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Emaneska #1-4
The Emaneska Series: A Complete Collection
Only half of all recruits survive to become Written mages. Only they can wield the fiercest of magics, the powers needed to protect the Arka, until death or madness takes them.
Five scholars of Arfell have been assassinated. A spellbook has gone missing – a powerful summoning manual from the time of elves and fire-born daemons. The Arkmages are running out of time and options, and the world is once again on the brink of war with the Siren dragon-riders. It falls to Farden – one of the Arka's most powerful Written mages – to keep Emaneska from falling into chaos.
Entangled in a web of lies and politics, Farden is tasked with hunting down the assassin and recovering the spellbook before it falls into the wrong hands and the world is cast into shadow. It will mean fighting his way across the savage realms of Emaneska, a land infested with wyrms, marauders, and betrayal. It will take every fiber of his will - not to mention every scrap of magic in his bones - to survive.
And if Farden should fall... so shall the world.
Five scholars of Arfell have been assassinated. A spellbook has gone missing – a powerful summoning manual from the time of elves and fire-born daemons. The Arkmages are running out of time and options, and the world is once again on the brink of war with the Siren dragon-riders. It falls to Farden – one of the Arka's most powerful Written mages – to keep Emaneska from falling into chaos.
Entangled in a web of lies and politics, Farden is tasked with hunting down the assassin and recovering the spellbook before it falls into the wrong hands and the world is cast into shadow. It will mean fighting his way across the savage realms of Emaneska, a land infested with wyrms, marauders, and betrayal. It will take every fiber of his will - not to mention every scrap of magic in his bones - to survive.
And if Farden should fall... so shall the world.
- GenresFantasy
2165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2014
About the author
Ben Galley
51 books861 followersBen Galley is a British author of dark and epic fantasy books who currently hails from Vancouver, Canada. Since publishing his debut Emaneska Series, Ben has released the award-winning weird western Scarlet Star Trilogy and standalone The Heart of Stone, the critically-acclaimed Chasing Graves Trilogy, and the new Scalussen Chronicles.
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
When he isn’t conjuring up strange new stories or arguing the finer points of magic systems and dragon anatomy, Ben explores the Canadian wilds, sips Scotch single malts, and snowboards very, very badly. One day he hopes to haunt an epic treehouse in the mountains.
Find all of Ben’s books or join his Discord and Patreon at: www.linktr.ee/bengalley
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 6, 2026
I am going to implement a rule of having at least one indie read in my rotating reading list for 2026. Let the games begin!
I think Galley is a talented writer. He's awful at names, but he's a good writer. There were moments in the small amount I made it through here (four chapters) where I was reminded of Faulkner, and others.
My problem is I didn't really care about anybody or anything that was happening. I'd literally forgotten the raison d'etre for why our protagonist was basically going on a tour of the realms, and had to look up the first book's summary for that. 'Oh?' I asked. 'That's it? Hmmm.' And that sort of sealed it for me.
Still, I'll try to keep an eye out for further releases from Galley.
I think Galley is a talented writer. He's awful at names, but he's a good writer. There were moments in the small amount I made it through here (four chapters) where I was reminded of Faulkner, and others.
My problem is I didn't really care about anybody or anything that was happening. I'd literally forgotten the raison d'etre for why our protagonist was basically going on a tour of the realms, and had to look up the first book's summary for that. 'Oh?' I asked. 'That's it? Hmmm.' And that sort of sealed it for me.
Still, I'll try to keep an eye out for further releases from Galley.
September 19, 2020
A cracking series. With a hint of Norse Mythology. Farden is one of the written. He is an awesome character. Along with his supporting characters that make this series amazing. There is no lull or places I wished would just hurry on. so much excitement and intrigue. Action packed, swords, fights, magic, dragons, highs and lows, twists and turns. Great fantasy series that is easily takes your imagination to Emaneska.
October 5, 2020
What a ride!
Galley has put together four complete novels of Farden and the world of Emaneska. Each is complete within itself but strings together a fast moving, dark, and compelling story line of an enigmatic mage and his complex universe. Characters are well developed and multilayered. Magic mixes well with sword play and gods and fantastic beasts. This series leaves you wanting more and Galley does not disappoint. A continuation series begins the winter of 2020. Be ready!
Galley has put together four complete novels of Farden and the world of Emaneska. Each is complete within itself but strings together a fast moving, dark, and compelling story line of an enigmatic mage and his complex universe. Characters are well developed and multilayered. Magic mixes well with sword play and gods and fantastic beasts. This series leaves you wanting more and Galley does not disappoint. A continuation series begins the winter of 2020. Be ready!
April 20, 2021
The first book is a bit of a mixed bag in many ways - weird mix of beings, the story line is somewhat disjointed, and the main hero seems to be of the - 'with one mighty bound he was free' type.
The writing and story line improves in the subsequent three books. The main character, Farden, becomes more of an anti-hero (and also somewhat irritating). The plot loses its way towards the end, and I found the ending a let down.
I've read better and worse - averages out at a three to me.
The writing and story line improves in the subsequent three books. The main character, Farden, becomes more of an anti-hero (and also somewhat irritating). The plot loses its way towards the end, and I found the ending a let down.
I've read better and worse - averages out at a three to me.
August 14, 2023
Playthings of gods and deamons
Galley has built an engrossing Nordic adventure with meddling flawed gods, narcissistic deamons, fantastic intelligent creatures, and a broken hero. Emaneska is a raw and engrossing world where I shivered with the cold, felt my skin krinkle in the heat, and rode an emotional rollercoaster with every betrayal and discovery.
Galley has built an engrossing Nordic adventure with meddling flawed gods, narcissistic deamons, fantastic intelligent creatures, and a broken hero. Emaneska is a raw and engrossing world where I shivered with the cold, felt my skin krinkle in the heat, and rode an emotional rollercoaster with every betrayal and discovery.
October 10, 2019
From the hinterlands, woods and cities of the Arka to the cold, artic wastes of Albion, this series was a rollercoaster ride of swordplay, magic and the emotive descriptions, well drawn characters and a rich plot make it a rewarding read. It’s a shame it could not continue. Thoroughly enjoyable
January 25, 2020
As the title suggests, this was indeed an epic read. Each book seamlessly builds upon the ending from the previous one, and you are constantly kept intrigued and wanting to continue to see how things pan out. It took me longer to complete this series, but I am glad I did as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 27, 2023
If fantasy were food this wouldn't be caviar but it would certainly be comfort food. Lots of soft magic, imaginative creatures, races and cultures everywhere, plenty of battles and vile, world destroying enemies. Plus talking, wise dragons. Well written and decent pacing.
May 7, 2023
Very well written
The ideas put forth and presented left me in a new world. I would recommend this to Anyone 12 years of age or older. I look forward to seeing more inventive and mystifying works.
The ideas put forth and presented left me in a new world. I would recommend this to Anyone 12 years of age or older. I look forward to seeing more inventive and mystifying works.
May 10, 2023
?
In many aspects a terrifying story line that keeps you turning page after page. I knew that somehow the good guys were going to win, however with the opponent s so strong it was not a sure outcome. Wonderful read!!!
In many aspects a terrifying story line that keeps you turning page after page. I knew that somehow the good guys were going to win, however with the opponent s so strong it was not a sure outcome. Wonderful read!!!
June 12, 2023
The story to the end
It's been a while since I read a book a fantasy book this one was fun and interesting it's like in the past I've been reading books for the last 40 years it took me back to the time when I was young
It's been a while since I read a book a fantasy book this one was fun and interesting it's like in the past I've been reading books for the last 40 years it took me back to the time when I was young
September 12, 2023
Couldn't put it down by the end..
The first book was good enough to get me hooked on the story, though it had the issue of an authors first book. It only got better. By the end, I wanted more and am moving on to the next trilogy.
The first book was good enough to get me hooked on the story, though it had the issue of an authors first book. It only got better. By the end, I wanted more and am moving on to the next trilogy.
April 22, 2018
Sex, drugs and rock n roll (read magic). A great read! Could barely put my pad down. With a good system for magic and deep characters this series is given 5 stars from me!
July 7, 2018
Quality Fantasy
Very solid Fantasy read with engaging characters, interesting magic system and a strong story line. Definitely worth giving this series a try.
Very solid Fantasy read with engaging characters, interesting magic system and a strong story line. Definitely worth giving this series a try.
February 19, 2019
The Emaneska Series
This series is a great read . Was a little hard to get it going but once it started you can't put it down .
This series is a great read . Was a little hard to get it going but once it started you can't put it down .
May 23, 2019
Wonderfully written
What can I say this has kept me up at night always a sure sign of a great story teller . How I wish I had this amazing talent .
What can I say this has kept me up at night always a sure sign of a great story teller . How I wish I had this amazing talent .
May 10, 2020
Fantastic!
Great series, well worth a read if you are into anything mythical, magical or otherworldly! So many great characters and many twists and turns.
Great series, well worth a read if you are into anything mythical, magical or otherworldly! So many great characters and many twists and turns.
July 12, 2020
Absolutely excellent storytelling. The beginning character vs how things end was beautifully written.
October 23, 2025
Just loved this series - thank you!
This is an epic read and we'll worth the time I've devoted to this series. Looking forward to reading more on Farden
This is an epic read and we'll worth the time I've devoted to this series. Looking forward to reading more on Farden
June 11, 2017
It's not close to the Lord of the Rings but it's a good read. A flawed hero,Farden, and his band of worthies are in a battle, but of course, to save the world.
Drug addiction kills Farden's magic leaving him to survive as an assasin by his prowess at killing with his warrior training. When his employer orders his assassination he gets even and returns to his homeland where all who knew him 15 years previously don't understand why he isn't the powerful mage he was. He returns just as his murderous daughter, 1/4 daemon, sets out to fulfill her programming of bringing back the daemons to once again wreak havoc after being held in a celestial prison put in place by the gods years ago.
A bit drawn out with side trips that take up to many words. Thankfully the battle scenes don't go on and on as in some epics.
Left with many loose ends, Loki, Malvus, Jaesin to set the stage for sequels.
This ebook contains many typos.
Drug addiction kills Farden's magic leaving him to survive as an assasin by his prowess at killing with his warrior training. When his employer orders his assassination he gets even and returns to his homeland where all who knew him 15 years previously don't understand why he isn't the powerful mage he was. He returns just as his murderous daughter, 1/4 daemon, sets out to fulfill her programming of bringing back the daemons to once again wreak havoc after being held in a celestial prison put in place by the gods years ago.
A bit drawn out with side trips that take up to many words. Thankfully the battle scenes don't go on and on as in some epics.
Left with many loose ends, Loki, Malvus, Jaesin to set the stage for sequels.
This ebook contains many typos.
August 10, 2022
amazing
This book took you from the lows to the highs of life journey;it showed at the heart of things we all crave and need love and without it we become cold hearted unattached souls without a moral conscious .
This book took you from the lows to the highs of life journey;it showed at the heart of things we all crave and need love and without it we become cold hearted unattached souls without a moral conscious .
March 23, 2016
Fantastic! Great series. Very well done.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews