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Servant Mage
Fellian is a Lamplighter, able to provide illumination through magic. A group of rebel Monarchists free her from indentured servitude and take her on a journey to rescue trapped compatriots from an underground complex of mines.
Along the way they get caught up in a conspiracy to kill the latest royal child and wipe out the Monarchist movement for good.
But Fellian has more than just her Lamplighting skills up her sleeve…
In Kate Elliott's Servant Mage, a lowly fire mage finds herself entangled in an empire-spanning conspiracy on her way to discovering her true power.
Along the way they get caught up in a conspiracy to kill the latest royal child and wipe out the Monarchist movement for good.
But Fellian has more than just her Lamplighting skills up her sleeve…
In Kate Elliott's Servant Mage, a lowly fire mage finds herself entangled in an empire-spanning conspiracy on her way to discovering her true power.
164 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2022
89 people are currently reading
9293 people want to read
About the author
Kate Elliott
108 books2,889 followersAs a child in rural Oregon, Kate Elliott made up stories because she longed to escape to a world of lurid adventure fiction. She now writes fantasy, steampunk, and science fiction, often with a romantic edge. She currently lives in Hawaii, where she paddles outrigger canoes and spoils her schnauzer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
August 23, 2021
i saw praise from s.a. chakraborty and i couldnt request an ARC fast enough.
i think the concept is unique and the characters are definitely intriguing, but it all only feels surface level. i dont think the short length and it being a standalone does the story any favours. it feels a tad too underdeveloped, a bit too incomplete, a little too rushed.
the thing is, there is so much content in terms of plot and characters that this could easily be expanded, either by making the standalone longer or by making this the first part in a series. so i have no idea why the author chose to make this a novella instead.
overall, cool idea but the execution just didnt quite work for me. i wanted more, which is both a positive and a negative.
thank you for the ARC, macmillan-tor/forge!
↠ 2.5 stars
i think the concept is unique and the characters are definitely intriguing, but it all only feels surface level. i dont think the short length and it being a standalone does the story any favours. it feels a tad too underdeveloped, a bit too incomplete, a little too rushed.
the thing is, there is so much content in terms of plot and characters that this could easily be expanded, either by making the standalone longer or by making this the first part in a series. so i have no idea why the author chose to make this a novella instead.
overall, cool idea but the execution just didnt quite work for me. i wanted more, which is both a positive and a negative.
thank you for the ARC, macmillan-tor/forge!
↠ 2.5 stars
February 25, 2021
LAMPLIGHTER is an absolute gem of a story, a peek into a fascinating, fully realized world that manages to explore issues of power, consent, class and destiny before turning over some of fantasy's tropes completely on their head. I loved it.
June 4, 2021
Fellion is a complex character who gets swept up in an epic. I think what I love most about this is how messy the world is. There are no clear and easy choices. The ride is filled with magic and swashbuckling heroism but for causes that are not unquestionably good -- the imprints of revolution and colonization mean that there are no good choices for Fellion, just ones that are less harmful. She stays a shining light and true to herself and her people. I would follow her anywhere and am a little sad that this is a standalone. It's satisfying as a novella, don't get me wrong. There are no cliffhangers here, but because things aren't neatly resolved -- and shouldn't be -- it feels messily real in ways that many epics don't. It feels like a world where conflicts will continue and that seems right.
I highly recommend this. I stayed up way too late finishing it and am still thinking about it a week later.
I highly recommend this. I stayed up way too late finishing it and am still thinking about it a week later.
dnf
July 24, 2022DNFing this despite it being a short novella. After a strong beginning, this started feeling like a rough draft that should have been edited much more. Most egregiously, I kept not understanding referents, e.g. using "he" when it's not at all clear who could be meant, or "the priests" (leaving me thinking "what priests? there are priests there?"), and so on. Then they're walking on a narrow silver ribbon path up in the air, feathery clouds floating underneath them, until suddenly someone is swallowed by a bubble of tar. Where did the tar come from? Is it underneath the clouds? Or up on the magical silver ribbon path? I have no idea. I kept going back and reading stuff twice to check if I'd missed something.
Nor does the plot make sense when you think about it: pretty close to the start (small spoiler), they want to save a particular newborn baby from their antagonists, whose goal is to kill the child as soon as possible. But instead of simply doing that, the baddies kidnap all of the babies in a maternity ward (even though the right baby can easily be identified by its special swirling mercury eyes), and also kill a random farmer and hide the farmer's body for no discernible reason. They then take the babies to their head of state (!) who - despite of having no magical powers at all - is somehow right there and doing all the dirty work with her troops. This head of state then dramatically kills one of the babies personally, even though it's not even the right one, which should be obvious to everyone, for... reasons? And it turns out that the place where they took those babies to kill them... is a very special portal location (something the baddies *know*!) - a special portal that only our protagonists can use to make a quick exit after grabbing the right child. Why in the world would their head of state travel to this city personally, take babies to the *worst possible* strategic location, and then kill them slowly one by one, giving the heroes the perfect opportunity to swoop in to rescue the last (and only plot-relevant) one, and get away? So contrived!
This just seems so half-baked and rough, and yet it gets lots of 5 star reviews from other authors, leaving me baffled.
Nor does the plot make sense when you think about it: pretty close to the start (small spoiler), they want to save a particular newborn baby from their antagonists, whose goal is to kill the child as soon as possible. But instead of simply doing that, the baddies kidnap all of the babies in a maternity ward (even though the right baby can easily be identified by its special swirling mercury eyes), and also kill a random farmer and hide the farmer's body for no discernible reason. They then take the babies to their head of state (!) who - despite of having no magical powers at all - is somehow right there and doing all the dirty work with her troops. This head of state then dramatically kills one of the babies personally, even though it's not even the right one, which should be obvious to everyone, for... reasons? And it turns out that the place where they took those babies to kill them... is a very special portal location (something the baddies *know*!) - a special portal that only our protagonists can use to make a quick exit after grabbing the right child. Why in the world would their head of state travel to this city personally, take babies to the *worst possible* strategic location, and then kill them slowly one by one, giving the heroes the perfect opportunity to swoop in to rescue the last (and only plot-relevant) one, and get away? So contrived!
This just seems so half-baked and rough, and yet it gets lots of 5 star reviews from other authors, leaving me baffled.
December 23, 2021
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I have never read anything by the author before and just stumbled upon this book on Edelweiss while browsing upcoming books. I can’t deny that that main reason that made me pick this one up is the cover and that I am always willing to discover new authors. I am thankful for the publisher who provided the review ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I usually say that Novellas don’t work for me usually for the main reason of the length which limits the way the story is told with constriction on character growth and world building and plot. This book kind of follows the rule. The writing itself is not bad, I mostly enjoyed the way the writing let the world building unfold but sometimes the word choices were questionable like when the author wrote:
He took his handsome boot off the step and snapped his fingers.
By the flare of his very pretty eyes she could see she had startled him.
These are examples of things that sounded a bit weird to me and when telling was used rather than telling.
The best part about the book was the world-building, I think what we got was very interesting and I can see it expanding easily into a full novel. The way the world was explained is also very smart because it was done gradually and not in an info-dumpy kind of way.
That being said, I think the plot and characters were affected as a result of that because you can’t cram everything in 170 pages. I think the plot was gripping at first and somewhere around 50% it kind of lost me and I was already thinking of my next read and if the book was longer, I would probably have DNfed it.
Summary: It is not a bad book per se but I think it should have been expanded into a full novel with more focus on the characters and the plot. I enjoyed the world-building the most and I think it was a short read anyway so I don’t have much regrets!
“Honor never dies, even when traitors stab it in the back.”
I have never read anything by the author before and just stumbled upon this book on Edelweiss while browsing upcoming books. I can’t deny that that main reason that made me pick this one up is the cover and that I am always willing to discover new authors. I am thankful for the publisher who provided the review ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I usually say that Novellas don’t work for me usually for the main reason of the length which limits the way the story is told with constriction on character growth and world building and plot. This book kind of follows the rule. The writing itself is not bad, I mostly enjoyed the way the writing let the world building unfold but sometimes the word choices were questionable like when the author wrote:
He took his handsome boot off the step and snapped his fingers.
By the flare of his very pretty eyes she could see she had startled him.
These are examples of things that sounded a bit weird to me and when telling was used rather than telling.
The best part about the book was the world-building, I think what we got was very interesting and I can see it expanding easily into a full novel. The way the world was explained is also very smart because it was done gradually and not in an info-dumpy kind of way.
That being said, I think the plot and characters were affected as a result of that because you can’t cram everything in 170 pages. I think the plot was gripping at first and somewhere around 50% it kind of lost me and I was already thinking of my next read and if the book was longer, I would probably have DNfed it.
Summary: It is not a bad book per se but I think it should have been expanded into a full novel with more focus on the characters and the plot. I enjoyed the world-building the most and I think it was a short read anyway so I don’t have much regrets!
January 14, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
Servant Mage is an epic fantasy story condensed into a ~150 page novella. Depending on the kind of reader you are, that could be a positive or a negative, but I loved it!
Kate Elliott manages deep world-building and strong development of our main character, plus an engrossing plot that subverts fantasy tropes in a very short period of time. It follows Fellian, a lamplighter who is pulled into a political conspiracy against her will. It's a short book so I won't say too much about the plot, but I loved Fellian as a character and found the larger world and bits of historical lore fascinating. This feels like a peek into a fully realized world with a history, well-developed magic system, and complex politics. I would love to see her write full-length novels expanding on this world.
If you are the sort of fantasy reader who always prefers a lengthier version of an epic story, you may find this novella frustrating. On the other hand, if you are a reader who has been intimidated by epic fantasy tomes but want to dip your toes in, this book might be perfect for you. Personally, as much as I enjoy long, epic fantasy stories, I also enjoy a good novella that tells you what you need to know and leaves space for the reader to imagine the rest. Servant Mage does just that.
One other note, if you're curious because this book is shelved as LGBTQ, it's because Fellian is attracted to both men and women, although it's not talked about in depth and there isn't really much of a romance plot. There are also queer side characters referenced in same-sex marriages, and a culture with polyandry as a practice. It's very casually queer without that being the focus.
I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Servant Mage is an epic fantasy story condensed into a ~150 page novella. Depending on the kind of reader you are, that could be a positive or a negative, but I loved it!
Kate Elliott manages deep world-building and strong development of our main character, plus an engrossing plot that subverts fantasy tropes in a very short period of time. It follows Fellian, a lamplighter who is pulled into a political conspiracy against her will. It's a short book so I won't say too much about the plot, but I loved Fellian as a character and found the larger world and bits of historical lore fascinating. This feels like a peek into a fully realized world with a history, well-developed magic system, and complex politics. I would love to see her write full-length novels expanding on this world.
If you are the sort of fantasy reader who always prefers a lengthier version of an epic story, you may find this novella frustrating. On the other hand, if you are a reader who has been intimidated by epic fantasy tomes but want to dip your toes in, this book might be perfect for you. Personally, as much as I enjoy long, epic fantasy stories, I also enjoy a good novella that tells you what you need to know and leaves space for the reader to imagine the rest. Servant Mage does just that.
One other note, if you're curious because this book is shelved as LGBTQ, it's because Fellian is attracted to both men and women, although it's not talked about in depth and there isn't really much of a romance plot. There are also queer side characters referenced in same-sex marriages, and a culture with polyandry as a practice. It's very casually queer without that being the focus.
