Desert Spark
The Wandering Mage - A Magical Realism Novella
by Arthur Ni
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Pub Date 22 Dec 2024 | Archive Date 4 Feb 2025
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Description
Arius didn’t ask for magical powers or what comes with them. Now under the watchful eye of the Specter Order, an oppressive group that polices all mages, he’s just trying to get by without making waves. Life on the road with only his sarcastic, talking frog, Freddy, for company has its perks: no attachments, no risks, no one to hurt.
Then he meets Delilah.
What starts as an innocent invitation to her cookout turns into something more when Arius finds himself drawn into her peculiar neighborhood. He starts off cynical, wondering why everyone is so nice. However, with each passing day, the walls he’s built around himself begin to crack as he discovers the comfort of community and the joy of sharing a meal with people who care. But the Specter Order doesn’t take kindly to Arius going off-script—and when they demand he hand over Delilah, he has to decide whether to stay safe or fight back.
Blending the wit and whimsy of Good Omens, the fresh voice and high stakes of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, and the warmth of found family in Legends & Lattes, this story is a heartfelt journey of finding home, standing tall, and choosing love over fear—no matter the cost.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 000B0DQLZFPSG |
| PRICE | US$3.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 137 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1627788
Loved this, such a fun enjoyable read. Cant wait to see more from the author. It is very quick and easy to get through, takes us on a journey getting to know the characters and the issues they face.
Susan M, Reviewer
Arius Is working on his RV when he gets hit with a powerful electrical charge. He slowly discovers his power but it takes more time than he knows. He is warned that the Spectral Order will be keeping an eye on him even though he wasn’t born with magic. He is given instructions that he must follow. His only friend is a talking frog. When Arius helps a woman get her car started, she invites him to the cookout in her neighborhood. He wasn’t sure what to do but the Spectraal Order decides he must go and keep an eye on him. So he and Delilah develop a friendship. He discovers many things at this neighborhood over time. One evening he finds out that they are afraid of the Spectral Order as they believe that it will destroy them. Will Arius be able to help them fight the Spectral Order?
The character Arius grows as well as learn to trust. Trusting is dangerous for him as he feels people aren’t trustworthy due to his experiences. Arius falls for Delilah. The author has written wit and the comfort of community — feeling a part of it and having a true friend. It is a journey of finding a home and choosing love.
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