The first review is in for the third book in The Last Magus fantasy/steampunk series, The Last Magus: Demon Song. Independent authors are a rather tight-knit community and we support each other, especially when it comes to peer review. We help each other along on the journey to become authors.
Thanks to the great T.K. Toppin for taking the time to read and review my latest release. Check out her awesome sci-fi crime thrillers at tktoppin.com.
“Once again, we’re back in Attlain, a universe filled with magic, magical weapons, spellcasters, demons, and warriors in a never-ending duel of good versus evil. A world with a past much like ours, but with a difference, and as the story unfolds, we begin to see the similarities and why. In this next installment of the saga, The Last Magus, Marcus Gideon, now with a family, must protect them against the oncoming forces of evil – the demon hoard from Nyx – led by the sorceress, Vasileesa Morovoz. We also get glimpses of his past as his memories begin to return, and soon, all is revealed. This was another fast-paced, page-turning read from Mark Piggott, both exciting and tragic as the players race to stop the evil forces. I cannot wait until the next chapter is released, which I hope is soon, to find out the fate of Marcus Gideon and the surprising circumstances that he’s fallen into.”
The third book in award-winning fantasy steampunk series, The Last Magus, is now LIVE for ebook purchase! The Last Magus: Demon Song brings the next chapter in the story of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain. Go to the bookstore at Lulu.com and be the first to order this dark fantasy between Gideon and the Silver Moon Guild against Vasileesa Morozov and the demons of Nyx. The adventure continues so don’t miss out! Stay tuned for more releases and book signing events!
Return to Attlain in the next chapter of the award-winning fantasy/steampunk series, The Last Magus: Demon Song. The saga of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain, continues to span this dystopia of magic and machines.
Marcus Gideon, the LAST MAGUS of Attlain, has chosen his own path. Haunted by memories he cannot fully recall, Gideon is set on protecting his wife, Wren, and his son, Henri, using the strength of the Silver Moon Guild. For five years, they have tracked down the Magus’ stolen weapons across Attlain, pursuing the deadly assassins of Ishtar. Now, at the edge of the Iron Wasteland, Gideon faces a new and even greater threat to everything he loves dear.
In the haunted ruins of Nyx, the demon sorceress Vasileesa Morozov has found a way to escape the cursed island and plans to release a new demon horde. Nyx was once the center of civilization, but centuries ago, the Demon Spire erupted from its heart, spreading corruption and turning the city into a place of nightmares. The Demon Spire is not just a monument; it connects the demonic realm to the mortal world and gives power to those who seek its dark magic. Now that the demons are free from their prison, all of Attlain faces their relentless hunger.
Gideon and the Silver Moon Guild race across Attlain to discover the sorceress’s plans to create a new Demon Spire and bring chaos to the world. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover secrets that put Gideon’s family in grave danger and threaten to erase the legacy of the LAST MAGUS. Everything Gideon has fought for, including his own life, is at risk.
The saga of Marcus Gideon, THE LAST MAGUS of Attlain, continues this June
Cover reveal of the third book in the saga of Marcus Gideon in THE LAST MAGUS: DEMON SONG, cover design by Anna-Lena Spies.
“They will know the name of Vasileesa Morozov and fear it, oh great one, for it will mean death!” Vasileesa nodded at the compliment bestowed upon her by the brute. Agrigar and the other demons howled as best as the monsters could to vocalize their feelings. Their voices harmonized into a song of death and despair as they united in her vision for the world’s future: a world of demons, a world of death.
The next chapter in the saga of Marcus Gideon, The Last Magus of Attlain is finally here. It has taken me a few years to write the third book in this series, as it takes a rather massive leap forward. Five years have passed since Gideon won the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Competition, restoring the name of the Magus and winning the hand of Wren, First Princess of Attlain and the woman he loves. Together, they form the Silver Moon Guild and gather the best adventurers in Attlain together to recover the magical weapons of the Magus that were stolen by Ishtar. However, in the process, they discover a sinister plot that could endanger all of Attlain and threaten the world.
Interior art by Melissa Matthew
Marcus Gideon, THE LAST MAGUS of Attlain, has chosen his own path. Haunted by memories he cannot fully recall, Gideon is set on protecting his wife, Wren, and his son, Henri, using the strength of the Silver Moon Guild. For five years, they have tracked down the Magus’ stolen weapons across Attlain, pursuing the deadly assassins of Ishtar. Now, at the edge of the Iron Wasteland, Gideon faces a new and even greater threat to everything he loves dear.
In the haunted ruins of Nyx, the demon sorceress Vasileesa Morozov has found a way to escape the cursed island and plans to release a new demon horde. Nyx was once the center of civilization, but centuries ago, the Demon Spire erupted from its heart, spreading corruption and turning the city into a place of nightmares. The Demon Spire is not just a monument; it connects the demonic realm to the mortal world and gives power to those who seek its dark magic. Now that the demons are free from their prison, all of Attlain faces their relentless hunger.
Gideon and the Silver Moon Guild race across Attlain to discover the sorceress’s plans to create a new Demon Spire and bring chaos to the world. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover secrets that put Gideon’s family in grave danger and threaten to erase the legacy of the LAST MAGUS. Everything Gideon has fought for, including his own life, is at risk.
The book includes some incredible interior art by Melissa Matthew. Her artwork is really bringing each chapter to life to give a you a deep insight as what to expect as you dive into the story. It has been great to work with these talented artists to bring my story to the next level.
The Last Magus: Demon Song will will available this June 2026. Stay tune to all my social media for more updates on the book release.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays to all my readers, fellow indie authors, and any steampunk and fantasy fans out there. I wanted to extend to you all the best this holiday season, wishing you and yours the warmest wishes for a bright and Happy New Year.
I’m going to take a break from posting here so I can focus on finishing my latest WIP. I’m working on the final book in my steampunk fantasy series, The Last Magus. I’m 81,000 words in and nearly finished, so I hope to have my first draft done by the end of the month.
In the meantime, enjoy your holidays with family and friends. Maybe sit back and read a good book to pass the time, or even Buy a Book and give one as a gift. Check out all my steampunk and fantasy books and give the gift of adventure this holiday! You won’t disappoint when someone opens a book under the tree this year!
Happy holidays to one and all! I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy Kwanzaa this December! If you are looking for a gift for family or friends, I would like to recommend the gift of fantasy and steam!
The Last Magus saga takes you on a journey of self discovery and adventure in the world of Attlain. Left for dead at a crossroads, Marcus Gideon wakes up with a clockwork heart in his chest and no memory of his past. He becomes an apprentice to the Last Magus, an outlaw sect of magic casters capable of summoning magical weapons. He strives to unlock his lost memories while forging his own destiny. The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart takes you on a journey from his beginnings as an apprentice to the magical forest of Ponshu to completing his training at the Basilon Magical Academy. In The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel, Gideon travels to the far off city of Plodoro to complete a final task for his master before ending his journey in the capital of Celestrium to enter the prestigious Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. However, the Ulbrecht Domo – The Shadow Lord of Ishtar – has other plans for the Last Magus.
These award-winning books take you into the clouds and across the stars. Corsair and the Sky Pirates imagines a world powered by steam through the genius of Nikola Tesla and the imagination of Jules Verne. Take to the skies with Corsair and his crew of sky pirates as they set out for adventure. Gwen Iver and Pendragon’s Puzzle is a YA fantasy where a young girl discover the secret of the Fae living within her small Michigan town. The descendants of King Arthur and Guinevere protect the magic through the power of the Pendragon. Journey across The River of Souls as one man’s death leads to rebirth in another world. It’s a story of love and redemption in a world fraught with war and racism.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Poker is a game of chance, strategy, and sheer luck. Rick Warren said, “Life is like a game of poker; you have to play the hand you’re dealt. A wise player can play a weak hand and win the game.” That was the inspiration behind this new art for The Last Magus: Dragonfire & Steel. Thanks to Christine Forster (GfxChristine00 on “X”) for the incredible artwork depicting the heroes and villains of my award-winning steampunk and fantasy novel.
The Ace of Spades – Wilguens Jean-Pierre is both a necromancer and a Hogun, using dark magic in combination with his religious practices in mysterious ways. He is the defending champion of the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Tournament and has his sights set on repeating as the top magic caster in Attlain. However, Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain, is entered in the tournament and steadily moves up through the competition. His staff contains the stolen souls of his victims. Wilguens has a bad habit of gambling his winnings away before he even earned the coin.
The King of Hearts – Marcus Gideon is the Last Magus of Attlain, able to cast spells like any sorcerer and summon magical weapons from a cache known as the Armory of Attlain, wielding them like a seasoned warrior. The Magus were once the guardians of magic, now considered outcasts and traitors across the land. Gideon hopes to redeem the name of the Magus by winning the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Tournament, but Gideon’s goal is two-fold. He also wants to win to prove his worth to the king in order to win the hand of his one true love, Princess Wren.
The Queen of Hearts – Princess Winifred “Wren” Levian, the First Princess of Attlain, also known as the “Inferno Princess” because of her incredible fire magic. She met and fell in love with Marcus Gideon while attending the Basilon Magical Academy. Now that she has returned home to Celestrium by the Sea, the capital of Attlain, Wren waits for Gideon. Her life at the palace is dull and boring. She wants more than the standard royal affairs. Wren wants to be with Gideon and will do anything to be with him, even if it means defying her parents.
The Jack of Clubs – Prince Rolf Csadar of Ishtar is an enigma to Attlain. He comes from an ancient enemy of Attlain, proclaiming the opportunity to build better relations between the two countries. Secretly, Csadar is the Ulbrecht Domo, the Shadow Lord of Ishtar. His secret police, the Blackguard, keep the people of Ishtar in line. They also infiltrate and gather intelligence on Attlain. His identity is unknown to the masses, lurking in the shadows to plot his schemes. Marcus Gideon has gotten in the way of his plans and needs to be eliminated in order for the Shadow Lord to succeed.
The Ten of Diamonds – Hoshi is a Mourne Wolf and the familiar of Marcus Gideon. Mourne Wolves are known as the “Travelers of the Stars,” always running as they follow the sun and stars around the world. They can change their size in order to break through any obstacle that lie in their path. Gideon saved the Mourne Wolf’s life on the precipice beneath the Castle of the Storm Giants, abandoned by his pack after a landslide. Hoshi owes his life to Gideon and now acts as his familiar, fighting side-by-side with the Magus.
The saga of Marcus Gideon, The Last Magus, continues on his journey, destined to restore the dignity of the Magus. After graduating from the Basilon Magical Academy, Gideon sets off for his master’s homeland. Plodoro is an isolated city in the far north of the Skjem-Tur mountains. Surrounded by giants and blanketed in an endless winter, Gideon travels to the far-flung region to fulfill a final request of his master and return a sacred weapon to his people. He must finish this task to return to his true love, Wren.
The First Princess of Attlain fell in love with Gideon during their time at Basilon. Now, to win her parents’ approval, Gideon must win the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. This celebration showcases the best magic casters in Attlain, and Gideon is the first Magus to compete in over a hundred years. As he fights for his life and reputation, a dark shadow looms over him as the Ulbrecht Domo―the Shadow Lord of Ishtar―has other plans for The Last Magus.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
This marks the end of two long years of writing, starting and stopping due to “Writer’s Block” and the occasional “what am I doing” through the whole process. Still, 93,000 words later, it is finally finished. This is my twelfth book written . . . 12! I’ve published eight, one waiting to be published this year and two in the hard drive still under going editing. This is number 12 and it was a hard fought twelve, that’s for sure.
This book will be the third in The Last Magus fantasy/steampunk book series. It’s called Demon Song. I know that title is a bit macabre, a little outside my avenue, and to be honest, this book is my darkest one yet. I always try to balance good and evil, the dark and the light, within my stories. I find that where there is absolute evil, so too must the light shine through. I had to really dive into darkness and find my way out while writing this novel.
This is the continuing adventures of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain. It picks up five years after the events of Dragonfire and Steel. Gideon and Wren are married and traveling around Attlain, tracking down the stolen magic weapons of the Magus along with the help of his own adventurers guild, the Silver Moon Guild. Gideon has finally begin to forge his own destiny, but he uncovers a plot that could destroy not only Attlain but the world. The demon sorceress of Nyx, Vasileesa Morozov, is planning to escape the island nation and spread her demon army across the land.
There is so much more to this story, but I can’t give away here, now can I. Plus, with the beta readers and editing still to come, it may alter things. So for now, I will leave it at that, happy to have reached his monumental moment. Stay tuned for more as things progress and be sure to catch up on the entire The Last Magus series before the next book is published.
Check out Buy My Books to pick out your next binge read!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Corsair and the Sky Pirates and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel available from Curious Corvid Publishing.
I genuinely feel appreciated for the work I put into a book when I get peer reviews. These are people in my craft who understand what it means to be a writer and provides the necessary feedback that I want and need. Any independent author worth their salt will tell you how important it is to hear from both readers and peers.
“In the wake of an encounter between Tesla and Verne, meteor fragments from the celestial wanderer, Uriel, become the catalyst for a revolutionary energy source, replacing conventional combustion engines with the mesmerizing power of steam. Thus, a steampunk revolution is born, an industrial evolution propelled by the genius of these two visionaries. Yet, not all is utopian in this new age of progress. Thomas Edison’s ERP Corporation, fueled by ambition and influence, sought to capitalize on these advancements, ensuring that every marvel of modernity came at a price. While Tesla’s inventions were intended to alleviate the burdens of everyday life, Edison’s corporate juggernaut sought to exploit them for profit. Amidst this clash of ideals, one man emerged to represent the common folk. He took up the mantle of Tesla’s dream, dedicating his life to bringing the wonders of invention to the masses. His name echoed through the corridors of legend, his crew became synonymous with daring exploits, and his airship a breathtaking glimpse into the future.
“This is the tale of Corsair and the Sky Pirates, a gripping saga of adventure, rebellion, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. As the skies above echo with the whirring gears and billowing steam of magnificent airships, Corsair leads a daring crew against the oppressive forces of Edison’s corporate tyranny.
“Piggott’s spellbinding tale offers an action-packed plotline woven through with moral dilemmas that add interest and emotion to the book. At its heart, this is a story of good vs. evil with intricate world-building that features a diverse cast of characters sure to resonate with a wide range of readers. In addition, the book is packed with tension right from the start. Piggott’s concise writing creates powerful scenes, leading to an immersive reader experience. His creative use of real-world characters (Verne, Tesla, Edison, etc.) enhances the overall storyline to craft a compelling world readers won’t want to leave.
“A masterful book of steampunk fantasy perfect for any collector’s bookshelf, Corsair and the Sky Pirates explores the true meaning of how far one hero can go with the right friends at his side.”
The next review comes from a “brutally honest” book reviewer, Jennie Rosenblum. Jennie and I are from the same hometown of Phillipsburg, NJ, and have a mutual love for books—hers reading and mine writing. Jennie has always been honest in her reviews of my books and I always appreciate her support for the indie author community. She took the time over the Christmas holiday to read the next book in The Last Magus series, The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel.
“I could not wait to return to Gideon’s captivating world. It was pure delight as the familiar blend of adventure, magic, and vibrant characters filled the pages once more. In this installment of the series, Gideon starts by embarking on a compelling journey to the isolated city of Plodoro to fulfill his late master’s final wishes. And that’s just the beginning. He has to make it to the Helios competition and not only compete but win. Despite facing relentless moral dilemmas and external pressures, Gideon’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right shines through.
“This series excels not only in its fantastical elements but also in its exploration of universal themes like duty, love, and the complexities of human (and sometimes non-human) nature. While each book stands on its own, offering a complete and immersive experience, the overarching narrative adds depth for returning readers. With its evocative storytelling and timeless moral resonance, Gideon’s saga continues to offer a captivating escape into a world of wonder and integrity.
“As always – the incredibly beautiful covers are the first draw!”
As always, I hope you will take the opportunity to dive into my fantastic imagination and read my carefully woven stories of fantasy and steampunk adventures. Head over to Buy My Books if you want to read more or visit my Events page to meet me at an upcoming festival or convention!
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
The Magus were legendary magic casters/warriors, able to cast spells and wield powerful magical weapons. They were the guardians of magic in Attlain but were cast out and feared for their power. Marcus Gideon was trained by The Last Magus, destined to restore the dignity of the order.
After graduating from the Basilon Magical Academy, Gideon sets off for his master’s homeland. Plodoro was an isolated city in the far north of the Skjem-Tur mountains. Surrounded by giants and blanketed in an endless winter, Gideon traveled to the far-flung region to fulfill a final request of his master and return a sacred weapon to his people. He must finish this task to return to his true love, Wren.
The First Princess of Attlain fell in love with Gideon during their time at Basilon. Now, to win her parents’ approval, Gideon must win the Helios Arcanum Magical Arts Festival. This celebration showcases the best magic casters in Attlain, and Gideon is the first Magus to compete in over a hundred years. As he fights for his life and reputation, a dark shadow looms over him as the Ulbrecht Domo―the Shadow Lord of Ishtar―has other plans for The Last Magus.
Mark Piggott is an award-winning independent author of several fantasy/steampunk novels and short stories. A 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, his stories will take you from the shores of eternal Avalon to a dystopian steampunk future and other fantastic worlds as he weaves through a myriad of flights of fancy in his tales.
The Forever Avalon fantasy book series—including Forever Avalon, The Dark Tides, and The Outlander War—are available online at Amazonand otherbooksellers. His fantasy steampunk novel, The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart, is available through Luluand otherbooksellers.
Mark Piggott | Fantasy & Steampunk Author 