Nature Mage

The Nature Mage Series, Book 1

By: Duncan Pile

Narrated by: Harry Benjamin

An epic teenage fantasy with a gripping plot and believable, down to earth characters. Perfect for fans of teen fiction and fantasy fiction alike. In this, the first exciting installment of the Nature Mage series:

Gaspi is an ordinary boy, living in the mountain village of Aemon's Reach, but life, for Gaspi, is forever changed the day magic erupts in him. He discovers he has a powerful gift - he is a Nature Mage, able to control natural forces and creatures and bend them to his will. It is a rare gift, and no-one has been born with it in centuries, but Gaspi's powers also have a dark side, and without training they will kill him. He is forced to leave his home and travel to the distant city of Helioport, where the Archmages of the College of Collective Magicks will teach him how to use his powers.

Accompanied by his guardian and his best friends, Gaspi sets off on the long journey to Helioport. The journey is fraught with danger, and Gaspi and his friends discover that there are demonic creatures abroad, intent on finding and killing anyone with magical ability. As Gaspi begins his magical studies, a shadow hangs over him and over the city of magicians. Gaspi's story of a demonic attack is not an isolated incident. As these stories multiply, Hephistole, the Chancellor of the college, is growing increasingly certain that someone or something is directing the demonic forces, but who, and to what end? As things unfold, Gaspi finds himself in the middle of dark and terrible times, and can only hope that his powerful gift will develop in time to make a difference when the time comes.

©2012 Duncan Pile (P)2017 Duncan Pile

Great Book

This has been a great storyline from the beginning and I highly recommend reading. cannot wait for the next book on Audible.

Age Specific

As an adult who has also read many fantasy books, I can’t say that this was to my liking. The entire book feels precisely catered to a very specific age range like 12-16 year olds. Which is fine, but there are plenty of books out there that can appeal to a wider audience regardless of the MC’s general age. This one isn’t one of those unfortunately.

Spoilers

Even ignoring the obvious relatability elements (exams, bullies, girls, etc.), there is just something baffling to me about how a city’s defense heavily relies on 3 teenagers. One of them, the MC, singlehandedly prevents the city’s downfall by discovering demons are hurt by fire….. Really?……. Not the magic college who literally has demons in captivity for the express purposes of researching them?

Also I kind of wish the scope of what a nature mage can do would have been explained. I was of the opinion that the book was going to be about Druid craft, but based on what I read, a nature mage can do whatever they want with their magic. Manipulate ice? Sure! Call wild animals to help you? Well, it is nature! Use force magic? All mages do! Call down a gale force wind on your enemy? Why not! Ignite burning pitch with your mind? That makes sense! Enchant a staff because you feel like it under no direct supervision? Well you’re a nature mage, so of course!

There were also quite a few incongruous events that took place as well. The kind that could only be overlooked by a young audience.

So essentially:

This is the kind of book where if I read this as a teenager, I would have absolutely loved it, but then I’d decide to re read several years later an be like: Why did I ever think this was good?

Suffice it to say, if you’re a young teen, enjoy! Anybody else, move on.

MY FAVORITES

I love this fantasy adventure series and I'm so glad that the author had it published in audio book form. I've read all 4 books and listened to the first 2 in audiobooks. The excellent narration performance by Harry Benjamin brings it all to life. Anxiously awaiting the next 2 in audio format. 5 Star recommendation.

Pretty good

You won't waste a credit on this book, it's pretty good. I hope the next one is better.

Pretty basic story and character development.

Not memorable. Will kill some spare time without annoying you too much. Decent first book.