The Hidden Masters of Marandur Review

Title: The Hidden Masters of Marandur
Author: Jack Campbell
Genre(s): Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Young Adult, New Adult
Series: The Pillars of Reality (Book 2) 
Rating: 5/5
Ages: 16+

Synopsis

Someone wants to kill Mari, a young steam mechanic in the guild that controls all technology. She has learned that her world of Dematr is headed for a catastrophe that will destroy civilization and that mages really can alter reality for short periods. Someone also wants to kill Alain, a young mage who has learned that mechanics are not frauds, as his guild teaches, and that mechanic Mari is the only person who can prevent the oncoming disaster.
Narrowly escaping death, the mechanic and the mage stay alive thanks to their combined skills, an alliance never before seen. But it becomes clear that both of their guilds, the most powerful forces in the world, are trying to destroy them. Other powers, like the great empire and a mysterious secret order, also seek to kill or capture them using every weapon from imperial legions to mage-created trolls, dragons, and rocs.
Trying to survive and learn the truth about their world so they will know how to save it, Mari and Alain realize the answers they seek may lie in the dead city of Marandur. But Marandur is guarded by the legions that have sealed it off from the rest of the world for more than a century. Mari and Alain's only hope may rest with the unseen masters of Marandur.

My Thoughts

Originally published by Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio and available in audio, print and ebook formats, this book is the second of six books. and written by Jack Campbell, The Hidden Masters Marandur is a compelling work of fiction. It is the second book in the Pillars of Reality series is made up six books, beginning with The Dragons of Dorcastle and concluding with The Wrath of the Great Guilds. In my opinion The Hidden Masters of Marandur is a unique novel in that it has a very peculiar twist towards the end of the novel. Fantasy, magic and steampunk combine in this Science Fiction novel to create an epic story about friendship and adventure.
Among many other things (this is a weak and unnecessary opening statement), what really pulled me into the story for the duration of this novel was the character chemistry. I loved the detail with which the author brought the world and characters to life. Master Mechanic Mari and Mage Alain return to the spotlight as they explore uncharted territory in both their relationship and their world in their second adventure. While both teens search for answers, they are both hunted by the Great Guilds who seek their undoing. The second installment to The Pillars of Reality explores both a person vs. self, conflict as well as a person vs. society conflict, as the character’s struggle with their morals and society’s standards. The Hidden Masters of Marandur combines the magic of Fantasy, the genius behind Science Fiction and the comedic dialogue of Satire. The end result is funny and alluring to New adult readers. Mari and Alain’s grand adventure in this novel will teach readers to never give up and to always work hard in order to reach their goals. 
​The Hidden Masters of Marandur continues the interesting approach to the New Adult, Science Fiction and Fantasy writing established in the initial book in the series . It is perfectly suited for its audience with its laugh out loud humor and interesting world. The sequel to The Dragons of Dorcastle and the second of six books; The Hidden Masters of Marandur introduces the series’ main conflicts and explores the world of Dematr. After finishing the novel, my favorite part of this engaging book is the friendship between Mari and Alain. Both characters create an unformidable team that shows how truly amazing having a friend can be.

About The Author

​​​John Hemry known more commonly by his fans via the pen name Jack Campbell, is an American Sci-Fi Author. With twenty-eight novels, twenty-nine short fiction works and 6 non-fiction works published as of late early 2017 he is also quite well known. Campbells first novel Stark’s War was published in April of 2000 however his earliest short-fiction, One Small Spin was published in 1997. Campbell’s Non-Fiction Interstellar Navigation, published 2000, was his first venture into the genre. A retired U.S. navy officer Campbell even speaks some Russian.