The Rogue Mage

Age of Oracles, Book 1

By: Ben Hale

Narrated by: Kate Reading

With all of magic at her command, Alydian is born to power. She and the other oracles serve the people, guiding kings and commoners with their ability to know the future. Yet despite Alydian's power she cannot foresee the coming betrayal, for a rogue mage lurks in their midst, and plots an alliance with the mighty guild of Verinai. Under the guise of benevolence the Verinai offer their magic to all, while their expanding reach is noticed by none.

Except the Soldier.

Branded a traitor, wanted for murder, the mysterious man is no ordinary bandit. For six years he has hidden behind a mask, hunting Verinai with his band of Defiant. But now his war is about to escalate, for he has targeted Alydian to send a message, that even an oracle can be killed. Beset by foes, Alydian will require more than magic to survive, for if she cannot change her future...she will fall to her fate.

©2017 Ben Hale (P)2017 Podium Publishing

Fun

Overall it's pretty fun especially if you like conjuration magic and stories of the people vs. the crown sorta thing. Nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking, but fun.

I think I struggled a bit with the narrator's performance at some points. It's not that she was bad, in fact she was great, but there were some moments that made me cringe. Not enough to say it made it hard to listen to overall, no where near that, but just moments here and there.

I really enjoyed the Augmented from Hale which is why I picked this up. I will give the second book a go.

loved it

As always Ben Hale has knocked out of the park. he had become my favorite writer.

An interesting tale

This is the first book in a series I learned about through an article online talking about fantasy series unnoticed by the world. We follow the main character as their perfect world is turned upside down and they learn the reality of the world she was born into. It’s a good story of how we see the world as how we want to see it before reality sets in. We’ve all been in Alydian shoes and we’ve all learned the lessons. If I had known about the three pack of books I would’ve bought it instead of three books. It's a good series and I bought two of the books, leaving the third one for the future. Enjoy the story as it seems like it will get even better as the series progresses. I wonder how it will end.

The awesome power of the Oracle.

This is a story about the powers of an Oracle. In the world that Ben Hale creates, there are many kinds of mages but the Oracles are all the different types of power put together. There are only a few alive while there are a very many mages around. Alydian is one of the youngest Oracles and is still learning how to use her powers when the rest of the Oracles go against her mother and herself.They want to basicly enslave the rest of the world and place themselves ruling all humanity. I enjoyed the way the Ben Hale explained how the magic works and how Alydian has so much power over others. I received this Audio book for free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an unbiased review. I really enjoyed listening to this audio book and intend to listen to the rest of the series. Thank!

A Fantastic Story

If you love stories of magic and characters over coming their personal barriers, then you'll be addicted to this story of high Oracles and their faults.

Late Reading never fails, and while nothing earth shattering, Ben Hale is FUN

We measure against Tolkien, Jordan, Donaldson, RR Martin, etc... and that’s not quite fair. Hale is unique — appealing with a story that moves at pace in a world I want to be in. I want to be an Oracle (wrong gender be damned...) and while the moral dilemma is obvious and the plot fairly predictable, damnit if it’s not just damn fun to listen to. I thought the same of the white mage trilogy, and didn’t hesitate for a second to drop a credit on this and the pre-order of the following. It’s simply enjoyable. It’s good to not have to spend just as much time as listening to unravel the quixotic prose and muddled motives. Every now and then I just want someone to root for and a plot ushered forward by a legendary narrator.

A thrilling, moving and energetic read

Loved it!

I have read and listened to this series a few times now and enjoy the escape it generates for me. There's something here for just about every heart to read and listen too.

Hooked

I was hooked immediately. It was action packed throughout, and of course, even the ending made me clamor for the next book. Fantastic!

Fantastical

As always, Ben Hale weaves a fascinating and compelling story. His books are epic! I can't stop listening or get enough. Well crafted and developed characters and story lines.

Great Story, great narrator.

This book started slowly, but quickly heated. I really like the characters and the magic.