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The Arch Mage
The Arch Mage throws readers headfirst into a world where alliances between light and dark are fragile, the stakes are cosmic, and the characters carry both swords and scars. This third installment of The Ebon Knight Chronicles follows Kelso, the Ebon Knight, as he navigates political tension, ancient vendettas, and his personal mission to rescue Ava, the Dark Witch, from the clutches of her own twisted sister. The book moves between tense councils, brutal fights, and moments of raw emotion, all under the looming threat of “the Other,” a force bent on total annihilation. Author James Wood layers the story with intrigue, moral compromise, and supernatural spectacle, making it an intense continuation for fans of the series.
I found myself pulled in by the emotional core of Kelso’s quest. His determination to save Ava isn’t dressed up in noble sacrifice; it’s gritty, stubborn, and rooted in a deep bond that feels real. The interplay between factions, Furies, Ghouls, Knights, and Sorcerers crackles with personality and danger. Wood writes action in a way that feels immediate but never hollow, and his dialogue gives the characters teeth. The politics sometimes tangle so thickly that I had to slow down to keep track. The number of factions, titles, and power plays might be overwhelming for a casual reader, but for someone invested in the world, it’s a feast.
What impressed me most was how unflinching the book is about its darker moments. The villains aren’t cartoonishly evil, they’re intelligent, cunning, and terrifying in ways that feel disturbingly plausible. Jesslyn, in particular, is written with a level of menace that made me genuinely uneasy. At the same time, there’s room for humor and warmth, especially in Kelso’s interactions with his dog and his begrudging banter with his cursed sword, Argenta. Those moments keep the story from drowning in grimness and make the characters feel lived-in.
If you’ve followed The Ebon Knight Chronicles this far, The Arch Mage is a worthy and rewarding next step. It’s best suited for readers who like their fantasy sharp-edged, with layered characters and high-stakes conflicts that don’t pull punches. You’ll need to bring your full attention to keep pace, but if you do, you’ll find a story that is absolutely gripping. This isn’t a casual wander through a magic-filled land, it’s a march into war, and it’s well worth the journey.
Pages: 476 | ASIN : B0D32QKL7Z
Extraordinary Gifts With Real Consequences
The Dark Witch continues the saga of the Grim Knight and the Princess of the Dark, navigating a treacherous world brimming with foes from various factions. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you wrote the novel?
When I first started writing the Ebon Knight, the idea was to present the entire adventure in one book. Ha! I quickly found out that there was no chance of that, so the Dark Witch runs seamlessly off of the Ebon Knight because it was meant to be all in one book. The Arch Mage (the third book in the series) runs directly off my second book for the same reason. In hindsight, I’m glad that I did extend the story out to three different installments, because I was able to present a lot more characters and PoV’s. Turning my original idea into a trilogy has helped to make it more epic and exciting than it otherwise would have been.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters?
Is it modeled after any particular society? The backdrop is primarily the western United States, although later the action moves to Europe (in the third book). My characters are drawn from many different cultures, but the world presented is not necessarily our world. I do not get into politics, current events, etc. The book is meant to be an escape, so I didn’t want to mirror reality too closely.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
Good question. I think my magic system, and the hierarchies of powers I present between the two sides, are well-grounded and believable. All of the gifts my protagonists and antagonists have also have a downside, some more dramatic than others. For example, the Ebon Knight has an uber powerful sword, but if he draws it he will go berserk and kill EVERYBODY – friend and foe alike. The Dark Witch becomes extremely cold and dangerous if she accesses her most inner power, etc. No one has an unlimited supply of power, either, and they all weaken in battle. No one is immune to the downsides of their extraordinary gifts and there are real consequences for their use. I think that makes the characters more relatable and real.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The third book is called “The Arch Mage” and is scheduled to go to my editor on 3/16/24. I anticipate it being available for pre-order by 4/01/24 with a publication date of 06/01/24 to 07/01/24. This last book will be longer than either of the first two, and it is an absolutely excellent addition. I HATE loose ends, so there will be NONE when the trilogy concludes. Because it is the end (and because I want it to be a satisfying capstone to the series) it has taken me longer to write book 3 than book 1 & 2 together! It is worth the wait, though, and much of the action shifts to France and the catacombs beneath Paris. I think fans of my first two books will be absolutely floored. There is the possibility of a book 4 and 5 if the trilogy is ultimately well-received and successful, but if the adventure ends as planned no one is going to feel like I left them hanging. Either way, I’ll keep writing, so look me up in the horror section in 2024 if I do not end up writing more in the world of the Grim Knight and his Dark Princess. I have some VERY good ideas for both a collection of short stories and a stand alone book in the horror genre.
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Kelso Hart, the grim Knight of myth and legend, has been grievously wounded and is at death’s door. The youngest Princess of the Dark, Ava Pentran, risked it all to save him and will risk yet more to see him recover. Storm clouds gather around from all sides as the two outcasts regroup at a safe harbor, surrounded by friends and companions, old and new. Enemies from the Dark, the Light, and the Other are all on the march, and Ava’s shadowed half, the Dark Witch, may be the only force that can save them – but at what cost?
This second adventure takes place directly after the events of the first book with the same sly humor, heroic actions and unforgiving danger that are the hallmarks of this exciting series. With this installment, the world of the Ebon Knight expands and new mysteries in the Conflict are revealed with world shattering implications. Are you ready for more villains, more heroes, and more brutal battles where the “bad guys” might just have the upper hand? If that sounds like a good read to you then welcome back!
The Dark Witch
James Wood’s The Dark Witch, the second entry in The Ebon Knight Chronicles, continues the journey of Kelso Hart, the embattled Knight, and Ava Pentran, the youngest Princess of the Dark. This installment sees our protagonists navigating a treacherous world brimming with foes from various factions. The narrative picks up seamlessly from its predecessor, weaving an intricate plot that melds myth and folklore against an ominous, disaster-laden backdrop.
Wood’s adept storytelling is evident in his ability to balance humor, valiant exploits, and unyielding peril. This balance is enhanced by rich character development, particularly in the evolving dynamics between Ava and Kelso. The novel fits comfortably in the urban fantasy genre, offering readers a dark and captivating adventure. Wood’s craftsmanship shines in his realistic plot twists and portrayal of resilient characters, making The Dark Witch a compelling read that’s hard to put down.
The book is replete with action, heroism, and continuous danger, showcasing Wood’s narrative prowess. He skillfully infuses humor into the storyline, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience. The new and familiar characters are developed with care, fostering empathy and engagement. Urban fantasy fans will appreciate the underdog narrative, nuanced with romantic elements and an urban flair. As the story progresses, the plot gains momentum, introducing new characters and complexities. The presence of characters with hidden motives adds layers of mystery and excitement. Wood successfully continues to deliver an enthralling dark fantasy, expanding the narrative to include broader themes of conflict and morality.
The Dark Witch is an emotional rollercoaster, portraying a spectrum of feelings from despair to triumph. Wood’s vivid storytelling promises an immersive dark urban fantasy journey, leaving readers keenly awaiting the next chapter in The Ebon Knight Chronicles. This book is an excellent choice for readers looking to delve into a rich high fantasy series, promising more intriguing developments in future installments.
Pages: 369 | ASIN : B0CN4CHCQ1
The Greys of Life
The Ebon Knight follows two adversaries, an outcasted Knight, and a brutal Princess, who are brought together to battle a third power, a virus, who threatens everything they both know. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The initial meeting between the Knight of the Light and the Princess of the Dark was based on a reoccurring dream I had over a span of close to ten years. In that dream, I imagined two uniquely powerful individuals on opposite sides of a hidden and eternal conflict meeting by chance at a casino diner/cafe. What happened then? What was the fallout of such a seemingly random yet intriguing encounter? I decided to write about it to find out.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The inspiration is our world but with a hidden side to it. A battle wages within the shadows of that world, as the Dark and Light war with each other. When the two sides fight, their struggle throws the natural world out of balance, and so freak storms, earthquakes, floods, etc. result. In short, not all natural disasters are natural in the grim world of the Ebon Knight and his Dark Princess. The story has dragged me along with it, and as new characters have entered my pages, some of them have demanded their own stories, their own chapters, so that has been the most surprising changes to the Chronicles: It’s no longer JUST about my two protagonists, there are a whole host of other characters nearly as important. And, oh boy, my antagonist is NOT a joke either, read through some of my reviews and you can see she is mentioned several times. You will LOVE to HATE her!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
With this book and series, I was interested in the greys of life. Is anyone fully “good” or “evil?” Although there can be many instances where someone is darn close to either end, I was most interested in the vast landscapes in between. I wanted to explore Light vs Dark, Good vs Evil, and Order vs Chaos. Is the Princess evil? Or is she Justice? Is the Knight good? Or is he just stubborn with a death wish and no sense of preservation? As you read through the book, you get to decide these things for yourself…I can tell you that the Princess is probably my most popular character so far (according to readers). And what does that say, once we look at her as a whole? It’s fascinating for me to see the reactions to her, and I am very honored that just about every review mentions how they loved that facet of my book: the grey, the ambiguity, the balancing.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
My next novel is The Dark Witch which takes place directly after the events of book one and is going live on 12/22/23…so in a few days. After that, the trilogy wrap will be in Jan/Feb of 2024 with The Arch Mage. Along the way, I will be dropping short stories to fill out some of the interesting events/characters that shaped the series but wouldn’t make sense to actually write into the main books. One is already out and available on my website called The First Fury, and it is the story of how Kelso first came by the sword, as seen through Kiasa’s eyes. Kiasa was mentioned several times throughout the book; she is a legendary Fury within the Sisterhood and its most peerless fighter – until she disappeared one day. Her story and her connection to the Knight is told in that short. I have a second story coming as well, called The Lord Commander which is the background to Marcus Dain, High Lord Commander of the Paladins. I can’t give away why he deserves his own story, but it will become apparent to readers of my series by book two. These offerings will have covers, etc., and will be listed on Amazon, or for free if you sign up for my newsletter. I am hoping to write about a dozen over the next year.
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Two adversaries on opposite sides of the Eternal Conflict meet by chance and become allied against a new and sinister third power that has entered the fray. The withdrawn Knight of the Light is supposed to be good, and he really kind of is. The Princess of the Dark is supposed to be evil, and she really kind of isn’t. Can they meet in the middle?
Kelso Hart is outcasted from the Light and bearer of the fabled sword “Argenta”—a sentient monster in her own right. The latest in a long line of grim Knights of myth and legend that are cursed to carry the sword, whomsoever unsheathes Argenta becomes nigh unstoppable—and a completely unscrupulous killer.
Ava Pentran is the youngest Princess of the ruling house of the Dark, and harbors a secret known to none. Exiled and hunted by her parents, she lives still only due to her intimidating battle prowess and unique relationship to the Furies—a sect of fierce warrior women who are now her only friends, companions, and protectors. She is also a predator of predators, and her justice is brutal and always fatal.
In a world of magic and madness, Kelso and Ava must find a way to trust each other as they come to grips with a new and unknown complication in the Conflict—a virus that targets those on either side indiscriminately. Those infected are completely changed, their personalities overwritten into something malevolent and chaotic. Knight and Princess both are wounded and disillusioned with the war, but can their unlikely alliance save them? Can it save the world?
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The Ebon Knight is the first in a trilogy of books with elements of quirky humor, perilous adventure, and forbidden attraction during an extremely dangerous time. If you like plot surprises that aren’t ludicrous, villains you will love to hate, heroes with a few rough edges, and exciting battles where the “good guys” don’t always have the upper hand—then welcome!
Any fan of well-written dark/urban fantasy will feel right at home!
The Ebon Knight
The Ebon Knight by James Wood is a captivating foray into a world brimming with magic, chaos, and the unexpected alliances that emerge from the shadows of war. This novel weaves a tale around its two central characters, Kelso Hart and Ava Pentran. Kelso, an outcast Knight of the Light, and Ava, the youngest Princess of the Dark, form an unlikely alliance against a malevolent new force threatening their mystical realm. Wood’s narrative is both gripping and sophisticated, drawing readers in from the very first page and holding their attention through a journey filled with suspense and intrigue.
Kelso Hart, armed with the sentient sword Argenta, carries the burden of a cursed legacy, while Ava Pentran, exiled and pursued, wields her formidable battle prowess alongside a secret tied to the Furies. Their quest to combat a sinister virus transforming individuals into malevolent beings challenges the established dichotomy of Light and Dark, compelling readers to reevaluate their perceptions of heroism and villainy.
James Wood excels in both plot development and character exploration, presenting a story that is as action-packed as it is profound. The Ebon Knight masterfully explores themes of trust, survival, and the grey areas of morality, making it a standout in the urban fantasy genre. The novel’s backdrop is richly constructed, providing an immersive experience that enhances the narrative’s depth. Wood’s ability to blend elements of fantasy with heart-pounding suspense is remarkable, ensuring that this book is a thrilling read from start to finish. The novel strikes a fine balance between humor and darkness, featuring meticulously crafted battle scenes that resonate long after the book is closed. Wood’s exploration of the blurred lines between the forces of Light and Dark mirrors the complexities of our own world, adding a layer of relatability to the fantastical setting. His writing style is a fusion of dark undertones and sharp wit, creating a narrative that appeals to a broad range of readers, including those new to the urban fantasy genre.
The Ebon Knight is a stellar addition to the urban fantasy landscape. This book is recommended for genre enthusiasts and anyone who values a narrative woven with humor, darkness, and surprising turns. With this novel, James Wood has crafted an enthralling world and established himself as an author to watch for future masterpieces.
Pages: 423 | ASIN : B0CLS6VT6T
LITERARY TITAN 