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Advent Mage Cycle #3
Advent
“Good work, Balancer.”
I frowned at the title. “All I did was transport her here, Raile.”
“Yes, so you did,” he agreed in a tone that clearly didn’t agree with me at all. “Perhaps you don’t consciously realize this, Garth, but its little things like this that are restoring balance to Chahir. No task can be done in just one stroke of effort; it takes many strokes, and much sustained effort.”
He’s right. I started reviewing all of the things I had done over the past two years, memories flicking through my head almost too fast to follow. Each choice led to another; my choice to leave my home in Tobadorage and seek refuge in Hain led directly to my actions now, bringing a Queen into exile. And each choice, each action on my part, had started the chain reaction that was bringing magic back into Chahir.
I frowned at the title. “All I did was transport her here, Raile.”
“Yes, so you did,” he agreed in a tone that clearly didn’t agree with me at all. “Perhaps you don’t consciously realize this, Garth, but its little things like this that are restoring balance to Chahir. No task can be done in just one stroke of effort; it takes many strokes, and much sustained effort.”
He’s right. I started reviewing all of the things I had done over the past two years, memories flicking through my head almost too fast to follow. Each choice led to another; my choice to leave my home in Tobadorage and seek refuge in Hain led directly to my actions now, bringing a Queen into exile. And each choice, each action on my part, had started the chain reaction that was bringing magic back into Chahir.
203 pages, ebook
First published June 12, 2012
180 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
61 books833 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 25, 2020
Enjoyable fantasy, suitable for both adults and YA. This is the third in the Avent Mage cycle, with the conclusion to be available this fall.
May 19, 2019
Very good, the whole series is awesome.
May 20, 2022
2022 bk 140. The excitement continues as does the excellent story plotting. My only issue with the books is that the voice is so mature that I forget this is mostly a group of teenagers.
July 27, 2016
First sentences
Chapter One: Heritage Drip, drip, drip. I eyed the icicle hanging from the roof with mixed emotions. The snow was melting, which meant spring was hovering on the horizon, tensed to pounce the moment that winter let its guard down. When that happened, it meant that the team would be going back into Chahir to search for magicians again. It would also mean that I was out of Guin’s immediate reach. Right now, I wasn’t sure which one I preferred. In the four months that I had been home I had gotten very little rest. Because of the thick snows covering the roads I was one of the few magicians that could travel around the country. The fact that I was faster than more conventional methods was just an added bonus. And if the situation demanded skills other than mine?
Raconteur, Honor (2012-06-12). Advent (Advent Mage Cycle) (Kindle Locations 31-37). Raconteur House. Kindle Edition.
July 4, 2012
It was good to get back to the world of the Advent Mage! It moved the story on and brought things together that needed to be done. Starting to see some other mages in action but would love to have them more involved. Only a few fight happened could always use more elaborate magical combat. And of course it was good to FINALLY see the relationship get dealt with...
I am looking forward to the fourth book and excited to see the stories that will be in the compilations!
I am looking forward to the fourth book and excited to see the stories that will be in the compilations!
August 25, 2021
Filled With Excitement And Anticipation
This is just one more book that exhibits Raconteur’s high level of fantasy writing in a series.
Stays on track, covering the teasers you’re left with in book 2. With a few more delectable tidbits thrown in, I’ve no doubt that book 4 will be just as entertaining.
The character and co-characters are ones you really feel invested in, as well as the world they live it. She brings it completely to life through her talent in writing. You can clearly see the world, the characters, the events, as if they’re truly unfolding right before your eyes.
I did take it down a star for two reasons:
1) Rather abrupt ending, on the last page no less.
2) The fact that it claims book 4 is the finale in the series, yet there’s 5 books currently showing.
Does this mean there’s a spin-off in the making, or just that the author knew during #4, that she wouldn’t be able to do the series justice by rushing through the ending in the next, and realized she needed more space to do so?
Guess we have no other choice but to read on and find out.
This is just one more book that exhibits Raconteur’s high level of fantasy writing in a series.
Stays on track, covering the teasers you’re left with in book 2. With a few more delectable tidbits thrown in, I’ve no doubt that book 4 will be just as entertaining.
The character and co-characters are ones you really feel invested in, as well as the world they live it. She brings it completely to life through her talent in writing. You can clearly see the world, the characters, the events, as if they’re truly unfolding right before your eyes.
I did take it down a star for two reasons:
1) Rather abrupt ending, on the last page no less.
2) The fact that it claims book 4 is the finale in the series, yet there’s 5 books currently showing.
Does this mean there’s a spin-off in the making, or just that the author knew during #4, that she wouldn’t be able to do the series justice by rushing through the ending in the next, and realized she needed more space to do so?
Guess we have no other choice but to read on and find out.
June 21, 2020
Here I'm reviewing books 1-4 in the Advent mage cycle together as in my head they all form one big story, despite each book having its own story arc.
Garth is a protagonist that is very easy to read about, he is likeable, has all the right qualities for a hero and yet barely knows it. One of the reasons though that I love Honor Raconteur's books is because of the wonderful cast of characters that she always creates. Every one of the side characters takes a starring role and for the time that I am reading they become like family and it truly is with a sense of loss that I finish a series.
Garth comes form a world that is magical but a Country that would deny this and punish anyone with magic. And so with more magic than has been seen in generations, Garth sets out on a journey, making friends, meeting allies and generally unwittingly charming the pants off everyone he meets. I loved this series and genuinely never wanted it to end.
Garth is a protagonist that is very easy to read about, he is likeable, has all the right qualities for a hero and yet barely knows it. One of the reasons though that I love Honor Raconteur's books is because of the wonderful cast of characters that she always creates. Every one of the side characters takes a starring role and for the time that I am reading they become like family and it truly is with a sense of loss that I finish a series.
Garth comes form a world that is magical but a Country that would deny this and punish anyone with magic. And so with more magic than has been seen in generations, Garth sets out on a journey, making friends, meeting allies and generally unwittingly charming the pants off everyone he meets. I loved this series and genuinely never wanted it to end.
December 6, 2017
Another great tale in an Epic story
In each volume, Raconteur just keeps adding complex layers to the story, weaving new characters, information and knowledge to further enrich the tale. In each volume, our protagonists, and the readers, uncover more of the lost history of the nation's, and more technical details of the systems of magic found there. We don't yet get real answers, just more information to think about.
I like the "Water Path" and the "Earth Path" concepts. I don't think that I have run across this idea for fast travel by mages in the past.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
In each volume, Raconteur just keeps adding complex layers to the story, weaving new characters, information and knowledge to further enrich the tale. In each volume, our protagonists, and the readers, uncover more of the lost history of the nation's, and more technical details of the systems of magic found there. We don't yet get real answers, just more information to think about.
I like the "Water Path" and the "Earth Path" concepts. I don't think that I have run across this idea for fast travel by mages in the past.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES
August 16, 2018
A great book, but without true danger
I love honor raconteur's books, the characters are fun to live with, there is action and adventure, the pacing is good, but there always was something bugging me about them, I could not figure out what was lacking in them compared to other books I liked better. I finally found my answer. They lack true danger. The main character is always so strong that the only real danger there is is that he is not everywhere at once. The books usually also lack a clear villain, which seem to be on the way to be resolved in this series. All in all,it is a great read, but some setbacks or an adversary capable of challenging Garth would make this a 5.
I love honor raconteur's books, the characters are fun to live with, there is action and adventure, the pacing is good, but there always was something bugging me about them, I could not figure out what was lacking in them compared to other books I liked better. I finally found my answer. They lack true danger. The main character is always so strong that the only real danger there is is that he is not everywhere at once. The books usually also lack a clear villain, which seem to be on the way to be resolved in this series. All in all,it is a great read, but some setbacks or an adversary capable of challenging Garth would make this a 5.
September 15, 2019
Enjoyable and addictive
I like the characters, humor and story, and look forward to the final book. Okay, that said, I have a minor quibble. I see the phrase "baited breath" in a lot of books recently, and it is WRONG. The phrase is actually "bated breath", derived from the word "abate", meaning to halt or slow down, and refers to holding one's breath. I know it's silly but errors like that bump me out of the story, and I enjoy these books so much that I don't want to be thrown out before I finish!
I like the characters, humor and story, and look forward to the final book. Okay, that said, I have a minor quibble. I see the phrase "baited breath" in a lot of books recently, and it is WRONG. The phrase is actually "bated breath", derived from the word "abate", meaning to halt or slow down, and refers to holding one's breath. I know it's silly but errors like that bump me out of the story, and I enjoy these books so much that I don't want to be thrown out before I finish!
September 28, 2021
The author needs a dictionary
I like the story and most of the characters, but the author doesn't seem to have a very good grasp on english vocabulary and grammars.
Especially annoying is that some of the vocabulary mistakes are the same mistakes she made in the previous book.
Like how she keeps writing "broach" (which is NOT a piece of jewelry or even a noun!) when she is obviously TRYING to write "brooch".
The author needs a better proof reader, or some beta readers who have a good understanding of english vocabulary and grammars, because the she doesn't appear to have it!
I like the story and most of the characters, but the author doesn't seem to have a very good grasp on english vocabulary and grammars.
Especially annoying is that some of the vocabulary mistakes are the same mistakes she made in the previous book.
Like how she keeps writing "broach" (which is NOT a piece of jewelry or even a noun!) when she is obviously TRYING to write "brooch".
The author needs a better proof reader, or some beta readers who have a good understanding of english vocabulary and grammars, because the she doesn't appear to have it!
October 28, 2021
This series continues to captivate me. Garth has such empathy for others that he takes on guilt whenever something goes awry. He is so intelligent that he is able to quickly solve a solution or at least a way to slow things down so that a solution can be created. The idea of traveling underground at will sounds like a marvelous thing to accomplish and it is used a lot in this book. The author has created this and other ways to keep the story moving but keeps things possible in this realm of magic. Ready for book #4!
February 14, 2024
The adventure continues!
So many twists and turns in this book! It was awesome! I loved the blooming relationships between all of the characters. The fire of suspense and intensity of the situation was well stoked.
There were some great nuggets of wisdom and I love how those wove into the story and brought depth to the characters and situations.
Can't wait to see how it all resolves 🥳
👄Nothing besides flirting
⚠️More fantasy adventure and some fighting but minimal descriptions of wounds etc.
So many twists and turns in this book! It was awesome! I loved the blooming relationships between all of the characters. The fire of suspense and intensity of the situation was well stoked.
There were some great nuggets of wisdom and I love how those wove into the story and brought depth to the characters and situations.
Can't wait to see how it all resolves 🥳
👄Nothing besides flirting
⚠️More fantasy adventure and some fighting but minimal descriptions of wounds etc.
August 24, 2024
Exposition for the upcoming civil war
Still some minor editing hiccups in the line edit. Then at one point, Garth said there were only five mages on the continent, which only works if Garth isn’t counting mages who don’t have fully active powers yet. If you count his brothers, it’s seven. Aside from that though, the story is progressing fluidly. Tensions are heating up, so I expect a lot of action in the next book. This one feels like it was mostly just laying groundwork for the inevitable civil war.
Still some minor editing hiccups in the line edit. Then at one point, Garth said there were only five mages on the continent, which only works if Garth isn’t counting mages who don’t have fully active powers yet. If you count his brothers, it’s seven. Aside from that though, the story is progressing fluidly. Tensions are heating up, so I expect a lot of action in the next book. This one feels like it was mostly just laying groundwork for the inevitable civil war.
December 25, 2024
Oh! The Tension!
AdventMage3
Garth has more help and more influence, but he just wants to keep people safe. Not everyone is so inclined.
When saving a nascent mage, puts his whole team at risk, the guilt of not being there with them almost eats him up. But, he was there to save them, if he can only change his perspective.
Having access to kings isn’t all that you would think - everyone wants to use the big hammer. But getting out of this mess will take cunning, guile, power and allies; can Garth pull them all together in time?
What’s gonna happen??
AdventMage3
Garth has more help and more influence, but he just wants to keep people safe. Not everyone is so inclined.
When saving a nascent mage, puts his whole team at risk, the guilt of not being there with them almost eats him up. But, he was there to save them, if he can only change his perspective.
Having access to kings isn’t all that you would think - everyone wants to use the big hammer. But getting out of this mess will take cunning, guile, power and allies; can Garth pull them all together in time?
What’s gonna happen??
June 30, 2022
Good world building
Honor Raconteur has wonderful world building skills. I like the fact that the world and the types of magic use in each series is unique. However, she has a habit of fat shaming that is starting to grate on my nerves. It adds nothing to the story and is totally unnecessary to have a character who enjoys sweets and to constantly comment on their weight. Take that out and I enjoy her stories very much.
Honor Raconteur has wonderful world building skills. I like the fact that the world and the types of magic use in each series is unique. However, she has a habit of fat shaming that is starting to grate on my nerves. It adds nothing to the story and is totally unnecessary to have a character who enjoys sweets and to constantly comment on their weight. Take that out and I enjoy her stories very much.
March 17, 2019
Advent Mage 3; Still exciting and enjoyable.
Another book down and ready to see where the author is taking me. Truly an awesome gift she has given me. I can be there in her imagination and live in her dream world. Magus, witches, wizards, and Gardeners! Can't wait to see where this takes me. Thank you again for sharing with us.6
Another book down and ready to see where the author is taking me. Truly an awesome gift she has given me. I can be there in her imagination and live in her dream world. Magus, witches, wizards, and Gardeners! Can't wait to see where this takes me. Thank you again for sharing with us.6
February 2, 2021
Love it!
I really like this series . The story line is excellent. My only wish is that a better job of proof reading had happened. I am being very picky I know as there are not many mistakes in this book, but it is annoying to me when the wording is incorrect or misspelled.. I would recommend this book to anyone who just plain likes a good story.
I really like this series . The story line is excellent. My only wish is that a better job of proof reading had happened. I am being very picky I know as there are not many mistakes in this book, but it is annoying to me when the wording is incorrect or misspelled.. I would recommend this book to anyone who just plain likes a good story.
August 9, 2023
Wonderful.
Each new book is this series opens my eyes further to how well written it is and what a wonderful piece of epic fantasy should be like. The storyline sweeps the reader along and it they are not captivated by that, and frankly I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t be, then the well rounded characters will definitely hold their attention. Bring on book four.
Each new book is this series opens my eyes further to how well written it is and what a wonderful piece of epic fantasy should be like. The storyline sweeps the reader along and it they are not captivated by that, and frankly I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t be, then the well rounded characters will definitely hold their attention. Bring on book four.
September 28, 2018
Book 3
Book 3 had a few errors but was still fun to read. The characters and plot have grown and developed well within the series. I love the characters and the banter they share, even while dealing with problems and evil.
Book 3 had a few errors but was still fun to read. The characters and plot have grown and developed well within the series. I love the characters and the banter they share, even while dealing with problems and evil.
June 2, 2021
A truly enjoyable read
A truly enjoyable read. Like all the books in this series, Advent continues to develop the characters in ways that we find ourselves rooting for them in their triumphs and feeling lose at their failures.
A truly enjoyable read. Like all the books in this series, Advent continues to develop the characters in ways that we find ourselves rooting for them in their triumphs and feeling lose at their failures.
June 10, 2023
The secret is out
I enjoyed the adventures of the advent mage’s traveling group. A lot happened in this book that will resonate in the next few books. I’m enjoying all the peripheral characters and their interactions. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the adventures of the advent mage’s traveling group. A lot happened in this book that will resonate in the next few books. I’m enjoying all the peripheral characters and their interactions. I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 31, 2019
Another great read!!!
Really love the world, the characters, the story!!!! Can’t wait to read the next one!!! Her books are so refreshingly different!!
Really love the world, the characters, the story!!!! Can’t wait to read the next one!!! Her books are so refreshingly different!!
November 26, 2019
Aaaaaah my heart!! The ending my heart is melting, this didn't have too much fighting but by god the character development, best couple.
July 26, 2020
Another great book
Love this author and I love this series and I loved this book. So excited for the next in the series. Highly recommend
Love this author and I love this series and I loved this book. So excited for the next in the series. Highly recommend
January 9, 2021
Loved this third installment in Advent Mage series. Things are changing in the nation & for Garth. The twist at the end was wonderful & unexpected!!
February 3, 2021
Enjoyable
Clearly a middle-of-series book by the lack of character and concept intros. But great from a plot perspective - doesn't feel like lull between other books.
Clearly a middle-of-series book by the lack of character and concept intros. But great from a plot perspective - doesn't feel like lull between other books.
May 26, 2021
Good
I liked the story. I like how honorable Garth is, and reading about him threatening the queen was entertaining because it’s so unlike the real him.
I liked the story. I like how honorable Garth is, and reading about him threatening the queen was entertaining because it’s so unlike the real him.
October 24, 2021
have immediately downloaded the FOURTH book.
Love this. Love Garth and Chatta and Night and all of the crew. Cannot wait to see what happened to them all
Love this. Love Garth and Chatta and Night and all of the crew. Cannot wait to see what happened to them all
November 6, 2021
Excellent story. I was captivated right of the bat. I was smiling all the way through it, with the good humor and captivating characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews