Light Stealer
A novella. Introduction by Stan Nicholls.
Septern is a genius and happy that everyone knows it. No mage on Balaia comes close to matching his abilities in the development, design and casting of spells. No mage understands the intricacies of the mana spectra like he does. No mage ever will. He is a true one-off.
Believing himself safe in the cocoon of his mansion, Septern chooses to ignore the war which rages outside his borders and continues to train the elite of Balaia's young mages. For his students, it is the opportunity of a lifetime. For Septern, it is peace from the demands of the colleges of magic while he continues his research.
And Septern needs peace because he is on the verge of creating the ultimate spell. The spell that could end the world.
But now, his genius and conceit threaten to be his undoing. In his creation, Septern sees the beauty of magic in its purest form and is determined to demonstrate it. But allies and enemies alike see something entirely different. They see the weapon that will win the war and bring everlasting domination to its owner.
And to gain this prize, they will do absolutely anything.
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James Barclay
James Barclay is a name that resonates with fans of epic fantasy, known for his bold, character-driven narratives and intricate world-building. With a knack for blending the gritty realities of battle with deeply personal emotional arcs, Barclay has captivated readers around the world, carving out a unique niche in the fantasy genre.
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Barclay's early life was steeped in a love for storytelling, though his journey into writing was anything but conventional. He initially worked in the field of insurance, but his passion for fantasy literature was never far from his mind. His first breakthrough came with the publication of The Raven's Shadow series, which introduced readers to the extraordinary group of mercenaries known as the Raven. The series is widely praised for its realism in depicting the brutality of war, as well as its complex, flawed characters who must navigate a world that often seems stacked against them.
