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A God – lost in his own creation.

Endowed with the power of the five mage-lines, the God-Emperor cuts his way through the Star Continent, destroying everything in his path in order to gather the last of the surviving mages.

At the other end of the world a great fire mage sits in a tavern drinking whisky. Having fought the Emperor once before and lost, Keira is home at last. Forsaking her powers, she wants nothing more to do with the troubles of the world. But when her friends decide to fight back against the Emperor, Keira must make a choice.

Should she take on a god to save the world?

Or drown her memories in whisky?

600 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2019

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About the author

Christopher Mitchell

44 books225 followers
For news and special offers you can join my mailing list through my website where you will receive a FREE copy of From the Ashes , a Magelands prequel novella.

About Me

I love deserts, which is too bad as I live in Scotland, but the mountains, glens and lochs more than make up for it. My other love is Greek Tragedy, especially Euripides, and I also read history, science, fantasy, and pretty much anything about the Beatles…

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5 stars
195 (63%)
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84 (27%)
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23 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Anna K. Scott.
Author 1 book4 followers
May 22, 2019
As this is the final book, I'll give some thoughts about the series as a whole. If you've reached this far, expect spoilers.

When starting out, I assumed I'd be reading something a bit more light-hearted. With every book, the series got darker and more graphic. Heads exploding, torture, and the sheer numbers of people killed... It felt like the world had descended into madness. Yet the odd thing about these characters is how likeable and sympathetic (most of) them are despite being mass murderers.

A running theme seemed to be, do the ends justify the means? Kalayne, determined to save the world, but viewing the thousands of lives lost as an unfortunate necessity. Kylon, willing to let a toddler be used as a weapon due to the visions of a dead man. Keira is reviled for her part in torching Akhanawara City, and yet I didn't hate her for it. It clearly affected her deeply, and her excuse - that she put them out their misery - felt reasonable. Aid would've been preferable to mercy killing, but let's face it, no one was going to be bringing them help.

To be honest, I like how conflicted the characters make me feel. I stop and think, am I really siding with someone who is a violent alcoholic and tried to sell her own friend for weed? No matter how low Keira sunk, I cheered for her to rise up once more. Agang too, I found I quite liked, even though he did awful things, like pawning off a 14 year old girl to his nephew. Shella is perhaps my favourite character (though between Daphne, Keira and Shella it's tough to choose). I loved her witty comebacks, her refusal to be a polite member of high society. Like many others, she has blood on her hands, yet she constantly strives for the sake of her people. In this series, I learned that almost no-one was beyond redemption. Maybe there is hope for humanity.

Daphne is an all-around badass, and it was interesting to see how she juggled motherhood with her other duties. Mothers are often judged and criticised, especially as they're expected to put their children above all else. Daphne is no exception. She doesn't fit the mould of a 'good mother' and others judge her for it. All she wishes is to be happy and safe with her family, but as one of the strongest mages in the world, she knows she is needed elsewhere.

I was never a huge fan of how Daphne's relationship with Killop began. It seemed odd to have such strong feelings for someone they'd only met once. I didn't dislike them as a pairing, but it was hard to suspend disbelief at times. Still, this wasn't meant to be a romance story and a slow build up to falling in love likely wouldn't have worked with the pacing and plot.

The author is really good at creating infuriating characters. I could feel the same rage every time Douanna was on the page. Lilyann, while understandable, was a real pain in the ass - though I felt sorry for how things ended up. Draewyn too, her little barbed comments. And speaking of barbed comments, Daphne's mother is the queen of infuriating. I could feel Killop's and Daphne's pain every time they had to take 10 seconds to breathe and not rise to the bait. Great writing.

When Kalayne died in the last book, it was actually a bit of a shock to me. It was so... Sudden, and random, just like the deaths he'd told Thymo about. I guess I knew he'd die at some point, but I thought it would be in a slightly more dramatic, meaningful way. This way actually had more impact though.

Some things felt unresolved. If the Creator could create a whole universe then why couldn't he physically influence anything on it? I'd like to know how he was trapped in his creation, why he couldn't go home. If freeing him from the world would destroy it, why wouldn't killing him also destroy it? I'd like to know more about him/it. What, and who, was he really?

Bridget as Empress is great, though I was sad that Keira and Killop never reunited properly before she died. I wish she didn't have to die, but I couldn't really imagine her being able to live happily after all the trauma.

One last thing: I'm sure those reading these books can draw many parallels with the real world. I felt like this was a rather apt message for current events: '"Our petty prejudices, our greed, and our pride. They have brought us to our knees."' Well said, Laodoc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
528 reviews
June 16, 2019
SETTING: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does the Creator permit suffering? Will good ever triumph over evil? This series takes a fresh approach to answering these questions: What if the Creator becomes insane? What might then happen?
The 5 “clans” of people populating the world, with their strengths and weaknesses, reflect the various cultures and their attempts at either domination, reconciliation, or withdrawal into their own private society. Wars begin, as they are wont to do, with one group striving for the resources of another (greed) and desire to dominate those they consider inferior. Unfortunately, their selfishness comes to the attention of the “Creator” who decides: Enough! I will have done with all of you! This pursuit of destruction of his creation leads to insanity on his part and the desire for his own death. How much of the world will he destroy? Will anyone be able to stop him and the madness of mankind in their selfish pursuits?
CRITIQUE: Heartbreaking overview of what mankind is doing to itself, in the form of a fantasy. Despite the war and the evil Creator, the thread of hope becomes a strong tapestry that tells a story of how unity CAN be formed and how evil CAN be vanquished. No, not all the good people survive, but enough do to put into action a plan for world peace to be established. Overly optimistic? Perhaps, but also hope inspiring that we CAN overcome prejudices, enmities, racial differences and work together to face the perils that face humankind today, that threaten our very existence.
Although an epic fantasy, this is one for thinking adults.

I was given a free copy of an early manuscript. The analysis is my own. I have no financial ties to either the publisher or the author.
Profile Image for Joan.
131 reviews35 followers
April 24, 2020
What an amazing ride! I finished this series in record time, I couldn’t put it down I had to know what would happen! Quite exciting and so difficult to predict what will happen next, loved the journey and how it all came together in the end...such a shame we were only given a small glimpse of the aftermath. Anyway, I’m looking forward to book 5, although I’m going to miss the characters from the current generation.
Profile Image for Shannon Patterson.
893 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2020
This was a great conclusion to the Magelands epic. The title “Sacrifice” really says it all. We follow around the central characters who are working on coming together, even if they don’t realize it.

Keira is dealing with the fallout and tries to push away anyone who wants to get close, mostly because she doesn’t want to endanger anyone.

The Holdings is in revolution trying to overturn the Empire and the Hold Fasts are the leaders in that. We get to see Kylon reunite with Killop and swear protection to Karalyn.

Meanwhile Ladoc and Agang leave on a quest to locate Shella to fulfill a part of the prophecy. They try an talk Keira into coming but she refuses.

The Emperor is leaving total destruction everywhere he goes.

I actually spent a great part of this book thinking we were missing a mage. I’d forgotten that Ladoc had small mage powers but once I was reminded I realized it was mentioned in past books.

Not wanting to give away any of the story and how things play out I will say I got really invested in this story. The conclusion was an emotional and satisfying journey. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,407 reviews50 followers
December 30, 2023
The creator is unstoppable, however he is still intent on capturing all the other mages from the five different races to acquire their different magical powers. Keira the fire mage has already come up once against the creator, and though she is usually the most powerful mage, and had wrought havoc on thousands of people, when facing the creator she had been defeated, so she just wanted to go back home and forget what she had been forced to do. But this was not to be her fate, as when she found out that Daphne, Killop and their very powerful baby daughter Karalyne were trying to put a stop to the crazy rampage the creator was on, she decided she had to confront him too. Meantime Shella, Agang and Loedoc, had also started to travel to the empire's city believing in a prophecy the prophet had made saying that Keira and Shella had to meet to bring the end of the creator about. This book brings us to an ending of sorts, it is brutal in the extreme, and at times it seemed as though all our characters were going to lose their lives, but what I was not expecting was the terrifying ending which came as a very sad surprise to me leaving me quite at a loss. I would dearly love to go on reading this very powerful epic fantasy series which is gripping the more one reads, and I desperately need to know the powers little Keralyne would be able to wield the older she grows.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,178 reviews68 followers
June 29, 2019
ONE WILD ADVENTURE!!!
Crap on toast! ONE non-stop, action packed, heart pounding, nailbiting, page flipping adventure that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. One spinning vortex with all the trials and tribulations that propels those swirling emotions bursting into play front and center. Perilous drama, adversity, intrigue, nerve racking danger and electrifying suspense take you on one thrilling adventure. Christopher totally nailed this bad boy 100% on point with one dynamic storyline and gripping plot bring this bad boy catapulting to life beautifully. Sparks fly as confusion, mayhem and chaos ensues in epic proportions. They're all trying to survive and live through this gruesome ride thats a hard track to follow. The characters are original, tangible and authentic with just enough flaws to make it more interesting. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balances out perfectly. The scenes are so detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you're right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Christopher, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,586 reviews63 followers
June 19, 2019
Ok, it’s the middle of the night and, while I may regrets the loss of sleep tomorrow, there’s no way I will regret the binge read that I just did oh the third and fourth books of Christopher Mitchell’s The Magelands Epic, Needs of the Empire and Sacrifice. No surprise since I enjoyed books 1 and 2 do much, but still, I wasn’t actually intending to binge. I just couldn’t stop. This is addictive stuff and totally fun to dive into. If you’ve not read the first two books I strongly recommend doing so first. Then be prepared to be absorbed by these volumes. Read the publisher’s blurbs ti find out what these stories are about. Each is totally a well-written blast. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
Profile Image for Anya Josephs.
Author 7 books133 followers
January 17, 2022
A laudable ending to an exceptionally good indie fantasy series. I don't want this to turn into a review of the whole series when it is meant to be a review of book 4, so i'll focus on a few key elemts I really noticed in this particular book.

Karalynn is that very rarest of fictional creations-- a believable child character who actually behaves like a child.

Mitchell's dialogue continued to improve throughout the series. By this book, most of the characters have developed really distinct, individual voices.

Mirren is an extremely interesting character, and I loved the way she was woven through the story. Likewise, the Creator was very compelling, and his confrontation with Laodoc really rather brilliantly done, both in terms of plotting and in writing.

I'll definitely check out more books in this world!
22 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
The creator of the Magelands(wearing the Emperor) is loose, rampaging through the lands killing thousands and gathering mages.
Keira, having faced the Emperor and died is reluctant to rejoin the fight, but with her friends eager to fight, she finds herself faced with a tough choice.
The prophecy told by Kalayne specified that Keira and Shella will meet, but with the two in no hurry to see each other, it falls to the cunning hands of their friends to try and ensure Kalayne's prophecy comes to pass if they hope to find a way to defeat the creator who has all the mage powers of the Magelands.
This book was simply fantastic. An exciting conclusion to the Magelands epic with enough twists to keep me on edge.
A definite read to all lovers of the fantasy genre.
May 21, 2020
Book four of the Magelands epic is everything you could have wished for. A continuation of great character development, plots that will keep you turning the pages and a climactic ending that will have you cheering and crying at the same time.

After the destructive ending of book three this one begins with our friends attempting to settle down with one side meeting the parents and the other at the bottom if a bottle. Tragedy unfolds and somehow all parties must be brought together, for better or worse to face a common enemy.

Pass me a smokestick and keep em coming Mr Mitchell.
591 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2022
Good story. Great series later in the progression.

In these early books, in the mage lands series, the profanity is base, common, and prolific. Later it remains prolific but is more imaginative, the glorification of smoking and heavy use of alcohol is stronger in the early tales, but remains a constant throughout. The world-building is fabulous from beginning to end. Solid characters and quality dialog with some variation from character to character is a plus. Read these early books to better understand the true gems that are yet to come.
Profile Image for BobA707.
731 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2023
Summary: Heavy going at times but interesting premise, massive scope of each nation and interesting characters within it it got better and better

Plotline: So many threads all independent and still maturing, but the plot is there and slowly comes to the fore.

Premise: God, the creator of the universe cares absolutely nothing for its creation and only seeks to be freed. Interesting, unique

Writing: Heavy at times, but excellent characters and descriptions

Ending: Needs thinking about.

Pace: Never a dull moment!
Profile Image for Carlynne Toomey.
460 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, especially the message of hope throughout the war. It cuts a little close to home with the depiction of what humanity is doing to itself, however it provides a working unity that allows us to hope the world peace can be possible. I definitely recommend it to fantasy fans.

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving my honest review. I have no financial ties to anyone involved with this novel.
2,415 reviews
June 17, 2019
This series has been great!! I find it hard to put down and have been hooked from the beginning. The author wrote a great story and characters. Christopher Mitchell is one of my favorite authors and is a wonderful writer. I highly recommend this series. (I received this book as an arc and am leaving a voluntary honest review)
Profile Image for Michelle L. Reeve.
132 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2019
Wow! What a heart stopping end to a great series! I didn’t want to put it down. It was nonstop action. The Emperor/creator gets crazier as the book goes on wanting to kill everyone. He just might succeed too! Killop and Daphne are just trying to take care of their daughter and each other but fate has other plans for them. I highly recommend this book! I received an ARC copy of this book.
682 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2019
This is a fantastic read. Also a fantastic addition to the series. This read grabs you and keeps you inthralled through the whole read. There is never a dull moment in this read. It had me on the edge of my seat. And is a real page turner. The Author has hit a home run on this series. If you love fantasy and fast paced action. With epic scenes this is definitely the read for you.
Shauna Joesten
Profile Image for Catherine Henderson.
183 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2023
Would have been a five star if Keira had stopped being annoying earlier! But seriously, a great finale to the story arc. It's so good to have an epic fantasy with so many decent female characters. And also characters that you are forced to feel ambivalent towards at all times. There's no simplistic good and evil. I'll def check out the next in the series.
Profile Image for Louise.
740 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2020
A satisfying end.

This has been a long old rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are full of life and very relatable. The panoramic feeling of the world is breathtaking. Really excellent world building and the story came to quite a satisfying conclusion.
166 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2020
Your Empress!!!

This to the author Christopher, you truly did a great job with these books. To see the list of so many of the great characters and get have the ending you did, all I can say is wow!!!
August 31, 2020
Great job

Great writing, truly enjoyed reading the series. Looking forward to reading more books from this author. Again great job on these books
Profile Image for Paul M.
98 reviews
January 11, 2021
Loved the story; loved the world!
Only slight critique would be that the dénouement could have been expanded upon; fleshing out more fully the motivation for the actions of the ‘baddie’!
Profile Image for Nicole Talbot.
141 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2021
Outstanding!

Another awesome Magelands book from this author. It was really hard to not binge read this. Action, adventure and everything in between!
511 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2023
As a series goes, this is as good as it gets. A great ending that closes this story line nicely. I am looking forward to the next four books.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,291 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2019
I loved this series. The characters were so compelling that I found myself daydreaming about them and the situations they were in when I wasn't actually reading the book(s)

This is a bit late as a warning but anyone who is offended by f-bombs probably shouldn't read these. They're pretty prolific throughout. Also, I think the amount of weed and liquor consumed would incapacitate an average person. Of course, these people aren't human so their metabolism must be different.

At the end of chapter 18, they carried an unconscious Chane from the battlefield. Daphne, Killop holding Karalyn, Celine and Kylon all mount horses. No mention of Chane. Just curious as to who carried her. I'm thinking Kylon since Killop held Karalyn. On the other hand, it would have been easier on a horse to carry two females, assuming they weighed less than the men.

Kylon, much as I despise his methods, does get a shoutout for saving the day. He took Kalayne's prophecy to heart and practically single-handedly ensured that the players were where they needed to be. I characterize him as a good guy you love to hate.

As sad as I am at the fates of some of the characters, it made the story not sickeningly saccharin. Realistically, the bad guys aren't the only ones who die.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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