The Prince's Blade

Magelands Eternal Siege #3

by Christopher Mitchell

The nightmare has begun… but where is the Black Dragon?

After a thousand years, the Eternal Enemy has breached the Great Walls, devastating great swathes of the City. Thousands lie dead, while the survivors huddle behind the old and decaying walls of the inner defences.

With the greenhides on one side, and the corrupt and cruel regime of the ruling Gods on the other, the people of the City await their end.

All that stands in the way is a disgraced Champion, a tortured God and two Mortals from a forgotten legend…

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Dragons, Epic Fantasy, Ebooks

434 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2020

About the author

For news and special offers you can join my mailing list through my website where you will receive a FREE copy of From the Ashes , a Magelands prequel novella.

About Me

I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…

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Reviews

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25

With the greenhides breaching the city’s fallen walls on one side, and the corrupt and cruel ruling Gods on the other, the people of the City await their end.
All that stands in the way is a disgraced Champion, a tortured God and two Mortals from a forgotten legend…
And where’s the black dragon with rage as hot as her fire?

This book was a lot more action heavy with military tactics and politics. I think I preferred the previous two books as I feel there were more fun and meaningful character interactions. This book was more focused on the wider world, forces and consequences.

Per usual, Mitchell is an expert at crafty, entertaining dialogue.

'Blackrose!' she cried. 'Wake up.'
One of the dragon's eyes cracked open.
‘This had better be an emergency.'
'It is. I'm fed up.’

'So you were nearly killed by seagulls?'

Funny, how I was nearly killed, but not from any greenhide attack, but by a damn wall.'
'Yes, I'm sure Aila will find it hilarious.’

What a satisfying book pulling together all the threads, hints and characters we have been introduced to throughout the series!!
I can’t believe this series is being slept on - Mitchell is a master at creating a fun, epic high fantasy with loveable, relatable characters!!

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[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of the best series I have read in a long time. I stayed awake until after 3 a.m. to finish it. The characters are easy to love or hate (I'm looking at you, god-queen) It seems like just when you think a situation is resolved, something unexpected occurs that turns everything upside down.

It was interesting to learn more about the greenhides and their social structure, not to mention how they were introduced to this planet.

Belinda's arrival and subsequent involvement in everyone's lives was a treat. She is so pragmatic about who she was versus who she is. She will be beyond a force to be reckoned with if she ever gets all of her powers back.

I enjoyed Corthie and Aila and Danny and Emily's relationships. Emily, especially, seems to take her responsibilities very seriously and is willing to sacrifice all to protect "her" people.

Maddie and Rosie have escaped with Blackrose but can't avoid the situations evolving in the City. They make a discovery at their refuge that will change their world.

I can't forget to mention Yendra and her amazing rescue and recovery. Another champion for the downtrodden.

Now I just have to wait until February for the next installment.

[Vimbai Tungwarara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*. One of the best series I've read in a while. I binged this and stayed up late, love it.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another 4 🌟

Good conclusion to the first story arc of the Mageland Eternal Series .
There were some convenient plot turns and few plot lines moving too fast but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fun fast paced trilogy overall .

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read

A fast pace read. Very well written. Christopher Mitchell brings this story to life. He pulls all the characters together on a journey to stand an fights the evil at there door.

[Berls · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this series apparently goes on for several more books, but I feel like this was a trilogy within the series, because I'm satisfied with this as an ending point. I can see space for a lot of spin-off stories for sure and maybe that's what the rest of the series is? But for me, this is a great conclusion. Which is good, because this is also the last book I have so far :)

And can I say it went from good (book 1) to great (book 2) to FANTASTIC (this book).. dare I say Epic?

The whole time you've been feeling and predicting how all these characters who are essentially fighting for the same thing will finally get intertwined and in this book it FINALLY happens. And not at all how I expected. The greenhide threat has reached max and people are fleeing for their lives. Battles are happening everywhere. And the characters we met back in book 1 are all showing their true colors. Emily and Daniel Aurelian are the stars of the show for me... favorites since the beginning.

It was non-stop excitement, a few moments where I was brought to actual tears and a few times I sat in the car when I reached my destination so I could just finish the chapter. I feel like I'm not fully describing the book, but there's just so much about it that would be spoiler... all I can say is - if you enjoy fantasy - epic fantasy - this is definitely a series worth picking up. These first 3 books are making my top books of 2021 list for sure!

And boy am I glad I listened to these books. The narration was great and I grew to have an even greater appreciation for Shaun Grindell's accents. Turns out, the accents are an identifier of class in this world and play an actual important part in the plot of this book. Thanks to his narration, it made sense and I could actually HEAR what they were talking about. Brilliant!

[Jane Shand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the characters and the setting in these books and couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them and the City. I was not disappointed. Greenhides everywhere, ruthless Gods and Goddesses, conflict within the city for mortals and gods alike. Plus a very satisfactory ending for this trilogy which the the first 3 books of a long series (Magelands Eternal Siege). I will undoubtedly be buying all the books eventually. If you like great characters and action packed epic fantasy give this series a go!

[James Harwood-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming a little repetitive with how much I love this series. Three books done now and each one so fun and action filled. This one as great as the first two and ends with such a powerful climax. Absolutely adore the characters within. Much much recommended.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit!

The Prince's Blade is the third book in the Magelands Eternal Siege series. I would highly recommend reading this series in order just so you are familiar with the characters and the wonderful world that's been created. If you try to read this as a stand alone you will still enjoy it but would be missing part of the experience.

The characters will be people you care about, they continue to grow and even make some choices you may not see coming. The story is quick paced and has everything you're looking for in a good fantasy read. We have magic, dragons and adventure. There are mortals and Gods and the classic good vs. evil dynamic that is never as simple as you think it will be. Once you pick up this story you will become fully immersed, I wasn't able to put it down. I could really see this becoming a great fantasy series or even movie franchise.

I received an advanced copy of this story from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! I started this series a bit uncertain about several of the characters, but by the end, I love all of them! The transformations and twists in the story have been fantastic as well! The best part was that you have gods and humans (and possibly a dragon) all fighting together. Princess Yendra is alive - surprise! Although she is one of the god children, she has always been a champion of the people and returns to fight for them despite 300 years of imprisonment and the false accusations that followed her "death." She is a remarkable character, and you can't help but cheer for her. After leaving the city without a backward glance, Blackrose and the Jackdaw sisters find the nearest source of the greenhides (think giant armored ants that are green) and decide to do something about it. Corthie becomes the champion of Icehaven and is finally reunited with Aila, who escapes and is recaptured by the God-Queen. Jade finally becomes useful...in exchange for a cat. And Daniel and Emily, a couple that defies caste, are amassing a following that rivals that of the gods. It seems that humans are ready to take back their city. Princess Yendra and Aila are behind them, but most of the gods are sketchy if not downright evil. Will they be able to take down the gods on one side and the greenhides on the other? And can humans and gods coexist or will one group be destroyed in the process?

I loved this series. I know I often say that this isn't what I usually read, but there was so much fighting throughout the series! And I still loved it! The creativity of the story, of the landscape, of the characters left me totally wowed! I can't wait to read whatever Christopher Mitchell writes next!

I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly.

[Crystal D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, start to finish. The characters and plot stay amazing, and it's just a fantastic ride that I was on the edge of my seat for the entire time. I was so happy to see our cast of characters come together to stop the threats in the city, and it concluded very satisfactorily. I won't say much more then that, as it would have major spoilers otherwise.

I will say that the author utilizes every character, and every plot point set up to perfection. Tiny little things that happened in books before make sense eventually, and it's not in a forced way, but in a way that makes sense. Supporting characters all do their part and feel well fleshed out, and don't overstay their welcome. The villains are detestable, as they should be, and the main cast is a joy to see grow and interact with one another.

I wasn't aware of this before getting to the end of the book, but while this is technically a six book series, it's two three book series' put together in one world setting with the same characters, if that makes sense. So the Mortal Blade arc finishes in this book, and book 4 is going to start a new story arc, with a batch of characters from this trilogy. I'm glad to see that being the case, as I prefer not to read long series' so having it split up like this, and starting a fresh story with characters I love is going to be a lot of fun. Can't wait to see what they get up to in their new adventures!

But yeah, I love this fantasy series. It's the first one I've read from this author, and I intend to read more from him as I really enjoy everything about these books. Pick it up if you want epic fantasy somewhere between old school and modern fair.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the earlier Magelands series, but I'm really enjoying this series-within-the-series. The earlier series takes place elsewhere (elsewhen?), so the worldbuilding here is all different from that one. I thought it was done quite well. I like the characters, for the most part. The only thing I didn't care for was making one of the bad guys a good guy at the end. We had been shown his evil and corruption throughout the 3 books (s0 far), so when his attitude changed at the end, it just seemed too easy, somehow. We never got to see inside his mind, or observe his thought processes. He was evil for 2 3/4 books and then just says "No. I'm not going to do this anymore", and almost all the heroes are okay with this and forgive him. The other bad guys, though, were evil through and through.

I know there is at least one more book to this series and when I get done, I will read the first series.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author, but all thoughts and statements are my own.

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This is a comprehensive review, covering the Magelands Eternal Siege 1-3**
Disclaimer: I read the Magelands Epic and Magelands Eternal Siege (first trilogy) back-to-back, and I may have reached a certain Mitchell-fatigue.
I enjoyed the Epic (OK, the first eight books more than the last four) – the execution is not pitch-perfect (e.g., instalove; plot avenues left unexplored; questions left unanswered; unnecessary, and even worse, uncapitalised characters’ deaths; cardboard enemy), but there is so much potential. Terrific use of cliff-hangers and humour – there are quite a number of witty exchanges and quirky figures in Epic. In comparison, the Blade set falls flat like a greasy pancake.
The whole trilogy reads like a draft, especially The Prince’s Blade. Some of the dialogues are almost nonsensical (I get that most of the characters are teenagers, but…really?) and the conclusion is unsatisfactory. The world itself is claustrophobic being basically limited to the City and its dystopian sectors. The lack of physical descriptions and differentiation in modes of expression muddles the characters (especially the minor ones) to the point of interchangeability. Even the infinity numbers of the Eternal Enemy become conveniently finite at the end (I mean, a nest down and we magically got rid of all the trillions allegedly roaming on the planet?).
I follow Christopher and I know he is working at breakneck speed (28 books in less than 3 years. Impressive to say the least), and I now worry that productivity may trump quality. I am not referring to typos (remarkably few), but to plot and characterisation.
The Lostwell trilogy is already in my e-reader – what can I say, I am a loyal reader – I will get to it eventually. I sincerely hope the whole Blade situation was just a slip an

[spanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I honestly felt like the series could stop here and the reader would be satisfied. It looks like there a ton of other books, so if you don't want to keep reading this is a good ending place. Everything worked out nicely, though it did take a lot of hard work and effort. The only thing that bothered me is that at times I wanted more. Like there is a time when Aila talks to Corthie about living on his home world but the author didn't let us in on that moment. I would have loved to have been able to read about how that conversation went. I also would have loved to have read Daniel's viewpoint. He was my favorite character because he had the most growth over the three books. So, I would have liked to have his viewpoint. But honestly, the book was fine without those parts, it was just something that I personally would have thought made it amazing. It was amazing without the them. Definitely worth the read.

[Gordon Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping climax to the Blade trilogy.

Where previous books spanned several months the action here frantically covers less than a couple of weeks. There is good reason for this as time is desperately running out for The City and its inhabitants.

The quick pace and energy of this book made for a very quick read. I could hardly put it down. Great to see some characters finally get their reward and others justly get their comeuppance. Reborn legends mixed in with youthful eagerness and a stubborn old dragon proved to be a very satisfying match against the selfish aristocracy and the eternal enemy.

There are some hints of things to come and a bit more backstory clues of how things came to be so I am very much looking forward to continue reading the Magelands Eternal Siege to see how these flesh out.

[L.L. Thomsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one kept me reading way past bedtime just to finish it. Just when you think you might have guessed what will happen, something different happens, which is such a thrill because this story is just so unique. Will the Aurelians survive and lead the people to safety as foretold? Will Cortie and Aila be reunited? Will Maddie and Blackrose rise to the occasion or will the city fall to the monsters? Oh so many questions - but they all get answered and with plenty of emotions and actions to go round too! Another hit from Mitchell! NB - I was given an ARC of this book. I have reviewed because I wanted to and my opinions are completely my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has had everything you could want in an epic adventure series. This story has as much great world building as Lord of the Rings. The characters are champions, Gods and there be dragons how could this story not be awesome. If you have read the other books in this series you will not disappointed, if you read this as a standalone you will fall for the characters. I really enjoyed this series and with the troubles going on right now this is a bit of escapism at it's best. I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, fantastic, phenomenal!!! The world building is amazing! This is the third book in the Magelands Eternal series. You honestly should start at the beginning so that you’re familiar with all the wonderful characters that the author has created! The story is fast paced, so many twists and turns. This is a fantasy story with magic and dragons, good vs evil, action, suspense, drama, etc. I was gifted an advanced copy by the author, thank you so much for letting me read your story. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The city has fallen, and evil gods have taken over, putting our protaganists' lives and freedom in peril. I did find this one a bit difficult to read, especially with some of the ways that Aila faced, and talked about the danger of, sexual violence. The story completely justifies its new, darker tone, however, and there are still many charming moments between its wonderful characters. I also really enjoyed getting to see the cosmology unfold, with all the different gods, their myths and powers, slowly being revealed to the reader. And I can't wait for more!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Eternal Enemy breaches the Great Walls after a millennium, devastating the City and leaving survivors behind decaying inner defenses. Amidst this chaos, a disgraced Champion, a tortured God, and two mortals from legend emerge as the last hope against both the monstrous greenhides and the oppressive regime of the ruling Gods. Maddie and Rosie, having escaped with the dragon Blackrose, uncover a transformative secret in their refuge. The novel delves into themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the complexities of power, setting the stage for the series' subsequent developments.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like I was watching a movie in my head!! This story has everything you want in a book. If you have dragons, endless amounts of meat-eating creatures, zombie-like soldiers, mortals of different factions, demi-gods and Gods, expect battles of epic proportions, romance, good vs. evil, and a ton of adventure!! What I really appreciated was the humor interwoven in the book as well! All around fun!
I did receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Roger]

The Prince's Blade (Magelands Eternal Siege, #3), my fourth read from author Christopher Mitchell. The third book in the epic picks up seamlessly from where book two left off. All I can say is WOW! When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. I look forward to reading more from this author, I look forward to the publication of Falls of Iron (Magelands Eternal Siege, #4), the next book in the epic. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Highly recommended

The world building and characters were great, and I especially love the number of strong women in this series. If I had a daughter, I would read this with her. This book is amazing on so many different genres: fantasy, military sci fi, sci fi, and even romance. I'm surprised that this is considered YA because of the intricacy. As the final book in this trilogy, it ties up the plot lines and hit it out of the ballpark.

[Gale Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Finally, I after an exuberant amount of destruction and devastation, positive things finally started to happen because of the choices that brave humans and a few gods and demigods had worked hard to produce. Now with a human king and queen reigning over the lands, a major shift awaits the kingdom. But what will happen to the champion and the dragon who are the other lands? We will have to wait and see the upcoming books!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I couldn't wait to for this to come out so i could continue the story of the heroes and the majestic Blackrose.
What happens next, how will the characters interact finally, as some hadn't met yet in the last book. Finally the pieces of the puzzle slot in and evolve.
Beautifully written and kept me in suspense until the end. Well done as often the finale is predictable!!

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! The Gods are in a battle to keep the mortals in slavery. The mortals are battling greenhides on one front and the Gods on the other. Corthie just wants Aila back and will do anything to find her. So much action in this book. I didn’t want to put it down and would lose myself in it for hours.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A “disgraced Champion, a tortured God and two Mortals from a forgotten legend…”. How could one resist that? I certainly could not, and I’m awfully happy I didn’t as this book was frankly superb, with a perfectly plotted well written story filled with great characters. Totally fun and totally recommended.

[A Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was well-written and fast paced and made it difficult to put the book down. However, the characters still had little-to-no development which made them and their dialogue boring, though the character backgrounds are varied. There were also plenty of typos throughout the work. This is book three, more effort should have been put in at this point.

[Philip Spick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fantasy romp

Not to my view, a David Gemmell or similar top of my author list, but an entertaining and enjoyable story. If you enjoy a good story and like your heroic swordsman,this is recommended for you. Christopher writes through a raft of characters and brings them to life. Not everything was as good as I might have wished but a well worth a read.