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The End of Magic #1
The End of Magic
Sander Bree is a royal mage. Steeped in privilege, he lives a cushy life advising the king on matters of court and politics, yet still complains that he's stuck in a rut.
Rosheen Katell is a freelance mage and, with Anzu her griffin, she’s worked hard to build a reputation as a trustworthy truth seer. She never lies, never kills.
The source of their power is the Lapis Moon in orbit above. Very soon, that magic will be gone, changing their lives and their world forever. Sander must keep a promise that would have been difficult enough with magic, but is a suicide mission without it. Rosheen is forced to side with a murderous warlord, and her once-solid principles are tested and found wanting. Both will be set against one another in a war unlike anything the world has seen before, in this sweeping fantasy of magic’s ending.
Rosheen Katell is a freelance mage and, with Anzu her griffin, she’s worked hard to build a reputation as a trustworthy truth seer. She never lies, never kills.
The source of their power is the Lapis Moon in orbit above. Very soon, that magic will be gone, changing their lives and their world forever. Sander must keep a promise that would have been difficult enough with magic, but is a suicide mission without it. Rosheen is forced to side with a murderous warlord, and her once-solid principles are tested and found wanting. Both will be set against one another in a war unlike anything the world has seen before, in this sweeping fantasy of magic’s ending.
373 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2019
50 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Mark Stay
9 books146 followersMark Stay got a part-time Christmas job at Waterstone’s in the nineties (back when it still had an apostrophe) and somehow ended up working in publishing for over 25 years. He would write in his spare time and (he can admit this now) on company time, and sometimes those writings would get turned into books and films.
Mark is also co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has inspired writers all over the world to finish and publish their books. Born in London, he lives in Kent with Youtube gardener Claire Burgess and a declining assortment of retired chickens.
Come and say hello at https://markstaywrites.com or visit the Woodville Village Library for free short stories and more at https://witchesofwoodville.com
Mark is also co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has inspired writers all over the world to finish and publish their books. Born in London, he lives in Kent with Youtube gardener Claire Burgess and a declining assortment of retired chickens.
Come and say hello at https://markstaywrites.com or visit the Woodville Village Library for free short stories and more at https://witchesofwoodville.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 5, 2020
The End Of Magic…an ambiguous title that could suggest many things. One thing that it does deliver on is the benchmark that epic fantasy should aspire to reach. In very grim times it brought an element of light-hearted hilarity that was very much needed. The magical system is very cleverly constructed in which that it is integrated seamlessly into the bones of the story. It is believable and is manifested as an everyday occurrence. I very much liked that aspect of the story. Stay is a genius in that he took the usual formula for fantasy novels and turned it upside down. Rules be damned!
I instantly knew the reader was going to be in good hands with the author. Mark Stay’s personality was pretty obvious in the initial few pages of The End Of Magic and I knew that this was a tale that was going to stay with me for the long term. Rosheen Katell, a freelance mage and truth seer, a strong character with an undercurrent of vulnerability and a narration that is both wary and exciting. Her character runs deep, and I often felt a bubbling cauldron of trepidation fizzle my nerves. I could anticipate disastrous events coming but when and where?
As a mage her job takes her from town to town and in any great fantasy, you need a trusty sidekick, let me introduce you to, Anzu, the pretty amazing griffin. I am partial to a dragon in fantasy plots but give me a griffin and I’m anyone’s. I mean, who wouldn’t want to own the most magical mythical creature? The king’s mage, Sander Bree – a mage that is fed up and desperately looking for a way out. One major thing they have in common is the Lapis moon – the place where they draw their power from. It has been relied upon for hundreds of years but what happens when a cosmic event happens, and magic disappears. Lives are drastically changed forever.
What are the consequences of such a world altering event? What choices are ultimately being forced into fruition? Rosheen, against her better judgement and morals is forced to help an evil warlord in order to save the life of her brother, Oskar. The things we do for love. Conversely Sander Bree has to come to the rescue of the king’s daughter. It’s a race against time and both mages will be tested beyond anything they have experienced before.
The End Of Magic takes on a sinister edge at times, but it is essentially a story of epic proportions, one of loss, betrayal and hilarity in equal measures. The writing invites the brain to ask questions, it didn’t feel unbelievable, a reason that I couldn’t stop reading. The author did a fantastic job of laying hints and this book lover was only too happy to lap them up. The human condition was constantly at the forefront of this story and the ability to examine and process the very real human emotions and motivations behind decisions and actions.
The End Of Magic was a non-traditional coming of age epic fantasy that was thrilling and exciting in equal measures. Fans of Raymond Feist and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire. Action aplenty with a generous splattering of gore!
I instantly knew the reader was going to be in good hands with the author. Mark Stay’s personality was pretty obvious in the initial few pages of The End Of Magic and I knew that this was a tale that was going to stay with me for the long term. Rosheen Katell, a freelance mage and truth seer, a strong character with an undercurrent of vulnerability and a narration that is both wary and exciting. Her character runs deep, and I often felt a bubbling cauldron of trepidation fizzle my nerves. I could anticipate disastrous events coming but when and where?
As a mage her job takes her from town to town and in any great fantasy, you need a trusty sidekick, let me introduce you to, Anzu, the pretty amazing griffin. I am partial to a dragon in fantasy plots but give me a griffin and I’m anyone’s. I mean, who wouldn’t want to own the most magical mythical creature? The king’s mage, Sander Bree – a mage that is fed up and desperately looking for a way out. One major thing they have in common is the Lapis moon – the place where they draw their power from. It has been relied upon for hundreds of years but what happens when a cosmic event happens, and magic disappears. Lives are drastically changed forever.
What are the consequences of such a world altering event? What choices are ultimately being forced into fruition? Rosheen, against her better judgement and morals is forced to help an evil warlord in order to save the life of her brother, Oskar. The things we do for love. Conversely Sander Bree has to come to the rescue of the king’s daughter. It’s a race against time and both mages will be tested beyond anything they have experienced before.
The End Of Magic takes on a sinister edge at times, but it is essentially a story of epic proportions, one of loss, betrayal and hilarity in equal measures. The writing invites the brain to ask questions, it didn’t feel unbelievable, a reason that I couldn’t stop reading. The author did a fantastic job of laying hints and this book lover was only too happy to lap them up. The human condition was constantly at the forefront of this story and the ability to examine and process the very real human emotions and motivations behind decisions and actions.
The End Of Magic was a non-traditional coming of age epic fantasy that was thrilling and exciting in equal measures. Fans of Raymond Feist and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire. Action aplenty with a generous splattering of gore!
February 7, 2019
Confession. I don’t read that much Fantasy.
So, right off the bat, I have to ask, what is it about Fantasy books and maps? At no point in the reading of this novel by Mark Stay did I suddenly think, "Shit! Where the hell am I? Better go back and check the map”.
In recent years, my only experience of fantasy has been watching Game of Thrones.
The comedian Craig Ferguson once asked George R.R Martin why the place names in his books sounded like artisan cheese farms.
George replied, “I like cheese.”
Perhaps Mark Stay, author of The End of Magic has similar taste as one of the heroes in his book is called Sander Bree. Mmm…Brie!
Sander Bree is a mage which, for those unfamiliar with the fantasy genre, is a sort of magician and not a type of mixed herb commonly used in stuffing.
While we’re on the subject, a Merman is the male of the water-based Merpeople and not a loud-mouthed American woman that sings show tunes. I don’t know. You’d think gender fluidity would be easier for fictional, water-based people.
The author describes Sander Bree as living a ‘cushy life’ which is a strangely 'Del Boyish' choice of words for a fantasy novel filled with magic. But that’s just it; most of the magic in the novel is a fairly everyday occurrence. Magic is simply a fact of life like politics or nasal hair. Armies use magic to win wars and villages with mages tend to have good healthcare.
On a sweeter note, magic also gives a woman called Rosheen a telepathic relationship with her pet griffin, Anzu. Animal lovers will fall in love with Anzu. He has the arsehole of a cat and the nose of an eagle. What’s not to love?
Rosheen is a freelance mage who is described by the villainous Haldor Frang as ‘The witch who thinks she’s a warlock’. Difficult to know whether this is just causal sexism or an example of how unimpressed Frang is by magic. Probably both.
Frang provides most of the narrative thrust to the novel. Despite his villainous ambition and psychotic bloodlust, you’ve got to hand it to him, he’s a pretty forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Stay clearly has a cinematic eye when it comes to action. Battles tend to be described through a wide angle lens whereas close-up killing is quick, brutal and concisely edited. There’s also a fair amount of humour in the book. I’m always sceptical when a reviewer describes a book as ‘laugh out loud funny’ but, I have to admit, I did laugh out loud a few times. I’m also quite sceptical about the term ‘a real page turner’ but, again I have to say, the pace of the novel had me turning pages at a pretty frantic rate (and not just the page with the map on).
The author’s voice jumps from humorous and down to earth to genuinely empathetic. The scenes between Rosheen and Anzu are particularly well crafted.
Perhaps, what’s most extraordinary about this fantasy set in a world of mythical beasts and powerful magic is that the real story is about impending natural disaster, battles for power and riotous mobs. This all feels strangely familiar. In that respect, The End of Magic could be seen as genre defying. Could this be Anti-Fantasy? Deconstructive Fantasy? Either way, it’s a jolly good read!
To reiterate, Mark Stay’s The End of Magic is an action filled, laugh out loud, real page-turner that comes with a free superfluous map.
So, right off the bat, I have to ask, what is it about Fantasy books and maps? At no point in the reading of this novel by Mark Stay did I suddenly think, "Shit! Where the hell am I? Better go back and check the map”.
In recent years, my only experience of fantasy has been watching Game of Thrones.
The comedian Craig Ferguson once asked George R.R Martin why the place names in his books sounded like artisan cheese farms.
George replied, “I like cheese.”
Perhaps Mark Stay, author of The End of Magic has similar taste as one of the heroes in his book is called Sander Bree. Mmm…Brie!
Sander Bree is a mage which, for those unfamiliar with the fantasy genre, is a sort of magician and not a type of mixed herb commonly used in stuffing.
While we’re on the subject, a Merman is the male of the water-based Merpeople and not a loud-mouthed American woman that sings show tunes. I don’t know. You’d think gender fluidity would be easier for fictional, water-based people.
The author describes Sander Bree as living a ‘cushy life’ which is a strangely 'Del Boyish' choice of words for a fantasy novel filled with magic. But that’s just it; most of the magic in the novel is a fairly everyday occurrence. Magic is simply a fact of life like politics or nasal hair. Armies use magic to win wars and villages with mages tend to have good healthcare.
On a sweeter note, magic also gives a woman called Rosheen a telepathic relationship with her pet griffin, Anzu. Animal lovers will fall in love with Anzu. He has the arsehole of a cat and the nose of an eagle. What’s not to love?
Rosheen is a freelance mage who is described by the villainous Haldor Frang as ‘The witch who thinks she’s a warlock’. Difficult to know whether this is just causal sexism or an example of how unimpressed Frang is by magic. Probably both.
Frang provides most of the narrative thrust to the novel. Despite his villainous ambition and psychotic bloodlust, you’ve got to hand it to him, he’s a pretty forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Stay clearly has a cinematic eye when it comes to action. Battles tend to be described through a wide angle lens whereas close-up killing is quick, brutal and concisely edited. There’s also a fair amount of humour in the book. I’m always sceptical when a reviewer describes a book as ‘laugh out loud funny’ but, I have to admit, I did laugh out loud a few times. I’m also quite sceptical about the term ‘a real page turner’ but, again I have to say, the pace of the novel had me turning pages at a pretty frantic rate (and not just the page with the map on).
The author’s voice jumps from humorous and down to earth to genuinely empathetic. The scenes between Rosheen and Anzu are particularly well crafted.
Perhaps, what’s most extraordinary about this fantasy set in a world of mythical beasts and powerful magic is that the real story is about impending natural disaster, battles for power and riotous mobs. This all feels strangely familiar. In that respect, The End of Magic could be seen as genre defying. Could this be Anti-Fantasy? Deconstructive Fantasy? Either way, it’s a jolly good read!
To reiterate, Mark Stay’s The End of Magic is an action filled, laugh out loud, real page-turner that comes with a free superfluous map.
March 7, 2019
This was a whole lot of fun and full of some interesting ideas. As you can guess from the title it revolves around what happens when magic disappears from the world and those with, if you like, power become powerless.
What caught me most was what happened with those classed as 'Moon Children'. Those with magic got there power from a moon whereas Moon Children were 'blocked' by it and kept in a state of childlike ability. Unable to think well, communicate etc they are seen as low and only capable of menial tasks. When the moon is destroyed and magic fails then the 'block' fails and they reach their true ability.
The ending of the story was not what I was expecting but was one to make you think
What caught me most was what happened with those classed as 'Moon Children'. Those with magic got there power from a moon whereas Moon Children were 'blocked' by it and kept in a state of childlike ability. Unable to think well, communicate etc they are seen as low and only capable of menial tasks. When the moon is destroyed and magic fails then the 'block' fails and they reach their true ability.
The ending of the story was not what I was expecting but was one to make you think
December 27, 2019
Mages have been enjoying their power over everyone, while keeping peace in this world. But the source of their magic is about to be destroyed and how will they cope then?
This was a lot more gory and cruel than I was expecting! I found it quite hard to empathise with the main characters through most of the book though they all had a few moments that redeemed them. My favourite character was Anzu, a magical griffin. I think she was probably the wisest of them all.
Interesting idea but I found it hard to stay engaged in the story sometimes. I think it just needs a bit more polish as quite often the writing or some contradictions took me out of the story.
This was a lot more gory and cruel than I was expecting! I found it quite hard to empathise with the main characters through most of the book though they all had a few moments that redeemed them. My favourite character was Anzu, a magical griffin. I think she was probably the wisest of them all.
Interesting idea but I found it hard to stay engaged in the story sometimes. I think it just needs a bit more polish as quite often the writing or some contradictions took me out of the story.
January 23, 2019
The End of Magic offers its readers an intriguing premise. While many of us are no doubt familiar with books where seemingly normal people discover they possess magical powers (unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past twenty years and missed the Harry Potter phenomenon), this new fantasy novel, written by Mark Stay, turns the traditional tale on its head and, as the title suggests, deals with, well, the end of magic.
Rosheen Katell is a freelance mage and trusted truthseer who travels around the country from job to job with her griffin Anzu; Sander Bree is the king’s mage, stuck in a rut and desperately seeking a way out. Both draw their power from the Lapis Moon in orbit above, but when a comet collides with the moon, the magic they’ve relied upon disappears and their lives are changed forever. Rosheen is forced to help an evil, power-hungry warlord in a bid to save the life of her brother Oskar, a moonchild alone in his own world; while Sander faces a race against time to rescue the king’s daughter. What follows is a thrilling adventure packed full of action, conflict, loss, betrayal, heartache and a belly full of laughs.
The End of Magic is a gripping read from start to finish, with unexpected twists and turns throughout, culminating in a dark and bittersweet ending sure to tug at the heartstrings. The detailed descriptions in this neatly woven tale vividly bring to life the numerous inhabitants of this imaginary world, and the well-paced action ensures that The End of Magic is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. Sander, Rosheen and Oskar are all refreshingly strong characters affected by the collapse of the Lapis Moon in very different ways and forced to embark on dangerous journeys against their will. Though their paths are at odds at times, it’s hard not to champion the unlikely heroes of this tale, despite their own imperfections, and that's thanks to the human aspect to the story, the way readers can get inside their heads and understand their motivations. The characterisations are relatable and realistic, but what makes The End of Magic really stand out is the wit and sarcastic humour dripping off the pages at times, notably through Stay’s dialogue (“He’s not magical you morons, he’s just short.”). Don’t be fooled however, it’s certainly not a laugh-a-minute novel and the lighter moments instead neatly balance out the drama and tragedy, of which there’s plenty.
The End of Magic is a brave, compelling story of human endurance and determination and is sure to entertain. Stay previously co-wrote the screenplay to hit film Robot Overlords, starring Ben Kingsley, and its subsequent novelisation, and The End of Magic is a novel that certainly wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen.
Rosheen Katell is a freelance mage and trusted truthseer who travels around the country from job to job with her griffin Anzu; Sander Bree is the king’s mage, stuck in a rut and desperately seeking a way out. Both draw their power from the Lapis Moon in orbit above, but when a comet collides with the moon, the magic they’ve relied upon disappears and their lives are changed forever. Rosheen is forced to help an evil, power-hungry warlord in a bid to save the life of her brother Oskar, a moonchild alone in his own world; while Sander faces a race against time to rescue the king’s daughter. What follows is a thrilling adventure packed full of action, conflict, loss, betrayal, heartache and a belly full of laughs.
The End of Magic is a gripping read from start to finish, with unexpected twists and turns throughout, culminating in a dark and bittersweet ending sure to tug at the heartstrings. The detailed descriptions in this neatly woven tale vividly bring to life the numerous inhabitants of this imaginary world, and the well-paced action ensures that The End of Magic is a page-turner you won’t want to put down. Sander, Rosheen and Oskar are all refreshingly strong characters affected by the collapse of the Lapis Moon in very different ways and forced to embark on dangerous journeys against their will. Though their paths are at odds at times, it’s hard not to champion the unlikely heroes of this tale, despite their own imperfections, and that's thanks to the human aspect to the story, the way readers can get inside their heads and understand their motivations. The characterisations are relatable and realistic, but what makes The End of Magic really stand out is the wit and sarcastic humour dripping off the pages at times, notably through Stay’s dialogue (“He’s not magical you morons, he’s just short.”). Don’t be fooled however, it’s certainly not a laugh-a-minute novel and the lighter moments instead neatly balance out the drama and tragedy, of which there’s plenty.
The End of Magic is a brave, compelling story of human endurance and determination and is sure to entertain. Stay previously co-wrote the screenplay to hit film Robot Overlords, starring Ben Kingsley, and its subsequent novelisation, and The End of Magic is a novel that certainly wouldn’t look out of place on the big screen.
February 15, 2019
Wow, this is not only very good but really does twist the traditional fantasy story on its head.
We are presented with a traditional fantasy bit of world and plot building, powerful mages, magical creatures and ambitious warlords wanting absolute power. Yep very normal and as expected for the start of the book, and then, everything changes. The moon that is the source of the magic is destroyed and magic…ends.
So there are instant changes, powerful mages no longer have magic, the magical creatures start to die and now those seeking power through strength, cunning and violence and nobody to stop them.
This was a blast, hints of Joe Abercrombie’s books and his dark humour, but presented in a world in chaos. Strong characters do bad things in order to survive, not too much honour and common good here but a book that keeps you spinning the pages, incorrectly guessing where the story is going and leaving you with a stupid grin of pleasure on your face.
I hope there is going to be more.
We are presented with a traditional fantasy bit of world and plot building, powerful mages, magical creatures and ambitious warlords wanting absolute power. Yep very normal and as expected for the start of the book, and then, everything changes. The moon that is the source of the magic is destroyed and magic…ends.
So there are instant changes, powerful mages no longer have magic, the magical creatures start to die and now those seeking power through strength, cunning and violence and nobody to stop them.
This was a blast, hints of Joe Abercrombie’s books and his dark humour, but presented in a world in chaos. Strong characters do bad things in order to survive, not too much honour and common good here but a book that keeps you spinning the pages, incorrectly guessing where the story is going and leaving you with a stupid grin of pleasure on your face.
I hope there is going to be more.
July 6, 2020
This story is a mix of fantasy, adventure, mystery, and friendship. The main characters must help to save the life of a young girl as she is dying from poison. The only way to do this is to go get mermaid blood. This is not an easy task, especially since something happens and magic is no more.
Stay does a great job weaving in different characters. I really liked Rosheen and her griffin Anzu. She faces a lot of trouble as magic is now gone and she must fight without it. She is an awesome character that I enjoyed a lot!
I definitely recommend to anyone who loves fantasy!
Stay does a great job weaving in different characters. I really liked Rosheen and her griffin Anzu. She faces a lot of trouble as magic is now gone and she must fight without it. She is an awesome character that I enjoyed a lot!
I definitely recommend to anyone who loves fantasy!
March 9, 2025
Wow! Backwards: Wow! This is my first time reading Mark's books. Absolutely outstanding! Great world creation, articulate character development & an awesome story with lots of twists made this one of the BEST fantasy books I have read over the past few years. I think it is unfair to compare an author to other authors writing style. Mark is definitely in a league of his own. I really enjoy the wit, humor & ruthlessness that came with this story. Please give this book a try!
February 9, 2019
I was one of the patrons that helped crowdfund this novel via Unbound and I've really enjoyed the resulting book. Mark Stay has written a book with a gripping plot, fascinating characters and intriguing world building that is right up there with the best in modern fantasy. Although this is a standalone novel he has created a rich world and characters that I hope he returns to in the future.
March 15, 2019
Stay does for George R.R. Martin what Pratchett did for Tolkien. It's fast-paced, funny, and occasionally poignant, taking many tropes of the fantasy genre and subverting them brilliantly.
August 19, 2019
The End of Magic is a fantastic epic fantasy book, with a nice twist on the genre tropes. It is filled with fun and believable characters that are each interesting in their own way, and it immediately turns their world upside down, which creates some really great conflict and situations. It was a real page turner, i found myself staying up late just to finish a chapter, and then immediately starting the next one. Highly recommended!
February 19, 2019
First Five-Star Book of 2019! (For me at least)
It has been a long wait for me to read the End of Magic. Having first seen it on the crowdfunding publishing site Unbound, I knew I had to read it and became a Super Patron of the book. My reasons were the same as those mentioned by Stay in his video about his motivations for writing the book. As an avid reader of fantasy, I agree with him that there are either fantasy novels filled with living magic, or fantasy novels where it has been long dead and needs to be revived (or needs not to be, depending on perspective). This story goes into the precise moment when magic died and the cataclysms that followed. It was such a tempting scenario in terms of potential story line. I couldn't wait.
Once I finally received my copy early this month, I could not have been happier with how the book turned out, meeting my expectations and more. As far as stand-alone fantasy novel goes, it is relatively short at just under 400 pages long, yet Stay deftly builds up a vivid world of magic, of traditions and history, without overburdening the plot (and the reader's hand!) and the story was summed up rather nicely. That being said, I would most certainly be up for a sequel, prequel!
As far as favourite characters go, I would look no further the Sander Bree. He is a maverick who thinks too highly of himself which leads to conversations and thoughts that had me laughing aloud and much hubris in his character development. Best supporting character goes to Malachy Nye who does a great job at bringing out the best in Sander's character, bringing the grit to Sander's frills.
I loved the magic system and its use to to keep the various kingdoms in a state of wary detente. I loved the escapades with trolls and mishaps in inns. It was pure high fantasy with enough 'grimdark' to keep you on your toes, danger could lead to some very surprising demises, but not enough to feel overly violent.
I disagree with a previous review that said the map is superfluous. I like maps. For me to feel like I am in the world, I need to know the geography, where people are in relation to each other and so on. A fantasy without a good map is always lacking in my opinion... Both the in detail and the larger 'world map' were very helpful in linking things together. I do admit to getting lost a couple of times along the Andraste-Agrona border but hey, that's what the reread is for!
The End of Magic has reminded me why I love the genre. Its light-heartedness was fresh and the plot line kept on making me read later into the night than I'd originally intended. Couldn't ask for more than that!
It has been a long wait for me to read the End of Magic. Having first seen it on the crowdfunding publishing site Unbound, I knew I had to read it and became a Super Patron of the book. My reasons were the same as those mentioned by Stay in his video about his motivations for writing the book. As an avid reader of fantasy, I agree with him that there are either fantasy novels filled with living magic, or fantasy novels where it has been long dead and needs to be revived (or needs not to be, depending on perspective). This story goes into the precise moment when magic died and the cataclysms that followed. It was such a tempting scenario in terms of potential story line. I couldn't wait.
Once I finally received my copy early this month, I could not have been happier with how the book turned out, meeting my expectations and more. As far as stand-alone fantasy novel goes, it is relatively short at just under 400 pages long, yet Stay deftly builds up a vivid world of magic, of traditions and history, without overburdening the plot (and the reader's hand!) and the story was summed up rather nicely. That being said, I would most certainly be up for a sequel, prequel!
As far as favourite characters go, I would look no further the Sander Bree. He is a maverick who thinks too highly of himself which leads to conversations and thoughts that had me laughing aloud and much hubris in his character development. Best supporting character goes to Malachy Nye who does a great job at bringing out the best in Sander's character, bringing the grit to Sander's frills.
I loved the magic system and its use to to keep the various kingdoms in a state of wary detente. I loved the escapades with trolls and mishaps in inns. It was pure high fantasy with enough 'grimdark' to keep you on your toes, danger could lead to some very surprising demises, but not enough to feel overly violent.
I disagree with a previous review that said the map is superfluous. I like maps. For me to feel like I am in the world, I need to know the geography, where people are in relation to each other and so on. A fantasy without a good map is always lacking in my opinion... Both the in detail and the larger 'world map' were very helpful in linking things together. I do admit to getting lost a couple of times along the Andraste-Agrona border but hey, that's what the reread is for!
The End of Magic has reminded me why I love the genre. Its light-heartedness was fresh and the plot line kept on making me read later into the night than I'd originally intended. Couldn't ask for more than that!
June 4, 2019
The start of this book may seem like a typical opening for a fantasy novel. Mages use their powers to assist powerful rulers to fight battles. But everything is set to change when the magic comes to an end...
I really liked this book. The characters were multifaceted and the plot kept twisting in ways that were unexpected. Definitely one to read if you like fantasy novels.
I really liked this book. The characters were multifaceted and the plot kept twisting in ways that were unexpected. Definitely one to read if you like fantasy novels.
January 11, 2024
I have a confession to make! I am officially a Mark Stay fanboy, not just his writing, but also his films, Robot Overlords and Unwelcome. Yep, I cannot get enough of his stuff, and this is the first of two books that I have been reading this week of his.
Right so let’s get on with this first one, The End of Magic.
Since reading The Crow Folk some years ago, I have been meaning to delve into Mr Stay’s back catalogue.
This book the End of Magic was originally published by Unbound, a kind of crowd funding way of publishing so that writers can write and tell the stores that they want to tell. On the roster for the crowd funding, there are some recognisable names such as RJ Barker, SC Gowland, GM White and quite a few others.
The story revolves around three main characters: Rosheen Katell, a freelance mage and her griffin Anzu. Sander Bree, the pampered mage who is an advisor to Bhatair, and finally Oskar, Rosheen’ brother who is described as a ‘Moon Boy’, which means that his cognitive abilities are not very good.
We begin the story with Rosheen who is freelancing and helps to stop an invasion by the villain of the piece, Haldor Frang. A warlord who has seen a vision of the future in which the Lapis Moon (the source of magic for all mages) is about to be destroyed thus changing their world forever, and he wants a piece of the action. He subsequently strongarms Rosheen into working with him (by killing her mother and father and holding her brother hostage, However, it is just business!).
He subsequently sets a plan in motion to poison the king’s daughter, thus engineering himself into a position to bring himself to the table in the whole scheme of things.
This results in bringing Sander Bree into the story. Sander is tasked with finding an antidote to the poison. However, in the midst of this, no one (except Haldor Frang) is prepared for the catastrophic events that are to come and the ways in which this will change the world as a whole.
As I have come to expect from Mark Stay’s books, this is excellent. Obviously, it is different from his fantastic Witches of Woodville series and is primarily in the epic fantasy vein. However, it does share some similarities with the Witches of Woodville series in that it is populated with characters that you cannot help but love (even though they are significantly flawed).
Sander Bree is utterly selfish and self-centred and is only concerned with his own well-being and over inflated ego. Rosheen is a woman who is pushed to the edge and in light of this makes continual bad choices and as we learn more about Oskar, we see that the years of bullying and abuse at the hands of others has shaped him into someone who is unable to deal with the changes that the events thrust upon him.
In addition to this, you cannot help but like the main antagonist of the story, Haldor Frang, who is quite pragmatic in his psychopathy.
The story is excellent, especially when the catastrophe that is on the front of the book occurs, the story takes a much darker tone. But this is one of Mark Stay’s strengths, he can mix the humorous with the grim and he can change the tone on a sixpence. One minute you are laughing at something, and the next, you are grimacing at the bloodshed on the page, and this one does have quite a lot of bloodletting running through its pages.
The story itself moves ahead at a breakneck pace as it twists and turns towards its ending and final culmination.
I can’t recommend this book enough to people and I am surprised that there are not more reviews on Goodreads shouting from the rooftops at how good this book is. In addition to this, there is a sequel to this story coming in 2024 which I cannot wait for.
Right so let’s get on with this first one, The End of Magic.
Since reading The Crow Folk some years ago, I have been meaning to delve into Mr Stay’s back catalogue.
This book the End of Magic was originally published by Unbound, a kind of crowd funding way of publishing so that writers can write and tell the stores that they want to tell. On the roster for the crowd funding, there are some recognisable names such as RJ Barker, SC Gowland, GM White and quite a few others.
The story revolves around three main characters: Rosheen Katell, a freelance mage and her griffin Anzu. Sander Bree, the pampered mage who is an advisor to Bhatair, and finally Oskar, Rosheen’ brother who is described as a ‘Moon Boy’, which means that his cognitive abilities are not very good.
We begin the story with Rosheen who is freelancing and helps to stop an invasion by the villain of the piece, Haldor Frang. A warlord who has seen a vision of the future in which the Lapis Moon (the source of magic for all mages) is about to be destroyed thus changing their world forever, and he wants a piece of the action. He subsequently strongarms Rosheen into working with him (by killing her mother and father and holding her brother hostage, However, it is just business!).
He subsequently sets a plan in motion to poison the king’s daughter, thus engineering himself into a position to bring himself to the table in the whole scheme of things.
This results in bringing Sander Bree into the story. Sander is tasked with finding an antidote to the poison. However, in the midst of this, no one (except Haldor Frang) is prepared for the catastrophic events that are to come and the ways in which this will change the world as a whole.
As I have come to expect from Mark Stay’s books, this is excellent. Obviously, it is different from his fantastic Witches of Woodville series and is primarily in the epic fantasy vein. However, it does share some similarities with the Witches of Woodville series in that it is populated with characters that you cannot help but love (even though they are significantly flawed).
Sander Bree is utterly selfish and self-centred and is only concerned with his own well-being and over inflated ego. Rosheen is a woman who is pushed to the edge and in light of this makes continual bad choices and as we learn more about Oskar, we see that the years of bullying and abuse at the hands of others has shaped him into someone who is unable to deal with the changes that the events thrust upon him.
In addition to this, you cannot help but like the main antagonist of the story, Haldor Frang, who is quite pragmatic in his psychopathy.
The story is excellent, especially when the catastrophe that is on the front of the book occurs, the story takes a much darker tone. But this is one of Mark Stay’s strengths, he can mix the humorous with the grim and he can change the tone on a sixpence. One minute you are laughing at something, and the next, you are grimacing at the bloodshed on the page, and this one does have quite a lot of bloodletting running through its pages.
The story itself moves ahead at a breakneck pace as it twists and turns towards its ending and final culmination.
I can’t recommend this book enough to people and I am surprised that there are not more reviews on Goodreads shouting from the rooftops at how good this book is. In addition to this, there is a sequel to this story coming in 2024 which I cannot wait for.
July 7, 2020
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The End of Magic might seem friendly and unassuming based on its book cover, but it is anything but!
This is a high-octane fantasy novel where violence will happen at the drop of a pin, and somebody’s life is always at stake. It’s not without its lighthearted and humorous moments however.
The End of Magic takes place on a planet with two moons, one of which provides mages with their magical powers.
This is dreamy fantasy magic we’re talking here, all effortless and shiny with no strenuous years of study nor boring laborious effort.
But once this moon is destroyed by an asteroid… what becomes of society as we know it?
The End of Magic addresses the psychological and political effects that such a drastic change would have in the world. Wars which were once unthinkable are now on everyone’s doorstep, and mages who once held the highest privileges in the land are suddenly the lowest of the low.
Few books and stories address the topic of magic’s absence and the only other book that comes to mind is V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series.
The story is narrated through the perspectives of three characters: former mage Rosheen, her brother Oskar, and Sandor, a king’s mage.
This world is also full of magical creatures: mermaids, wyverns, griffins, the works.
The first chapter is a bit slow to hook you in, but this is quickly remedied by the looming threat of the asteroid.
I was especially pleased with how balanced the world-building is at the beginning of the book. We are informed of just enough details to be fully immersed in how this magically-influenced society has functioned for centuries, but we aren’t bogged down by so many details that you might as well put them in a prequel. The gravity of the situation is clear.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this novel and was pretty much hooked on it once I found a medieval fantasy playlist for background music.
Would recommend to: fans of medieval fantasies like The Witcher, readers who enjoy a story from multiple viewpoints, readers looking for an intricate and dramatic fantasy novel that isn’t lengthy AF like Game of Thrones.
The End of Magic might seem friendly and unassuming based on its book cover, but it is anything but!
This is a high-octane fantasy novel where violence will happen at the drop of a pin, and somebody’s life is always at stake. It’s not without its lighthearted and humorous moments however.
The End of Magic takes place on a planet with two moons, one of which provides mages with their magical powers.
This is dreamy fantasy magic we’re talking here, all effortless and shiny with no strenuous years of study nor boring laborious effort.
But once this moon is destroyed by an asteroid… what becomes of society as we know it?
The End of Magic addresses the psychological and political effects that such a drastic change would have in the world. Wars which were once unthinkable are now on everyone’s doorstep, and mages who once held the highest privileges in the land are suddenly the lowest of the low.
Few books and stories address the topic of magic’s absence and the only other book that comes to mind is V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series.
The story is narrated through the perspectives of three characters: former mage Rosheen, her brother Oskar, and Sandor, a king’s mage.
This world is also full of magical creatures: mermaids, wyverns, griffins, the works.
The first chapter is a bit slow to hook you in, but this is quickly remedied by the looming threat of the asteroid.
I was especially pleased with how balanced the world-building is at the beginning of the book. We are informed of just enough details to be fully immersed in how this magically-influenced society has functioned for centuries, but we aren’t bogged down by so many details that you might as well put them in a prequel. The gravity of the situation is clear.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this novel and was pretty much hooked on it once I found a medieval fantasy playlist for background music.
Would recommend to: fans of medieval fantasies like The Witcher, readers who enjoy a story from multiple viewpoints, readers looking for an intricate and dramatic fantasy novel that isn’t lengthy AF like Game of Thrones.
December 23, 2019
That was a fun and intense read. I'd say it's between grim fantasy and a somewhat humorous one, the latter mainly owing to the dialogues (Malachy was definitely one of my favourites in terms of dialogues). The world depicted here is not a nice one. As magic disappears overnight, former mages that previously held people in check through the threat of their powers find themselves on the other end of the leash, and it's not going well for them. Meanwhile, a warlord uses this to raise to power and overthrow the current kings. Amidst this chaos, former mages Rosheen and Sander must make their ways—one trying not to get killed, the other desperately looking for her brother Oskar, a defenceless moon child. (Moon children being affected by the very same moon that allowed magic to exist, and left as impeded people who can't see and hear well, can't form words, and live in a perpetual fog.)
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Some parts were hard to read, because they depicted abject behaviours (the villain and the men doing his bidding and definitely, well, villains) and because there were some characters whom I really wanted to get a break. But the story was always enthralling, never boring—actually, I read it through the Pigeonhole, and I ended up piling on the last five staves just so that I wouldn't get interrupted every 10% of the book in my reading. :D
If anything, the ending, though, felt too abrupt. I see how we got there, and the final decision does make sense, but I felt that it was harsh, not giving the affected character enough of a second chance (there was absolutely no talk of trying to reason with them some more later, and in a way, that was maybe the most cruel decision in the whole book?). Also, there were still some things left without an answer, and... I just wanted an answer, haha.
4.5 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Some parts were hard to read, because they depicted abject behaviours (the villain and the men doing his bidding and definitely, well, villains) and because there were some characters whom I really wanted to get a break. But the story was always enthralling, never boring—actually, I read it through the Pigeonhole, and I ended up piling on the last five staves just so that I wouldn't get interrupted every 10% of the book in my reading. :D
If anything, the ending, though, felt too abrupt. I see how we got there, and the final decision does make sense, but I felt that it was harsh, not giving the affected character enough of a second chance (there was absolutely no talk of trying to reason with them some more later, and in a way, that was maybe the most cruel decision in the whole book?). Also, there were still some things left without an answer, and... I just wanted an answer, haha.
4.5 stars.
March 18, 2019
Many people do judge a book by its cover, look at the amazing cover! Okay, maybe I’ll justify my 5 star ;-)
I found The End of Magic to be a wonderful tale. I thought it conveyed a strong theme of hubris and complacency, with so many characters assuming that a world of magic was stable, just accepting things as-is. Characters had high stakes, one focused on family, many on power and nation-shaping, whilst for another all they cared about was their own survival even at the cost of their principles.
I think Mark’s writing has a rare ability to have a scene successfully range from the comedic to the tragic and back again. Fusing varied moving moments throughout the tale, doing so without breaking the genuine sense of gravitas for the characters and world. I also appreciate that other scenes are more tightly focused, mixing the overall story and not undermining the tale with too much comedy.
With substantial fallout to explore, plus hints of greater mysteries and legends explored, this story is definitely worth a look. There is also potential for future tales to discover.
Extra - I was originally going to give the book a 4 star, in part because I felt biased, but mainly because I have read a lot of fantasy books and I think many are amazing. I waited a month, I have not reread the story yet, however, when I started writing the review I had strong recollections of scenes and emotions and I thought this sealed a 5 star rating :-)
I found The End of Magic to be a wonderful tale. I thought it conveyed a strong theme of hubris and complacency, with so many characters assuming that a world of magic was stable, just accepting things as-is. Characters had high stakes, one focused on family, many on power and nation-shaping, whilst for another all they cared about was their own survival even at the cost of their principles.
I think Mark’s writing has a rare ability to have a scene successfully range from the comedic to the tragic and back again. Fusing varied moving moments throughout the tale, doing so without breaking the genuine sense of gravitas for the characters and world. I also appreciate that other scenes are more tightly focused, mixing the overall story and not undermining the tale with too much comedy.
With substantial fallout to explore, plus hints of greater mysteries and legends explored, this story is definitely worth a look. There is also potential for future tales to discover.
Extra - I was originally going to give the book a 4 star, in part because I felt biased, but mainly because I have read a lot of fantasy books and I think many are amazing. I waited a month, I have not reread the story yet, however, when I started writing the review I had strong recollections of scenes and emotions and I thought this sealed a 5 star rating :-)
Read
November 26, 2019Sometimes you take a risk on reading something out of your comfort zone and are happily surprised with what you find; in my case it was Mark Stay’s “The End of Magic”.
I’m not really a high fantasy fan, having struggled with The Lord of the rings and other of that ilk. In fact the closest I get to high fantasy is a love of the Discworld series, simply because the fantasy setting is a backdrop for good storytelling and not an overriding feature.
So a fantasy world where Magic is on its way out seemed like a nice jumping in point to a genre I don’t normally read.
I wasn’t disappointed, the author effortlessly creates a world that is both wonderfully fantastical and at the same time strangely real.
The background comes from the characters getting to grips with the passing of their traditional lifestyle thanks to the titular “End of Magic” and it is in this world their adventure unfolds.
This background makes for a new style of fantasy, one that fits between both its original defining genre and a more modern take. That being said there is also a familiarity to the settings and fantastical creatures of the world that makes you smile, especially as they are often given a unique twist that makes the story firmly set in its own world.
In all it is an engaging story with well rounded and relatable characters; very fitting to modern sensibilities with more than a passing nod to the fantasy classics of old.
I’m not really a high fantasy fan, having struggled with The Lord of the rings and other of that ilk. In fact the closest I get to high fantasy is a love of the Discworld series, simply because the fantasy setting is a backdrop for good storytelling and not an overriding feature.
So a fantasy world where Magic is on its way out seemed like a nice jumping in point to a genre I don’t normally read.
I wasn’t disappointed, the author effortlessly creates a world that is both wonderfully fantastical and at the same time strangely real.
The background comes from the characters getting to grips with the passing of their traditional lifestyle thanks to the titular “End of Magic” and it is in this world their adventure unfolds.
This background makes for a new style of fantasy, one that fits between both its original defining genre and a more modern take. That being said there is also a familiarity to the settings and fantastical creatures of the world that makes you smile, especially as they are often given a unique twist that makes the story firmly set in its own world.
In all it is an engaging story with well rounded and relatable characters; very fitting to modern sensibilities with more than a passing nod to the fantasy classics of old.
July 8, 2020
The Pros: What worked for me
The worldbuilding was fantastic. There is so much attention to detail and everything made sense. It was neither too complex nor overly simplified. The author did a great job of teasing little nuggets of information as the story went on and I really felt part of this world.
Such a fantastic range of characters! The story is written from multiple perspectives, and each one is unique! I loved the entire cast, as the author really gave them all distinct personality traits. Each one is strong in their own ways and the reader really gets to understand what motivates their actions and behaviours.
The plot was so engaging! I could not put this book down, as it followed the journey of the various players. There were also no plot holes, so I was able to just enjoy the story.
The writing style itself is just so great! Wildly descriptive, the author actively uses sarcasm and humor to infuse more life into a story that is already brimming with energy!
The Cons: What I didn't like
The ending was a tad bit abrupt for me and I almost turned a page looking for mention of a sequel.
As you can tell, I had a great time reading this novel! From the writing style to the character development to the actual plot, this story delivered on all fronts. If you are looking for an engaging standalone fantasy, I would highly recommend this one! I'm giving it 4/5 stars!
The worldbuilding was fantastic. There is so much attention to detail and everything made sense. It was neither too complex nor overly simplified. The author did a great job of teasing little nuggets of information as the story went on and I really felt part of this world.
Such a fantastic range of characters! The story is written from multiple perspectives, and each one is unique! I loved the entire cast, as the author really gave them all distinct personality traits. Each one is strong in their own ways and the reader really gets to understand what motivates their actions and behaviours.
The plot was so engaging! I could not put this book down, as it followed the journey of the various players. There were also no plot holes, so I was able to just enjoy the story.
The writing style itself is just so great! Wildly descriptive, the author actively uses sarcasm and humor to infuse more life into a story that is already brimming with energy!
The Cons: What I didn't like
The ending was a tad bit abrupt for me and I almost turned a page looking for mention of a sequel.
As you can tell, I had a great time reading this novel! From the writing style to the character development to the actual plot, this story delivered on all fronts. If you are looking for an engaging standalone fantasy, I would highly recommend this one! I'm giving it 4/5 stars!
April 30, 2019
Magic is a born gift pulled from the power of the lapis moon. The story follows two mages, “one being a witch who thinks she’s a warlock”; Sander Bree, a kings mage and Rosheen Katell, a solitary mage who flies around on her griffin and helps those in need. The difference between these two is illustrated incredibly well from the beginning, even though they’re both people of magic, their personalities and morals are clearly defined. The point of this if for Stay to establish that in truth, they are exactly the same and both end up at the wrong end of the sword when the lapis moon is destroyed.
The characters are all believable and admirable, even the mercenary turned wannabe king, Haldor Frang, has an amazing personality that makes him memorable. This fantasy novel is action packed. As things heat up and pieces start falling together, it is almost impossible to put this book aside. What was truly unique is that Mark Stay has given us a novel in the fantasy genre, but taken away the magic a quarter of the way through. What transpires is gut wrenching, heart breaking and grisly.
The kind of epic, embattled fantasy the likes of Joe Abercrombie and Brandon Sanderson, Mark Stay has produced a story with such a precise, deft hand that The End of Magic is a book worth binging!
The characters are all believable and admirable, even the mercenary turned wannabe king, Haldor Frang, has an amazing personality that makes him memorable. This fantasy novel is action packed. As things heat up and pieces start falling together, it is almost impossible to put this book aside. What was truly unique is that Mark Stay has given us a novel in the fantasy genre, but taken away the magic a quarter of the way through. What transpires is gut wrenching, heart breaking and grisly.
The kind of epic, embattled fantasy the likes of Joe Abercrombie and Brandon Sanderson, Mark Stay has produced a story with such a precise, deft hand that The End of Magic is a book worth binging!
May 14, 2019
The End of Magic tells the story of two mages, Rosheen Katell and Sander Bree, whose magic is derived from the Lapis Moon. When the moon is destroyed, and with it the source of their magic, they have to rely on their luck and nous to try and thwart evil warlord Haldor Frang, avoid the vengeful crowds who resented the mages' previous power and are all too happy to kill any newly-weak mages they find, and rescue Rosheen's brother Oskar (a so-called moon-child whose world is also turned upside down, though in a very different way, by the destruction of the Lapis Moon). I've seen the author describe this story as 'like Game of Thrones without the boobs', which I thought was a great description. Yes there are battles (and death, and gore), yes there's swearing (not excessively though), and yes there are no boobs, not even the hint of romance. And this literary wimp could cope with all of that. I particularly liked how all the characters were very flawed, there was no obvious 'goody' to counteract the very obvious 'baddie'. It kept me engaged and had me guessing right till the end, and was an absolutely cracking story.
November 16, 2019
Although I don't read a lot of fantasy, I've read HP and LOTR and a little bit of other stuff here and there. But The End of Magic took me by surprise at how relatable Rosheen is, and, to a lesser extent, Sander. They are two mages forced by fate to opposite sides of a war to essentially rule the known world.
Haldor Frang is definitely an antagonist I despised out of the gate. As with Stay's recent co-written book Back to Reality (which I loved), the writing is excellent: vivid images, clear voice, and well-rounded characters.
The body count is high in this book, and I found the deaths, especially early on, are difficult to get through. By the time the climactic scenes come, I found myself almost numb to the bloodshed. Yes, there are moments of silliness and levity, but Stay keeps the stakes high at all times, and leaves just enough light at the end of the tunnel.
I might not recommend this to new readers of the genre, particularly if they're not used to the more Tarantino-esque fantasy books, but The End of Magic has one of the most compelling narratives as well as a strong authorial voice.
Haldor Frang is definitely an antagonist I despised out of the gate. As with Stay's recent co-written book Back to Reality (which I loved), the writing is excellent: vivid images, clear voice, and well-rounded characters.
The body count is high in this book, and I found the deaths, especially early on, are difficult to get through. By the time the climactic scenes come, I found myself almost numb to the bloodshed. Yes, there are moments of silliness and levity, but Stay keeps the stakes high at all times, and leaves just enough light at the end of the tunnel.
I might not recommend this to new readers of the genre, particularly if they're not used to the more Tarantino-esque fantasy books, but The End of Magic has one of the most compelling narratives as well as a strong authorial voice.
February 27, 2026
The End of Magic #1 by Mark Stay is a sweeping fantasy adventure that explores the consequences of a world on the brink of losing its magical foundation. Stay introduces readers to Sander Bree, a royal mage, and Rosheen Katell, a freelance truth-seeing mage, as their lives intersect under mounting stakes. The narrative skillfully combines political intrigue, personal moral dilemmas, and high-stakes magical conflict, creating an immersive story world.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development and the complex moral choices Stay presents. Sander’s privileged but conflicted position and Rosheen’s principled yet tested nature make their interactions compelling and nuanced. The Lapis Moon, as the source of magic, serves as a potent narrative device, providing tension and driving the stakes higher as the characters confront challenges that could reshape their world.
Overall, The End of Magic #1 is a thoughtful and engaging fantasy that blends magic, moral tension, and epic conflict. Fans of character-driven fantasy with intricate world-building will find this book both captivating and immersive.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development and the complex moral choices Stay presents. Sander’s privileged but conflicted position and Rosheen’s principled yet tested nature make their interactions compelling and nuanced. The Lapis Moon, as the source of magic, serves as a potent narrative device, providing tension and driving the stakes higher as the characters confront challenges that could reshape their world.
Overall, The End of Magic #1 is a thoughtful and engaging fantasy that blends magic, moral tension, and epic conflict. Fans of character-driven fantasy with intricate world-building will find this book both captivating and immersive.
August 12, 2019
This is one fine fantasy novel.
What makes it so good? First and foremost, the main characters; to name just three: the mage Sander Bree, the soldier Malachy Nye and my favourite Oskar Kartell, the moon child.
Add to those memorable characters a well-told story with the very uncommon idea that a catastrophic natural event affects not just the magic users, but the balance of power and even a group of people who were probably the last to expect it, and you have the recipe for a great fantasy novel.
Very much recommended.
I have asked the author if he was working on a sequel, and the answer was no, or at least not yet. I certainly hope he changes his mind because I for one want to know about the fate of the above mentioned and Rosheen's search for Lapis stones, the fate of Gudrun and Petra the wyvern and and and.
As a side note - some of the names are just weird: How about "His Majesty Steffen Henning Mathias Bhaltair of the House of Ultan" and his daughter "Princess Yvonne Mathilde Birgitta Brianna"?
What makes it so good? First and foremost, the main characters; to name just three: the mage Sander Bree, the soldier Malachy Nye and my favourite Oskar Kartell, the moon child.
Add to those memorable characters a well-told story with the very uncommon idea that a catastrophic natural event affects not just the magic users, but the balance of power and even a group of people who were probably the last to expect it, and you have the recipe for a great fantasy novel.
Very much recommended.
I have asked the author if he was working on a sequel, and the answer was no, or at least not yet. I certainly hope he changes his mind because I for one want to know about the fate of the above mentioned and Rosheen's search for Lapis stones, the fate of Gudrun and Petra the wyvern and and and.
As a side note - some of the names are just weird: How about "His Majesty Steffen Henning Mathias Bhaltair of the House of Ultan" and his daughter "Princess Yvonne Mathilde Birgitta Brianna"?
December 21, 2019
I very much enjoy this genre and look forward to a sequel if ever there is one. The book is action-packed and fast-paced, written with humour interspersed with wit and came with an illustrated map. It was easy to immerse very quickly into the story and to become one with the characters. Others have already outlined the plot, which I felt was well structured. It is disturbing a notion that one can manipulate faith into a weapon of control and how zealots can be so tunnelled vision that no rational argument can make any inroads. I felt the characters' frustration & helplessness when confronted with conviction which has no basis on reason. The crux of the story is really about power and corruption, and perhaps the choice one makes whether to go along with the winning side despite the consequences or to act according to conscience and forsake the easy rewards. It is a story about internal struggle, of succumbing to temptation and of how easily power can transform - even the innocents and the heroics. There's more to the story than meets the eye.
June 20, 2023
Wat een heerlijk boek is dit. Mr. Stay kan verdraaid goed schrijven. Dit boek vertelt het verhaal van de magiërs Kosheen Katell en Sander Bree. Sander werkt voor de koning en Kosheen werkt voor wie haar wil hebben als een waarheidsziener. Maar dat verandert allemaal als de Lapis Maan door een groot brok graniet dat uit de ruimte komt vallen vernietigd wordt. Opeens hebben ze niets meer over van hun magische krachten. Rosheen's broertje Oskar heeft de eerste jaren van zijn leven doorgebracht als een geestelijk gehandicapt kind, dat gepest wordt door iedereen, ze noemen hem het Maan kind. Maar door de vernietiging van de Lapis Maan komen zijn krachten juist tot leven.
Ondertussen begint er een oorlog tussen het rebellenleger van Haldor Frang en de koning van Bhaltair van Ultan.
Goed geschreven en intrigerend van het begin tot het einde. Ik vind het achteraf jammer dat ik het boek even aan de kant heb geschoven om andere boeken voor te laten gaan. Want dit is het absoluut waard om in een ruk uit te lezen.
Ondertussen begint er een oorlog tussen het rebellenleger van Haldor Frang en de koning van Bhaltair van Ultan.
Goed geschreven en intrigerend van het begin tot het einde. Ik vind het achteraf jammer dat ik het boek even aan de kant heb geschoven om andere boeken voor te laten gaan. Want dit is het absoluut waard om in een ruk uit te lezen.
November 11, 2019
An unusual take on the usual fantasy trope in that this is a story about coming to terms with the loss of powers, rather than people coming into their powers.
Sander Bree is a royal mage who has power (both magical and political). Without that power, he's a bit lost. He needs to learn to do all manner of things - like light a fire without magic and be civil to people against whom he has no protection anymore. He also has to save a little princess who will die if he doesn't get back in time.
Rosheen Katell has an honour code she lives by, but losing her magic and fear for her brother's life means she has to compromise it.
My favourite plot was the sub plot of Oscar the moonchild and how the loss of the lapis moon unshackled him. There's a naivety about him which makes put himself in dangerous positions, until he realises what he can do.
I enjoyed this book. It's a while since I read high fantasy and it was nice to get back to it.
Sander Bree is a royal mage who has power (both magical and political). Without that power, he's a bit lost. He needs to learn to do all manner of things - like light a fire without magic and be civil to people against whom he has no protection anymore. He also has to save a little princess who will die if he doesn't get back in time.
Rosheen Katell has an honour code she lives by, but losing her magic and fear for her brother's life means she has to compromise it.
My favourite plot was the sub plot of Oscar the moonchild and how the loss of the lapis moon unshackled him. There's a naivety about him which makes put himself in dangerous positions, until he realises what he can do.
I enjoyed this book. It's a while since I read high fantasy and it was nice to get back to it.
July 17, 2019
The blend of fantasy and comedy can often be difficult to get right, especially for readers outside the UK who might struggle with some of the 'popular culture' references. I thought one of Sir Terry Pratchett's weaker points was relying too much on English whimsy in places. Clever jokes, but would someone in Milwaukee or Melbourne appreciate them?
Mark Stay didn't fall into the same trap, I'm pleased to say. He's devised a plot that fits together like a piece of precision engineering, a cast of honest and likeable characters who work well together, and enough dark genre-based humour to appeal to fantasy fans and newbies alike. Just the chapter titles had me laughing aloud when I started the book, and that was a good sign. I'm really glad I took the chance on this when it came to my attention, as it was well worth the gamble.
Mark Stay didn't fall into the same trap, I'm pleased to say. He's devised a plot that fits together like a piece of precision engineering, a cast of honest and likeable characters who work well together, and enough dark genre-based humour to appeal to fantasy fans and newbies alike. Just the chapter titles had me laughing aloud when I started the book, and that was a good sign. I'm really glad I took the chance on this when it came to my attention, as it was well worth the gamble.
October 6, 2019
Absorbing and a well done fantasy novel
I didn't know how good this book was going to be, but i was pleasantly surprised about the quality and the page turn. All the characters are interesting and have their good and bad points to them that make them interesting.
The story gets a hold on you and you can't hope but want to keep reading to know what happens. I thought it was quite clever and reminded me of Joe Abercrombie, though with a little more lightness.
I felt the world was fully realised and pretty believable. The end of magic feels like a real event and the questions of how it will affect everything definitely keeps you questioning at the start, but even after that happens it still has many interesting plot points.
Definitely recommend for people who love a bit of grit in their fantasy.
I didn't know how good this book was going to be, but i was pleasantly surprised about the quality and the page turn. All the characters are interesting and have their good and bad points to them that make them interesting.
The story gets a hold on you and you can't hope but want to keep reading to know what happens. I thought it was quite clever and reminded me of Joe Abercrombie, though with a little more lightness.
I felt the world was fully realised and pretty believable. The end of magic feels like a real event and the questions of how it will affect everything definitely keeps you questioning at the start, but even after that happens it still has many interesting plot points.
Definitely recommend for people who love a bit of grit in their fantasy.
December 21, 2019
I don’t read much fantasy, but this was a really interesting and exciting story. It begins more or less at the point where an astronomic event causes the end of magic. Those who have magical skills, or live by magic, lose their powers, and have to live by their wits. Magical species like griffins and merpeople start to die. Humans are already at war, but now have no mystic help. The story is funny in places, very violent and vicious in others. I was a bit disappointed in the ending, I enjoyed the character of Oskar, and how the death of magic had changed his life very much for the better. To have him shut down again and become a mute, helpless soul, was both sad and wrong.
Apart from that, and other readers might well have a different view to me about that, this is very much worth reading.
Apart from that, and other readers might well have a different view to me about that, this is very much worth reading.
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