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The Magic Withheld, #1
Wilder Mage
Magic. It's in his blood and out of control. Justus Aubre is a wilder. A mage unbound to the Imperium, and therefore a dangerous wild card in their eyes. The Imperium wants him, wants his power, but Justus has hidden for many years and now has some semblance of a normal life. All that’s about to change when Sable Rounds walks through the door of his antique shop, looking for work. Justus instantly knows what Sable is, he just doesn’t know the danger he’s in. Alone, also on the run from the Imperium, Sable longs for a normal life. For somewhere to belong. She finds this when Justus hires her, but she knows it’s temporary and fragile, an illusion. Though she hates to think about it, she knows that one day she will have to move on. The Imperium is always behind her, waiting. When they finally find Sable, they find Justus. And all hell’s about to break loose.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
12 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
C.D. Coffelt
3 books32 followersCD Coffelt lives outside Maryville, Missouri with a bemused husband and way too many cats. She adores all things fantasy with a special love for urban and epic.
"With a passion for dogs, good writing, and Doritos as companions, locating Middle-Earth on a dusty road in rural Missouri wasn't difficult. All it took was a little Magic, hours of reading, and an overactive imagination."
You can visit her blog at www.spiritcalled.blogspot.com.
Author of Wilder Mage, book one of The Magic Withheld series and Out of Magic. Book two in the series coming soon.
"With a passion for dogs, good writing, and Doritos as companions, locating Middle-Earth on a dusty road in rural Missouri wasn't difficult. All it took was a little Magic, hours of reading, and an overactive imagination."
You can visit her blog at www.spiritcalled.blogspot.com.
Author of Wilder Mage, book one of The Magic Withheld series and Out of Magic. Book two in the series coming soon.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 1, 2013
I had the privilege of reading this book before it was contracted. The second read through was just as enjoyable and rewarding as the first time. Coffelt crafts a wonderful story of courage and love set in a chilling reality where one crazed woman controls all those who can work magic. Well, almost all.
Justus is a strong hero. Even in his sullen moods you can't help but like him. He lives by his convictions and is doing quite well for himself until the unexpected happens. He falls in love. And with the most dangerous woman possible. Sable is running from the Imperium, but she's never free of their watchful eye. She is the prize worth waiting for, and once crazy Tiarra gets her she'll be the weapon to bring down all who resist the Imperium's control.
I love all the characters in this story. Bert the impertinent teen who has to learn the hard way, the sweet couple who take care of everyone, even the two hunters struggling to break free of Tiarra's grasp.
Without giving any spoilers, I just have to say that I loved the subtle difference between the original ending and the published ending. The clues have all been dropped and I'm just waiting for Coffelt to write the next book. I love how Justus' inner struggle is more of the focal point at the end as well. I can't wait for the next in the series!
Justus is a strong hero. Even in his sullen moods you can't help but like him. He lives by his convictions and is doing quite well for himself until the unexpected happens. He falls in love. And with the most dangerous woman possible. Sable is running from the Imperium, but she's never free of their watchful eye. She is the prize worth waiting for, and once crazy Tiarra gets her she'll be the weapon to bring down all who resist the Imperium's control.
I love all the characters in this story. Bert the impertinent teen who has to learn the hard way, the sweet couple who take care of everyone, even the two hunters struggling to break free of Tiarra's grasp.
Without giving any spoilers, I just have to say that I loved the subtle difference between the original ending and the published ending. The clues have all been dropped and I'm just waiting for Coffelt to write the next book. I love how Justus' inner struggle is more of the focal point at the end as well. I can't wait for the next in the series!
September 2, 2013
Justus Aubre is a powerful mage who has managed to evade the clutches of the ruling Imperium by lying low and flying under the radar. Into his life walks Sable Rounds who is Number One on the Imperium's Most Wanted list. When the Imperium finds her, they'll find him. A smart man would run like a hell. A man in love might have to make a stand.
What an amazing story from a fabulous new author. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The author's imagination is one of a kind. The writing rivals anything I've ever read. The world building is spectacular and convincing, which isn't always easy to pull off in a contemporary setting. The storyline is absolutely riveting. There just are not enough superlatives to do justice to Wilder Mage by CD Coffelt.
What an amazing story from a fabulous new author. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The author's imagination is one of a kind. The writing rivals anything I've ever read. The world building is spectacular and convincing, which isn't always easy to pull off in a contemporary setting. The storyline is absolutely riveting. There just are not enough superlatives to do justice to Wilder Mage by CD Coffelt.
September 22, 2013
I read Wilder Mage - The Magic Withheld when it was an earlier draft and again more recently in its final, finished form. It was fun reading it again and noticing all the improvements as well as enjoying again the things I loved from the first time.
One of the things I thought was cool was how the different wizards used their magic. Justus, our mc, asks the magic to help - and it does, just not necessarily in a manner of his choosing. Dayne, another wizard, throws his magic, none of that pretty-please-would-you-mind. Both methods suit the characters to a tee. I also thought Carol did a fabulous job of describing the magic, at times in luminous detail.
But as some of you know it's characters who capture my attention and Wilder Mage has some great ones, beginning with Justus, a wizard in hiding who's just trying to stay that way. Then of course we have the deliciously evil Tiarra, the protagonist, who uses her own power to find and enthrall all the wizards, gather them to her, and use them for her own selfish purposes. I especially liked the scene in which she demonstrates how useful Spirit can be. It made me shudder and I loved hating her.
Finally we have Sable, our other mc, who was the perfect mix of innocence and spunk. I loved following her as she broke through Justus' reserve and made a place for herself in his life - but boy, what she had to endure from Tiarra...Yikes!
My take? If you want some characters to follow these guys are the perfect choice. I can't wait to see what they do in book 2.
One of the things I thought was cool was how the different wizards used their magic. Justus, our mc, asks the magic to help - and it does, just not necessarily in a manner of his choosing. Dayne, another wizard, throws his magic, none of that pretty-please-would-you-mind. Both methods suit the characters to a tee. I also thought Carol did a fabulous job of describing the magic, at times in luminous detail.
But as some of you know it's characters who capture my attention and Wilder Mage has some great ones, beginning with Justus, a wizard in hiding who's just trying to stay that way. Then of course we have the deliciously evil Tiarra, the protagonist, who uses her own power to find and enthrall all the wizards, gather them to her, and use them for her own selfish purposes. I especially liked the scene in which she demonstrates how useful Spirit can be. It made me shudder and I loved hating her.
Finally we have Sable, our other mc, who was the perfect mix of innocence and spunk. I loved following her as she broke through Justus' reserve and made a place for herself in his life - but boy, what she had to endure from Tiarra...Yikes!
My take? If you want some characters to follow these guys are the perfect choice. I can't wait to see what they do in book 2.
January 19, 2014
Justus and Sable are two outcasts drawn together to battle against the evil Imperium. They can both use magic (in this case controlling the elements), but if they do, the Imperium will find, capture, and brainwash them to serve like all the other magic-users.
I was surprised by the quality of writing in this novel. It could easily have come from one of the big publishers, so well was it written and edited. The magical rules were very well thought out and explained. In fact, the vivid descriptions of the magical battles were my favorite parts in the book. The author knew just how to describe all the various elements to keep it realistic, and she succeeded in keeping me mesmerized, always wondering what would happen next. It’s impossible not to care for both of the main characters and want them to end up together. Without putting in a spoiler, there’s a very good reason why they can’t be together, and it adds a lot of exciting conflict to the book. This is a brilliantly written debut, and I highly recommend it!
I was surprised by the quality of writing in this novel. It could easily have come from one of the big publishers, so well was it written and edited. The magical rules were very well thought out and explained. In fact, the vivid descriptions of the magical battles were my favorite parts in the book. The author knew just how to describe all the various elements to keep it realistic, and she succeeded in keeping me mesmerized, always wondering what would happen next. It’s impossible not to care for both of the main characters and want them to end up together. Without putting in a spoiler, there’s a very good reason why they can’t be together, and it adds a lot of exciting conflict to the book. This is a brilliantly written debut, and I highly recommend it!
November 13, 2013
Bravo! I am a voracious reader and for myself, every book purchase is a gamble. Wilder Mage by CD Coffelt is without a doubt a big time win. Written with intelligence and skill, characters are brought to life in textured detail placed in vivid settings that engage all 5 senses. The plot demands rapid page turning and engages the reader on a personal level. Edited and formatted well it reads like a "real book" on my Kindle in contrary to a large number of e-books out there. Exactly what I need in a book. Can't wait for the sequel! A big thank you Mrs. Coffelt!
September 18, 2013
I loved that it was fantasy with wizards and magic but was set in present day Iowa. The ending gives some resolution to the story but also leaves many questions to set up more books. The reader is not left hanging but at the same time still wants more. I am looking forward to the next book. I am especially impressed as this book is the author's first publication.
September 25, 2013
Great fun book to read. Try it!
October 30, 2014
An exciting urban fantasy with authentic characters, Wilder Mage offers unexpected depths. In the world Coffelt has created, the Imperium rules all the mages and states that the purpose of this is to protect mages from Wilder Mages who are out of control and dangerous. The Imperium rules with a hand so heavy that the mages are essentially enslaved from childhood to the lead mage.
Justus is a wilder mage who uses his gifts with care for others and caution. He doesn't want to be caught in the abusive power struggles of the Imperium. But, when Sable Rounds walks into his life, he doesn't have a choice.
When I first opened the pages of this book, I felt sucked into a world of intrigue and danger. After I finished, I realized that this wasn't just a fun fantasy tale, but a gripping story that deals with human trafficking, abuse, and abusive power.
If you like fantasy with depth, you may enjoy Wilder Mage.
Justus is a wilder mage who uses his gifts with care for others and caution. He doesn't want to be caught in the abusive power struggles of the Imperium. But, when Sable Rounds walks into his life, he doesn't have a choice.
When I first opened the pages of this book, I felt sucked into a world of intrigue and danger. After I finished, I realized that this wasn't just a fun fantasy tale, but a gripping story that deals with human trafficking, abuse, and abusive power.
If you like fantasy with depth, you may enjoy Wilder Mage.
October 25, 2013
Wilder Mage exposes an underground world of magic hidden from humans, controlled by an evil, psychotic temptress. When mysterious, handsome Justus encounters fiery, independent Sable, their powerful magic isn't their only spark. Coffelt pieces the characters together in an intricate puzzle, filling the reader with anticipation of how it will turn out. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering how magic works in this realm and Coffelt's descriptions wrapped me into the scenes. I'm anxious for the next one!
February 7, 2016
I really wanted to like this but just couldn't get into it. I didn't feel particularly attached to any of the characters, I didn't like the way it kept switching POV and I just didn't like Sable. She irritated the life out of me, though I have no real reason not to like her - she wasn't TSTL or anything.
The story seemed kind of interesting but I just realised that I didn't care if I finished the book or not. DNF at 47%
The story seemed kind of interesting but I just realised that I didn't care if I finished the book or not. DNF at 47%
October 5, 2013
I was excited when I started reading this book, it had a good start but than I got about halfway through the book and it just felt like a romance novel with a bit of magic thrown in just to spice it up. Nothing was really explained all that happened was Justus staring at Sable and vice-versa and him trying to avoid her "special tener unus attractiveness".
January 29, 2014
Wilder Mage grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. Great tension and a well-crafted plot. It has the best magic duel I've ever read. Very satisfying ending, with enough unanswered questions to have me wanting more.
September 26, 2013
It was okay. Not as good as it was cracked up to be from all I'd heard. Kind of predictable and trite. Hope her future books are better.
November 16, 2013
Can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews