Rise of the Mages - (Age of Ire) by Scott Drakeford (Paperback)

About the Book

"A young warrior and his improbable band of allies face impossible odds as they seek to rescue his brother from the servants of the Fallen God.Emrael Ire is a student of war with lofty ambitions, despite being so poor his boots are more hole than leather. He and his talented younger brother Ban work hard to build themselves a better life at the Citadel, a school that specializes in both infusori Crafting and military arts. Their lives are upended when the power-hungry Lord Governor of the neighboring province invades the school with the help of a sinister sect of priests devoted to the newly awakened Fallen God of Glory. Many of the infusori Crafter students are captured--Including Ban. Though Emrael stands little chance against the Lord Governor and his armies, he's desperate to save his brother--even if that means accepting the help of allies with uncertain motives, or becoming a practitioner of a forbidden magic. There is nothing he won't sacrifice to save his brother, but what happens when the cost of success is not his to pay?" --

Book Synopsis

"This book commits almost every crime against heroic fantasy that I can imagine ... and I have not been able to put it down." --Glen Cook, bestselling author of The Black Company

A young warrior and his improbable band of allies face impossible odds as they seek to rescue his brother from the servants of the Fallen God.

Emrael Ire is a student of war with lofty ambitions, despite being so poor his boots are more hole than leather. He and his talented younger brother Ban work hard to build themselves a better life at the Citadel, a school that specializes in both infusori Crafting and military arts.

Their lives are upended when the power-hungry Lord Governor of the neighboring province invades the school with the help of a sinister sect of priests devoted to the newly awakened Fallen God of Glory. Many of the infusori Crafter students are captured--Including Ban.

Though Emrael stands little chance against the Lord Governor and his armies, he's desperate to save his brother--even if that means accepting the help of allies with uncertain motives, or becoming a practitioner of a forbidden magic. There is nothing he won't sacrifice to save his brother, but what happens when the cost of success is not his to pay?

Review Quotes

"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

"This book commits almost every crime against heroic fantasy that I can imagine ... and I have not been able to put it down." --Glen Cook, bestselling 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, New York Times bestselling author

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

SCOTT DRAKEFORD is the author of the Age of Ire series. He's also the cohost of the Hugo-nominated podcast Publishing Rodeo. Drakeford is a former mechanical engineer and tech person turned full-time trophy husband, father, and writer. He currently lives in the PNW with his badass wife, their tenacious children, and two dogs.