The Hunted Mage is the third instalment in A.S. Norris’ award winning The Adventures of Jack Wartnose series. In it, the titular mage, finds himself at last with a quiet moment of peace — or so he thinks. Seemingly on the mend with his complicated family, Jack soon realizes that his troubles are far from over when a new threat emerges. The Murder of Crows is a team of ruthless mage assassins, one of whom is a femme fatale from Jack’s past who bears a personal vendetta against him. To make matters worse, Jack will soon learn that his own daughter’s grudge is not quite water under the bridge despite their tentative reconciliation. As he grapples with family secrets, old enemies and new ones, the otherwise quiet town of Downriver Ferry becomes the unlikely battleground on which Jack must outwit his pursuers and protect his loved ones.
The Hunted Mage serves as another satisfying sequel to Norris’ consistently entertaining Jack Whartnose series. In an era where sequels often feel episodic, departing heavily from the plot of their predecessors, Norris opts to pick up where The Forbearing Mage left off, following up on some of the book’s most compelling plotlines while still managing to centre on a new and exciting adventure. This choice sets the book apart from its contemporaries alongside the series’ trademark sense of humor and general air of playfulness, balanced perfectly with its heart-pounding action and quieter moments of character development. Although the universe is established fairly early on in the series, the new addition of the mage assassins and a three-millennia-old blood feud adds a new element of intrigue that expands our understanding of the Jack Whartnose universe.
Fans of noble bright fantasy will relish the balance of adventure, humor, and romance. Norris’ ability to evoke emotion—whether through heart-warming family reunions or epic battles—will resonate with readers seeking an emotional connection. Norris’ skilful storytelling and well-drawn characters, however, give the book a far-reaching appeal that can easily win over readers who are new to the genre. At it’s heart, The Hunted Mage is a story about family, and this is the quality that often stands out as the strongest feature of each book. Jack is a multifaceted protagonist—flawed, resourceful, and deeply human–and the ever-evolving relationships he has with his daughter and wife are equally funny and compelling. Each character has distinct motivations and contributes to the intricate web of alliances and rivalries. Norris masterfully embeds this family drama among the book’s primary plotline, capturing the reader’s attention on one hand and their heart on the other.
The Hunted Mage delivers an enchanting blend of magic, danger, and light-hearted fun—a worthy continuation of Jack Wartnose’s adventures. Prepare to be enchanted and swept away on a quest that defies expectations!
