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Magelands Eternal Siege #13
Dreams of Kell
Back where it all began.
Living quietly with her young children in Colsbury Castle, Karalyn Holdfast has found peace at last. With the Sextant of the Gods under her control, she is making up for lost time, while keeping a wary eye on events sweeping across the other worlds where members of the Holdfast family live. Little does she know that her life is about to change again, as a young mage arises from the remote mountains of Kellach Brigdomin – a young mage who will upset the balance of power that has been carefully nurtured on the Star Continent.
With an eye on achieving ultimate power for herself, Thorn Holdfast arrives in Plateau City with her husband Keir, ready to begin work for an Empress who has not yet forgiven her for the treachery of her youth.
Without any wars to fight, Corthie Holdfast faces a different battle – against the demons in his own mind. Striving to live a peaceful life with Aila and his young family, Corthie’s resolve will be put to the test. If he fails to resist the lure of violence that calls out to him, not only will his family be under threat, but the safety of his entire world.
Living quietly with her young children in Colsbury Castle, Karalyn Holdfast has found peace at last. With the Sextant of the Gods under her control, she is making up for lost time, while keeping a wary eye on events sweeping across the other worlds where members of the Holdfast family live. Little does she know that her life is about to change again, as a young mage arises from the remote mountains of Kellach Brigdomin – a young mage who will upset the balance of power that has been carefully nurtured on the Star Continent.
With an eye on achieving ultimate power for herself, Thorn Holdfast arrives in Plateau City with her husband Keir, ready to begin work for an Empress who has not yet forgiven her for the treachery of her youth.
Without any wars to fight, Corthie Holdfast faces a different battle – against the demons in his own mind. Striving to live a peaceful life with Aila and his young family, Corthie’s resolve will be put to the test. If he fails to resist the lure of violence that calls out to him, not only will his family be under threat, but the safety of his entire world.
- GenresFantasy
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2022
434 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Mitchell
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I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…
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About Me
I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 22, 2022
A return to the Star Continent – like slipping on a comfy pair of well-worn slippers that you know won’t ever let you down. I’ve enjoyed reading Christopher Mitchell from Book 1 of the wider series and after a whirlwind tour around other words we’re brought right back to where we started, and it is starting to feel like the beginning of the end.
What makes this world so interesting is what first hooked me onto Mitchell’s writing – the diverse cast of characters all so very different yet very similar to our own world. In Dreams of Kell, we’re reintroduced to some old favourites as the plot continues to thicken for the Holdfasts. Threads from earlier books start linking in seamlessly with references and visits from some of the more minor characters coming back into play.
It would have been easy for Mitchell to use this book to almost set the stage and get the characters in place for the almost inevitable impending blow out and the plot does begin in this way before accelerating forwards and bringing a whole new battle for the seemingly indomitable Holdfast family. Their weaknesses and flaws are exposed and amplified throughout the book which I felt really brings them (and the reader in tow) back to the reality of their fragility as humans as opposed to the immortal beings they’ve been battling against for so long.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next instalment of this epic series.
What makes this world so interesting is what first hooked me onto Mitchell’s writing – the diverse cast of characters all so very different yet very similar to our own world. In Dreams of Kell, we’re reintroduced to some old favourites as the plot continues to thicken for the Holdfasts. Threads from earlier books start linking in seamlessly with references and visits from some of the more minor characters coming back into play.
It would have been easy for Mitchell to use this book to almost set the stage and get the characters in place for the almost inevitable impending blow out and the plot does begin in this way before accelerating forwards and bringing a whole new battle for the seemingly indomitable Holdfast family. Their weaknesses and flaws are exposed and amplified throughout the book which I felt really brings them (and the reader in tow) back to the reality of their fragility as humans as opposed to the immortal beings they’ve been battling against for so long.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next instalment of this epic series.
November 21, 2022
Very disappointing installment in a great series
I was so looking forward to returning to the star continent and bringing several of the worlds we have come to know together in one novel. Sadly, the book got off to a terrible start with the introduction of an out-of-nowhere character of convenience that reeked of lazy writing. The author needed an antagonist who was capable of tearing apart the Holdfast family and understandably didn't want to resort to another battle with an ancient or an ascendant, so he just invented a high mage teenager who, for some reason I could never figure out, decided that it was his life's mission to torture and kill every member of a family he'd never met, a family who also had nothing to do with the stated cause of his anguish. All of the high mages in the family, who have taken down entire armies, countless gods, greenhides, you name it, are helpless against the 16 year old. Keir's past was also rewritten to make him a loathsome, jealous, excuse of a man, and Corthie is made out to be a dumb-as-a-stump Neanderthal. The story wasn't believable or engaging and really just stumbled along at a snails pace toward the end goal of having a wedge driven between the Holdfasts and the Empire. I actually found myself skimming ahead in what has been one of my all time favorite series.
