When one author reads from his latest book to spark me into reading the whole series because of it.
Spellslinger (Spellslinger #1)
by Sebastien de Castell
Publisher – Hot Key Books
Release Date – May 4th 2017
Buy – Amazon | Book Depository
Magic is a con game.
Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage’s duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spellcaster. There’s just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argosi – a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She’s difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen’s only hope…
When Sebestein de Castell started reading an excerpt from his latest book in the series at the Hot Key Books blogger brunch it brought all of us to laughter, even me. It was like the room suddenly lifted, and I loved that and I needed that feeling especially with work, you need that complete escapism and this book totally is that.
Kellen wants to be a Jan’Tep, a full fledged mage when he reaches his sixteenth birthday. He wants to smash the trails and be the son that the mighty Ke’heop’s wants him to be. The thing is, he hasn’t sparked any of his bands. He hasn’t a shred of magic at all, which can only mean one path to become a Sha’Tep, who serves the family as basically a servant, just like his uncle Abydos. Living in a world where citizens pride themselves on magic and living with it, Kellen certainly feels the pressure. But after a failed duel, his sister, Shalla tries to force his magic, only to result in nearly killing him, when a lady, a Argosi stranger with bright red hair saves his life. Ferius Parfax only she leads him down another path, one of trickery, cards and a squirrel cat names Reichis.
Spellslinger is in a league of its own. I don’t think I’ve laughed quite so much in a book like this in a long time. It a series of books I wish was around after the hype of Harry Potter. With a fast paced storyline its unputadownable and seriously addictive. There’s also such a family of characters. Kellen is such a likeable, cheeky character, his perseverance is admirable when all he wants is still be part of the family that he’s protected and protected him. I think Kellen needed a little pushing, a bit of guidance, ask the right questions and he’ll find out where her belongs. But whilst he’s trying to find that he figures out more than he bargained for, including being part of citizens that is based on a lie. I really loved Ferius Parfax, she is really intriguing and that’s what pulls you in, she had something about her that just caught your attention throughout the whole book, that you sub consciously following, wondering what she’s up to. But I guess you the star of the series, has to be the Reichis, the squirrel cat. Sebestein just nailed his character, a squirrel cat that is Kellen familiar, and he steals the entire book. All you need to know is that he will try and eat everyone eyeballs, he’s stubborn, in it for himself but he does will have your back.
Spellslinger reminds me of a magical Robin Hood, although he doesn’t have a cool familiar like Reichis. Kellen hasn’t quite learnt how to protect himself physically, his friends do. It’s a family of outlaws. This book is all about fitting in with what you got and that you play with the cards you’re dealt with.
Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Hot Key Books for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
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