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Advent Mage Cycle #1
Jaunten
I'm the first Mage born in 200 years. I've turned a city into an island, erected a barrier around an entire country, and awakened a war hero from a 200 year old slumber. Prophecies have marked my coming. Kings and nations have begged for my aid in times of peril. I hold the power to create and destroy nations.
My name is Rhebengarthen. To my friends and family, I'm just Garth. The world knows me as the Advent Mage. And despite the rumors you might have heard about me, this is what really happened.
My name is Rhebengarthen. To my friends and family, I'm just Garth. The world knows me as the Advent Mage. And despite the rumors you might have heard about me, this is what really happened.
337 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2011
351 people are currently reading
2008 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 5, 2017
The book is about a young mage discovering his abilities in a world where he is the first to be born after a magical war several centuries ago.
The concept itself is quite intriguing, unfortunately the author manages to destroy the whole experience with quite a few really annoying mistakes in the story.
- Even at the beginning (when the book still seems very well written) you start to notice quite a few grammar mistakes (fault of the amazon ebook version maybe, but unlikely) and a very annoying tendency of switching between present and past tense every few sentences. It might be seen as a stylistic device by some, but to me it was just plain annoying.
- The system of magic is just wrong. Without giving spoilers, I can just tell you that there are two major types of magically gifted people in the world of the book. The first are the wizards and witches, who can do lots of things (from shielding to repairing stuff) but mostly rely on tools to do so. And then... there's the mages. While the scope of power that wizards have available seems quite feasable, the one of the mages just doesn't fit. The main character of the book can LITERALLY moove mountains around at his choosing!!! (Whaaaaaaaat?!) Imagine having nightmares... you could wreck the country and kill everyone by accident.
Attention: From here on a very slight SPOILER ALERT is warranted!
- The author has copied a lot of things from other fantasy books. Not parts of stories but sometimes some really obvious things like the main character meeting (and bonding with) a magical... horse at his first day in magic school. Sound familiar (Harry Potter)? But he really killed it when he named a mountain chain the Beor mountains (Eragon).
- The school being another point: Normal wizards spend 4 years training. A mage however only needs 6 months??? He does have vastly more power available. But that doesn't mean that he can do everything that much easier and faster in my opinion. (After all you're supposed learn HOW to do things at school!).
- The main character travels with an apparently very beautiful girl all the time. Hugging all the time, at one point even cuddling like a real couple under a blanket...
And in two years he NEVER even thinks of getting with her? Sorry, but that just doens't seem logical to me. ;-)
The concept itself is quite intriguing, unfortunately the author manages to destroy the whole experience with quite a few really annoying mistakes in the story.
- Even at the beginning (when the book still seems very well written) you start to notice quite a few grammar mistakes (fault of the amazon ebook version maybe, but unlikely) and a very annoying tendency of switching between present and past tense every few sentences. It might be seen as a stylistic device by some, but to me it was just plain annoying.
- The system of magic is just wrong. Without giving spoilers, I can just tell you that there are two major types of magically gifted people in the world of the book. The first are the wizards and witches, who can do lots of things (from shielding to repairing stuff) but mostly rely on tools to do so. And then... there's the mages. While the scope of power that wizards have available seems quite feasable, the one of the mages just doesn't fit. The main character of the book can LITERALLY moove mountains around at his choosing!!! (Whaaaaaaaat?!) Imagine having nightmares... you could wreck the country and kill everyone by accident.
Attention: From here on a very slight SPOILER ALERT is warranted!
- The author has copied a lot of things from other fantasy books. Not parts of stories but sometimes some really obvious things like the main character meeting (and bonding with) a magical... horse at his first day in magic school. Sound familiar (Harry Potter)? But he really killed it when he named a mountain chain the Beor mountains (Eragon).
- The school being another point: Normal wizards spend 4 years training. A mage however only needs 6 months??? He does have vastly more power available. But that doesn't mean that he can do everything that much easier and faster in my opinion. (After all you're supposed learn HOW to do things at school!).
- The main character travels with an apparently very beautiful girl all the time. Hugging all the time, at one point even cuddling like a real couple under a blanket...
And in two years he NEVER even thinks of getting with her? Sorry, but that just doens't seem logical to me. ;-)
May 18, 2019
What a joy to read a series about honor, kindness, faithfulness, and empathy. Great characters, mythical creatures, awakening powers, and a king that cares about doing right more than his ego. Superb! 2019 re-read: I read the whole novel in one evening. So very enjoyable!
February 15, 2015
This book surprised me by how enjoyable it was despite certain glaring problems. The thing that irritated me most was how special the main character was and how a lot of epic things just...happened to him. He didn't deserve them, he didn't work for them...he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Sort of...too easy. Not that I want to always read about hardships, mishaps, defeats and too strong enemies...it's nice to switch to a guy for whom everything is a bit too easy. That said...I don't think I'll be reading the next book in the series, as it didn't really hook me. It was nice and all...just...too easy.
Other points worth mentioning:
The author often used very current expressions and phrases that didn't sit well with me. It pulled me out of the story whenever I came upon something like that.
