Angel Mage by Garth Nix

Hello, my darling readers!
Another day, another subscription box book. I binge-read Angel Mage by Garth Nix, and here’s what I think about it!

Angel Mage on Goodreads

The Plot (as found on Goodreads):

More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.

A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding.

Liliath knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighboring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran’s descendants. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will turn to ash. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.

But Liliath cares nothing for the descendants of her people, save how they can serve her. It is four young Sarancians who hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, an adventurous musketeer cadet; and Dorotea, an icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic. They are the key to her quest.

The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet, but do not know why, or suspect their importance. All become pawns in Liliath’s grand scheme to fulfill her destiny and be united with the love of her life. No matter the cost to everyone else. . .

The Rating:

This was really cool!
I had just about zero expectations for Angel Mage, so I ended up very surprised and very excited.

Why did I like it, you might ask. First of all, the idea feels very unique. I’ve read so many books with magic and fae and stuff along those lines, but this one is rather different. Sure, there is something reminiscent of magic but not in the usual way. Here, magic mostly means being able to call upon angels for help and this is a fascinating concept!

Due to this rather unique approach to things, I was immediately engrossed in the world-building. No idea how Garth Nix came up with all this stuff, but he definitely gets a bit thumbs up from me.
I also really liked the French influences that were clearly visible in the story – as that also makes for an interesting change.

The story unfolds slowly, packing mystery on mystery and plan on plan until you can’t put the book down anymore, desperate to find out how all of this might end.

If I had to raise some criticism, it would be in the logic department. A thing or two seemed a little far-fetched or stretched, but I’m willing to forgive that as everything else about this book was highly entertaining.

Angel Mage is a fascinating novel that delivers a unique concept. You’ll be hooked by the story (and the world-building) from the first page on, so make sure you have enough time at hand to keep reading!

Did you read this book? Let me know in the comments what you think!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘, Tumblr, Goodreads, Letterboxd or Instagram!