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The Archanium Codex #2
A Wicked Wind
As the aftershocks of Kalinor’s fall radiate through the realm of Ilyar, Prince Jonas Belgi finds himself fighting a very different war. As he battles for his very soul, powerful forces are in motion to remove him from the world entirely, lest the contradictory magics burning within him engulf all of existence in a conflagration that no one, not even his beloved Hunter Aleksei Drago, could hope to survive.
Even as Jonas begins the impossible task of escaping his prison, the Lord Captain is caught up in a savage civil war. As the fractured remnants of the Legion attempt to regroup, seeking refuge from the hordes of rebel soldiers dogging their every step, Aleksei is confronted by a new nemesis, a creature at once invisible and indestructible.
Aleksei must be constantly vigilant for the vengeful spirit that stalks him, waiting to catch him off-guard, thus forfeiting both his and Jonas’s lives.
Aleksei is torn between his need to find Jonas and commanding the last remnant of the Legion against the Zra-Uul’s rebellion, with its overwhelming numbers and scores of powerful and destructive Magi under the Demon Bael’s command.
Having to choose between his heart and his homeland, Aleksei attempts to accomplish the impossible, while always listening for wind. A Wicked Wind.
Even as Jonas begins the impossible task of escaping his prison, the Lord Captain is caught up in a savage civil war. As the fractured remnants of the Legion attempt to regroup, seeking refuge from the hordes of rebel soldiers dogging their every step, Aleksei is confronted by a new nemesis, a creature at once invisible and indestructible.
Aleksei must be constantly vigilant for the vengeful spirit that stalks him, waiting to catch him off-guard, thus forfeiting both his and Jonas’s lives.
Aleksei is torn between his need to find Jonas and commanding the last remnant of the Legion against the Zra-Uul’s rebellion, with its overwhelming numbers and scores of powerful and destructive Magi under the Demon Bael’s command.
Having to choose between his heart and his homeland, Aleksei attempts to accomplish the impossible, while always listening for wind. A Wicked Wind.
661 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2021
About the author
Nicholas McIntire
6 books28 followersNicholas McIntire has been writing fantasy since he was 8. The bones of the Archanium Codex were created when he was 16, and in the past 20 years he has taken that initially simple concept and crafted it into a fully realized, celebrated world,
Nicholas's debut novel, The Hunter's Gambit (Book One of the Archanium Codex) was released Sept. 20th, 2019 to critical acclaim. The novel was entered into the SPFBO 6 competition, where it was a Semi-Finalist.
McIntire's sequel, A Wicked Wind (Book Two of the Archanium Codex) is out now! The prequel novelette, The Gilded Prince, is free for download from nickmcintire.com, but can also be purchased for $0.99 on Amazon. He lives in Fort Worth and Fort Davis, Texas.
Nicholas's debut novel, The Hunter's Gambit (Book One of the Archanium Codex) was released Sept. 20th, 2019 to critical acclaim. The novel was entered into the SPFBO 6 competition, where it was a Semi-Finalist.
McIntire's sequel, A Wicked Wind (Book Two of the Archanium Codex) is out now! The prequel novelette, The Gilded Prince, is free for download from nickmcintire.com, but can also be purchased for $0.99 on Amazon. He lives in Fort Worth and Fort Davis, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2021
I loved this book for many reasons. First, the characters seemed believable and flawed, just like they should be. Often they were motivated to act based on values and beliefs that seemed honorable to them, but did not always produce the results they or the reader could anticipate. Secondly, I think this book is exceptional in that McIntire knows how to write women. I say that because often when men write women as characters they are really just writing men dressed as women who "aren't like other women" because they are strong, courageous and tough. Sorry, that's boring and condescending. But McIntire writes women as characters that are believable. I'm not talking about damsels in distress but badass women who aren't afraid to be proactive or grow into roles they were never prepared for. Some of these women are perplexing, infuriating and confused. Others are manipulative, cunning and dangerous. And then there are characters who are competent, focused and get the job done. Just like many women I know. I loved the way these characters interacted and was totally engaged with their stories. A Wicked Wind has familiar main characters from A Hunter's Gambit, like Aleksei, Jonas, and Bael but introduces the reader to new characters who enrich the story, giving it more depth and meaning. I highly recommend reading A Wicked Wind to anyone who wants to have fun, be carried away by a fast paced story and is interested in reading a beautifully written story of discovery and adventure.
February 10, 2022
I loved the first book in this series (Hunter’s Gambit), it was fresh and had a new perspective. There was so much possibility and promise in the world-building and characters. It was a fantastic story to boot. I was also a little nervous for the sequel. I’ve seen so many authors start out with a really strong debut, and then immediately lose all elements of what made the first book, and its characters, so special. I'm looking at you, Kingkiller Chronicles!
I am more than somewhat relieved to say that not only does McIntire deliver on the promises he made in the first book, he expands and improves upon them. A Wicked Wind took me by surprise, and each surprise was a delight. The narrative is fun, driving, and emotional, and that holds true for ALL 3-4 major plotlines moving through the book.
I love almost every character, and each for a different reason. His characters feel real and flawed, and completely relatable. Aleksei and Jonas are the emotional core, but as deep and intense as their relationship is, to me, this book belongs to the female characters. Every one of them is a badass in this book, both in expected and unexpected ways. I have legitimately never been this attached to a cast in an epic fantasy series. But holy shit the world, characters, and plot are on point and kept me glued to the Kindle.
The four bucks I spent on this was the best money I've spent in a while. I got a masterpiece for less than lunch at Chick-fil-A. The only bad thing is that you need to read The Hunter’s Gambit to completely understand A Wicked Wind. Although that said, I don't know why someone would start a series on Book 2.
I am more than somewhat relieved to say that not only does McIntire deliver on the promises he made in the first book, he expands and improves upon them. A Wicked Wind took me by surprise, and each surprise was a delight. The narrative is fun, driving, and emotional, and that holds true for ALL 3-4 major plotlines moving through the book.
I love almost every character, and each for a different reason. His characters feel real and flawed, and completely relatable. Aleksei and Jonas are the emotional core, but as deep and intense as their relationship is, to me, this book belongs to the female characters. Every one of them is a badass in this book, both in expected and unexpected ways. I have legitimately never been this attached to a cast in an epic fantasy series. But holy shit the world, characters, and plot are on point and kept me glued to the Kindle.
The four bucks I spent on this was the best money I've spent in a while. I got a masterpiece for less than lunch at Chick-fil-A. The only bad thing is that you need to read The Hunter’s Gambit to completely understand A Wicked Wind. Although that said, I don't know why someone would start a series on Book 2.
September 8, 2021
"A Wicked Wind" by Nicholas McIntire, is one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. It is the second book in McIntire's "Archanium Codex" series. The first book, "The Hunter's Gambit" was a tour de force of wonderful characters populating a fantastically detailed world built on a fascinating magical system. As good as that book is "A Wicked Wind" far surpasses it. It is an Epic Fantasy encompassing great, relatable characters who struggle to survive in a war torn world where magic is more deadly than any sword.
This is a marvelously creative book interlacing the magic that powers this world with the love, anger, prophesy, death, vengeance and burning hatreds of many different peoples from many continents. All are overwhelmed by tectonic events set in motion by warring magical factions a thousand years in the planets past.
This is about all I can write without potentially revealing a few spoilers, so let me conclude with you should read this book. If you want to be mightily entertained with drama, adventure, romance, humor, conflict, magical beings, sentient woods and Angels struggling with good and evil you won't be disappointed.
This is a marvelously creative book interlacing the magic that powers this world with the love, anger, prophesy, death, vengeance and burning hatreds of many different peoples from many continents. All are overwhelmed by tectonic events set in motion by warring magical factions a thousand years in the planets past.
This is about all I can write without potentially revealing a few spoilers, so let me conclude with you should read this book. If you want to be mightily entertained with drama, adventure, romance, humor, conflict, magical beings, sentient woods and Angels struggling with good and evil you won't be disappointed.
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September 25, 2021A Wicked Wind- The Reviews Are In!
IndieReader Review: "4.8 out of 5...An excellent addition to a well-written, high-quality series...A worthy and almost impossible to put down second book in the Archanium Codex saga, A WICKED WIND continues the complex characters, action and event-filled plot, and vivid world-building begun in The Hunter's Gambit."
