Master Arcanist

Frith Chronicles #7

by Shami Stovall

Corruption. Power. The clash of god-arcanists rocks the world.
Volke Savan is tasked with finding the remaining god-creatures and helping them bond with people who will help fight the Second Ascension. Unfortunately, enemies and power-hungry arcanists are out to find the creatures themselves. With the help of the Frith Guild, and those who have sworn to him, Volke intends to face off against the Second Ascension with overwhelming force.
But as more individuals bond with the god-creatures, the worse the magical corruption, the arcane plague, spreads throughout the world. Volke must determine his paths in magic-creation or destruction-and then solve the problem of the plague once and for all, before it destroys everything he cares for.
Continue the Frith Chronicles with the seventh book, Master Arcanist!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Young Adult, Fiction

600 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2022

About the author

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:

Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the battle of Thronehold, Volke and the Frith Guild are once again setting out to help the world. They intend to locate more god creatures to bond and join them against the Second Ascension. The Second Ascension have also taken captives that have made the Frith Guild all the more zealous to find and end their plots for good.

After Warlord Arcanist, I honestly wasn't sure if I would read another book in the series. The main reason I decided to read Master Arcanist is that I know it's the penultimate book in the series. Surprisingly though, Master Arcanist still read as though there are going to be many more books in the future. By the books end, roughly half the god creatures have been revealed and the Autarch is still a looming concern rather than an active participant in events.

Anyone who has read this far into the series can easily picture how Master Arcanist goes. Volke is still Volke, overly unbelievably good. Zaxis is prickly and at times behaves like he has the personality of a cactus. Zelfree never sleeps enough. Atty is obsessed with a true form phoenix. Aldegis is distant yet helpful. There is basically no personality growth in any of the main characters from the last book.

All in all Master Arcanist was ok. It's tough because it just seems with a few tweaks and multiple point of view characters, it could be much better.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

El enfrentamiento entre los dioses-arcanistas está listo. Buscando pistas para encontrar a la Segunda Ascensión, Volke y sus compañeros se dirigen al país de nacimiento de Hexa, arcanista hidra. La idea es ir aprendiendo los poderes de la Serpiente del Mundo y del Lobo Fenris, los eldrin vinculados a Volke y Zaxis, además de encontrar más criaturas divinas. Este aspecto de la magia y la creación de baratijas y artefactos está muy bien. No es un libro tan trepidante como los anteriores, pero se nota que se está cociendo todo para el último volumen.

[Kyle Buckley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as I really wanted to. As much as I've enjoyed the Frith Chronicles, this is one of the weaker books.

The awkward romance, and some characters going from being main cast to bit parts and made to seem like an awkward outcast (Atty) is a shame.

You can see where the story is going but I don't feel it's as well executed compared to coliseum arcanist or Plague arcanist.

[Matthew Higer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as always!!!!

I hope you continue writing within this Arc and write up following Arc in this same wold. I dont think I will ever become tired of this tapestry of creativity. I want to read a chronological Arc after Acr after Arc for a long while.
On a second though, a musing I have.... I wonder what would an artifact creation and Inbuing would look like if it was done and enpowerd by and under Arua or even a true form Arua?

[baisik · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!!!

I always thought that a book series kinda fell off after a certain point, but Shami Stovall is proving me wrong! I'm having more fun with this series as it continues, and I loved how characters changed and certain unexpected relationships developed. And the plot twist at the end? Omg! I'm sad to almost be finished the series!

[Paul Alcantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

every book is better and better

Every installment never lets me down and neither did this one! Amazing writing amazing arcs in my top 3 series of all time.

[Blizreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as i like the frith chronicles there is always stuff that annoys me, im not sure why but the line are you okay? is something that is reapeted in the books way to much, im pretty sure i have heard those lines like over 50 times by now and i really want some better character progress. I do like that Volk is stepping up as a world arcanist and is starting to behave more as a leader but what about the other characters? Zach was just kinda annoying through out the whole book and i really hate how he is behaving most of the time. I really hope he will get alot more character progress in the next book and stop this stupid rivalry he has started with volk. Hexa being hexa shes kinda the same way as she has been as book 1. Atty is like a side character now. Zelfri i have alot of respect for someon that is always there guiding everyone but i wasnt a fan of how he believes kalisto is someon that should be allowed to live, zelfri thinks its his fault because he left him but like kalisto says he knows he is a monster and shouldnt be allowed to live and i agree with that i mean i wonder how many people kalisto has actually killed and what he has done but now with the ending we are gonna see alot more of kalisto and hopefully he will make up for his past and become a likeable character.

Also find it weird how the world is supposed to be big but there is never any interactions with other arcanists and guilds and i dont remember if the author even mentioned other guilds. The frith guild is fighting the 2nd ascension to protect the world but what is the rest of the world doing? its kinda stupid how it feels like the frith guild and its arcanist is the only ones existing and doing something to stop the 2nd acsenision. Also kinda dumb how the frith guild is supposed to be this big amazing guild but there is like no arcanists in it? they barely mentioned any arcanists and its stupid how they dont have any people to bond with the world creatues, its a big world but they cant find any people so they have to use volks dad gravekeeper william? Just so many things that makes no sense

I do love the frith chronicles and i had a really good time with them but im not really that happy with this book, didnt really feel any satisfaction after it ended and that kinda makes me sad as i should be really excited for book 8 but im not?

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volke has matured into his god-Arcanist status and role quite well

Zaxis is still struggling but mostly against himself and his own thoughts but he’s growing more powerful each day. Soon they will have another god-Arcanist if they can manage to find one that the typhon beast will accept before the second ascendancy attacks them.
Always a few steps behind the Autarch, Volke and his friends and guild are nonetheless, determined to end his planned reign of the world.
As with all plans, this one will need many adjustments but all of Volke’s studying, practice and work in his own skills and abilities is paying off.
Things happen pretty fast in the world and the Frith guild arcanists need to get ahead of the Autarch and the Second Ascension’s plans before it’s too late!

[Progressional Fantasy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: Legendary

Review (By Oscar): Master Arcanist by Shami Stovall is a masterful work. I've loved every single book of this series, but I think this might take the cake for my favorite. Everything about this book was amazing. I loved the interaction between Zelfree and Callisto, Zaxis and Volke - as always - Volke and Evianna, and Adelgis and Fain. Every single one of this interactions was always amazing to read, and I don't think there is a single character in this story who I don't love. I think I would read a book about Adelgis and Fain shopping. No joke. Something else that is amazing about this series, is just how innovative the magic system is. Unlike traditional class, or cultivation, the magic in The Frith Chronicles involves bonding to a mythical beast - eldrin - and learn their different types of magic (evocation, augmentation, manipulation, aura, and imbuing), while deepening their bond to their bonded eldrin. The types of eldrin vary wildly, and it feels like any eldrin or power is possible. There seems to be no limit to these amazing creatures that are introduced every book. Though I don't love Terrakona and Volke together as much as Luthair, I still love their interactions, and powers. Still, I am so excited for Volke to (hopefully) reunite with Luthair in the last book of the series - Grandmaster Arcanist - which I can't wait for. Like always, the world is extremely well-written and every single place feels like it is real, to the point I feel like I can just reach out and touch it. I really enjoyed the calmer moments in this book as well, from Volke training in his new powers, talking to his companions, or listening in to conversations between other characters. I was also very shocked with a twist early in the book that (spoiler), results in Zaxis losing his long time companion, Forscythe. The effects of this continue throughout the entire book, with a reader able to see the impacts in almost all of Zaxis' decisions from that point on, which is amazing writing to be able to pull off as well as it was done. Overall, this is an incredible book, and a must read. I could not have asked for a better second to last book in this series, and my only wish is that there could be more than 1 left so that I could read more about these incredible characters journeys.

If you want to read more reviews like this, check out Progressionalfantasyreviews.com.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Reuploaded]

I've loved Shami Stovall's work for years, so when she offered me a review copy of this one, I was thrilled to accept!

The beginning of this book holds no punches, more so than any of the books previous to it. That makes sense, as the last book had a gigantic ending and this book takes place immediately after. But more so than that, several more gigantic things continue to happen as things progress. There are entire new character arcs that begin in this book, but I can't give any particulars because they're from giant plot beats that happen within the first hundred pages.

As for the characters, I LOVED getting to see more of Hexa's side of things. All of the other original apprentices had gotten a deep dive into their characters, so it was nice to get a look into her culture and background. I also loved getting to see Terrakonna's oddly adorable side. As for the romance between Volke and Evianna... honestly, I still have waffling feelings about it. I'm definitely glad the love pentagon is over and it might grow on me with time, but I don't necessarily feel the romance the way I've felt romances in other book. Although the book does give big hints that both the achillean and sapphic ships I was hoping for are canon, so I can't complain too much.

Also, I finally realized why this series' worldbuilding is so easy for me to follow. Normally, I get the most lost with worldbuilding in fantasy books. But this series is highly repetitive in the facts it presents, constantly reminding the reader of what things look like or what cultural facets the characters are operating on. If you're a high fantasy aficionado, that might get annoying. But seeing as this series is YA and meant for a younger audience, I appreciate that it takes the moment to re-explain things.

As for the ending, this one was strangely underwhelming. After reading ten books by this author, I've grown used to these world-shattering endings with gigantic implications for the story moving forward. That isn't to say there wasn't the standard giant monster battle (it's not a Shami Stovall book if there isn't some kind of fire and destruction in the ending, I swear) but the implications of it weren't quite as mind-boggling as a few of the previous books in the series. However, there are promises of other gigantic battles to come in the series, so I'm content to wait.

All in all, more of the great story I've enjoyed so far!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

More danger, triumphs, and setbacks

I loved, loved this 7th book in the continuing YA fantasy action adventures of the arcanists of the Frith Guild as seen through the eyes of the Warlord Volke Savan, the Second World Serpent Arcanist. The series has an overarching plot but each book in the series continues to be engaging and the storylines continue to be fresh as the characters grow and change. This book starts where the last book ended. Volke has just defeated Theasin, the Soul Forge God arcanist but the Second Ascension escaped and is still powerful. Several members of Volke’s group of adventurers are now infected with the plague and Vethica, the arcanist who was able to cure it has been taken. Volke has a million problems and tasks that all need immediate attention including finding the lair of the Second Ascension, finding someone to bind with the fenris wolf, and curing his plague ridden friends. As Volke continues to take more on his shoulders, he continues to exude even more of the traits of the World Serpent Arcanist - loyalty, leadership, kindness, responsibility, honor, and empathy. I love that Volke’s character, despite each having unique overwhelming powers, is still a sweet, a bit naive, modest, and awkward man and he makes mistakes and gets hurt and learns from others which makes him a very likeable and relatable hero. Just like the other books in the series, this book had a layered storyline, witty dialogue, surprising plot twists, flawed and complicated characters, mystery, and suspense all woven together in a captivating plot. I love this series.

While this book can be read as a standalone, there are some story arcs that are woven throughout the series so to get the most out of the story, the series should be read in order.

[Michael Schwartz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs lots of work

Ok first I want to say the concept of the book is interesting but writing style is poor, there is no character development, lots of odd word choices, the names of both people and critters is I think is just plain out there I know you want to be creative but I can't relate to the names of things.
I have skim through good parts of the book because at times its almost painful to read, it's like omg why.. Most of the characters are ignorant idiots who don't know how to use their heads. The main character is kinda in my opinion is retarded and so naive. Just soooooo much of his internal monologue its crazy how much he wines and constant doubt about everything. I find myself cringe when I see the female characters talk, omg I think his team are all psycho except fain and moonbeam who I wish were more part of what's happening they make reading the book interesting. Just curious hexa is a lesbian and its brought out because it was a focus because of calisto or lynus sorry can't remember how its spelled but you don't really get into the relation between fain and moonbeam.

The book feel odd, the flow is sloppy and I don't know why you put certain events in the book was like ok what ever. Most of the characters make me feel sick.

Oh and the chapter names wow really...

It's book 7 you think there would be character growth .. I think too much time is focused on the neediness and feels like filler. Atty is such a meathead she makes zaxy look smart to me. The significant other the princess is sooo needy.. Over all I think the books have potential they would be amazing if they were cleaned up and reworked.

[Erick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of this book even though it didn't feel like it was progressing forward in the overall story arc. That quickly changed with the last part of the book, especially all the final stuff. Here is the deal. Stovall has the evil and good World Arcanists meet in a parlay.

I never for one second felt like this was anything more than a device to say, oh look, we tried to talk but dag nabbit, we failed and just couldn't come to an accord. The arguments from both sides were nothing more than surface tripe. There was no REAL DISCUSSION and provocative thoughts as to why the bad guys have a reasonable point. Even Volke doesn't put forth any good reasons why gal who is obviously not as bad as the rest of the Second Ascension should listen to him. And then, big surprise, this leads to a massive epic battle between them all. This parlay in the end, was nothing more than a very poorly executed stepping stone to get to this battle that the author had no intent on avoiding. And in such, she doesn't give you any good reasons to even think that the one gal might get swayed away. It was very infuriating.

To top it off, the book is ended with the feeling of "To be continued" rather than a definitive end to the book. It was very abrupt and very dissatifying.

[Garrett Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll continue because I am invested in the story, but I must say, this one took a minute to get through. It seems the books are getting longer, but the plot is not moving forward as much as the page count would suggest. I think Ms. Stovall might benefit greatly from an editor whose sole purpose it to cut unneeded words. She has a bad habit of going one sentence to far. For instance she'll write something like "The villian must be trying to achieve his goal. But I wouldn't let that happen. We wouldn't let that happen." This is fine every now and then to convey determination, or emphasis, but it seemed to happen every other page or so. Following the guideline of SHOW don't TELL, a little more closely, would be appreciated.

Plus, the characters, especially Zaxis and Volke, are becoming almost unbearable. One, because you cannot believe he can be so sensitive and prickly, and the other because he is a moron. Volke is suppose to become clever at some point, but so far, he seems dumber than most.

I still like the world, and want to see the end of this conflict, but unless Ms. Stovall cleans up her writing style and adds depth to her characters, I will not be picking up anything else authored by her.

[Shakib · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Strong Setup for a Grand Finale

Master Arcanist by Shami Stovall has plenty of action for adventure lovers, but it also takes its time setting the stage for the final book in the series—and that’s not a bad thing. I enjoyed every moment with Volke and Zaxis as they dig deeper into their abilities and confront the reality of their situation.

One of my favorite things about the Frith Chronicles is how each book takes us to a new city. Stovall paints these places with vivid detail, giving each one a unique culture and atmosphere. Exploring them through the eyes of the Arcanists is always a treat.

I do have some issues with this book—and the one before it—but I’ll save those thoughts for when I finish the series and can reflect on the whole journey.

For now, I’m just glad to say the author is back on track with Master Arcanist (I felt Warlord Arcanist didn’t quite hit the mark). Now it’s time to dive straight into the final chapter of this incredible adventure!

[Michael Hazan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️. I really like this series as a whole, but I've noticed that books 1-4 were strong and tight-paced plots while the other half of the series feels a bit bloated and feels like it has a lot filler. I'm committed to finishing the series but I am slightly disappointed with where it's been going with all of the god-creatures. In particular I didn't really like when Zaxis and Callisto became god-arcanists. It didn't feel like natural progressions for their characters tbh. Also, all of the other characters in the cast have taken such a backseat role, which is much more noticeable to me in this book.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Adventure - That is just plain Special

When you pick up a new book for the first time the excitement runs through you asking questions like will it be good. For some the book is a window on adventure they can only dream about, and for others it is inspiration for their life or their art. Yet again, Shami Stovall has driven the story to a crescendo and left it ready for the next and true exciting adventure. Bring it on! Thrilling, Wonderful and justly unique and SPECIAL, what more can one say.

[Jordan Encee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Master Arcnist builds from the last. However, as much as I wish I could give this five stars, many middle parts of the story dragged a bit. Again the book from being bad is just not as good as what came before. One example is the new god Arcanist being chosen so fast. Don't get me wrong, the sacrifice was unfortunate at the beginning, but it felt quickly by how the god arcanists are usually treated. I am curious about how everything will come to in the end. Will they fight the Apoch Dragon, or will that take place after? It feels too early for that, but I guess we will see. I am excited to see the conclusion of the Frith Chronicles.

[Nathan England · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is where everything begins to converge, and Volke faces some of his toughest challenges yet. The deepening corruption from the arcane plague and the moral quandaries surrounding the god-creatures had me completely engrossed. The action sequences are intense, and the decisions Volke must make weigh heavily on him. The stakes have never been higher, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in the final installment!

[Angel Biggar · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From my experience… grief, when shared, was lessened, and joy, when shared, was multiplied.”

This is the 7th book in the Frith Guild Series. It felt a bit slower than the previous books, with spurts of big action throughout. Although it’s on the longer side, it still kept me engaged overall. The overall feel of the books seems to be changing a bit as the characters get older and face larger obstacles and greater enemies. (And some repeat enemies) Overall a good 7th installment!

[Kyle Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The worldbuilding and writing in this sometimes make me roll my eyes. Some of the comedy is forced and grating. And yet I still give this 5 stars.

When the characters are good, they're REALLY good. Then the humor, action, or drama hit, they hit hard. And I just like reading this series. It's fun. Looking forward to the next.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical fantasy series

First things first, this book and the entire series are amazing. I absolutely love the characters that Shami is able to create. They grow and develop over time as opposed to lots of other series with one dimensional characters. The story is fantastic.. I’m only sad to know it’s going to end soon. Please keep writing!

[June M Siman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to the last line

Shami Stovall continues to be one of my favorite young adult fantasy Pic series authors. There is very little down time in this installment, but there is still time for humor and relationship building. All of the characters we've come to love are here, and there are some surprising plot twists with redemption for some. A good read.

[Andrew B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Shami has done it again. Everything it seems like your heading one way the story rips you the other direction fast enough to give you whiplash. This book was amazing and a great addition to the series! Can't wait for the next novel and will always support this series and Shami

[Jeffrey Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

Thank you Shami Stovall for sharing this wonderful world with us.

The world feels weathered with age having its own mythology and history. The characters feel like they could step off the page and share their struggles, both mundane and fantastical. I truly can't wait to see where the stories take us in the future

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup

Well this has been another great book. If there was any one else I could recommend this series to I would. Unfortunately I have told everyone I know to read this series. I guess I will just have to put it out on my social media and hope others will find this great adventure.

[Dawn Zeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeno

This series is a fun read. If you are looking for in depth reading this isn't for you, since it is written in the first person . You only get the main characters thoughts and feelings. However, it is fast paced and you get to care for the characters even the villains. Stovall is a very good writer and I look forward to the next in this series.

[Phil X. Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can hardly wait for the last book

This series by Shami Stovall is fine reading. With well developed and relatable characters, vivid descriptions, suspense, mayhem, and magic, this ranks up there with DK Holmburg, and Jeff Wheeler and other masters of this genre.

I can't wait to read the conclusion of this saga!

[David L. Clonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story that make you feel like magic is real !!

Characters are amazing . Story is Legendary!! If you want a series of books that you can’t stop reading I recommend this to anyone. Be ready for Epic fights and a story when the minor characters play great parts . Not to mention the love the characters feel for each other will spill out of the pages on you .

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just start this series already!

It’s too amazing to not be obsessed.great writing, terrific characters they will fill you with so much emotion. Just start the series if you haven’t. You won’t regret