BLURB
A Mad Queen. A host of ancient dragons. A jealous heir.
Maximus Wodlin hated magic. Long before it erupted from him, killing the son of Master Gathrax and altering the course of his life forever.
Over 100 years had passed since the War of the Wood, when the northern army swept across land and killed the four ruling mages. Eradicating their ties to magic and leaving their vengeful families to rule.
But now one had returned. With Maximus’s palm branded by a mage mark, there is no escaping the crime he committed or the truth of what he is.
Instead of death at the hands of his Master’s grieving family, Maximus’s newfound power is controlled by them. Forced to become the son he killed and live as a false heir, to restore the dwindling legacy of the Gathrax Estate.
As Maximus struggles to discern allies from enemies, the Mad Queen watches from the North. Trusting is impossible when motives are invisible to him… even if they are shrouded within a handsome stranger.
An anticipated M/M fantasy romance from best-selling author Ben Alderson.
OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE: 29 MAY 2021
QUICK INTERVIEW
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
“I always find the middle the hardest to write, however this book was very mentally taxing to me. I had to keep coming back and forth over the years.”
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
“I loved writing the ending so much. It changed about three times over the course of writing. I am very proud of how I tied up the drama, but also left A MASSIVE CLIFF HANGER… because we all love cliff hangers.”
What inspired the idea for your book?
“I was discussing, with my boyfriend, what a world would be like run by the Bolton’s from Game of Thrones. Added onto the fact I was obsessed with Wizards and Mages so I knew I had to add those in.”
How did you come up with the title for your book?
“This was a long old process. The first book was called Dragon Mage. Then it morphed through lots of titles until I landed on that one. The Lost Mage. It opens the options for sequel titles… so far I am playing with The Phoenix Prince.”
Would you and your main character get along?
“Yes and no. Maximus almost is three characters in one. He is Maximus before trauma. Then Maximus pretending to be Julian. And then Maximus, slightly messed up, coming out the end of all the drama. I think I would get alone with him, but like all my main characters I want to SHAKE THEM SO HARD AND TELL THEM TO ACT RIGHT.”
How long did it take you to write this book?
“Started in Spring of 2018. Finished January 2021!”
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
“I am. I am planning on writing a sequel and I can say that we are going to have a prison break scene, drama and some more intense kissing.”
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
“Those who like dark humour, dark stories and.. well… just darkness because this book is DARK DARK DARK!”
BOOK REVIEW
The Lost Mage is the first installment in the War of the Wood and what a way to kick it off. I was hooked from the first page and was on a magical journey until the end. The writing style, characters and setting of the story were absolutely perfect.
The story is full of action, betrayal and of course crazy relationships. Mages, dragons, mundanes and so many other creatures are included in this amazing book.
Maximus Wodlin hates magic and doesn’t want any part of it. Killing the son of Master Garthax and getting the mage mark has lead him to difficult decisions that has changed his life forever. He is forced to take the life of the deceased and carry the legacy of the Garthax Estate legacy.
The North and South will never be the same again.
He is not really sure whom he can trust.
I received an early copy from Ben and it was worth every minute. I want to thank Ben Alderson for the opportunity for being a Beta Reader for this incredible story.
I would recommend the Lost Mage to all the M/M Fantasy Romance readers.
Definitely a MUST READ.
Both Interview and Review done by HVDB Book Life
Universal Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/md7ezX
We want to thank Ben Alderson for answering the interview questions on The Lost Mage (War of the Wood #1)