This book is perfect for lovers of horses. I am not one of those...but Night was an interesting character when he was a newborn. Not so much later on...
The points of view weren't handled well. Starting a book with "this is my story, how I remember it" and then putting in two other POVs...the form was irritating enough to distract from the story. Also...Night, as a POV was a weak character. Very humanlike, which felt like a squandered opportunity. He could have been truly interesting with a bit of work and imagination. Just imagine a chapter form point of view of a horse. Ah well...
Anyway...the book was pleasant enough to finish without forcing myself to do it, which is something I can't say about every book I've read this past year.
Other points worth mentioning:
The author often used very current expressions and phrases that didn't sit well with me. It pulled me out of the story whenever I came upon something like that.
This book is perfect for lovers of horses. I am not one of those...but Night was an interesting character when he was a newborn. Not so much later on...
The points of view weren't handled well. Starting a book with "this is my story, how I remember it" and then putting in two other POVs...the form was irritating enough to distract from the story. Also...Night, as a POV was a weak character. Very humanlike, which felt like a squandered opportunity. He could have been truly interesting with a bit of work and imagination. Just imagine a chapter form point of view of a horse. Ah well...
Anyway...the book was pleasant enough to finish without forcing myself to do it, which is something I can't say about every book I've read this past year.
July 8, 2014
Wow,
what a pile of doo-doo.
this story has lots of potential but has no opportunity to move forward. The main character of the story is the luckiest individual whit no real ability to overcome problems because the author continually writes silly coincidences to get him out of trouble.
There is no real antagonist in this book which makes for a dull and ridiculous read. Don't waste your time...
what a pile of doo-doo.
this story has lots of potential but has no opportunity to move forward. The main character of the story is the luckiest individual whit no real ability to overcome problems because the author continually writes silly coincidences to get him out of trouble.
There is no real antagonist in this book which makes for a dull and ridiculous read. Don't waste your time...
May 3, 2022
Why did I wait so long to start this series. Everything I love about a Raconteur book - captivating world, memorable characters, engaging plot, no worries that the main characters will die, no sex scenes to skip over.... on to book 2.
January 2, 2014
This is a simple story of a teenage boy discovering his magical abilities and becoming a powerful player in his medieval world's events.
It's written well enough that I wasn't frustrated, but it's not deep or crisp prose. The conflict is mostly him facing natural forces and learning to use his magic. There are some interpersonal conflicts, but they are personality clashes--and they are resolved fairly quickly. In fact, everything goes pretty much just right for the hero the whole book long.
So it's not gripping or complex in it's plot, either. But what keeps it from being lower rated is that the characters are likable and the world fun. It felt like a long and breezy setup for the real story.
It's written well enough that I wasn't frustrated, but it's not deep or crisp prose. The conflict is mostly him facing natural forces and learning to use his magic. There are some interpersonal conflicts, but they are personality clashes--and they are resolved fairly quickly. In fact, everything goes pretty much just right for the hero the whole book long.
So it's not gripping or complex in it's plot, either. But what keeps it from being lower rated is that the characters are likable and the world fun. It felt like a long and breezy setup for the real story.
December 2, 2022
It is a slow and relaxing read. Characters and world building is interesting enough though it did not strike me as especially unique or unexpected. This book is more so something to read before sleep but definitely not (at least in my case) a "standing on the edge of your seat, excited and invested in characters and story" type of book. It was enjojable and characters are sweet, it's just that it is not what I was necessarily looking for at the moment.
My favourite quote from this book:
"It took effort; it took discipline; it took grim determination! But I finally managed to extract myself from the death grip that my bed had on me."
My favourite quote from this book:
"It took effort; it took discipline; it took grim determination! But I finally managed to extract myself from the death grip that my bed had on me."
February 27, 2012
Wow, a very good fantasy book, characters are very believable and have depth. Reading the second book in the series, Magus.
March 20, 2018
Not sure if this book is a 3.5 stars or a 4 star book, I will mark it as 4 for now and see how the series continues.
February 3, 2018
Boring. Main character is best at everything without trying, all the special things happen to him, etc...
October 27, 2023
Jaunten was an interesting read to me. I enjoyed the relationship between Garth and Night(mare) and Garth and his friend Chatta. It was fun watching Garth learn about his role as a Jaunten and slowly learning how to use magic. I would continue this series to see what happens next.
March 23, 2021
Mild and fun
Reader thoughts: While it may seem a contradiction, this book is a mix between some very different stories.
First, it's like The Name of the Wind by making the MC so powerful and legendary. Garth could move a mountain, knows dozens of cultures and languages, and has a prophesied horse. He's so full of specialness. Plus, there's a magical training school.
Second, it's a little like The Dusk Gate Chronicles in that children aren't ignored and kindness and decency are emphasized. Almost everyone is genuinely friendly.
Third, the MC has to raise a magical creature in addition to keeping up with classwork and other duties. This is either like Kel from Protector of the Small or like Menolly from The Harper Hall of Pern.
Fourth, the MC runs around the kingdom solving disasters and mediating like rangers in Rangers Apprentice. The chain of command feels a bit like that, too, with the politics of the king and head magicians.
Yet, the writing was first person with random third person chapters (like Maximum Ride, I suppose). The MC had some funny inner dialogue, particularly idle threats about people who woke him up too early, but he wasn't overly witty or clever. He worked hard. I could compare him to Kedem from The King's Sword, but he wasn't as reserved.
However, things were too easy. I wanted more complications and try-fail cycles. When he stops the flood or saves the city, he makes a plan, and it happens just that way. The ground doesn't give an unexpected earthquake, and bandits don't suddenly show up when he's drained of magic. Garth gets tired, but he can do anything the first time he tries, anything magical anyway. I have hopes this will change in the following books. (Update: the following books only got easier. Oh, well.)
This lack of real conflict was even more apparent when I listened to the book with my husband. He said, "I kept looking for the bad guy, the bad leader or someone who would betray them." Well, book 1 has no bad guy. I just told my husband that sometimes I like to read books where all the people are basically happy and nice.
Writer's thoughts: If you make a character as powerful as Garth, you have to put extra difficult problems in the way. Great mage with normal problems is not as intense or interesting.
A great way to fathom the three-act structure is like this:
1, get your character stuck in a tree.
2, start chopping down the tree.
3, set the tree on fire.
As a writer, I love my characters and find it difficult to do horrible things to them. (Well, sometimes it's easy to be cruel.) Yet, it's no good to stick the character in the tree, and then bring them a ladder. Conflict is more interesting.
Reader thoughts: While it may seem a contradiction, this book is a mix between some very different stories.
First, it's like The Name of the Wind by making the MC so powerful and legendary. Garth could move a mountain, knows dozens of cultures and languages, and has a prophesied horse. He's so full of specialness. Plus, there's a magical training school.
Second, it's a little like The Dusk Gate Chronicles in that children aren't ignored and kindness and decency are emphasized. Almost everyone is genuinely friendly.
Third, the MC has to raise a magical creature in addition to keeping up with classwork and other duties. This is either like Kel from Protector of the Small or like Menolly from The Harper Hall of Pern.
Fourth, the MC runs around the kingdom solving disasters and mediating like rangers in Rangers Apprentice. The chain of command feels a bit like that, too, with the politics of the king and head magicians.
Yet, the writing was first person with random third person chapters (like Maximum Ride, I suppose). The MC had some funny inner dialogue, particularly idle threats about people who woke him up too early, but he wasn't overly witty or clever. He worked hard. I could compare him to Kedem from The King's Sword, but he wasn't as reserved.
However, things were too easy. I wanted more complications and try-fail cycles. When he stops the flood or saves the city, he makes a plan, and it happens just that way. The ground doesn't give an unexpected earthquake, and bandits don't suddenly show up when he's drained of magic. Garth gets tired, but he can do anything the first time he tries, anything magical anyway. I have hopes this will change in the following books. (Update: the following books only got easier. Oh, well.)
This lack of real conflict was even more apparent when I listened to the book with my husband. He said, "I kept looking for the bad guy, the bad leader or someone who would betray them." Well, book 1 has no bad guy. I just told my husband that sometimes I like to read books where all the people are basically happy and nice.
Writer's thoughts: If you make a character as powerful as Garth, you have to put extra difficult problems in the way. Great mage with normal problems is not as intense or interesting.
A great way to fathom the three-act structure is like this:
1, get your character stuck in a tree.
2, start chopping down the tree.
3, set the tree on fire.
As a writer, I love my characters and find it difficult to do horrible things to them. (Well, sometimes it's easy to be cruel.) Yet, it's no good to stick the character in the tree, and then bring them a ladder. Conflict is more interesting.
September 10, 2025
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild peril. Some brawling fights, mostly chases etc.
Sexual: Mild to barely there. Hugs is pretty much it.
When I need a book that will make me smile, and feel cozy but with a fun fantasy plot, I go to Honor Raconteur. Her style is a cozy fantasy with higher stakes. There is a lot of slice-of-life that I really enjoy, even if it doesn't really advance the plot at all. The focus is on the banter, the relationships, and finding family wherever life plops you down.
Jaunten was, like her other books, intriguing with the plot and cultures introduced. She always likes to give different cultures their time in the sun and shows how people can become family despite differences. I like too that you can tell that the author does this because she enjoys it, and it's not on her diversity checklist or political agenda to do so. It's just light, fun, and interesting.
Garth is kind, sweet, and gentle unless you mess with his family. While he was a bit too perfect at times, I found his character entertaining because he's almost so mild that that becomes his flaw. He's not ambitious, and could easily be taken advantage of, but he's surrounded by people who protect him because they know he's so kind.
Chatta is the quintessential warm and friendly person that just clicks with Garth's kind polite humor. They suit each other well, and you can just tell that they're going to become more, even though for now they're just best friends (because they're both about 16 so I heartily approve).
I think I enjoy Raconteur's books so much because they really focus on relationships in general and belonging. All of her books I've read have had a 'finding your tribe' subplot in them which is so great. I loved seeing Garth making friends and charming people just by being himself. He's such a good person that the people around him automatically rally around him because they love who he is and want to protect him.
The plot of the book was pretty relaxed, and focused more on side-quests with a vague underlying plot seeming to just be waiting in the wings to pop up. Sure enough it does in the end, and I look forward to seeing where it all goes. This is a relaxed introduction to the world, the magic, and the people in Hain and Chahir.
I'm already halfway into book two and just loving the pace and the cozy nature with just an edge of excitement.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild peril. Some brawling fights, mostly chases etc.
Sexual: Mild to barely there. Hugs is pretty much it.
When I need a book that will make me smile, and feel cozy but with a fun fantasy plot, I go to Honor Raconteur. Her style is a cozy fantasy with higher stakes. There is a lot of slice-of-life that I really enjoy, even if it doesn't really advance the plot at all. The focus is on the banter, the relationships, and finding family wherever life plops you down.
Jaunten was, like her other books, intriguing with the plot and cultures introduced. She always likes to give different cultures their time in the sun and shows how people can become family despite differences. I like too that you can tell that the author does this because she enjoys it, and it's not on her diversity checklist or political agenda to do so. It's just light, fun, and interesting.
Garth is kind, sweet, and gentle unless you mess with his family. While he was a bit too perfect at times, I found his character entertaining because he's almost so mild that that becomes his flaw. He's not ambitious, and could easily be taken advantage of, but he's surrounded by people who protect him because they know he's so kind.
Chatta is the quintessential warm and friendly person that just clicks with Garth's kind polite humor. They suit each other well, and you can just tell that they're going to become more, even though for now they're just best friends (because they're both about 16 so I heartily approve).
I think I enjoy Raconteur's books so much because they really focus on relationships in general and belonging. All of her books I've read have had a 'finding your tribe' subplot in them which is so great. I loved seeing Garth making friends and charming people just by being himself. He's such a good person that the people around him automatically rally around him because they love who he is and want to protect him.
The plot of the book was pretty relaxed, and focused more on side-quests with a vague underlying plot seeming to just be waiting in the wings to pop up. Sure enough it does in the end, and I look forward to seeing where it all goes. This is a relaxed introduction to the world, the magic, and the people in Hain and Chahir.
I'm already halfway into book two and just loving the pace and the cozy nature with just an edge of excitement.
September 19, 2022
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2,3
This book is very much a cutesy power fantasy. And it's entertaining enough, but it just feels so random and disconnected. Coincidences just keep happening that make Garth more and more special, and nothing feels connected.
I wish there felt like there was some overarching plot, and there kinda is, but mostly it just feels like the author threw everything but the kitchen sink out there. It also feels at the very juvenile end of YA, more like a children's book than a YA book to be honest.
I think the author's newer series are a lot better, and her artifactor series has a similar "feel" to this one, but it's better.
Rating: 2,3
This book is very much a cutesy power fantasy. And it's entertaining enough, but it just feels so random and disconnected. Coincidences just keep happening that make Garth more and more special, and nothing feels connected.
I wish there felt like there was some overarching plot, and there kinda is, but mostly it just feels like the author threw everything but the kitchen sink out there. It also feels at the very juvenile end of YA, more like a children's book than a YA book to be honest.
I think the author's newer series are a lot better, and her artifactor series has a similar "feel" to this one, but it's better.
November 12, 2011
Dude discovers he can use magic and gets a lot of ponies. -- Er, that's one literal pony, and a whole bunch of metaphorical ponies, as he wanders the landscape and does a bunch of awesome things, and generally everybody loves him.
I -- I mean, on the one hand it's sort of refreshing to have a book where there's not a Monolithic Evil Thing trying to Destroy The World. But the book did sort of lack for a plot.
Kept me entertained on the caltrain.
I -- I mean, on the one hand it's sort of refreshing to have a book where there's not a Monolithic Evil Thing trying to Destroy The World. But the book did sort of lack for a plot.
Kept me entertained on the caltrain.
August 26, 2015
In a way, it's not fair to review this book on its own, as it is very much the start of a series, but it is an enjoyable series, with an interesting premise and a lot of humour. It lacks the level of peril and angst one tends to get in this genre, but perhaps for that reason my kids (10 and 13) keep returning to the series and laughing out loud again at the antics of the characters, who are generally fun people to spend time with.
September 13, 2018
One of my favorite series
Coming back to reread for the third time, and realized I never left a review. The world building is fantastic and Honor has an incredible talent with writing. It's a fantasy novel that's not based around violence! A great rarity, and even better for it.
If it's your first read through, keep going. The series has it all, including action and adventure, unforgettable characters and a story that keeps bringing me back.
Coming back to reread for the third time, and realized I never left a review. The world building is fantastic and Honor has an incredible talent with writing. It's a fantasy novel that's not based around violence! A great rarity, and even better for it.
