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The Cartographer #3
Spirit
The fate of empire is to crumble from within.
Duke Oliver Wellesley and the Priestess Samantha unmasked and destroyed a cabal of sorcerers planning an incredible sacrifice. But preventing the horrific bloodshed left lingering questions, and new attacks close to home prove the danger is not over.
Oliver must choose between his responsibilities to his family and the Crown, and seeking answers over the far horizon. As he struggles with the weight of expectation, he discovers new powers and an ancient magic that has been long forgotten. The tide of sorcery rises, and Oliver begins to understand that a sharp quill and a steel broadsword are not enough. To face the threat of the underworld, he’ll have to call upon the spirits of life.
Sam’s occult knowledge continues to grow, but in the face of new monsters, she realizes it is not enough, and the path to true strength is a dark one. Knowing the risk, she hesitates, but an unusual mentor opens the door to secrets best left unknown, and grants the opportunity to exceed what she thought was possible. But once upon it, the dark path is a difficult one to turn from, and the spirits of the underworld are treacherous allies.
The fate of empire is to crumble from within. Do not ask when, ask who.
Duke Oliver Wellesley and the Priestess Samantha unmasked and destroyed a cabal of sorcerers planning an incredible sacrifice. But preventing the horrific bloodshed left lingering questions, and new attacks close to home prove the danger is not over.
Oliver must choose between his responsibilities to his family and the Crown, and seeking answers over the far horizon. As he struggles with the weight of expectation, he discovers new powers and an ancient magic that has been long forgotten. The tide of sorcery rises, and Oliver begins to understand that a sharp quill and a steel broadsword are not enough. To face the threat of the underworld, he’ll have to call upon the spirits of life.
Sam’s occult knowledge continues to grow, but in the face of new monsters, she realizes it is not enough, and the path to true strength is a dark one. Knowing the risk, she hesitates, but an unusual mentor opens the door to secrets best left unknown, and grants the opportunity to exceed what she thought was possible. But once upon it, the dark path is a difficult one to turn from, and the spirits of the underworld are treacherous allies.
The fate of empire is to crumble from within. Do not ask when, ask who.
507 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2020
204 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Cobble
30 books632 followersAC Cobble is the author of Wahrheit, The King's Ranger, Benjamin Ashwood, and The Cartographer series. Signed print copies of all of his books are available at Merrick Bookshop:
https://merrickbookshop.com/collectio...
Wahrheit is a classic epic fantasy adventure. It is packed full of political intrigue, epic battles, spies & assassins, ancient magic, a little humor, a young man and woman against impossible odds, and dragons. If you liked AC Cobble's other books, you will love this series.
The King's Ranger is a clean, action-packed adventure. Rew, the titular ranger, wants only to manage the wilderness he is responsible for, but the arrival of three youths in his jail cell force him to embark on an epic journey. To protect the youths, he's forced to confront a darkness in his past and join a swirling conflict that will envelope the entire kingdom.
Benjamin Ashwood is AC's take on the classic farm boy with a sword fantasy story. It starts much like they all do, but in Ben's world like the real world, heroes are made not born, and the good guys don't always win. Try it today and find out why this series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies!
The Cartographer is a little sexier and a little darker, but has the same sense of fun and adventure as Benjamin Ashwood. Think world spanning travel and exploration, occult rituals, dark seductresses, bodies dropping like flies, and bar fights. Fans of Rhys will love Oliver and Sam. Join the adventure today!
For series artwork, maps, the newsletter signup, the blog, and more, head over to: https://accobble.com/.
https://merrickbookshop.com/collectio...
Wahrheit is a classic epic fantasy adventure. It is packed full of political intrigue, epic battles, spies & assassins, ancient magic, a little humor, a young man and woman against impossible odds, and dragons. If you liked AC Cobble's other books, you will love this series.
The King's Ranger is a clean, action-packed adventure. Rew, the titular ranger, wants only to manage the wilderness he is responsible for, but the arrival of three youths in his jail cell force him to embark on an epic journey. To protect the youths, he's forced to confront a darkness in his past and join a swirling conflict that will envelope the entire kingdom.
Benjamin Ashwood is AC's take on the classic farm boy with a sword fantasy story. It starts much like they all do, but in Ben's world like the real world, heroes are made not born, and the good guys don't always win. Try it today and find out why this series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies!
The Cartographer is a little sexier and a little darker, but has the same sense of fun and adventure as Benjamin Ashwood. Think world spanning travel and exploration, occult rituals, dark seductresses, bodies dropping like flies, and bar fights. Fans of Rhys will love Oliver and Sam. Join the adventure today!
For series artwork, maps, the newsletter signup, the blog, and more, head over to: https://accobble.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 15, 2022
Wait a damn minute.
Can someone tell me how a series goes from a generous 2 star rating of book one, to a solid unapologetic 5 on the last? Anyone? This reeks of sorcery.
Looking back on the first book I see where it lost me, besides the lack of character depth I mentioned in my review of book 2. Where things went wrong was the lack of commitment on the author's part. There were some extremely dark elements in there; torture, maiming, ritual sex, rape, to name a few. But it was as if Cobble had second thoughts, thinking it would be too much for the reader, and backed off after just barely touching on the subject. (HINT: its never too much). There was much skimming over the brutality of what was happening, in the first book, and I did not appreciate it.
This one, though? This one? No holds barred or fucks in sight. They went all in, and I loved it.
Can someone tell me how a series goes from a generous 2 star rating of book one, to a solid unapologetic 5 on the last? Anyone? This reeks of sorcery.
Looking back on the first book I see where it lost me, besides the lack of character depth I mentioned in my review of book 2. Where things went wrong was the lack of commitment on the author's part. There were some extremely dark elements in there; torture, maiming, ritual sex, rape, to name a few. But it was as if Cobble had second thoughts, thinking it would be too much for the reader, and backed off after just barely touching on the subject. (HINT: its never too much). There was much skimming over the brutality of what was happening, in the first book, and I did not appreciate it.
This one, though? This one? No holds barred or fucks in sight. They went all in, and I loved it.
April 5, 2021
Finally I have got around to finishing this trilogy which I began in SPFBO5 with book one - QUILL. A Prince who chafes at being royalty and would rather be discovering new lands and being a cartographer; joins forces with a Priestess whose job is to root out evil Sorcery and worship of evil Gods. They travel together through the world of nobility, city slums, fly on airships to new colonies and into dark foreboding regions following the trails of dangerous and deadly forces. This trilogy had many unexpected twists especially the final half of the last book. You can't trust half the people in this story; I was surprised and shocked quite often to be honest.
I loved the world building in this; having a cartographer as a main character definitely was a plus - It also sadly reminded me of the colonisation of so many countries all in the name of an Empire😢
I loved the world building in this; having a cartographer as a main character definitely was a plus - It also sadly reminded me of the colonisation of so many countries all in the name of an Empire😢
August 10, 2020
I enjoyed the first half of this book. I felt that the next third suffered -- the characters floundered, the sexual tension, the feel of Sam. However, I thought the ending was grand -- I enjoyed how the mystery concluded, and the way the final conflict was resolved.
March 2, 2021
This may be my least favorite Cobble novel of any I've read. The villain you knew was coming went early. Then there is a whole lot of fluff around not revealing anything. They explore somewhere new and interesting and it all gets ignored for the sole purpose of meeting someone. Southlands seemed so interesting, but it's a big goose egg. Northlands seemed somewhat interesting but it's a shell game of what happened and whodunnit. I'm still confused over what bargains were made and what the specific sacrifices were.
Cobble - please stop setting up villains with a side character asking something, the protagonist responding, and the side character replying "[x] you say?" No that's no suspicious or anything. What an awful way to shift them to a suspect...
Really disappointed in this. Just skip it.
Cobble - please stop setting up villains with a side character asking something, the protagonist responding, and the side character replying "[x] you say?" No that's no suspicious or anything. What an awful way to shift them to a suspect...
Really disappointed in this. Just skip it.
September 20, 2020
Generally a fun read but I ended the series with more questions than answers. While I acknowledge that most of the loose ends were tied up and addressed, a large number still remained. For example, what happened to William and Lannia? The spear also bothered me. After all of his sacrifice, that was it?
The Druid hints were an interesting tangent. Would have been interesting to know more about Oliver’s ancestry. Maybe the next book?
Enjoyed the puppet master reveal. But wish it wasn’t such a rushed reveal.
The Druid hints were an interesting tangent. Would have been interesting to know more about Oliver’s ancestry. Maybe the next book?
Enjoyed the puppet master reveal. But wish it wasn’t such a rushed reveal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2021
I have now read 10 of AC Cobble's books and none of them have disappointed me. He keeps things moving with hints and ideas that often prove wrong to me, maybe because he's craftier than I am. He also inserts a little humor and insights occasionally that make it interesting. Not since the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings have I read a book all night long.
July 6, 2020
Where to start? There is so much to unpack - I'll try by breaking things down. This review is not just for Spirit, but the series. When I read a book, I want to make sure the series is worth starting - this is one of the best I've ever read - even though I typically avoid this style of writing.
1. How about what you are expecting - this is NOT a Benjamin Ashwood novel - not even close. The BA series was fun, fast-paced, easy to consume with lots of twists and a storyline that puts a smile on your face. Five Stars!
2. Marvel vs DC or more like Game of Thrones. BA was like a Marvel tale - clear good guys, humor, while there were twists, they were expected. Cartographer is SO MUCH MORE, think Game of Thrones.
3. Dark and no humor, but a storyline you will never forget. When I read Quill, I was disappointed as I was thinking of BA. Instead, we have a reluctant hero - Oliver. He's the King's son, has little responsibility, is a womanizer, and only cares for himself. He is forced into investigating sorcery in a dirty dark little town in a time when all magic is illegal. He constantly tries to push any responsibility away to return to drinking, adventuring, and womanizing. During this time, he meets our heroine - Sam. She's a bi-sexual sorceress, also an alcoholic who is fighting to stay on the right path yet is being drawn down a dark path of society. Ironically, her job is to KILL people like herself! She too is reluctant and wants only to do things alone.
4. Good Guys vs Bad Guys. In BA - this was very clear - but not in the Cartographer. One minute a person is good, next they are hideously evil.
5. The Land. Think England in the late 1800's - the beginning of the industrial age. Cars are new, coal is used to power factories, the skies are polluted and most everything is dirty. However, Oliver is an adventurer and he is tasked to track down Sorcery - with Sam. We get to see and vividly experience the raw, beautiful, and also desolate land. AC is an amazing storyteller building worlds like few other can. One minute your in an England like setting, next the Caribbean, then the middle east and then the far north. The detail is all-encompassing.
6. Political Intrigue. Unline BA, there is far more political intrigue that drives the storyline. This is what makes this series so amazing. In the last book - Spirit, everything comes together. As you're reading this right now - you will be shocked. There is no way you will see the ending coming. Where BA is more about fighting, good vs evil - the Cartographer is so much more. To be more, you must learn and experience what the characters are feeling and thinking - from all levels. AC took a lot of time crafting this storyline using every piece in every book to finish the series.
7. Intelligent and Dark. AC was explaining while this series was his favorite (and his best work) - it did not do as well as BA. This makes sense. Personally, I loved BA and cannot wait for the new series this September (it will be more like BA vs Cartographer). However, I don't remember books like BA as I do books like Cartographer. This story was amazing. I just finished minutes ago and my mind is blown. The more complicated, intelligent, and dark books are, there will be fewer readers. I reluctantly vowed to finish Spirit- not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. Fortunately, I did and have such a greater appreciation for AC and this series.
8. READ THIS SERIES!!!! If you are a BA fan - prepare yourself for a new author. AC might be the same person, but he is an entirely different author in this series. Be prepared for a story that will be uncomfortable at times, always exciting, a bit gross, and always unexpected. When you finish Spirit - you'll understand why I'm been blown away.
9. To AC - Thank you! Thank you for not taking the easy path and gifting us this amazing series. I read many books - this series is one I will always remember.
1. How about what you are expecting - this is NOT a Benjamin Ashwood novel - not even close. The BA series was fun, fast-paced, easy to consume with lots of twists and a storyline that puts a smile on your face. Five Stars!
2. Marvel vs DC or more like Game of Thrones. BA was like a Marvel tale - clear good guys, humor, while there were twists, they were expected. Cartographer is SO MUCH MORE, think Game of Thrones.
3. Dark and no humor, but a storyline you will never forget. When I read Quill, I was disappointed as I was thinking of BA. Instead, we have a reluctant hero - Oliver. He's the King's son, has little responsibility, is a womanizer, and only cares for himself. He is forced into investigating sorcery in a dirty dark little town in a time when all magic is illegal. He constantly tries to push any responsibility away to return to drinking, adventuring, and womanizing. During this time, he meets our heroine - Sam. She's a bi-sexual sorceress, also an alcoholic who is fighting to stay on the right path yet is being drawn down a dark path of society. Ironically, her job is to KILL people like herself! She too is reluctant and wants only to do things alone.
4. Good Guys vs Bad Guys. In BA - this was very clear - but not in the Cartographer. One minute a person is good, next they are hideously evil.
5. The Land. Think England in the late 1800's - the beginning of the industrial age. Cars are new, coal is used to power factories, the skies are polluted and most everything is dirty. However, Oliver is an adventurer and he is tasked to track down Sorcery - with Sam. We get to see and vividly experience the raw, beautiful, and also desolate land. AC is an amazing storyteller building worlds like few other can. One minute your in an England like setting, next the Caribbean, then the middle east and then the far north. The detail is all-encompassing.
6. Political Intrigue. Unline BA, there is far more political intrigue that drives the storyline. This is what makes this series so amazing. In the last book - Spirit, everything comes together. As you're reading this right now - you will be shocked. There is no way you will see the ending coming. Where BA is more about fighting, good vs evil - the Cartographer is so much more. To be more, you must learn and experience what the characters are feeling and thinking - from all levels. AC took a lot of time crafting this storyline using every piece in every book to finish the series.
7. Intelligent and Dark. AC was explaining while this series was his favorite (and his best work) - it did not do as well as BA. This makes sense. Personally, I loved BA and cannot wait for the new series this September (it will be more like BA vs Cartographer). However, I don't remember books like BA as I do books like Cartographer. This story was amazing. I just finished minutes ago and my mind is blown. The more complicated, intelligent, and dark books are, there will be fewer readers. I reluctantly vowed to finish Spirit- not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. Fortunately, I did and have such a greater appreciation for AC and this series.
8. READ THIS SERIES!!!! If you are a BA fan - prepare yourself for a new author. AC might be the same person, but he is an entirely different author in this series. Be prepared for a story that will be uncomfortable at times, always exciting, a bit gross, and always unexpected. When you finish Spirit - you'll understand why I'm been blown away.
9. To AC - Thank you! Thank you for not taking the easy path and gifting us this amazing series. I read many books - this series is one I will always remember.
March 13, 2021
I hesitated between 2 and 3 stars. The trilogie was good, although after reading 1500 pages, I still feel like the audience for these books is the late teenagers, with lots of eroticism to get them very interested. That shouldn't be a deterrent for me to liking it.
Specifically for this book, I really enjoyed the first part. The 2 main characters are well established now, their relationship is still evolving and Cobble is doing a good job on that. Where I feel cheated after dedicating my interest to these books for months is the big reveal, the resolution between the protagonists. A measly one chapter. And that reveal. I would compare the ending to a mix between the ending of IT (worst reveal in my opinion) and the demise of the White Walker king in GoT. I literally went to be upset after I finished that chapter. I was wondering if he really intended to have the same number of pages for each 3 books. So, the book got 3 stars because of the first part. I would put only 2 stars for the whole trilogie.
