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The Spellmonger #14.5
The Mad Mage of Sevendor
After his eventful trip to the non-magical molopor in the distant domain of Anghysbel, Minalan’s return to civilization and magic finds him challenged by the changes wrought in the crypt of Szal the Yith. With nine distinctive sets of memories, besides his own, Minalan struggles to define himself in a turbulent time.
Things have never been more dire for the nascent Magelaw and the kingdom of Castalshar: the Duchy of Merwyn is encroaching the borders, the pirate realm of Farise is raiding shipping to a dreadful degree, and the dark lord Mycin Amana has captured Darkfaller, the largest castle in the land merely a few dozen miles away from the capital in the heart of the kingdom. While that brazen act halted the civil war brewing between the ascendent magi and the deteriorating aristocracy of knights, the Spellmonger’s influence and intervention has never been more important.
But is he up to the task?
With his brain buzzing with memories and feelings that aren’t his own and a list of vital tasks he must accomplish in order to save the world of Callidore from destruction, Minalan sets pen to parchment to chronicle his days in the heat of the struggle. His journal reveals the internal conflicts he battles, insights into his role and place in history, the difficulties managing his own political rise and the constant effort of keeping his mind sharp enough to handle it all.
Yet the cracks are showing. People are talking about the Spellmonger, who mutters to himself and indulges in strange practices. His moodiness and distraction are visible for all to see, eroding some people’s confidence in his ability to lead . . . and leading others who sense vulnerability to strike out at the master mage. Violent episodes and fits of melancholy punctuate his struggles with sanity. He details his self-doubts, his petty grievances, his deep brooding about his family and life in general, all as a means to keep himself sane.
But people will whisper, and whisper they do. It’s becoming obvious: the Spellmonger has clearly become the Mad Mage of Sevendor!
Things have never been more dire for the nascent Magelaw and the kingdom of Castalshar: the Duchy of Merwyn is encroaching the borders, the pirate realm of Farise is raiding shipping to a dreadful degree, and the dark lord Mycin Amana has captured Darkfaller, the largest castle in the land merely a few dozen miles away from the capital in the heart of the kingdom. While that brazen act halted the civil war brewing between the ascendent magi and the deteriorating aristocracy of knights, the Spellmonger’s influence and intervention has never been more important.
But is he up to the task?
With his brain buzzing with memories and feelings that aren’t his own and a list of vital tasks he must accomplish in order to save the world of Callidore from destruction, Minalan sets pen to parchment to chronicle his days in the heat of the struggle. His journal reveals the internal conflicts he battles, insights into his role and place in history, the difficulties managing his own political rise and the constant effort of keeping his mind sharp enough to handle it all.
Yet the cracks are showing. People are talking about the Spellmonger, who mutters to himself and indulges in strange practices. His moodiness and distraction are visible for all to see, eroding some people’s confidence in his ability to lead . . . and leading others who sense vulnerability to strike out at the master mage. Violent episodes and fits of melancholy punctuate his struggles with sanity. He details his self-doubts, his petty grievances, his deep brooding about his family and life in general, all as a means to keep himself sane.
But people will whisper, and whisper they do. It’s becoming obvious: the Spellmonger has clearly become the Mad Mage of Sevendor!
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
181 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
42 books1,172 followersTerry Mancour is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has written more than 30 books, under his own name and pseudonyms, including Star Trek: The Next Generation #20, Spartacus, the Spellmonger Series (more than 11 books and growing), among other works.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 26, 2022
Not a book, more a giant footnote
I love the Sevendore series and especially the Min focused stories but this interlude was boring. No dialog. One continuous description does not make a book. I see why some of the information is important to the grand narrative but the stylistic choices as a diary doesn't work.
I love the Sevendore series and especially the Min focused stories but this interlude was boring. No dialog. One continuous description does not make a book. I see why some of the information is important to the grand narrative but the stylistic choices as a diary doesn't work.
September 28, 2022
phenomenal
This short story is packed full of all kinds of lore. And has great implications for the main story. A must read that will keep you entranced the whole way through.
This short story is packed full of all kinds of lore. And has great implications for the main story. A must read that will keep you entranced the whole way through.
September 28, 2022
Worth reading more than once
Couldn't put the book down. I eagerly await the next book. I am a big fan of Minalyn. I appreciate the fast writting and release of books by the author. In the mean time, I'll have to read this book again.
Couldn't put the book down. I eagerly await the next book. I am a big fan of Minalyn. I appreciate the fast writting and release of books by the author. In the mean time, I'll have to read this book again.
September 28, 2022
fast pace lots of new mcguffins
September 29, 2022
An interesting way to read about Min
This book is a Journal written by Min, it comes across very differently than Terry's other works, but it was a fun read!
I think I like Terry's traditional writing style better, but that is just a personal preference. I did love the insight into Min's mad mind. It was mentioned before, but now it is real, and we see how it affects Min.
I can't wait for the next installment! We now have a way forward, and we have all the races on Callindor getting involved!
This book is a Journal written by Min, it comes across very differently than Terry's other works, but it was a fun read!
I think I like Terry's traditional writing style better, but that is just a personal preference. I did love the insight into Min's mad mind. It was mentioned before, but now it is real, and we see how it affects Min.
I can't wait for the next installment! We now have a way forward, and we have all the races on Callindor getting involved!
November 13, 2024
A Special Insight into Madness? ** NO SPOILERS **
That was incredible! This falls into the category of MUST READ for those who are reading The Spellmonger Series. I can only assume that there was just too much to squeeze into Book 14.
Out of madness greatness is born, let’s face it Minalan is be anyone’s standard as mad as a bag of angry cats. Then again, Minalan has a couple of things that Rolof never had; The Snowflake carrying the Celestial Mother and The Magolith carrying The Handmaiden.
Read this series, you’re welcome.
That was incredible! This falls into the category of MUST READ for those who are reading The Spellmonger Series. I can only assume that there was just too much to squeeze into Book 14.
Out of madness greatness is born, let’s face it Minalan is be anyone’s standard as mad as a bag of angry cats. Then again, Minalan has a couple of things that Rolof never had; The Snowflake carrying the Celestial Mother and The Magolith carrying The Handmaiden.
Read this series, you’re welcome.
October 3, 2022
well that was satisfactory in a different way
Probably the best in the series, it does not follow the usual writing style, and it has several subtle ways to say things that will make this book feel alienated from previous books. Still, it will close plots, evolve the main hero, and leave you with a satisfying sensation at the end that things were accomplished and the main story is advancing.
Probably the best in the series, it does not follow the usual writing style, and it has several subtle ways to say things that will make this book feel alienated from previous books. Still, it will close plots, evolve the main hero, and leave you with a satisfying sensation at the end that things were accomplished and the main story is advancing.
March 1, 2023
This particular book has my favourite passage in the serries.
When Minalan secludes himself after ingesting psychedelic PEDs and toils at piercing the secrets of the univers, making everyone and their dog worried, while the gods and leviathans tremble at the power being leveraged, I wanted to stand and slowly clap until my hands get tired.
The whole serries is magnificent, but this particular bit, simply said, is a masterpiece of wordsmithing and storytelling in my humble opinion.
When Minalan secludes himself after ingesting psychedelic PEDs and toils at piercing the secrets of the univers, making everyone and their dog worried, while the gods and leviathans tremble at the power being leveraged, I wanted to stand and slowly clap until my hands get tired.
The whole serries is magnificent, but this particular bit, simply said, is a masterpiece of wordsmithing and storytelling in my humble opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
this was a struggle
I think because it is so well crafted, it was difficult to stay focused. Every ‘chapter’ (diary entry) was different in tone because of the additional minds haunting the MC. Thus the narrative wandered widely, between poetical and practical, morose and exuberant.
Then the last sentence. Whew. The next book is gonna be a *ride*.
I think because it is so well crafted, it was difficult to stay focused. Every ‘chapter’ (diary entry) was different in tone because of the additional minds haunting the MC. Thus the narrative wandered widely, between poetical and practical, morose and exuberant.
Then the last sentence. Whew. The next book is gonna be a *ride*.
October 28, 2022
One of my favorite series
The journal style of this book was refreshing! It broke away from the normal format of the other novels witch was a breath of fresh air. It gave greater depth to the story and characters. It also gave you a closer look to what it would be like to be insane. I can’t get enough of this series!!
The journal style of this book was refreshing! It broke away from the normal format of the other novels witch was a breath of fresh air. It gave greater depth to the story and characters. It also gave you a closer look to what it would be like to be insane. I can’t get enough of this series!!
January 20, 2023
I’m always tempted to skip these “in-between” books but there is really some important information that is divulged in these books. A ton of stuff happens in this book that I can guarantee will be referenced in the next book. Most importantly we get some insight in what is going on with Minalan. Really great book.
March 22, 2023
This one was tough for me to get through. Written as dated journal entries, it is a deep dive into the psyche of Minalan. While providing some interesting information that may add to the story arc, above all, it is excruciatingly BORING. I mean, watching paint dry boring. And sadly, it has left me with no excitement for the next installment in the saga.
October 20, 2023
Torn with this novella. I thought the information contained within was important, and interesting to the story as it detailed Mirilan's multiple personalities he took on back during book 12. However, it was told as a massive info dump, serving almost as the largest footnote. I imagine it could have been presented more entertaining but was still a good novella
October 1, 2022
Continuations
This story is wonderful in that it sets the stage for the coming books like an outline of wonderful things to come. Less about the cast of the world and more about Min and his journey this book provides context. I can't wait to see the story progress.
This story is wonderful in that it sets the stage for the coming books like an outline of wonderful things to come. Less about the cast of the world and more about Min and his journey this book provides context. I can't wait to see the story progress.
October 8, 2022
Un-skippable!
This may be one of those "tween" books with a decimal point, but it's really more vital than some of the full installments have been. There's a lot of crucial info in this one and it comes at you fast. Really good stuff about the deep lore of this universe.
This may be one of those "tween" books with a decimal point, but it's really more vital than some of the full installments have been. There's a lot of crucial info in this one and it comes at you fast. Really good stuff about the deep lore of this universe.
October 29, 2022
interesting musing of the mad mage
Terry placed the main character into different light by interacting in his mind with past figures. in my opinion he payed a grand for future discoveries in next stories. It was an interesting novel and good addition to the Spellmonger series.
Terry placed the main character into different light by interacting in his mind with past figures. in my opinion he payed a grand for future discoveries in next stories. It was an interesting novel and good addition to the Spellmonger series.
September 29, 2022
why does it go so quick
I enjoyed the long awaited book. Can’t wait for the next installment. Read it in two days even though I’m on a bit of a lull in reading right now.
I enjoyed the long awaited book. Can’t wait for the next installment. Read it in two days even though I’m on a bit of a lull in reading right now.
September 29, 2022
Awesome!
September 30, 2022
The end is near?
Definitely a different take on the books. Some of it was loose and was really strange. But it worked. Enjoy
Definitely a different take on the books. Some of it was loose and was really strange. But it worked. Enjoy
October 1, 2022
Thinly disguised exposition dump
October 5, 2022
Don't let the 3-stars fool you, I am most definitely addicted to this entire series.
October 7, 2022
What an ending
I wont lie was crazy annoyed during about the lack of discussion on Darkfeller raid or Azars proclamation. But damn. What an ending.
I wont lie was crazy annoyed during about the lack of discussion on Darkfeller raid or Azars proclamation. But damn. What an ending.
October 8, 2022
Loved it.
I can’t wait to see how Minalan and crew will grow as the series progresses as well as what other crisis they’ll get into and solve.
I can’t wait to see how Minalan and crew will grow as the series progresses as well as what other crisis they’ll get into and solve.
October 13, 2022
Great read like always
It is a bit different from the normal story, but by the end I really enjoyed it. Give this series a try.
It is a bit different from the normal story, but by the end I really enjoyed it. Give this series a try.
October 14, 2022
A good glimpse into the mind of Minalin the spellmonger. Will he break under the weight of the madness or find salvation for all of Calidor.
October 21, 2022
a bit of a slog
Bit as good as previous books
Read like a number of diary entries.
Perhaps necessary to advance the story line
Bit as good as previous books
Read like a number of diary entries.
Perhaps necessary to advance the story line
October 30, 2022
Superb as always
I have yet to put one of the books in this series down. Masterfully written; one of the best in the Last decade.
An excellent read.
I have yet to put one of the books in this series down. Masterfully written; one of the best in the Last decade.
An excellent read.
November 22, 2022
outstanding
I’ve been reading this series since the start. Fantastic growth. So much going on! Can’t wait to read the next one!
I’ve been reading this series since the start. Fantastic growth. So much going on! Can’t wait to read the next one!
February 14, 2023
My favourite in the series. A deep dive into Minellan's psyche with competing consciousness's. Great stuff!
February 28, 2024
even though this is 14.5. read this after 15.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews