Curse of Agares

Legend of the Arch Magus #5

by Michael Sisa

VOLUME 5 OF LEGEND OF THE ARCH MAGUS An Arch Magus dies, only to find himself in the body of a young man in a medieval Kingdom. He finds out that he is the second son of a Duke, exiled to a desolated town by his own family. Shackled by the notorious reputation of his new shell, he tries his best to develop his domain, implementing new policies and innovations, leading his subjects to prosperity. In this world where magic is undeveloped, he shall once again pave a new path.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Audiobook, Young Adult, Action, Adult

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2020

Reviews

[Steve Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.0 stars

Another good addition to the series. The only thing it is missing is personal connections. I have no idea (besides growing in power and building his town) what the MC wants out of life. If he had more of a personal life then this would be a great read. Instead it is still a very good read. This one deals mainly with the kings sickness and trying to cure/remove it. Not a lot of action in this one, but secrets are revealed.

[Teck Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, 5 big and shiny stars again!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Curse of Agares," the 5th book in Michael Sisa’s "Legend of the Arch Magus" series, published in 2021 and narrated by Tom Taylorson, deepens the saga of Havellion, the reincarnated Arch Magus, with a darker, more mystical tone. This audiobook builds on the progression fantasy and kingdom-building pillars of the previous books, introducing supernatural threats and intricate magical lore. It delivers thrilling action and strategic depth, making it a compelling addition to the series.

The narrative centers on Havellion’s thriving domain, now a beacon of magical and economic progress, as it faces a sinister new challenge tied to the titular "Curse of Agares." Sisa excels in weaving a sense of foreboding, blending high-stakes magical confrontations with Havellion’s signature problem-solving. The audiobook’s highlight is its exploration of ancient magical lore, with Havellion unraveling arcane mysteries to counter a malevolent force. These sequences are gripping, showcasing Sisa’s ability to balance intellectual strategy with visceral magical duels. The ongoing kingdom-building - fortifying defences, expanding magical academies, and refining governance - remains a satisfying draw, offering tangible progress and meticulous world-building.

Sisa’s prose is crisp and action-driven, prioritizing plot over emotional or descriptive depth. This keeps the story accessible. Supporting characters, though slightly more nuanced than in earlier books, often feel like archetypes - loyal allies or simplistic villains - lacking the complexity to elevate the narrative.

Tom Taylorson’s narration is a standout, as always. His rich, authoritative voice perfectly captures Havellion’s commanding presence, while his versatility brings distinction to a varied cast, from mystical entities to battle-worn soldiers. Taylorson’s pacing enhances the tension of supernatural confrontations and lends gravitas to Havellion’s strategic monologues. His work ensures "Curse of Agares" remains an engaging listen, even during slower moments.

"Curse of Agares" remains firmly in escapist territory, but offers a darker, lore-rich adventure with stellar narration

[Lanzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku kelima dalam siri Legend of the Arch Magus, bergenre high fantasi dgn elemen2 medieval, kingdom building, dan sword & sorcery. Plot buku kelima ni perlahan dan bosan sedikit, tapi masih boleh dilayan.

Plot novel kali ni menfokuskan pada misi Lark untuk merungkaikan sumpahan yg dialami oleh raja Kingdom of Lukas, Raja Alvis...

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curse of Agares (Legend of the Arch Magus, #5) by Michael Sisa is a riveting continuation of the epic fantasy series, bringing new depths of intrigue, power struggles, and character development. This fifth installment maintains the momentum of its predecessors while introducing fresh challenges and plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows Havellion, the reincarnated Arch Magus, as he confronts the ancient and malevolent curse of Agares. Sisa’s narrative is as engaging and intricate as ever, blending high-stakes action with deep emotional and moral dilemmas. Compared to its contemporaries, such as Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle, Curse of Agares stands out for its unique premise and the protagonist’s ongoing struggle to balance his immense power with the responsibilities and ethical challenges it brings.

"Sisa masterfully balances epic fantasy elements with rich character development, making Curse of Agares a standout entry in the Legend of the Arch Magus series."

Here’s a brief look at the main characters and their arcs:

Havellion: The protagonist’s journey continues to be central to the narrative. In Curse of Agares, Havellion faces the dire consequences of the ancient curse, forcing him to confront his past actions and their repercussions. His character evolves as he grapples with guilt, responsibility, and his quest to break the curse. This nuanced portrayal is comparable to the character arcs seen in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy and Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law series.
Elara: Havellion’s trusted advisor and confidante, Elara’s arc in this installment explores her growing influence and the personal sacrifices she must make. Her loyalty and strategic acumen are tested, adding depth to her character and highlighting her importance to the story.
Kael: Havellion’s rival and occasional ally, Kael’s arc delves into his own ambitions and the complexities of his relationship with Havellion. His motivations and backstory are further explored, making him a more multifaceted and intriguing character.
Lyria: A powerful mage and Havellion’s ally, Lyria’s journey in Curse of Agares focuses on her struggle to reconcile her past with her present loyalties. Her character development adds emotional weight to the narrative and enriches the world-building.
Gareth: A warrior with a troubled past, Gareth’s arc explores themes of redemption and honor. His evolving relationship with Havellion and the other characters adds depth to the story and provides a human element amidst the magical and political intrigue.

Sisa’s world-building continues to be a highlight of the series. The vivid descriptions of the magical landscapes, the intricacies of the political dynamics, and the detailed exploration of the magic system are all meticulously crafted. This immersive world is on par with the detailed settings found in Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive and the expansive universe of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time. However, Sisa’s focus on the protagonist’s personal journey and the impact of his reincarnation gives the narrative a unique edge.

  

  The climax of Curse of Agares is intense and satisfying, providing a thrilling resolution to the main conflicts while setting the stage for future developments in the series. The resolution of key plot threads offers a sense of closure while also leaving room for further exploration of the magical world and its inhabitants.
  

While Curse of Agares excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Some sections of the book can feel overly dense with political intrigue and magical theory, which may be overwhelming for readers who prefer a faster-paced narrative. Additionally, the pacing can occasionally lag due to the extensive world-building and character development, though this is a minor issue considering the overall quality of the narrative.

In comparison to its contemporaries, Curse of Agares holds its ground as a standout entry in the epic fantasy genre. It combines the immersive world-building and intricate political dynamics of series like A Song of Ice and Fire with the character depth and personal growth found in The Kingkiller Chronicle. Sisa’s ability to balance magic, politics, and character development makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable

Another page turner that needed to be read straight away and as soon as possible. Proof reading better this time around.

[Karina Halt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended!

[Twentytoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storytelling

I love everything about this story and it's characters. The only thing I dislike is that it ended and now I have to wait for the next book.

[Jonathan Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Another great book. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Wonder if his old disciples will show up in the future.

[Melissa Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best series I've read. Highly recommended and anticipating book 6 already. Just wonderful.

[Petros Aristidou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, fantasy, dragons, amazing plot

I stumbled on this series by accident and have devoured all 7 volumes until now in 1 week. I like the story, the development, the mechanisms employed. I've become a fan.

[Craig Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

simple

This is a fairly simple good vs. evil story. It’s hampered by very low character development and the usual issues with unlimited magical power contained by the protagonist. Potato chip books. Rather a guilty pleasure at this point. But yeah no matter what our plucky very ancient wizard in young fresh body can rise to the occasion with no real stress. Anyway I bought all the books, maybe the author can get better with support.

[⚘.jam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favorite. It was still so fun though!

[Eyad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that the war arc is over this was the calm before the storm. Good read but I miss the kingdom building.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Beyond This Door Is A Place Of Anguisg And Deatb Stars

Curse of Agares is the fifth installment into the Legend of the Arch Magys series by Michael Sisa.

I honestly falk more deeply enraptured by this work of art, with every consecutive foray back into the adventures of the reincarnated Evander Aleaster.

The plot:
One word: FINALLY! I'm so pleased to have read more into Evander's past disciples. That they must conquer a labyrinth defended by his disciples machinations to revive His Majesty King Alvis was just PURE. FREAKING. PERFECTION.

I will say, wholeheartedly, that I did not like that greedy court magician and I felt so terribly sorry that kind old man had to suffer the same fate as her. The only true downside with this plot, is that no one tells Lark within this book, with enough time for us to experience him finding this oasis left for him.

The writing:
I can not get enough of how well crafted this story is. Michael Sisa does a fantastic job of beautifully laying out the transitions between scenes, and carrying us through Lark's escapades without drowning us overly so in flowered prose. The biggest critique I have; is the difference in quality for the transitions between different characters narratives at times.

Character development:
I so enjoy the moments when King Alvis shows his true personality, and steps beyond propriety and royal expectation. That it overlays somewhat into Princess Esmerelda's development, and the possibilities building for her in Lark's story is just an added bonus.

I can't until we discover what's in store for Lark and Co. next, along with the actual timeline before the demon infestation forecoming is expected to manifest.

[Ford Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good fun, simple entertaining story.

Some editing issues and a little predictable as it felt like the author repeated his notes on his outline in the world building creations. Still, simple and fun to read. Shame that the books are so short. Novella length but with better character development. I'm starting to see some plot holes with the logic which up to now has been a non-issue. The main characters in supporting cast follow the world laws as created. But the main character having destroyed giant towers to increase his power to win the war against invading empire, it begs the question why he doesn't repeat that with resources and time being able to be overcome, to overcome challenges in the future because as the reader we know he has the ability to create these powerful artifacts. But the story for what it is is still good, well paced, and fun to read.

[Jonathan Pinches IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Go Lark Marcus!

The books are short. Almost... painfully so. But I now buy this series without hesitation every time.

I love this series. I love how Lark strives to make the world a better place. The author has wisdom! Lark actually thinks ahead and cares about more than just himself and building a harem. He wants to enrich the lives of others. If I had magic and knowledge like him, I’d do the same.

I’m writing this review to support the author so that he can write more of these books. Thank you for another vacation in your wonderful fantasy world. I look forward to reading more of your work!

[Justin LeClaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot movement without pointless filler

While I enjoy a good 12 book series about 1 arc, this series and book gives movement to the characters actions without adding too much side plots. Where some stories will spend a book on how the lead entered a town to have just a sword made, Ach Magus spends a chapter introducing the characters getting the points through and moving on. If you want to explore a lot this a goos continuation to book the series. If you want deep ties that tell you what the character is thinking every second along with the minutia with every person around them, then this isnt for you.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love living in this world created by Michael Sisa

I simply love this series of books by Michael Sisa..his stories bring a magical amount of reality...i often find while reading that when taking a break to carry on daily living my thoughts return to the storyline and i feel like i am wondering what my friends are up to, or that someone i am conversing with will say something that sounds exactly like one of the main characters would say...it feels like i am living with one foot always in the story...the only bad thing i could say about this series is that it is too short, the books leave you wishing for more...always more. Thank you Michael Sisa.

[Jordan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

First half of this book was excellent. Exactly what I wanted from my poorly translated B movie anime where we focus more on building the town up than fighting. The second half was ok, focusing on the king and his illness which was much less exciting. We spend a quarter of the book following a bunch of characters I don't really care about, but that's ok provided the location becomes important later. Hopefully. I wouldn't say I have confidence that the whole story is planned out, but I can definitely say it's dumb in a fun way and it's almost always entertaining, even if it's really bad.

[Chetana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐

We get to see more of Blackstone town again and briefly met or original crew. But another quest beckons Lark back to the capital and it is only a brief reunion. The plot is slowly picking up in the last couple of books and this book centers around the curse that afflicts the royalty mentioned in previous books. Were also learning more about how magic seems to have lost it's potency and how the previous Empire lost it's power. The set up for the next book is geared towards Lark getting his gear back and I'm looking forward to him facing the labyrinth that defeated almost all the knights that entered it.

[Russell Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series. I think the writing might have improved a bit over the course of the books as well. The prose is simple and a bit redundant at times, with an overreliance on words like 'immediately' during action scenes, but it's also clean and easy to read.

This book felt like it was more of a setup for upcoming action and I have a sneaking suspicion that the next book will be similar. I look forward to the Demon arc as I'm arbitrarily calling it, but in the meantime I still enjoy seeing the developments of Lark & crew.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I had only the vaguest of recollections of the previous 4 books in the series when I sat down to read Arch Magus 5 (this morning -- it's a very quick read). What I did remember of books 1-4 was a blurry mishmash of the plots, with most of my memories coming from book 1. Anyhow, I had no trouble picking up on the story, once things got going. Great fun, definitely recommended, but try to read them all in one go. Am starting on book 6 tomorrow. I *think* the promise of some romance might even move forward in the next one. We shall see.

[Dp2k · Rating 2 out of 5]

The books are getting shorter and shorter with less and less happening, making the $4 purchase on Kindle not worth it, so I'll be dropping this series. The magic and worldbuilding was really weak though. The town-building was a highlight. Overall, it was a decent story with good characterizations, but only this book had any notable female characters even though magic in the world of the Archmagus is an equalizer... so it was getting boring, and book 6 apparently is even more boring (according to reviews).

[Frank Bertino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Read

Lark is back growing his fiefdom. This time he has a beautiful princess in tow. Will he ever get to the point that he will have a romantic interest? The King sure wishes it would be so. The curse is slowly killing the King, but Lark has an idea. I like the action and humor. It is fun watching Lark being continually underestimated as his deeds and demeanor put paid to a lot of ill conceived ideas about him. I eagerly await the next book.

[Lyndon Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This series has been very consistent in the story and hasn’t had a drop in quality. Author Bro is to be commended on maintaining the reality and each book drops a bit more world building, expanding this new universe and is makes this a Must purchase. Plus those following the story haven’t had to wait two years for the next drop, just quarterly - which is really great.

Thanks Author Bro

[Randy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another excellent book.

This book leaves me wanting more. Excellent writing good main character and a very interesting storyline. The main character may be a bit OP but it’s the actions of the main character and how intelligent he responds to situations that really intrigues me. Too often overpowered characters tend to act like whiny teenagers and react in stupid ways. But this book is refreshing change of pace, a person who really acts his mental age.

[Allen D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendous book!

Good book, very enjoyable!! Just like the other 4.
I like that even though the MC is vastly knowledgeable about magic, there are still limits imposed on him, his mediocre mana pool being 1 of them. Great continued character development! The story was well thought out and put together. I highly encourage you to read all the books!! Mr Sisa obviously us a gifted writer. Its going to be interesting to see what the future holds!!!!@

[Jan Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread entire series

It had been awhile since I had read books in this series, so once I discovered book 5 was available I decided to start at book one. I really think I enjoyed it more this time as I was able to really enjoy how well the characters are developed and just how well crafted the battle scenes are written. Totally worth reading yourself and recommending to young adults.

[Arnold Coley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Workable brain candy

This review might seem to be Samsung with faint praise, but if you accept that this series is about a reborn almost all powerful magician, the plot makes a fair amount of sense, and its a fair read, I could wish the author would not Telegraph the story so much, but I really like the fact the author took up writing because he couldn't find any more good stuff to read! I hope he continues in his craft, and continually improves.