Free Audiobook : Practical Adept (Spellmonger, Book 17), By Terry Mancour

After enduring the trials of war, death, unruly gods, and unimaginable evil, Minalan the Spellmonger finds himself returning to Farise, the battleground of his early conflicts. His mission this time seems deceptively simple: conquer the subtropical city-state and rid the kingdom’s trade routes of the pirate threat. Weary of battle, Minalan chooses to take a covert approach, assuming a new identity as a Practical Adept and setting up a modest operation in Farise to serve as his cover. Along with a group of skilled agents, he begins the delicate process of infiltrating the city’s fragmented society and destabilizing its pirate-ridden regime.

But Farise proves a formidable challenge. Its people, culture, and history clash with Minalan’s own feudal outlook. The locals' advice to “beware the dusky maidens of Farise” takes on unexpected relevance as he secretly works to undermine the city’s leadership. Behind much of the chaos lies the ancient and shadowy organization known as the Contramara, pulling strings behind the scenes. Assassinations, kidnappings, betrayals, and backroom deals define life in Farise as different factions vie for control, with revolution looming on the horizon.

As Minalan navigates this treacherous landscape, he is haunted by memories from his past—a past that resurfaces to complicate his mission. All the while, he maintains his facade as a self-serving Practical Adept, selling spellwork like any other tradesman. But when a mysterious "dusky maiden" crosses paths with Minalan and a one-eyed wizard, the stakes rise even higher.

Minalan’s journey takes him from ancient ruins and hidden temples to Farise’s murky sewers and the heights of the Doge’s Citadel. Along the way, he forms new alliances and questions his motives and identity. He soon uncovers a hidden force, older and more dangerous than the Contramara, seeking control of the chaotic city. As Minalan faces this unseen adversary, he must decide who he truly is—and whether he can stop this power before it seizes control of Farise.