MageSign (The Balance Book 2) Kindle Edition

You know how sometimes you read a book and predict the twist at the end? Or you're trying to work it out as you go through,so it's always occupying a part of your mind as you read? I got so sucked in to this book that I completely forgot to think about it, so when we got there, I was literally shocked. If you have read it, you'll probably be going "derr, that was obvious!", and you are probably right. But for me, the fact that I wasn't even contemplating it - I was too busy just soaking up what was happening- is a good sign that this book is a winner.
Baxter builds on his protagonist from RealmShift, but you don't need to have read it to enjoy MageSign. The relationships that are built, both natural and supernatural, are really intriguing, and I found myself totally satisfied at the last page - even despite a reference to a shopping centre local to me as a "mall" rather than it's rightful "plaza" ;-)
I can't help thinking that the world Baxter creates here would sit nicely alongside Gaiman's American Gods. And I can't wait to read his next book. If you haven't read MageSign, and you don't mind having your ideas about religion and faith challenged, sink your teeth into this. You won't regret it.

Alan Baxter picks up the story of powerful magician Isiah in Magesign (The Balance #2). It’s the second book in his ‘Balance’ duology and an absolute visceral smorgasbord for lovers of dark fantasy and horror.

Three years after his run in with the loathsome blood mage Samuel Harrigan, Isiah attempts to track down Harrigan’s mentor. But he soon discovers that the evil Sorcerer has more disciples and a plan far more disturbing than Isiah imagined. With the help of some new friends, Isiah attempts to destroy the Sorcerer and his blood cult before they unleash the ultimate evil on the world.

Magesign took a few pages to get going but once it did, I couldn't put it down. Baxter again fills his world with intriguing characters and challenges his readers to think about what they believe. The story is told from multiple points of view and Baxter skilfully takes these threads and weaves them into a masterfully-paced narrative that builds to a mind-blowing conclusion.

Fans of dark fantasy and horror not already acquainted with Alan Baxter’s work would do well to have a look at this tightly written duology. While Magesign stands alone, it is definitely best enjoyed when read after Realmshift (The Balance #1). Highly recommended.

Seriously great stuff!

MageSign by Alan Baxter

MageSign by Alan Baxter is the second volume in a duology that began with Baxter's RealmShift. The character of Isiah must pursue a personal vendetta with no assistance, or direction, from the force he usually serves, known as the Balance. MageSign is a fast paced ride through the depths of darkness a human soul can hold. It builds in intensity with a mystery involving a dark and twisted cult that leaves you longing for more, while building a deeper sense of dread that leaves you nearly afraid to turn the pages.

A sample of the darkness, from the early pages of the book follows:

"...'What am I doing?' the Sorcerer asked quietly. `I'm feeding the baby, of course.'
With one swift motion the blade swept around and straight across Colley's thin, pale throat. Immediately blood poured from the broad gash in an arterial flood, showering over the child. The Sorcerer muttered the words of his magic, holding tightly as Colley bucked once, twice, before collapsing limp. As Braden screamed the baby stretched its arms up into the waterfall of blood, clutching and grasping at the hot, red fluid. The blood poured over the child and into his mouth and the child gulped and gurgled, swallowing as much of the blood as he could. Little arms and legs squirmed and writhed, his small body arching up into the flow, desperately drinking deeply, the movement of the newborn unnatural. `He entered this world in a bath of his virgin mother's lifeblood,' the Sorcerer whispered, `and his first meal is swallowed from the bloodbath of another. We begin here the creation of untold power."

While MageSign can be read alone I highly suggest reading the first volume of the series RealmShift, which provides an in-depth back-story for MageSign. After reading MageSign I found myself yearning for more of Isiah's adventures, which may perhaps include a few other characters from the book. Stand alone volumes that have nothing to do with the duology or a trilogy would be fine, just give me more Isiah!

MageSign by Alan Baxter, First Edition 2008 by Blade Red Press, ISBN 978-0-9805782-1-8, Second Edition April 2010 by Gryphonwood Press ISBN 978-0-9825087-5-6 Available at Amazon.com and other online bookstores or from your local bool retailer. For more information consult the author's page listed on Amazon's website.