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Advent Mage Cycle #7
Warlords Rising
Weather Mage Riicbeccaan has a plan. As plans go, this is a pretty good one. Officially, she needs to go into the Khobunter-Libendorf area to figure out what is messing with her weather patterns. Unofficially, since they are going that far north, it’s the perfect opportunity to get dragons. Sure, traveling that direction is dangerous, but with Trev’nor and Nolan going along, there isn’t much to worry about, as three full-trained mages can handle just about anything.
But from the moment the three set foot in Khobunter, nothing goes according to plan. The whole world knows that Khobunter is a political mess, but there’s another, darker layer underneath it all that no one speaks of. The three prodigy mages are ensnared by it before they can fully comprehend what’s going on.
Fighting against an entire country is not something that just three people can handle, even if they are mages. Becca, Nolan, and Trev’nor don’t have much of a choice, though. There is an abhorrent evil right in front of their eyes and they only have one of two options: fight or flee.
Unfortunately for Khobunter, no one has ever taught them how to run.
But from the moment the three set foot in Khobunter, nothing goes according to plan. The whole world knows that Khobunter is a political mess, but there’s another, darker layer underneath it all that no one speaks of. The three prodigy mages are ensnared by it before they can fully comprehend what’s going on.
Fighting against an entire country is not something that just three people can handle, even if they are mages. Becca, Nolan, and Trev’nor don’t have much of a choice, though. There is an abhorrent evil right in front of their eyes and they only have one of two options: fight or flee.
Unfortunately for Khobunter, no one has ever taught them how to run.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2016
240 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
63 books842 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 38 reviews
June 8, 2020
I thought this book about the three young mages would be a fun story but it's not! I don't think I've read such a dark story by this author. It's action packed tho and I loved the dragons!
May 27, 2022
2022 bk 155. The three small children from previous books are back. They've grown into teenagers of 16 and 17 and are ready for their own adventure and mission. Planning on attracting dragons, the trio instead attracts first a Gardner who provides the mission, then slavers from an evil kingdom. Angered by the fact that magicians are viewed as less than human, the trio takes matters in their own hands and takes over a Warlord's territory, part of a country, in order to free the slaves.
December 21, 2016
I'm going to cry
Why?? Why must you write so well?! You made me realize how much I miss them all. And now I have to wait for the next one?! Only kind of kidding. I'm very glad you're not one of those authors that take a year or more to write. Ill try to be patient. Maybe. This book was great. I loved it and now I'm going to go reread from the beginning. I'm happy they went off on their own and didn't ask for help. Although I would love to read about Garth again. I just love everything about all her books and I recommend that everyone go and buy every single copy of her books. Like right now. Awesome job.
Why?? Why must you write so well?! You made me realize how much I miss them all. And now I have to wait for the next one?! Only kind of kidding. I'm very glad you're not one of those authors that take a year or more to write. Ill try to be patient. Maybe. This book was great. I loved it and now I'm going to go reread from the beginning. I'm happy they went off on their own and didn't ask for help. Although I would love to read about Garth again. I just love everything about all her books and I recommend that everyone go and buy every single copy of her books. Like right now. Awesome job.
July 8, 2017
This is one of the best books she has written but I'll let you be the judge of that. I don't think you will be disappointed
September 1, 2021
Excellent Spin-Off With A Major Question Finally Answered!!
I wasn’t too sure I was going to like this particular series, simply by the titles and a few descriptions, and reviews.
Many painted it as a very “dark” book, with too much warfare, angst, and fighting going on.
Depending on your age group, this is light, in comparison to most books out there written in the same vein. So I totally disagree with those statements. Nowhere in it is it overly graphic, or filled with TMI in description.
Although it does take a turn from the previous books, which had very limited conflict, I’m not sure how some expected the book to be written, just based on the title alone. In other book reviews on The Advent Mage Series some complained about this exact lack of conflict. Jeez, I can understand how you can’t please everyone.
I will admit, I was a bit disappointed the previous main characters were not highlighted as much as I would’ve liked, but the book would’ve easily turned into 500 pages. Not that I have a problem with long books. But, I can understand Raconteur’s reasoning for this.
It has been a bit confusing though that these keep getting published as a running series. On GoodReads, and possibly even Amazon Kindle Unlimited, this is billed out as Book 7 in the Advent Mage Series. The author herself has said at the end of a few of the books, “This is the last one in the Advent Series…” (paraphrasing of course,) and even in the beginning of this book, “this is a new series…” She says it’s a standalone but suggests reading the others to get the full backstory. I personally would be so confused if I had not read the previous ones, and wouldn’t recommend this to anyone! They’re all still currently available on Kindle Unlimited, which is where I get the majority-as high as 93-95%-of my books, and would definitely say this is one to be read together, and best done as one after the other.
I myself tend to wait until the entire series is released before beginning. I hate filler from previous books fluffing up the page count, so this is just my personal preference. Besides, who really starts a series mid book?? And if your writing is at least decent or above, I should be able to remember all the main events and characters anyway.
I substantially received an immense amount of pleasure from this book, thus the 4 star rating. At the end of “Lost Mage Book 6,” I was truly hoping to see young Becca’s future unfold, and hopefully tied into the still unsolved mystery of Nolan’s and Trev’nor’s fate and importance to the future, alluded to many, many, MANY, times in previous books. The dragons are some of the best parts in this book, just as Night the Nreesce, and Kia the Dragon, were in previous ones.
I didn’t so much care for the 9-10 year age jump for these 3 characters. I think it was a missed opportunity on the author’s part to have other books in the opening series of these new ones. But, tough call again. I’ve seen some series in the broad spectrum called fantasy genre, go on for as many as 20 and above. Overkill for sure. And who knows? Maybe Raconteur began to tire of the same series herself and wanted to strike out into a new area.
I will say the main reasons for taking off an entire star from my review, came down to two main issues.
1) I CANNOT stand bad editing, grammar, and just errors in general, when in a professional capacity. Even worse when an editor being used is mentioned. It just comes across as sloppy, rushed, and uneducated.
2) Sudden “death” on the final page with a major cliffhanger! Not cool at all!! As someone else mentioned, I went back a few pages to make sure I hadn’t missed something. Regardless that all the books are out already, it once against feels rushed and rather abrupt.
I have read other series by the author and I would’ve never expected these two issues from her. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt that maybe these were written early on in her career.
I wasn’t too sure I was going to like this particular series, simply by the titles and a few descriptions, and reviews.
Many painted it as a very “dark” book, with too much warfare, angst, and fighting going on.
Depending on your age group, this is light, in comparison to most books out there written in the same vein. So I totally disagree with those statements. Nowhere in it is it overly graphic, or filled with TMI in description.
Although it does take a turn from the previous books, which had very limited conflict, I’m not sure how some expected the book to be written, just based on the title alone. In other book reviews on The Advent Mage Series some complained about this exact lack of conflict. Jeez, I can understand how you can’t please everyone.
I will admit, I was a bit disappointed the previous main characters were not highlighted as much as I would’ve liked, but the book would’ve easily turned into 500 pages. Not that I have a problem with long books. But, I can understand Raconteur’s reasoning for this.
It has been a bit confusing though that these keep getting published as a running series. On GoodReads, and possibly even Amazon Kindle Unlimited, this is billed out as Book 7 in the Advent Mage Series. The author herself has said at the end of a few of the books, “This is the last one in the Advent Series…” (paraphrasing of course,) and even in the beginning of this book, “this is a new series…” She says it’s a standalone but suggests reading the others to get the full backstory. I personally would be so confused if I had not read the previous ones, and wouldn’t recommend this to anyone! They’re all still currently available on Kindle Unlimited, which is where I get the majority-as high as 93-95%-of my books, and would definitely say this is one to be read together, and best done as one after the other.
I myself tend to wait until the entire series is released before beginning. I hate filler from previous books fluffing up the page count, so this is just my personal preference. Besides, who really starts a series mid book?? And if your writing is at least decent or above, I should be able to remember all the main events and characters anyway.
I substantially received an immense amount of pleasure from this book, thus the 4 star rating. At the end of “Lost Mage Book 6,” I was truly hoping to see young Becca’s future unfold, and hopefully tied into the still unsolved mystery of Nolan’s and Trev’nor’s fate and importance to the future, alluded to many, many, MANY, times in previous books. The dragons are some of the best parts in this book, just as Night the Nreesce, and Kia the Dragon, were in previous ones.
I didn’t so much care for the 9-10 year age jump for these 3 characters. I think it was a missed opportunity on the author’s part to have other books in the opening series of these new ones. But, tough call again. I’ve seen some series in the broad spectrum called fantasy genre, go on for as many as 20 and above. Overkill for sure. And who knows? Maybe Raconteur began to tire of the same series herself and wanted to strike out into a new area.
I will say the main reasons for taking off an entire star from my review, came down to two main issues.
1) I CANNOT stand bad editing, grammar, and just errors in general, when in a professional capacity. Even worse when an editor being used is mentioned. It just comes across as sloppy, rushed, and uneducated.
2) Sudden “death” on the final page with a major cliffhanger! Not cool at all!! As someone else mentioned, I went back a few pages to make sure I hadn’t missed something. Regardless that all the books are out already, it once against feels rushed and rather abrupt.
I have read other series by the author and I would’ve never expected these two issues from her. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt that maybe these were written early on in her career.
July 10, 2018
I dunno... I've been a huge fan of Ms Raconteur's books for quite a few years now. When I read her first book I was thunderstruck, this, I thought was the way YA was supposed to be written and I was an instant fan. I saw Ms Raconteur has 2 new books out but I'm not sure I'll be buying them to be honest. The last book of hers that I actually bought, The Canard Case, well, left me rather cold and disappointed. The Canard Case felt rushed, as if not a lot of attention or love had been applied to the writing of the novel but, I put it off to a rushed deadline, etc. and thought no more about it. At some point after that, I downloaded a sample of Warlords Rising on my Kindle and frankly was appalled and did not buy it. It wasn't her usual sparking, can't-help-but-draw-you-in writing. It had no spark and frankly I was flat out taken back that after the teens had been captured by the enemy, that the subject matter at that point was the forced breeding program the enemy indulged in and how the two young teenage characters dreaded being forced to breed. I found myself wondering where was Ms Raconteur and who did what with her, when this novel was written for it most definitely was very unlike her previous writing style. Writers experiment with their writing style and I get that, but from my point of view, she strayed from her original writing "recipe" and it was not for the better, period. I considered for a for a few minutes downloading samples of her new Warlord Rising series but decided not to considering how much I wasn't fond of her last books. I'm sorry but until the "old" Honor Raconteur makes an appearance, I'll not be buying her novels. I cannot justify buying a ho hum novel at $7 a pop.
December 14, 2017
Loved it but wish they books had been released together
One star had to be taken and probably will return when 2nd book is released. The story arc and prophecy is still in play, a lot of the issues I wrote about at my midpoint in the book still apply. This was a good dose of adult hood for the teen mage prodigies but the book ended with the arc at the apex and the prophecy was barely mentioned
The last chapter introduced a huge shift in the campaign and a visit from our friendly ancients was the last we see. I think the book should have stopped with the ending of riyu and thst aftermath. This felt tacked on as a trailer for the next book. It works in movies but it just felt reminded you thst you were being left on the cliff.
I hope the next is soon. And the trio checks their ego. Becca is a bit overly confident imo and I felt after her story ended at her being orphaned and alone with nightmares. But we didn't get a "heres how they grew up",they just did and I didn't really recognize them in their late teens. A strae academy book with adventures and assignments could have been fun to read. To transition the loss of all the adults in the previous story and an intro to these kids as they were becoming warloads rising. I think this was a missed opportunity. Which is a complement to Honor as asking for more more more please is a good thing.
Now I sit and wait for the next in all of her series of books. When one is released..I stop what I'm reading and sometimes watching (and sometimes working ssssshhh) to reconnect with some of my favorite people in every book.
One star had to be taken and probably will return when 2nd book is released. The story arc and prophecy is still in play, a lot of the issues I wrote about at my midpoint in the book still apply. This was a good dose of adult hood for the teen mage prodigies but the book ended with the arc at the apex and the prophecy was barely mentioned
The last chapter introduced a huge shift in the campaign and a visit from our friendly ancients was the last we see. I think the book should have stopped with the ending of riyu and thst aftermath. This felt tacked on as a trailer for the next book. It works in movies but it just felt reminded you thst you were being left on the cliff.
I hope the next is soon. And the trio checks their ego. Becca is a bit overly confident imo and I felt after her story ended at her being orphaned and alone with nightmares. But we didn't get a "heres how they grew up",they just did and I didn't really recognize them in their late teens. A strae academy book with adventures and assignments could have been fun to read. To transition the loss of all the adults in the previous story and an intro to these kids as they were becoming warloads rising. I think this was a missed opportunity. Which is a complement to Honor as asking for more more more please is a good thing.
Now I sit and wait for the next in all of her series of books. When one is released..I stop what I'm reading and sometimes watching (and sometimes working ssssshhh) to reconnect with some of my favorite people in every book.
August 28, 2025
I do enjoy this author's books and writing style. I've read a few reviews and am a bit confused by the "heavily dark" comments. I really didn't find it that way. Certainly, the main characters struggled with the death of the innocents in the wars - especially when they were used cruelly by the enemy. However, the manner of death was pretty circumspect and rarely provided in any details. While mentioned, it wasn't jammed down your throat. Also quite a few mentioned the "forced breeding" statements. There were maybe 3-4 sentences about that and absolutely NO actions associated, so again, not a major sticking point. All horrendous actions and sometimes very sad but not enough to give a 1-star due to personal outrage. My opinion of course. I actually enjoyed this more than expected. Although this is a YA book, the main characters are mature enough to not exhibit that age the majority of the time. I did not read the series prior to this but plan to do it now that I have read this first book. I think it will help my understanding of the overall setting and conflicts discussed. I definitely plan to continue with this series.
August 18, 2023
Excellent.
This is the story of three young mages that were rescued by Garth the Advent mage. When they reach their late teens they to undertake an unsanctioned quest of their own. Needless to say what happens is nothing like what they had planned. I love the the fact that the book develops characters I already know and has a marvellous storyline. I can’t wait to read the second book.
This is the story of three young mages that were rescued by Garth the Advent mage. When they reach their late teens they to undertake an unsanctioned quest of their own. Needless to say what happens is nothing like what they had planned. I love the the fact that the book develops characters I already know and has a marvellous storyline. I can’t wait to read the second book.
September 24, 2023
Adventures Ahead for Becca, Nolan and Trevnor
I'm so happy I read this book. The kids have grown up and are ready (sort of) to conquer the world, dragons are awesome. So, Becca & Co after being taken prisoner deal with the enemy and rescue the other slaves. But, they don't stop there because they learn of many more who need their aid and they've been trained by the best - what else could they do?
I'm so happy I read this book. The kids have grown up and are ready (sort of) to conquer the world, dragons are awesome. So, Becca & Co after being taken prisoner deal with the enemy and rescue the other slaves. But, they don't stop there because they learn of many more who need their aid and they've been trained by the best - what else could they do?
April 2, 2023
open ending
I did not realize that this book was a continuation of the advent mage series. I didn’t like it as well, although I started liking it better towards the end. The end of the definitely open ended, and it’s easy to see where the next book is going. If you enjoy the advent mage series, you will enjoy this. If you haven’t read that yet, I suggest that you do.
I did not realize that this book was a continuation of the advent mage series. I didn’t like it as well, although I started liking it better towards the end. The end of the definitely open ended, and it’s easy to see where the next book is going. If you enjoy the advent mage series, you will enjoy this. If you haven’t read that yet, I suggest that you do.
April 13, 2020
Walk softly and carry a big stick much?
Oh boy when those three go adventuring expect the world to be turned upside down. Friends and new allies, a whole new government to establish and a whole new country of magicians to save. Next please!
Oh boy when those three go adventuring expect the world to be turned upside down. Friends and new allies, a whole new government to establish and a whole new country of magicians to save. Next please!
July 4, 2023
great book but it ended too soon
Maybe the story is too big to tell in one book, but ending with such a cliffhanger is so frustrating!
Having said that, I really did enjoy seeing how the younger mages are learning and growing. The characters are wonderful!
Maybe the story is too big to tell in one book, but ending with such a cliffhanger is so frustrating!
Having said that, I really did enjoy seeing how the younger mages are learning and growing. The characters are wonderful!
September 6, 2023
Excellent series full of adventure. And personalities.
Very creative and solidI progressive series leading to more book series. Highly recommended
. Well worth the cost and time. David Schlosser
Very creative and solidI progressive series leading to more book series. Highly recommended
. Well worth the cost and time. David Schlosser
January 9, 2024
What a wonderful start for the series.
The characters are wonderful. The plot is twisty. The world building is superb. This series is an offshoot of the Advent mage series. I can't wait to read the next book!
The characters are wonderful. The plot is twisty. The world building is superb. This series is an offshoot of the Advent mage series. I can't wait to read the next book!
September 19, 2017
Really liked the book. Looking forward to read the next one
June 20, 2018
Excellent story, but what's next??
June 8, 2019
So good!!!
I really loved this book. She tells such a great story, their reactions felt really genuine to the things they had to do. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
I really loved this book. She tells such a great story, their reactions felt really genuine to the things they had to do. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
July 31, 2020
So happy I found this author
It was fun seeing these three little wonders grow up and become the next generation I'll get to know. Looking forward to seeing what they do.
It was fun seeing these three little wonders grow up and become the next generation I'll get to know. Looking forward to seeing what they do.
August 5, 2020
Another great book
Action, magic and dragons. This is a great book. I love this author and every book in,every series. My new favorite author. Highly recommend
Action, magic and dragons. This is a great book. I love this author and every book in,every series. My new favorite author. Highly recommend
May 23, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this story. I wish some of the terms were explained better, and I wish there was a little more backstory for the characters, but I enjoyed the story anyway.
I enjoyed this story. I wish some of the terms were explained better, and I wish there was a little more backstory for the characters, but I enjoyed the story anyway.
November 19, 2021
More adventures in the Advent Mage series. Some new characters along with some previous ones. I'm really loving this series as a whole. They're fun and enjoyable.
April 25, 2022
A fun read. Highly recommended.
June 2, 2023
Absolutely full of adventure, tension and heart. I did go to work but my heart was with the characters til I could return to reading.
December 14, 2023
DNF'd at 20%, slavery, sexism, violence and forced breeding, sooooo NOT interested.
February 13, 2025
Heart stopping
Love this story, the justice the magic the kids growing up. Amazing. Can't wait for the rest of the story, who will marry what will happen to the new country!
Love this story, the justice the magic the kids growing up. Amazing. Can't wait for the rest of the story, who will marry what will happen to the new country!
March 17, 2025
A decent follow up and a surprise as I thought the original series was over.
July 12, 2025
Who’d Thought It!
Three young Magicians out looking for a “simple” issue could raise such a ruckus. You need to read this story to believe it.
Enjoy!
Three young Magicians out looking for a “simple” issue could raise such a ruckus. You need to read this story to believe it.
Enjoy!
April 13, 2020
Honestly, I couldn’t stand any more drawling. He drawled.
March 25, 2019
Would be a 5 if it were complete
I loathe a book that is incomplete, especially a cliff-hanger. If not for that, this would be a top book.
I loathe a book that is incomplete, especially a cliff-hanger. If not for that, this would be a top book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews