Stories of the Temere
The world is coming apart. Commoners are revolting. Magic is in retreat. For the Strums, that means war.
Magic is the stuff of life, literally. The Magi are people born with the ability to manipulate it. For centuries, that twist of fate defined the ruling class, their kingdoms, and their privileges. They bred and made alliances to strengthen their lines. Magical ability was hereditary, after all, but magi gave birth to commoners, and some of the most powerful magi were born to common parents. And there are ways to defeat magic.
A common warlord in far-off Kirsk named Harald Orlov came to power on the back of resentment, and he’s waging a war to rid the world of magic. That pits him against Aethor Strum, Lord General of the Temerese Army.
Now and then, the world has to be broken.
Stories of the Temere are told from both sides of the war through House Strum and the Commoner’s Army led by Harald Orlov and the religious zealots who follow them.
I am filling this series with novels and novellas that follow both sides of the upheaval. By the end, you’ll have heroes and villains in both camps.
The Temere is filled with gritty, violent, political, and sexual adventures that will have you coming back for more.
The Lost Girl: Book One of Cantalira the Healer
Cantalira never wanted to be different. She never wanted a Mother's mark. You can't choose your family, and who would choose a witch for their mother? She wants nothing more than to be anyone but May Weaver's daughter. The only way that's ever going to happen is outside the High Valley that's protected them from the Inquisition and the Commoners' War. But Canta doesn't know what the world is like down the mountain. She is not prepared to experience it. When she runs away with her boyfriend, she's puts not only herself, but her whole family in danger.
Goodreads Review by Usman Zunnoor
“Montague excels at writing authentic characters facing real circumstances, infused with nuance and emotional complexity that make investment effortless. Though steeped in a dark and gritty atmosphere and brimming with Montague’s signature incorporation of meaningful adult themes, The Lost Girl still permeates with a touching aura of familial love.”
Only Death Lies that Way
The first duty of a man is to his family...
With an army flowing into the highlands like a plague of locusts, Rolf the skull breaker flees the front lines to get his family to safety, but the siren call of glory awaits him. Only the brave will have a seat the at the Father’s table in the afterlife. How will his son ever respect him, if he runs?
Goodreads Review – Kenneth Grant
This is a great story of how far someone will go to protect their family.
Toll of the Magi
Roland Popova’s family is running…
King Harald’s bounty made targets of the magi. It’s bad enough to be defeated. Now they are hunted. Rol is the only one in his family who is not a magi, yet. Maybe he never will be, but they’re all in danger. There will be violence. There will be death. If the mage hunters don’t get them the fae creatures of the Great Savannah will.
Goodreads Review – RowdyPlayer1
Excellent family dynamics with the whole family being magi except for the MC. Him not believing that he is one but his family encouraging him that his powers will come. I loved the grandma telling all her stories. The ending gave me chills.
The Bastard Prince
Greig is the bastard son of the town healer. His father has gone to war, and his mother has fallen into the arms of an enemy soldier he pulled from the river. It's his fault. It's no wonder his own father wouldn't give him a name. He's just the whoreson. But then the Hand marched into their valley and everything changed.
The world is filled with magic.
Goodreads Review – Usman Zunnoor
A unique magic system, interesting characters and a rich world are just some of the things that made this a fantastic listen.
To Catch a Witch
Caught in a scandal with Lord Arle that draws the attention of King Harald’s Inquisition, Shenagh is forced to flee her home into the Dark Wood. The young hedge witch, pursued by Master Macon den Lough and his henchman, Cobb, is tested by the forest’s rugged terrain, dangerous predators, and legendary monsters.
Goodreads Review by Tom Bookbeard
A delightful trip through the absurd and obscene, with strong worldbuilding and fantastical monsters abound. I had such a great time with this one.