Specifically for this book, I really enjoyed the first part. The 2 main characters are well established now, their relationship is still evolving and Cobble is doing a good job on that. Where I feel cheated after dedicating my interest to these books for months is the big reveal, the resolution between the protagonists. A measly one chapter. And that reveal. I would compare the ending to a mix between the ending of IT (worst reveal in my opinion) and the demise of the White Walker king in GoT. I literally went to be upset after I finished that chapter. I was wondering if he really intended to have the same number of pages for each 3 books. So, the book got 3 stars because of the first part. I would put only 2 stars for the whole trilogie.
July 30, 2021
I have feelings about book series that are actually one complete book - by that I mean, books 1, 2, and 3 were not full stories in themselves, but were instead more like those TV shows from the 90s that you'd watch and get wrapped up in and then suddenly would flash "to be continued..." on the screen, basically forcing you to watch the following week. That is precisely what this book does. There is no complete story arc in any of the individual books - they are instead parts 1, 2, and 3 and you don't get any resolution until you've gotten to book 3. My brain is fried and this probably doesn't even make sense but I don't think trying any harder is going to help.
May 11, 2020
The Hidden Hand,
This series was one big murder mystery. We were all facing one way and the author waited until 3/4 of the way through book #3 before revealing the hidden puppetmaster. The reveal alone pushed this to 4 stars although the book had a rushed feel to it that took away from the suspense. I wonder if this will be the end. I could see another book in the world maybe years later.
Book Cover: 3/5
Favorite Line: "There is no life without death. There is no love without sacrifice. There is no balance without pressure."
This series was one big murder mystery. We were all facing one way and the author waited until 3/4 of the way through book #3 before revealing the hidden puppetmaster. The reveal alone pushed this to 4 stars although the book had a rushed feel to it that took away from the suspense. I wonder if this will be the end. I could see another book in the world maybe years later.
Book Cover: 3/5
Favorite Line: "There is no life without death. There is no love without sacrifice. There is no balance without pressure."
July 13, 2022
Originally, upon completion of the book, I gave a five star rating. But something in the structure of the novel did not fit.
I identified my issue with the novel after sleeping on it.
In my humble opinion, and I could be very wrong, the author ignored the structure of the universe he had built and in an attempt to have a grand ending introduced a deus ex machina to conclude the battle the was occurring. It shouldn't have been there and it grated on me.
The author is quite gifted and a proficient writer. The story line flows well and there are several unexpected twists and turns. However, it felt like the author took an easy way out for a conclusion. Draw your own conclusion.
I identified my issue with the novel after sleeping on it.
In my humble opinion, and I could be very wrong, the author ignored the structure of the universe he had built and in an attempt to have a grand ending introduced a deus ex machina to conclude the battle the was occurring. It shouldn't have been there and it grated on me.
The author is quite gifted and a proficient writer. The story line flows well and there are several unexpected twists and turns. However, it felt like the author took an easy way out for a conclusion. Draw your own conclusion.
November 6, 2021
Terrible. Just terrible. I should have trusted my instincts and stopped after book 1. But I guessed the ending and out of a misguided sense of pride I wanted to see if I was right. But UGH I should have let it go.
The book started off setting the mood with a gang rape and violent genocide and never really improved. Bad writing, bad editing, bad character development, bad world building. Just bad. Bad.
The book started off setting the mood with a gang rape and violent genocide and never really improved. Bad writing, bad editing, bad character development, bad world building. Just bad. Bad.
October 14, 2020
What a fantastic way to finish out the series, while also leaving the possibility of extending or branching off of the series with new adventures.
The ending pieces together the loose ends and ties the story together pretty well, but still leaves unanswered questions that I hope can be answered in future books that expand on this world.
The ending pieces together the loose ends and ties the story together pretty well, but still leaves unanswered questions that I hope can be answered in future books that expand on this world.
February 10, 2021
Superb
Cracking end to the series, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book in the Cartographer series and found Spirit particularly hard to put down. Good plot, excellent characters and a tale well told, what more can one ask? It feels like AC has left us the possibility of returning to ‘Duke’ in the future, and that’s no bad thing.
Cracking end to the series, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book in the Cartographer series and found Spirit particularly hard to put down. Good plot, excellent characters and a tale well told, what more can one ask? It feels like AC has left us the possibility of returning to ‘Duke’ in the future, and that’s no bad thing.
June 6, 2020
Three cheers to the current of life
Cobble has once again stunned me with his amazing storytelling, rich characters, and boundless love for the tales he tells. Couldn't ask for a single thing more, SO BLOODY GOOD!
Cobble has once again stunned me with his amazing storytelling, rich characters, and boundless love for the tales he tells. Couldn't ask for a single thing more, SO BLOODY GOOD!
July 20, 2020
A fiitting end
This book did what so many authors fail at doing, and did it brilliantly. It closed off the series neatly and tied up the loose ends without leaving the reader disappointed. I am excitedly awaiting the next series by AC.
This book did what so many authors fail at doing, and did it brilliantly. It closed off the series neatly and tied up the loose ends without leaving the reader disappointed. I am excitedly awaiting the next series by AC.
September 11, 2020
A convoluted murder mystery embedded in fantasy.
At the end, the hero rides off into the sunset.
The theme of country expansion to provide good government to the natives (what I provide is better for them) is the mantra of every ruler who ruled rather than serves.
At the end, the hero rides off into the sunset.
The theme of country expansion to provide good government to the natives (what I provide is better for them) is the mantra of every ruler who ruled rather than serves.
January 4, 2021
Rousing
A good tale, sharing a good story. And even a little food for thought. No worries, not too much, and not too preachy. Nothing in mentioning it for this fool. But, it is there.
Enjoy the swim.
A good tale, sharing a good story. And even a little food for thought. No worries, not too much, and not too preachy. Nothing in mentioning it for this fool. But, it is there.
Enjoy the swim.
January 9, 2021
Good Finish the the seties
It is a good finish the a great trilogy by A V Cobble, good read if you like good verses evil. Fast paced and you love the characters. Try something else from A C Cobble, what do you have to loose?
It is a good finish the a great trilogy by A V Cobble, good read if you like good verses evil. Fast paced and you love the characters. Try something else from A C Cobble, what do you have to loose?
December 9, 2021
Enjoyable
I loved the characters and enjoyed many late nights seeing where their paths went each chapter. I liked each chapter was from another perspective, and I really looked forward to Oliver's self discoveries.
I loved the characters and enjoyed many late nights seeing where their paths went each chapter. I liked each chapter was from another perspective, and I really looked forward to Oliver's self discoveries.
June 12, 2022
This is a good read for all
Loved the series .the characters, the relationship between Oliver and Sam.
Good read
Only thing that could make it better is a short recap at the beginning.
Loved the series .the characters, the relationship between Oliver and Sam.
Good read
Only thing that could make it better is a short recap at the beginning.
June 1, 2020
Good read
All three book flow smoothly to complete story which a good read. Only compliant was how quickly the ended. Almost three books of foreplay them 8 seconds to wind it up.
All three book flow smoothly to complete story which a good read. Only compliant was how quickly the ended. Almost three books of foreplay them 8 seconds to wind it up.
July 21, 2020
This was/is a fun series to go through. Cobble could be finished with the series but I think leaves it open if he wishes to move these characters on to new adventures.
August 29, 2020
Great read
Excellent series. Just hope there is more to come now that the author has opened the door to a brand new world!
Excellent series. Just hope there is more to come now that the author has opened the door to a brand new world!
February 1, 2021
Well I never saw that twist coming. I was expecting a bit more fir the final showdown but still this was a good trilogy and I really enjoyed it.
March 17, 2021
This one...had a satisfactory conclusion, I guess...but after the climax (huh!), it just seemed to fade away...
March 31, 2021
Loved it
This series deserves 5 stars. Although I would have liked a bit more exposition on druids and some more of druid powers. Other than that it was good.
This series deserves 5 stars. Although I would have liked a bit more exposition on druids and some more of druid powers. Other than that it was good.
July 14, 2021
I've quite enjoyed this series. Good characters, interesting plot and great world building.
May 10, 2020
great series, original, with engaging characters and complex themes. Wish there were more.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews