It is stunning to me that this book series isn't picking up more traction than it has. Hands down my favorite in terms of character development and relatability.
I discovered the series because of John Lee. Every time a new book is released I listen to the whole series over. It's really something special, and John is perfect for it
I'm a huge fan of Spellmonger and John Lee's narrations. I've "read" Spellmonger series over and over and can't wait for the Wizards of Sevendor to come out this month!
I've listened to the series twice. The first time I went through just the basic 10 books, the second time I included the cadet series and read the short stories - all in chronological order. Doing so filled in some nuance and clarified some of the story line that I had missed the first time through. I liked hearing how the name "Minalan" came about. I think it is perfection. Unassuming and a little self deprecating - it fits the character perfectly. I was interested in Terry's discussion of the story arc and how an author could lose a reader/listener. The series I was reading prior to the Spellmonger series was "Seven Isles". In that series I was up to book 3 or 4 when the main character seemed to have "the rug pulled out from under him". I felt like all the progress that had carried my interest forward was suddenly "back to square one". At that point I had seen the intriguing cover art for Spellmonger book 1 and when I read the line: "I woke with a hangover to the unpleasant and unwelcome sound of the village bell." - I was hooked. My compliments to both Finty Williams and John Lee. John's switching voices between characters flows smooth as glass. I'm able to see the character action in my minds eye while driving, walking or doing chores. I think I'm up for a third run through to Arcanist. ..."You'd expect a bell to tinkle merrily..."
Finished a 3rd run through with Anarchist. I'm struggling with, and about to abandon another series that just doesn't measure up to the Spellmonger series.
@@tsarmischievous I always buy the electronic book first and add in the audio - at about $15 bucks. It is cheaper than buying the audio alone. That said, reading requires concentration, and you will miss fewer story points but with the audible you can run through it again and again while doing thoughtless tasks like cooking or cleaning - and pickup things missed while not paying attention. Now, this is a little embarrassing, but I'm actually on my 5th run through. I read about 5% of the time and work inside or outside with the Audible app on my Pixel 3XL phone in my pocket. So, for me, working on something or getting distracted - I miss things and so I always find something new when I "play it again". So, well, ya, I think it is worth it. I'm frequently amazed that Terry is such a master of the story arc. I'm on book 2 and some of the characters from book 11 and 12 are just getting introduced - and now it is just making more sense. Good luck.
Hands down my all time favorite fantasy series. I've listened to it all the way through dozens of times. The characters feel like old friends that I look forward to spending time with.
I thought nothing could top Necromancer. Then I read Arcanist. (spoilers below) That scene when Minalan freaking lost it and just annihilated half an army by himself, was outstandingly epic. Just utterly emotional and the best part is his friends looking at him afterwards and wondering "what the f**k" Minalan."
John Lee thankyou for you effort with these books you bring these books to life The spellmonger books are so enjoyable I've listened to them many times over and every time I do I find somthing that makes me pay more attention there is so much going on this series would be awesome as a TV show but at the same time I don't because they will ruin Terry's work Terry Mancour thankyou for a very enjoyable series
Minalin sounds like a solid commoners name which I think highlights his roots. And I think this has value. His rise to power is awe inspiring so it's a great thing to highlight.
speellmonger is the shit, my wife and i love the series. in fact it was the series that allowed me to get her into audiobooks. much love from nairobi kenya
My cousin and I are big readers, fantasy mainly, however, my cousin isn't a fan of series that goes beyond 10 books, usually, after 10 books, we see some authors have trouble tying everything in without rambling and stuff. The Spellmonger series doesn't do this, but maybe separate the series a bit more, have Minalan POVs as one long series and separate all other POVs as separate books/series. Could also separate into Arcs, e, g. War with the Gurvani, War against Nemovorti, etc. especially if the plan is to have the series stretch to 30ish novels. Side note, I would love to see a codex of some sort. While some might like the politics I really like the backstory/worldbuilding arc of the Vundel, Forsaken, Spaceship/Si-fi history details. Wink to the Lovecraftian elements.
Yo...Netflix...want to make a snowstone mountain worth of gold? This series has the potential to be something that can be successful in today's climate because the spellmonger brings all types and races together. Be patient...like Min...and reap the rewards. #teamCormoran
I wish John Lee read EVERYTHING. He assumes the characters are sophisticated unless the author expressly hints otherwise, which has never once felt "off" for me. I got ONE ASOIAF book where Brienne and Daenerys finally didn't sound mentally handicapped, and that's the one he did. For all of Roy Dotrice's talents, he botched those characters.
Its great to see John's face after 1000s of hours
It is stunning to me that this book series isn't picking up more traction than it has. Hands down my favorite in terms of character development and relatability.
I love it too
I discovered the series because of John Lee. Every time a new book is released I listen to the whole series over. It's really something special, and John is perfect for it
John Lee is a superstar!!!
I'm a huge fan of Spellmonger and John Lee's narrations. I've "read" Spellmonger series over and over and can't wait for the Wizards of Sevendor to come out this month!
I've listened to the series twice. The first time I went through just the basic 10 books, the second time I included the cadet series and read the short stories - all in chronological order. Doing so filled in some nuance and clarified some of the story line that I had missed the first time through. I liked hearing how the name "Minalan" came about. I think it is perfection. Unassuming and a little self deprecating - it fits the character perfectly.
I was interested in Terry's discussion of the story arc and how an author could lose a reader/listener. The series I was reading prior to the Spellmonger series was "Seven Isles". In that series I was up to book 3 or 4 when the main character seemed to have "the rug pulled out from under him". I felt like all the progress that had carried my interest forward was suddenly "back to square one". At that point I had seen the intriguing cover art for Spellmonger book 1 and when I read the line: "I woke with a hangover to the unpleasant and unwelcome sound of the village bell." - I was hooked.
My compliments to both Finty Williams and John Lee. John's switching voices between characters flows smooth as glass. I'm able to see the character action in my minds eye while driving, walking or doing chores.
I think I'm up for a third run through to Arcanist. ..."You'd expect a bell to tinkle merrily..."
Finished a 3rd run through with Anarchist. I'm struggling with, and about to abandon another series that just doesn't measure up to the Spellmonger series.
I’m listening to the entire series for a second time, and I’m debating buying and reading the books. Is it worth it?
@@tsarmischievous I always buy the electronic book first and add in the audio - at about $15 bucks. It is cheaper than buying the audio alone. That said, reading requires concentration, and you will miss fewer story points but with the audible you can run through it again and again while doing thoughtless tasks like cooking or cleaning - and pickup things missed while not paying attention. Now, this is a little embarrassing, but I'm actually on my 5th run through. I read about 5% of the time and work inside or outside with the Audible app on my Pixel 3XL phone in my pocket. So, for me, working on something or getting distracted - I miss things and so I always find something new when I "play it again". So, well, ya, I think it is worth it. I'm frequently amazed that Terry is such a master of the story arc. I'm on book 2 and some of the characters from book 11 and 12 are just getting introduced - and now it is just making more sense. Good luck.
I the only one thinking this would make an epic tv series?
That would be so awesome!!
They'd probably cast half the characters black, and the other half asian
30 books in the series....💪🏼get in!!!
Hands down my all time favorite fantasy series. I've listened to it all the way through dozens of times. The characters feel like old friends that I look forward to spending time with.
Great author and great narrator! Thanks Podium for bringing us this excellent series!
This series is so brilliant.
Btw I've absolutely bought books narrated by John Lee. Brilliant, he's the perfect voice for all the people.
I thought nothing could top Necromancer.
Then I read Arcanist. (spoilers below)
That scene when Minalan freaking lost it and just annihilated half an army by himself, was outstandingly epic. Just utterly emotional and the best part is his friends looking at him afterwards and wondering "what the f**k" Minalan."
Excellent writing and performance, keep'em coming!!!
Thank you, Terry, this series is the most fun I have had since DOS.
I love this series!!!! Terry explains feudal politics through John’s excellent voice
I’m 3 audiobooks in. I love them. I want to listen to all of them. Jon’s delivery of Mins verbiage is hilarious. It’s well written.
John Lee thankyou for you effort with these books you bring these books to life
The spellmonger books are so enjoyable I've listened to them many times over and every time I do I find somthing that makes me pay more attention there is so much going on this series would be awesome as a TV show but at the same time I don't because they will ruin Terry's work
Terry Mancour thankyou for a very enjoyable series
I like that Min's name is so simple. It's like Paul in Dune. Very simple, but the power comes from the person and their actions.
Minalin sounds like a solid commoners name which I think highlights his roots. And I think this has value. His rise to power is awe inspiring so it's a great thing to highlight.
I just finished book 16. Amazing and compelling series.
speellmonger is the shit, my wife and i love the series. in fact it was the series that allowed me to get her into audiobooks. much love from nairobi kenya
Thus Spake Zarathrustra... great listen
Absolutely best audo book(s) i've listened to....
I love that conflict is always resolved in a logical way, no ex machinas
I think Spellmonger has the best medieval politics in fantasy genre.
I concur. Last summer I read a history of Great Britain from Celtic through Industrial Revolution. Terry schooled me on feudalism.
My cousin and I are big readers, fantasy mainly, however, my cousin isn't a fan of series that goes beyond 10 books, usually, after 10 books, we see some authors have trouble tying everything in without rambling and stuff. The Spellmonger series doesn't do this, but maybe separate the series a bit more, have Minalan POVs as one long series and separate all other POVs as separate books/series. Could also separate into Arcs, e, g. War with the Gurvani, War against Nemovorti, etc. especially if the plan is to have the series stretch to 30ish novels.
Side note, I would love to see a codex of some sort. While some might like the politics I really like the backstory/worldbuilding arc of the Vundel, Forsaken, Spaceship/Si-fi history details. Wink to the Lovecraftian elements.
If John leebis narrating a fantasy book i am buying it.
Terry's writes a mean book lol love the spell monger series
Yo...Netflix...want to make a snowstone mountain worth of gold?
This series has the potential to be something that can be successful in today's climate because the spellmonger brings all types and races together.
Be patient...like Min...and reap the rewards.
#teamCormoran
30 Books? I hope Terry finishes them before he loses his hair.
I wish John Lee read EVERYTHING. He assumes the characters are sophisticated unless the author expressly hints otherwise, which has never once felt "off" for me. I got ONE ASOIAF book where Brienne and Daenerys finally didn't sound mentally handicapped, and that's the one he did. For all of Roy Dotrice's talents, he botched those characters.
And if you're in the US, check your library (Libby and Hoopla). There you can find lots of books narrated by John Lee