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The Blade Mage #1
The Blade Mage
"The Blade Mage delivers big-muscled magic and high octane thrills." -- Gary Phillips, Matthew Henson and the Ice temple of Harlem
The sword chooses its wielder.I never asked to be Blade Mage. My fellow wizards weren’t exactly thrilled about my selection, either. Unfortunately, those weird old druids have a strict no returns policy.
So I left, and for the past few years, I’ve managed to hide from my responsibilities and former life. But I always knew one day the Cabal would come looking for its precious sword.
And so they have, but only because a heinous crime has occurred…A wizard of the Cabal has used forbidden magic to slay a fellow wizard. It’s an open and shut case. The killer admitted it. He also stands accused of kidnapping a child, who is still missing, but they say that isn’t my problem. No, as Blade Mage, the Cabal only expects one thing of me: they expect me to play the role of Executioner.
Problem is…The accused is my best friend.And before I chop his head off, or decide to just walk away, I want to know the truth. But the path to the truth is filled with shifty wizards, fearsome witches, insidious demons, and supernatural conspirators at every turn.It ain’t easy being the Blade Mage.
"Witty, action-packed, and never one to shy away from the unexpected. Phillip Drayer Duncan is not to be missed." -- J.H. Fleming, The Queen of Moon and Shadow
The sword chooses its wielder.I never asked to be Blade Mage. My fellow wizards weren’t exactly thrilled about my selection, either. Unfortunately, those weird old druids have a strict no returns policy.
So I left, and for the past few years, I’ve managed to hide from my responsibilities and former life. But I always knew one day the Cabal would come looking for its precious sword.
And so they have, but only because a heinous crime has occurred…A wizard of the Cabal has used forbidden magic to slay a fellow wizard. It’s an open and shut case. The killer admitted it. He also stands accused of kidnapping a child, who is still missing, but they say that isn’t my problem. No, as Blade Mage, the Cabal only expects one thing of me: they expect me to play the role of Executioner.
Problem is…The accused is my best friend.And before I chop his head off, or decide to just walk away, I want to know the truth. But the path to the truth is filled with shifty wizards, fearsome witches, insidious demons, and supernatural conspirators at every turn.It ain’t easy being the Blade Mage.
"Witty, action-packed, and never one to shy away from the unexpected. Phillip Drayer Duncan is not to be missed." -- J.H. Fleming, The Queen of Moon and Shadow
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2020
341 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Drayer Duncan
45 books22 followersPhillip Drayer Duncan has written over ten novels and is the only author who has ever sponsored a racecar…probably. His work has been published by Yard Dog Press, Pro Se Productions, Seventh Star Press, and Happy Omega Publishing.
Along with reading and writing, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, video games, and telling bad jokes. Phillip’s natural habitats include the rivers and lakes of the Ozarks, but he may also be spotted at a con or concert. During the cold season, he hibernates beneath a pile of books and video games. He is generally an approachable creature; however, it’s best to give him snacks to ensure he won’t bite. Cookies are best.
His earliest books were acted out with action figures and scribbled into notebooks. Today, he uses a computer like a real grownup, though he refuses to act his age the rest of the time. If it would pay his bills, he’d be playing with G.I. Joes right now.
His greatest dream in life is to become a Jedi, but since that hasn’t happened yet, he focuses on writing and eagerly awaits the next season of Firefly. He demanded we mention that he is a best smelling author.
PhillipDrayerDuncan.com
Along with reading and writing, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, video games, and telling bad jokes. Phillip’s natural habitats include the rivers and lakes of the Ozarks, but he may also be spotted at a con or concert. During the cold season, he hibernates beneath a pile of books and video games. He is generally an approachable creature; however, it’s best to give him snacks to ensure he won’t bite. Cookies are best.
His earliest books were acted out with action figures and scribbled into notebooks. Today, he uses a computer like a real grownup, though he refuses to act his age the rest of the time. If it would pay his bills, he’d be playing with G.I. Joes right now.
His greatest dream in life is to become a Jedi, but since that hasn’t happened yet, he focuses on writing and eagerly awaits the next season of Firefly. He demanded we mention that he is a best smelling author.
PhillipDrayerDuncan.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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June 18, 2024DNF, stopping at 87% after a particularly slow and stupid fight that starts with the MC finally realizing what's going to happen. Like, he was told. But he's just so stupid. And by default so are the people helping but not helping in the ways needed.
Tragically, this novel started out great. But then the prose competence level started falling. And falling. And falling. The scene that ends in sex is some of the dorkiest, stupidest dialogue I've ever read. The fights are... Ugh. But this one that made me give up? It was dissatisfying--and then the end was bled of any satisfaction wholly side from who dies. Like... What was the point, here?
