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The Spellmonger #12
Arcanist
A Belligerent Spring
Being the most powerful wizard in the world can be a challenge. After defending his fledgling realm against the undead lord Gaja Katar all winter long, Count Minalan of the Magelaw faces a new threat in the spring: the Nemovort Shakathet, favored of Korbal, leading the mighty hordes out of the Penumbra. This time Minalan faces a real strategist, who drives his armies with purpose and efficiency. This time, the road to war leads through Megelin Castle and the vulnerable lands to the south of Vanador. This time, old enemies become allies, and old friends become valuable assets. Just another month in the life of the Spellmonger.
War, however, is not what is preoccupying Minalan; the knowledge of the end of the world is. As he broods on existential issues and debates with various goddesses and Alka Alon about Calidore’s fate, he must overcome his own fears and anxieties and impose order on the situation before everything goes into the chamberpot. The solution? Hire an Arcanist, a specialist in the obscure and trivial, to organize and investigate the many matters Minalan has to manage and bring them to order.
A busy wizard needs good organization to get it all done, after all, so Minalan hires Heeth the Butler to dive into the details while he prepares to fight the darkness. That buys the Spellmonger time to hunt down spies, taunt the Count of Nion into invading the Magelaw, lend aid to the sister realm of the Wilderlaw, who face their own war against the darkness, indulge his wife’s desire for cheesemaking, make staffing decisions, ferret out a plot to betray him by one of his vassals, and occasionally lead a special forces squadron of high-powered warmagi into battle, which is convenient. He also gets help from a wisecracking bard with a talent for espionage, an ancient intelligence who is suddenly mobile, and an insistent cow goddess, but each new ally is fraught with problems of their own. An obsessive know-it-all with a rare talent for obscure trivia is the right man in the right job. Who knew that the Spellmonger just needed an . . . ARCANIST!
Being the most powerful wizard in the world can be a challenge. After defending his fledgling realm against the undead lord Gaja Katar all winter long, Count Minalan of the Magelaw faces a new threat in the spring: the Nemovort Shakathet, favored of Korbal, leading the mighty hordes out of the Penumbra. This time Minalan faces a real strategist, who drives his armies with purpose and efficiency. This time, the road to war leads through Megelin Castle and the vulnerable lands to the south of Vanador. This time, old enemies become allies, and old friends become valuable assets. Just another month in the life of the Spellmonger.
War, however, is not what is preoccupying Minalan; the knowledge of the end of the world is. As he broods on existential issues and debates with various goddesses and Alka Alon about Calidore’s fate, he must overcome his own fears and anxieties and impose order on the situation before everything goes into the chamberpot. The solution? Hire an Arcanist, a specialist in the obscure and trivial, to organize and investigate the many matters Minalan has to manage and bring them to order.
A busy wizard needs good organization to get it all done, after all, so Minalan hires Heeth the Butler to dive into the details while he prepares to fight the darkness. That buys the Spellmonger time to hunt down spies, taunt the Count of Nion into invading the Magelaw, lend aid to the sister realm of the Wilderlaw, who face their own war against the darkness, indulge his wife’s desire for cheesemaking, make staffing decisions, ferret out a plot to betray him by one of his vassals, and occasionally lead a special forces squadron of high-powered warmagi into battle, which is convenient. He also gets help from a wisecracking bard with a talent for espionage, an ancient intelligence who is suddenly mobile, and an insistent cow goddess, but each new ally is fraught with problems of their own. An obsessive know-it-all with a rare talent for obscure trivia is the right man in the right job. Who knew that the Spellmonger just needed an . . . ARCANIST!
643 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
341 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mancour
45 books1,138 followersTerry Mancour is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has written more than 30 books, under his own name and pseudonyms, including Star Trek: The Next Generation #20, Spartacus, the Spellmonger Series (more than 11 books and growing), among other works.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
He was born in Flint, Michigan in 1968 (according to his mother) and wisely relocated to North Carolina in 1978 where he embraced Southern culture and its dedication to compelling narratives and intriguing characterizations. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in Religious Studies.
Terry, his beautiful wife and three children live just outside of Durham, N.C. atop Red Mountain. He was nominated for the 2018 Audie Award for Best Fantasy for the audiobook for Spellmonger (narrated by John Lee), the first book in his Spellmonger Series.
He has plotted the Spellmonger Series for at least thirty books, in addition to his Spellmonger Cadet (young adult) series, stand-alone novels, short stories and novellas set within the Spellmonger Universe, all of which will be published by Podium as audiobooks. He is also the author of a series of sequels to Golden Age sci-fi master H. Beam Piper's novel, Space Viking, as well as original sci-fi novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 9, 2020
Add this to the list of spellmonger books to skip. Terry is a genius when he's on point, but has a long winded style that, when he has strayed from the actual story progression, tends to become mired in repetition and restating things, repetitively.
In this book, very little is accomplished of actual significance. If you haven't read the last 11.5 books, leave this and read them. If you have, you likely know much of what happens here.
This story might have been better if written from terlamin's pov, throwing it into the category of court wizard or knights magi, which I also don't rate as highly as some of the more active books, but at least I can see how people (who aren't me) might enjoy that kind of shift in perspective, which would have been apropos here, since terl is in charge through 90% of the book.
As it stands, we get little emotional investment, little strategy, little wiley wizard chicanery, and almost every other character takes on a purely supportive role while
In this book, very little is accomplished of actual significance. If you haven't read the last 11.5 books, leave this and read them. If you have, you likely know much of what happens here.
This story might have been better if written from terlamin's pov, throwing it into the category of court wizard or knights magi, which I also don't rate as highly as some of the more active books, but at least I can see how people (who aren't me) might enjoy that kind of shift in perspective, which would have been apropos here, since terl is in charge through 90% of the book.
As it stands, we get little emotional investment, little strategy, little wiley wizard chicanery, and almost every other character takes on a purely supportive role while
October 8, 2020
It was worth the wait
It looks like the author put a lot of work into this continuation of the Spellmonger saga. I throughly enjoyed this read, and couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. I just hope it won’t be as long a time span waiting for the next.
It looks like the author put a lot of work into this continuation of the Spellmonger saga. I throughly enjoyed this read, and couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. I just hope it won’t be as long a time span waiting for the next.
October 21, 2020
I like all the characters, but you need more active female kickass high mages.
The characters are wonderful. What dislike is more emphasis is given to the male characters. Particularly the male mages. It would be awesome if you introduced more female kickass high mages.
The characters are wonderful. What dislike is more emphasis is given to the male characters. Particularly the male mages. It would be awesome if you introduced more female kickass high mages.
November 30, 2024
The one where Caswallon the Fox delivers nearly all the best lines. 💪Such a great series. Every book could be a touch shorter, but only a touch.
October 16, 2020
It is so great to be back in the world of the Spellmonger. I was happy just to get to see Minalin and crew again.
So, what's happening now? Another war? No problem. Just another day in Vanador.
Tricking a Count to come onto your land and join your war? All in a days work.
I wish the Audible version would debut at the same time as the new book - that is my only complaint. Other than that - this was a great new chapter in the life of our favorite wizard. There was a good progression of the overarching story arc and the action kept the story moving from beginning to end. Even though there was ANOTHER war with those dreaded gurvani's, there were enough other things going on to make things interesting.
We got to see most of our favorite wizards and also got to meet a few new characters. I miss Sevendor, but Min is doing a wonderful job of building his great Magical Magocracy in his new land.
There was enough set up to keep us going for the next couple of books. I can't wait for #13.
So, what's happening now? Another war? No problem. Just another day in Vanador.
Tricking a Count to come onto your land and join your war? All in a days work.
I wish the Audible version would debut at the same time as the new book - that is my only complaint. Other than that - this was a great new chapter in the life of our favorite wizard. There was a good progression of the overarching story arc and the action kept the story moving from beginning to end. Even though there was ANOTHER war with those dreaded gurvani's, there were enough other things going on to make things interesting.
We got to see most of our favorite wizards and also got to meet a few new characters. I miss Sevendor, but Min is doing a wonderful job of building his great Magical Magocracy in his new land.
There was enough set up to keep us going for the next couple of books. I can't wait for #13.
January 10, 2021
After reading Arcanist, I have to say that the Spellmonger series is hands down my favourite. There hasn't been a book I haven't liked so far.
Arcanist shows just how much Minalan has matured and how his leadership has developed. He has gone from brute force and shock tactics to learning and implementing subtle yet devastatingly effective strategies. I very much appreciate the intelligence and cleverness of the planning throughout this book.
I don't post spoilers but I will say the twist with Bova had me genuinely laughing out loud and was a wonderful reminder that gifts can and do come from the most unexpected sources.
Bravo Terry Mancour, you have delivered another stunner!
Arcanist shows just how much Minalan has matured and how his leadership has developed. He has gone from brute force and shock tactics to learning and implementing subtle yet devastatingly effective strategies. I very much appreciate the intelligence and cleverness of the planning throughout this book.
I don't post spoilers but I will say the twist with Bova had me genuinely laughing out loud and was a wonderful reminder that gifts can and do come from the most unexpected sources.
Bravo Terry Mancour, you have delivered another stunner!
October 4, 2020
We get to ride along with Min on another set of adventures. He is witty and there are battles. This book seemed like a bit of a filler. There is a story ark wrap up of the ongoing battles with the undead. We get introduced to one new character (who I'm not sure we actually needed) and another background character gets a little character development. As far as the main characters go, there is very little in the way of development. The best part may be the cows.
February 26, 2022
General Overview
Another good entry into the series, Arcanist sets the stage for further adventures to come. It does however fall flat for myself in some areas.
Style
As always, and something I have burgeoningly grown to accept from the writing of Mr Mancour, is the repetition of story elements. Reminding and clarifying of parts of this story is needed to a degree in such a vast series. However, I do find it frustrating. It occurs far to often, and feels like book padding more then anything else.
Thankfully, the story has kept me gripped, but this must still be mentioned.
Story
Further invasions threaten the Marelore, and own the Spellmonger himself, with a wide collection of friends can hope to face down their latest deadly foe.
With a well weaved mix of narratives, Arcanist is a fine addition to the series. It sets up elements for future novels, whilst delivering dramatic events and scenes. I personally found the ending, to what was a very engaging conflict in the series was lacking. I mean, it is literally a case of 'deus ex machina'. It felt that the author wanted to close this part of the story off, but wasn't certain how to do it. It really soured what was a good entry into the series.
Final Thoughts
A series I love, for all of its foibles. It is by no means fantastic or great literature. It is good fun though.
Another good entry into the series, Arcanist sets the stage for further adventures to come. It does however fall flat for myself in some areas.
Style
As always, and something I have burgeoningly grown to accept from the writing of Mr Mancour, is the repetition of story elements. Reminding and clarifying of parts of this story is needed to a degree in such a vast series. However, I do find it frustrating. It occurs far to often, and feels like book padding more then anything else.
Thankfully, the story has kept me gripped, but this must still be mentioned.
Story
Further invasions threaten the Marelore, and own the Spellmonger himself, with a wide collection of friends can hope to face down their latest deadly foe.
With a well weaved mix of narratives, Arcanist is a fine addition to the series. It sets up elements for future novels, whilst delivering dramatic events and scenes. I personally found the ending, to what was a very engaging conflict in the series was lacking. I mean, it is literally a case of 'deus ex machina'. It felt that the author wanted to close this part of the story off, but wasn't certain how to do it. It really soured what was a good entry into the series.
Final Thoughts
A series I love, for all of its foibles. It is by no means fantastic or great literature. It is good fun though.
October 5, 2020
Excellent continuation to an excellent series
So the action scenes are not that great, but the overall arc and the world building is first class. This book continues the adventures of the Spellmonger and it does not disappoint for those of us who love this world. My singular regret is that the Arcanist was played up a little much in the blurb and even though the position is useful, it isn't essential to the arc of the book or the story. This book will make those who love this world happy and it does answer some questions that previous books raised while moving the story along nicely. Highly recommended if you are a fan of the Spellmonger.
So the action scenes are not that great, but the overall arc and the world building is first class. This book continues the adventures of the Spellmonger and it does not disappoint for those of us who love this world. My singular regret is that the Arcanist was played up a little much in the blurb and even though the position is useful, it isn't essential to the arc of the book or the story. This book will make those who love this world happy and it does answer some questions that previous books raised while moving the story along nicely. Highly recommended if you are a fan of the Spellmonger.
February 18, 2023
Another quality entry. At this point in the Spellmonger series, you know exactly - military high/epic fantasy with a lot of magic, science of magic, & empire building.
October 4, 2020
Much better
This easily surpasses book 11. A mostly straightforward narrative, with few skips in time makes for an easier read.
Also a much cleaner copy. There are still some typos and a few instances where words are missing that can easily be skipped by a more casual read, but there were no foolish, simple errors of continuity.
All in, this novel renewed my hope for the continuation of the series and my faith in the author. I was quite harsh in my review of book 11, but this is redemption.
This easily surpasses book 11. A mostly straightforward narrative, with few skips in time makes for an easier read.
Also a much cleaner copy. There are still some typos and a few instances where words are missing that can easily be skipped by a more casual read, but there were no foolish, simple errors of continuity.
All in, this novel renewed my hope for the continuation of the series and my faith in the author. I was quite harsh in my review of book 11, but this is redemption.
October 7, 2020
Enjoyed it!
I liked this. Terry is doing well balancing telling a story that has gotten so huge with the personal story of Min. Min's position has become more administrative as his responsibilities grow which changes the feeling of the story. We aren't always in the action because Min is responsible for so much more than just himself now.
We are definitely setup for some adventures from different perspectives as well as a fun adventure with Min in a smaller setting with an interesting equalizer.
As usual, looking forward to the next book.
Thanks!
I liked this. Terry is doing well balancing telling a story that has gotten so huge with the personal story of Min. Min's position has become more administrative as his responsibilities grow which changes the feeling of the story. We aren't always in the action because Min is responsible for so much more than just himself now.
We are definitely setup for some adventures from different perspectives as well as a fun adventure with Min in a smaller setting with an interesting equalizer.
As usual, looking forward to the next book.
Thanks!
January 11, 2021
Fantastic Excellence
Once again, as usual, Mancour gives us another Spellmonger installment that is creatively and deftly written. It covers a complex plot with a wonderful straightforward usually-first-person approach. It does this with not just the plot, but the characters, magic, and action scenes. I won’t spoil the plot, but if you’ve read the series thus far, then you need to read this book - it’s awesome. Also, I can’t wait for the next book, because I expect to get a very special history lesson - and many other things- from it. Extremely recommended (16+)
Once again, as usual, Mancour gives us another Spellmonger installment that is creatively and deftly written. It covers a complex plot with a wonderful straightforward usually-first-person approach. It does this with not just the plot, but the characters, magic, and action scenes. I won’t spoil the plot, but if you’ve read the series thus far, then you need to read this book - it’s awesome. Also, I can’t wait for the next book, because I expect to get a very special history lesson - and many other things- from it. Extremely recommended (16+)
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February 20, 2021I wish I could go
I have read them all. I thoroughly enjoy the language the author uses. The laughs are great.Caswallen cracks me up. In my heart and mind i adventure daily, and this epic story brings my mental adventures to life. Thank you for the clever and witty read. It is odd how fantasy often parallels reality. I, for one, refuse to relinquish my youthful imagination to time. Magic is real; as is the struggle between good and evil in all realities. This is an excellent series; every single book! JWM
I have read them all. I thoroughly enjoy the language the author uses. The laughs are great.Caswallen cracks me up. In my heart and mind i adventure daily, and this epic story brings my mental adventures to life. Thank you for the clever and witty read. It is odd how fantasy often parallels reality. I, for one, refuse to relinquish my youthful imagination to time. Magic is real; as is the struggle between good and evil in all realities. This is an excellent series; every single book! JWM
October 4, 2020
Another Great Installment
Arcanist is another great installment in the Spellmonger series. After defeating one army in the winter Min must get ready for a 2nd in the Spring, while juggling all the other threats to humanity, the Kingdom, his personal life. It’s time to hire a guy that can handle and digest the details. This world is absolutely beautiful and chalk full of lore legend and mysteries. I love this series.
Arcanist is another great installment in the Spellmonger series. After defeating one army in the winter Min must get ready for a 2nd in the Spring, while juggling all the other threats to humanity, the Kingdom, his personal life. It’s time to hire a guy that can handle and digest the details. This world is absolutely beautiful and chalk full of lore legend and mysteries. I love this series.
October 10, 2020
Actually, I feel this book is about 3 1/2. I didn't like the first part of it mainly because there were several overly long sections of background history which I felt were mainly filler and unnecessary. In the alternative, they could have been more succinct. I still enjoyed the book and really like the series. Whenever a new book comes out, I read it as soon as I finish the book I am reading at the time.
December 14, 2020
Mancour's writing is on par with Brandon Sanderson and WillWight
I highly recommend the entire Spellmonger series. The action and magic are very well-written and kept me breathless. But what really keeps me turning pages is the depth of political intrigue that pervades the whole series. I'm looking forward to hearing and reading, because I do both with every book, the future installments.
I highly recommend the entire Spellmonger series. The action and magic are very well-written and kept me breathless. But what really keeps me turning pages is the depth of political intrigue that pervades the whole series. I'm looking forward to hearing and reading, because I do both with every book, the future installments.
December 26, 2020
Mais um excelente livro para a série.
Preparar Vanador para mais uma batalha.
Gerenciar e garantir cooperação entre os aliados
Amigos fieis e personalidades carismáticos e encantadores.
Inimigos espertos e com estratégias desafiadoras.
Armadilhas para os inimigos.
Histórias lendárias com feitos de poder, coragem e bravura mesmo nas situações mais difíceis.
Descobrir que o mundo pode acabar de várias formas .
Começar medidas para evitar o fim!
Uau!! demais
Preparar Vanador para mais uma batalha.
Gerenciar e garantir cooperação entre os aliados
Amigos fieis e personalidades carismáticos e encantadores.
Inimigos espertos e com estratégias desafiadoras.
Armadilhas para os inimigos.
Histórias lendárias com feitos de poder, coragem e bravura mesmo nas situações mais difíceis.
Descobrir que o mundo pode acabar de várias formas .
Começar medidas para evitar o fim!
Uau!! demais
July 29, 2021
Terry does it again
The story carried the excellent balance between wit, excitement and story telling. Min is up against another huge army, consulting with gods, having a neighborly dispute with Alka Alon, rediscovering tekka, and making strides to stop the end of the world. What was the central theme? Min struggling to juggle all those priorities which is weirdly comforting in a world full of magic, mystery and mighty knights. Can’t wait for the next one!
The story carried the excellent balance between wit, excitement and story telling. Min is up against another huge army, consulting with gods, having a neighborly dispute with Alka Alon, rediscovering tekka, and making strides to stop the end of the world. What was the central theme? Min struggling to juggle all those priorities which is weirdly comforting in a world full of magic, mystery and mighty knights. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 13, 2022
This one is probably not a good example of Terry Mancour at his best, but it is still Terry Mancour. I will offer a "tsk-tsk" for the lack of editing -- the sheer volume of typos, double & triple word use, and clunky sentences in which the word, "had" features prominently is unusual for this author. Still, this series reads like a long, pleasant dream, and continues to succeed in capturing my imagination. Looking forward to the next one.
September 18, 2022
As the series as gone on, I've gotten to like it even more. He has toned down the sex a bunch, but still has crude language for the in-book curses. Difficulties and challenges continue to grow as Minalan's power does, so the challenges stay fresh. More of the backstory gets filled in, which only genders more questions as to what actually happened in the past and were it will go in the future. Will definitely continue reading!
October 4, 2020
A wonderful addition to the spellmonger series
Terry Mancour is a master at weaving a story together, and in such a way that allows the reader to experience the world of Calidore. And I loved the ride in this book! I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to kick back and lose themselves in a great world of adventure!!!
Terry Mancour is a master at weaving a story together, and in such a way that allows the reader to experience the world of Calidore. And I loved the ride in this book! I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to kick back and lose themselves in a great world of adventure!!!
October 11, 2020
Terry Mancour is one of my favorite authors. I have been following the Spellmonger for years. I gave a 4 because of the length of time between books. I tend to forget information. However, this is book 12! If it is made into a movie, please use Morton Downey Jr. It has magic, monsters, epic battles, and humor!!🤗
October 14, 2020
So much fun
This story could go on forever. Great characters, developed and growing, while we root for their success and wonder what will happen next. The story line of the “Gods” is great comic relief and I want to see more of them.
This is pure entertainment, great way to end the day with a bourbon and the Spellmonger.
This story could go on forever. Great characters, developed and growing, while we root for their success and wonder what will happen next. The story line of the “Gods” is great comic relief and I want to see more of them.
This is pure entertainment, great way to end the day with a bourbon and the Spellmonger.
November 9, 2020
Amazing
As always a great story set in an engaging world. Would like to start seeing an appendix of people and/or recap at the beginning its getting so detailed with so many characters. Also there's A chapter in there where things are mentioned out of order (Bova's cows are mentioned long before Nova)
As always a great story set in an engaging world. Would like to start seeing an appendix of people and/or recap at the beginning its getting so detailed with so many characters. Also there's A chapter in there where things are mentioned out of order (Bova's cows are mentioned long before Nova)
December 1, 2020
Good plot and story
Terry continues to build a wonderful world and mythos for all of us to learn. This one covers but one war, yet you get so much more than that. He is indeed a great story teller. He doesn't give too much, but dives in just enough to answer most of your questions.
Terry continues to build a wonderful world and mythos for all of us to learn. This one covers but one war, yet you get so much more than that. He is indeed a great story teller. He doesn't give too much, but dives in just enough to answer most of your questions.
December 12, 2020
I've read/listened to all the main series books and a few of it's side stories.
I live how well thought out the story is and how story and history is introduced I to them.
In this latest book we finally see how a ruze started two books ago is used and it's delightful.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone
I live how well thought out the story is and how story and history is introduced I to them.
In this latest book we finally see how a ruze started two books ago is used and it's delightful.
I would definitely recommend this series to anyone
December 22, 2020
Obviously not every book in a huge series is going to be great. This is that subpar book that satisfies all the things we have come to love about the Spellmonger series but leaves us wanting and feeling that we weren't given enough. I'll still give it 4.2 but I do so begrudgingly. I hope the whole story greatly advances in the next book. It seems like it should.
January 17, 2021
Back to the Magelands
If you're reading the twelfth book in a series, it's because you're enjoying the characters and world built by the author. New characters give some charm and wit, while the characters we've followed so far continue to shine. Fun, unique fantasy that keeps delivering the goods.
If you're reading the twelfth book in a series, it's because you're enjoying the characters and world built by the author. New characters give some charm and wit, while the characters we've followed so far continue to shine. Fun, unique fantasy that keeps delivering the goods.
October 5, 2020
Good as always
These are all really good, plenty of laughs, plenty of stuff going on to keep you engaged, plenty of unanswered questions to keep you interested in what happens next.
These are all really good, plenty of laughs, plenty of stuff going on to keep you engaged, plenty of unanswered questions to keep you interested in what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews