Mage’s Blood (The Moontide Quartet) by David Hair

Jo Fletcher Books, 2012

ISBN-13:  978-1-62365-014-8

Available:  Hardback, Paperback, eBook(Kindle)

Every twelve years, the land bridge known as Leviathan Bridge is exposed by the extreme low tides of the ocean; the Moontides.  Originally built to facilitate trade between the two continents, the bridge has been turned into a tool of war; the Rondian Emperor of the continent Yuros has used it to invade the continent of Antiopia twice in the past.  The next Moontide is approaching, and the Emperor plans to conquer Antiopia once and for all.  This time will be different, though: the people of Antiopia are ready.  Vast armies are amassing on both sides of the bridge. Mage’s Blood focuses on a few key individuals who could change everything: Alaron Mercer, a failed mage forced to make his way in a world that is set against him; Ramita Ankesharan, a simple market girl who only wants to marry her life-long friend and fiance, Kazim Makani; and Elena Anborn, a jaded mage and mercenary caught up in the complexities of politics.  The Moontide has crested. The Third Crusade is set to begin.

Mage’s Blood is a high fantasy adventure that goes beyond the traditional medieval European trappings of the genre, integrating Middle Eastern influences that change tone of the story to something out of the ordinary. The plot was complex and well-paced, although I had some trouble following all of the twists and turns.  The descriptions were well done and set the stage for the action to emerge.  The action and fighting sequences were very detailed and painted a great picture of what was happening.  The characters were fun to read, as their voices were distinct, and it was easy to keep track of who was speaking.   All in all, a good read, and I will be reading the next installment in the series, Scarlet Tides.  I have not read this author’s work before. Recommended.

Contains:   Sexual Situations, Swearing

Reviewed By:  Aaron Fletcher