MTG: The Secretist Pt.1-3 (Kindle, NOOK, ebook)

Magic the Gathering novella author, and website producer Doug Beyer brings to us a vividly fleshed out tale of one of MTG's (Magic the Gathering's) most powerful Planeswalkers, Jace Beleren. If you've played the "MTG: Duels of the Planeswalkers" video games then you'll likely recognize that the name "Jace Beleren" belongs to the Planeswalker/Mind Mage who is sporting the mystical blue cloak. In this particular story arch the author takes us, and Jace on a thrilling adventure to uncover an unknown power that has been locked away ages ago by the Guildmasters of Ravnica within it's maze-like streets. Jace, and a couple of his fellow companions (Emmara of the Selesnya Guild & Kavin a Valdalkian) not only find themselves in the midst of the mysterious findings, but also find themselves collectively threatened by various Guilds of Ravnica's Ten Districts.

The tale of "The Secretist" is a three part story that closely follows Jace Beleren's activities as he tries to make sense of a mysterious maze of sorts, and some rune stones that he happened upon while passing Izzet guildmages in the streets of Ravnica. The more he uncovers about the runes the more he finds out just how serious the sought after prize hidden with the metaphorical "maze" means. Along the way he encounters many dangers including the dragonic mastermind, Niv-Mizzet, a Blood Witch, the Rakdos, the Golgari, and even a fiendish vampire who seeks to please his master by gathering information from Jace, and his friends.

Jace, Kavin, and Emmara's paths intertwine numerous times as the story of the "maze" unfolds. At times they aid each other in attempting to rid Ravnica of the threat that is locked away in Niv-Mizzet's sought after maze, and at other times they find themselves at odds with one another as well as with the many Guilds who are ultimately trying to influence their every decision. There isn't a dull moment as each action packed scenario comes to life through the vividly detailed words of the author. Each character, whether it's a lowly minion, or Jace himself are described in a way that will paint a clear picture of them within the minds of the readers. You'll find love, loss, and visceral combat as you read through the pages included in each part of this fantastical MTG tale.

As far as being a standalone read goes, "Return to Ravnica: The Secretist pt.1-3" can be read, and understood properly enough without any prior knowledge of "Magic the Gatherings" expansive universe. With that being said though you will get more out of reading this mini-series if you do follow the MTG mythology. The characters, and creatures you use in the TCG (Trading Card Game) version of MTG will make more sense to you upon reading this three part novella, for example. While it is only a small portion of the goings on in the MTG universe you'll be glad to know that this lengthy read is very epic in nature. Not only that, but it is hands down the best fantasy book I've read in years!

Each part of the novella will set you back $1.99. This of course means it is a digital download for mobile devices. The nice thing about the set is that each part of the novella comes with a signature MTG cover image that will make any MTG enthusiast proud. While that is merely icing on the cake I found that the story is very much worth the asking price. The first part of the MTG novella titled, "Return to Ravnica: The Secretist Part One" eases you into the story, introducing each character along the way. It features 79 pages of fully fleshed out, and well scripted plot material. The second part of the mini-series, "GateCrash: The Secretist Part Two" gets more involved in the whole story arch, and contains 119 pages filled with action packed scenarios. Last, but certainly not least you'll find that, "Dragon's Gate: The Secretist Part 3" concludes the fantasy tale in a larger than life climactic way. It's 127 page length will no doubt hold your undivided attention until the very end.

If you own a mobile device such as a NOOK, or an Amazon Kindle I highly suggest that you add this amazing MTG tale to your collection. It's a good read for newcomers to the MTG card game as well as those who have been following it's development over the years. Like I said before this novella can be read, and interpreted like a standalone story. Having prior knowledge of MTG and it's many characters/creatures will definitely help you to appreciate it more though.

Amazon/Kindle:

- http://www.amazon.com/secretist part 1-3

Barnes & Noble/NOOK:

- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-secretist-part-one
- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-secretist-part-two
- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-secretist-part-three

Kobo/eBook:

- http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Dragons-Maze