I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
April 2, 2025
I usually love fantasy standalones when they were well-executed but I think this could have done more being a first in a series.
The magic system wasn’t the most intriguing to me because it was mostly just elemental magic so it pulled me out of the story a lot and i feel like it wasn’t as utilized as it could have been. But the action scenes were well-imagined and tense, which i find enjoyable. The characters were not as well established as I would have liked since it was so short but i did appreciate the society-normalized queerness present throughout the story.
It’s a short but fast-paced high fantasy standalone that read more like an action-packed side story that expands to something bigger but whether that’s good or bad is ultimately up to you.
*ARC received from the publisher -Macmillan/Tor- for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
The magic system wasn’t the most intriguing to me because it was mostly just elemental magic so it pulled me out of the story a lot and i feel like it wasn’t as utilized as it could have been. But the action scenes were well-imagined and tense, which i find enjoyable. The characters were not as well established as I would have liked since it was so short but i did appreciate the society-normalized queerness present throughout the story.
It’s a short but fast-paced high fantasy standalone that read more like an action-packed side story that expands to something bigger but whether that’s good or bad is ultimately up to you.
*ARC received from the publisher -Macmillan/Tor- for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
February 16, 2021
Meaty, complex and relentlessly interrogating assumptions about revolutions, freedom, and choices--both the ones we made and the ones others make for us
August 18, 2021
Servant Mage tells the story of an indentured fire mage who lives under the opressive rule of the Liberationists who now lead her country after they deposed the Monarchists several years ago. Fellian, the fire mage, is recruited by a group of Monarchists to use her skills as a fire mage to help rescue some people trapped in an old mine, but she ends up having to do a little more than she bargained for...
Sadly I did not enjoy this novella in the slightest, and I couldn't wait to get it off my "Currently Reading" shelf. Based on the description I was expecting some gaslamp fantasy with slice-of-life elements and pretty low stakes but in fact, this novella is an epic fantasy story that Elliott has tried to cram into a 176 page novella. I'm not saying I would have enjoyed this more if it was longer, I don't think I would have enjoyed it either way, but this form was much too short for Elliott to cram in her world-building, character work and plot without all of them suffering significantly. The world-building is certainly the strongest element and the one most heavily focused on I would say, but even that suffers and while it has some unique elements and nuance to begin with, that gets muddied by the end.
I also took issue with the writing itself. Elliott often uses pronouns to refer to characters when it's not clear who she's referring to. One example of this that stuck out the most to me was when Elliott spent a whole paragraph referring to Fellian (a female character) and then started the next paragraph with "He sighed..." without ever clarifying who it was who sighed. Perhaps this was just a typo in my ARC copy, but it was only the most egregious example of a frequent issue. Elliott also included some info-dumps in the novella, which I always find frustrating. Again I'll give a standout example, Fellian starts daydreaming or something along those lines and then we get a full paragraph written as her thoughts which just explains who one part of the world works. I much prefer the "show don't tell" approach when it comes to worldbuilding.
The characters themselves are also lackluster. Fellian is pretty whiny and I found her difficult to like, but she's the only character who really gets fleshed out more than "here's their name, this is the kind of mage they are, maybe they have a secret". The merry band of mages doesn't have any kind of compelling group dynamic and I never came to care for them, the antagonist or any of the other characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy.
Sadly I did not enjoy this novella in the slightest, and I couldn't wait to get it off my "Currently Reading" shelf. Based on the description I was expecting some gaslamp fantasy with slice-of-life elements and pretty low stakes but in fact, this novella is an epic fantasy story that Elliott has tried to cram into a 176 page novella. I'm not saying I would have enjoyed this more if it was longer, I don't think I would have enjoyed it either way, but this form was much too short for Elliott to cram in her world-building, character work and plot without all of them suffering significantly. The world-building is certainly the strongest element and the one most heavily focused on I would say, but even that suffers and while it has some unique elements and nuance to begin with, that gets muddied by the end.
I also took issue with the writing itself. Elliott often uses pronouns to refer to characters when it's not clear who she's referring to. One example of this that stuck out the most to me was when Elliott spent a whole paragraph referring to Fellian (a female character) and then started the next paragraph with "He sighed..." without ever clarifying who it was who sighed. Perhaps this was just a typo in my ARC copy, but it was only the most egregious example of a frequent issue. Elliott also included some info-dumps in the novella, which I always find frustrating. Again I'll give a standout example, Fellian starts daydreaming or something along those lines and then we get a full paragraph written as her thoughts which just explains who one part of the world works. I much prefer the "show don't tell" approach when it comes to worldbuilding.
The characters themselves are also lackluster. Fellian is pretty whiny and I found her difficult to like, but she's the only character who really gets fleshed out more than "here's their name, this is the kind of mage they are, maybe they have a secret". The merry band of mages doesn't have any kind of compelling group dynamic and I never came to care for them, the antagonist or any of the other characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy.
December 23, 2021
On my blog.
Galley provided by publisher
Servant Mage is Kate Elliott at her best. It’s only a novella (sadly), but it’s the kind of novella that perfectly balances introducing you to the world, a story that’s enough to tell in so few pages but also enough to keep you wanting more, and characters you love immediately and want to know more about.
Really, the only issue here is that it is only a novella.
I think it’s no secret that I’ve loved every one of Kate Elliott’s books that I’ve read (and that I think it a travesty that Black Wolves never got its sequel), so it was probably unsurprising that I enjoyed this one too. What was best about this one was the way in which she created such a vivid world in so short a time. It feels like the kind of world you can envisage developing into an entire series (I’m not above begging!). A novella is a great taster, but it’s not enough.
A lot of that is helped by the fact that you have these characters you can love right away. I don’t know how Kate Elliott does it, in mere lines as well, but by the end of the first chapter, I was fully invested in the characters and their quest. They’re another reason too that I desperately want more of this world—they had the best kind of potential found family vibe going on.
In the end, then, I’d say Servant Mage is a book for those of you who’ve been a little intimidated by the length(s) of Kate Elliott’s books/series. It’s a good place to start, and from there, the world is yours.
Galley provided by publisher
Servant Mage is Kate Elliott at her best. It’s only a novella (sadly), but it’s the kind of novella that perfectly balances introducing you to the world, a story that’s enough to tell in so few pages but also enough to keep you wanting more, and characters you love immediately and want to know more about.
Really, the only issue here is that it is only a novella.
I think it’s no secret that I’ve loved every one of Kate Elliott’s books that I’ve read (and that I think it a travesty that Black Wolves never got its sequel), so it was probably unsurprising that I enjoyed this one too. What was best about this one was the way in which she created such a vivid world in so short a time. It feels like the kind of world you can envisage developing into an entire series (I’m not above begging!). A novella is a great taster, but it’s not enough.
A lot of that is helped by the fact that you have these characters you can love right away. I don’t know how Kate Elliott does it, in mere lines as well, but by the end of the first chapter, I was fully invested in the characters and their quest. They’re another reason too that I desperately want more of this world—they had the best kind of potential found family vibe going on.
In the end, then, I’d say Servant Mage is a book for those of you who’ve been a little intimidated by the length(s) of Kate Elliott’s books/series. It’s a good place to start, and from there, the world is yours.
January 15, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Kate Elliot has a lot of works available. I read my first Kate Elliot book a few years ago and it was an epic tale spanning 50 years. To go from that to a novella length book from her to the Servant Mage was a huge shift. I think novellas are one of the hardest things an author can do in a fantasy world unless there is also a series in that world to go along with it. Fantasy usually has enough worldbuilding that you need more pages to really develop the story for the normal fantasy reader. While I think Servant Mage should have been a longer story, I like what the author was trying to accomplish with this story.
Fellion is a slave, she is considered a danger because she is able to do some magic. She has basically been sold into indentured servitude because her parents were considered dangerous people. When someone shows up and offers her a choice to leave with them and possibly make it back to the home she was taken from, when their task is complete, it is an offer she can't refuse.
Fellion and a set of four other mages are headed on a mission to save some people, along the way they are diverted by a rare occurrence of of a royal baby being found. If they don't get there first, the child will be found and killed by those who do not want the Monarchists to return to power. All in the group volunteer to divert the mission to try and save the child.
Servant Mage has an interesting magic system and world set up. Kate Elliot toyed with a few fantasy tropes and had an unexpected ending to the story. That said, I honestly wished it was fleshed out just a little more as a full length novel to really dig deeper into the history, politics and characters. There just seemed like there was so much potential for the story and this world, I was surprised this was a stand alone. I usually feel this way with fantasy novellas though, it is really hard to get all the information and character development I like in stories in under 200 pages.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Kate Elliot has a lot of works available. I read my first Kate Elliot book a few years ago and it was an epic tale spanning 50 years. To go from that to a novella length book from her to the Servant Mage was a huge shift. I think novellas are one of the hardest things an author can do in a fantasy world unless there is also a series in that world to go along with it. Fantasy usually has enough worldbuilding that you need more pages to really develop the story for the normal fantasy reader. While I think Servant Mage should have been a longer story, I like what the author was trying to accomplish with this story.
Fellion is a slave, she is considered a danger because she is able to do some magic. She has basically been sold into indentured servitude because her parents were considered dangerous people. When someone shows up and offers her a choice to leave with them and possibly make it back to the home she was taken from, when their task is complete, it is an offer she can't refuse.
Fellion and a set of four other mages are headed on a mission to save some people, along the way they are diverted by a rare occurrence of of a royal baby being found. If they don't get there first, the child will be found and killed by those who do not want the Monarchists to return to power. All in the group volunteer to divert the mission to try and save the child.
Servant Mage has an interesting magic system and world set up. Kate Elliot toyed with a few fantasy tropes and had an unexpected ending to the story. That said, I honestly wished it was fleshed out just a little more as a full length novel to really dig deeper into the history, politics and characters. There just seemed like there was so much potential for the story and this world, I was surprised this was a stand alone. I usually feel this way with fantasy novellas though, it is really hard to get all the information and character development I like in stories in under 200 pages.
January 23, 2022
I was seduced by the title.
I was picturing something more about class warfare between establishment mages and mages who had supposedly inferior magic. While this novella definitely had class warfare as a major theme, it was disappointing.
There is just elemental magic, as we have all seen a million times before. Earth, air, water, fire, and aether. I knew going in that the protagonist was a "lamplighter," so I figured she had some amount of firepower. I just wasn't expecting the whole magic system to be so cliche.
The class warfare was based upon feudalism and indentured servitude. Mages were kidnapped and enslaved, then given some religious conditioning about how they were supposedly demon possessed. Counter-intuitively, most of the characters we were given to root for were monarchists, trying to bring BACK monarchy. What had replaced monarchy seemed to be rampant capitalism, but it certainly wasn't a functioning democracy.
There was a recurring theme about the importance of literacy. Which, yeah. I'm literally reading a book, bitch. I get it.
Just disappointed. As others have said, this novella was too short to give deeper characterization to most of its characters. The world building was pretty spartan.
Can anyone recommend a book that was more what I had in mind? Like, one establishment magic system that mocks and denigrates a supposedly "lesser" magic system that operates by completely different rules? I think Brandon Sanderson spoiled me.
I was picturing something more about class warfare between establishment mages and mages who had supposedly inferior magic. While this novella definitely had class warfare as a major theme, it was disappointing.
There is just elemental magic, as we have all seen a million times before. Earth, air, water, fire, and aether. I knew going in that the protagonist was a "lamplighter," so I figured she had some amount of firepower. I just wasn't expecting the whole magic system to be so cliche.
The class warfare was based upon feudalism and indentured servitude. Mages were kidnapped and enslaved, then given some religious conditioning about how they were supposedly demon possessed. Counter-intuitively, most of the characters we were given to root for were monarchists, trying to bring BACK monarchy. What had replaced monarchy seemed to be rampant capitalism, but it certainly wasn't a functioning democracy.
There was a recurring theme about the importance of literacy. Which, yeah. I'm literally reading a book, bitch. I get it.
Just disappointed. As others have said, this novella was too short to give deeper characterization to most of its characters. The world building was pretty spartan.
Can anyone recommend a book that was more what I had in mind? Like, one establishment magic system that mocks and denigrates a supposedly "lesser" magic system that operates by completely different rules? I think Brandon Sanderson spoiled me.
October 1, 2024
I'm disappointed I didn't like it more.
Was it too short? Maybe. The amount of content could have been given twice as much room to breathe. More character work would have been welcome. More establishing the status quo would definitely have helped with immersion; as it is, the reader doesn't have time to absorb, "this is the way the world is," before the book says, "everything you've been told is a lie."
Thematically it shares a lot with the Crossroads trilogy (Spirit Gate and sequels), my favorite thing I've read of Elliott's. Musings on power and all that.
It often felt like it was an early draft that an editor decided to run with, rather than do the hard work of comprehensive editing. Too many pacing issues, info-dumps, and opportunities for expansion that could have evolved the manuscript into the best version of itself. I say this without any direct knowledge of writing or editing, but that's what it felt like.
On a high note, the ending was excellent: character-driven, earned, transformative.
Was it too short? Maybe. The amount of content could have been given twice as much room to breathe. More character work would have been welcome. More establishing the status quo would definitely have helped with immersion; as it is, the reader doesn't have time to absorb, "this is the way the world is," before the book says, "everything you've been told is a lie."
Thematically it shares a lot with the Crossroads trilogy (Spirit Gate and sequels), my favorite thing I've read of Elliott's. Musings on power and all that.
It often felt like it was an early draft that an editor decided to run with, rather than do the hard work of comprehensive editing. Too many pacing issues, info-dumps, and opportunities for expansion that could have evolved the manuscript into the best version of itself. I say this without any direct knowledge of writing or editing, but that's what it felt like.
On a high note, the ending was excellent: character-driven, earned, transformative.
January 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was a fun fantasy story filled with the familiar tropes we love within this genre. It is rare to see an epic fantasy told in a novella format, yet I did not find the story to be too short.
The characters were cute with some enjoyable dialog. I found the story a bit simple and predictable. This reads like a very traditional fantasy and I found myself wishing for something a little more inventive or unique.
I would recommend this novella to fans of traditional story who cannot get enough of these classic tropey narratives.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
This was a fun fantasy story filled with the familiar tropes we love within this genre. It is rare to see an epic fantasy told in a novella format, yet I did not find the story to be too short.
The characters were cute with some enjoyable dialog. I found the story a bit simple and predictable. This reads like a very traditional fantasy and I found myself wishing for something a little more inventive or unique.
I would recommend this novella to fans of traditional story who cannot get enough of these classic tropey narratives.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
May 2, 2023
This novella read like the rough outline an author makes before writing out the full story
The concept was interesting and exciting. We are introduced to Fellian, a fire mage who lost her family and was forced into servitude. Their world was recently overturned, the liberationists took over the monopolists. The new governing body treats mages with far less the respect they had before, and religious shrines are being removed, etc. But Fellian was a simple him farmer before they discovered her mage status, and her people's lives are just as miserable as before.
I really don't have much to say about this book except that I feel like i didnt even finish reading it. It feels like when you get into a fanfiction that isn't the greatest, but you stick through bc the fandom is too small for you to be picky so you read it, then just when it's getting interesting the author abandons it forever.
Actually it was exactly like that, I read this because it had the poly tag on it but the rep was not there.
The concept was interesting and exciting. We are introduced to Fellian, a fire mage who lost her family and was forced into servitude. Their world was recently overturned, the liberationists took over the monopolists. The new governing body treats mages with far less the respect they had before, and religious shrines are being removed, etc. But Fellian was a simple him farmer before they discovered her mage status, and her people's lives are just as miserable as before.
I really don't have much to say about this book except that I feel like i didnt even finish reading it. It feels like when you get into a fanfiction that isn't the greatest, but you stick through bc the fandom is too small for you to be picky so you read it, then just when it's getting interesting the author abandons it forever.
Actually it was exactly like that, I read this because it had the poly tag on it but the rep was not there.
January 29, 2022
Ahoy there me mateys! No one is sadder than I am that this book walks the plank. I love Kate Elliott's work and was excited to read this. However, for such a short book, I really struggled to engage with it. The book started out interestingly with a servant, Fellion, being in indentured bondage because of her magical abilities. I enjoyed the take on elemental magic. I was very intrigued by Fellion secretly teaching people to read. Unfortunately the promising setup quickly disappeared.
Fellion is reluctantly drawn into a quest with a group of rebels at which point her intelligence and feisty attitude vanish. I wasn't thrilled about the original quest but was even less happy with the dramatic and abrupt diversion of the plot to a rescue mission. The politics became too complicated. The characters were unlikeable. And there were just too many unanswered questions. The book also had some odd sounding dialogue and a horrible ending.
Ultimately, this felt like a poor rough draft or outline for a longer novel. I wanted better. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Tor.com!
Fellion is reluctantly drawn into a quest with a group of rebels at which point her intelligence and feisty attitude vanish. I wasn't thrilled about the original quest but was even less happy with the dramatic and abrupt diversion of the plot to a rescue mission. The politics became too complicated. The characters were unlikeable. And there were just too many unanswered questions. The book also had some odd sounding dialogue and a horrible ending.
Ultimately, this felt like a poor rough draft or outline for a longer novel. I wanted better. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Tor.com!
Read
January 18, 2022When I pick up a Kate Elliott book, I expect to find fascinating world building and complex, interesting characters. I was not disappointed! This world has a sense of Asian xianxia to it, but developed into a typically complex, unique world. She is just so great at world building that the world itself becomes a vital character.
This novella feels like the opening to a new series arc. The first half is so dynamic I could not put it down as Fellian, our POV, escapes prison and discovers a quest, as well as the bigger picture in a troubled land. We encounter a lot of fascinating characters, including an infant whose being opens up yet another trapdoor.
The second half felt a bit compressed, as if a much longer novel was cut down, leaving a lot of questions. Dangling threads.
Left me wanting more!
Copy provided by NetGalley
This novella feels like the opening to a new series arc. The first half is so dynamic I could not put it down as Fellian, our POV, escapes prison and discovers a quest, as well as the bigger picture in a troubled land. We encounter a lot of fascinating characters, including an infant whose being opens up yet another trapdoor.
The second half felt a bit compressed, as if a much longer novel was cut down, leaving a lot of questions. Dangling threads.
Left me wanting more!
Copy provided by NetGalley
February 11, 2022
I'm so conflicted about this novella, because there were parts I adored and parts I was very bored with, but it may also have been because I read this over a long period of time, in fits and bursts, while distracted and on vacation.
I absolutely love the worldbuilding here; the magic system is rooted in elemental magic but the author has given it a wholly unique spin. I'm also fascinated by the political system she's crafted here, and the opposing moral viewpoints, both of which frustrate our main character. And speaking of characters -- despite this being so short, the characters are all vibrant and likable and nuanced.
What I struggled with was the plot, which felt weirdly paced, with too many pointless action scenes that were mostly confusing. For the most part I think I understood what was going on, but it all just felt a little bit messy.
There is so much potential here with the magic system and the politics; really, I wish this had been a full-length standalone rather than a novella, and I wish the plot had focused more on what is clearly going to be an upcoming rebellion/war. That way we could have gotten more about the history of this world too, and the previous rebellion that occurred, because it's all fascinating.
I absolutely love the worldbuilding here; the magic system is rooted in elemental magic but the author has given it a wholly unique spin. I'm also fascinated by the political system she's crafted here, and the opposing moral viewpoints, both of which frustrate our main character. And speaking of characters -- despite this being so short, the characters are all vibrant and likable and nuanced.
What I struggled with was the plot, which felt weirdly paced, with too many pointless action scenes that were mostly confusing. For the most part I think I understood what was going on, but it all just felt a little bit messy.
There is so much potential here with the magic system and the politics; really, I wish this had been a full-length standalone rather than a novella, and I wish the plot had focused more on what is clearly going to be an upcoming rebellion/war. That way we could have gotten more about the history of this world too, and the previous rebellion that occurred, because it's all fascinating.
January 22, 2023
Servant Mage does all the heavy lifting of an epic fantasy story in the short length of a novella, and I think the length did this world a disservice. Kate Elliott has come up with some really neat ideas here, and this is a world with some politics I could be interested in.
However, I think this being a novella forces a lot of world building shorthand in the way I like least. Everyone asks questions and gives long answers to those questions that give the reader all the information we need about snippets of the world...but in a lot of instances it made no sense for the characters to be speaking as they did. They very much felt like characters running around in a fantasy novel, instead of characters inhabiting a world that I'm getting a peek into.
I still think there is so, so much promise here, and if you want a quick interesting fantasy read, then I say try out this novella. Kate Elliott certainly has some great stories and ideas within her.
However, I think this being a novella forces a lot of world building shorthand in the way I like least. Everyone asks questions and gives long answers to those questions that give the reader all the information we need about snippets of the world...but in a lot of instances it made no sense for the characters to be speaking as they did. They very much felt like characters running around in a fantasy novel, instead of characters inhabiting a world that I'm getting a peek into.
I still think there is so, so much promise here, and if you want a quick interesting fantasy read, then I say try out this novella. Kate Elliott certainly has some great stories and ideas within her.
January 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
Fellian, a lamplighter is pulled into a political conspiracy in exchange of her freedom. She meets people and finds a different perspective on the life that she is living. Fellian is a fire mage that is she has fire in her and she can light lamps and do some puny tricks with fire. That is what Liberationists tell the citizens and all those mages are sent to asylum to limit their powers without their knowledge. But Monarchists who are the fallen rulers of the Kingdom are fighting to get their power back and restore the magic.
I very well built world. I loved the characters especially Fellian, who blurted out anything, anytime on anyone. Though it falls under high fantasy genre, the book was too short for me. I would like to see a lengthier novel on this, hoping that the author is planning something big.
A short but fast-paced high fantasy standalone book. I highly recommend this.
Happy Reading!!
Fellian, a lamplighter is pulled into a political conspiracy in exchange of her freedom. She meets people and finds a different perspective on the life that she is living. Fellian is a fire mage that is she has fire in her and she can light lamps and do some puny tricks with fire. That is what Liberationists tell the citizens and all those mages are sent to asylum to limit their powers without their knowledge. But Monarchists who are the fallen rulers of the Kingdom are fighting to get their power back and restore the magic.
I very well built world. I loved the characters especially Fellian, who blurted out anything, anytime on anyone. Though it falls under high fantasy genre, the book was too short for me. I would like to see a lengthier novel on this, hoping that the author is planning something big.
A short but fast-paced high fantasy standalone book. I highly recommend this.
Happy Reading!!
January 24, 2022
dnf @ 50%
this just had too many characters and a lot of different things going on and it got pretty boring so yeah
this just had too many characters and a lot of different things going on and it got pretty boring so yeah
July 18, 2021
With a unique magic system and a bracing critique of the colonial power structures inherent across governmental systems, Kate Elliott has packed this little novella full of food for thought. Who can you trust when those on both sides have committed atrocities? To what extent to the ends justify the means? Elliott cleverly pokes holes in our assumptions as a reader, emphasizing that regardless of who is in charge the ones at the top will largely stay in power and the ones at the bottom will largely not. I liked Fellian as a protagonist, with her guarded nature serving as the perfect vehicle for the reader to understand the complexities of the situation. My one complaint is that the characters felt less like real people and more like actors in a parable, with the thematic elements of the novella taking precedence over character dimension (beyond Fellian at least).
I was also intrigued by the magic system, with its notion of magic being a result of demons living in people's bodies. Our characters brief entrance into the demon realm was especially enlightening, though I would have liked to devle a little deeper into some of the concepts, such as the difference between dragons and demons and how different types of demons manifest different types of magic. I really hope that Kate Elliott someday returns to this world.
I was also intrigued by the magic system, with its notion of magic being a result of demons living in people's bodies. Our characters brief entrance into the demon realm was especially enlightening, though I would have liked to devle a little deeper into some of the concepts, such as the difference between dragons and demons and how different types of demons manifest different types of magic. I really hope that Kate Elliott someday returns to this world.
February 9, 2023
I quite enjoyed this story, the plot itself was really good but why 3 stars ⭐️ ?
These are the two main issues I saw with this book
- this should have been a full novel not a novella, everything was rushed and there wasn’t any character development.
- It needed a lot more editing. Some sections, paragraphs or sentences were too rough, they could easily use a better edit.
These are the two main issues I saw with this book
- this should have been a full novel not a novella, everything was rushed and there wasn’t any character development.
- It needed a lot more editing. Some sections, paragraphs or sentences were too rough, they could easily use a better edit.
February 12, 2022
3.5
Cute, will probably continue if It's a series, just wish there were more, I guess
Cute, will probably continue if It's a series, just wish there were more, I guess
December 11, 2021
One day I will read a novella and be fully satisfied with it as a novella (ok, this has happened occasionally, but it’s very rare). It’s a tricky length to get right, and while I enjoyed aspects of Servant Mage, ultimately Elliott falls into the trap that seems to catch many a novella writer – that of trying to do far too much in too few pages. The result is a novella that’s fun but ultimately under-baked.
Our main character Fellion is a fire-mage in a world where mages – those who can control aether to various ends – are routinely imprisoned and forced into indentured servitude. Fellion is freed from her servant’s position by a group of rebel mages, who need her fire-mage abilities to rescue their compatriots from a collapsed mine. There is also a broader story playing out, as our rebel mages find themselves caught up in the conflict between the current liberationist government and the previously overthrown monarchists, who have caught wind of a newborn child with royal lineage who could be a catalyst for their return.
The magic system and the broader world are unique and vibrant – I loved learning about all the various classes of mages. Those who have read Elliott’s other books will also recognise her ‘kitchen sink’ approach to world-building; even in this relatively small novella, we have magical portals, demons and soul-wraiths (and somehow a plot about cattle acting as protecters against demons), people inheriting their mage powers from dragons, and much more. It’s all a bit bonkers but a lot of fun.
That said, it’s a lot, generally, for 176 pages, which is where my dissatisfaction with the rest of the novella comes in. There’s simply not enough room for the characters to develop. Fellion is the most fleshed-out character, and I still feel like I barely knew her by the end – she’s not necessarily dragged along kicking and screaming by the plot, but she definitely bobs on its tide, and things happen to her because they’re necessary for the plot to unfold, rather than because of her active decisions. She ostensibly agrees to help the rebels in exchange for being able to find the family she lost when she was captured and indentured, but it doesn’t really feel like much of a meaningful character motivation because we are told almost nothing about the family she left behind.
The ensemble cast fares even worse. Servant Mage quite clearly wants to be an ensemble novella with some hints towards the possibility of a found family, but I would struggle to tell you any more than the characters’ names and their respective mage powers. Some of them hold secrets, but again these are dropped in service of the plot, and there’s never any understanding of why such things are secrets or what it means for the characters to hold them/reveal them. There’s also not enough space to examine the mixed relationships with the former monarchy each character has – though we are told they have them – so a lot of the anti-monarchial critique falls flat. I am primarily a character/relationship driven-reader and, putting all this together, I found the entire story a little underwhelming as a result.
Hence, I am left with the same feeling I experience all too often when I read a novella: I would have loved this if it was a novel.
Note: I received an ARC from Tor Books. Servant Mage will be released on 18 January 2022. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
This review is also available on my blog.
Our main character Fellion is a fire-mage in a world where mages – those who can control aether to various ends – are routinely imprisoned and forced into indentured servitude. Fellion is freed from her servant’s position by a group of rebel mages, who need her fire-mage abilities to rescue their compatriots from a collapsed mine. There is also a broader story playing out, as our rebel mages find themselves caught up in the conflict between the current liberationist government and the previously overthrown monarchists, who have caught wind of a newborn child with royal lineage who could be a catalyst for their return.
The magic system and the broader world are unique and vibrant – I loved learning about all the various classes of mages. Those who have read Elliott’s other books will also recognise her ‘kitchen sink’ approach to world-building; even in this relatively small novella, we have magical portals, demons and soul-wraiths (and somehow a plot about cattle acting as protecters against demons), people inheriting their mage powers from dragons, and much more. It’s all a bit bonkers but a lot of fun.
That said, it’s a lot, generally, for 176 pages, which is where my dissatisfaction with the rest of the novella comes in. There’s simply not enough room for the characters to develop. Fellion is the most fleshed-out character, and I still feel like I barely knew her by the end – she’s not necessarily dragged along kicking and screaming by the plot, but she definitely bobs on its tide, and things happen to her because they’re necessary for the plot to unfold, rather than because of her active decisions. She ostensibly agrees to help the rebels in exchange for being able to find the family she lost when she was captured and indentured, but it doesn’t really feel like much of a meaningful character motivation because we are told almost nothing about the family she left behind.
The ensemble cast fares even worse. Servant Mage quite clearly wants to be an ensemble novella with some hints towards the possibility of a found family, but I would struggle to tell you any more than the characters’ names and their respective mage powers. Some of them hold secrets, but again these are dropped in service of the plot, and there’s never any understanding of why such things are secrets or what it means for the characters to hold them/reveal them. There’s also not enough space to examine the mixed relationships with the former monarchy each character has – though we are told they have them – so a lot of the anti-monarchial critique falls flat. I am primarily a character/relationship driven-reader and, putting all this together, I found the entire story a little underwhelming as a result.
Hence, I am left with the same feeling I experience all too often when I read a novella: I would have loved this if it was a novel.
Note: I received an ARC from Tor Books. Servant Mage will be released on 18 January 2022. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review.
This review is also available on my blog.
March 10, 2023
This arc was provided by Tor Books, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
TW: slavery, abuse, gore, sexual harassment, and misogyny
4.5 stars
This was incredible.
This follows Fellian, an indentured servant who is freed to help the rebel Monarchists save their compatriots who have been trapped under ground. Since Fellian is a Lamplighter, which means she can create light, this is why she is needed as her gift is rare.
It is not only an adventure novella but a story about persevering and fighting for own self. By the synopsis one might think she has been "freed" but is it freedom when it was done for a reason, for wanting something in exchange?
I am happy to have read this since it shows me Kate Elliott is just my type of author. I've been in an annoying slump but Servant Mage had me hooked from page 1. My only complaint is that this is a novella. The magic system is so complex, I find it difficult to describe so I want more books in this universe. LONGER books, please Tor.
If you're a fantasy reader, look no further. Kate Elliott is a new to me author and a must read!
TW: slavery, abuse, gore, sexual harassment, and misogyny
4.5 stars
This was incredible.
This follows Fellian, an indentured servant who is freed to help the rebel Monarchists save their compatriots who have been trapped under ground. Since Fellian is a Lamplighter, which means she can create light, this is why she is needed as her gift is rare.
It is not only an adventure novella but a story about persevering and fighting for own self. By the synopsis one might think she has been "freed" but is it freedom when it was done for a reason, for wanting something in exchange?
I am happy to have read this since it shows me Kate Elliott is just my type of author. I've been in an annoying slump but Servant Mage had me hooked from page 1. My only complaint is that this is a novella. The magic system is so complex, I find it difficult to describe so I want more books in this universe. LONGER books, please Tor.
If you're a fantasy reader, look no further. Kate Elliott is a new to me author and a must read!
September 28, 2021
This is a fantastic novella from fantasy queen Kate Elliott, who always delivers wonderful fantasy content and Servant Mage is no exception.
Telling the story of Fellian the indentured lamplighter with a this story, while being great as is, really could easily be expanded into a full blown novel and what a phenomenal book it could have made to if this novella is anything to go by. Fingers crossed that this isn't the only visit to this world that Elliott teats us to and that a revisit is a possibility as this world and myth building are fascinating. Elliott never fails with her characterisations and Fellian and her friends make for interesting and intriguing characters to follow through this twisty little tale.
Great novella with even greater future possibillities. Nice one Kate, nice one!
Telling the story of Fellian the indentured lamplighter with a this story, while being great as is, really could easily be expanded into a full blown novel and what a phenomenal book it could have made to if this novella is anything to go by. Fingers crossed that this isn't the only visit to this world that Elliott teats us to and that a revisit is a possibility as this world and myth building are fascinating. Elliott never fails with her characterisations and Fellian and her friends make for interesting and intriguing characters to follow through this twisty little tale.
Great novella with even greater future possibillities. Nice one Kate, nice one!
March 11, 2022
This small book was packed full of everything... great characters, beautiful setting and awesome magic. The main character, Fellian, was a joy to read about and adventure with as were the other characters with her. The only complaint I would have is the magic. I don't feel like it was drawn out and detailed so I'm not quite sure I understood how it worked. Still, that didn't take away from the story too much. I hope there is more in this world. I would enjoy going further into not only Fellian's story but the other characters as well.
December 21, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a bit of a disappointment.
It was not a particularly pleasant or enjoyable read.
Why is it a stand-alone novella? That's its main problem.
Elliot is a master world builder, but too much information about a complex world, history and magic system is packed too quickly into too few pages. This makes the book a harder read, and for so little reward.
There is much (disagreeable) action, which the reader has to try and follow while trying to make sense of the (disagreeable) world. We do not connect with the (disagreeable- for good reason) main character let alone get a sense of the other (disagreeable) characters. Noone is particularly likable or memorable.
The author has a point she wishes to make. I like her point, and it's important. It would be best made via an entertaining story. This was not it.
Don't waste your time.
This was a bit of a disappointment.
It was not a particularly pleasant or enjoyable read.
Why is it a stand-alone novella? That's its main problem.
Elliot is a master world builder, but too much information about a complex world, history and magic system is packed too quickly into too few pages. This makes the book a harder read, and for so little reward.
There is much (disagreeable) action, which the reader has to try and follow while trying to make sense of the (disagreeable) world. We do not connect with the (disagreeable- for good reason) main character let alone get a sense of the other (disagreeable) characters. Noone is particularly likable or memorable.
The author has a point she wishes to make. I like her point, and it's important. It would be best made via an entertaining story. This was not it.
Don't waste your time.
September 24, 2023
This took me into another world and I read it in one sitting. It was excellent and I am steadily reading through every Kate Elliott book I can get my hands on. 5 ⭐
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