Dark Mind

Fall of Magic, Book 2

By: Val Neil

Narrated by: Thomas Judd, Reba Buhr

Magic is dying out, and the only people who can stop it are a psychopathic wizard and an autistic mage with crippling anxiety.

Nikolai and Medea must work together to discover why magic is declining. Their research takes them to America, where Medea struggles to navigate the Mundane world and teach Nikolai telepathy–a school of magic she despises and fears he’ll use against her.

No longer set on killing his master, Nikolai is intent on finding a way into Medea’s figurative pants. He’s certain it’s the key to winning her heart and learning immortality, but she seems oblivious to his advances.

Medea has sensed the decline of magic for years. Now that she has an apprentice who can help her discover the cause, she finds her own discomfort with an ever-changing society getting in the way. Nikolai thrives in the Mundane world, but she can't trust something this important to an apprentice who cuts corners.

When they stumble on a cluster of Magi in the unlikeliest of places, they must decide whether to postpone their quest, or let the group flounder.

Dark Mind is the second book in the Fall of Magic Series. Fans of The Poppy War and Vicious will enjoy this quirky dark fantasy set in the 1950s, when men were men, and everyone else got screwed.

Contains:

• Psychopathic protagonist who could be triggering to some.
• Autistic protagonist whose actions don’t always make sense to neurotypicals.
• Swearing, murder, violence, gore, and trauma.
• No sex scenes, but not for lack of Nikolai trying.
• Graphic depictions of what passed for mental healthcare in 1957.
• Racism, ableism, and homophobia.
• Now with more Medea!

©2022 Val Neil (P)2023 Val Neil

Overall loved it!

I randomly stumbled upon her first book and I am so happy I did! I am have really enjoyed how she writes her characters and the plot. Even though it’s character driven rather than world building the author still gives a rich universe to settle into. The characters are interesting and I can tell she puts a lot into how each is portrayed. Time period adds an interesting touch.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I really like that there’s a character who is so much more like me than I usually read. Understanding why a character makes certain decisions has lead to being able to better relate and get into the book.

Absolutely phenomenal sequel!!!!

It took a second to get into the arc of this story but once it started to settle in 1/3 rd into the story I could stop consuming it. Absolutely addicting and a fantastic follow up to book one! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!! Fantastic work to the author and the narrators for their amazing performance!