The Painter Mage Series by D.K. Holmberg

Oliver Morris is a painter, able to use patterns and colors to create powerful magic. After ten years away from his home, time spent facing dangerous magic that now wants him dead, he returns to Conlin searching for a quieter life and a place to hide. With his best friend by his side, a woman with a different kind of magic, he might finally learn what happened to his father the night he disappeared... moreOliver Morris is a painter, able to use patterns and colors to create powerful magic. After ten years away from his home, time spent facing dangerous magic that now wants him dead, he returns to Conlin searching for a quieter life and a place to hide. With his best friend by his side, a woman with a different kind of magic, he might finally learn what happened to his father the night he disappeared. When a beautiful painter shows up with true artist magic and needing his help, Oliver is forced to confront a shifter, a creature with magical power unlike anything he’s ever encountered. Doing so will lead to a discovery about his father’s work that Oliver never expected, and force him to use his magic in ways he never knew possible, or a far more dangerous threat will be unleashed. Except this not only risks the very peace he sought by coming home, but will bring him closer to facing a far deadlier foe: the reason he returned in the first place. Shifted Agony is the first book in The Painter Mage urban fantasy series. less

Oliver Morris has survived the hunter attack, creatures who feed on magical ability, nearly sacrificing himself to protect his best friend Devan. But to truly keep her safe, he’ll need to help Taylor return to Arcanus before she releases any other dangers on his city. Then Devan is abducted by a dangerous painter, one who might be more deadly than anyone he’s ever faced, and demands that Oliver hand over a mysterious and powerfully magical item... moreOliver Morris has survived the hunter attack, creatures who feed on magical ability, nearly sacrificing himself to protect his best friend Devan. But to truly keep her safe, he’ll need to help Taylor return to Arcanus before she releases any other dangers on his city. Then Devan is abducted by a dangerous painter, one who might be more deadly than anyone he’s ever faced, and demands that Oliver hand over a mysterious and powerfully magical item. Oliver knows he can’t save her on his own, but he’ll need to find a way to trust Taylor, forge new allies, and learn to control magic he believes beyond his ability if he wants to save his friend, or a fate worse than death awaits Devan. less