I stumbled upon 'Rough Magic' while browsing for dark fantasy reads, and it immediately hooked me with its blend of gritty magic systems and morally gray characters. From what I've dug up, it's actually the first book in a planned series called the 'Mage-Eater Trilogy.' The author, Lara Robinson, has mentioned in interviews that she's working on the sequel, though no release date is set yet. The way the book ends definitely leaves room for more—major cliffhanger with the protagonist's magic destabilizing, and that mysterious faction teasing a larger conflict.
What's cool is how the worldbuilding feels expansive but not overwhelming. The magic has rules but isn't over-explained, and the political tensions between the guilds hint at deeper lore. I love how the protagonist's 'rough magic' (unrefined, unpredictable power) contrasts with the polished elitism of the established mages. If you're into series like 'The Poppy War' or 'The Blade Itself,' this has that same vibe of raw potential waiting to explode in future installments.