But also, Wyatt is really quite stupid. If the writing had stayed good, I might've made it to the end. But I just can't. I'm done.
Tragically, this novel started out great. But then the prose competence level started falling. And falling. And falling. The scene that ends in sex is some of the dorkiest, stupidest dialogue I've ever read. The fights are... Ugh. But this one that made me give up? It was dissatisfying--and then the end was bled of any satisfaction wholly side from who dies. Like... What was the point, here?
But also, Wyatt is really quite stupid. If the writing had stayed good, I might've made it to the end. But I just can't. I'm done.
December 26, 2025
Sooo many eyerolls, sooo predictable.
December 12, 2025
An excellent urban fantasy with a MMC who is the reluctant Blade Mage who no one believes can do the job. Combine him with a wacky friend who is completely unhinged but has a heart of gold, and you have a situation that can only ever go from bad to worse.
Wyatt is the Blade Mage trying to understand how his best friend is about to be executed for a murder he didn't commit, but how does he prove that? Especially when everyone in power doesn't believe he has the ability to wield the magical sword who chose him. The trouble is they have him believing he should never have been chosen either, undermining any confidence he may have had to begin with.
Welcome to a gritty magical world, the under belly of society and all the thugs that go with it. And yet Wyatt still holds true to who he is supposed to be. You get the feeling someone is actually enginnering the situation to ensure the Blade Mage is side lined and ridiculed. Doesn't that make him ineffectual?
Interested to read more, as there is trouble looming. Shain is a great character, as is Axel. The three of them have a lot more chaos in their future!
Wyatt is the Blade Mage trying to understand how his best friend is about to be executed for a murder he didn't commit, but how does he prove that? Especially when everyone in power doesn't believe he has the ability to wield the magical sword who chose him. The trouble is they have him believing he should never have been chosen either, undermining any confidence he may have had to begin with.
Welcome to a gritty magical world, the under belly of society and all the thugs that go with it. And yet Wyatt still holds true to who he is supposed to be. You get the feeling someone is actually enginnering the situation to ensure the Blade Mage is side lined and ridiculed. Doesn't that make him ineffectual?
Interested to read more, as there is trouble looming. Shain is a great character, as is Axel. The three of them have a lot more chaos in their future!
January 15, 2026
To much character ineptitude, ignorance and so on.
MC reads like a major Anti Hook for the story. This is a guy who supposedly got the best schooling/training available, from youth, as some form of all around mage/law enforcer/soldier.. But he just comes across as clueless and useless. It is literally nonsensical.
On the whole the plot is 🙄🙄🙄 with an inept dumbass as the main character.
I've been on the verge of calling it quits for 5h15m of listening and with 4h30min left I figure this is purposeful frustrating nonsense storytelling by the author and that it will like as not end in some even more annoying lightbulb bull crap by the 80-100% mark.
The only thing that has kept me listening to this point is the lack of blatant text/writing errors and the High quality of the audio narration by Blackstone's John Pirhalla.
MC reads like a major Anti Hook for the story. This is a guy who supposedly got the best schooling/training available, from youth, as some form of all around mage/law enforcer/soldier.. But he just comes across as clueless and useless. It is literally nonsensical.
On the whole the plot is 🙄🙄🙄 with an inept dumbass as the main character.
I've been on the verge of calling it quits for 5h15m of listening and with 4h30min left I figure this is purposeful frustrating nonsense storytelling by the author and that it will like as not end in some even more annoying lightbulb bull crap by the 80-100% mark.
The only thing that has kept me listening to this point is the lack of blatant text/writing errors and the High quality of the audio narration by Blackstone's John Pirhalla.
May 24, 2025
The Blade
First of all I am going to give this book a 5/5 because I enjoyed it that much. I was pretty hooked from page one. Wyatt is thr Blade Mage. Normally that would make him a very powerful person in his organization. The blade chose him to be its welder. But he is regarded as a screw up. But something is goin on and his people need him. His best friend killed another friend and he is the one to give the punishment of death. But Wyatt feels there is more to the story. But he must survive the investigation if he is going to save his friend.
First of all I am going to give this book a 5/5 because I enjoyed it that much. I was pretty hooked from page one. Wyatt is thr Blade Mage. Normally that would make him a very powerful person in his organization. The blade chose him to be its welder. But he is regarded as a screw up. But something is goin on and his people need him. His best friend killed another friend and he is the one to give the punishment of death. But Wyatt feels there is more to the story. But he must survive the investigation if he is going to save his friend.
October 19, 2025
outstanding urban fantasy!
A great mystery wrapped up in an Urban Fantasy setting with believable characters and well written dialogue! A fallible MC and hysterical sidekick enter the twists and turns of solving this mystery, and there was no way I could figure it out until the big reveal. Unique idea of magic, and I love that the resolution is not about who has the biggest strongest power, like so many Urban Fantasies. In fact, the MC is not really that powerful, instead he must use his mind to solve the mystery. Great writing! Highly recommended!
A great mystery wrapped up in an Urban Fantasy setting with believable characters and well written dialogue! A fallible MC and hysterical sidekick enter the twists and turns of solving this mystery, and there was no way I could figure it out until the big reveal. Unique idea of magic, and I love that the resolution is not about who has the biggest strongest power, like so many Urban Fantasies. In fact, the MC is not really that powerful, instead he must use his mind to solve the mystery. Great writing! Highly recommended!
July 8, 2023
4 stars. This was a very enjoyable novel. The first book in the Blade Mage series has ample action, likeable protagonists and despicable villains, a sprinkling of rather obscure monsters to learn about, a helping of humor, and a fast-moving narrative. It's very readable, and suspension of disbelief held up fine. I will definitely pick up the 2nd in series soon.
June 21, 2020
Very good series. First being self-published there are few errors, and the ones that are there do not distract. There is a lot to like about this story, and I recommend anyone who enjoys an urban fantasy thriller to check this series out.
June 10, 2025
Derivative of Dresden, but okay read. Wise cracking mage in urban fantasy setting.
A familiar character, but not in a world as well fleshed out as Jim Butcher. Slightly above average read, but hoped for more.
A familiar character, but not in a world as well fleshed out as Jim Butcher. Slightly above average read, but hoped for more.
July 29, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable read
Absolutely enjoyed this thrill ride of a story, and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Duncan. One star off for a few grammatical and formatting errors - sorry, but it just looks amateurish.
Absolutely enjoyed this thrill ride of a story, and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Duncan. One star off for a few grammatical and formatting errors - sorry, but it just looks amateurish.
October 2, 2025
Good read!
Blade Mage has a very ‘Dresden’ vibe in no way feeling like a ripoff, just a similar feel. It has a very pleasing ‘Everyman vs the establishment’ feel that makes for a fun read. Great pacing as well.
Blade Mage has a very ‘Dresden’ vibe in no way feeling like a ripoff, just a similar feel. It has a very pleasing ‘Everyman vs the establishment’ feel that makes for a fun read. Great pacing as well.
December 27, 2025
Never a dull moment
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me riveted. I laughed out loud and was invested in each character. I recommend this for adventure, fantasy and fiction fans.
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me riveted. I laughed out loud and was invested in each character. I recommend this for adventure, fantasy and fiction fans.
January 24, 2026
Fast and fun
Magic, melee, mystery, and militancy what more could a man ask for? I can see a little of myself in most of the characters which means the author meant this for all of us.
Magic, melee, mystery, and militancy what more could a man ask for? I can see a little of myself in most of the characters which means the author meant this for all of us.
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July 4, 2020Spoiler alert
With all the stuff that I had said before in my other rate and the fact that you kill faith I'm dropping you down to 2 stars
With all the stuff that I had said before in my other rate and the fact that you kill faith I'm dropping you down to 2 stars
December 27, 2024
For anyone who loves the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher, this is Dresden Lite. While not as fleshed out or tightly written, it’s still a fun read and hard to put down!
May 23, 2025
Read this book!
Stumbled onto this when I was in the reading doldrums. It was great! More people should read this book it was really fun
Stumbled onto this when I was in the reading doldrums. It was great! More people should read this book it was really fun
June 13, 2025
excellent read
Great read, good story from start to finish. Hope to read more will make a good series. Good to go
Great read, good story from start to finish. Hope to read more will make a good series. Good to go
July 29, 2025
good easy read
The story is a great easy read with good characters and combination magic with the real world. Can’t wait to see how the next books turn out.
The story is a great easy read with good characters and combination magic with the real world. Can’t wait to see how the next books turn out.
August 24, 2025
I'm typically not a fan of urban fantasy, but this was a good read. Loved the humor, loved the local (to me) tie ins and appreciated a quick easy story with some fun elements.
November 2, 2025
PG13 nobody got the girl
Turned out to be unique. Takes place in America but behind the veil. Both the magical and martial frameworks seem to work. Fantastic Epilogue.
Turned out to be unique. Takes place in America but behind the veil. Both the magical and martial frameworks seem to work. Fantastic Epilogue.
November 8, 2025
Excellent! Loved it!
The ending was perfect!
This could be the start of a great series!
Great character development. Good narrative. Action and a bit of humor.
The ending was perfect!
This could be the start of a great series!
Great character development. Good narrative. Action and a bit of humor.
November 17, 2025
this was awesome!
January 26, 2026
3.5 - OK story but the best parts were the clever wisecracks.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews