Delver Magic Series by Jeff Inlo

A rolling tremor passes through the land of Uton signaling a return of long absent magic as well as an ancient evil that accompanies it. Ryson Acumen, purebred delver, senses the changes throughout the land. In his investigations, he learns that legends he considered fables hold more truth than fantasy. The delver encounters elves and learns the Sphere of Ingar, a talisman that captured all magical energies long ago, is free from its tomb in Sanctum Mountain... moreA rolling tremor passes through the land of Uton signaling a return of long absent magic as well as an ancient evil that accompanies it. Ryson Acumen, purebred delver, senses the changes throughout the land. In his investigations, he learns that legends he considered fables hold more truth than fantasy. The delver encounters elves and learns the Sphere of Ingar, a talisman that captured all magical energies long ago, is free from its tomb in Sanctum Mountain. As violent, evil creatures return to shred the very fabric of reality, the sphere gains awareness and chooses to spew corrupted magical energies to obliterate all life. The sphere must be destroyed, but it rests within Sanctum, a hollow mountain with a single path to its center. The way to the sphere remains defended by devices created long ago, forged by members of each race to thwart entry to the mountain's core. Those that wish to defeat the sphere must not only overcome these barriers, they must conquer the mistrust which has flourished during the long period of separation. Human, elf, dwarf, algor and delver must reunite to defeat the obstacles that now protect the sphere. Magic, though corrupt, is harnessed to fight off strange beasts of evil that once again walk this land. Once inside Sanctum, representatives of each race face the secrets of the ages that once undone will change their lives forever. less

The Sphere of Ingar has been destroyed, but a growing wind of rebellion leads to a new threat. The dwarf queen, Yave, declares war on the algors. Ryson Acumen attempts to intervene as the algors fight for their very existence and the elves threaten to unleash their own weapon of sheer terror. The overriding need that brought the races together is gone, and the land of Uton fractures into chaos.

Ryson Acumen finds that his time of service to the land of Uton is not yet complete. Together with Holli Brances and Lief Woodson, they must work together once more to end a growing threat and to meet their own undeniable destinies. It is not without loss or sacrifice as they struggle to battle grotesque forces of malevolence. Enemies once forgotten return to hold sway over each ensuing conflict.

Ryson Acumen battles frustration and fatigue as another struggle unfolds before him. A growing conflict threatens to engulf Uton from the western shores to the eastern plains. Illusions abound after the magic from an erratic sorceress alters the corridors of life and death, and the delver faces internal doubts as well as horrific monsters. A treacherous creation first hunts the dark creatures of a nightmare realm, but the danger quickly falls back upon Uton... moreRyson Acumen battles frustration and fatigue as another struggle unfolds before him. A growing conflict threatens to engulf Uton from the western shores to the eastern plains. Illusions abound after the magic from an erratic sorceress alters the corridors of life and death, and the delver faces internal doubts as well as horrific monsters. A treacherous creation first hunts the dark creatures of a nightmare realm, but the danger quickly falls back upon Uton. Forced to choose between divergent paths, Ryson must rely on others to defend the person he cares about the most. He can only hope his friends are able to defeat a new menace that revives old fears.While the delver ventures into the Lacobian Desert, cliff behemoths vow to protect his wife, Linda, just as the elf guard, Holli Brances, leads spell casters against an unknown and dangerous foe in the abandoned town of Pinesway. Even the powerful wizard, Enin, enters the clash in hopes of ending the conflict before too many lives are lost. It is ultimately up to Ryson Acumen to defeat his inner demons and to find the answers that will save Uton and all its inhabitants. less

The western cites of Uton are overwhelmed by a massive exodus from the Great Valleys. Pressed from their homes by a growing distress, humans flee across the central plains in hopes of finding refuge from the suffocating fear that swells with each passing day. As the wizard Enin tries to maintain control in Connel, he works with dwarves and humans to quell the growing crisis... moreThe western cites of Uton are overwhelmed by a massive exodus from the Great Valleys. Pressed from their homes by a growing distress, humans flee across the central plains in hopes of finding refuge from the suffocating fear that swells with each passing day. As the wizard Enin tries to maintain control in Connel, he works with dwarves and humans to quell the growing crisis. He sends Ryson Acumen along with Holli Brances to investigate the strange occurrences reported by the displaced farmers and merchants.While exploring the eastern valleys, the delver and the elf uncover bizarre circumstances that contradict their understanding of rational behavior. Each mysterious revelation adds to an ever expanding puzzle. Goblins have infested the cities and the farmlands, but not by force. With the consent of local authorities, dark creatures inundate the eastern lands, taking ownership of farms and claiming residence within human towns without outward conflict or apparent treachery.As humans and goblins are forced to coexist throughout the region, order is enforced by half-demons, but a tense apprehension grips the citizens of nearly every village and city. Many decide to escape the valleys. Farmers abandon their fields and merchants leave their shops. The flow of refugees grows, putting a greater strain on the western towns of Connel and Burbon.Ryson and Holli continue their search for answers only to meet with opposition from local councils, town guards, and a powerful regional steward. They struggle against goblins and half-demons and even attempt to enlist the aid of dwarves from the underground city of Sterling. Throughout their efforts, goblins continue to pour into the valleys just as more humans abandon their homes. A twisted plan of deceit gradually takes shape as Ryson and Holli follow a chain of bargains meant not only to remove all the people from the valleys, but to destroy the entire human race. less

