Meddling Mages

The Last Lumenian Book 4

Fiction - Science Fiction
269 Pages
Reviewed on 12/26/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Meddling Mages is a work of fiction penned by author S.G. Blaise in the science fiction, fantasy adventure, and interpersonal drama subgenres, and is the fourth novel of The Last Lumenian series. It is intended for the young adult reading audience. The continuing saga unfolds as Glenna navigates the treacherous planet Raghild in her quest to rid herself of a deadly corruption. Forced to seek the help of mages, she confronts charlatans who hold the key to her salvation. As she embarks on this perilous journey, the story delves into the complexities of trust, corruption, and the unexpected entanglements of the heart. The narrative promises not just an adventure but a personal odyssey for Glenna as she confronts both external threats and the mage who has unwittingly found a place in her heart.

Author S.G. Blaise has put heart and soul into crafting a riveting sci-fi fantasy saga that offers an ideal balance of adventure, romance, and political intrigue. I was deeply impressed by the author’s effortless ability to craft a rich, immersive world, filled with atmospheric touches and inventive descriptions, but also a solid core logic of culture, lore, and politics that shapes the attitudes and emotions of the characters convincingly. This particular installment has a powerful self-contained story as Glenna faces many personal challenges and finds her inner strength. The pace of the overarching drama and tension builds into high-stakes action that’s well worth the wait. S.G. Blaise has succeeded in creating a narrative that evolves with each installment, offering readers not just a gripping story but a nuanced exploration of characters, relationships, and the consequences of destiny set against an incredibly vivid far-off world. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Meddling Mages and the series in general to fans of accomplished and exciting sci-fi fantasy blends.

Essien Asian

Glenna’s previous encounter with the Dark Lord of Destruction leaves her tainted and on the verge of becoming one of his minions but her good friend Ragnald has no intention of watching idly while he loses the woman he loves. He has been exiled by his fellow Mages for taking actions injurious to their cause but even that will not prevent him from returning to the world they claim as their home in a brazen attempt to right his past wrongdoings. Will Ragnald’s return to Raghild result in the cure he so desperately desires for Glenna or is it already too late for the young healer? Only time will tell in Meddling Mages by S.G. Blaise.

The fourth book in The Last Lumenian series by S.G. Blaise tells a heartwarming tale of love during a turbulent period. Blaise goes above and beyond to make the story's main characters easier for the reader to relate to. Glenna has a tense history with the Mages, as evidenced by her conversations about them, so the idea of having to go to them for assistance builds up the anticipation of a potentially explosive meeting. The world-building is enhanced by Blaise's descriptions of the planet's peculiar flora, fauna, and history. These combine to paint a picture of Raghild that is both intriguing and compelling to read. The most captivating aspect of this narrative is the development of a hesitant romantic ambiance between Ragnald and Glenna. Fans of the fantasy adventure genre will fall in love with S.G. Blaise's Meddling Mages thanks to the author's immersive storytelling technique.

Pikasho Deka

Meddling Mages by S.G. Blaise is a sci-fi/fantasy novel and the fourth installment of The Last Lumenian series. Plagued by the corruption of the Dark Lord of Destruction and haunted by the ghost of her deceased beloved Nic, Glenna, a healer, finds herself stuck in the bleak world of Raghild alongside the mage, Ragnald. But to remove Glenna's corruption, they must embark on a dangerous quest to the Academia of Mages. Angus the Wanderer, a man seeking vengeance, offers to guide them through the Forest of Loss and Darkness, where danger lurks around every corner. Meanwhile, the Venerator Mage is tracking Ragnald's every move and has his own plans. With the help of some unlikely allies, Glenna and Ragnald find their way into the Academia. But something far more sinister now awaits them.

This is the second book I've read in this series, and I loved every moment of it. Featuring imaginative worldbuilding with a healthy dose of fantasy, romance, mystery, and thrilling action, Meddling Mages offers plenty of delights to relish. S.G. Blaise paces the plot perfectly, utilizing the intricately crafted setting and the lore to weave an epic fantasy romance tale that leaves you wanting more. Both the main characters, Glenna and Ragnald, come from very different backgrounds and exhibit distinct personality traits, which causes friction and drama that is delicious to consume. Blaise excels in creating vivid imagery with the prose, especially during the descriptions of the forest and the battle scenes. The book also works perfectly well as a stand-alone. In conclusion, if you're a fan of epic fantasy or romance, you won't go wrong with Meddling Mages.

Stephanie Chapman

S.G. Blaise’s Meddling Mages is the fourth book in The Last Lumenian series. Ragnald has brought Glenna to his home world, Raghild. Glenna is a healer affected by corruption that will transform her into an evil Turned. Ragnald hopes to take Glenna to Academia to ask the elders to help rid her of corruption. Glenna refuses to avoid using her healing magic when she finds others in need. Five days later, Glenna returns from healing the innkeeper’s enslaved children. A wanderer, Angus, prevents the innkeeper from seeing Glenna. Meanwhile, the Venerator Mage has seen Glenna and Ragnald. He wants the artifact Glenna possesses. Plans go awry when Glenna heals a child and is captured, which leads her to the Prowler mage. Ragnald and Glenna flee the inn, and Angus leads them into the Forest of Darkness. Despite her efforts to push him away, Ragnald refuses to let go of his love for Glenna.

S.G. Blaise turns the corruption in Glenna into a tangible being who resembles a dead lover. Glenna is the only one who can see Corruption Nic, a negative voice who taunts her throughout her journey. Ragnald’s distrust of Angus causes a rift with Glenna. Her corrupted mind leads her to use Angus to make Ragnald jealous. Tension builds with the inner turmoil of Ragnald and Glenna, who are supposed to be enemies. Adding the Venerator’s intentions intensifies the suspense. The unpredictable twists kept me immersed in the vivid world on each page. The engaging dialogue and distinct personalities of every character make it easy to connect with them. I am eager to read the sequel since the ending was a shocking cliffhanger. Meddling Mages will appeal to fantasy readers who like stories of unrealized magical power and slow-burn romance.

Jaqueline Neves

Meddling Mages by S.G. Blaise is a thrilling sci-fi fantasy adventure that follows Glenna and Ragnald on the planet Raghild. Glenna's desperate quest to rid herself of a deadly corruption leads her to the despised mages, the only ones with the power to help her. As she navigates the treacherous terrain and faces the challenges posed by the enigmatic mages, Glenna discovers that the very mage she despises might hold the key to both her survival and the eradication of corruption. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the harsh and mysterious planet Raghild, creating a vivid and immersive setting that adds depth to the narrative. The tension builds as Glenna's journey becomes a race against time, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy to deliver an engaging and unpredictable plot.

S.G. Blaise demonstrates exceptional skills in crafting a compelling story. The plot is intricately woven, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns. The pacing is well-executed, maintaining a balance between moments of intense action and quieter, character-driven scenes. The characters are vibrant and multifaceted, particularly Glenna, whose internal struggles add emotional depth to the narrative. The author skillfully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of relationships. Blaise's adept handling of plot, pace, action, characters, and themes creates a book that is not only a gripping adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Meddling Mages is a must-read for fans of sci-fi fantasy who appreciate a well-crafted narrative with a perfect blend of excitement and depth.