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Shadow of a Dead God: An Epic Fantasy Mystery (Completed Series) (Mennik Thorn Book 1) Kindle Edition
Fans of Jim Butcher and Scott Lynch will love this snarky fantasy mystery.
It was only supposed to be one little job - a simple curse-breaking for Mennik Thorn to pay back a favour to his oldest friend. But then it all blew up in his face. Now he's been framed for a murder he didn't commit.
So how is a second-rate mage, broke, traumatized, and with a habit of annoying the wrong people, supposed to prove his innocence when everyone believes he's guilty?
Mennik has no choice if he wants to get out of this: he is going to have to throw himself into the corrupt world of the city's high mages, a world he fled years ago. Faced by supernatural beasts, the mage-killing Ash Guard, and a ruthless, unknown adversary, it's going to take every trick Mennik can summon just to keep him and his friend alive.
But a new, dark power is rising in Agatos, and all that stands in its way is one damaged mage...
Completed series.
Finalist in the Book Bloggers' Book of the Year Award (BBNYA) 2021
Shortlisted for the Booknest Fantasy Award Best Self-published Novel 2020
Reviews
"The start of something great." - Novel Notions“I loved every moment of this book. In terms of sheer entertainment value, its certainly one of the best I’ve read this year and it’s been a while since I’ve had such fun with a book.” - Rowena Andrews, Beneath a Thousand Skies
“Fast-paced, quick-witted, deftly plotted and as well-thought-out as it is well-written. Highly recommended, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.” – Juliet E. McKenna, Author of The Tales of Einarinn, The Aldabreshin Compass, and The Green Man’s Heir
“Shadow of a Dead God contains the snarky, disillusioned, diamond-in-the-rough, down-at-heels, determined and fiercely loyal mage-detective your TBR desperately needs!
“Recommended for readers of The Lies of Locke Lamora and anyone who loves fantasy mystery starring a delightfully reluctant, unlikely, foul-mouthed and golden-hearted hero.” – Katrina Middelburg, Read. Ruminate. Write.
“If you need a fun, entertaining read in these trying time, Shadow of a Dead God is highly recommended.” - Jamie Lee Moyer, Author of Brightfall
“Mennik Thorn is a wry, dry, washed-up mage whose talents, other than friendship, are modest to say the least. A dogged determination to live life on his own terms puts him at odds with almost everyone and everything. But he’s funny, and he’s good-hearted, and Samphire can plot a mystery that turns every page. Reading his story of detective derring-don’t is as satisfying as it is entertaining. A great start! I look forward to more.” - Justina Robson, Author of Natural History and the Quantum Gravity series.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMay 27, 2020
- File size4.7 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Shadow of a Dead God is fun ... we have a frantic plot centered around a murder mystery, a colourful world, and an engaging main character." - Fantasy Inn
"I recommend Shadow of a Dead God to those who enjoy their fantasy with a good dose of mystery, cool magic, and characters who are likable despite their flaws ... This is a great 1st book in a series as well and something that I really recommend!" - Queen's Book Asylum
"One of the best things about this book though, is the worldbuilding. Shadow of a Dead God has some wonderfully original concepts ... I had a great time with Shadow of a Dead God, and I can't wait to read more!" - Weatherwax Report
"Shadow of a Dead God has so much more going for it, including an excellent magic system, great characterisation and plenty of humour." - Booknest
"The writing was strong, the pacing and action kept me hooked, the central character is likable and I feel like I've found a series here that I would very much like to continue reading." - Lynn's Books
"SoaDG is a great first book for what I hope to be a long-running series. All of the pieces arethere for an immersive story about magic, power, and friendship." - Fantasy Book Critic
"Our judges were completely hooked by this page-turner of a mystery, set in a well-drawn world with fully fleshed characters. The characters especially won rave reviews ... a polished, well-balanced read, with plenty of humor to leaven the grisly murders, and all the tension and surprises one could wish for." - Fantasy Faction
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B0888RFP2C
- Publisher : Five Fathoms Press; 1st edition (May 27, 2020)
- Publication date : May 27, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 4.7 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 472 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : B0892HQSPS
- Best Sellers Rank: #458,125 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,583 in Humorous Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #2,191 in Humorous Fantasy (Books)
- #4,845 in Urban Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Patrick Samphire started writing when he was fourteen years old and thought it would be a good way of getting out of English lessons. It didn’t work, but he kept on writing anyway.
He has lived in Zambia, Guyana, Austria, and England. He has been charged at by a buffalo and, once, when he sat on a camel, he cried. He was only a kid. Don’t make this weird.
Patrick has worked as a teacher, an editor and publisher of physics journals, a marketing minion, a web designer, and a pen pusher (real job!). He has a PhD in theoretical physics, which is about as much use as you might expect. As well as writing, he works as a freelance editor and book cover designer.
He now lives in Wales, U.K. with his wife, the awesome writer Stephanie Burgis, their son and daughter, and their cat, Pebbles. Right now, in Wales, it is almost certainly raining.
Patrick has published about twenty short stories and novellas, two novels for children, and four novels for adults, the first of which was SHADOW OF A DEAD GOD.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the well-developed characters and their sense of humor. The writing style is described as great, tight, and fluid. Readers also praise the pacing as fast-paced and enjoyable.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the detailed and engaging fantasy story. They find the book entertaining, with an interesting magic system and a well-developed world. The characters are believable and the action flows smoothly. Overall, it's described as an enjoyable mystery with monsters and magic.
"...characters, a city so well-depicted it feels alive, and an interesting magic system, Shadow of a Dead God is lively and thoroughly enjoyable pursuit..." Read more
"...one of my favorite magic worlds--morbid, gory, and a frighteningly realistic representation of the corrupt balance of power between commerce, crime,..." Read more
"...So basically, it's good old mystery novel, but with magic. And ghosts. And a main character who really, really just cannot catch a break...." Read more
"...The urban setting makes the story easy to follow and focused. The coastal city of Agatos feels nicely sketched and has an interesting history...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They find it an entertaining read with nonstop action and a fun adventure. It's described as a quick fantasy mystery with monsters and magic. Readers say it's a good first novel for adults by the author and one of the best SPFBO books they've had the pleasure to read.
"...Shadow of a Dead God is such a fun read with a steady, flowing pace defined by a harmony between intense, bloody action and quiet..." Read more
"...Soapbox Note: I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "This was a good book... for a self-published novel."..." Read more
"...If you're looking for a fun fantasy adventure with mystery and humor, you'll definitely want to pick up Shadow of a Dead God." Read more
"...may have shortcomings, but it succeeds where many fail - it’s genuinely entertaining. I had great fun reading it." Read more
Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find Nik's character humorous and self-deprecating, with a sense of humor. The supporting characters are well-written, and the variety of colorful characters with witty banter is appreciated. Readers also like the underpowered hero trope and the tone and writing style of the story.
"...And oh how this tape is shredded to ribbons! With beautifully crafted characters, a city so well-depicted it feels alive, and an interesting magic..." Read more
"...Our hero's voice is so unique--quippy, clever, and self-deprecating...." Read more
"...The other characters are great, too. While the focus is definitely on Nik himself, we also get to meet some other very intriguing characters...." Read more
"...Nik is a great character - funny, self-deprecating (too much sometimes) and loyal...." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it self-deprecating, sarcastic, and irreverent. The book has a lighthearted tone with humorous commentary about each location. The protagonist is described as witty and endearing.
"...(oftentimes hilarious) introspection...." Read more
"...enjoyed the impeccable detail, diverse range, and comedic commentary of each location from Thousand Walls to Dumonoc's Bar, the University of throw-..." Read more
"...He's snarky and sarcastic and has a self-deprecating sense of humor that seeps through the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed following him from one..." Read more
"...Nik is a great character - funny, self-deprecating (too much sometimes) and loyal...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the story engaging and well-written, with a vivid setting and characters that are well-developed. The book has an interesting mix of mystery, humor, violence, and magic.
"...Save for a tiny bit towards the beginning, there isn't an overflow of unnecessary exposition, creating an absorbing experience...." Read more
"...thing that really stands out about this story is the tone and the writing style...." Read more
"...This book reads like a modern urban fantasy novel set in an epic high fantasy world, and it hits a number of my favourite tropes - our protagonist..." Read more
"...Nice writing that’s quite funny. You won’t be sorry." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find the action flowing smoothly, with nonstop action and finely executed interactions between characters. The slow-building world and engaging magic system make for an entertaining read.
"...-depicted it feels alive, and an interesting magic system, Shadow of a Dead God is lively and thoroughly enjoyable pursuit for the truth...." Read more
"...Happily, the pacing varies...." Read more
"...of the under-powered hero, which he totally is, and the slow unfurling of the world is a joy, and I loved the web of important relationships he..." Read more
"...Samphire is king of the delightfully irreverent. The pacing is great...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's loyalty and sense of humor. They also enjoy the web of important relationships he navigates.
"...Shadow of a Dead God is a highly entertaining and original tale of unconditional loyalty and the dangers of greed...." Read more
"...a great character - funny, self-deprecating (too much sometimes) and loyal...." Read more
"...and the slow unfurling of the world is a joy, and I loved the web of important relationships he moves through...." Read more
"...hero here, just a mage with limited talent, but containing an admirable loyalty to those he cares for...." Read more
Reviews with images

A highly entertaining and original tale of magic and mystery
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2020"You did it, Nik. You actually did it. No one was more surprised than me."
Shadow of a Dead God is a highly entertaining and original tale of unconditional loyalty and the dangers of greed. Author Patrick Samphire presents readers with his first foray into adult fantasy with this High Fantasy mystery laced with Noir flavors and just enough humor to keep it from teetering into the realm of the dark and gritty. What begins with a second-rate, freelance mage cramped in a pantry hunting for paltry ghosts transforms into a ghastly murder investigation hindered by an abundance of political red tape. And oh how this tape is shredded to ribbons! With beautifully crafted characters, a city so well-depicted it feels alive, and an interesting magic system, Shadow of a Dead God is lively and thoroughly enjoyable pursuit for the truth. I knew as soon as I read the blurb I'd love this book, and once I picked it up, it was just impossible for me to put down.
Where this novel truly shines is its excellent characterization. The narrator of this tale is Mennik Thorn, a snarky, self-deprecating mage living on the fringes of society. His blunt, matter-of-fact attitude and unwillingness to conform to what's expected of him brings a new level of genuine authenticity to the mix. I love a character who doesn't take themself too seriously, and Mennik always attempts to diffuse every dire situation he finds himself in with some awkward, misplaced humor. He's also a master storyteller, completely immersing you with his account of events and introducing other characters in amusing ways, all while rolling with the punches – quite literally. I was able to connect with him and become fully invested in his story within the first few pages, which made reading the rest such a pleasure.
In addition to our narrator, we're made acquainted with a perfectly constructed cast of supporting characters; each with their own unique voice and each with their own weaknesses, whether it be greed for money or power, lack of (or too much) ambition, or blind loyalty, and all playing a pivotal role. All of Mennik's misadventures stem from a promise made to his childhood buddy Benny, a carefree thief – we all have that friend we're willing to do anything for, regardless of the consequences that may tag along. Alongside Benny is his daughter, Sereh, a badass, psychopathic 11-year-old with a penchant for knives and blending in with the shadows. Mennik, wielder of the arcane, is terrified of this little girl, as he rightfully should be. Meroi Gale, captain of the dreaded mage-hunting Ash Guard, is stoic and dutiful, but doesn't necessarily like to play by the rules. There's definitely more than meets the eye there. Witnessing the finely executed interactions between these characters added such a beautiful depth to the story as a whole.
Before we dive into the world, I just wanted to quickly talk about the magic system, which I personally found to be one of the most interesting and unique ones I've encountered. All magic in this world is derived from the remains of dead gods. As they wither away to nothing more than a legend of the past, their powers are leeched by their surroundings, which in turn are leeched by mages. I even believe Mennik refers to mages as dung beetles, which seems a pretty accurate analogy. Even scholars (with no magical talent) continue to attempt to decipher the mysteries of theoretical magic, but some things are meant to remain hidden. In other words, “Yeah, this is how magic is created, but no one knows anything about it. Thanks for coming to my TED talk”. I very much appreciate when authors give a background into magic systems, but don't explain each and every detail, allowing the imagination to take flight.
The city of Agatos feels alive, and not just from the essence of dead gods permeating through the streets. Samphire does a wonderful job at vividly constructing the city one building block at a time, detailed in passing. Save for a tiny bit towards the beginning, there isn't an overflow of unnecessary exposition, creating an absorbing experience. Each district of the city has its own defining characteristics and specific breed of denizens. Crossing barriers–both district and social standing alike–causes all sorts of raised eyebrows. Want to head to the market but don't have two shields to rub together? You better make sure you head to Penitent's Ear if you don't want trouble. There are so many minute details hiding in every crevice, adding more to the already rich worldbuilding. By the time I finished the book, I could feel there was much more this world had to offer, and I can't wait to discover it all.
I don't usually talk about the plot in my reviews, but one aspect of Agatos I found to be the most appealing was the inclusion of three high mages that control every facet of society, which can all be wrapped up into politics, trade, and crime. While the games these three play are vicious, there's a balance, and disrupting that balance could be catastrophic. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Shadow of a Dead God is such a fun read with a steady, flowing pace defined by a harmony between intense, bloody action and quiet (oftentimes hilarious) introspection. I can't tell you how many times I snorted and/or laughed out loud at the ridiculous messes Mennik continuously found himself in. A mystery at its core, with layers of delicious tension and unrelenting wit weaved upon it, this story has everything I ever hope for in a riveting fantasy adventure. If you're on the hunt for an action-packed whodunnit mystery, and aren't afraid of a little bit o' dismemberment, then look no further, because Shadow of a Dead God is just the one you need. I'll be waiting with bated breath for book two, Nectar for the God.
5.0 out of 5 stars"You did it, Nik. You actually did it. No one was more surprised than me."A highly entertaining and original tale of magic and mystery
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2020
Shadow of a Dead God is a highly entertaining and original tale of unconditional loyalty and the dangers of greed. Author Patrick Samphire presents readers with his first foray into adult fantasy with this High Fantasy mystery laced with Noir flavors and just enough humor to keep it from teetering into the realm of the dark and gritty. What begins with a second-rate, freelance mage cramped in a pantry hunting for paltry ghosts transforms into a ghastly murder investigation hindered by an abundance of political red tape. And oh how this tape is shredded to ribbons! With beautifully crafted characters, a city so well-depicted it feels alive, and an interesting magic system, Shadow of a Dead God is lively and thoroughly enjoyable pursuit for the truth. I knew as soon as I read the blurb I'd love this book, and once I picked it up, it was just impossible for me to put down.
Where this novel truly shines is its excellent characterization. The narrator of this tale is Mennik Thorn, a snarky, self-deprecating mage living on the fringes of society. His blunt, matter-of-fact attitude and unwillingness to conform to what's expected of him brings a new level of genuine authenticity to the mix. I love a character who doesn't take themself too seriously, and Mennik always attempts to diffuse every dire situation he finds himself in with some awkward, misplaced humor. He's also a master storyteller, completely immersing you with his account of events and introducing other characters in amusing ways, all while rolling with the punches – quite literally. I was able to connect with him and become fully invested in his story within the first few pages, which made reading the rest such a pleasure.
In addition to our narrator, we're made acquainted with a perfectly constructed cast of supporting characters; each with their own unique voice and each with their own weaknesses, whether it be greed for money or power, lack of (or too much) ambition, or blind loyalty, and all playing a pivotal role. All of Mennik's misadventures stem from a promise made to his childhood buddy Benny, a carefree thief – we all have that friend we're willing to do anything for, regardless of the consequences that may tag along. Alongside Benny is his daughter, Sereh, a badass, psychopathic 11-year-old with a penchant for knives and blending in with the shadows. Mennik, wielder of the arcane, is terrified of this little girl, as he rightfully should be. Meroi Gale, captain of the dreaded mage-hunting Ash Guard, is stoic and dutiful, but doesn't necessarily like to play by the rules. There's definitely more than meets the eye there. Witnessing the finely executed interactions between these characters added such a beautiful depth to the story as a whole.
Before we dive into the world, I just wanted to quickly talk about the magic system, which I personally found to be one of the most interesting and unique ones I've encountered. All magic in this world is derived from the remains of dead gods. As they wither away to nothing more than a legend of the past, their powers are leeched by their surroundings, which in turn are leeched by mages. I even believe Mennik refers to mages as dung beetles, which seems a pretty accurate analogy. Even scholars (with no magical talent) continue to attempt to decipher the mysteries of theoretical magic, but some things are meant to remain hidden. In other words, “Yeah, this is how magic is created, but no one knows anything about it. Thanks for coming to my TED talk”. I very much appreciate when authors give a background into magic systems, but don't explain each and every detail, allowing the imagination to take flight.
The city of Agatos feels alive, and not just from the essence of dead gods permeating through the streets. Samphire does a wonderful job at vividly constructing the city one building block at a time, detailed in passing. Save for a tiny bit towards the beginning, there isn't an overflow of unnecessary exposition, creating an absorbing experience. Each district of the city has its own defining characteristics and specific breed of denizens. Crossing barriers–both district and social standing alike–causes all sorts of raised eyebrows. Want to head to the market but don't have two shields to rub together? You better make sure you head to Penitent's Ear if you don't want trouble. There are so many minute details hiding in every crevice, adding more to the already rich worldbuilding. By the time I finished the book, I could feel there was much more this world had to offer, and I can't wait to discover it all.
I don't usually talk about the plot in my reviews, but one aspect of Agatos I found to be the most appealing was the inclusion of three high mages that control every facet of society, which can all be wrapped up into politics, trade, and crime. While the games these three play are vicious, there's a balance, and disrupting that balance could be catastrophic. Wink wink, nudge nudge.
Shadow of a Dead God is such a fun read with a steady, flowing pace defined by a harmony between intense, bloody action and quiet (oftentimes hilarious) introspection. I can't tell you how many times I snorted and/or laughed out loud at the ridiculous messes Mennik continuously found himself in. A mystery at its core, with layers of delicious tension and unrelenting wit weaved upon it, this story has everything I ever hope for in a riveting fantasy adventure. If you're on the hunt for an action-packed whodunnit mystery, and aren't afraid of a little bit o' dismemberment, then look no further, because Shadow of a Dead God is just the one you need. I'll be waiting with bated breath for book two, Nectar for the God.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 20213.5/5 stars for a great genre-blend of detective noir and fantasy!
This is definitely one of my favorite magic worlds--morbid, gory, and a frighteningly realistic representation of the corrupt balance of power between commerce, crime, and politics. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the impeccable detail, diverse range, and comedic commentary of each location from Thousand Walls to Dumonoc's Bar, the University of throw-rocks-at-the-poor, Sunstone Palace, Mica's mansion, etc.
Our hero's voice is so unique--quippy, clever, and self-deprecating. But how many times can one character fail so spectacularly and continue to persevere? Give Nik a break... or at least a bath, poor man! Unfortunately, that was one 'promise' I felt the author failed to fulfill. Nik eventually gets the bath but not the self-respect.
He is craftier than the average mage. He does his best to survive a sh*t-storm of impossible circumstances. And while most mages concentrate on a volume-like intake of power, Nik is disciplined enough to perform more subtle uses of magic. So, why doesn't he use these strengths to his advantage? He's looked down on (or occasionally pitied) by *every* character (including himself) and in nearly every conflict situation, he survives by sheer dint of persistence. I waited the entire book for Nik to find enough self-respect to succeed on his own merit and instead, secondary characters solve the major conflicts for him. [Crosses Fingers] Here's hoping for some more self-esteem in the next book!
I also would have liked a better upfront explanation--at least a few more reasons--for the plot to unfold beyond a broship system of favors. Although, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Captain Gale. It was so refreshing to read a male MC without an insta-lust attraction to every female.
I will definitely be following this author and series!
Soapbox Note: I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "This was a good book... for a self-published novel." When will the world recognize the revolutionary benefits of post-2010 self-publishing? Authors now have the freedom to create without tying their art to a publisher's demands. This is a good book... period!
Top reviews from other countries
- Sonja BauernfeindReviewed in Sweden on March 22, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A witty protag, a finely crafted world, exciting magic, and a fast paced mystery hard to put down.
What’s inside: A witty detective who cannot catch a break, a finely crafted magic system anchored solidly in its own world, charming side characters (including a young girl who’ll carve out your kneecaps with a knife if you look at her wrong), and a fast-paced and clever mystery to solve.
Mennik Thorn can give Harry Dresden a run for his money; not only when it comes to collecting bruises in the name of rent, but also in how he’s hell-bent on doing the right thing. He has undeniable charm. He’s funny. He’s loyal. He’s actually pretty dang good at what he does, but there’s always something waiting to go wrong and challenge him.
Shadow of a Dead God excels not only in Mennik though (which it does, his character type is like catnip for me), but it boasts a lot of intriguing characters on top of that, along with fantastic world-building. Agatos is a carefully crafted fictional city in a setting that feels alive far beyond Mennik’s (Nik’s) story, and the magic system we’re given is just chef’s kiss. And I’m not just talking about the practical applications of it, but also its origin and the consequences it has on society at large. Plus, the Ash Guard? Yeah, they’re probably one of my favourite bits about the book, and I really really really hope I’ll see more of them in the second one (which I got waiting for me on my bookshelf right now). The practical applications of the magic are fantastic, too, and Patrick Samphire has a real knack for writing action sequences that aren’t only thrilling, but which also teach us a lot about the world.
I’ve had an amazing time reading this and can honestly say it always put up a fight when I had to put it down to get some sleep. Highly recommend!
Sonja BauernfeindA witty protag, a finely crafted world, exciting magic, and a fast paced mystery hard to put down.
Reviewed in Sweden on March 22, 2023
Mennik Thorn can give Harry Dresden a run for his money; not only when it comes to collecting bruises in the name of rent, but also in how he’s hell-bent on doing the right thing. He has undeniable charm. He’s funny. He’s loyal. He’s actually pretty dang good at what he does, but there’s always something waiting to go wrong and challenge him.
Shadow of a Dead God excels not only in Mennik though (which it does, his character type is like catnip for me), but it boasts a lot of intriguing characters on top of that, along with fantastic world-building. Agatos is a carefully crafted fictional city in a setting that feels alive far beyond Mennik’s (Nik’s) story, and the magic system we’re given is just chef’s kiss. And I’m not just talking about the practical applications of it, but also its origin and the consequences it has on society at large. Plus, the Ash Guard? Yeah, they’re probably one of my favourite bits about the book, and I really really really hope I’ll see more of them in the second one (which I got waiting for me on my bookshelf right now). The practical applications of the magic are fantastic, too, and Patrick Samphire has a real knack for writing action sequences that aren’t only thrilling, but which also teach us a lot about the world.
I’ve had an amazing time reading this and can honestly say it always put up a fight when I had to put it down to get some sleep. Highly recommend!
Images in this review
- Iasmina EdinaReviewed in Germany on February 28, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars What Dresden Files Book One Should Have Been
Can't count the number of times this book made me laugh out loud. Snarky main character, fast-paced, and way more magic than I would expect from an urban fantasy/mystery novel.
If you liked Dresden Files, read this.
If you didn't like Dresden Files, definitely read this.
- Ed CrockerReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy plus noir done well - very very well (spoiler free review)
I love epic fantasy which features great worldbuilding and well thought out magic systems and strange creatures and all the rest. I also love detective noir where the protagonist is witty and downtrodden but keeps going out of an innate sense of right that no one else seems to share, and eventually solves the murder through sheer force of will - and bruises. Well I'm happy to report that this book is all that and more.
Arguably the star of the show is the magic system; I don't want to say anything more because it's more fun if you go in blind but suffice to say, this is how magic systems are meant to be: original, carefully constructed, working in practice and fun. The origin of where magic comes from - along with how the police in the city deal with it- is also wonderful; applause-worthy wonderful, and really makes this novel stand out in the fantasy crowd I think.
The city building is also very well thought out. Main city Agatos is a place of rich people being dicks and the poor getting by with their wits, so not much new here in terms of fantasy, but it feels original because of the thought Samphire has put into all the different levels of the city. Each area feels original and well fleshed out, and I had no problem visualising this city of different levels, both in terms of terrain and class.
I loved the central protagonist; Mennick Thorn is a world-weary, witty second-class mage who you learn to really root for not jut because not just because every other character seems to want to beat him up but because his position is an intriguing one; although kind of a deadbeat he also possesses skills with magic that give him promise too; and his background suggests the potential for greater things. It's this dynamic of a talented loser (although his actual actions suggests he's much less of a loser than the more titled people around him) that puts the reader very much in his corner.
Not all of the characters are as well-fleshed out as him; I would have loved more interaction with his sister, his potential romantic interest and his mother, but this is the first part of a series and I expect we'll get a better feel for these characters soon enough.
Finally, it should be noted that the murder mystery element is well constructed and satisfyingly concluded; Samphire balances the investigative elements well with the bits where mages are shooting magic at each other or supernatural beasts are tearing into people.
Overall, I had a fun time all the way through, I strongly rooted for the main character, and I was bowled over by some of the worldbuilding - everything you want in a fantasy. I can't wait to see where this series takes us.
- Lord rascalReviewed in India on June 9, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Extremely fast paced. I loved the energy of the book. Nik was fabulous as the under powered mage. It was funny at times and more adrenaline fuelled than any other book I have read this year.
And now I guess I have to wait for the sequel. Gosh!
- Lazy DaiReviewed in Australia on September 9, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun
Mennik Thorn is a freelance mage of limited ability, earning a modest living performing low-rent magic like expelling ghosts. His comfortable life of relative anonymity ends abruptly when he agrees to help his friend Benny, a professional thief, on an ‘assignment’ and he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a string of gruesome murders apparently committed by a large, vicious supernatural entity. Now under the direct scrutiny not only of the City Watch and the feared Ash Guard but of the three High Mages who control the city, he finds himself in a race against time to save Benny from execution and discover who or what is behind the murders.
I enjoyed this enormously – it’s on the light side of grimdark and is full of snappy dialogue, novel characters, and twisted humour. While it’s a stand-alone book, there are other ‘adventures of Mennik Thorn’ and I’m currently reading the second (and I expect I’ll get the third too).