The Murder Blossom: An Ink Mage SideQuest (The Ink Mage SideQuest Trilogy #1)
Published August 28th 2019 by Wandering Robot Books, Kindle Edition 103 pages
This SideQuest is a 25,000 word novella.
Beware the poison of the Murder Blossom!
When a desperate wizard sends Templeton Kane on an important quest, he's obliged to team up with a formidable woman named Lill. Not only is Lill an imposing physical specimen -- as are many in her tribe from the Glacial Wastes -- but she's also an Ink Mage, a woman whose magical tattoos give her extraordinary abilities. As they chase an ancient artifact, moving from danger to danger, they discover that legends are not always what they're cracked up to be.
Occasional strong language, brief adult situations, and gritty sword-stabbing action. The Murder Blossom is a 25,000 word NOVELLA.
A word about SideQuests: Ink Mage SideQuests are meant to be shorter works set in the world of Ink Mage. Think of them as "in between meal snacks" while waiting for the books in the main series. While the SideQuests are meant to stand on their own, characters and situations might (or might not) appear in the main novels.
User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Fast, sparky adventureBuilding off the world in his Ink Mage trilogy, the author takes us on a fast-paced adventure with new protagonists Templeton and Lill to find a goddess-created Healing Stone. Templeton is a sparky minor noble's son taking odd jobs to make ends meet. His latest job is for Barack, a powerful wizard, who unexpectedly is poisoned by his own concoction and sets a geas on Templeton to retrieve the Healing Stone, with the help of Lill, an ink mage from the Glacial Wastes.
The Murder Blossom is a quick, breezy read for fans of the Ink Mage series. Written in the first person, this story hurtles to a satisfying ending and is a perfect read for a lazy weekend.
Rating: really liked it
Fantastic I stumbled upon the trilogy of the ink mages and am so glad I did. The trilogy goes on to a stand alone that was as satisfyingly adventurous as the trilogy. Now the novella trilogy is proving just as hard to put down. The imaginative writing, created world, and lore are well written and engaging. When the story slows down slightly, it is for context and enhances the story further. All the characters are well developed and intriguing. I am hopefully these series continues for a very long time. I can see where this could be a generational line for Gischler. These books are fantastic for those who are lovers of fantasy novels with a touch of mythology toed in to round out the storylines.
Rating: really liked it
LilI chose this rating as the story was entertaining.
I seem to think the author is settling for short stories now as opposed to the laughter one of the first triology. Never the less as I 've said entertaining.
The shadow sorceress (no 2 in this series) is somewhat missing the connection between this story and leaves you wanting more inbetween information. All I can hope is this happens in the third story yet to come!
The up the loose ends please Victor.
Rating: really liked it
EntertainmentIm a ink mage fan, I love the series so anything takes me back to world in IN ... If u haven't read the ink mage series u r lucky for u get to enjoy that journey for 1st time.
Rating: really liked it
Great readThe characters are fabulous and is great to check how the ink mage is doing. I just wished it was longer as I did not want the adventure to finish! Bring on number 2!
Rating: really liked it
Thoroughly enjoyed this side quest in the world of Helva. A fun, funny, and action-packed fantasy. One of my favorite fantasy worlds--and one I want to visit over and over.
Rating: really liked it
Sidequest 1I still find that this author is well worth reading and intend to read anything I can find written by him.
Radarman
Rating: really liked it
A fun quick read. I enjoy the world of the ink mage, and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes.
Rating: really liked it
enjoyable quick read. well written, even if it did feel rushed....i know it is a “novella” but still.
i picked the first book in the Ink Mage series on a whim, and really enjoyed the entire trilogy. when i saw there was a fourth book (“Warrior Prime;” completely new storyline) i was excited to read another adventure in the land of Helva and its surrounding lands. it was a little disappointing compared to the others, but was happy to see Gischler had written this novella.
i look forward to more stories and continued adventures!
Rating: really liked it
Same theme almost to previous book sThe characters are a!l familiar. The book seems rushed. Ending is very predictable. I don't think that you can re-use the same characters just with different names when you are such a good writer.
Rating: really liked it
FantasticI love the world the author has built and the magic system of magical tattoos. This was a side story, so it's not as long as the other books, but it was a really fun read.
If you like the ink mage novels, I highly recommend this sidequest!
Rating: really liked it
Great! Fun short story.
Rating: really liked it
A Good TaleRead this after the other books. It reminded me of Fafred and the Grey Mouser. Glad to see that Gischler procured proof readers for the later books! Still, a good read!