If it's your first read through, keep going. The series has it all, including action and adventure, unforgettable characters and a story that keeps bringing me back.
December 5, 2017
Wonderful Fantasy Swords & Sorcery Novel
This wonderful novel seems to be the beginning of a new series of stories, and based on how enjoyable this was to read, I do look forward to reading more.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES BASED ON THIS FIRST NOVEL
This wonderful novel seems to be the beginning of a new series of stories, and based on how enjoyable this was to read, I do look forward to reading more.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES BASED ON THIS FIRST NOVEL
May 9, 2014
It had potential with story idea but falls completely flat when it came to execution. Painful to read, couldn't finish it.
December 30, 2014
Funny book and good story!
August 17, 2022
I was really enjoying this book, the premise of it is quite good. However the switching between POV with no warning and not clearly delineating who’s POV it now is, is quite annoying. However!
81% into the book, it really got me.
“Chahiran culture approached the problem differently. Instead of sending along a third person, we often made the man swear an oath to protect the woman in all ways until she was returned to her family. I wasn’t sure if he would take that option, however. “Sir,” I ventured, “in my country there is an oath that we use in instances likes this. I would swear to protect Chatta in every way possible if ever we are alone and her honor and safety depends on me. Would you accept such an oath?” So you can stop worrying and I can get some decent sleep? He sat there for a long moment, thinking that over. Then he nodded once, decisively. “Yes. From you, I would accept such an oath.” Well. That was unexpected. Rather flattering, though. “Very well. On my blood, on my honor, and by the name of my family, I swear to you that my life will be forfeit before I allow any harm to befall her. Sven Delheart, father to L-Chattamoinita Delheart, will you accept this oath for your daughter’s protection?” I extended a hand to him. Delheart’s eyes were so wide they almost seemed to consume his face, and he was having trouble getting his jaw back into its socket. “Rhebengarthen, if I understand Chahiran culture right, you just sold me your life if my daughter is ever hurt in your presence,” he choked out. “Yes, I did,” I answered softly. “Will you accept the oath?””
The absolutely MISOGYNY in that conversation. The internalized misogyny of the author!!
The two of them are not dating. They have not indicated to each other that they’re interested in each other. They’re not even flirting yet! Yes, he’s interested in her, but what if she isn’t? What if she wants to be friends and not romantically involved? Also, they’re a mage and a witch, they’re sent on dangerous and difficult missions all over the country. How is he to prevent her from getting hurt? Even on a non-dangerous mission, her horse could spook and she get thrown, or she could trip and cut or bruise her leg. He cannot control everything that happens in her life, and also to attempt to do so is a major massive red flag for abuse. I am not saying he is trying to control her, I don’t think he is. But the only way to keep that oath is to wrap her in bubble wrap and not allow her to do anything. And then that harms her mental health. There is ZERO way for him to always keep his oath.
And then he swore it to her father. Not even to her, but her father.
She is not property! She does not belong to her father! She is an adult, and fully grown adult, a woman, a fully trained witch, also trained in physical combat. She can FULLY take care of herself.
Such an oath is infantilizing, patronizing, and impossible to keep - it is INSULTING in the extreme!
If he was going to give an oath, why not something about always respecting her, always respecting any consent or withholding of consent, respecting her bodily autonomy. That is an oath he can keep.
The whole thing kind of turned me off. Honestly not sure if I’m going to finish the book.
81% into the book, it really got me.
“Chahiran culture approached the problem differently. Instead of sending along a third person, we often made the man swear an oath to protect the woman in all ways until she was returned to her family. I wasn’t sure if he would take that option, however. “Sir,” I ventured, “in my country there is an oath that we use in instances likes this. I would swear to protect Chatta in every way possible if ever we are alone and her honor and safety depends on me. Would you accept such an oath?” So you can stop worrying and I can get some decent sleep? He sat there for a long moment, thinking that over. Then he nodded once, decisively. “Yes. From you, I would accept such an oath.” Well. That was unexpected. Rather flattering, though. “Very well. On my blood, on my honor, and by the name of my family, I swear to you that my life will be forfeit before I allow any harm to befall her. Sven Delheart, father to L-Chattamoinita Delheart, will you accept this oath for your daughter’s protection?” I extended a hand to him. Delheart’s eyes were so wide they almost seemed to consume his face, and he was having trouble getting his jaw back into its socket. “Rhebengarthen, if I understand Chahiran culture right, you just sold me your life if my daughter is ever hurt in your presence,” he choked out. “Yes, I did,” I answered softly. “Will you accept the oath?””
The absolutely MISOGYNY in that conversation. The internalized misogyny of the author!!
The two of them are not dating. They have not indicated to each other that they’re interested in each other. They’re not even flirting yet! Yes, he’s interested in her, but what if she isn’t? What if she wants to be friends and not romantically involved? Also, they’re a mage and a witch, they’re sent on dangerous and difficult missions all over the country. How is he to prevent her from getting hurt? Even on a non-dangerous mission, her horse could spook and she get thrown, or she could trip and cut or bruise her leg. He cannot control everything that happens in her life, and also to attempt to do so is a major massive red flag for abuse. I am not saying he is trying to control her, I don’t think he is. But the only way to keep that oath is to wrap her in bubble wrap and not allow her to do anything. And then that harms her mental health. There is ZERO way for him to always keep his oath.
And then he swore it to her father. Not even to her, but her father.
She is not property! She does not belong to her father! She is an adult, and fully grown adult, a woman, a fully trained witch, also trained in physical combat. She can FULLY take care of herself.
Such an oath is infantilizing, patronizing, and impossible to keep - it is INSULTING in the extreme!
If he was going to give an oath, why not something about always respecting her, always respecting any consent or withholding of consent, respecting her bodily autonomy. That is an oath he can keep.
The whole thing kind of turned me off. Honestly not sure if I’m going to finish the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Really easy read with likable characters.
Read through entire series so will write a general review for the books read.
Garth is the first mage to be found, 200 years after a brutal Wizard War, in a country that deeply despises magic. Garth finds safe passage in a neighboring kingdom, that then train and recruit him to find other magicians in his home empire. He receives help from the Red Hand, a mercenary
military group, discovering the reason for the burgeoning magic and saving countless magic users lives. He eventually becomes a Dean of a newly established magic school in his home country and falls in love.
The only real criticism I have for this series is that everything happens really fast with no real learning curve. Not to say that isn't struggle and violence, but it takes only takes six months for a mage to be trained and be full fledged, Garth is only 19 when he becomes a Dean of a school with only two years of real magical experience under his belt, six and seven year old children are skilled enough to be technically full fledged and independent. There is a definite gap between how much the group of characters actually accomplished in comparison to how strong they should be. For a world where there is no real training for the powerhouse players, they just seem to end on the right side of things with very little down time for personal experiences.
All the characters are engaging from a talking horse familar, a magpie flying cat, a warrior awakened from a 200 year siesta, empathetic mercenary leaders, to inquisitive mage children. I was pleasantly surprised that characters were matched romantically but very PG. I liked that there was tension throughout the series so there was a definite and complete story arc for each book.
Liked the series!
Read through entire series so will write a general review for the books read.
Garth is the first mage to be found, 200 years after a brutal Wizard War, in a country that deeply despises magic. Garth finds safe passage in a neighboring kingdom, that then train and recruit him to find other magicians in his home empire. He receives help from the Red Hand, a mercenary
military group, discovering the reason for the burgeoning magic and saving countless magic users lives. He eventually becomes a Dean of a newly established magic school in his home country and falls in love.
The only real criticism I have for this series is that everything happens really fast with no real learning curve. Not to say that isn't struggle and violence, but it takes only takes six months for a mage to be trained and be full fledged, Garth is only 19 when he becomes a Dean of a school with only two years of real magical experience under his belt, six and seven year old children are skilled enough to be technically full fledged and independent. There is a definite gap between how much the group of characters actually accomplished in comparison to how strong they should be. For a world where there is no real training for the powerhouse players, they just seem to end on the right side of things with very little down time for personal experiences.
All the characters are engaging from a talking horse familar, a magpie flying cat, a warrior awakened from a 200 year siesta, empathetic mercenary leaders, to inquisitive mage children. I was pleasantly surprised that characters were matched romantically but very PG. I liked that there was tension throughout the series so there was a definite and complete story arc for each book.
Liked the series!
July 3, 2020
Raconteur has written a series that feels both familiar and yet different. This is quite a compliment coming from someone who has read SF/Fantasy since age 9 (which was a LONG time ago). In this world, a region has outlawed magic and decreed that all who show signs of it are to be killed, along with all members of their family. Garth runs to nearby Hain, and along the way he is changed; both by the journey and by some of the happenings along the way. When he arrives he finds that he is the first mage to appear in many years and the first from Chahir (his native country) in 200 years. Garth must learn to use his powers (he is an Earth Mage, able to harness the powers of the earth in all its forms). He also must learn a whole new language and culture as well as deal with more magical difficulties that he accidentally stumbles into when he becomes the inadvertent partner with a rare infant ncesce (a horse type magical creature).
Raconteur handles all the characters, motivations and changing circumstances very well. Even though Garth is the main character, and all is filtered through his lens; you see and get to know a full cast of characters and learn about things alongside Garth. Garth is a talented but normal person placed into extraordinary circumstances, and indeed seemingly attracting strange troubles but he genuinely cares and tries to do the right thing always. Although this is not marketed as a teen book, I think it would be an excellent book for teens or adults. Looking for a new fantasy series to follow? This is a very good one to try.
Raconteur handles all the characters, motivations and changing circumstances very well. Even though Garth is the main character, and all is filtered through his lens; you see and get to know a full cast of characters and learn about things alongside Garth. Garth is a talented but normal person placed into extraordinary circumstances, and indeed seemingly attracting strange troubles but he genuinely cares and tries to do the right thing always. Although this is not marketed as a teen book, I think it would be an excellent book for teens or adults. Looking for a new fantasy series to follow? This is a very good one to try.
June 24, 2020
This whole series can be described as light reading.
There is nothing complex about the characters or story.
The magic system is supposed to sound complex and interesting, but it is never actually a big topic. Mages just do stuff and wizards/witches are never actually described in detail (how their power works etc.)
So the only reason this could be classified as high fantasy, despite the rather bland magical aspects of the whole story, is that it takes place in a completely new world. It is often emphasized that the different countries have big differences in culture, but it only mentioned, it never happens to be a big issue in the story.
And that is how many things in the story appear. Footnotes, which are supposed to enrich the world and make it sound profound, but they never have any actual impact on the story.
It is a happy go lucky story in which the various main characters just simply do things and the bad people fold on the first try, nothing goes really wrong (despite the author trying to make it sound like stuff went wrong), because there never are consequences. Nobody ever dies.
As I said, light reading. Not bad, just simple fun stuff you can skim through on an afternoon.
But not enough for 4 stars when compared to fantasy epics the stories have to stand up to.
There is nothing complex about the characters or story.
The magic system is supposed to sound complex and interesting, but it is never actually a big topic. Mages just do stuff and wizards/witches are never actually described in detail (how their power works etc.)
So the only reason this could be classified as high fantasy, despite the rather bland magical aspects of the whole story, is that it takes place in a completely new world. It is often emphasized that the different countries have big differences in culture, but it only mentioned, it never happens to be a big issue in the story.
And that is how many things in the story appear. Footnotes, which are supposed to enrich the world and make it sound profound, but they never have any actual impact on the story.
It is a happy go lucky story in which the various main characters just simply do things and the bad people fold on the first try, nothing goes really wrong (despite the author trying to make it sound like stuff went wrong), because there never are consequences. Nobody ever dies.
As I said, light reading. Not bad, just simple fun stuff you can skim through on an afternoon.
But not enough for 4 stars when compared to fantasy epics the stories have to stand up to.
May 20, 2021
Just like the main figure in the book, I think the author is also early in her path to mastery.
I surprised myself finishing the book, mostly because I kept hoping that maybe things would get better and we'd get an actual story. You know, an actual conflict or an actual crisis that creates something more than a slowly meandering observation of a few random events in the lives of a young mage.
But it's not just the lack of an actual plot that makes this a challenging read. There are so many tropes that are just over-drawn. The sequence of events at the beginning especially. What happens during this initial trip, then at the palace, and then at the first night at the school are just... oh come on... you could have tried a bit harder.
The relationships are another part of the book that is just frustrating. They seem so... shallow and incidental. Nothing has consequences, there are no strong feelings, everything just meanders along and then something else happens.
All this is super sad because I really wanted to like the world that the author is building, I really hoped that this would be a series to capture my attention.
I intentionally started reading Honor Raconteur with reading her earliest book. Maybe I should have started with one of the later series (some of which get decent reviews). This is sadly not a good starting point if you want to discover a new author.
I surprised myself finishing the book, mostly because I kept hoping that maybe things would get better and we'd get an actual story. You know, an actual conflict or an actual crisis that creates something more than a slowly meandering observation of a few random events in the lives of a young mage.
But it's not just the lack of an actual plot that makes this a challenging read. There are so many tropes that are just over-drawn. The sequence of events at the beginning especially. What happens during this initial trip, then at the palace, and then at the first night at the school are just... oh come on... you could have tried a bit harder.
The relationships are another part of the book that is just frustrating. They seem so... shallow and incidental. Nothing has consequences, there are no strong feelings, everything just meanders along and then something else happens.
All this is super sad because I really wanted to like the world that the author is building, I really hoped that this would be a series to capture my attention.
I intentionally started reading Honor Raconteur with reading her earliest book. Maybe I should have started with one of the later series (some of which get decent reviews). This is sadly not a good starting point if you want to discover a new author.
January 9, 2018
Delightful
Once again we are honored (heh) with a delightfully crafted story set in a new and interesting world, filled with fun characters and action. One of the best things about an erudite, funny, and romantically inclined author is the fact that, by definition, they enjoy putting interesting word combinations together to form an enjoyable and (usually) light story. Add in that this particular author enjoys world creation - and is Good at it - and you will find yourself in very fresh environments with a story without an obvious direction. I enjoy that. Quite a bit, actually. One could say that the stories are straightforward and the characters a bit templated, but that’s perfectly welcome, as it’s the grease in the unknown world you’re exploring. (Besides, a certain author named Lucas put some pretty templated characters and story together and that worked out fairly well for a great many people, so hey.)
A fun read and an interesting series. I look forward to reading more. Recommended.
Once again we are honored (heh) with a delightfully crafted story set in a new and interesting world, filled with fun characters and action. One of the best things about an erudite, funny, and romantically inclined author is the fact that, by definition, they enjoy putting interesting word combinations together to form an enjoyable and (usually) light story. Add in that this particular author enjoys world creation - and is Good at it - and you will find yourself in very fresh environments with a story without an obvious direction. I enjoy that. Quite a bit, actually. One could say that the stories are straightforward and the characters a bit templated, but that’s perfectly welcome, as it’s the grease in the unknown world you’re exploring. (Besides, a certain author named Lucas put some pretty templated characters and story together and that worked out fairly well for a great many people, so hey.)
A fun read and an interesting series. I look forward to reading more. Recommended.
August 12, 2019
Could have been good
The story in itself, the setting and general plot, is pretty solid. So is the proofreading, there are very little spelling errors. However..
However, the language is very simple and in all honesty it very good. As a reader I'm never drawn into the story, nor do I feel any sympathy for the characters. The prose is such as would be suitable in a history book for middle school students.
I'm addition there are no clear opposition or setbacks for the main character. Yes, your read that correctly. There is not a single actual failure, hard decision or gray area to be found in the entire book!! There are plenty of opportunities for this in the story, but for some reason the author has decided to skip the character progression/development offered by such setbacks. Instead, the main character steam rolls the entire story.
On the plus side the book is rather short so you won't have to endure the dullness long enough for it to become really boring.
The story in itself, the setting and general plot, is pretty solid. So is the proofreading, there are very little spelling errors. However..
However, the language is very simple and in all honesty it very good. As a reader I'm never drawn into the story, nor do I feel any sympathy for the characters. The prose is such as would be suitable in a history book for middle school students.
I'm addition there are no clear opposition or setbacks for the main character. Yes, your read that correctly. There is not a single actual failure, hard decision or gray area to be found in the entire book!! There are plenty of opportunities for this in the story, but for some reason the author has decided to skip the character progression/development offered by such setbacks. Instead, the main character steam rolls the entire story.
On the plus side the book is rather short so you won't have to endure the dullness long enough for it to become really boring.
June 21, 2020
Here I'm reviewing books 1-4 in the Advent mage cycle together as in my head they all form one big story, despite each book having its own story arc.
Garth is a protagonist that is very easy to read about, he is likeable, has all the right qualities for a hero and yet barely knows it. One of the reasons though that I love Honor Raconteur's books is because of the wonderful cast of characters that she always creates. Every one of the side characters takes a starring role and for the time that I am reading they become like family and it truly is with a sense of loss that I finish a series.
Garth comes form a world that is magical but a Country that would deny this and punish anyone with magic. And so with more magic than has been seen in generations, Garth sets out on a journey, making friends, meeting allies and generally unwittingly charming the pants off everyone he meets. I loved this series and genuinely never wanted it to end.
Garth is a protagonist that is very easy to read about, he is likeable, has all the right qualities for a hero and yet barely knows it. One of the reasons though that I love Honor Raconteur's books is because of the wonderful cast of characters that she always creates. Every one of the side characters takes a starring role and for the time that I am reading they become like family and it truly is with a sense of loss that I finish a series.
Garth comes form a world that is magical but a Country that would deny this and punish anyone with magic. And so with more magic than has been seen in generations, Garth sets out on a journey, making friends, meeting allies and generally unwittingly charming the pants off everyone he meets. I loved this series and genuinely never wanted it to end.
February 3, 2024
A Magical Treat
Juanten, the first book of the Advent Mage cycle, is an enjoyable retreat from the mundane into a world still under the shadow of a magical war fought two hundred years earlier. You follow Garth, the first mage born since the war, as he escapes from the country of his birth, where having magic is a death sentence. One twist follows another as Garth learns what it means to be a mage rather than a witch or a wizard as he makes friends and gathers allies.
Honor Raconteur tells a great story with a balance of description and character development without bogging down the plot. This my second time reading the series and I am enjoying the books as much as I did the first time.
Juanten, the first book of the Advent Mage cycle, is an enjoyable retreat from the mundane into a world still under the shadow of a magical war fought two hundred years earlier. You follow Garth, the first mage born since the war, as he escapes from the country of his birth, where having magic is a death sentence. One twist follows another as Garth learns what it means to be a mage rather than a witch or a wizard as he makes friends and gathers allies.
Honor Raconteur tells a great story with a balance of description and character development without bogging down the plot. This my second time reading the series and I am enjoying the books as much as I did the first time.
June 25, 2017
This is a nice book. I enjoyed it.
BUT
It strikes me that the main women characters are the ones that are authority figures, and the characters that are cute are male.
I don't have a problem with this. I like that the boys in the story are adorable, whether they are 4 yr olds, adults, colts, etc... and the women are the 'sensible', less sentimental ones.
It makes for a refreshing change and I would not like to see the trope lost. Just that I am pointing it out because this tells everyone how clever I am, and as a warning that going much farther in this direction might be in the compass direction of vomit.
BUT
It strikes me that the main women characters are the ones that are authority figures, and the characters that are cute are male.
I don't have a problem with this. I like that the boys in the story are adorable, whether they are 4 yr olds, adults, colts, etc... and the women are the 'sensible', less sentimental ones.
It makes for a refreshing change and I would not like to see the trope lost. Just that I am pointing it out because this tells everyone how clever I am, and as a warning that going much farther in this direction might be in the compass direction of vomit.
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