Series: Studies in Demonology
Volume: 1/3Publisher: DSP Publications
Genre/s: Urban Fantasy, M/M Romance
Length: 78 000 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✬
Angus Donohue's never wanted to be a warlock, but his fate is sealed when he accidentally manages to summon a demon. As a warlock, Angus should draw energy from them, until there's nothing left, which he thinks is wrong, although he can't talk about it openly. His situation becomes even more complicated when Saka, the demon he summoned, kidnaps him and takes him to Demonside. This event completely changes Angus's life. It turns out that the worlds of demons and people are slowly being destroyed, because the warlocks disturb the balance of magic, and this fact is hidden by multiple lies of the authorities.
Angus's never wanted to be a warlock, and now he must be a traitor.
Angus's never wanted to be a warlock, and now he must be a traitor.
"Warlock in Training" is the first volume of "Studies in Demonology" series, which takes the reader on a really unique journey through a truly fascinating universe, which enchants and fully draws us in from the very first pages. I think that talking about creation of the world of this series, we should concentrate on the fact that TJ Nichols describes it mostly in terms of magic, which distinguishes it from our reality. In other words, when we are in Humanside, the most important point of this world's creation is magic – how it works, how it affects the novel's reality, how it is used, how the magical society works. In this case, we hardly find the descriptions of the surroundings, particular places or buildings. In the end, we can imagine it based on the world we live in every day. The situation looks completely different when it comes to the demonic side of the universe, which is typically fantastic. Using the words, TJ Nichols "paints" it in such a perfect way that we can easily see every little thing in our imagination. In short, I really love the creation of "Studies in Demonology" universe.
I would also like to write a few words about the magic of this novel's world itself. First of all, it was perfectly and truly thoroughly presented, as the author paid particular attention to all kinds of details, complexities, old and new findings, lies and truth. I have the impression that by reading this novel the reader more or less learns the history and theory of magic of TJ Nichols's universe. "Warlock in Training" is like a novel and a compendium in one, because we gather our knowledge about magic all the time as the story presented here unfolds. To tell the truth, I'm really impressed by its detailed building in this novel. What's more, not only the way in which magic was presented but also the magic itself deserves recognition. What it is, how it works, what type of opportunities it gives, what creatures use it and how it is used, the consequences of using magic... Everything that concerns it is amazing, fascinating and perfect.
After the universe and magic, it's time to write something about the story told in "Warlock in Training". I think that it's really interesting, original and it unquestionably fits the world of this unique novel. As I've mentioned, it perfectly combines action and knowledge about magic, which allows us to get to know and better understand the world in which the story is set. Generally speaking, I like the plot very, very much. To be honest, the story reminds me of the YA paranormal romances, that I had been reading all the time just a few years ago – a young, talented hero has to face the system and save the world. In contrast to those "innocent" novels, this one is definitely meant for an older reader, what has its irresistible charm. What's more, the fact that, as far as magic is concerned, sex has great significance, makes "Warlock in Training" a much more distinctive and definitely more original book than those I had been reading when I was younger.
Finally, I would like to comment on the characters of this novel. I admit with a clear conscience that when I started reading "Warlock in Training" I really tried to approach Angus and Saka cautiously, "check" them before liking them, and just like Angus, who tried to fail one of his college classes, I failed miserably. To put it simply, I immediately fell in love with both main characters. They are undoubtedly interesting and fascinating, which makes following their story extremely pleasurable. What's more, in the case of Angus, I really like the fact that he is a character who thinks from the very beginning, asks questions, analyzes and questions some truths accepted by society. The fact that from the very beginning, Saka's physical attractiveness was more important to Angus than the demon's race, also has its unique charm. That's why I think that Angus's creation is a real deal.
In summary, "Warlock in Training" is a story about the fascinating, ubiquitous magic destroyed by lies and greed, set in a colorful, interesting world, which we see through the eyes of the lovable characters. This novel draws us in in the blink of an eye and keeps us in suspense until the very end. I simply love it!
Headcanon: Angus often wonders what he could do to make Saka look more like human so that they can go out on a date together.
Fanfiction idea: Every night, Angus has some erotic dreams about Saka, which is the reason why he is sleepy all the time and he doesn't think clearly, so sometimes he throws some perverted comments.
AU idea: Saka is a university teacher. There are rumors among students that the man is a playboy who sleeps with anyone who asks him. As Angus loses a bet, he has to ask Saka to sleep with him and check if the rumors are true.
Here's some more about:
Dreamspinner Press is running a special price offer on the series during the Blog Tour.
Book 1 will be $1.99 - Book 2 $2.99 - Book 3 $3.99
BOOK 1
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Buy Links
Book Title: Warlock in Training
Author: TJ Nichols
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Book 1 can be read as a standalone story
however
the stories need to be read in order.Dreamspinner Press is running a special price offer on the series during the Blog Tour.
Book 1 will be $1.99 - Book 2 $2.99 - Book 3 $3.99
BOOK 1
Blurb
Angus Donohue doesn’t want to be a warlock. He believes draining demons for magic is evil, but it’s a dangerous opinion to have—his father is a powerful and well-connected warlock, and Angus is expected to follow the family tradition.
His only way out is to fail the demon summoning class. Failure means expulsion from the Warlock College. Despite Angus’s best efforts to fumble the summoning, it works. Although not the way anyone expects.
Angus’s demon, Saka, is a powerful mage with his own need for a warlock.
Saka wants to use Angus in a ritual to rebalance the magic that is being stripped from Demonside by warlocks. If Angus survives his demon’s desires and the perils of Demonside, he’ll have to face the Warlock College and their demands.
Angus must choose: obey the College and forget about Demonside or trust Saka and try to fix the damage before it’s too late. Whatever he does, he is in the middle of a war he isn’t qualified to fight.
His only way out is to fail the demon summoning class. Failure means expulsion from the Warlock College. Despite Angus’s best efforts to fumble the summoning, it works. Although not the way anyone expects.
Angus’s demon, Saka, is a powerful mage with his own need for a warlock.
Saka wants to use Angus in a ritual to rebalance the magic that is being stripped from Demonside by warlocks. If Angus survives his demon’s desires and the perils of Demonside, he’ll have to face the Warlock College and their demands.
Angus must choose: obey the College and forget about Demonside or trust Saka and try to fix the damage before it’s too late. Whatever he does, he is in the middle of a war he isn’t qualified to fight.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
The blood sacrifices have brought rain to Demonside, but across the void, the Warlock College of Vinland is still storing and gathering magic, heedless of the warnings of the international magical community. The underground is full of warlocks who disagree with the college, but do they care about wizards and demons or only about snatching power?
With a foot in each world, Angus is no longer sure whom he can trust. The demons don’t trust humans, and even though he is learning more magic, he will never be one of them. He is human and only tolerated. Some demons would be happy to slit his throat. It’s only because his demon is powerful in his own right that Angus is alive.
Saka only has a year to prove that Angus’s people can change and that the magic taken will be rebalanced, but the demons want action. His affection for Angus is clouding his judgment and weakening his position in the tribe. Time is running out, and he must make a choice.
With a foot in each world, Angus is no longer sure whom he can trust. The demons don’t trust humans, and even though he is learning more magic, he will never be one of them. He is human and only tolerated. Some demons would be happy to slit his throat. It’s only because his demon is powerful in his own right that Angus is alive.
Saka only has a year to prove that Angus’s people can change and that the magic taken will be rebalanced, but the demons want action. His affection for Angus is clouding his judgment and weakening his position in the tribe. Time is running out, and he must make a choice.
Buy Links
Blurb
Sheets of ice are spreading across the human world, ushering in an ice age as the magic drained from Demonside turns that world into a desert. Angus and reluctant warlock Terrance have defected from Vinland to the Mayan Empire—a land of dark and potent magic. But the Mayans aren’t offering sanctuary for free.
Nor is the world willing to stand back as Vinland attacks, and the backlash will affect all magic users.
Mage Saka has no tribe. He is now just another refugee fleeing the dying Demonside. He knows the conflict brewing now will be worse than the first demon war. Countries are banding together—not just against Vinland, but against all magic. Where will the powerful Mayan Empire stand?
Angus might have the power to fight Vinland and the Warlock College, but the cost will be terrible. Saka is torn between helping Angus and stopping him. And Terrance would do anything for Angus, but he’s terrified of the man Angus is becoming, even as Saka is warming to the idea of a relationship between the three of them.
No matter what choice they make, victory will be bittersweet, and when the ash settles and the snow melts, nothing will be the same.
Nor is the world willing to stand back as Vinland attacks, and the backlash will affect all magic users.
Mage Saka has no tribe. He is now just another refugee fleeing the dying Demonside. He knows the conflict brewing now will be worse than the first demon war. Countries are banding together—not just against Vinland, but against all magic. Where will the powerful Mayan Empire stand?
Angus might have the power to fight Vinland and the Warlock College, but the cost will be terrible. Saka is torn between helping Angus and stopping him. And Terrance would do anything for Angus, but he’s terrified of the man Angus is becoming, even as Saka is warming to the idea of a relationship between the three of them.
No matter what choice they make, victory will be bittersweet, and when the ash settles and the snow melts, nothing will be the same.
Excerpt from Warlock in Training
IT WASN’T that Angus Donohue couldn’t summon a demon; it was that he didn’t want to. He didn’t even want to be here. A cool breeze brushed against his skin, and the trees around him rattled like a closet full of old bones. Maybe if he didn’t put enough will into the spell the whole thing would fall apart.
If he couldn’t summon a demon, he’d fail the class and get kicked out of the exclusive Warlock College his father had forced him to attend. While there was a certain prestige in being a warlock, it wasn’t what Angus wanted to do with his life. He certainly didn’t want a demon to draw magic from. He had to fail this class. His father would be horrified, but Angus would be free from all things magical.
“Widdershins, three times,” the lecturer commanded.
All the college students of Demonology 102 started walking anti-clockwise around the circles they had carefully constructed out of will. Angus suppressed the shiver. He wasn’t afraid of demons. Okay, maybe just a little. What if his demon was something truly monstrous?
Last semester they’d been learning about the different types of demons and the theory behind drawing magic from one. This semester was about putting that knowledge into practice. Those people with magic who didn’t draw on demons were called wizards and usually sold their services cheaply in the local paper. Angus didn’t want to be a practicing wizard either. Just because he had magic didn’t mean he needed to make a career out of it, and telling his father that hadn’t been a wise move. His father had spent three hours railing about why wizards were dangerous and should be banned from practicing magic.
So here he was, trying to summon a demon that he didn’t want, to give himself more of the magic that he didn’t want either. He let his circle weaken and his attention drift. He would not summon a demon.
He’d have rather been a vet.
Maybe studied medicine.
Although the rich, these days, saw specialist warlock healers who had demons. Though his father sneered at them too. He sneered at anything that didn’t increase his power and standing. That he was on the board of the East Vinland Warlock College did not make life IT WASN’T that Angus Donohue couldn’t summon a demon; it was that he didn’t want to. He didn’t even want to be here. A cool breeze brushed against his skin, and the trees around him rattled like a closet full of old bones. Maybe if he didn’t put enough will into the spell the whole thing would fall apart.
If he couldn’t summon a demon, he’d fail the class and get kicked out of the exclusive Warlock College his father had forced him to attend. While there was a certain prestige in being a warlock, it wasn’t what Angus wanted to do with his life. He certainly didn’t want a demon to draw magic from. He had to fail this class. His father would be horrified, but Angus would be free from all things magical.
“Widdershins, three times,” the lecturer commanded.
All the college students of Demonology 102 started walking anti-clockwise around the circles they had carefully constructed out of will. Angus suppressed the shiver. He wasn’t afraid of demons. Okay, maybe just a little. What if his demon was something truly monstrous?
About the Author
TJ Nichols is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Mytho series. Having grown up reading thrillers and fantasy novels, it’s no surprise that mixing danger and magic comes so easily. Writing urban fantasy allows TJ to make sure that evil gets vanquished and the hero gets his man.
With two cats acting as supervisors, TJ has gone from designing roads to building worlds and wouldn’t have it any other way. After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.
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