Book Shelf: Charmcaster (Spellslinger #3) by Sebastien de Castell

The third book in the page-turning Spellslinger fantasy series.

'I was getting almost as good at running away from enemies as I was at making them in the first place. Turns out, I wasn't running nearly fast enough.'

Kellen has begun to master his spellslinging and the Argosi tricks for staying alive, and he and Reichis have found a career that suits them both: taking down mercenary mages who make people's lives miserable. But Ferius is concerned that Kellen is courting disaster . . .

Perfect for fans of The Dark Tower, Firefly, Guardians of the Galaxy, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Charmcaster is the spectacular third novel in Sebastien de Castell’s thrilling Spellslinger series and gives its predecessors a run for its money with its forward moving storyline, action and intelligent dialogue that is witty and humourful.

Seventeen year old spellslinger Kellen is still a wanted man. There’s a bounty on his head courtesy of his people the Jan'Tep mages and he’s in the midst of trying to stop dangerous magic that is infiltrating the minds of fellow magic users in order to insight war. Alongside his squirrel cat business partner Reichis and mentor Ferius, Kellen is also trying to master the way of the Argosi but as different forces continue to force Kellen and his friends into dangerous situations, Kellen is going to have to decide exactly how far he’s willing to go in order to protect those he cares about…..

What can I say other than I absolutely adore this series—I really do! The first two novels had my complete and utter attention and Charmcaster is no exception. The universe author Sebastien de Castell has created is so intriguing and beguiling and his world building is just incredible. The different groups and villages we are introduced to within this series are highly interesting and I’m enjoying learning about their different dynamics as Kellen and his friends journey to so many unique places.

Told through Kellen’s strong voice, Charmcaster is a highly entertaining story. Naturally I prefer female POV’s over their male counterparts, but in this instance Kellen couldn’t be a more perfect protagonist to follow. Sebastien de Castell’s writing is spot on as he brings Kellen’s story to life. The way in which he writes Kellen makes for some fabulous reading and Kellen continues to grow and develop, learning so much about himself and the world around him as he goes. There’s nothing I can fault Kellen on; he’s everything I could want and as de Castell includes some fantastic exchanges between Kellen and various characters within the story I'm in haven.

Sebastien de Castell has also done an incredible job when it comes to the supporting cast in this series. Every individual we have met within the series so far have been full of life and vitality, bringing something different to the story each time. Standing alongside Kellen throughout his journey are Feris and Reichis and boy do I love them both. Feris is such a wealth of knowledge and keeps both Kellen and you as the reader on your toes with her cryptic but meaningful words. The way in which she sees the world is entertaining and thought provoking. And Reichis? There is nothing and no-one out there in YA fiction (that I have come across anyway) like this butter biscuit, bath loving, eyeball devouring thief who also features an understated devotion to Kellen; even if he would deny it.

Charmcaster is a fast paced and exciting novel. Sebastien de Castell packs a lot into its pages with excitement and danger never far from the story. Book three makes it clear that de Castell isn’t slowing down and will continue to maintain the high standard he has implored since the first novel Spellslinger. As Charmcaster draws to a thrilling close, I cannot wait until the fourth novel releases so that I may once again join Kellen in his quest.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Hot Keys Books
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: May 17th 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: This series just keeps getting better and better and I CANNOT wait for more.