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Vesik #16
The Book of the Blade
A forbidden magic. A hidden world. Two mages journey to a realm not meant for mortals.
The magic needed to save Damian requires three coins. One of which is from a world not their own. Thankfully, Cornelius, an elder blood mage, knows the way.
After passing through a Seal between worlds, Beth and Cornelius realize traversing the strange new realm will require the help of a Sage. But all is not well in the Shadowed Lands. Eldritch influence is seeping in, diminishing their powers, and threatening the realm's very existence.
To learn more of the coin, Beth and Cornelius must stand with the Sage, but the price of knowledge may be their souls.
The magic needed to save Damian requires three coins. One of which is from a world not their own. Thankfully, Cornelius, an elder blood mage, knows the way.
After passing through a Seal between worlds, Beth and Cornelius realize traversing the strange new realm will require the help of a Sage. But all is not well in the Shadowed Lands. Eldritch influence is seeping in, diminishing their powers, and threatening the realm's very existence.
To learn more of the coin, Beth and Cornelius must stand with the Sage, but the price of knowledge may be their souls.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
25 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Eric R. Asher
58 books666 followersEric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including the Vesik urban fantasy series and the YA steampunk series, Steamborn. Look for his upcoming cozy fantasy, The Theme Park at the End of the World, in 2024. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 1, 2020
Another great in this series. You’re just lost in the intrigue and what happens next. Definitely ready for more.
August 13, 2020
The Book of the Blade is the sixteenth book in the Vesick series. This should not be read as a standalone. There is violence. I am loving these shorter books in the Vesick series. It is interesting to see many of the other characters as they try to save both Damien and the world.
August 11, 2020
Travels to another world
The 16th book of the Vesik series and the next installment of the _Books of the Dead_, _The Book of the Blade_ continues the search for the Titans' coins needed to save the necromancer, Damian Vesik.
The blood mages, Cornelius and Beth use their sanguinary powers to travel to the Shadowed Lands in pursuit of the cale. In the other world, they face trials that have them facing Eldritch threats that not only endanger the Shadowed Lands but all other worlds. At great cost, they succeed to be a degree and it leads to the next step of the search as time runs short for Damian Vesik and his allies. As always, the threat of Gwynn ap Nudd looms over all.
As with the recent installments, Eric R. Asher continues the development of of the other characters in the series - primarily in this instance the blood mage Beth. He continues to develop their personalities, emotions and relationships making their reality more keenly felt by the reader. He also adds more depth and breadth to the already complex lore of his world. It all adds up to making the _The Book of the Blade_ an enjoyable to and exciting read.
The 16th book of the Vesik series and the next installment of the _Books of the Dead_, _The Book of the Blade_ continues the search for the Titans' coins needed to save the necromancer, Damian Vesik.
The blood mages, Cornelius and Beth use their sanguinary powers to travel to the Shadowed Lands in pursuit of the cale. In the other world, they face trials that have them facing Eldritch threats that not only endanger the Shadowed Lands but all other worlds. At great cost, they succeed to be a degree and it leads to the next step of the search as time runs short for Damian Vesik and his allies. As always, the threat of Gwynn ap Nudd looms over all.
As with the recent installments, Eric R. Asher continues the development of of the other characters in the series - primarily in this instance the blood mage Beth. He continues to develop their personalities, emotions and relationships making their reality more keenly felt by the reader. He also adds more depth and breadth to the already complex lore of his world. It all adds up to making the _The Book of the Blade_ an enjoyable to and exciting read.
July 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this next chapter in the Vesik series. When building a universe, there are generally so many characters that can get ignored or underutilized, and this book makes sure that doesn't happen. Cornelius and Beth are important, but not very often seen characters in the Veski Universe, and this is their time to shine! I loved this adventure and seeing a kind of behind the curtains of their powers that gave both them and the world in general more depth and complexity. With no spoilers given, this books ends in a way that I can't wait to start the Book of the Fang!
August 12, 2020
The release of this book is bittersweet as it puts us closer to the end. I really want these books to be released but I don't want them to end.
This book was an extreme nail biter and I was close to tears. It is such a hard tale to tell and there is bound to be drama heartache. I try so hard not to devour these books but it's difficult. The story has progressed so much that we are in the thick of it and the finish line is in sight. It's going to be a sad day and a happy one at the same time. I can't wait!
This book was an extreme nail biter and I was close to tears. It is such a hard tale to tell and there is bound to be drama heartache. I try so hard not to devour these books but it's difficult. The story has progressed so much that we are in the thick of it and the finish line is in sight. It's going to be a sad day and a happy one at the same time. I can't wait!
August 29, 2020
As with all the Vesik series, the energy starts on the first page and never stops. So many paranormal series are all the same, but with the Vesik series, it is the characters that make me keep reading. Characters everyone can identify with…fae, vampire, the human who is just going with the flow, mermaids, dragons, ghosts and ghost parrots, werewolves, mages, gods…and you will fall in love with them. I always enjoy tagging along with this sarcastic band of misfits while they try to save the world and cause “minimal” damage along the way.
September 7, 2020
The universe expands into the shadows
I am really loving these fast paced Books of the Dead. Not only are we getting a deeper view of the characters, we are getting to see more of this world. In this book, we learn about the Shadowed Lands. This book doesn’t have as much humor as the last few, and in this installment, we feel the price of the battle more than the other books. I really enjoy the feeling of family between all of the allies who have come together. We continue hurtling toward the conclusion...can’t wait to read the next one!
I am really loving these fast paced Books of the Dead. Not only are we getting a deeper view of the characters, we are getting to see more of this world. In this book, we learn about the Shadowed Lands. This book doesn’t have as much humor as the last few, and in this installment, we feel the price of the battle more than the other books. I really enjoy the feeling of family between all of the allies who have come together. We continue hurtling toward the conclusion...can’t wait to read the next one!
July 13, 2020
Eric R. Asher brings us to yet another realm. This time with blood mages Cornelius and Beth. Beth is eager to use her powers when being challenged. Cornelius must show her to how tamper down her eagerness and not kill herself unduly. Disappointment, Great Sorrow, and Vengeance are all apart of this book as well as Strength when a new Alliance is forged. Grab this book to see where their adventure takes them AND you!
I was given this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily giving this review.
I was given this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily giving this review.
August 23, 2020
the stakes rise
going to the Blazing Lands to find the last coin is a mission for the blood mages. right at the start, the bladess were deep. and once in the Lands, the cuts were permanent. but Beth is strengthened by her new friends and brings back.....well, just what Sam always wanted.
the dance speeds up. Eric has brought everyone together in a tense but good way. Damien, your friends and your author love you
going to the Blazing Lands to find the last coin is a mission for the blood mages. right at the start, the bladess were deep. and once in the Lands, the cuts were permanent. but Beth is strengthened by her new friends and brings back.....well, just what Sam always wanted.
the dance speeds up. Eric has brought everyone together in a tense but good way. Damien, your friends and your author love you
July 3, 2020
Blood mages (magi?) Beth and Cornelius journey to the Shadowlands, the source of their magical powers. They seek another of the powerful artifacts needed to save Damian Vesik. This realm and its inhabitants guard one of the seals which keep most of the Eldritch things out of our world, but the land face a danger of their own.
August 11, 2020
Each grand adventure to save the world requires sacrifice and suffering. All we can do is endure and hope for a successful outcome.
With each book, I think the author has reached the ultimate level of edge of your seat action and drama. Then I read the next time one and am blown away again. Eric Asher has a true gift and talent and I’m thankful he shares it with us.
With each book, I think the author has reached the ultimate level of edge of your seat action and drama. Then I read the next time one and am blown away again. Eric Asher has a true gift and talent and I’m thankful he shares it with us.
July 13, 2020
Wow! Massive magics! New friends and battle-buddies! And deep sacrifice and loss..
It's a fantastic story! So happy I found this author and his stories!
You're gonna need a hanky though, so be prepared..
Highest recommendations from me!!
It's a fantastic story! So happy I found this author and his stories!
You're gonna need a hanky though, so be prepared..
Highest recommendations from me!!
August 11, 2020
Emotional, dangerous, surprising...getting closer to the end game. Nothing comes easy, the closer we come to the end, the harder things get...the more lives are lost. The strength in these allies continues to astound me. Can't wait to see what happens next!
August 12, 2020
I am loving all of the Vesik "Book of the... " books. Each centers on a different character in the Vesik series, but still nicely moves the story along. If you have gotten to this point, read it NOW! If you have not, then get caught up by binge reading the whole lot of them.
August 13, 2020
Another adventurous step in the quest to get Vesik back. I cannot wait for this story arc to merge with the arc of the main storyline, the tension is killing me.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
August 16, 2020
Nudd's balls
Soon they will be removed and the world can go to sleep a better place. In the meantime, another good tale from different characters in the Vesik world. Laughs, cries and the occasional marshmallow!
Soon they will be removed and the world can go to sleep a better place. In the meantime, another good tale from different characters in the Vesik world. Laughs, cries and the occasional marshmallow!
June 29, 2020
Again Eric has outdone himself, A very excellent story I was interested in the Shadowlands.
August 12, 2020
So close
I love this series and this story brings us one step closer to the answers we have been waiting for.
I love this series and this story brings us one step closer to the answers we have been waiting for.
August 13, 2020
The pieces are coming together as Beth and Cornelius tell their story. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next installment.
**FREE DAMIAN**
**FREE DAMIAN**
August 16, 2020
Another action packed book from Eric Asher in the Vesik series. This is a quick read that kept me turning the pages. This is one of my favorite series and authors.
September 4, 2020
Go buy the book, seriously.
Yeahhhhhhhh, I said it. Go buy it! Actually, go buy the whole series! Hurry up, adventure awaits you within these electronic or paper halls!
Yeahhhhhhhh, I said it. Go buy it! Actually, go buy the whole series! Hurry up, adventure awaits you within these electronic or paper halls!
July 15, 2020
Another excellent chapter in the Books of the Dead. It was a treat to see more of 2 of the lesser involved characters in Beth and Cornelius. Beth definitely leveled up bigtime while in the Shadow Land. I always love the character interplay that makes up a big chunk of the stories.
August 21, 2020
Favorite one yet.
Wow! What a ride! The Book of the Blade is my favorite so far in The Book of the Dead novellas. Non stop nail biting action cover to cover. And when the Innkeeper unleashes her power... Holy Hell. Another 5 star installment from Eric Asher.
Wow! What a ride! The Book of the Blade is my favorite so far in The Book of the Dead novellas. Non stop nail biting action cover to cover. And when the Innkeeper unleashes her power... Holy Hell. Another 5 star installment from Eric Asher.
August 12, 2020
This installement of the Books of the Dead takes us into The Shadowlands with Cornelius and Beth. A dangerous journey but necessary if there is any hope of saving Damien. The two mages face dangers and enemies and have to grow within themselves.
A powerful and absorbing chapter in the story, which is impossible to put down.
A powerful and absorbing chapter in the story, which is impossible to put down.
August 23, 2025
I really liked this book. I liked learning more about the blood mages magic system.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews