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Magelands Eternal Siege #5
Paths of Fire
Following his victory at the Falls of Iron, the champion Corthie Holdfast starts to believe he has a destiny. He is the chosen one, the hero who will defeat the Ascendants, and end their tyrannical rule of Lostwell.
As the Black Dragon tries to assemble an army from the wild and outlaw dragons of the Catacombs, the Gods of Implacatus plan their revenge, sending two Ascendants to regain control of Lostwell.
Their mission - to find the fabled Sextant, and to destroy the Holdfasts forever.
As the Black Dragon tries to assemble an army from the wild and outlaw dragons of the Catacombs, the Gods of Implacatus plan their revenge, sending two Ascendants to regain control of Lostwell.
Their mission - to find the fabled Sextant, and to destroy the Holdfasts forever.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2021
715 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Mitchell
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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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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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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 2, 2021
This was another fabulous book in the Magelands Eternal Siege saga. A bit slower to start than the others, but then maybe not since Corthie is fighting almost from the beginning. It's always fun to watch him rush headfirst into a battle, but he started to develop some leadership skills as well. At least, sometimes. When he remembered to communicate.
Maddie and Blackrose are still trying to recruit the wild dragons to their cause, leading to some interesting situations and alliances. And of course, Sable is causing trouble, but does she mean well? I guess we'll find out. Belinda just wants to know the truth, so she heads out on her own as well.
With the core group in so many different directions, will they be able to accomplish what they are after? Will they find a quadrant or the sextant? And will all the lies and secrets truly protect the others or will they cause resentment?
The world-building is exceptional as always. And Mitchell has once again made me love character types I don't tend to like in fantasy. This series is fantastic.
I received a free ARC and have reviewed it willingly.
Maddie and Blackrose are still trying to recruit the wild dragons to their cause, leading to some interesting situations and alliances. And of course, Sable is causing trouble, but does she mean well? I guess we'll find out. Belinda just wants to know the truth, so she heads out on her own as well.
With the core group in so many different directions, will they be able to accomplish what they are after? Will they find a quadrant or the sextant? And will all the lies and secrets truly protect the others or will they cause resentment?
The world-building is exceptional as always. And Mitchell has once again made me love character types I don't tend to like in fantasy. This series is fantastic.
I received a free ARC and have reviewed it willingly.
March 16, 2021
Another action-packed read. I don't know about anyone else but I'm starting to suspect that the Holdfast women all have a personality defect of some kind or another. Sable actually seems the most reasonable in this volume and that's saying a lot considering her history.
I'm still on Belinda's side and eager to find out how she's going to get out of the pickle she finds herself in. I'm not sure if she ever fully grasped sarcasm but she's becoming adept at lying.
The Ascendants (except for Belinda) deserve every bad thing that happens to them. I don't think we've met the "Blessed" Second Ascendant yet but he is often mentioned. (I can't remember if the First Ascendant's persona has ever been revealed) The Ascendants want to turn Corthie and Kelsey into lab rats to find out what makes them tick. "Only the gods" should have any kind of power. Yeah, right.
Maddie and Blackrose have a major role here. Silva is not as irritating as she was in the previous book.
Van and Sohul switch allegiances once their contract expires.
I was extremely dismayed at something that happens near the end of the book. I'm sure readers will know what I mean when they get to that point. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
P.S. - Who is on the cover?
I'm still on Belinda's side and eager to find out how she's going to get out of the pickle she finds herself in. I'm not sure if she ever fully grasped sarcasm but she's becoming adept at lying.
The Ascendants (except for Belinda) deserve every bad thing that happens to them. I don't think we've met the "Blessed" Second Ascendant yet but he is often mentioned. (I can't remember if the First Ascendant's persona has ever been revealed) The Ascendants want to turn Corthie and Kelsey into lab rats to find out what makes them tick. "Only the gods" should have any kind of power. Yeah, right.
Maddie and Blackrose have a major role here. Silva is not as irritating as she was in the previous book.
Van and Sohul switch allegiances once their contract expires.
I was extremely dismayed at something that happens near the end of the book. I'm sure readers will know what I mean when they get to that point. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
P.S. - Who is on the cover?
March 7, 2021
The saga continues....
This is not a stand alone story, you must read these books (at least this series from this world) in order to understand the storyline, where characters are and what is happening. If you try to jump in now your questions may detract from your enjoyment.
This is a series that just keeps getting better. The characters are so well formed and still they continue to surprise me. Christopher Mitchell weaves a multi-faceted universe with complex relationships and vivid descriptions. Reading these books you think you know how someone will react but they continue to keep me guessing. There are those seeking redemption and some past the point you think they could achieve it. Their motivations are all individualized and change as they evolve. I love seeing what choices they make.
The story also has an action packed storyline with magic and mystery. A must have (series) for any fantasy lover.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
This is not a stand alone story, you must read these books (at least this series from this world) in order to understand the storyline, where characters are and what is happening. If you try to jump in now your questions may detract from your enjoyment.
This is a series that just keeps getting better. The characters are so well formed and still they continue to surprise me. Christopher Mitchell weaves a multi-faceted universe with complex relationships and vivid descriptions. Reading these books you think you know how someone will react but they continue to keep me guessing. There are those seeking redemption and some past the point you think they could achieve it. Their motivations are all individualized and change as they evolve. I love seeing what choices they make.
The story also has an action packed storyline with magic and mystery. A must have (series) for any fantasy lover.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
March 7, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 28, 2021
This is more a 4.5 stars for me - it was really action packed, and full of character moments, but it took a while to get started. But geez, this book certainly doesn't disappoint! It gets super crazy, and feels hopeless near the end - but I have hope our favorite characters will make it out on top!
The character work is what is focused on the most in this book I'd say. Falls of Iron was more plot based, but this one wanted to set up emotional weight and more depth to the characters. I especially liked what was done with Corthie, Kelsey, and Belinda - though Belinda being an idiot halfway through the book really got me frustrated. I get she doesn't have the best judgment, and that's her whole story arc, figuring out who she is, but geez some of her decisions were really stupid and I hope they are rectified in book 3, as from reading the blurb, it seems like she will be the focal point of book 3. I hope she can set things right, and fix the war happening and take down these awful ascendants.
Poor Blackrose! My favorite plot was her, maddie, and Sable. All three are my favorite characters in this entire series, and I'm so happy that Sable joined up with Maddie and the dragon crew. Aila, who I liked in the first set of books, takes a bit of a back seat in this trilogy which kind of bums me out. But her and Corthie's relationship growth, I really like so it's alright.
One thing I will say, is that while a lot of action and crazy stakes happen in this series, I never feel like our main cast is in any danger. It feels highly telegraphed at times as to what will happen, for the express purpose of making sure they all get out alive. I don't mind that particularly, as I'm here for the ride and really don't want any characters I love dying, but it does take away from the story a fragment. If that sort of thing bothers you, I figured I'd bring it up. Like I said, I'd rather my favorite characters stay alive rather then dead so it works for me.
Can't say much about this book, since it's the middle of the 2nd trilogy, but it's a great read. Neither of these trilogies suffer from middle book syndrome, and everything in this book feels like it needs to happen. Whether it be to further character growth, or plot. I'm super excited to read book 3, and see how this trilogy wraps up. This is my favorite epic fantasy series hands down, and I'm so glad I discovered it.
The character work is what is focused on the most in this book I'd say. Falls of Iron was more plot based, but this one wanted to set up emotional weight and more depth to the characters. I especially liked what was done with Corthie, Kelsey, and Belinda - though Belinda being an idiot halfway through the book really got me frustrated. I get she doesn't have the best judgment, and that's her whole story arc, figuring out who she is, but geez some of her decisions were really stupid and I hope they are rectified in book 3, as from reading the blurb, it seems like she will be the focal point of book 3. I hope she can set things right, and fix the war happening and take down these awful ascendants.
Poor Blackrose! My favorite plot was her, maddie, and Sable. All three are my favorite characters in this entire series, and I'm so happy that Sable joined up with Maddie and the dragon crew. Aila, who I liked in the first set of books, takes a bit of a back seat in this trilogy which kind of bums me out. But her and Corthie's relationship growth, I really like so it's alright.
One thing I will say, is that while a lot of action and crazy stakes happen in this series, I never feel like our main cast is in any danger. It feels highly telegraphed at times as to what will happen, for the express purpose of making sure they all get out alive. I don't mind that particularly, as I'm here for the ride and really don't want any characters I love dying, but it does take away from the story a fragment. If that sort of thing bothers you, I figured I'd bring it up. Like I said, I'd rather my favorite characters stay alive rather then dead so it works for me.
Can't say much about this book, since it's the middle of the 2nd trilogy, but it's a great read. Neither of these trilogies suffer from middle book syndrome, and everything in this book feels like it needs to happen. Whether it be to further character growth, or plot. I'm super excited to read book 3, and see how this trilogy wraps up. This is my favorite epic fantasy series hands down, and I'm so glad I discovered it.
April 12, 2021
This series is just great! I am getting pulled in by the characters and their adventures and the events/stakes are really stacking up now. Go Sable and go Frostback! All I can say is that if you have not read any of these books, please do! I loved the development of Belinda and her inner struggles to reconcile her old and new self, and I also thought the Van/Kersey situation is very entertaining. And the Cortie/Aila story just keeps growing in unexpected directions. Naxor continues to be... well, Naxor. But I hope there's room for improvement, though his sly character is just perfect for a shovelful of predictable unpredictable twists and turns. Oh, and Blackrose please be well! I'm signing out and diving straight into the next book. NB, please note I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 23, 2022
The battle at the Falls of Iron sees our heroes victorious, but their struggles are far from over. The gods are not giving up on their desire to get back absolute control of every world, and it starts to seem like there may be little that mortal heroes can do to stop them. This wasn't my favorite book in the series, maybe because it focused a great deal on Corthie, who I personally have found to be the least interesting/developed of the protagonists. I don't even think it's because of the character, but something about the way he was initially introduced amidst so many other characters means he never quite sticks out to me. However, there are many wonderful things about this volume. The question of the gods' morality: their absolute power, and the ways they have used and misused it, is a very interesting one, and it continues to be explored in fascinating depth here.
January 2, 2022
Lots of twists
The storyline continues.I think Maddie and van would be good together,I think that's who he loves (later) in the vision Kelsey saw I think it was her brothers baby she was holding that's the bond she felt and van is becoming close to the family so he will be showing love.I hope they are not gone for 9 months.I'm fed up of poor alia having to not be with her guy.I would of thought Maddie would go back to get Dragon with device sable showed her how it works.not sure why Belinda went with them?I guess it's because she is a trained spy too? Poor blackness I wanted someone to save her
The storyline continues.I think Maddie and van would be good together,I think that's who he loves (later) in the vision Kelsey saw I think it was her brothers baby she was holding that's the bond she felt and van is becoming close to the family so he will be showing love.I hope they are not gone for 9 months.I'm fed up of poor alia having to not be with her guy.I would of thought Maddie would go back to get Dragon with device sable showed her how it works.not sure why Belinda went with them?I guess it's because she is a trained spy too? Poor blackness I wanted someone to save her
August 25, 2023
Another episode in the Magelands Eternal Siege series. We learn more about the various worlds, meet more Ascendants - the original gods from whom all others came. We also meet more Holdfasts. Battles, betrayals, god powers galore. None of the characters are 100% likeable, but they have enough good features that you root for them. The pace speeds up as we get further an further into the book. I find myself hating the Ascendants (most of them anyway) and hoping that the Holdfasts can eliminate their arrogant, uncaring souls.
February 25, 2021
Corthie , what did you do ? Even battle vision sometimes is NOT enough.! Will the falls of Iron fall ? Who will avenge the dead ? How can the Holdfast's withstand whats coming ? I am an Honest ARC reviewer This series is an epic Fantasy masterpiece !!! the Magic , god-lings, Dragon's and Battles grab a hold of the reader and mesmerize them. You will become immersed in this one so snuggle in and get reading.
Read
March 9, 2021Based on receiving advance copy from Author. This book has been fun to read. It grabs your attention with the action and intrigue, storyline continues from previous books in series but really makes you wait with anticipation for continuance. Corthie and Kelsey continue to surprise with their actions.
Good read.
Good read.
March 24, 2021
It's difficult to understand why this wonderful series has so few ratings.
Every one the books in this and the previous series has been engrossing, but I enjoyed this one most of all - couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. Can't wait for the next in the series, which will be out towards the end of April.
Every one the books in this and the previous series has been engrossing, but I enjoyed this one most of all - couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. Can't wait for the next in the series, which will be out towards the end of April.
April 28, 2021
Paths of Fire (Magelands Eternal Siege, #5), my seventh read from author Christopher Mitchell. When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
August 4, 2021
I’m stopping now. This one was even more awful. It got vaguely interesting for a second when Corthie died, but then onwards it went into more muck.
Basically, all shit dialogue, or action. No pacing, no character dev and all emotion is limited to the line “a tear ran down her cheek” - utter bollocks. They have the emotional capacity of snails.
Basically, all shit dialogue, or action. No pacing, no character dev and all emotion is limited to the line “a tear ran down her cheek” - utter bollocks. They have the emotional capacity of snails.
July 2, 2023
I enjoyed this installment of the Magelands Eternal Siege as much as I've enjoyed all of the others. In other words, I can't get enough.
Without divulging any of the story, I will say that I particularly enjoy the non-curse curses often muttered by one of my favorite characters, Maddie, such as: "Malik's ear trumpet" and "Malik's squidgy bits". These interjections of humor help lighten some of the intense actions going on at the time. Well done!
Without divulging any of the story, I will say that I particularly enjoy the non-curse curses often muttered by one of my favorite characters, Maddie, such as: "Malik's ear trumpet" and "Malik's squidgy bits". These interjections of humor help lighten some of the intense actions going on at the time. Well done!
March 11, 2021
Another great book in this series...a continuation of Lostwell with all the main characters evolving and continuing on a path to freedom from the old Gods. So looking forward to the next book to see how this evolves. Great reading and keeping you involved
March 12, 2021
Corthie believes it is his destiny to defeat the “gods” that oppress the people. He tries to enlist the help of his aunt, sister, girlfriend, dragons and various others. There is so much nail biting suspense and action in this book you won’t want to put it down!
June 6, 2021
Magelands Epic = the Epic refers to the levels of disappointment you feel at the end of Book 5… it could have been so much more sophisticated, but follows a fantasy formula that I could have written myself.
September 30, 2021
And the series continues
The story of Corthie Holdfast continues in this 6th book in the series. Just as good if not better than the ones preceding it. I encourage you to continue reading this very original and and captivating series.
The story of Corthie Holdfast continues in this 6th book in the series. Just as good if not better than the ones preceding it. I encourage you to continue reading this very original and and captivating series.
February 23, 2023
Fates and failure
Don't believe the hype and stay humble.
The war of the gods and mortals continue. With death following behind.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Don't believe the hype and stay humble.
The war of the gods and mortals continue. With death following behind.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
October 30, 2024
3.5 - I keep going between; this is not deep enough to - I really like this. I think the 3rd person POV plays into this, plus the general writing style of this author.
Story keeps to be intriguing enough to want me to keep going!
Story keeps to be intriguing enough to want me to keep going!
March 7, 2021
This continuation of the story was exciting and shocking.
March 16, 2021
What a great series! The characters and world building are amazing.
April 18, 2022
This is a good and entertaining read. You'll enjoy it. Be warned through it is different from other books. Good Reading Everyone!
December 31, 2022
4 1/2 stars
September 16, 2025
A bit slower than the other books, dragged on. Still a good storyline
October 27, 2025
Loving the perspectives I'm getting in this one! And all the new tangles with old enemies that are maybe new allies or maybe not! Good characters and a very intriguing story!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews