Rise of the Mages

by Scott Drakeford

Overview

Scott Drakeford's epic fantasy debut, Rise of the Mages combines gripping, personal vengeance with compelling characters for an action packed first book in a trilogy.

Emrael Ire wants nothing more than to test to be a weapons master. His final exam will be a bloody insurrection, staged by corrupt nobles and priests, that enslaves his brother.

With the aid of his War Master tutor, herself an undercover mage, Emrael discovers his own latent and powerful talents.

To rescue his brother, Emrael must embrace not only his abilities as a warrior but also his place as last of the ancient Mage Kings—for the Fallen God has returned.

And he is hungry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250820150
Publisher:	Tor Publishing Group
Publication date:	02/08/2022
Series:	The Age of Ire , #1
Pages:	400
Sales rank:	541,524
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

SCOTT DRAKEFORD is a longtime lover of fantasy fiction. He had his first taste of ‘the good stuff’ in his younger years from his father. Later in life, Scott was tricked into becoming a “responsible adult”, getting a degree in engineering, and living the corporate life in the technology industry. He currently lives in the Boston area with his tech wizard of a wife, their tenacious daughter, and two dogs. Rise of the Mages is his first novel.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2021

Plural title aside, Drakford’s bracing epic fantasy debut and trilogy launch focuses on the rise of a singular challenger to an imprisoned and vengeful god. Emrael Ire, refugee son of an exiled general and a powerful healer, struggles to earn his Master of War title, while his brother, Ban, studies the art of Crafting, channeling infusori magic into artifacts. Then the ambitions of a governor to become king of the United Provinces and the escape of an imprisoned deity bring about a war that sweeps across continents. Triggered by this desperate situation, Emrael’s latent, unique ability to directly handle infusori makes itself known—and makes him a target for both the witchcraft-hating Watchers and the eerie Malithii priests who serve the Fallen God. Drakeford takes great care with the intricacies of sword fighting and castle storming, as well as Emrael’s conflicted feelings over his legacy as both his father’s heir and a mage. Less developed are his positive emotional bonds with companions and potential love interests, and without these connections, he comes across as angsty, awkward, and self-involved. Still, it’s an immersive world epic fantasy fans will be glad to return to. Agent: Matt Bialer, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Drakeford crafts a complex geopolitical environment, and Emrael is a joy to follow and root for.”—Booklist

“[This} superbly crafted and epic fantasy saga is the first volume in his new 'Age of Ire' series and will keep enthusiastic readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. ”—Midwest Book Review

“Rise of the Mages is a proper adventure, bursting with bloody action and exciting twists. Emrael is a fantastic lead, full of strength and loyalty, but also a hot-headed impulsiveness and a compelling inner darkness that I couldn’t get enough of.” —Brian Naslund, author of Blood of an Exile

“Compelling.” —Glen Cook, author of The Black Company

“Rise of Mages opens a door into a character-driven world of distinctive magic, rousing adventure, and corruption of the first order. Fantasy lovers will experience the full range of curiosity, anger, delight, frustration, joy, and satisfaction.” —Kel Kade

“This is old-school and new-school epic fantasy rolled into one. Drakeford has built a superbly crafted world infused with a myriad of well-rounded characters and plenty of action, magic, and mystery. Rise of the Mages is a fast-paced adventure that will satisfy any fantasy fan young or old.” —Brian Lee Durfee, author of The Forgetting Moon

“An immersive world epic fantasy fans will be glad to return to.” —Publishers Weekly

“Drakeford has certainly laid the groundwork for a truly captivating epic fantasy series.”—Out of This World SFF

From the Publisher