BookView Review (5 out of 5 stars): "✭✭✭✭✭. McIntire expands his magnificent world of magic and shapeshifting, exploring the ways greed, malevolence, and the lust for power and control affect the lives of the protagonists. Dark magic, high action, deadly chases, daring escapades, gruesome torture, and vicious fights, all pose heavily in the story. But it's the deep, soulful love of Jonas and Aleksei that drives the plot. There are heartfelt emotions, tender romance, and burning passion.
"Despite the book's length (700+ pages), the reader will stay invested in the story. The major twist in the end is as touching as it is unexpected, adding to the anticipation for the next book in the series. McIntire's assured language and entertaining storytelling make it a page-turning read."
The Prairies Book Review: "Themes of brotherhood, friendship, loyalty, courage, strength, resilience, good versus evil, and sacrifice reverberate throughout the narrative, with true love at the center. The vast cast is finely detailed, and the tension stays ripe, with plenty of suspense in the back...The affecting narrative, brisk pace, and luminous insights into trust, friendship, and love keep the reader invested."
Kirkus Review: "A vibrant array of colorful characters guides readers through this absorbing fantasy.McIntire's epic tale accommodates an extensive cast. But the story unfolds across a relatively small landscape, making the various subplots easy to follow. The lord captain's indisputable strength fuses well with his devotion to Jonas; even with only a spattering of romantic interludes, his love clearly drives him. But supporting characters don't let the two leads completely steal the spotlight."
Foreword Reviews: "The book’s women are flawed and compelling; they are defined by their competency and drives to succeed...the book blends biblical stories with song-based incantations, and the result is both ancient-feeling and fresh. The book’s style also evokes ancient mythologies, with a sense of history that’s strong: most of the book’s angelic beings and demonic creatures are revealed to have lived for centuries, and their world evolves as the story unfolds."
IndieReader Review: "4.8 out of 5...An excellent addition to a well-written, high-quality series...A worthy and almost impossible to put down second book in the Archanium Codex saga, A WICKED WIND continues the complex characters, action and event-filled plot, and vivid world-building begun in The Hunter's Gambit."
BookView Review (5 out of 5 stars): "✭✭✭✭✭. McIntire expands his magnificent world of magic and shapeshifting, exploring the ways greed, malevolence, and the lust for power and control affect the lives of the protagonists. Dark magic, high action, deadly chases, daring escapades, gruesome torture, and vicious fights, all pose heavily in the story. But it's the deep, soulful love of Jonas and Aleksei that drives the plot. There are heartfelt emotions, tender romance, and burning passion.
"Despite the book's length (700+ pages), the reader will stay invested in the story. The major twist in the end is as touching as it is unexpected, adding to the anticipation for the next book in the series. McIntire's assured language and entertaining storytelling make it a page-turning read."
The Prairies Book Review: "Themes of brotherhood, friendship, loyalty, courage, strength, resilience, good versus evil, and sacrifice reverberate throughout the narrative, with true love at the center. The vast cast is finely detailed, and the tension stays ripe, with plenty of suspense in the back...The affecting narrative, brisk pace, and luminous insights into trust, friendship, and love keep the reader invested."
Kirkus Review: "A vibrant array of colorful characters guides readers through this absorbing fantasy.McIntire's epic tale accommodates an extensive cast. But the story unfolds across a relatively small landscape, making the various subplots easy to follow. The lord captain's indisputable strength fuses well with his devotion to Jonas; even with only a spattering of romantic interludes, his love clearly drives him. But supporting characters don't let the two leads completely steal the spotlight."
Foreword Reviews: "The book’s women are flawed and compelling; they are defined by their competency and drives to succeed...the book blends biblical stories with song-based incantations, and the result is both ancient-feeling and fresh. The book’s style also evokes ancient mythologies, with a sense of history that’s strong: most of the book’s angelic beings and demonic creatures are revealed to have lived for centuries, and their world evolves as the story unfolds."
October 18, 2021
Nicholas McIntire’s ‘A Wicked Wind’ is an impeccably written high-stakes fantasy adventure that, despite its epic length, is a surprisingly quick read.
The novel focuses on a pair of characters: Prince Jonas (whose inner-turmoil has reached a breaking point) and the equally tormented Hunter Aleksei (Jonas’ soulmate in more ways than one). The two are pulled in opposite directions, and much of this story revolves around their longing to reunite. As a commander grappling with an ongoing insurgency, Aleksei faces a piercing dilemma: follow his heart back to Jonas, or stay and fight for his homeland.
While the above paragraph speaks to the central theme of ‘A Wicked Wind,’ the novel has so much more to offer when it comes to plot, characters, and above all else, world-building. McIntire has crafted a wholly unique universe, one where that marries traditional ‘human’ motivations like love, loss, and greed, with an incredibly coherent system of magic. Add to that a cast of nuanced characters, and loads of action-packed scenes and you have all the makings of an enduring saga.
In addition to the frenetic pace (aided in no small part by the numerous plot lines), McIntire’s depiction of female characters is particularly strong. There are no ‘damsels in distress’ to be found here, and considering the key role romance plays in this story, McIntire’s decision to side-step the ‘white knight’ trope is particularly impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed this title, but ‘A Wicked Wind’ is technically a sequel, and the more I read, the more I wished I’d started with its predecessor. With that being said, while I highly recommend this title, I’d urge readers to begin with ‘The Hunter’s Gambit.’
At some seven-hundred pages, ‘A Wicked Wind’ is not for the faint of heart, but McIntire succeeds in crafting a novel that both reads incredibly fast and also packs a punch by way of a truly surprising third-act twist. So, for any fan still waiting for that final book from Mr. Martin, I highly suggest you turn your attention to the ‘Archanium Codex’ series—it’s every bit as compelling, and the next installment likely won’t take a decade to arrive!
The novel focuses on a pair of characters: Prince Jonas (whose inner-turmoil has reached a breaking point) and the equally tormented Hunter Aleksei (Jonas’ soulmate in more ways than one). The two are pulled in opposite directions, and much of this story revolves around their longing to reunite. As a commander grappling with an ongoing insurgency, Aleksei faces a piercing dilemma: follow his heart back to Jonas, or stay and fight for his homeland.
While the above paragraph speaks to the central theme of ‘A Wicked Wind,’ the novel has so much more to offer when it comes to plot, characters, and above all else, world-building. McIntire has crafted a wholly unique universe, one where that marries traditional ‘human’ motivations like love, loss, and greed, with an incredibly coherent system of magic. Add to that a cast of nuanced characters, and loads of action-packed scenes and you have all the makings of an enduring saga.
In addition to the frenetic pace (aided in no small part by the numerous plot lines), McIntire’s depiction of female characters is particularly strong. There are no ‘damsels in distress’ to be found here, and considering the key role romance plays in this story, McIntire’s decision to side-step the ‘white knight’ trope is particularly impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed this title, but ‘A Wicked Wind’ is technically a sequel, and the more I read, the more I wished I’d started with its predecessor. With that being said, while I highly recommend this title, I’d urge readers to begin with ‘The Hunter’s Gambit.’
At some seven-hundred pages, ‘A Wicked Wind’ is not for the faint of heart, but McIntire succeeds in crafting a novel that both reads incredibly fast and also packs a punch by way of a truly surprising third-act twist. So, for any fan still waiting for that final book from Mr. Martin, I highly suggest you turn your attention to the ‘Archanium Codex’ series—it’s every bit as compelling, and the next installment likely won’t take a decade to arrive!
February 15, 2022
I read "A Wicked Wind" by Nicholas McIntire without knowing much about the author or his previous works. I was absolutely impressed and compelled by McIntire's storytelling and loved every chapter of the book.
The concept of the Archanium is fascinating, especially how all of the different magi interact with it. The book starts with heated fights and adventures that put the reader straight into the action and pull no punches in the suspense department. The fight scenes are riveting and I believe one of the book’s stronger points. Many fantasy authors write strong magic systems and lore but fall flat when describing action sequences. The narrative is very fun, engaging and never ceases to amaze you. You’re always left wondering what kind of mysterious spirit, creature, demon or angel is waiting to jump at the main characters’ to take their lives.
I’m also a sucker for anything that involves dark magic, which this book happens to do. Seeing infernal princes duke it out in massive magic duels with angels and magi is super satisfying: the fighting scenes leave you wondering just how destructive their spells can get.
Sometimes, the teleportation scenes and the portals at the beginning were a bit confusing. The first chapters were filled with action, but at times I had to piece things up myself until they were explained better way into the book.
On the characters, my favorite from the get-go was Jonas. A troubled Prince desiring to reunite with Aleksei, who I believe endures the biggest amount of suffering in the book. The remaining cast is very well-nuanced, and as another reviewer said, it's not common to see well-written female characters in Epic fantasy fiction that aren't just "I'm different from the other girls because I'm tough". We see varying degrees of feminity and the female characters embrace it openly, while also dealing with the seriously terrifying world they live in.
I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy epic fantasy suspense with high-scale magic, demons, angels, and complex characters.
The concept of the Archanium is fascinating, especially how all of the different magi interact with it. The book starts with heated fights and adventures that put the reader straight into the action and pull no punches in the suspense department. The fight scenes are riveting and I believe one of the book’s stronger points. Many fantasy authors write strong magic systems and lore but fall flat when describing action sequences. The narrative is very fun, engaging and never ceases to amaze you. You’re always left wondering what kind of mysterious spirit, creature, demon or angel is waiting to jump at the main characters’ to take their lives.
I’m also a sucker for anything that involves dark magic, which this book happens to do. Seeing infernal princes duke it out in massive magic duels with angels and magi is super satisfying: the fighting scenes leave you wondering just how destructive their spells can get.
Sometimes, the teleportation scenes and the portals at the beginning were a bit confusing. The first chapters were filled with action, but at times I had to piece things up myself until they were explained better way into the book.
On the characters, my favorite from the get-go was Jonas. A troubled Prince desiring to reunite with Aleksei, who I believe endures the biggest amount of suffering in the book. The remaining cast is very well-nuanced, and as another reviewer said, it's not common to see well-written female characters in Epic fantasy fiction that aren't just "I'm different from the other girls because I'm tough". We see varying degrees of feminity and the female characters embrace it openly, while also dealing with the seriously terrifying world they live in.
I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy epic fantasy suspense with high-scale magic, demons, angels, and complex characters.
February 15, 2022
Nicholas McIntire’s A Wicked Wind show case a brilliant fantasy world. The back stories of each characters endears them to readers and encourages them to route for a happy ending for them. The descriptive words pulls readers into the pages and bring scenes to life. By the end of the book readers would have come to know the characters deeply and most readers would have developed a connection to them.
A Wicked Wind is a prime example of brilliant world building. There also isn’t just one world in the story that readers visit. Whether they are visiting a fantasy land of Earth or the realm of demons or wondering the majestic realm of Angels readers will be easily able to picture each part in their minds.
There are equal parts sprinkled throughout the story of action, adventure, mystery and suspension. There are moments were readers will be sitting at the edge of their seats and holding their breath. There are other moments readers will be feeling the connection between Prince Jonas and Aleksei. In the end readers will find it difficult to put the book down as they wish to get to the end and find out how all the subplots conclude.
A Wicked Wind is a prime example of brilliant world building. There also isn’t just one world in the story that readers visit. Whether they are visiting a fantasy land of Earth or the realm of demons or wondering the majestic realm of Angels readers will be easily able to picture each part in their minds.
There are equal parts sprinkled throughout the story of action, adventure, mystery and suspension. There are moments were readers will be sitting at the edge of their seats and holding their breath. There are other moments readers will be feeling the connection between Prince Jonas and Aleksei. In the end readers will find it difficult to put the book down as they wish to get to the end and find out how all the subplots conclude.
October 19, 2021
This is a fantastically imaginative novel that weaves together the magic that drives this universe with love, rage, prophecy, death, revenge, and searing hatreds of people from all over the world. Seismic circumstances put into motion by competing magical groups a thousand years ago have overtaken everyone.
The story revolves around two characters: Prince Jonas and the equally troubled Hunter. The two are drawn in separate ways, and the plot focuses on their desire to reunite. As a commander dealing with a continuing insurrection, Aleksei is torn between two options: return to Jonas and fight for his nation, or remain and fight for his motherland.
Anyone who wants to have a good time, get taken away by a fast-paced tale and read a wonderfully written story of exploration and excitement should read A Wicked Wind.
The story revolves around two characters: Prince Jonas and the equally troubled Hunter. The two are drawn in separate ways, and the plot focuses on their desire to reunite. As a commander dealing with a continuing insurrection, Aleksei is torn between two options: return to Jonas and fight for his nation, or remain and fight for his motherland.
Anyone who wants to have a good time, get taken away by a fast-paced tale and read a wonderfully written story of exploration and excitement should read A Wicked Wind.
November 4, 2021
"A Wicked Wind: The Archanium Codex, Book Two" is a brilliant story with a fascinating storyline and an action-packed plot. Written by Nicholas McIntire, the story pulls the reader in right from the onset. Buoyed with fantasy elements and great imagery, the story transports readers into a spellbinding world, capturing the reader's attention throughout.
Being the second book in the installment, it works for a stand-alone novel but readers may want to read book one to understand the characters better. I enjoyed every bit of this book. My favorite character was Aleksei Drago because of his compelling nature and his resoluteness as well. His character evolves from an innocent farm boy to a warrior, an aspect the author brought out masterfully.
If you are a fan of epic and fantasy novels, this long paced but enjoyable read is a novel you don't want to miss!
Being the second book in the installment, it works for a stand-alone novel but readers may want to read book one to understand the characters better. I enjoyed every bit of this book. My favorite character was Aleksei Drago because of his compelling nature and his resoluteness as well. His character evolves from an innocent farm boy to a warrior, an aspect the author brought out masterfully.
If you are a fan of epic and fantasy novels, this long paced but enjoyable read is a novel you don't want to miss!
January 12, 2022
A sweeping tale about a dark and sometimes complex universe. For sure an epic read, but the author has taken great pains to create a tale which compels you to move forward and discover each and every character's personality traits no matter how disturbing or flawed they may be -- meaning interesting! Lovers of the fantasy genre will totally engage with the incredible and sharp imagery and masterful storytelling. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot while creating this wildly unique universe where anything can happen. It's interwoven with magic as well as love and hate. My only negative thought is regarding the subplots...sometimes a bit too much. However, it's still a great epic read and stand alone at that.
January 3, 2022
One of the things I loved about this book is that it could be read as a standalone even if it is part of a series. Sure, reading the first book might help a bit with the characters and some backstory, but you won't feel lost if you don't. Pacing is a bit slow and there are definitely areas that could have been tightened up. The magic systems were very well done and the character arcs were pretty good. There were a bit too many subplots for me that pulled me out of the story a few times (this wasn't a single read book for me, but one I would put down and come back to at some other point).
January 1, 2022
I am such a fan of fantasy novels, and this author did not disappoint. This is a long book, but it wasn’t a chore to read like other books of this length. The characters were well developed and engaging, and the world building was phenomenal. Although the plots are complex, you by no means lose track of them.
If you are looking for a fantastic fantasy read, I would definitely recommend this book.
If you are looking for a fantastic fantasy read, I would definitely recommend this book.
December 30, 2021
This is a book for people who love adventure, magic and fantasy interwoven with emotions of love and determination. The story revolves around two central characters Prince Jonas and Hunter Aleksei... Their fight, for their survival, against magical forces.... An invisible force ,stalking Aleksei, adamant to take the lives of Aleksei and Prince Jonas. An action packed fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
This was amazing 🤩
Ok I don't know where to begin. This was an amazing book!! With so much happening at the same time, and being torn from one place to the next to follow everyone's side of the story, had me wanting more from each all the time. I loved it.... except the fact the book ended with a lot of loose ends and so much loss. I hope the next book can answer all the question this book left me with. I am totally team Jonas and Aleksie 😍
Ok I don't know where to begin. This was an amazing book!! With so much happening at the same time, and being torn from one place to the next to follow everyone's side of the story, had me wanting more from each all the time. I loved it.... except the fact the book ended with a lot of loose ends and so much loss. I hope the next book can answer all the question this book left me with. I am totally team Jonas and Aleksie 😍
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews