Marvel Comics. Gischler worked on X-Men "Curse of the Mutants" starting in the Death of Dracula one-shot and continued in X-Men #1.
Gun Monkeys has been optioned for a film adaptation, with Lee Goldberg writing the script and Ryuhei Kitamura penciled in to direct.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 26, 2023
The wizard Bazrak has been infected by the deadliest poison known to man, the Murder Blossom. In his desperation, he compels Templeton Kane to find the one item that can save him, the Healing Stone. He also compels him to find the Ink Mage Lill to help him complete this task. The pair race against time to find a way to save the wizard.
The Murder Blossom revisits the Ink Mage universe. I find myself thinking about the four prior Ink Mage books. I've read them all, but I haven't reread any of them. The concept of magical tattoos granting Ink Mages power is still fun to read about and contemplate. The four prior books were abundantly clear that an Ink Mage can only be as strong as their tattoos. Some tattoos have minor abilities and some have massive power. We don't receive an accounting of Lill's tattoos, but it seemed as though she only had a few.
The story is told from Templeton Kane's perspective and he seems to be like most of Victor Gischler's male protagonists...a promiscuous good looking man, who cares more than he shows initially. There doesn't appear to be much depth to him until the very end. Lill would likely be considered a barbarian based on her gruff nature and battle prowess. She's not particularly interesting as a character.
The Murder Blossom was a solid Ink Mage short story and I look forward to reading the next one.
The Murder Blossom revisits the Ink Mage universe. I find myself thinking about the four prior Ink Mage books. I've read them all, but I haven't reread any of them. The concept of magical tattoos granting Ink Mages power is still fun to read about and contemplate. The four prior books were abundantly clear that an Ink Mage can only be as strong as their tattoos. Some tattoos have minor abilities and some have massive power. We don't receive an accounting of Lill's tattoos, but it seemed as though she only had a few.
The story is told from Templeton Kane's perspective and he seems to be like most of Victor Gischler's male protagonists...a promiscuous good looking man, who cares more than he shows initially. There doesn't appear to be much depth to him until the very end. Lill would likely be considered a barbarian based on her gruff nature and battle prowess. She's not particularly interesting as a character.
The Murder Blossom was a solid Ink Mage short story and I look forward to reading the next one.
May 25, 2023
Novella needs editing
This high fantasy novella, set in the same world as Victor Gischler’s Ink Mage trilogy, stands alone. In fact, it’s probably better standing alone, given that its protagonist-narrator is all to similar to trilogy’s Brasley Hammish character, and that the author doesn’t flesh out the characters in the novella as he might have in a novel-length work.
Mr. Gischer also has problems with homonyms, which is why I would encourage him to use beta readers or an editor. He repeatedly uses “polls” when he means “poles”, for example, and yolk when he means yoke. Politicians can use polls to learn their standings, but polls won’t protect boaters from rocks— that requires sailors with poles. Likewise, you can use yolks to make homemade mayonnaise, but you need a yoke for carrying two heavy buckets.
This high fantasy novella, set in the same world as Victor Gischler’s Ink Mage trilogy, stands alone. In fact, it’s probably better standing alone, given that its protagonist-narrator is all to similar to trilogy’s Brasley Hammish character, and that the author doesn’t flesh out the characters in the novella as he might have in a novel-length work.
Mr. Gischer also has problems with homonyms, which is why I would encourage him to use beta readers or an editor. He repeatedly uses “polls” when he means “poles”, for example, and yolk when he means yoke. Politicians can use polls to learn their standings, but polls won’t protect boaters from rocks— that requires sailors with poles. Likewise, you can use yolks to make homemade mayonnaise, but you need a yoke for carrying two heavy buckets.
December 14, 2020
Fast, sparky adventure
Building off the world in his Ink Mage trilogy, the author takes us on a fast-paced adventure with new protagonists Templeton and Lill to find a goddess-created Healing Stone. Templeton is a sparky minor noble's son taking odd jobs to make ends meet. His latest job is for Barack, a powerful wizard, who unexpectedly is poisoned by his own concoction and sets a geas on Templeton to retrieve the Healing Stone, with the help of Lill, an ink mage from the Glacial Wastes.
The Murder Blossom is a quick, breezy read for fans of the Ink Mage series. Written in the first person, this story hurtles to a satisfying ending and is a perfect read for a lazy weekend.
Building off the world in his Ink Mage trilogy, the author takes us on a fast-paced adventure with new protagonists Templeton and Lill to find a goddess-created Healing Stone. Templeton is a sparky minor noble's son taking odd jobs to make ends meet. His latest job is for Barack, a powerful wizard, who unexpectedly is poisoned by his own concoction and sets a geas on Templeton to retrieve the Healing Stone, with the help of Lill, an ink mage from the Glacial Wastes.
The Murder Blossom is a quick, breezy read for fans of the Ink Mage series. Written in the first person, this story hurtles to a satisfying ending and is a perfect read for a lazy weekend.
February 25, 2022
Fantastic
I stumbled upon the trilogy of the ink mages and am so glad I did. The trilogy goes on to a stand alone that was as satisfyingly adventurous as the trilogy. Now the novella trilogy is proving just as hard to put down. The imaginative writing, created world, and lore are well written and engaging. When the story slows down slightly, it is for context and enhances the story further. All the characters are well developed and intriguing. I am hopefully these series continues for a very long time. I can see where this could be a generational line for Gischler. These books are fantastic for those who are lovers of fantasy novels with a touch of mythology toed in to round out the storylines.
I stumbled upon the trilogy of the ink mages and am so glad I did. The trilogy goes on to a stand alone that was as satisfyingly adventurous as the trilogy. Now the novella trilogy is proving just as hard to put down. The imaginative writing, created world, and lore are well written and engaging. When the story slows down slightly, it is for context and enhances the story further. All the characters are well developed and intriguing. I am hopefully these series continues for a very long time. I can see where this could be a generational line for Gischler. These books are fantastic for those who are lovers of fantasy novels with a touch of mythology toed in to round out the storylines.
June 3, 2020
Lil
I chose this rating as the story was entertaining.
I seem to think the author is settling for short stories now as opposed to the laughter one of the first triology. Never the less as I 've said entertaining.
The shadow sorceress (no 2 in this series) is somewhat missing the connection between this story and leaves you wanting more inbetween information. All I can hope is this happens in the third story yet to come!
The up the loose ends please Victor.
I chose this rating as the story was entertaining.
I seem to think the author is settling for short stories now as opposed to the laughter one of the first triology. Never the less as I 've said entertaining.
The shadow sorceress (no 2 in this series) is somewhat missing the connection between this story and leaves you wanting more inbetween information. All I can hope is this happens in the third story yet to come!
The up the loose ends please Victor.
May 19, 2020
Entertainment
Im a ink mage fan, I love the series so anything takes me back to world in IN ... If u haven't read the ink mage series u r lucky for u get to enjoy that journey for 1st time.
Im a ink mage fan, I love the series so anything takes me back to world in IN ... If u haven't read the ink mage series u r lucky for u get to enjoy that journey for 1st time.
July 23, 2020
Great read
The characters are fabulous and is great to check how the ink mage is doing. I just wished it was longer as I did not want the adventure to finish! Bring on number 2!
The characters are fabulous and is great to check how the ink mage is doing. I just wished it was longer as I did not want the adventure to finish! Bring on number 2!
October 16, 2020
Sidequest 1
I still find that this author is well worth reading and intend to read anything I can find written by him.
Radarman
I still find that this author is well worth reading and intend to read anything I can find written by him.
Radarman
February 28, 2024
Decent read
It is a bit short, characterisation is rather thin. It laser focuses on the plot and goes from start to finish. No embellishments, a literary quickie.
It is a bit short, characterisation is rather thin. It laser focuses on the plot and goes from start to finish. No embellishments, a literary quickie.
September 19, 2024
Good read
Neat story with all the magic and swords I enjoy. Possibly not enough depth and creatures to make it a top read.
Neat story with all the magic and swords I enjoy. Possibly not enough depth and creatures to make it a top read.
February 23, 2020
A fun quick read. I enjoy the world of the ink mage, and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes.
November 26, 2019
enjoyable quick read. well written, even if it did feel rushed..
..i know it is a “novella” but still.
i picked the first book in the Ink Mage series on a whim, and really enjoyed the entire trilogy. when i saw there was a fourth book (“Warrior Prime;” completely new storyline) i was excited to read another adventure in the land of Helva and its surrounding lands. it was a little disappointing compared to the others, but was happy to see Gischler had written this novella.
i look forward to more stories and continued adventures!
..i know it is a “novella” but still.
i picked the first book in the Ink Mage series on a whim, and really enjoyed the entire trilogy. when i saw there was a fourth book (“Warrior Prime;” completely new storyline) i was excited to read another adventure in the land of Helva and its surrounding lands. it was a little disappointing compared to the others, but was happy to see Gischler had written this novella.
i look forward to more stories and continued adventures!
October 1, 2019
Fantastic
I love the world the author has built and the magic system of magical tattoos. This was a side story, so it's not as long as the other books, but it was a really fun read.
If you like the ink mage novels, I highly recommend this sidequest!
I love the world the author has built and the magic system of magical tattoos. This was a side story, so it's not as long as the other books, but it was a really fun read.
If you like the ink mage novels, I highly recommend this sidequest!
December 17, 2019
Same theme almost to previous book s
The characters are a!l familiar. The book seems rushed. Ending is very predictable. I don't think that you can re-use the same characters just with different names when you are such a good writer.
The characters are a!l familiar. The book seems rushed. Ending is very predictable. I don't think that you can re-use the same characters just with different names when you are such a good writer.
October 2, 2019
A Good Tale
Read this after the other books. It reminded me of Fafred and the Grey Mouser. Glad to see that Gischler procured proof readers for the later books! Still, a good read!
Read this after the other books. It reminded me of Fafred and the Grey Mouser. Glad to see that Gischler procured proof readers for the later books! Still, a good read!
October 21, 2019
Great! Fun short story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews