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The Brothers Magnus #1
Speak to the Devil
A new adventure of brotherhood and magic from beloved fantasist Dave Duncan
In the Kingdom of Jorgary, the days of feudal chivalry are fading as national armies are formed. But Ottokar Magnus is still baron, and his host of brothers include Anton, an ambitious young soldier, and Wulfgang, an amiable teenager. Unable to seek his fortune as a knight errant, Anton has enlisted with the royal Jorgarian hussars and taken Wulf along as his servant.
There is magic in Jorgary, but it is regarded as Satanism, rituals performed by Speakers who are in contact with the Devil. The Speakers, though, believe that the Voices they hear belong to saints. Anton is not a Speaker...but Wulf is.
Anxious to impress the court, Anton exhibits spectacular horsemanship at a royal hunt, with a little boost from Wulf. Two nights later he is dragged before Cardinal Zdenek, the king’s chief minister. Zdenek offers him an earldom and anything else he could dream of if he will ride at once to a strategic fortress at Cardice and take command there. The count and his son have died, victims of both treason and witchcraft. The cardinal thinks that neighboring enemies are preparing to invade, using “modern” arms to capture the fort. Mortal resources alone will not suffice, but Zdenek knows that Anton’s improbable jump at the hunt was aided by supernatural power.
Anton wants nothing to do with this mission, but Wulf’s Voices tell him that they should accept the charge. The result is a harrowing ride through limbo with astonishing results.
In the Kingdom of Jorgary, the days of feudal chivalry are fading as national armies are formed. But Ottokar Magnus is still baron, and his host of brothers include Anton, an ambitious young soldier, and Wulfgang, an amiable teenager. Unable to seek his fortune as a knight errant, Anton has enlisted with the royal Jorgarian hussars and taken Wulf along as his servant.
There is magic in Jorgary, but it is regarded as Satanism, rituals performed by Speakers who are in contact with the Devil. The Speakers, though, believe that the Voices they hear belong to saints. Anton is not a Speaker...but Wulf is.
Anxious to impress the court, Anton exhibits spectacular horsemanship at a royal hunt, with a little boost from Wulf. Two nights later he is dragged before Cardinal Zdenek, the king’s chief minister. Zdenek offers him an earldom and anything else he could dream of if he will ride at once to a strategic fortress at Cardice and take command there. The count and his son have died, victims of both treason and witchcraft. The cardinal thinks that neighboring enemies are preparing to invade, using “modern” arms to capture the fort. Mortal resources alone will not suffice, but Zdenek knows that Anton’s improbable jump at the hunt was aided by supernatural power.
Anton wants nothing to do with this mission, but Wulf’s Voices tell him that they should accept the charge. The result is a harrowing ride through limbo with astonishing results.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 2010
About the author
Dave Duncan
140 books593 followersOriginally from Scotland, Dave Duncan lived all his adult life in Western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that imaginary worlds were more satisfying than the real one, he published more than 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 24, 2010
Speak to the Devil, the first novel in Dave Duncan's new The Brothers Magnus series, is set in Jorgary, a fictional country inserted smack in the middle of late 15th-century Europe. Aside from this new country, the second main divergence from the actual history is a form of magic called Speaking, which involves asking saints (or according to the Church, demons) for intercession.
Anton Magnus, a young and ambitious hussar in the Jorgarian army, asks his squire and younger brother Wulfgang for some help catching the eye of the rich and powerful during a royal hunt. After all, the Magnus family is desperately trying to raise money to ransom Vlad, yet another brother, who was captured during a recent war — and if that involves asking Wulfgang for a risky display of the forbidden Speaking magic, so be it.
After a suspiciously spectacular feat of horsemanship, Anton definitely draws the court's attention, getting him involved in a wildly dangerous mission... which may lead to unheard-of rewards. Eventually Marek, the youngest Magnus, who has been imprisoned in a monastery because of his Speaking ability, and even Otto, the oldest brother and head of the family, also become involved in the adventure.
Speak to the Devil starts off as an enjoyable courtly adventure. Anton is a fun main character: cocksure, witty and brashly likable. The story is so smoothly narrated that the pages practically turn themselves. The dialogue is often funny, occasionally to the point of being glib, as if the author were more concerned with "what would sound funny here?" than "what would this character really think or say?". The novel is airily plotted; it's definitely best not to take things too seriously or question people's motivations too closely. Just grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride, as improbable as things may seem at times.
Plotting and characterization may be on the thin side, but the realistic descriptions of meals, travel and living environments, and the usage of era-appropriate vocabulary, definitely display Dave Duncan's knowledge of the historical period. The author also accurately portrays the changed nature of warfare, due to the advent of gunpowder siege weaponry and the increased role of mercenaries. It's unfortunate that this level of historical depth isn't matched by the rest of the novel, because that aspect of Speak of the Devil is top-notch.
Because of its hectic pace and entertaining characters, the first half of Speak to the Devil is an enjoyable (if shallow) read, but the story becomes increasingly improbable as the novel progresses. The ending is a bit abrupt, but clearly sets things up for the next volume in The Brothers Magnus, tentatively scheduled for May 2011. Despite some flaws, Speak to the Devil is a fun, breezy novel that should please fans of Dave Duncan, as well as readers who are in the mood for a light, fast-moving adventure.
(This review was also published at the Fantasy Literature website: www.fantasyliterature.com - come check us out!)
Anton Magnus, a young and ambitious hussar in the Jorgarian army, asks his squire and younger brother Wulfgang for some help catching the eye of the rich and powerful during a royal hunt. After all, the Magnus family is desperately trying to raise money to ransom Vlad, yet another brother, who was captured during a recent war — and if that involves asking Wulfgang for a risky display of the forbidden Speaking magic, so be it.
After a suspiciously spectacular feat of horsemanship, Anton definitely draws the court's attention, getting him involved in a wildly dangerous mission... which may lead to unheard-of rewards. Eventually Marek, the youngest Magnus, who has been imprisoned in a monastery because of his Speaking ability, and even Otto, the oldest brother and head of the family, also become involved in the adventure.
Speak to the Devil starts off as an enjoyable courtly adventure. Anton is a fun main character: cocksure, witty and brashly likable. The story is so smoothly narrated that the pages practically turn themselves. The dialogue is often funny, occasionally to the point of being glib, as if the author were more concerned with "what would sound funny here?" than "what would this character really think or say?". The novel is airily plotted; it's definitely best not to take things too seriously or question people's motivations too closely. Just grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride, as improbable as things may seem at times.
Plotting and characterization may be on the thin side, but the realistic descriptions of meals, travel and living environments, and the usage of era-appropriate vocabulary, definitely display Dave Duncan's knowledge of the historical period. The author also accurately portrays the changed nature of warfare, due to the advent of gunpowder siege weaponry and the increased role of mercenaries. It's unfortunate that this level of historical depth isn't matched by the rest of the novel, because that aspect of Speak of the Devil is top-notch.
Because of its hectic pace and entertaining characters, the first half of Speak to the Devil is an enjoyable (if shallow) read, but the story becomes increasingly improbable as the novel progresses. The ending is a bit abrupt, but clearly sets things up for the next volume in The Brothers Magnus, tentatively scheduled for May 2011. Despite some flaws, Speak to the Devil is a fun, breezy novel that should please fans of Dave Duncan, as well as readers who are in the mood for a light, fast-moving adventure.
(This review was also published at the Fantasy Literature website: www.fantasyliterature.com - come check us out!)
July 1, 2010
When Anton Magnus attempts a foolish stunt to impress the court, his brother Wulf risks exposing his greatest secret, an illicit magical power called Speaking, to save Anton's life. This brings them both to the attention of the King's chief minister, who assigns Anton to defend a border fortress from invaders using only a small number of troops and Wulf's power. If Anton succeeds, then he keeps the castle as well as the title and bride that come with it, but Wulf may not be happy about facing so many dangers while his brother claims all of the rewards.
This book takes place in an alternate version of fifteenth century Europe, while early firearms and cannons are starting to threaten castles that had previously been secure from attack. Speakers are hunted by the church, and if they can't suppress their power they end up burned as witches or locked away in monasteries. The setting is really interesting, its only real weakness is that, as a fictional country plopped down somewhere in Europe, it was impossible for me to get a sense of exactly where it was supposed to be. Maybe it shouldn't matter, but the mix of real and imagined place names left me feeling a little disconnected. I don't ordinary care one way or the other, but in this case I really wanted a map.
The characterization was light and predictable, especially in the second half when the plot started raining Magnuses. Thankfully the story held a surprise or two, because the main characters, while they were fun enough, sure didn't. The scenes were written well, with good amounts of historical detail and a pace that kept me reading.
This is an adventure story that's middle-of-the-road in a lot of ways, but that's exactly what I was in the mood for. It was actually kind of nice to spend some time with a new, adult fantasy novel that wasn't overly dark, grim, weird, or too full of deep emotional turmoil. It should be a good read for anyone who's willing to just go with it.
The ending is less than satisfying, so some readers may want to wait until they can get their hands on the next book. I swear, I remember a time when it was more typical for each book in a trilogy to have its own ending...
This book takes place in an alternate version of fifteenth century Europe, while early firearms and cannons are starting to threaten castles that had previously been secure from attack. Speakers are hunted by the church, and if they can't suppress their power they end up burned as witches or locked away in monasteries. The setting is really interesting, its only real weakness is that, as a fictional country plopped down somewhere in Europe, it was impossible for me to get a sense of exactly where it was supposed to be. Maybe it shouldn't matter, but the mix of real and imagined place names left me feeling a little disconnected. I don't ordinary care one way or the other, but in this case I really wanted a map.
The characterization was light and predictable, especially in the second half when the plot started raining Magnuses. Thankfully the story held a surprise or two, because the main characters, while they were fun enough, sure didn't. The scenes were written well, with good amounts of historical detail and a pace that kept me reading.
This is an adventure story that's middle-of-the-road in a lot of ways, but that's exactly what I was in the mood for. It was actually kind of nice to spend some time with a new, adult fantasy novel that wasn't overly dark, grim, weird, or too full of deep emotional turmoil. It should be a good read for anyone who's willing to just go with it.
The ending is less than satisfying, so some readers may want to wait until they can get their hands on the next book. I swear, I remember a time when it was more typical for each book in a trilogy to have its own ending...
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April 3, 2011I've always enjoyed Duncan's prose, characters, and world-building, but this one just wasn't quite up to snuff. The Brothers Magnus are great fun to read about, and the conflict is solid, but things just become far too easy once Wulf starts progressing up the Speaker scale. Unlimited and costless magical ability makes for dull storytelling.
I would've given this three stars, because I did still enjoy the story, but Duncan didn't even pretend to end this one. There's a tiny bit of closure, in which a murderer from earlier in the story is revealed, but by that time the conflict has opened out enough that it's completely unsatisfying as an ending.
Not going to bother with the sequel.
I would've given this three stars, because I did still enjoy the story, but Duncan didn't even pretend to end this one. There's a tiny bit of closure, in which a murderer from earlier in the story is revealed, but by that time the conflict has opened out enough that it's completely unsatisfying as an ending.
Not going to bother with the sequel.
February 15, 2019
Duncan once again managed to create a unique magic system and used it to build an exciting tale of war, family, love and betrayal around. I thought it a good read, though the love-triangle aspect was a little clumsy. One of the brothers starts off as a perfectly likable rogue, but after a while becomes an unlikable boor, simply to make the reader switch their sympathies to the other brother.
That aside, I thought the premise, pacing and characterisation were all excellent, but be warned it ends on a huge cliffhanger, so be sure to have book two on hand!
That aside, I thought the premise, pacing and characterisation were all excellent, but be warned it ends on a huge cliffhanger, so be sure to have book two on hand!
May 22, 2022
This is probably a 2.5. It is a bit extreme. I've liked some of Dave Duncan's work but this would not be one that I would say I liked. There is too much reference to Joan of Arc as though the main character is just like her. That is far from the truth. And the main character's progression in his development is way, way too fast. And finally there seems to be more evil in him as he develops making it seem that his development is coming from the Devil. It could have been so well done but I think this was a fail for Duncan on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
Sword-and-sorcery fantasy set in 15th-century Europe, based on the premise that some people can call on Voices for miraculous help. The writing was okay, but it bothered me that one of the main protagonists comes very close to being a bad guy at times. Also be advised that the book ends in the middle of the story, leaving practically nothing resolved.
December 29, 2019
I read this straight through. While it was uneven, I couldn't wait to continue the story. I would have preferred the entire story to have been focused on Wulfgang. Anton's character is not only shallow, he feels very 2 dimensional.
December 3, 2017
This one reads fast and fluidly, I thought. I was somewhat surprised at the way it ended (won't add any spoilers...), but will have to read the next one, I guess.
May 6, 2020
Would have rated it better but the ending was crap.
February 28, 2021
The ending was disappointing
July 20, 2012
This book had promise. Taking place in Jorgary in the 1400's, the main character can speak to Voices. These voices are believed, by some, to be Saints. Others think that they are demons. I enjoyed the idea that nobody knows if these Voices are good or bad. Having these powers are likely to get you killed by the Church. I liked that there was a price for getting these miracles.
This took me months to read and I never looked forward to continuing it. I just had to finish it because I'm bad like that. It bothers me when I take more than a week to read something because I generally finish something within the first few hours of having it.
This took me months to read and I never looked forward to continuing it. I just had to finish it because I'm bad like that. It bothers me when I take more than a week to read something because I generally finish something within the first few hours of having it.
July 10, 2012
Speak to the Devil takes place in the kingdom of Jorgary, where magic is regarded as Satanism and the Church comes and drags you away if you so much as hint at being a Speaker. Never mind that Speakers believe they’re actually talking to (and asking from) the Saints themselves.
Anton Magnus is the fourth son of a penniless family seeking to make his name – and he gets the attention of the man who wields the power behind the throne. One brother is Baron, one is a prisoner of war, one was grabbed by the Church, and the youngest serves as Anton’s squire. Sent to a remote castle to avert a war after its keeper and his heir dies – many say by foul means – Anton and Wulf travel via limbo to get there in time to stop the machinations of the neighboring noble (hurrah!) and for Wulf to fall in love with Anton’s betrothed (uh oh). Romeo & Juliet, anyone?
There are politics and mercenaries, scheming nobles and shrewish maidens, bad guys and good guys, and a lot of descriptions of Anton’s fabulous mustache. Which isn’t on the character on the cover, more’s the pity. Along with the above, Speak with the Devil has colorful characters and witty dialogue, and an entertaining story wrapped around all of it. I thought it tried just a little too hard to not take itself too seriously, but will say that fans of Terry Pratchett will definitely appreciate the humor.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
Anton Magnus is the fourth son of a penniless family seeking to make his name – and he gets the attention of the man who wields the power behind the throne. One brother is Baron, one is a prisoner of war, one was grabbed by the Church, and the youngest serves as Anton’s squire. Sent to a remote castle to avert a war after its keeper and his heir dies – many say by foul means – Anton and Wulf travel via limbo to get there in time to stop the machinations of the neighboring noble (hurrah!) and for Wulf to fall in love with Anton’s betrothed (uh oh). Romeo & Juliet, anyone?
There are politics and mercenaries, scheming nobles and shrewish maidens, bad guys and good guys, and a lot of descriptions of Anton’s fabulous mustache. Which isn’t on the character on the cover, more’s the pity. Along with the above, Speak with the Devil has colorful characters and witty dialogue, and an entertaining story wrapped around all of it. I thought it tried just a little too hard to not take itself too seriously, but will say that fans of Terry Pratchett will definitely appreciate the humor.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
May 19, 2015
Taking place in a fantasy version of the European renaissance, the story ended at an awkward point, but was otherwise very interesting. I did have some problems with the logic of the way things worked in the last few chapters, though.
The basic premise of the story is that Joan of Arc was telling the truth, and that mysterious voices were granting her the powers that she used in her fight to free France from the English and their Burgundian allies. Wulf Magnus and a small number of others also hear those voices, but the Church forbids actually listening to them, or using the powers that might be gained from doing so. A Richelieu act-alike pushes Anton and his brother Wulf into actions that need this illegal magic, for the good of the realm, only things keep taking turns for the worse.
I think I will read the sequel, just to find out how he plans to resolve this mess.
The basic premise of the story is that Joan of Arc was telling the truth, and that mysterious voices were granting her the powers that she used in her fight to free France from the English and their Burgundian allies. Wulf Magnus and a small number of others also hear those voices, but the Church forbids actually listening to them, or using the powers that might be gained from doing so. A Richelieu act-alike pushes Anton and his brother Wulf into actions that need this illegal magic, for the good of the realm, only things keep taking turns for the worse.
I think I will read the sequel, just to find out how he plans to resolve this mess.
December 22, 2016
Not one of his better ones. The premise was interesting enough, but we could see very early that it was going to lead to inescapable high-level conflict, which is not resolved in this book. The characters are only mildly interesting except for Wulf, and I thought Anton underwent a sudden personality change mid-book; indeed, Duncan seemed to apologize for that later by having another character say that he'd expect that of Anton.
The first love hookup, I won't say whose, is a bit over the top. Usually something like that requires a magic potion.
It's hard to judge many of the other plot threads, since so many of them have been cast loose until the next volume. I reckon Duncan has done much better than this in the non-final books of other series.
Will I read #2? Probably, but I won't go looking for it.
The first love hookup, I won't say whose, is a bit over the top. Usually something like that requires a magic potion.
It's hard to judge many of the other plot threads, since so many of them have been cast loose until the next volume. I reckon Duncan has done much better than this in the non-final books of other series.
Will I read #2? Probably, but I won't go looking for it.
August 21, 2012
It's difficult to say which of the opening novels of these series I prefer. This one was shorter, or felt quicker, and had less in the way of viewpoint variety than Children of Chaos. The building of the speakers' levels reminded me a little of the Pandemia words, though necessarily truncated and sped up.
I liked how events were gone over several times with different characters, from chapter 30 it really built well. I did see the climax coming, if not in victim then certainly perpetrator, but Wulf's discomfiture after the death was very emotionally good and promises more fascinating things to come.
I liked how events were gone over several times with different characters, from chapter 30 it really built well. I did see the climax coming, if not in victim then certainly perpetrator, but Wulf's discomfiture after the death was very emotionally good and promises more fascinating things to come.
June 12, 2011
I read this book for the Endeavour award. In previous years I've read a couple more of this author's book and have yet to see a reason why I would read this author intentionally. Not very interesting story or characters, no real ending. It's only saving graces are that it was written badly and it had a kind of interesting view on a D&D style cleric.
January 4, 2013
This a masculine book. The whole time I was reading Speak to the Devil I was thinking my husband would love this story. Although, it was a little out of the box from my normal read, I really enjoyed it anyways. I found myself routing for Wolfgang and hoping that he would not be damned to hell! This story has it all; family bonds, love, magic and adventure. Overall, pretty good.
July 3, 2010
Seems like the author's not sure what he wants to do with this one - is it a tongue-in-cheek, farcical fantasy or something more serious? It jumps from one to the other too often for the reader to really settle in, and there's no pretense of an ending, but still better than OK.
March 1, 2011
After reading it for 8 months, it got much better, but I ended up unsatisfied. I did not end up caring that much what happened to the protagonists.
Did I learn? No. I went directly on to Pock's World. We'll see.
Did I learn? No. I went directly on to Pock's World. We'll see.
December 9, 2011
Another solid work from Dave Duncan. I always enjoy his characters and story-telling. I liked the way he grounded this work in our world, albeit a fictional European country in the 1400s, where the saintly voices heard by Joan of Arc and others have a slightly different explanation.
June 23, 2010
That was fun, but it has the least satisfying ending I have ever read.
July 29, 2010
I love Dave Duncan's books and this new series is no exception. Just wish I could make them last longer than a couple days...
November 16, 2010
Disappointed to find out this is apparently the first book in a series (with no warning on it). Either that or there's lots of foreshadowing with no resolution.
December 24, 2011
I am a big fan of Dave Duncan and have loved all his stories that I've read so far. I always looks forward to his books because his stories are so much fun. But, this one just didn't do it for me.
December 28, 2011
Just finished it. I was so mad that it ended on a cliffhanger! Now I need to find the sequel, alas.
September 30, 2012
Great start and a good idea for a world and how the magic works.
September 8, 2014
The previous iteration of this series I liked, but this one headed off down a dull, silly track and I couldn't be bothered following it.
December 30, 2010
Good start interesting characters and take on Joan of Arc and other saints.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews