The Cursed Mage Case Files
Meet Manny, an arch-mage and spy for the Gallantean Empire who can handle anything.
At least so it seems.
Aware of a hidden threat to the empire, Manny begins an investigation that leaves him cursed and out of a job.
What does he do?
Start his own private investigation firm with an out of work copy writer in hopes of clearing his name and regaining his old position.
Nothing is simple as Manny discovers far more than international intrigues as he uncovers an unseen nemesis leading a covert organization – all with murky intentions.
Investigation leads to few clues and mounting danger.
Follow Mandlefred Mandeheim and his un-magical sidekick, Wishton Ackford, as they find themselves enmeshed in danger and intrigue leading into betrayal, loss, and, maybe, death.
Nothing an arch-mage can’t handle…
Except for that pesky curse that just might kill Manny.
The Cursed Mage Case Files
THE CURSED MAGE CASE FILES FAQ
Where to start
The Order of the Dark Rose (Volume 1) is the first book of the series. The Changeling Incident (Volume 0.1) is a prequel that adds backstory. You can start with Volume 1, but you will not get all of the important backstory. For the full backstory, read The Changeling Incident first (currently 99 cents as an ebook); if you would rather begin with the first book, start with Volume 1.
Reading order
- The Changeling Incident (Volume 0.1, prequel with backstory; read first for the full backstory)
- The Order of the Dark Rose (Volume 1, the first book)
- The Shadow of Daylight (Volume 2, coming soon, first draft about 50% done)
Who it is for
Readers who like detective mysteries in a fantasy world: a mash-up of classic Sherlock Holmes, The Dresden Files, and Harry Potter, in a world where magic is both an arcane practice and a technological power.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start The Cursed Mage Case Files?
The Order of the Dark Rose (Volume 1) is the first book of the series. The Changeling Incident (Volume 0.1) is a prequel that adds backstory. You can start with Volume 1, but you will not get all of the important backstory. For the full backstory, read The Changeling Incident first (it is currently 99 cents as an ebook); if you would rather begin with the first book, start with Volume 1.
What is the reading order?
For the full backstory, read The Changeling Incident (Volume 0.1, prequel), then The Order of the Dark Rose (Volume 1, the first book), then The Shadow of Daylight (Volume 2, coming soon). If you start with Volume 1, you will miss some important backstory. In print, The Changeling Incident is part of The Order of the Dark Rose.
Who is this series for?
It is for readers who like detective mysteries in a fantasy world. The series is described as a mash-up of classic Sherlock Holmes, The Dresden Files, and Harry Potter, set in a world where magic is both an arcane practice and a technological power. The intended rating is no more than PG-13, mainly for violence.
What is The Cursed Mage Case Files about?
Manny, an arch-mage and spy for the Gallantean Empire, investigates a hidden threat to the empire and ends up cursed and out of a job. He starts his own private investigation firm with an out-of-work copy writer, Wishton Ackford, to clear his name and regain his old position, while a curse that could kill him limits how much magic he can use.
Are the books available in ebook and print?
The series is on Amazon in ebook and paperback. See the series on Amazon.
Is The Shadow of Daylight out yet, and are more books coming?
Not yet. The Shadow of Daylight (Volume 2) is coming soon; the first draft is about 50% done, with no release date yet. More books in the series are planned. Follow P. H. Solomon on Amazon, Substack, or Discord to hear when it is out.
Series Includes
The Changeling Incident
The Order of the Dark Rose
The Shadow of Daylight – Coming soon
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The Changeling Incident
The Cursed Mage Case Files – Volume 0.1 (Prequel)
Meet Manny, an arch-mage and a spy-master with his hands full between his cheeky paramour, a mysterious smuggling ring, and an elusive source of political turmoil. Nothing an arch-mage can’t handle, unless there’s a vague warning of unforeseen danger. Thwarting a smuggling operation is easy – until it’s not…
Manny’s job is simple, apprehend smugglers and confiscate their mysterious contraband. Plans are set, his team deployed, the trap poised for execution.
But intrigue swirls like magic as the planned raid nears. Who warned Manny of danger? Why did his team lead enter the warehouse too soon?
All is not as it appears for a simple raid. When unforeseen danger erupts, will Manny escape?
An arch-mage confronts intrigue with his wits, magical talent, and a vague warning of danger. This debut story spins a fresh take on epic fantasy in a gaslamp setting where “magical world-building and brilliant characters” weave the tale of a hero who battles sudden personal loss tangled with rising threats from a mysterious criminal mastermind.
The Order of the Dark Rose
The Cursed Mage Case Files – Volume 1
Meet Manny, an arch-mage who can handle anything. Unless he’s cursed, lost his job, and facing a hidden nemesis. Dangers circle like vultures. Nothing an arch-mage can’t handle. Unless the curse limits how much magic he can use or kills him outright. Can Manny survive long enough to break his curse? Or will the arch-mage’s mysterious foe escape him?
Arch-mage Manny Mandeheim fell under a curse, watched his fiancé die, and then lost his job as a spy. What’s an unemployed arch-mage to do? Start his own magical investigation service while he works to clear his good name and avenge his lost love.
With his very un-magical partner, Wish Ackford, Manny discovers the menace of a conspiracy looming behind his curse. But the limitations from the hex leave him at a distinct disadvantage as he and Wish investigate.
Assassins lurk at every corner or in every tram car. The threat of a dangerous mastermind with murky intentions lingers just out of sight. A questionable source offers the hint of a secret order hounding Manny’s footsteps. A murder leads to a wrenching discovery.
The Shadow of Daylight
The Cursed Mage Case Files – Volume 2