The Servant and the Mage

A Progression Fantasy Saga (The Corsryn Saga, Book 1)

By: James Cook

Narrated by: Guy Williams

Step into a world of intrigue and magic in The Servant and the Mage, the first novel in an all-new progression fantasy saga from the author of Path of Violence and the acclaimed Surviving the Dead series...

When Kharos, the son of a feared enforcer, is swept into the deadly machinations of the empire’s underworld, he faces a choice: risk everything to save his father, or surrender his freedom for a chance at survival.

To shield Kharos from a ruthless crime boss, his father calls in a favor from the enigmatic lord of the Ludus Magnus—the empire’s most prestigious gladiator academy. Bound to ten years of servitude, Kharos is thrust into a world where strength is currency and secrets are deadlier than swords. Along the way, his sharp mind and hidden magical talents quickly earn him respect among gladiators and servants alike. But as he secretly aids his father’s fight, Kharos’s growing power draws the attention of Yoru, a shadowy archmage with a dangerous past.

Under Yoru’s tutelage, Kharos’s mastery of magic surges—but every lesson comes with a price. As Kharos’s influence rises, so too does his peril, for Yoru is a former assassin whose loyalty is as mysterious as his motives. With enemies closing in and old debts demanding payment, Kharos must decide if he will become a pawn in someone else’s game or forge his own destiny.

Perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy and epic progression, The Servant and the Mage launches an unforgettable saga of ambition, loyalty, and the true cost of power.

©2025 James Cook (P)2025 James Cook

Awesome book!

Yet another great book from James Cook! Ive been loving that he is branching out to other genres and bringing his writing style with him!

The Next Great LitRPG Series!!!

I’ve been a fan of James Cook for years, and he never misses. Seeing him dive into fantasy with The Servant and the Mage and Path of Violence feels like watching an old friend level up into a whole new world. His characters have so much heart and growth that you feel part of their journey. The pacing keeps me glued from start to finish, and his take on magic and skills is both clever and deep. The narrator is, as always, spot-on — the perfect voice for Cook’s worlds. I’m already counting the days until the next installments!