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The Spellmonger #9.1
The Spellmonger's Yule: A Spellmonger Series Short Story
Drink the mead.
When such odd advice comes from the lips of a friend in a moment of peril, it sticks with you . . . and Minalan the Spellmonger, Baron of Sevendor, desperately needs some hope, right now. The mind of his poor wife, Alya, is damaged beyond repair after a selfless sacrifice, and Minalan has vowed to make her whole. Yet even the gods are powerless. As Yule approaches and Minalan contemplates despair, and a life without his beloved wife, he has run out of options . . . and hope. When magic and the gods themselves fail, a man will cling to any shred he can . . . such as a whispered phrase in the middle of battle.
But following that advice means coming to terms with his loss - perhaps even remarrying, to fortify his domains and give his children stability. That seems beyond the power of the Spellmonger to do in his grief. Opening the bottle meant for an anniversary they will never share symbolizes saying good-bye to his beloved forever, and Minalan knows it.
But what else can a man do when he's run out of hope?
When such odd advice comes from the lips of a friend in a moment of peril, it sticks with you . . . and Minalan the Spellmonger, Baron of Sevendor, desperately needs some hope, right now. The mind of his poor wife, Alya, is damaged beyond repair after a selfless sacrifice, and Minalan has vowed to make her whole. Yet even the gods are powerless. As Yule approaches and Minalan contemplates despair, and a life without his beloved wife, he has run out of options . . . and hope. When magic and the gods themselves fail, a man will cling to any shred he can . . . such as a whispered phrase in the middle of battle.
But following that advice means coming to terms with his loss - perhaps even remarrying, to fortify his domains and give his children stability. That seems beyond the power of the Spellmonger to do in his grief. Opening the bottle meant for an anniversary they will never share symbolizes saying good-bye to his beloved forever, and Minalan knows it.
But what else can a man do when he's run out of hope?
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2017
96 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
43 books1,178 followersTerry Mancour is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has written more than 30 books, under his own name and pseudonyms, including Star Trek: The Next Generation #20, Spartacus, the Spellmonger Series (more than 11 books and growing), among other works.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 15, 2017
Excellent - The Stage Is Set
This is a great short story on its own. The story, characters, and editing are wonderful. It is much more though for those like myself are cheerfully addicted to Manseur's Spellmonger. Major sub threads are joined in this pivotal story, and the way forward is clear and glorious. I can't wait to read what happens next. This story isn't just recommended - it's required.
This is a great short story on its own. The story, characters, and editing are wonderful. It is much more though for those like myself are cheerfully addicted to Manseur's Spellmonger. Major sub threads are joined in this pivotal story, and the way forward is clear and glorious. I can't wait to read what happens next. This story isn't just recommended - it's required.
February 12, 2017
Good short story
After two books of different character development The spellmonger is back. And he's the same intelligent man, who's devastated by his wife's condition. This book also allows us insight into the sea folk.
After two books of different character development The spellmonger is back. And he's the same intelligent man, who's devastated by his wife's condition. This book also allows us insight into the sea folk.
February 16, 2017
Kindle Unlimited ~ YAY! Book 9.5 (after Shadowmage)
Still loving this series. The biggest gripe I've got is that I discovered it before it's completed and have to wait for the next release.
I never cease to be in awe of the authors who write stories such as these. A simple baseline holds everything together, yet complex layers of events, character development, histories, theologies, and so much more abound. Amazing.
Still loving this series. The biggest gripe I've got is that I discovered it before it's completed and have to wait for the next release.
I never cease to be in awe of the authors who write stories such as these. A simple baseline holds everything together, yet complex layers of events, character development, histories, theologies, and so much more abound. Amazing.
February 8, 2017
OMG
This was a great little read that has left me wanting even more for the series. This has also set the scene of what's to come and thrown in a little bit of history. Very well done.
This was a great little read that has left me wanting even more for the series. This has also set the scene of what's to come and thrown in a little bit of history. Very well done.
October 30, 2024
Utterly Brilliant! Major Plot Drop! ** NO SPOILERS **
This novella carries on immediately after the events of Book 8 Court Wizard in the Spellmonger series. Where book 8 was primarily from Pentandra’s perspective this one is all Spellmonger.
It provides a massive plot dump to Minalan (and the reader) on the nature of Callidore. Book 9 in the full series details Tyndal and Rondal’s exploits in Alshar specifically, Enultramar. So reading this book will give a firm understanding of how the story is evolving when the series gets back to being from Minalan’s perspective. It’s insightful, informative, interesting to read and if left unread might leave you scratching your head about the Spellmonger’s next move. A highly recommended read.
This novella carries on immediately after the events of Book 8 Court Wizard in the Spellmonger series. Where book 8 was primarily from Pentandra’s perspective this one is all Spellmonger.
It provides a massive plot dump to Minalan (and the reader) on the nature of Callidore. Book 9 in the full series details Tyndal and Rondal’s exploits in Alshar specifically, Enultramar. So reading this book will give a firm understanding of how the story is evolving when the series gets back to being from Minalan’s perspective. It’s insightful, informative, interesting to read and if left unread might leave you scratching your head about the Spellmonger’s next move. A highly recommended read.
August 12, 2017
I listened to this for free for an honest review. I liked the story but felt that I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read other books in the series first... I also felt that there was a large(ish) info dump in the middle of the story which slowed everything down... But I liked the beginning and where it ended up, the end was awesome. So overall 4 stars for the book... 3 and 1/2 stars for the writing and 5 stars for the narration...
So if your a fan of Terry Mancour's you're going to love this Yule tale... and I'll guarantee that if you get the book you'll love the trolls, and that doesn't generally ever happen!
So if your a fan of Terry Mancour's you're going to love this Yule tale... and I'll guarantee that if you get the book you'll love the trolls, and that doesn't generally ever happen!
December 2, 2020
This would have been a really good short addition to the series but then he went and ruined it. What in the actual heck was with the references to Santa, Batman, and Popeye???? If he had wanted to set this series in post-modern times he would have a heck of a lot of explaining to do above and beyond making silly references to cartoons, fairy tales, and action heroes. But no, he just threw those in there (between books 9 and 10 no less) and went on his merry way. I feel like this entire series needed a better editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
Filled in
I came across the shorts accidentally. And I’m glad I did. A lot was filled into the main story. I’m so glad that I found these. So many questions answered. And it fills time as I wait for book 11. Thank you for this amazing series!!!
I came across the shorts accidentally. And I’m glad I did. A lot was filled into the main story. I’m so glad that I found these. So many questions answered. And it fills time as I wait for book 11. Thank you for this amazing series!!!
June 26, 2019
Extra Detail a Yule Gift.
Extra detail to the overall storyline is quite welcome. Not so sure the tekka direction is the way to go. Disappointing echoes of Pern but I am generally enjoying the storytelling
Extra detail to the overall storyline is quite welcome. Not so sure the tekka direction is the way to go. Disappointing echoes of Pern but I am generally enjoying the storytelling
February 19, 2020
Full of feeling
The book was full of emotional resonance for me.
It also supplied a large amount of pertinent information about the history of Callidore, and why certain happenings were happening.
A great novella.
The book was full of emotional resonance for me.
It also supplied a large amount of pertinent information about the history of Callidore, and why certain happenings were happening.
A great novella.
August 18, 2019
The very last part made me tear up. Masterfully done, you onion-cutting ninja!
October 15, 2019
3.5 Stars, I don't like short story's in general but I was okay with this one.
February 10, 2020
I enjoy this world. Wish I was getting more of what happens next but I’ll catch up on these filler books in the meantime.
April 14, 2020
5 stars especially for the ending ❤
January 8, 2021
What an exceptional read. Thanks Terry for this glance into their lives. The ending was perfect!
March 15, 2021
The Good stuff
Read this. It's needed and most importantly it's good for you. Trust me. You're heart needs this. We all needed this. Smiling.
Read this. It's needed and most importantly it's good for you. Trust me. You're heart needs this. We all needed this. Smiling.
March 15, 2022
A really good short story that helped move the plot along. It also set up the final couple books of the series.
September 18, 2022
Good addition to the story. Several references to the events in it from other books so definitely recommend to fans of the series.
November 18, 2022
So, I'm loving the Spellmonger Series, but I think this Yule story damages the suspension of disbelief and it might be worth skipping entirely for most readers/listeners.
November 23, 2022
Don't skip out on these anthologies of short stories. They tie everything up in a nice bow.
March 14, 2023
Filled in a few blanks.
However I don't see why it's a standalone short story, it should have been included as an extra at the end of the book (kindle version)
However I don't see why it's a standalone short story, it should have been included as an extra at the end of the book (kindle version)
June 8, 2024
4.25 / 5
July 16, 2024
Not a bad novella. Good insight into the larger story and could have been included in the main series.
February 16, 2017
Amazing stort
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series
I love how the author tied together so many plot lines across so many books
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series
I love how the author tied together so many plot lines across so many books
April 19, 2017
Another good entry in the series - Highly entertaining.
Read
May 11, 2018Excellent
A great story. Still annoying that the author keeps inserting important information into side stories though. Still hope is now born for Alya
A great story. Still annoying that the author keeps inserting important information into side stories though. Still hope is now born for Alya
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews