Home Magic Users
Category:

Magic Users

Of Silver and Shadow Cover
Book ReviewsMagic UsersStand Alone

Of Silver and Shadow Review

by Cynthia Bujnicki
written by Cynthia Bujnicki

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke is a young adult fantasy that offers something unique for the reader. It follows Ren Kolins who has silver, a type of magic the kingdom of Erdis outlawed years ago. When she was a child, the king discovered she had magic and tried to kill her, setting her home on fire. Ren alone escaped and learned to keep her magic hidden, surviving by “sticking to a life of petty thievery, card games, and pit fighting”. She lives a dishonest life, but that is part of her charm.

Of Silver and Shadow Review

Of Silver and Shadow book cover
Of Silver and Shadow
by Jennifer Gruenke

You Win Some…

Ren is the definition of a reluctant hero with a matching snarky personality that gives the readers a bit of fresh air. She is the queen of sarcasm and completely original as far as characters go. However, there is also something heart-warming about this character. As self-indulgent as she is, when Ren cares about someone, it shows strongly. Ren often puts herself first, but the softer side of herself comes alive, it gives Ren a more complex personality. Ren is very much afraid of exposing herself and her power for the rebellion. It goes against all her survival instincts, but she does it regardless, not just for the coin (mainly for the coin), but because she knows she needs to tear down the corrupt regime.

However, there are times when her snarky attitude becomes repetitive, especially when she banters with Darek. Still, Ren is a compelling character at the end of the day. 

Much like Ren, the other characters are multifaceted. Kellen is a prince with a heart to good to belong to his family, and he sneaks out nightly to be himself, or at least try to find a place to belong, something relatable to any reader. Adley is a hunter, fashioned by a king she hates, who does horrible things in order to gain her freedom and that of her love, Lesa.

You Lose Some…

Darek is the only fault because he’s just a self-righteous prick half the time, and while it was evident that he and Ren were going to end up together, the chemistry was lacking. Yes, the development of the story gave it away and gave some development to their dynamics; however, it lacked substance and came off as rushed, making it slightly unbelievable.

Especially when it contrasts the lovely relationship between Adley and Lesa, now that is a relationship worth reading.

For Darek and Ren, their argumentative banter, much like Ren’s snark, became repetitive. It bordered on annoyance because Darek is so self-righteous, insulting Ren and undermining her character.

Final Thoughts

On the bright side, Of Silver and Shadow moves effortlessly forward. Of Silver and Shadow is a fast read, has excellent world-building, giving depth to the class structure, and the use of magic in this novel. It was thoughtful and had a fantastic ending that lifts the reader with hope and joy.

Looking for more great books to read?

Check out my review of Deeplight.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Fable cover
Book ReviewsLGBTQMagic UsersPlot TwistsRomance

Fable Review

by Isela Canale
written by Isela Canale

As the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows, the sea is the only home Fable has ever known.

It’s been four years since the night she watched her mother drown during an unforgiving storm. The next day her father abandoned her on a legendary island filled with thieves and little food.

To survive she must keep to herself, learn to trust no one and rely on the skills her mother taught her. The only thing that keeps her going is the goal of getting off the island and find her father. Demanding her rightful place beside him and his crew.

To do so Fable enlists the help of a young trader named West to get her off the island and across the Narrows to her father. But her father’s rivalries and the dangers of his trading enterprise have only multiplied since she last saw him and Fable soon finds that West isn’t who he seems.

Together, they will have to survive more than the storms that haunt the Narrows if they’re going to stay alive. 

Fable Review

Fable by Adrienne Yuong book cover

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending me an Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Fable knows that in order to survive she needs to follow five simple rules: 

  • Keep your knife where you can reach it.
  • Never, ever owe anyone anything.
  • Nothing is free.
  • Always construct a lie from a truth.
  • Never, under any circumstances, reveal what or who matters to you.

After being left by her father on Jeval, an island filled with thieves, Fable needs to survive one way or another. It has been four years since her father abandoned her but she has a plan. 

Fable has been saving coins in order to leave the island and get what she’s owed, a place beside her father and his crew. But having a stash is dangerous in Jeval. Everyone’s looking out for themselves and would not hesitate to put a knife in your throat for a couple of coppers.

Fable needs three or four more weeks to have enough coin to barter passage out of Jeval. Unfortunately, people have been talking about the possible places where Fable could be hiding her coin.

When word got around, Fable was targeted and almost drowned. She barters passage to get off the island, losing all the coppers she saved.

Now Fable needs to earn coins fast to not show up empty handed when she sees her father again. Although it seems that coin isn’t what she needs to worry about.

Thoughts

Fable is about debts, riches and something more special than anything money can buy – family. It’s about relationships and the price you pay for them. About how people can grow to help each other and become something meaningful in life.

I loved how Adrienne wrote Fable’s character. She’s an excellent example of how it doesn’t matter how many times life knocks you down, you always need to pick yourself back up and try again.

Also, while you’re reading Fable, the writing is so descriptive that it makes you feel like it was you who was out at sea, diving deep or inside the ship.

The side characters are what sealed the deal in this amazing story. Their personalities and the way they connect and interact with Fable and each other are what truly enthralled me.

“I can’t decide if I like you or if I think you’re stupid.”

The cover is AWESOME! It was the first thing that really captivated me to request it in NetGalley and then I saw the reviews, which they didn’t disappoint.

The only downside is that I need to wait almost a year for the next book. I can’t wait that long with that ending.

Overall, Fable is a really great start of this duology and I can’t wait to see what happens with these characters that stole a little piece of my heart. If you’re looking for a fast-paced story, filled with emotions and high seas adventures, you just found it.

Fable art print

Fable comes out September 1st. Don’t forget to preorder from Malaprops Bookstore to receive a personalized copy and an exclusive art print from my favorite scene.

Retrieved from Adrienne Young’s Instagram. Art by @taratjah.

Looking for more great reviews?

Check out my review of The Lost City here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
AdventureBook ReviewsMagic UsersScience FantasyWitches

Sword of Light Review

by Cynthia Bujnicki
written by Cynthia Bujnicki

Sword of Light was such a fun story. At only 170 pages, this novel is a quick and energetic read. J.C. Lucas has given readers a quick story here, but one that does not lack for a story. It has the right amount of detail and history to lure the reader in, as well as excellent pacing, keeps the reader engaged.

Sword of Light Review

Sword of light book cover
Sword of Light by J.C. Lucas

The pacing is vital here because, given the length, Lucas has to ensure that the momentum never lacks. She gives the reader a sound story, one rich with detail. It progresses quite fast, going from one thing to another, but it never loses the reader and strays from clichés just a tad. Andie may be “the chosen one,” but she has so much to learn from where she came from.

Fun and Lighthearted

Lucas uses just the right amount of detail to stir the reader’s imagination. It is easy to realize this small town and the people in it, grounding the reader in the story. Seeing Andie go to school, seeing her enter the woods, and seeing her talk to a parrot is all so vivid.

There is also this blend of Roman and Norse mythology. Lucas’s depiction of Diana, Goddess of the Moon, and the Hunt is beautiful, honoring the origins of this Goddess. She is a force to be reckoned with and Lucas honors this being with her description of her. Adding in Freya as the queen of the elves was also another interesting tidbit. It was unique and allowed the fantasy to breathe and be somewhat unique.

As for Andie herself, there are times she and the character dynamics fall into clichés. However, that does not spoil the overall enjoyment of the novel because of her spunk, her charm, and her flaws, they make her relatable.

Sword of Light is a lighthearted read but packed with a fantastic adventure and fun characters.

Looking for more great reviews?

Check out my review of A Touch of Gold here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
House of Dragons cover
Book ReviewsCompetitionsMagic UsersSeries

House of Dragons Review

by Nicole Korman
written by Nicole Korman

“One day after the emperor had died and been eaten, the call went out to select his successor.”

House of Dragons

In the empire of Etrusia, once an emperor dies, candidates of the five great houses are selected to compete in trials to claim the throne.  When their dragon answers the calling, the candidate is selected. The decision is final, and the only way out is death.  

Each house expects that their eldest child will be selected.  This time, misfits and younger children are selected instead, which creates a new dynamic to the competition.

House of Dragons book cover

House of Dragons Review

House of Dragons by Jessica Cluess is a mash up of stories like Game of Thrones, Hunger Games, and The Breakfast Club. The five competing for the throne are a liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief, and a murderer.

Emelia “the Liar”- House Arun

Emelia is the second born child of House Arun.  She was born possessing destructive and unpredictable chaos magic. Chaos magic (as opposed to order magic) is outlawed, and anyone caught with it is publicly tortured and executed.

While Emelia knows her strengths and weaknesses, along with those of her competition, she has resigned herself to losing due to her illegal powers. Her lack of self confidence is brought on by her parents, who try to undermine her efforts to succeed.

Emelia was probably one of my favorite characters, and the one that I would have picked for the throne.  Out of all the competitors, Emelia had the strongest understanding of politics. She is similar to Hermione Granger, if Hermione could blow things up with her mind.

Lucian “the Soldier”- House Sabel

Lucian is the Empire’s golden boy.  A decorated soldier/ conqueror, he has all the makings of a future emperor.  Unfortunately the horrors of war have disillusioned Lucian about the Etrusian Empire.

Right before the calling, Lucian is preparing himself to leave his home and join a monastic brotherhood.  Vowing to never pick up a sword again, Lucian enters the competition with the hopes of winning so that he can change the empire for the better.

While Lucian tries his best to succeed through pacifism, it was frustrating at some points because he spends most of the book thinking that he deserves pain. 

Vespir “the Servant”- House Pentri

The only competitor not blood related to the house she represents, Vespir is at a great disadvantage.  Taken from her home at an early age to serve House Pentri as a dragon trainer, all Vespir knows is servitude.  She is in love with Antonia, the house heir, and dreams of Antonia winning so that she can leave. 

No one is more surprised than Vespir when her dragon answers the calling.  At the beginning of the trials, she is literally scared sick.  She does not see herself as an equal, and tries to run away.

Halfway through House of Dragons, Vespir loses a trial, and I was so relieved to see her finally get mad.  This is the turning point where she goes from frightened to empowered.

Ajax- “the Thief”- House Tiber

The 21st bastard son out of 27 in House Tiber, Ajax is used to doing whatever it takes to get ahead.  He is more than happy to connive and thieve if it means that he can improve his station.

I loved Ajax.  It was refreshing to see a teenage boy in a YA fantasy act like a teenage boy.  Ajax dreams of money, power, and women. Unfortunately that is the only thing that he thinks is required of an emperor, so he is uneducated and unprepared for the trials.

Hyperia- “the Murderer”- House Volscia

The first child of House Arun, Hyperia is the only competitor that is prepared for the trials.  She has been trained from an early age to prize honor, order, and the Empire above all else. 

Vespir describes Hyperia’s dragon as being deprived of human connection, so that he always remained angry.  The same is true of Hyperia.  From an early age her father forced her to ingest poisons, kill her pets, and commit other atrocities all for the sake of making her “strong.”. 

Hyperia was such an interesting character.  Her story was a great “making of a villain” origin.  It was refreshing to see this vicious girl do whatever it takes, and I was always looking forward to what she would do next.

An Age of Empires and Dragons

The world building in House of Dragons falls into the “Roman Empire” trope. The map in the beginning of the book is not-so-loosely based on Europe and some of the Middle East. The Empire is a rapidly expanding and conquering entity, and the characters have Latin names.

The map was helpful for visualizing various locations, but I really would have liked more originality. Original world building is what really elevates fantasy books, so this was kind of a let down.

For much of House of Dragons the dragons could have been replaced with horses, and the story would not have changed. They are props that help move the plot along, but they are not in many of the key parts of this story. If you are expecting a lot of action with really interesting dragons, about half of this book will be a let down.

The sub-plot of chaos magic vs. order magic was interesting. I liked that Emelia’s power really was destructive, and not totally misunderstood. It would have been interesting if there was a main character with order magic, so that the two could be compared. Again, I really hope that this becomes a bigger part of the next book.

I found House of Dragons to be a great first book in this series. The world building could have been better, but the characters made up for it. I loved Emelia’s savvy, Lucian’s anger, Vespir’s growth, Ajax’s cunning, and Hyperia’s ruthlessness. I’m not sure how many additional books Jessica Cluess has planned, but the ending left me wanting more.

Looking for more great reviews?

Check out my review of the Sisters of the Winter Wood here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Forest of Souls Review
AdventureBook ReviewsFeaturedMagic UsersSeries

Forest of Souls Review

by Cat | Bookocraze
written by Cat | Bookocraze

Forest of Souls, is a brand new release and the very first installment in the Shamanborn series by Lori M. Lee.

And, what a great beginning it is. Captivating, suspenseful, with a healthy dash of historical background.

Forest of Souls Review

forest of souls

Forest of Souls is a beautifully written and riveting novel, which started with a bang and kept me on the edge of my seat in its entirety.

There were lots of plot twists, enemies and newly found allies, throughout our protagonist’s journey.

The Plot

In the beginning, we meet Sirscha, our heroine, training and aspiring to be the Queen’s next royal spy, her Shadow. Her life changes forever when she goes off in a mission which gets her best friend, Saengo, killed. Somehow, she manages to restore Saengo to life, discovering that she is a Shamanborn.

However, her power is so strong she is considered to be the second known Soulguide in the history of the kingdom.

The Characters

Sirscha, our main character, was amazing. Strong, powerful, skillful, modest and ambitious are just some of the adjectives which could be used in describing her. It was a delight following her along in her adventure.

Saengo, her best friend was exceptional, sweet, loyal, extremely supportive, although a little timid. She is the kind of person who would make an amazing best friend, even if it meant that she would end up sacrificing herself for the main heroine.

There was an abundance of more great characters, both evil and kind, but since their relationship with Sirscha was tumultuous and critical for the story, I wouldn’t want to spoil any details. I will only mention that the lack of romantic relationships only managed to transform this plot into a more epic story.

The World Building

The world building in Forest of Souls was exceptional. The author provided a glossary right in the beginning of the book and lots of historical details were gradually revealed, sometimes at the same time as the protagonist was finding out about them. The magic system was impeccable, extremely unique and detailed.

Plot twists left and right

Admittedly, one more reason that Forest of Souls swept me away was the fact that it kept surprising me. Right from the beginning our heroine would constantly discover new truths about her mysterious past, erasing past assumptions.

In addition, her friends and enemies were almost constantly changing, making us question everyone in her life and the role they were really playing. Except for the sweet and loyal Saengo. I sincerely hope the next books in the series will feature her more essentially.

Overall thoughts

This novel was an amazing reading experience and the series already seem highly promising. Forest of Souls ended on a major cliffhanger, which only managed to amplify my excitement for the sequel.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Havenfall Cover Image
Book ReviewsLGBTQMagic UsersPlot TwistsSeriesSiblings

Havenfall Review

by Yvette Baliko
written by Yvette Baliko

Havenfall by Sara Holland was the March pick of Illumicrate, and after seeing the poor rating on Goodreads, I was a bit vary to start it. With my expectations lowered, it was a pleasant surprise, but not an outstanding book by any measure. The main reason for that that it read like an introduction to a book, a prequel novella, rather than a novel in its own right.

At this point I need to address my pet peeve: novels, even fantasy novels, do not need long and boring introductions. A good author will get on with a story and build the world slowly, giving the reader the information as and when they need it. Regardless of adult or YA. Extended worldbuilding intros without story does not make a book more mature, they just signal bad writing.

Havenfall does not suffer from this mistake, and yet it does. There’s a plot, always progressing. It just not enough.

Havenfall Cover

Havenfall Review

Maddie is the kind of character I felt hard to sympathise with. Her mother has recently been sentenced to death for her brother’s murder she obviously didn’t commit, which stirs up an interesting conflict. But all Maddie seemed to be doing is whining about it. I know, realistically, a girl in this situation has no options, but I felt that if saving her mother from death row was built into the story as a stake, a motivation for the character, both the plot and the character could have benefited from it. Without a connection to the plot, it was just there for drama.

Now, Maddie is just a girl who runs off to her uncle’s magical inn to hide from reality. Her fear of the Solarians was clearly exaggerated thanks to the events of her childhood, so for a reader the plot became predictable.

Worldbuilding

Now onto the worldbuilding. Yes, there’s a whole world, or rather many worlds beyond Havenfall, the magical inn in the mountains, that serves as a safe haven and meeting point for all those worlds. The idea of them is exciting and enchanting. The people of these worlds all bear different magic, which makes the inn and its inhabitants engrossing. Mixed with an investigation, it becomes almost amazing. Almost.

But Maddie’s choices are questionable at best, her simple blindness to people’s intentions soon becomes infuriating. For the worlds, we only get a teaser, not a real taste, as the story never leaves the inn. The book — while it is complete, and the conflict is resolved — ends on a note that suggests that now you’ve read an intro and finally we can get to the real thing. But the problem is, that’s the end.

Side characters

The characters other than Maddie are forgettable. Brekken goes missing, so we get no chance to get to know him, even though he is the love interest. Taya, who is supposed to be… I’m not even sure. Is she the love interest no.2? Is this an intro to a love triangle? Maybe. I personally hate them, so I hope not. But Maddie was too fickle for my taste. I mean, yes, it’s fine to find another person attractive when you are with someone, but the way she turns away from Brekken at the first sign of suspicion is just annoying. Like I’ve said: her people judgement skills are lacking to the point where it becomes just pure frustration for the reader.

Conclusion

All in all, Havenfall could be good, but it missed the mark for me. I enjoyed it with lowered expectations, but it was predictable, and too easy to put down. I still feel a curiosity that might make me pick up the second book. I’m enticed by all the worlds and I want to explore them, but the sequel needs bigger stakes and a smarter main character to keep me going.

Looking for more great reviews?

Check out my review of Spin the Dawn here.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
War Storm Review
BattlesBook ReviewsMagic UsersRebellions

War Storm Review

by T.L. Branson
written by T.L. Branson

War Storm reminds me a lot of my father.

Or rather it reminds me to be better than my father, not that my father was bad or anything. He just had the nasty habit of not finishing what he started.

From the concrete pillars marking the entry to his driveway that still needed another 20 or so stones to the garage that had one wall less than it should have had or the sliding door that he jimmy-rigged because he didn’t plan its construction properly.

My father was notorious for doing a project half way, stopping when it was “good enough” or cutting corners to save time.

When I first got a hold of Red Queen, I fell in love with the story and the characters. But by King’s Cage, I was a little disillusioned with the series.

Then War Storm came out and I didn’t get started right away for one reason or another and the reviews started to pour in. ‘War Storm was a disappointment’ they said, and I believed them so much that I didn’t end up reading this book for another two years.

But I will not be like my father and leave projects unfinished, and I could not leave this story unresolved.

So here we are.

War Storm Review

War Storm Victoria Aveyard Cover

What is there to say other than the reviews you’ve already read are correct.

War Storm was a lackluster final installment in what could have been an amazing series. Why did it flop?

Well it mostly all comes down to the characters.

This whole story focuses around Mare and Cal’s relationship, and their rivalry with Maven. But both aspects of these relationships were massive disappointments in War Storm.

Cal and Mare won’t even talk to each other for the first half of the book, and when they do talk, it’s forced and uncomfortable. There is little love, and you have almost no hope for these characters to resolve.

In fact by the 85% mark in the book you still feel this way.

And don’t get me started on Maven. The poor boy, once a worthy villain, is a shadow of his former self. He’s a spoiled brat obsessed with Mare to a fault. And he has no presence, no power, and no respect in War Storm.

What’s War Storm about?

As you might expect, War Storm brings all the wars of the land to an epic conclusion. Who will win? Norta, led by Maven along with an alliance with the Lakelanders? Piedmont whose allegiances are tenuous at best? Montfort and the Scarlet Guard along with Cal and Volo Samos and the Rift?

You’ll have to find out how it all plays out because just about every allegiance in this book shakes up and some point or another.

The Characters

Evangeline, a character I once despised, has many redeeming moments, and in fact might be the sole bright spot in this otherwise bleak book. You can’t help but root for her and her decisions.

Tension between Mare and Cal persists throughout and the resolution to their predicament is less than satisfactory.

For a brief moment I actually thought things would turn out the way I wanted, but instead Aveyard gives me a bittersweet type of ending, which I suppose is satisfactory. But meh…

And Maven, don’t get me started.

I am soooooo disappointed with how everything turns out regarding Maven.

I will say no more. Other than it’s absolutely pathetic what happens.

I can’t remember if we had an Iris POV in the previous book or not, but we get to see through the eyes of Iris Cygnet, the queen of Norta and princess of the Lakelands.

Why, I couldn’t really say. Because I felt like her POV was pretty worthless. I didn’t learn much of anything anytime we were in her POV except what the bad guys had planned, which I feel ruined a lot of potential tension and suspense throughout.

Bleh.

Audible Narration

I listened to War Storm via audiobook, and I thought the narrators did a good job. I particularly liked Evangeline’s voice. Mare was okay. Iris drove me nuts.

We do get to listen to Cal and Maven, though I only remember a few scenes with Maven as the POV. He is very minor. And we don’t even see either of the men’s POVs until after the first half of the book at least.

Cal’s narrator is my favorite, but I might be a little biased. Vikas Adam voiced my own book, Sworn Guardian, as well as a favorite series, the Completionist Chronicles by Dakota Krout.

Final Thoughts

Can I say I’m glad it’s over?

In typical fashion these days, the author left some aspects of the story open ended in case she wants to keep writing in this series, but I can pretty much tell you I have no plans to continue on with this world.

That all being said, I read worse books recently, so my rating won’t be too harsh.

Get it on Amazon
Get it at B&N
Get it on Kobo

Looking for more great books?

Check out my review of The Princess Trials by Cordelia Castel.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Close