I was so looking forward to returning to the star continent and bringing several of the worlds we have come to know together in one novel. Sadly, the book got off to a terrible start with the introduction of an out-of-nowhere character of convenience that reeked of lazy writing. The author needed an antagonist who was capable of tearing apart the Holdfast family and understandably didn't want to resort to another battle with an ancient or an ascendant, so he just invented a high mage teenager who, for some reason I could never figure out, decided that it was his life's mission to torture and kill every member of a family he'd never met, a family who also had nothing to do with the stated cause of his anguish. All of the high mages in the family, who have taken down entire armies, countless gods, greenhides, you name it, are helpless against the 16 year old. Keir's past was also rewritten to make him a loathsome, jealous, excuse of a man, and Corthie is made out to be a dumb-as-a-stump Neanderthal. The story wasn't believable or engaging and really just stumbled along at a snails pace toward the end goal of having a wedge driven between the Holdfasts and the Empire. I actually found myself skimming ahead in what has been one of my all time favorite series.
August 22, 2022
This series is not for the casual reader, if you haven't been following along there's just too much backstory and intricate plot detail to try and jump in from here. I would highly recommend going back and reading from book 1 in this series. There are a few points where readers could safely jump in but they would be robbing themselves of experiencing the roller coaster of storytelling that makes up the Magelands and its encompassing stories. Readers who enjoy a fantastic epic fantasy series should not pass this one up.
Going back to the Star Continent is like embracing an old friend, they've changed and grown but you can still catch glimpses of their past. Their experiences have helped shape them and also helped them to develop those who've come after them. As the cycle continues are we destined to walk a similar path again? Christopher Mitchell blows me away all over again by continuing to weave the tapestry of the story. There is so much happening and things we wish would happen, or dread may happen. Never a dull moment. I love how the past, present and future all come together and we get new and old side by side.
I've loved this journey from the start and wish it would never end. I received an advanced copy of this story and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
Going back to the Star Continent is like embracing an old friend, they've changed and grown but you can still catch glimpses of their past. Their experiences have helped shape them and also helped them to develop those who've come after them. As the cycle continues are we destined to walk a similar path again? Christopher Mitchell blows me away all over again by continuing to weave the tapestry of the story. There is so much happening and things we wish would happen, or dread may happen. Never a dull moment. I love how the past, present and future all come together and we get new and old side by side.
I've loved this journey from the start and wish it would never end. I received an advanced copy of this story and am leaving an honest, voluntary review.
August 20, 2022
The end is nigh with the Holdfast family gathering, new enemies and division
Christopher has started the end of his mammoth journey through the Magelands. In this book Christopher starts to bring all the characters together from the old to the new. The Holdfast family is gathering as Karalyn explores what she can do with her powers. With a new unknown dream mage on the loose, everyone over the timeline of the series starts to gather on the Star Continent.
Christopher starts to expand on the characters giving the reader an insight into the various different facets of the Holdfast Family. The reader gets to explore the Holdfast family division and intrigues culminating with divisions within the family and potential rifts across the wider Star continent.
The book has a fast pace and draws you closer to the main characters and needless to say has the plot twists and intrigues that lovers of the series have come to love. I am now eagerly awaiting the next books and the conclusion of the epic piece of work.
Christopher has started the end of his mammoth journey through the Magelands. In this book Christopher starts to bring all the characters together from the old to the new. The Holdfast family is gathering as Karalyn explores what she can do with her powers. With a new unknown dream mage on the loose, everyone over the timeline of the series starts to gather on the Star Continent.
Christopher starts to expand on the characters giving the reader an insight into the various different facets of the Holdfast Family. The reader gets to explore the Holdfast family division and intrigues culminating with divisions within the family and potential rifts across the wider Star continent.
The book has a fast pace and draws you closer to the main characters and needless to say has the plot twists and intrigues that lovers of the series have come to love. I am now eagerly awaiting the next books and the conclusion of the epic piece of work.
September 11, 2022
What is going to happen next?
Christopher has done it yet again, I cannot fault any book of the The Magelands Eternal Siege.
I can’t pick a favourite character and that is a hard feat to achieve. I am left with so many questions
Will the Holdfasts manage to retain their standing within the star continent? What is Sable up to? Will Bridget loose the plot? These are only a few questions that I’m left with after finishing Dreams of Kell.
However, there are other questions that eagerly are awaiting answers which relate to the entire series!
What’s happening with Dragon Eyre! Will Belinda escape the marriage? Does she even want to? Will The continents combine and defeat the ancients?
If you like pirates, dragons, kick ass women and men, then I can only recommend this series!
My only issue? The books never seem long enough!
Pre-Ordered the next book and I can’t wait!
Christopher has done it yet again, I cannot fault any book of the The Magelands Eternal Siege.
I can’t pick a favourite character and that is a hard feat to achieve. I am left with so many questions
Will the Holdfasts manage to retain their standing within the star continent? What is Sable up to? Will Bridget loose the plot? These are only a few questions that I’m left with after finishing Dreams of Kell.
However, there are other questions that eagerly are awaiting answers which relate to the entire series!
What’s happening with Dragon Eyre! Will Belinda escape the marriage? Does she even want to? Will The continents combine and defeat the ancients?
If you like pirates, dragons, kick ass women and men, then I can only recommend this series!
My only issue? The books never seem long enough!
Pre-Ordered the next book and I can’t wait!
August 22, 2022
Another great episode in the the magelands eternal siege series. This book follows the exploits of some of the Holdfasts, a family with special abilities. If you have read the earlier books then expect another great adventure with old friends, you won’t be disappointed. It’s great to see the next stage of the characters lives, a new adventure with a different mix of old characters and some new. If you are new to the series I would definitely recommend these books, I haven't been able to put them down. Chris really brings the characters to life. The book is a pleasure to read, has a nice pace and the storyline kept me guessing. The world and story is brought to life without long drawn out descriptions, making it easy to slip into a different world for a few hours. The most addictive series I have read in years!
August 23, 2022
Dreams of Kell: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Magelands Eternal Siege Book 13), my seventeenth read from prolific author Christopher Mitchell, 497-pages of epic fantasy. Just when you wonder where this epic goes next Mitchell delivers. When I want to read epic fantasy I first look for author Christopher Mitchell. With 25 books written over 3 series, I need to get going & read more Christopher Mitchell books. I look forward to reading more from this author. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)
August 20, 2022
Return to where it all began.
The start of the end of an epic series with a return to the Star Continent and many of the characters from earlier series, along with links, using the the Sextant of the Gods, with Dragon Eyre.
Chris has weaved his magic yet again bringing together a number of threads and whilst the conclusion to the series maybe possible, I am sure there will be more twist and turns before the last page is written and read.
This continues to be a memorable series.
Advanced reader copy direct from Author.
The start of the end of an epic series with a return to the Star Continent and many of the characters from earlier series, along with links, using the the Sextant of the Gods, with Dragon Eyre.
Chris has weaved his magic yet again bringing together a number of threads and whilst the conclusion to the series maybe possible, I am sure there will be more twist and turns before the last page is written and read.
This continues to be a memorable series.
Advanced reader copy direct from Author.
August 16, 2022
'Dreams of Kell' is the start of the endgame.
After about 21 books in the Magelands universe, with multiple arcs, spanning different worlds, the various threads are all coming together in this start of the final arc. The epic feel of the book is highlighted by an appropriately phantom menace that seems to use the powers of the Holdfasts against them. As a result, characters that were dispersed across the various worlds, are summoned to aid the Holdfasts against both the obvious as well as hidden forces working against them.
After about 21 books in the Magelands universe, with multiple arcs, spanning different worlds, the various threads are all coming together in this start of the final arc. The epic feel of the book is highlighted by an appropriately phantom menace that seems to use the powers of the Holdfasts against them. As a result, characters that were dispersed across the various worlds, are summoned to aid the Holdfasts against both the obvious as well as hidden forces working against them.
August 20, 2022
This was a great read, Visiting the Holdfasts Home world for the 1st time was exciting excellent. Karalyn has mastered the ability to transport almost everywhere,Her mom's in trouble,Corthies in trouble,Sables in trouble..Get this one to find out what happens and whether it's resolved in a happy ending. I am an Honest ARC reviewer reading the Story of Kell was an excellent Mitchell Mind Merge,that you will appreciate if you like the series.
August 20, 2022
What a great start to the final series of books in the Magelands saga. A welcome return to familiar characters and places on the Star Continent. It was great to read what some of my favourite characters have been doing while we were transported to Dragon Eyre.
As usual, Christopher has spent time developing those personalities, creating intrigue and intricate plot twists and turns, leaving me wanting more!
I can’t recommend these books highly enough: a great author to follow.
As usual, Christopher has spent time developing those personalities, creating intrigue and intricate plot twists and turns, leaving me wanting more!
I can’t recommend these books highly enough: a great author to follow.
August 22, 2022
Wow what a book. The best so far i think. I was spellbound right from the start and just couldn't put this book down.. at all!!
We are now in the land of the Holdings, and see each main character move forward on their journey. The indecisions, the losses. We have all the Holdings together including Sable who drops in and out. I can feel a finale coming on and am excited to see what happens next.. the crescendo builds up and up... what will happen next?
We are now in the land of the Holdings, and see each main character move forward on their journey. The indecisions, the losses. We have all the Holdings together including Sable who drops in and out. I can feel a finale coming on and am excited to see what happens next.. the crescendo builds up and up... what will happen next?
August 20, 2022
It is bittersweet to be back to the Star Continent as the author begins to finish this epic series and wrap up so many loose ends. It was comforting to spend time with my favorite characters and I cannot wait to see what this book actually set up! Highly recommended!!
August 22, 2022
An another excellent book set on the Star Continent. Lots of favourite characters revisited, with some new ones introduced.
Great writing, great world building, good pacing, an excellent read. I can't wait to see how this all plays out!
Great writing, great world building, good pacing, an excellent read. I can't wait to see how this all plays out!
November 15, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all of this series but this one was nearly impossible to put down. Revisiting beloved characters and places is always fun but the pace and energy of the writing was what made it addictive.
January 3, 2023
Heart pounding
Knowing the history of these series where any of your well liked characters can die, I was extremely worried at times. It was fast paste and frustrating as well because how things were going. All and all great addition to the series.
Knowing the history of these series where any of your well liked characters can die, I was extremely worried at times. It was fast paste and frustrating as well because how things were going. All and all great addition to the series.
February 6, 2023
Once again I was spellbound
I loved this book. Heck I love the whole series. just when I think things can't get any better Christopher pulls off another one. Okay that's all I got I have to go read the next one.
I loved this book. Heck I love the whole series. just when I think things can't get any better Christopher pulls off another one. Okay that's all I got I have to go read the next one.
February 15, 2023
Fantastical!
What an amazing series! An epic of a tale of fantasy to rival anything I've read before. I applaud Christopher Mitchell for his talent in portraying the dragons & people of other worlds in such incredibly human "warts & all" way.
What an amazing series! An epic of a tale of fantasy to rival anything I've read before. I applaud Christopher Mitchell for his talent in portraying the dragons & people of other worlds in such incredibly human "warts & all" way.
June 9, 2023
This book felt as if the author had struggled to start the final chapter in this huge saga. The first half of the book felt like a memory dump. The second half was business as usual from the author and was brilliant. It's now left the series well placed for an epic finale.
April 6, 2024
A good read
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 12 books of this series this one had a lot of narrative and not enough action for me. I will read bok 14 with the hope that there is more action.
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 12 books of this series this one had a lot of narrative and not enough action for me. I will read bok 14 with the hope that there is more action.
August 20, 2022
Very intense story.
Lots happened with this return to star. Was hard to put down as usual for this author.
Lots happened with this return to star. Was hard to put down as usual for this author.
September 12, 2022
wonderful
I have a complaint, it’s too short, I want more. I hope the next books are longer, they are just gold, I can’t stop turning pages.
I have a complaint, it’s too short, I want more. I hope the next books are longer, they are just gold, I can’t stop turning pages.
September 26, 2022
Another superb installment
Hurry up and release the next 1 !!!
I can't wait this whole series has been fantastic from the start.
Hurry up and release the next 1 !!!
I can't wait this whole series has been fantastic from the start.
October 6, 2022
Another SMASH from Christopher! Couldn’t put the book down!
October 27, 2022
great
Read slot of the fantasy books really good reading.strong characters and great fantasy setting dragons that talk fabulous. Good book
Read slot of the fantasy books really good reading.strong characters and great fantasy setting dragons that talk fabulous. Good book
December 30, 2022
4 1/2 stars
January 21, 2023
another amazing book to a fantastic series
I find it hard to put these books down. With each book, comes a new twist and I can’t get enough!
I find it hard to put these books down. With each book, comes a new twist and I can’t get enough!
August 4, 2023
Awesome book!
I love The Maglands series by Christopher Mitchell. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a series with lots of adventure.
I love The Maglands series by Christopher Mitchell. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a series with lots of adventure.
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September 10, 2025Loved it
September 25, 2022
awesome series
What a marvelous adventure. I have read books 1-13 and been awed. I love all the magic and powers that the main characters exhibited. The idea of going from one world to the next. I am happy that they are on Kindle Unlimited because I would have bankrupted myself. I can’t wait to read the next books.
What a marvelous adventure. I have read books 1-13 and been awed. I love all the magic and powers that the main characters exhibited. The idea of going from one world to the next. I am happy that they are on Kindle Unlimited because I would have bankrupted myself. I can’t wait to read the next books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews