Apprentice

by Sara Blake

Sofia agreed to enroll in the Psychic Arts program at Olive Tree Academy with one to learn how not to use her abilities. But ever since she arrived, almost a month late and feeling completely out of her depth, strange things have been happening. The only person who might be able to help her is the person she's the least willing to put in danger.

Cabot was an excellent student… last year. Now that his second year at OTA has begun, he feels less psychic than when he first enrolled over a year ago. Now he's been chosen to mentor the new girl, who's abilities far outstrip his own. Trouble seems to follow Sofia wherever she goes, but Cabot thinks getting close to her is well worth the risk.

Welcome to Olive Tree Academy for Supernatural Studies! Join Sofia and Cabot in this first installment of a new series in the Barrow City world of Sara Blake!

506 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2022

Reviews

[Mik Wasiak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good I like the story but some of switching between the two main characters was confusing but good book 1

[Karoline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a frustrating read. It's an interesting setting, but the main character have the charisma of a wet cloth. The villain's scheme has me excited for what is to come, but it was so painfully obvious who the villain actually was. It was very irritating to follow, especially when a lot of the plot could have been resolved by just communicating to others what was going on. WHY keep it a secret?! Surely there's laws regarding this? At least cause for concern from the school administration?

The characters felt a lot younger and immature for their age, especially with their backstory in mind. The two different POV's were written with the same "voice", making it hard to distinguish which character we're following - this usually isn't something I struggle with but here I was confused multiple times.

The author also makes some choices that has quite extensive consequences that doesn't feel completely thought through. For example, magic healing cures everything. It makes you wonder why they are gatekeeping this fantastic cure? Why are they not sharing this wonderful and benevolent gift with the world? It feels like a happy ending was prioritized at the cost of world building and making sure the magic system stays consistent throughout the story.

[Hannah Etherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. the plot was fun with some twists. The author made it pretty clear that the characters were wrong about who they thought the bad guy was! I was still left wondering about all the details, that came later!
I enjoyed the world building of magicka and psychic abilities. There are quite a lot of details about tarot cards and so on!
I am looking forward to seeing this author develop her style.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apprentice

A college of sorts for those with psychic and magical abilities. The characters are okay, a bit immature, as some learn there even is a larger magical world. The perspective varies between two characters and sometimes the section is left feeling unfinished.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is there at the academy to learn not to use her power. He has been there a year and he needs to help her during her first year. Her powers are greater than his and trouble is following her. See if he can keep her safe
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great read

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt as if I was attending OTA and learning right along with Cabot and Sofia.

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good!

Excellent world-building, engaging characters, villain-twisties and, wait for it—carnal love scenes.

I anticipate and eagerly wait the sequel!