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Lockspell
Two dying worlds.
A machine of infinite power.
Five keys, scattered across distance and time.
Titans roam the earth: forces of nature from an overlapping dimension. They arrive, destroy, and disappear once more. And as the twin worlds of nearplane and otherplane align, the barrier between realities could be shattered for good.
For Cinq LeGarrec, a fatalistic young mage, the apocalypse is just the distraction he needs to break from his endless academic grind. He steals an ancient magical device—one which could be his last chance to uncover his forgotten past—and sets out into the hostile lands beyond the tower.
Soon Cinq and a growing party of companions —a wikken, a monk, a scholar, and a longshoreman—are on a quest across the world and across dimensions to unravel the mystery of the device, their past lives, and the Titans themselves.
Enter a tale of sealed magic at the edge of the apocalypse.
No kings, no knights, no gods—only survivors.
A machine of infinite power.
Five keys, scattered across distance and time.
Titans roam the earth: forces of nature from an overlapping dimension. They arrive, destroy, and disappear once more. And as the twin worlds of nearplane and otherplane align, the barrier between realities could be shattered for good.
For Cinq LeGarrec, a fatalistic young mage, the apocalypse is just the distraction he needs to break from his endless academic grind. He steals an ancient magical device—one which could be his last chance to uncover his forgotten past—and sets out into the hostile lands beyond the tower.
Soon Cinq and a growing party of companions —a wikken, a monk, a scholar, and a longshoreman—are on a quest across the world and across dimensions to unravel the mystery of the device, their past lives, and the Titans themselves.
Enter a tale of sealed magic at the edge of the apocalypse.
No kings, no knights, no gods—only survivors.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2023
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Phil Coleman
5 books4 followersAuthor of middle grade, young adult, fantasy, adventure, and science fiction.
Phil Coleman lives at the end of the road in the side of a mountain. Having grown up with hobbits, tesseracts, and spaceships, he is a lover of stories that take us to other worlds to teach us about our own.
He is the author of five books for both middle grade and young adult readers, has a creative writing MFA specializing in genre fiction from Western Colorado University, and has been a writer in residence with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.
His stories are about grounded characters taking a stand despite incredible odds, with themes of family, friendship, and the environment.
Phil Coleman lives at the end of the road in the side of a mountain. Having grown up with hobbits, tesseracts, and spaceships, he is a lover of stories that take us to other worlds to teach us about our own.
He is the author of five books for both middle grade and young adult readers, has a creative writing MFA specializing in genre fiction from Western Colorado University, and has been a writer in residence with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts.
His stories are about grounded characters taking a stand despite incredible odds, with themes of family, friendship, and the environment.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 26, 2023
I got this book as an ARC not knowing at all what to expect and ended up loving it! The characters were interesting, the world building was great and i enjoyed the storyline a lot. I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I became really invested in the characters and loved their banter and relationships with one another. I will definitely be reaching for Phil’s other books and looking forward to (hopefully) a follow up to this one!
January 13, 2023
Without giving spoilers this book was a new experience for me. I had a hard time understanding it for the first 150 pages making it hard for me to get into it. However once it got going I liked it more and I liked the climax and ending. I wanted to know more of the why but it came through more in the second half of the story! If you like adventure, fantasy and magic this book is for you!
Thank you for this opportunity to read this ARC and can I just say this cover is GORGEOUS!
Excellent character development and I also enjoyed the writing style of the story.
Thank you for this opportunity to read this ARC and can I just say this cover is GORGEOUS!
Excellent character development and I also enjoyed the writing style of the story.
January 25, 2023
To be upfront, I received this book as an ARC reader, but this is my 100% honest opinion. First, I found the concept of people with no memory feeling compelled to solve a mystery an interesting premise. Additionally, some of the lore around the mythical figure I found interesting, and I'm a suckered for any world where there is both science and magic. My biggest pleasure with this book was when it got surreal. So much of the weird and otherworldly is well written and confusing in a good way to the point that the otherplane ( magical world) really does feel strange and magical!
If that had taken up a significant portion of the book, I would have loved it, but that leads to my biggest problem. All the magic feels pushed to the background. Most of the time is spent with the characters, and while they are enjoyable at times, they lack arcs to keep the reader engaged. Overall, they seem to lack agency or drive. Additionally, there are some plot twists and revelations that sound interesting on paper but fizzle in execution due to lack of set up or minimal effect on the plot (the time slips in particular feel like they should have more impact then they do). The villain is certainly interesting and his cronies feel threatening and devious, but they only have two short encounters with the heroes, one of which doesn't end up affecting much.
Again, the surreal was so good I wanted to keep reading but I wanted much much more. Still, I had fun and could recommend it to the right kind of reader.
If that had taken up a significant portion of the book, I would have loved it, but that leads to my biggest problem. All the magic feels pushed to the background. Most of the time is spent with the characters, and while they are enjoyable at times, they lack arcs to keep the reader engaged. Overall, they seem to lack agency or drive. Additionally, there are some plot twists and revelations that sound interesting on paper but fizzle in execution due to lack of set up or minimal effect on the plot (the time slips in particular feel like they should have more impact then they do). The villain is certainly interesting and his cronies feel threatening and devious, but they only have two short encounters with the heroes, one of which doesn't end up affecting much.
Again, the surreal was so good I wanted to keep reading but I wanted much much more. Still, I had fun and could recommend it to the right kind of reader.
January 14, 2023
Lockspell has an exciting, high stakes plot with many of the great attributes of adventure fantasy. The worldbuilding was both original and interesting. The setting is a reborn post-apocalyptic society that is on the verge of facing the very phenomenon that caused their first near apocalypse. Magic exists, though its use is frowned upon, with enviable skills from a combination of magical study, scientific study, personal fulfillment, observational work, and empathy-based sources. The book follows sages from each of these backgrounds- sorcerer, scholar, monk, hermit, and wiccan (collectively called witches for their magic and magic adjacent powers)- as they discover their role in the upcoming apocalypse and fight to save their world. Each character has a unique personality, though I do wish there was a more natural dynamic between the characters throughout the book. This novel could almost be described as a coming-of-age story for the main characters. Though the book doesn't take place in space, I think people who enjoy space operas, as well as fans of traditional and adventure fantasy, would enjoy the intersection of technology and magic found in this unique tale.
January 16, 2023
Lockspell, by Phil Coleman, takes the reader on a wild ride across worlds and dimensions. The story follows the journey of a young mage, Cinq LeGarrec and his companions, a wikken, a monk, and a scholar. Together they must unravel the mystery of a magical device and how it relates to the unavoidable convergence of two worlds, Nearplane, and Otherplane. As they race against time, Cinq and his companions face a host of humans and fey, as well as the Titans – massive beasts of nature bent on destruction.
Lockspell is a highly imaginative piece of writing that engages the senses through the use of vivid detail, inventive world building, and a fresh intriguing plot. The reader gets caught up in a sense of urgency as the plot builds to the climax. The book could easily be re-read and enjoyed multiple times, as knowing the ending only enhances the hints, clues, and gems of the story tucked into the plot from beginning to end.
I would label this book as an apocalyptic/fantasy/adventure. I feel it would appeal to young adult, as well as adult readers.
This is the second Phil Coleman book I have read. He is an author I intend to keep following.
Lockspell is a highly imaginative piece of writing that engages the senses through the use of vivid detail, inventive world building, and a fresh intriguing plot. The reader gets caught up in a sense of urgency as the plot builds to the climax. The book could easily be re-read and enjoyed multiple times, as knowing the ending only enhances the hints, clues, and gems of the story tucked into the plot from beginning to end.
I would label this book as an apocalyptic/fantasy/adventure. I feel it would appeal to young adult, as well as adult readers.
This is the second Phil Coleman book I have read. He is an author I intend to keep following.
January 20, 2023
This was a fun read. It starts a bit abruptly, but I didn't mind because it meant it dived right into the action. That action never really let up, either. It's a bit difficult to nail down the genre. There are elements of steampunk in an apocalyptic world, with plenty of fantasy elements woven throughout. Fans of YA fantasy adventure books should enjoy this. In some ways, it reads like a role-playing adventure that got fleshed out into a story. The main characters all have some degree of their own growth arcs. I never got attached to any specific one of the main protagonists, but I did find them all relatable enough to cheer them on. The five disciplines are an amalgam of archetypes that you don't usually see in the same world. This had the potential to sound forced or awkward as they worked together, and there was room for more world-building to explain how they came to be. But, that did not prevent it from being an enjoyable read and could have bogged it down. I can imagine this working as a movie, either live-action or animation. The setting of the various locations sounded like they might be stunning on screen.
I received an advanced copy, and all opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy, and all opinions are my own.
January 23, 2023
This is a YA fantasy novel set in a time when there are two overlapping worlds trying to use the same magic. The overall plot and storyline were unique and I'd never read anything quite like it. This book was good but I may not have been the target audience for it.
I had a hard time getting through the first half of the book since there was a lot of building up that needed to be done but once I hit the 50% mark, it was a quick read and a more action-packed adventure. I especially liked the ending because we got to see greater use of magic.
I had one personal gripe which was I was not fond of the character Nissa. She seemed bratty and overall ungrateful. I'm not sure if that was the intention or if I'm just so used to reading books with older characters.
Sidenote: I received an advanced copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
I had a hard time getting through the first half of the book since there was a lot of building up that needed to be done but once I hit the 50% mark, it was a quick read and a more action-packed adventure. I especially liked the ending because we got to see greater use of magic.
I had one personal gripe which was I was not fond of the character Nissa. She seemed bratty and overall ungrateful. I'm not sure if that was the intention or if I'm just so used to reading books with older characters.
Sidenote: I received an advanced copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
January 20, 2023
I’m so happy I stumbled upon Phil Coleman. This is the second book from him I read and this time it’s heroic fantasy. What a joy- and I thought this genre was dead!
Did I like it? Very much!
It was fun, creative and intriguing.
Phil Coleman does not rewrite some version of fantasy and bend it to fit his story. He creates new worlds, new concepts and new possibilities. Although I find myself an experienced reader I was very much surprised while reading this book. With the plot and the world building and humour.
It is not a light read, you are a required to think and feel. If that does not bother you then I highly recommend.
Definitely will want to have a printed copy for my library.
Did I like it? Very much!
It was fun, creative and intriguing.
Phil Coleman does not rewrite some version of fantasy and bend it to fit his story. He creates new worlds, new concepts and new possibilities. Although I find myself an experienced reader I was very much surprised while reading this book. With the plot and the world building and humour.
It is not a light read, you are a required to think and feel. If that does not bother you then I highly recommend.
Definitely will want to have a printed copy for my library.
January 29, 2023
I read this book as an ARC, however this review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I very much enjoyed this book, almost immediately you are thrown into a jarring situation which really helped draw you into the plight of the main characters. The world is approaching apocalypse and because of that the characters slip through time and place and I appreciate how the author really made it feel like we were on that journey with them. My favourite part is when the characters are in the other plane as it really did feel surreal and disorienting. The villains are truly hateful and it’s easy to be on the side of the heroes.
I very much enjoyed this book, almost immediately you are thrown into a jarring situation which really helped draw you into the plight of the main characters. The world is approaching apocalypse and because of that the characters slip through time and place and I appreciate how the author really made it feel like we were on that journey with them. My favourite part is when the characters are in the other plane as it really did feel surreal and disorienting. The villains are truly hateful and it’s easy to be on the side of the heroes.
January 25, 2023
If you enjoy epic adventure fantasy stories set in its own world then this book might be for you. yes, it is a quest to save the world or in this case two. There are perils around every corner and our intrepid heroes must overcome, endure and sometimes grieve the loss of their fellow travelers along the way. There is magic and those who do not have it. There are good souls who try to help and nasty characters who do not want anyone to have or be able to do what they cannot.
A well written tale, that moves along quickly and keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
A well written tale, that moves along quickly and keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
April 29, 2024
A great fantasy, with witches, mages, fey and wyverns, and a quest to save the world!
Cinq the mage is searching for others like him, and must find them before time runs out. But when a Titan appears, all Cinq's plans go wrong.
This is a well-written fantasy, full of dark magic and heroic acts. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, and how they developed throughout the story.
A standalone book, this is perfect for older children who love fantasy and dangerous quests. Highly recommend!
Cinq the mage is searching for others like him, and must find them before time runs out. But when a Titan appears, all Cinq's plans go wrong.
This is a well-written fantasy, full of dark magic and heroic acts. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, and how they developed throughout the story.
A standalone book, this is perfect for older children who love fantasy and dangerous quests. Highly recommend!
January 21, 2023
Did It Really End Like That?!
Disclaimer: I am not the target audience
Phil Coleman writes is a fantastical new sci-fi/fantasy novel full of twist, turns, and an end I'm still baffled by. Watching Cinq grow into a great mage, with his newfound friends by his side, is a story I think deserves its own movie. While it took me a bit to get into, the worldbuilding in this novel is full to the brim with imagery. I hope it finds success in the YA world.
Disclaimer: I am not the target audience
Phil Coleman writes is a fantastical new sci-fi/fantasy novel full of twist, turns, and an end I'm still baffled by. Watching Cinq grow into a great mage, with his newfound friends by his side, is a story I think deserves its own movie. While it took me a bit to get into, the worldbuilding in this novel is full to the brim with imagery. I hope it finds success in the YA world.
February 6, 2023
I received this book as an ARC read, but this is my honest review. This is a YA fantasy with lots of action and world building. I love how the book starts with instant action. I did not want to put the story down once I started it. The characters and world building were like nothing I have read before. I cannot wait to read other books from this author. Highly recommend!!!
February 7, 2023
Solid read
I liked this book from start to finish. Nice action, decent character development, and an interesting take on magic. Not to long of a story and well paced. I will certainly consider other books written by this author.
I liked this book from start to finish. Nice action, decent character development, and an interesting take on magic. Not to long of a story and well paced. I will certainly consider other books written by this author.
February 4, 2023
Wow. So the first part of the book, there is A LOT of world building to get through but once you get past it, wow. Philip Coleman created a magical world that I want to spend all day exploring. I loved the characters. My personal favorite is Nissa. I loved how opposite Nissa and Cinq are and that Nissa teases everyone. This is the first novel by Phil Coleman and I was pleasantly surprised. Overall, it was amazing and I can not wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2023
Content warning for mild swearing and mild graphic violence
☆
☆
Immediately getting sorta Shadow and Bone, Grishaverse vibes from it. However, I really struggled to get through this one. Maybe it's the reading slump I'm in at the moment, or maybe it's the fact it's middle grade, which isn't the style of book I typically read. I'm not really sure what caused me to have a hard time reading it, but I do know it isn't a reflection on the book itself, or the writing or the author, it's a problem I'm having in myself.
•
Very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC copy by
Phil Coleman.
☆
☆
Immediately getting sorta Shadow and Bone, Grishaverse vibes from it. However, I really struggled to get through this one. Maybe it's the reading slump I'm in at the moment, or maybe it's the fact it's middle grade, which isn't the style of book I typically read. I'm not really sure what caused me to have a hard time reading it, but I do know it isn't a reflection on the book itself, or the writing or the author, it's a problem I'm having in myself.
•
Very grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC copy by
Phil Coleman.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews