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Darkling Mage #8
Soul Fire
Everything burns.
Dustin Graves is in danger. The most powerful witch of the century has awakened, roused by the Eldest from her decades of tortured slumber. Odin, the All-Father, has promised his wrath. And the door to the Dark Room is open once more, stirring an inferno of rage in the darkling mage’s heart.
The Great Beasts, apocalyptic monsters of ancient myth, may hold the key to taming Dustin’s wild magic, and to ending Agatha Black’s reign. Failure means annihilation, whether he’s consumed by fire, or shadows... or the hungering madness that dwells in the corners of the Dark.
If you like snarky heroes, snappy dialogue, and a bit of grit and gore, you'll love the eighth book in Nazri Noor's series of urban fantasy novels. Explore the Darkling Mage universe and discover Soul Fire today.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2019
109 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books397 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 11, 2019
Happy Cow. Snacky Yum-Yums. Happy, Inc... a golden patty, and Dustin's fast food obsession made me laugh.
Norse gods, Greek, a pantheon of them.
There are the Great Beasts, including dragons.
The price to pay for the death of Metzli, from the Midnight Convocation, is asked.
The Darkroom beckons and tries to take over at times. Nightmare adds to it.
Agatha Black returns in multiples.
Our world is a tad selfish these days, these entities feel the same to me - let someone else fix it, let someone else give a piece of their soul.
Vanitas is ever-loyal and still the bloodthirsty sword.
There's some necessary eyeball gouging.
Sterling still protects the sweet and young necromancer, Asher, which always appeals to me. Mason and Asher continue to develop.
Great friendships and rivalries continue. Some get a little, uh, interestingly closer.
The Boneyard cops a bit of a shellacking, but Carver still has daddy's little murderer, aka Banjo the explosive corgi, and Team Boneyard lives to fight another day, so things are AOK.
Lots to love about this book.
Norse gods, Greek, a pantheon of them.
There are the Great Beasts, including dragons.
The price to pay for the death of Metzli, from the Midnight Convocation, is asked.
The Darkroom beckons and tries to take over at times. Nightmare adds to it.
Agatha Black returns in multiples.
Our world is a tad selfish these days, these entities feel the same to me - let someone else fix it, let someone else give a piece of their soul.
Vanitas is ever-loyal and still the bloodthirsty sword.
There's some necessary eyeball gouging.
Sterling still protects the sweet and young necromancer, Asher, which always appeals to me. Mason and Asher continue to develop.
Great friendships and rivalries continue. Some get a little, uh, interestingly closer.
The Boneyard cops a bit of a shellacking, but Carver still has daddy's little murderer, aka Banjo the explosive corgi, and Team Boneyard lives to fight another day, so things are AOK.
Lots to love about this book.
May 16, 2024
This series has been a wild ride and SOUL FIRE brought some emotional and action packed moments. Every time Dustin turned around he was dealing with a meddling god or goddess and he's desperate to find a way to stop Agatha Black from destroying the world. The challenges were big in this one and included some revelations and surprises as well as some disappointments for the Boneyard boys. I also liked that we're seeing Dustin come to terms with who he is now and what might be expected of him in the future.
Thankfully Dustin's romance with Herald is holding strong even with everything imploding around them. There was a little bit of interference from Bastion, who doesn't like to lose when he wants something, but it's never in question that Dustin loves Herald and they're end game together.
Thankfully Dustin's romance with Herald is holding strong even with everything imploding around them. There was a little bit of interference from Bastion, who doesn't like to lose when he wants something, but it's never in question that Dustin loves Herald and they're end game together.
July 14, 2020
A Mage, Nephilim, Necromancer and Vampire walk into a bar...
Want to know what happened next? Read these books!
I've absolutely loved this series and have started book 9 - serious book/series hangover immanent. It's a gritty gore fest, full of action from the start.
Want to know what happened next? Read these books!
I've absolutely loved this series and have started book 9 - serious book/series hangover immanent. It's a gritty gore fest, full of action from the start.
April 16, 2024
I read this in one day. I usually don't do this and like to savor a book but I couldn't put this one down. It has everything I was expecting from the last book and even more. I was kept wanting more and decided to just give. Dustin is gonna have to make some tough choices. The relationships are amazing and I love everyone so much! They've all grown so much since first being introduced. Even the gods and goddesses! I'm also glad he's mature in staying with Herald, I like Bastion, but love Herald more and Dustin needs him. I loved everything about this and I'm so glad to have continued with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
Fantastic, awesome…. AAAARRRRGGHH
So Nazri has this way of wrapping his stories around you - subtly, deliberately and delicately, and without a clue as to how it happened, I find myself so deeply enmeshed in these characters that the ending, coming as it did was both heart wrenching and enormously aggravating.
Bear in mind, the series is already complete as I write this. I don’t have to wait for the next book to be released. And yet STILL, I am so invested in these characters that the aggravation rises at the slightest cause.
FYI:Start at the beginning, and ENJOY!
So Nazri has this way of wrapping his stories around you - subtly, deliberately and delicately, and without a clue as to how it happened, I find myself so deeply enmeshed in these characters that the ending, coming as it did was both heart wrenching and enormously aggravating.
Bear in mind, the series is already complete as I write this. I don’t have to wait for the next book to be released. And yet STILL, I am so invested in these characters that the aggravation rises at the slightest cause.
FYI:Start at the beginning, and ENJOY!
May 23, 2022
Review for several books in the series -
I finished the series featuring Dustin Graves, continuing from book 6 though book 9. There are two prequels and a short in there too. I've loved every second of the stories. Lots of action/adventure. Lots of family and friends time. Dustin gains new allies in every book leading up to the finale showdown in book 9. The tasks get harder and the sacrifices get bigger. His abilities are tested. Resources are lost and found. The Deities continue to play with him, but as it turns out, their 'lessons' prepare him for something huge so maybe they can be forgiven? And Dustin falls in love. While this series is not a romance, their relationship adds depth to Dustin's character, both as a person and his motivations.
I can't pick out a favorite part since everything was so good. The end of book 9 easily wraps up this part of the overall Arcane Universe story arc, but I'm sure there will be more from Dustin Graves sprinkled around.
Reading order notes:
- There are no spoilers in Penumbra and can be read as a true prequel to the Darkling Mage series.
- Crystal Brawl is early days, with Dustin still figuring things out. I'd put it somewhere after book 1 but before book 3. He learns a skill in Grave Intentions (book 3) that he is unable to do in the freebie short.
- The next prequel is for a spinoff series that features a different character. Something happens in book 4, Oblivion Heart, that immediately triggers something elsewhere. That's where Ex Nihilo comes in. We don't actually have the resulting crossover until a few books later, but if you're a chronological reader like me, then you'll want to treat the Sins of the Father prequel as book 4.5 in the overall Arcane universe reading order. Otherwise, it can be read anytime after book 7 of the Darkling Mage series.
I finished the series featuring Dustin Graves, continuing from book 6 though book 9. There are two prequels and a short in there too. I've loved every second of the stories. Lots of action/adventure. Lots of family and friends time. Dustin gains new allies in every book leading up to the finale showdown in book 9. The tasks get harder and the sacrifices get bigger. His abilities are tested. Resources are lost and found. The Deities continue to play with him, but as it turns out, their 'lessons' prepare him for something huge so maybe they can be forgiven? And Dustin falls in love. While this series is not a romance, their relationship adds depth to Dustin's character, both as a person and his motivations.
I can't pick out a favorite part since everything was so good. The end of book 9 easily wraps up this part of the overall Arcane Universe story arc, but I'm sure there will be more from Dustin Graves sprinkled around.
Reading order notes:
- There are no spoilers in Penumbra and can be read as a true prequel to the Darkling Mage series.
- Crystal Brawl is early days, with Dustin still figuring things out. I'd put it somewhere after book 1 but before book 3. He learns a skill in Grave Intentions (book 3) that he is unable to do in the freebie short.
- The next prequel is for a spinoff series that features a different character. Something happens in book 4, Oblivion Heart, that immediately triggers something elsewhere. That's where Ex Nihilo comes in. We don't actually have the resulting crossover until a few books later, but if you're a chronological reader like me, then you'll want to treat the Sins of the Father prequel as book 4.5 in the overall Arcane universe reading order. Otherwise, it can be read anytime after book 7 of the Darkling Mage series.
April 2, 2020
By now, I am truly involved with this series. The latest entry of dragons is worthy of the wait. I so wanted to read how this master author of fantasy has given this gift to readers like myself, who love dragons, a special treat. Those guys are so all-powerful and have a rightful place in any story. Wasn't it Tolkein who said, "A story without dragons, is no story at all." I agree with that. Just like magic, we need to believe to see them.
So I have finished Book 8 and already on 9 with high expectations. I am loving Bastion more all the time. He is one of my favorite characters and soooo irresistible. Even Dustin, our hero, has a difficult time resisting his charm. This whilst being involved with one of the other characters is frustrating for Dustin and for me. But we shall see what transpires. I personally can think of many probabilities. That's the fun of being a reader instead of wearing my author's hat.
In any case, no matter how you look at the story and the characters, you can make it your own simply by reading and musing over the powers that be. Human as well as those who are not. Enjoy. I did.
So I have finished Book 8 and already on 9 with high expectations. I am loving Bastion more all the time. He is one of my favorite characters and soooo irresistible. Even Dustin, our hero, has a difficult time resisting his charm. This whilst being involved with one of the other characters is frustrating for Dustin and for me. But we shall see what transpires. I personally can think of many probabilities. That's the fun of being a reader instead of wearing my author's hat.
In any case, no matter how you look at the story and the characters, you can make it your own simply by reading and musing over the powers that be. Human as well as those who are not. Enjoy. I did.
April 25, 2023
Soul Fire is the eight book in the Darkling Mage series, and I never wanted it to end! This series has to be read in order because it follows the same characters with an overarching series plot line.
Once again the magic and worldbuilding Nazri Noor creates in this series is mind blowing and creative. A best friend who is a blood thirsty sword (love you Vanitas). A bark-exploding Corgi. An evil witch who split herself into thirteen aspects. And all the gods and goddesses of myths and legends. The real talent is how Nazri weaves them altogether with their own unique personalities. Plus, the humor is top-notch. I love how sarcastic and brazen Dustin is, but he’s also such a love-bug with Herald, the fabulous ice mage. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in audio!
Luke Daniels is the best at narrating Dustin and his cohorts. The performance was fantastic with the perfect amount of energy and flair for quite the engrossing performance. As a fun bonus, Luke included a series of bloopers that had me giggling hysterically. Luke is such a talented voice performer and I love listening to him narrate stories.
Once again the magic and worldbuilding Nazri Noor creates in this series is mind blowing and creative. A best friend who is a blood thirsty sword (love you Vanitas). A bark-exploding Corgi. An evil witch who split herself into thirteen aspects. And all the gods and goddesses of myths and legends. The real talent is how Nazri weaves them altogether with their own unique personalities. Plus, the humor is top-notch. I love how sarcastic and brazen Dustin is, but he’s also such a love-bug with Herald, the fabulous ice mage. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in audio!
Luke Daniels is the best at narrating Dustin and his cohorts. The performance was fantastic with the perfect amount of energy and flair for quite the engrossing performance. As a fun bonus, Luke included a series of bloopers that had me giggling hysterically. Luke is such a talented voice performer and I love listening to him narrate stories.
April 12, 2023
Slower pacing, tons of story development
This installment of the Darkling Mage series had significantly less action than those that preceded it but that doesn’t mean it was boring. There were a lot of big reveals and a lot of it felt like the author was setting up for what promises to be a big finish. Dustin grows up a lot in this book and faces some extremely tough decisions.
Also: Prudence?! Heck yeah!
This book did have one of my least favorite tropes and I hope it doesn’t turn into A Thing later on but it didn’t detract from the story enough to lose a star.
This installment of the Darkling Mage series had significantly less action than those that preceded it but that doesn’t mean it was boring. There were a lot of big reveals and a lot of it felt like the author was setting up for what promises to be a big finish. Dustin grows up a lot in this book and faces some extremely tough decisions.
Also: Prudence?! Heck yeah!
This book did have one of my least favorite tropes and I hope it doesn’t turn into A Thing later on but it didn’t detract from the story enough to lose a star.
December 29, 2019
Ok, you need to read this series
Is not the self deprecating hero with no appreciation of his power, nor the ridiculously powerful Japanese guy that can violently freeze everything, or the blond guy that can squish you to pulp, or ... any of the awesome characters. Is that this one has Loki.
Oh and the dog can now blow Inter-dimensiónalo walls.
My only critique is the pueril love between the main characters, very well written but so junior high at 25.
Is not the self deprecating hero with no appreciation of his power, nor the ridiculously powerful Japanese guy that can violently freeze everything, or the blond guy that can squish you to pulp, or ... any of the awesome characters. Is that this one has Loki.
Oh and the dog can now blow Inter-dimensiónalo walls.
My only critique is the pueril love between the main characters, very well written but so junior high at 25.
April 11, 2023
As this story progressed, the main character, Dustin, comes into himself. He develops as a better mage, friend, student, and brother while constantly finding humor in situations. The mythology in this novel is so much fun and interesting! Also I've always l loved Norse mythology so it's no wonder enjoyed it in this book. This audio book is fun! The narrator brings the story to life. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audio book.
June 16, 2023
I’ve been reading this series in ebook and had to opportunity to read this one in audio. Holy. Wow. Luke Daniels is a new-to-me narrator and I’m all in. Here’s my money. The continuation of Dustin’s journey was a wild ride and the narration blew me away. I’m absolutely switching to audio for the remainder of the series and looking for more books by him.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
September 17, 2025
Soul Fire masterfully explores mythic menace, gods nudging the plot, and apocalyptic beasts finally showing Dustin’s world-shaking power. Noor keeps his trademark snark, but the book reads like a true turning point. A few threads sprint past in the rush to close arcs, leaving some moments a touch undercooked, but the raw energy and character growth carry the weight. It’s a brutal, ambitious, and satisfying high point for the series
April 16, 2020
This book was wonderful!
Throughout the story the main character grows as a mage, friend, student, brother while always staying humorous and dare i say humble...for a narcissist.Love the mythology mix to these novels. You feel as if you know the gods themselves. Also my personal love for the Norse pantheon has been sated. Thanks mr. Noor, keep up the good work!
Throughout the story the main character grows as a mage, friend, student, brother while always staying humorous and dare i say humble...for a narcissist.Love the mythology mix to these novels. You feel as if you know the gods themselves. Also my personal love for the Norse pantheon has been sated. Thanks mr. Noor, keep up the good work!
December 25, 2019
Good as always
I love this series of books enjoying how the characters skills and personalities are develop through the series of books. I sense something beginning or ending coming in the next book can’t wait
I love this series of books enjoying how the characters skills and personalities are develop through the series of books. I sense something beginning or ending coming in the next book can’t wait
October 7, 2020
Another awesome installment. We finally find out who this Happy Inc CEO is of the Burgers Dustin loves so much and we find out so much more. A hidden crush, perhaps? And of course Agatha Black. What a book! I need more!!
June 21, 2021
Wow!
Dustin Graves certainly has his work cut out for him! Deities, ancient sorcerers, the dark and more! Oh, and Happy Enterprises. You’re just going to have to read this incredible book to find out. Highly recommended
Dustin Graves certainly has his work cut out for him! Deities, ancient sorcerers, the dark and more! Oh, and Happy Enterprises. You’re just going to have to read this incredible book to find out. Highly recommended
April 6, 2021
Wonderful book
I’m really addicted to this series and to the characters. Especially Dustin Graves. I’m so looking forward to reading more.
I’m really addicted to this series and to the characters. Especially Dustin Graves. I’m so looking forward to reading more.
April 17, 2023
This eighth installment of the Darkling Mage series finds Agatha Black heading after our here Dustin Graves. Dustin is settling in with his boyfriend and made family, but the universi is not about to leave him be. Gods and witches continue to cause trouble and Dustin continues to grow in his maturity and his powers.
I really enjoyed this book and how this series is developing. Dustin started off very lost and at sea but he has built a family of those around him and has grown tremendously as a person. I love the other characters in his little group and how each is so well developed. Noor does an amazing job bringing his characters to life with humor, snark and affection.
Luke Daniels did an excellent job narrating this book. His voice is so full of expression and each character is uniquely voiced.
***I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my own, unbiased, review.***
I really enjoyed this book and how this series is developing. Dustin started off very lost and at sea but he has built a family of those around him and has grown tremendously as a person. I love the other characters in his little group and how each is so well developed. Noor does an amazing job bringing his characters to life with humor, snark and affection.
Luke Daniels did an excellent job narrating this book. His voice is so full of expression and each character is uniquely voiced.
***I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my own, unbiased, review.***
September 5, 2019
The eighth installment of the Darkling Mage series picks up very much where the previous novel left off. (This is the author's usual practise in this series). Dust continues to attempt to save the world, have friends, grow his powers, and enjoy the fruits of Happy, Inc's labour.
This is very high up among my favourite novels in the series. Dust, through much trial, error, and sarcasm, has grown significantly from his first appearance - as have his relationships with his ever-expanding coterie of friends. Furthermore, as tends to be the case, his abilities continue to flummox him, even as he grows into them.
The world-building is, as always, excellent. I find myself very interested in partaking in several among Happy Inc's offerings, and a bit put out that they exist solely in Dust's world.
The character development has always, and continues be stellar. It's been a bit of a slow building element, but I think it's also been extremely realistic: people don't mature overnight. If there is one critique I could possibly make, it's perhaps the underplay of the role of trauma - but this series is not really about that, so it's definitely more a personal curiosity (as to how the author would handle this).
There are the usual cameos from Guests-of-Dustin's-Past, which includes some very interesting character developments (I was thrilled by the developing relationship between Dust and a certain Deity and am very excited about how this promises to build in subsequent books). There are also new characters introduced, who promise to provide more fun down the line!
I really love the way the author incorporates mythology of many cultures into this series, and how fluent he is with them, their temperaments, and preferences. He has clearly intensely researched this element and it's very skillfully displayed.
The other element that I really love (and usually loath) is the romantic subplot. It continues to develop in the usual organic, true-to-life beautiful awkwardness that is first (or early) love. I usually find that a romantic element renders lead characters moronic, but Dust kind of already has that going for him, so the romance definitely didn't ruin him! Furthermore, the authenticity (and sheer adorability) of the relationship makes my heart happy. Dust never loses sight of his priorities (which does make him a bit of an oddity - both in fiction and in life, per my experiences).
I don't know how this series could keep getting better - but it always does.
I received an ARC through the author.
This is very high up among my favourite novels in the series. Dust, through much trial, error, and sarcasm, has grown significantly from his first appearance - as have his relationships with his ever-expanding coterie of friends. Furthermore, as tends to be the case, his abilities continue to flummox him, even as he grows into them.
The world-building is, as always, excellent. I find myself very interested in partaking in several among Happy Inc's offerings, and a bit put out that they exist solely in Dust's world.
The character development has always, and continues be stellar. It's been a bit of a slow building element, but I think it's also been extremely realistic: people don't mature overnight. If there is one critique I could possibly make, it's perhaps the underplay of the role of trauma - but this series is not really about that, so it's definitely more a personal curiosity (as to how the author would handle this).
There are the usual cameos from Guests-of-Dustin's-Past, which includes some very interesting character developments (I was thrilled by the developing relationship between Dust and a certain Deity and am very excited about how this promises to build in subsequent books). There are also new characters introduced, who promise to provide more fun down the line!
I really love the way the author incorporates mythology of many cultures into this series, and how fluent he is with them, their temperaments, and preferences. He has clearly intensely researched this element and it's very skillfully displayed.
The other element that I really love (and usually loath) is the romantic subplot. It continues to develop in the usual organic, true-to-life beautiful awkwardness that is first (or early) love. I usually find that a romantic element renders lead characters moronic, but Dust kind of already has that going for him, so the romance definitely didn't ruin him! Furthermore, the authenticity (and sheer adorability) of the relationship makes my heart happy. Dust never loses sight of his priorities (which does make him a bit of an oddity - both in fiction and in life, per my experiences).
I don't know how this series could keep getting better - but it always does.
I received an ARC through the author.
September 6, 2019
This was another amazing adventure of Dustin graves and his friends. And this was probably the most shocking book of all. I don't even know how to express my love for this author and his ability to wrap up so many things from so many previous books and then give all the answers at once. Mind blowing!
Dustin is trying to get more control over his powers and it is not going that well, but he keeps on trying, especially when his friends are in trouble. He is always there to try to save them. But his general path and future are not filled with roses, which becomes crystal clear after some answers get showed in his face without asking. And on my what answers. Seriously shocking and I did not see it coming. And there was another total shock relating to one of his friends. Not to mention a certain development in his private life that no one saw coming. That was quite a boom!
So this book was full of surprises yet again, perhaps even more than any of the previous ones. That just shows how incredible this author is, and how incredible imagination he possesses, as well as the ability to spin the tale to spin your mind. No wonder I love him so much.
On the familiar side of things, the author still expands and develops his world further, and although everything starts and ends in Valero, the in between adventures are literally anywhere and everywhere and in each book somewhere different. Even the Boneyard changes, as well as the Dark Room.
The relationships between the characters are solidifying, characters are further evolving and developing and getting more depth. Honestly, the author surprises me every time with more layers to the characters, as he did such a great job developing the characters right from the start.
I have no clue what else to say about this fantastic book. I loved it so much, read it in one go, loved it so much, and loved it so much.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7), Crystal Brawl (Darkling Mage Short Story) in Urban Magic – Hungry, Young & Clever: An Urban Fantasy Anthology, and Soul Fire (Darkling Mage Book 8).
Dustin is trying to get more control over his powers and it is not going that well, but he keeps on trying, especially when his friends are in trouble. He is always there to try to save them. But his general path and future are not filled with roses, which becomes crystal clear after some answers get showed in his face without asking. And on my what answers. Seriously shocking and I did not see it coming. And there was another total shock relating to one of his friends. Not to mention a certain development in his private life that no one saw coming. That was quite a boom!
So this book was full of surprises yet again, perhaps even more than any of the previous ones. That just shows how incredible this author is, and how incredible imagination he possesses, as well as the ability to spin the tale to spin your mind. No wonder I love him so much.
On the familiar side of things, the author still expands and develops his world further, and although everything starts and ends in Valero, the in between adventures are literally anywhere and everywhere and in each book somewhere different. Even the Boneyard changes, as well as the Dark Room.
The relationships between the characters are solidifying, characters are further evolving and developing and getting more depth. Honestly, the author surprises me every time with more layers to the characters, as he did such a great job developing the characters right from the start.
I have no clue what else to say about this fantastic book. I loved it so much, read it in one go, loved it so much, and loved it so much.
Reading order is Penumbra (Darkling Mage Book 0), Shadow Magic (Darkling Mage Book 1), Dark Harvest (Darkling Mage Book 2), Grave Intentions (Darkling Mage Book 3), Oblivion Heart (Darkling Mage Book 4), Midnight's Son (Darkling Mage Book 5), Last Rites (Darkling Mage Book 6), Blood Pact (Darkling Mage Book 7), Crystal Brawl (Darkling Mage Short Story) in Urban Magic – Hungry, Young & Clever: An Urban Fantasy Anthology, and Soul Fire (Darkling Mage Book 8).
September 8, 2019
Darkling Mage Dustin Graves is in grave danger - the most powerful witch of the century (at least) has awakened, the all-father Odin has promised wrath and once again the Dark Room is open again as an inferno of rage in his heart. The Great Beasts may hold te key to taming his wild magic and ending Agatha Black's reign. Failure would mean the end via fire, shadows or the lingering madness in the corners of the Dark. Can this snarky mage with an inability to keep his mouth shut survive (and can the world survive too)?
This is a story full of danger, drama, intrigue and confusion as Dustin strive to try his best to work out what is going on, how to survive and handle everything that is being thrown at him (and those he loves)? Will the world survive? Can he gain help from the gods and skills to handle everything that is thrown at him? There are so many dramas and dangers as well as encounters with ancient beings as the story progresses still with no sign of a final conclusion. We certainly learn a little more about his purpose even though it is still not completely clear. Well written and very enjoyable, I think it would be far more enjoyable if you have read the previous books in the series first.
This is a story full of danger, drama, intrigue and confusion as Dustin strive to try his best to work out what is going on, how to survive and handle everything that is being thrown at him (and those he loves)? Will the world survive? Can he gain help from the gods and skills to handle everything that is thrown at him? There are so many dramas and dangers as well as encounters with ancient beings as the story progresses still with no sign of a final conclusion. We certainly learn a little more about his purpose even though it is still not completely clear. Well written and very enjoyable, I think it would be far more enjoyable if you have read the previous books in the series first.
September 6, 2019
What to say about our MC? Dustin is an insecure mage who carries the burden of saving the world but worries about his own skills to do so. Though he is pretty secure in his own beauty. Now, however the gods and goddesses are not out to help save the world and Dustin and his team have to face reality. They're on their own. The dark room has invaded Dustin's life again and he is trying to learn to control it...but can he? Bastion is acting strange and we see little of Harold in this story. Now Dustin is confused in his love life...a little...he still is pretty sure he loves Harold. Loki again enters their lives and chaos reigns. Can his life get anymore complicated or scary? Heck yes, and the author proves it by wrangling us into an adventure that has our hearts pounding and fear for Dustin keeps us reading to make sure he is still alive at the end of the book. Excellent book...excellent series. What more can I say, but you are missing out if you don't read them. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
September 6, 2019
Join Dustin and his friends in a world full of magic and mayhem!
Wow! Dustin has endured a lot and really he deserves a bit of a break. Not going to happen when Odin is angry with you. But hey we have happy cow burgers what could possibly go wrong? Well I don't want to spoil anything but I highly recommend you read this. Nazri has written an awesome book, twists you don't see coming, small amounts of love (no crazy romance novel here just tasteful amounts of romance between Dustin and Herald and Prudence and Gil. Justin's group of friends keeps getting more interesting. Great series, you should read the previous books but it's worth it. This 8th book is the best Nazri has written in this series! Banjo, aka daddy's little murderer, the killer barking Corgi occasionally steals the show!
Wow! Dustin has endured a lot and really he deserves a bit of a break. Not going to happen when Odin is angry with you. But hey we have happy cow burgers what could possibly go wrong? Well I don't want to spoil anything but I highly recommend you read this. Nazri has written an awesome book, twists you don't see coming, small amounts of love (no crazy romance novel here just tasteful amounts of romance between Dustin and Herald and Prudence and Gil. Justin's group of friends keeps getting more interesting. Great series, you should read the previous books but it's worth it. This 8th book is the best Nazri has written in this series! Banjo, aka daddy's little murderer, the killer barking Corgi occasionally steals the show!
September 19, 2019
Fast paced heart pounding
Excellent series. The books are fast paced heart pounding, clever and exciting story, mixed with lots of humor, wonderful characters and insightful. I loved these books very well done. You did such a great job in showing a real guy friendship it felt true. And I appreciate that it could of easily gotten really. Crude but you kept it in bounds. The message that we are all individuals who deserve the chance to know us for who we are, without stereotyping was important. Bold move with the late romance. I hate romance typically but this was really. And I it was so good so funny. You go guy, you have tons of potential
Excellent series. The books are fast paced heart pounding, clever and exciting story, mixed with lots of humor, wonderful characters and insightful. I loved these books very well done. You did such a great job in showing a real guy friendship it felt true. And I appreciate that it could of easily gotten really. Crude but you kept it in bounds. The message that we are all individuals who deserve the chance to know us for who we are, without stereotyping was important. Bold move with the late romance. I hate romance typically but this was really. And I it was so good so funny. You go guy, you have tons of potential
September 9, 2019
This is the Eighth book in the Darkling Mage series .
This Author never fails to bring the latest installment of his amazing series too life we have all of our old favorites and some new but we'll known God's returning . In this book it's all about the Trickster God Loki who's role in all this mayhem will be dev we also get some hilarious action with Odin All Father along with Bastian's evil grandmother . Plus there something going on with Bastian and Dustin something very interesting indeed anyways looking forward too the next book in this series can't wait .
This Author never fails to bring the latest installment of his amazing series too life we have all of our old favorites and some new but we'll known God's returning . In this book it's all about the Trickster God Loki who's role in all this mayhem will be dev we also get some hilarious action with Odin All Father along with Bastian's evil grandmother . Plus there something going on with Bastian and Dustin something very interesting indeed anyways looking forward too the next book in this series can't wait .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
So good!
I really enjoyed Soul Fire. I love this book! It's very well written. Dustin's scary godmother is pretty cool! 😆 I freaking love Vanitas! And the magical corgi is the best. Carver's baby! 😍😆 Things are getting interesting here and I can't wait to find out what happens next! I kinda wish Herald and Bastion would just make a Dustin sandwich.
Dustin just keeps getting more and more badass. I don't want this series to end.
The bloopers at the end of the audiobook are hilarious! Luke Daniels is awesome. He's like a whole cast of people in one. Kinda like a coven of one. Lol
I really enjoyed Soul Fire. I love this book! It's very well written. Dustin's scary godmother is pretty cool! 😆 I freaking love Vanitas! And the magical corgi is the best. Carver's baby! 😍😆 Things are getting interesting here and I can't wait to find out what happens next! I kinda wish Herald and Bastion would just make a Dustin sandwich.
Dustin just keeps getting more and more badass. I don't want this series to end.
The bloopers at the end of the audiobook are hilarious! Luke Daniels is awesome. He's like a whole cast of people in one. Kinda like a coven of one. Lol
September 12, 2019
Dust IS Dust!
No spoilers... just know it’s good enough that I’ve read it twice in 3 days!!! Since Harry Dresden doesn’t appear to be doing anything new any time soon (sorry JB, writing it as I see it) Dustin Graves is a fantastic replacement if you need to get your wizarding fix on. Only question is ‘when’s the next book out???’
No spoilers... just know it’s good enough that I’ve read it twice in 3 days!!! Since Harry Dresden doesn’t appear to be doing anything new any time soon (sorry JB, writing it as I see it) Dustin Graves is a fantastic replacement if you need to get your wizarding fix on. Only question is ‘when’s the next book out???’
September 16, 2019
Overall this is a stellar series, the story line moves along with out dragging. The characters are enjoyable and well constructed. I was impressed with how fresh the story feels, usually at book 6 of a series they start to fray, I’m honestly looking forward to book 9. We can continue to Trust In Dustin.
September 7, 2019
Absolutely fantastic!
Our Sweetling has done it again! New Gods... new challenges, new abilities, and new tests. My favourite Norse God into the fray and true to his nature! A fabulous story from a fabulous author.
Our Sweetling has done it again! New Gods... new challenges, new abilities, and new tests. My favourite Norse God into the fray and true to his nature! A fabulous story from a fabulous author.
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