Step into the spellbinding world of the Temple Chronicles, where a foul-mouthed wizard named Nate Temple battles mythical beasts and ancient gods in the heart of St. Louis! This urban fantasy series by Shayne Silvers blends high-octane action, snarky humor, and a modern twist on legendary folklore, captivating readers who crave magical adventures with a rebellious edge. From dragons to demons, Nate’s journey is a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
With a knack for stirring up trouble—think sucker-punching angels or stealing Death’s horse—the Temple Chronicles offers a fresh take on urban fantasy. Fans of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files or Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles will feel right at home in this thrilling saga. Ready to dive into Nate’s chaotic world? Let’s explore how this series came to life and why it’s a must-read.
How the Temple Chronicles Began
Shayne Silvers, a Missouri-based author with a passion for Marvel, mythology, and espresso-fueled writing sessions, kicked off the Temple Chronicles with Obsidian Son in 2012. Inspired by epic fantasy authors like Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan, Silvers crafted a world where ancient myths collide with modern-day St. Louis. His goal? To create a hero who’s equal parts powerful and flawed, with a sharp wit that keeps readers laughing even as the stakes soar.
A self-proclaimed storyteller with two black belts, Silvers wrote Obsidian Son while working on a Colorado farm, channeling his love for magical and mythological tales into Nate Temple’s adventures. The series quickly gained traction, spawning a sprawling universe called the Templeverse, which includes spin-offs like Feathers and Fire and The Phantom Queen Diaries. Silvers’ unique voice and fan engagement—through platforms like his Facebook group, Shayne Silvers’ Den of Freaks—helped the series build a loyal following.
The Heart of the Temple Chronicles
The Temple Chronicles follows Nate Temple, a billionaire wizard who’d rather run his occult bookstore than manage his family’s tech empire. In Obsidian Son, Nate uncovers a conspiracy tied to his parents’ murder, battling shape-shifting dragons and unraveling dark secrets. Blood Debts ramps up the chaos as Nate’s quest for vengeance pits him against demons, angels, and the Wizard Academy’s Justices, all while he grapples with a mysterious key to a supernatural arsenal. Grimm introduces legendary assassins—the Brothers Grimm—whose escape threatens Nate’s city, and Silver Tongue weaves fairy tales into a high-stakes mystery where Nate must outsmart a sinister recruiter.
The series shines through its blend of gritty action, irreverent humor, and rich world-building. Set in a St. Louis where magic hides behind a fragile Masquerade, the Temple Chronicles explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of power. Nate’s brash personality—think Tony Stark with a wand—clashes with gods, monsters, and even Death himself, creating a dynamic narrative that’s both epic and relatable. Silvers’ mythology, drawn from Norse, Celtic, and Egyptian lore, adds depth, while his snappy dialogue keeps the pace brisk and fun.
With 15 books in the main series, plus spin-offs, the Templeverse is a sprawling saga where each story builds on the last. Readers praise its addictive quality, with one Goodreads reviewer calling it “a roller coaster of action, wit, and fantastic characters.” While early books have a frat-boy vibe, the series matures, balancing emotional depth with Nate’s signature snark.
Why the Temple Chronicles Resonates
The Temple Chronicles has carved a niche in urban fantasy, earning comparisons to heavyweights like Jim Butcher and Ilona Andrews. Its blend of humor, heart, and high stakes has won over fans, with over a million copies downloaded and thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Silvers’ ability to weave complex plots with relatable characters makes the series a standout, inspiring readers to see themselves in Nate’s flawed heroism.
Beyond its pages, the Temple Chronicles has fostered a vibrant fan community. Silvers’ active engagement on social media and his knack for surprising twists keep readers hooked, while the Templeverse’s interconnected series offer endless adventures. For urban fantasy lovers, this series is a treasure trove of magic and mayhem that’s hard to put down.
- First Book: Obsidian Son (2012)
- Total Books: 15 in the main series, plus spin-offs
- Setting: St. Louis, Missouri
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller
Grab Obsidian Son and dive into the Temple Chronicles’ wild, magical world! Whether you’re a fan of wizards, dragons, or just a good laugh, Nate Temple’s adventures are calling your name.