Ryson Acumen faces his most personal struggle. His wife's immunity to magic leads to a surprising discovery just as it attracts the attention of creatures with malicious intentions. After the delver battles goblins and river rogues, his attention turns to the disappearance of elves from Dark Spruce Forest. The perilous events merge into one decisive encounter with a powerful sorcerer.

Spirit Past is the eighth book in the Delver Magic series. While all the Delver Magic Books are complete novels with clear endings and no cliffhangers, the books draw on common events and characters throughout the series. In Book 8, the delver, Ryson Acumen, faces a new terror. Reiculf, the ruler of Demonspawn, lusts for chaos and destruction and finally breaks free of ancient barriers to spread fire, pestilence, and death throughout Uton... moreSpirit Past is the eighth book in the Delver Magic series. While all the Delver Magic Books are complete novels with clear endings and no cliffhangers, the books draw on common events and characters throughout the series. In Book 8, the delver, Ryson Acumen, faces a new terror. Reiculf, the ruler of Demonspawn, lusts for chaos and destruction and finally breaks free of ancient barriers to spread fire, pestilence, and death throughout Uton. Manipulations of magic allow the beast to force his energy into unwilling hosts, and the demon lord moves cunningly to overcome any obstacle which confines his ability to generate pain and destruction. Ryson struggles to comprehend the workings of demon magic as the delver joins with both friends and adversaries to battle the encroaching evil. The elves of Dark Spruce Forest face the initial brunt of Reiculf's fury, but the fiend quickly turns his rage upon the human towns of Burbon and Connel. Ryson and his allies fight against every imaginable horror as the full wrath of wickedness is unleashed against their homeland. The path to a final conflict is lined with both misfortune and treachery, but a beacon of hope arrives in Uton to guide the delver to a greater understanding of his own existence. As he unveils the darker secrets of his foe, Ryson must look beyond the shadows of evil to find a way to defeat Reiculf and save his family and friends. less

After defeating Reiculf, the lord of all demons, Ryson Acumen reflects upon the spiritual mystery surrounding the encounter. Hoping to find clarity, the delver begins a journey to better understand his inner essence, and he meets an old adversary on a quest of his own. The caster of crimson spells, Neltus, suffered greatly during his battle with the demon lord, as the wizard lost his magical core. Devoid of magic, he is unable to embrace the crimson energy which served him in so many ways... moreAfter defeating Reiculf, the lord of all demons, Ryson Acumen reflects upon the spiritual mystery surrounding the encounter. Hoping to find clarity, the delver begins a journey to better understand his inner essence, and he meets an old adversary on a quest of his own. The caster of crimson spells, Neltus, suffered greatly during his battle with the demon lord, as the wizard lost his magical core. Devoid of magic, he is unable to embrace the crimson energy which served him in so many ways. Determined to regain what was removed from his essence, the coreless wizard takes uncharacteristic risks, and without the delver's knowledge, joins forces with devious creatures bent on the annihilation of Uton. From the desert to the western shores, Neltus leads Ryson through twisted passages of betrayal. Foes from the past combine their efforts to threaten every level of existence, and Ryson is forced to face a warped menace in a new realm of deceit. In one devastating wave of upheaval, demons are freed from the restrictions which held them within their breeding grounds. The delver and his allies face a whirlwind of treachery as they stumble from one disaster to another. While the threats to Uton grow, the delver takes control of the battle and brings the fight back to the demons' breeding grounds. Returning his focus to his initial quest, Ryson breaks through new barriers and allows a growing enlightenment of his spiritual essence to guide him against the combined forces of his enemies. A new perspective of the soul offers the one path which may allow him to defeat the deadly menace and save the land. less