Mage of the Black Hole, the third book of the Nanosia Series by Rhonda Denise Johnson, follows Peanut, the adopted son of Queen Quila, as he embarks on a journey in Cenozonia, where life is created, while Pyck and the queen do their best to secure the throne of Romatica.
Review
After losing his mother to the unbearable cold that encompassed Earth some time ago, Peanut is taken in by Pyck, the mage of gravity. He is all set to be adopted by Queen Quila of Romatica, Pyck’s paramour. Soon, Peanut finds himself from being an orphan at Hadley Town to the new heir apparent to the kingdom. As he struggles to balance between his boyish personality and new regal role, Peanut also discovers his unique power of controlling both gravity and dark energy. When too many deaths in his short life convince him that his magic is the reason for the people around him to die, he hopes on a journey to Cenozonia with Zoden, the queen’s physician. Their motive is to kill death. To add to all this, General Berom has amassed an army of mercenaries to usurp the Romatican throne and lead an attack on Loorland.
Can death really die? What will happen to the world if nobody ever dies? Will Peanut ever be able to make a place for himself and his magic? What about Queen Quila and Pyck? Will they be able to secure the Romatican throne and live together happily?
Rhonda Denise Johnson’s Mage of the Black Hole is the third book in the Nanosia Series. Rhonda Denise Johnson, as always, beautifully merges science with magic. I was enthralled by the magic of both Pyck and Diàdosi. I was glad to know more about black holes and the creation of the universe. The relationship between gravity and dark matter really captured my attention.
In Mage of the Black Hole, we get to see a Romatica that is ravaged by war. After King Cestor’s death, it takes a lot for Queen Quila to maintain her authority over the throne. Being a woman, she has to face the prejudice and disrespect of some of her own people. Yet, she maintains her queenly dignity with pride, even when General Berom insults her in her own court. Pyck has his own battles as well. As the royal jester of the former king and the Loorean spy, he has to work hard to earn his place in royalty. The scene where he has to stop himself from joining his former troops depicts integrity. Moreover, he has to deal with his own insecurities about the queen’s love.
Peanut is a great protagonist. To be honest, I did not have much liking for his petulant self in the beginning. This made his journey all the more interesting. His evolution from being a whiny boy to a reluctant hero who has the responsibility of saving the whole world on his shoulder is astounding. I love how Johnson makes us relate to this uncharacteristic hero. I have to mention Jalo is a good friend to Peanut. Speaking of boy heroes, we get to catch up with Jawan, the protagonist of the first book in the series. Now a journeyman to Myrlo, the earth mage, he has new responsibilities. Jawan’s relationship with Cintella also grows. I wish to see more of how he matures into a man. Among all the elemental mages, we get to see Quintisumma, the mage of the spirits, the most in this book. I was truly intrigued by the Quintessence. I hope that there really is such a world for our spirits to go to.
Among all the royalty in this book, King Ofair of Loorland is the one who is a monarch in the truest sense of the word. He is fair and never cruel. I was pretty upset by the way Queen Felda, his wife, and Captain Keb, his army chief treated him. Speaking of army chiefs, I couldn’t help but note the similarities between Captain Keb and General Berom of Romatica, despite them being arch-enemies. Both thought that they were better than the rulers.
Diàdosi is one character that tugs at my heartstrings. As the mage of dark matter, he is unable to come close to anyone. His debate with the All taught me a lot. While I was heartbroken at his loneliness, I understood the need for space. I got to know the importance of both gravity and space through their enlightening discussion. I have to mention Zoden, the queen’s physician, as well. Through him, Johnson depicts how much damage a man can do even with the best of intentions. We also get to witness the follies of biological engineering. After all, evolution should be left to nature.
Rhonda Denise Johnson once again proves her mettle as a master world-builder. This time, she takes us to Cenozonia, a place where life is created. I was amazed by the processes carried on at the Life Lab. It truly takes a lot for life to come to life. Death intrigued me the most. We all believe that it is a bad thing. Johnson impressed upon me the significance of Caspen, the agent of death. After all, where there is life, there ought to be death.
From spine-chilling chase sequences and action scenes to political intrigue and magic, Mage of the Black Hole by Rhonda Denise Johnson has it all. I highly recommend this amazing novel to fans of YA fiction and action-packed science fantasy novels.
Book Details
- Title: Mage of the Black Hole
- Author: Rhonda Denise Johnson
- Genre: Science Fantasy
- Theme: Coming of Age, Science Fiction, Fantasy, War, Magic
- Publication Date: December 20, 2020
- ISBN or ASIN: B08NTV998W
- Number of Pages: 326
- Minimum Audience Age: 13
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 1
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 3
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 2
- Other adult themes: 1
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 3 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 4.6 out of 5
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