Jack Massa may not be a name many here are familiar with. My first encounter was with his novel Mooncrow, which was published in 1979. After that his pen seems to have fallen silent. That is until 2016, when he published Cloak of the Two Winds: Book One of the Glimnodd Cycle. Since then he has published several novels including The Conjurer of Rhodes trilogy. This trilogy is a historical fantasy following the exploits of young Korax as he tries to recover his past and return home to Rhodes.

The Mazes of Magic: Book One

This is a work of historical fantasy fiction set in ancient Egypt; when the Greeks controlled the Mediterranean.

Korax is a slave. He does not know how he came to this fate. Longing for death in the slave pens he is given an opportunity to set his feet upon a path toward freedom, and return to his home in Rhodes.

All the while, he comes under the scrutiny of the priest, Harnouphis. With his natural aptitude as a seer, Korax is used as a tool for his master's advancement. Seeking greater power and influence Harnouphis makes a dark alliance that may end in bloodshed and war for the region.

The Lights of Alexandria: Book Two

The Lights of Alexandria picks up directly after the events of The Mazes of Magic. Don't let that dissuade you from reading LOA if you came to it first. Even though LOA is book two of a series, it is a self contained story and can be read alone. But it's oh so satisfying to read the whole story.

Korax has assumed a new identity, because he is after all an escaped slave of Egypt. Given a small taste of what his gifts can be honed into, he heads north to Alexandria, a cosmopolitan hub of the ancient world; hoping to learn more magic. Once again Korax has no trouble making friends, but not everyone shows their true face. Politics play a part and Korax is once again marked for his gifts.

The Treasure of the Sun God: Book Three

The conclusion of The Conjurer of Rhodes series brings Korax home to Rhodes. The Rhodes he comes home to is vastly different than the one he left.

The truth is uncovered and bonds are tested. Korax learns exactly how he became a slave in a foreign land. New friendships are forged and old enmities arise. It's a race against time for Korax to discover who his real enemies are.

A light, engrossing story from beginning to end. Compelling. A fast and delightful read. Jack Massa paints a vivid picture of the ancient world with a limited cast of characters and locations.

Read more about Jack Massa and his books at www.triskelionbooks.com.