1
of
1
Battlemage
Age of Darkness, Book 1
Series: The Age of Darkness
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 3,246 ratings, 281 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2300
$2499
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
Battlemage
$2300
$2499
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
The Team's Long Weekend Reading
With the long weekend upon us, the team is hopefully getting some time in the...
What Actually Makes a Jigsaw Puzzle Difficult?
Does more pieces always mean a harder puzzle? Not necessarily! After Dylan surprised me by...
A Court of Splintered Harmony: How to Get Your Copy on Release Day
A Court of Splintered Harmony is almost here, and we have some exciting news for...
The ACOTAR Countdown Is On, But We Need to Talk…
Last week, things started taking a dark turn. The excitement surrounding the release was suddenly...
Pick up a Graphic Novel for Halloween
Wanting something different for spooky season? Try a horror themed graphic novel! Lizzy has rounded...
See moreAn action-packed and magic-fuelled fantasy novel from a British debut author, Stephen Aryan's Battlemage features mages fighting an empire-spanning war for a homeland that fears and despises them. Shortlisted for the 2016 David Gemmell Awards.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
'I can command storms, summon fire and unmake stone. Animals have nothing interesting to say and no one can see the future, because it has not been written,' growled Balfruss. 'It's dangerous to meddle with things you don't understand.'
Balfruss is a battlemage, one of a vanishing breed, sworn to fight and die for a country that fears and despises him.
Vargus is a common soldier – while mages shoot lightning from the walls of his city, he's down in the front lines getting blood on his blade.
Talandra is a princess and spymaster, but the war will force her to take up a greater responsibility, and make the greatest sacrifice of all.
Known for their unpredictable, dangerous power, society has left battlemages untrained and shunned. But when a force unlike anything ever imagined attacks their home, the few remaining magic users must go to war – to save those who fear them most, and herald in a new age of peace, built upon the corpses of their enemies.
Series: The Age of Darkness
View all-
Bloodmage
The people of Perizzi have survived the battlemage war, but their future is looking darker than ever... Byrne is a member of the Watch, investigating a series of murders in which the corpse was drained entirely of life. Fray's expertise with magic is needed to catch the killer, but working with the Watch destroyed his father, years before. Choss is...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Chaosmage
Voechenka is a city under siege. Decimated by the Battlemage war, its restless dead attack every night, begging the living to join them beyond the grave. Three survivors will fight to save the city: TAMMY, whose investigation could rescue Voechenka from its grisly fate. ZANNAH, who must pay penance for her war crimes. And BALFRUSS: scholar, traveller, and battlemage. Chaosmage...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Battlemage
'I can command storms, summon fire and unmake stone. Animals have nothing interesting to say and no one can see the future, because it has not been written,' growled Balfruss. 'It's dangerous to meddle with things you don't understand.' Balfruss is a battlemage, one of a vanishing breed, sworn to fight and die for a country that fears and despises...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Battlemage by Stephen Aryan is celebrated as an epic debut in the fantasy genre, delivering grand scale and dynamic action. Critics highlight the visceral and masterfully depicted battle scenes, creating a vivid and immersive experience that captivates readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780356504803
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 24 September 2015
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Orbit
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 33.0mm
Width: 154.0mm
Height: 199.0mm
Weight: 342g
Pages: 512
About the Author
Stephen Aryan was born in 1977 and was raised and educated in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. After graduating from Loughborough University he started working in marketing, and for some reason he hasn't stopped. A keen podcaster, lapsed gamer and wannabe forest ranger, when not extolling the virtues of Babylon 5, he can be found drinking real ale and reading comics. He lives in the West Midlands with his partner and two cats.
Also by Stephen Aryan
View all-
The Blood Dimmed Tide
The sequel to 2023's The Judas Blossom; a sprawling historical fantasy with high stakes at the heart of war... Kaivon, the last Persian General, is celebrating as Hulagu Khan's dream of conquering the whole world lies in tatters. But the fight is not yet done, as Persia is still occupied by Mongol invaders. Betrayed by his cousin in the north,...Paperback$3400Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Judas Blossom
The Judas Blossom is an imaginative and sprawling epic fantasy reimagining of the Mongol Empire's invasion of Persia, following the lives and treacherous journeys of four key figures in the heart of war. 1260, Persia— Due to the efforts of the great Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire covers a vast portion of the known world. In the shadow of his...Paperback$3400Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Warrior
Bound by duty and responsibility, Kell is King only in name. Trapped in a loveless marriage, he leaves affairs of state to his wife, Sigrid. When his old friend, Willow, turns up asking him to go on a journey to her homeland, he can't wait to leave. The Malice, a malevolent poison that alters everything it infects, runs rampant across...Paperback$3300Elsewhere:$3600Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Bloodmage
The people of Perizzi have survived the battlemage war, but their future is looking darker than ever... Byrne is a member of the Watch, investigating a series of murders in which the corpse was drained entirely of life. Fray's expertise with magic is needed to catch the killer, but working with the Watch destroyed his father, years before. Choss is...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Magebane
MAGIC IS THE ONLY WEAPON AGAINST THE GODS A plague rages in the streets of Perizzi. Guardians rally to deal with riots while apothecarists struggle to find a cure. The cult of Akosh has been decimated, but there are many survivors in the north hungry for revenge. Elsewhere, new alliances are formed to combat a deity who feeds on pestilence...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Magefall
'Stephen Aryan puts the epic into Epic Fantasy' – Den Patrick The land is in turmoil. Mages are hunted by men and gods alike. With their last refuge fallen, two young mages must conspire against a god to show the world that their abilities aren't a curse; they are the only way to ensure lasting peace. Under the threat of...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Sorrow of the Sea
The Sorrow of the Sea is the epic conclusion to Stephen Aryan's The Nightingale and the Falcon trilogy, a bloody and magical reimagining of the Mongolian Empire's invasion of Persia. Perfect for fans of She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. The Mongol Empire is fractured, but the unstoppable warlord, Timur, has the potential to repair the damage and...Paperback$4000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Chaosmage
Voechenka is a city under siege. Decimated by the Battlemage war, its restless dead attack every night, begging the living to join them beyond the grave. Three survivors will fight to save the city: TAMMY, whose investigation could rescue Voechenka from its grisly fate. ZANNAH, who must pay penance for her war crimes. And BALFRUSS: scholar, traveller, and battlemage. Chaosmage...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Coward
Who will slay the evil in the Frozen North, saving all from death and destruction? Not Kell Kressia, he's done his part... Kell Kressia is a legend, a celebrity, a hero. Aged just seventeen, he set out on an epic quest with a band of wizened fighters to slay the Ice Lich and save the world, but only he returned...PaperbackSold Out
More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy
View all-
New ReleaseOther Worlds Than These
I wanted to go back to Mid-World, which was always the Territories by another name - Stephen King This is Stephen King and Peter Straub's epic and unforgettable finale to the Talisman Trilogy (including the novels The Talisman and Black House) and a wrapping up of the fate of the worlds in King's iconic, fiercely beloved Dark Tower epic. It...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Sixth Nik
Daniel Kraus, 2026 Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Angel Down and soon-to-be-a-film Whalefall, returns with The Sixth Nik, a galaxy spanning, genre-blending scifi literary horror, for fans of Ursula K Le Guin and the Alien franchise. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
18% offNew ReleaseMassif
Caught me a mountain Rode it to the stars It's business as usual for Ship Leader Parnell Shi-Sawahla and the crew of the corvette Sassafras. Ride a Massif to a new system, fight the enemy, repeat. For more than two hundred years, humans have been hitching rides on these sentient, starfaring mountain ranges, colonising planets and exporting an on-again, off-again...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
16% offNew ReleaseHe Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer
He Who Fights With Monsters: Adventurer Book Two in Shirtaloon's wildly popular LitRPG series. The path from retail middle management to interdimensional wizard adventurer wasn't easy, but Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone, competing for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
19% offNew ReleaseScion
‘Scion’ is an electrifying sci-fi thriller that follows a contract killer tasked with protecting a scientist from assassination, only to find himself in the crosshairs. My name’s Azure. I kill rich idiots for a living. All completely legal, of course, even if it does still make the old-fashioned crowd a bit uncomfortable. Once the ultra-wealthy realised they had a way...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Strength of the Few
The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Red Rising
The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Crossroads of Ravens
THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...Paperback$2899Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early November -
Wind and Truth
The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...Paperback$3100Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid November -
17% offThe Ministry of Time
One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Assassin’s Apprentice
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fran’s Top 10 Fantasy Reads
Dive into cozy worlds, or bewitching scams! Here are 10 titles of fantasy that Fran is in love with! Do you have...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Amelia's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
The Empyrean Wing & Claw Collection
With Threshing Day finally here, we thought we'd make it easy to find all the beautiful editions in the The Empyrean: Wing...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Romantasy reads that deserve more hype
For everyone who's read the Fourth Wings, the ACOTAR, even the Quicksilvers - if you're now looking for your next romantasy obsession,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Have you tried... Dark Romantasy?
Dark Romantasy or Dark Fantasy Romance - it's a combination of everything you love about romantasy, with some extra morally grey characters,...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Favourite Standalone Fantasy and Romantasy Reads
For when you're in the mood for fantasy or romantasy but don't want to commit to a long epic series!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Are you looking for a cozy romantasy read?
You're in luck. Here's a whole bunch of them ready to warm you up and sooth the soul. You should also check...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Shirl's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
10 Sci-Fi Novels that won both the Nebula and Hugo Awards
Discover ten of the greatest science fiction novels ever written each recognised with both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. These awards are...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Fantasy Special Editions we are lusting after
It's no secret that here at Book Hero we love a special edition - preferably one with sprayed edges, beautiful artwork, and...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
2026 Hugo Award for Best Novel Finalists
Every year at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), members vote on the best Science Fiction or Fantasy works of the previous...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Edd's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Special Editions
With physical books making a comeback in recent years, there are more gorgeous special editions out there than ever before. Here’s a...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listSci-Fi & Fantasy
Lizzy's Cozy Fantasy Reads
Life can be cold and harsh, so why not escape into the comforting pages of a cozy fantasy novel for a while?...View the list
