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Astra Academy #2
Mimic Arcanist
School life. Camping. And a mysterious graveyard beneath the sea.
Gray and Sorin Lexly started Astra Academy with a bang. During their first few weeks, a professor tried to kill them, and even opened a portal to the abyssal hells—where the dead dwell.
But that’s all behind them! The portal was destroyed. Time to focus on classes and studies. Or so Gray hopes.
During an Academy camping trip, Gray finds a fragment of the portal… and a few abyssal monsters that somehow crept their way into the world of the living. Determined to set things right, Gray informs Professor Helmith of what he found.
Unfortunately, there may be more fragments of the portal than just the one, which means more trouble lurks around every corner… including the possibility of a Death Lord arriving in the mortal world.
Gray and Sorin Lexly started Astra Academy with a bang. During their first few weeks, a professor tried to kill them, and even opened a portal to the abyssal hells—where the dead dwell.
But that’s all behind them! The portal was destroyed. Time to focus on classes and studies. Or so Gray hopes.
During an Academy camping trip, Gray finds a fragment of the portal… and a few abyssal monsters that somehow crept their way into the world of the living. Determined to set things right, Gray informs Professor Helmith of what he found.
Unfortunately, there may be more fragments of the portal than just the one, which means more trouble lurks around every corner… including the possibility of a Death Lord arriving in the mortal world.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
365 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Shami Stovall
45 books828 followersShami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:
Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 19, 2023
4.25
Great continuation to the Academy Arcanist
It was a fun read. I liked it as much as the Academy Arcanist. Crisp pace, Sarcastic quips and a whole lot of magic with few surprises sprinkled.
A bit soft on the plot but entertaining nonetheless. Looking forward to the next entry.
Great continuation to the Academy Arcanist
It was a fun read. I liked it as much as the Academy Arcanist. Crisp pace, Sarcastic quips and a whole lot of magic with few surprises sprinkled.
A bit soft on the plot but entertaining nonetheless. Looking forward to the next entry.
September 2, 2025
Astra Academy 02 Mimic Arcanist by Shami Stovall
4.0 Stars
challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I hate to compare this to another franchise book, but it just conveys the point...so much easier.
Any time you have a school of magic, you inevitably will hear how close it reminds us all (for everyone has read Harry Potter), and this is happening to me, too.
Gray is like a Harry Potter, in a sense. He's the protagonist of the story, but life's not always easy for Gray. In this story, he's a twin (elder) and in his world...an Arcanist get magical beings that they work their magic through.
Gray is a Mimic Arcanist (title of this book), and because of his magic skills, and the culminating events that happened at the end of the first book, he's the focal point of how evil is entering into this world (similar to the horcrux in HP).
Again, this story shows Gray learning the bounds of his magical abilities, stretching him and his Eldrist, Twain (the magical creature bonded with him...who is a Mimic)...which seems to have been rare, though...we've seen a few Mimic Arcanists (which I'm a bit frustrated about).
Like in HP, Gray has a Arcanist at the school who looks over him (like Dumbledore), and this person is essential to the growth of Gray's abilities, and sanity (actually).
I liked this story better than the previous, but I feel it still needs to separate itself from the HP franchise (which it is/does, but not fast enough...for me).
Loving the magic that is used in this world, and the characters are the best part...they feel real/lived in. Love the world which they live in, and all the things the characters "get into".
Looking forward to picking up Astra Academy 03 Abyssal Arcanist...which I hope to pickup, mid-month. We shall see.
4.0 Stars
challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense
Medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus: Yes
I hate to compare this to another franchise book, but it just conveys the point...so much easier.
Any time you have a school of magic, you inevitably will hear how close it reminds us all (for everyone has read Harry Potter), and this is happening to me, too.
Gray is like a Harry Potter, in a sense. He's the protagonist of the story, but life's not always easy for Gray. In this story, he's a twin (elder) and in his world...an Arcanist get magical beings that they work their magic through.
Gray is a Mimic Arcanist (title of this book), and because of his magic skills, and the culminating events that happened at the end of the first book, he's the focal point of how evil is entering into this world (similar to the horcrux in HP).
Again, this story shows Gray learning the bounds of his magical abilities, stretching him and his Eldrist, Twain (the magical creature bonded with him...who is a Mimic)...which seems to have been rare, though...we've seen a few Mimic Arcanists (which I'm a bit frustrated about).
Like in HP, Gray has a Arcanist at the school who looks over him (like Dumbledore), and this person is essential to the growth of Gray's abilities, and sanity (actually).
I liked this story better than the previous, but I feel it still needs to separate itself from the HP franchise (which it is/does, but not fast enough...for me).
Loving the magic that is used in this world, and the characters are the best part...they feel real/lived in. Love the world which they live in, and all the things the characters "get into".
Looking forward to picking up Astra Academy 03 Abyssal Arcanist...which I hope to pickup, mid-month. We shall see.
March 3, 2025
Love the light playfulness of the book. Really like the idea of magic tied to a specific partnered creature. It evolves as the magic level improves
September 4, 2023
Of course I wanted to continue this series, so when the author offered me a review copy, I was happy to accept!
I do like how the overall worldbuilding has increased since the last series. Characters have been studying eldrin and magic in-world and come up with new ideas and concepts that feel like the entire society has moved forward, even if in a small way. I especially like the concept of the ore and tattoos to give a little more nuance to the magic design and provide more variety.
I did love getting to see another big name from the previous series back as a cameo. But I wish there'd been a little more build up to it. It felt like it was kinda tossed in, despite the fact they were a pretty big character in the last series. Still, I like the idea of more characters making cameos.
The romance subplot is unfortunately falling flat for me again. The issues are fairly similar to the previous series. It feels like there's a slew of potential love interests, this time for both Gray and Sorin. Gray's thoughts are particularly difficult to follow, as he seems so determined to court one character, but still thinking a lot about another. I wasn't the biggest fan of the love pentagon from the last series and I'm hoping we don't have another drawn out one this time.
The star of the show this time was definitely the plot with the gate fragments and their effect on Gray. While the ending did have a slight "came out of nowhere" feeling, it is another classic Shami Stovall end with big monster fights and a lot of reveals. It definitely feels like this series is picking up the intensity a lot quicker than the first one did.
In general, if you liked book one, this is more of the same!
I do like how the overall worldbuilding has increased since the last series. Characters have been studying eldrin and magic in-world and come up with new ideas and concepts that feel like the entire society has moved forward, even if in a small way. I especially like the concept of the ore and tattoos to give a little more nuance to the magic design and provide more variety.
I did love getting to see another big name from the previous series back as a cameo. But I wish there'd been a little more build up to it. It felt like it was kinda tossed in, despite the fact they were a pretty big character in the last series. Still, I like the idea of more characters making cameos.
The romance subplot is unfortunately falling flat for me again. The issues are fairly similar to the previous series. It feels like there's a slew of potential love interests, this time for both Gray and Sorin. Gray's thoughts are particularly difficult to follow, as he seems so determined to court one character, but still thinking a lot about another. I wasn't the biggest fan of the love pentagon from the last series and I'm hoping we don't have another drawn out one this time.
The star of the show this time was definitely the plot with the gate fragments and their effect on Gray. While the ending did have a slight "came out of nowhere" feeling, it is another classic Shami Stovall end with big monster fights and a lot of reveals. It definitely feels like this series is picking up the intensity a lot quicker than the first one did.
In general, if you liked book one, this is more of the same!
April 4, 2024
Such good Reading
I read through this book quicker than the first. My enjoyment of this series has increased significantly. The author did a wonderful job stringing me along and maintaining my interest. I don't want to forget the humor. There were a few times that I literally laughed out loud. The ending is quite surprising and will certainly make for excellent story and character development in the next book. I absolutely intend to move on to the next book immediately. Oh, and there are still typos.
I read through this book quicker than the first. My enjoyment of this series has increased significantly. The author did a wonderful job stringing me along and maintaining my interest. I don't want to forget the humor. There were a few times that I literally laughed out loud. The ending is quite surprising and will certainly make for excellent story and character development in the next book. I absolutely intend to move on to the next book immediately. Oh, and there are still typos.
April 18, 2023
The plot thickens
Gray's adventures continue in the second book of the Astra Academy series. The book is sprinkled with cameo appearances by several of the characters from the Frith Chronicles, but while pleasant to see some old faces again, they really didn't add much... which I guess is the way it's supposed to be.
Gray's adventures continue in the second book of the Astra Academy series. The book is sprinkled with cameo appearances by several of the characters from the Frith Chronicles, but while pleasant to see some old faces again, they really didn't add much... which I guess is the way it's supposed to be.
January 10, 2025
If Goodreads gave half stars, this one would be much closer to 3.5 than to 4. I liked it more than book 1 but there were still a few pacing issues that held this one back.
I like that we picked up immediately where we ended things in book 1. Gray is healing slowly from the confrontation with the Demon Lord, slower than expected but it's nice to see consequences in this world and that magic can't handwave away all scars. But then we're told that Gray and his class are leaving for a Mission Trip for a few weeks to build a school in a remote location to build character. Which sounds fun and a good chance to shake up the scenery and give us new adventures. But they've only been in school for 3 weeks! You take seniors who have been in school for years to do that. They know what they represent and probably are more equipped to both build, defend and show off for the locals. But nah, take the freshmen who have barely had their first quiz in Intro to Magic. And I know we got an explanation after the trip that this was specifically requested by Leon to help our main Trio get their minds off the death god that they were forced to fight, but that excuse just rings so hollow to me. These kids need shelter, protection and therapy: not edge of civilization feel-good labor.
I was so happy we were seeing more of classes. I honestly wish we could just kind of have a full year of it. I want Gray and the others to become fun, powerful protagonists that can fling lightning bolts and swords around, but they are 16 years old and just starting out. They need TIME for goodness sake. They re-explain the fact that eldrin grow as they age once bonded so all of their baby eldrin are weak multiple times in this book. So just let them be normal kids. Let the Kross Cotillion be the big piece of conflict for this book. I honestly like how this weird dance/singles party/coming of age ceremony was such a big deal. But let it be at the end of the year. Let things build to it instead of saying it was a few weeks after the camping trip. I don't know why we are cramming all of this action into the first semester of school. Let the kids breathe and grow.
On characters: Gray started to grow on me. He's still a weirdly competent kid who does a lot of shit that should make him bullied but it impresses everybody. He squashes too many self-admitted sarcastic responses in his head for my liking. I can call him a sracastic punk, but when he starts doing it to himself it becomes less endearing and more eye-roll inducing. His budding thing with Ashlyn is kinda cute. I get where she's coming from. I still don't understand how Gray's awkward attempts at flirting are actually working, but maybe he has more game than I can see. But I like that she is her own person with a goal that makes her the most ambitious of the class. She treats Gray as an equal and pushes him to be better. If he was the inexplicably agreed upon top of the class this story would be uninteresting. Sorin and Nini have a similarly unique character tick in that they exist separately from Gray. They have a whole budding romance going on that Gray is super uninterested in exploring. Which I get. You don't want to know the specifics of your twin brother's dating life. But it's there in the story and I think that's neat. I am curious about Nini's tic about clothes and layers. I'm sure that will be a reveal at some point. If this was an anime, she overdresses because she's embarrassed that her boobs are too big or something. So that's my prediction, and the number of times we're told how hot Ashlyn and Exie are don't persuade me that I'm wrong yet. Even Nesbit and Knovak get some good character work in this story. They both get a chance to shine and help out Gray but in ways that is consistent with their personalities. And I really liked that Nesbit figured out Gray was possessed at the end and brought teachers to help. It kind of paralleled Gray in book 1 being frustrated that nobody who knew Helmith had noticed anything wrong about her, but Nasbit has spent enough time with Gray to realize it this time.
One other gripe is that I have no faith in the staff of the school to protect these kids. I know Helmith put her life on the line to protect Gray at the end, but that's only after they let him get possessed by a Demon Lord. The headmaster does not have the quite competence and gentle nurturing nature of young arcanists they he is supposed to. He simply doesn't hold a candle to Dumbledore. Leon, Piper and Ren are all quirky and fun, but I wouldn't trust them when Hell eventually opens up. Which I fully expect it to soon at the pace we're flying at. Helmith's father (who she refers to as dad in front of other people including her student and her boss - embarassing) is some super competent master arcanist and yet just stops by for a guest lecture and then leaves. We're told there are other super powerful people out there and yet none are curious enough to come help with the literal devil trying to break in. I did love seeing Ashlyn's dad in action though. It was cool seeing an adult arcanist and eldrin in the peak of their power fight off an eldritch horror demon-kraken thing. Made for a fun climax even if Gray's participation felt out of place in comparison.
I like that we picked up immediately where we ended things in book 1. Gray is healing slowly from the confrontation with the Demon Lord, slower than expected but it's nice to see consequences in this world and that magic can't handwave away all scars. But then we're told that Gray and his class are leaving for a Mission Trip for a few weeks to build a school in a remote location to build character. Which sounds fun and a good chance to shake up the scenery and give us new adventures. But they've only been in school for 3 weeks! You take seniors who have been in school for years to do that. They know what they represent and probably are more equipped to both build, defend and show off for the locals. But nah, take the freshmen who have barely had their first quiz in Intro to Magic. And I know we got an explanation after the trip that this was specifically requested by Leon to help our main Trio get their minds off the death god that they were forced to fight, but that excuse just rings so hollow to me. These kids need shelter, protection and therapy: not edge of civilization feel-good labor.
I was so happy we were seeing more of classes. I honestly wish we could just kind of have a full year of it. I want Gray and the others to become fun, powerful protagonists that can fling lightning bolts and swords around, but they are 16 years old and just starting out. They need TIME for goodness sake. They re-explain the fact that eldrin grow as they age once bonded so all of their baby eldrin are weak multiple times in this book. So just let them be normal kids. Let the Kross Cotillion be the big piece of conflict for this book. I honestly like how this weird dance/singles party/coming of age ceremony was such a big deal. But let it be at the end of the year. Let things build to it instead of saying it was a few weeks after the camping trip. I don't know why we are cramming all of this action into the first semester of school. Let the kids breathe and grow.
On characters: Gray started to grow on me. He's still a weirdly competent kid who does a lot of shit that should make him bullied but it impresses everybody. He squashes too many self-admitted sarcastic responses in his head for my liking. I can call him a sracastic punk, but when he starts doing it to himself it becomes less endearing and more eye-roll inducing. His budding thing with Ashlyn is kinda cute. I get where she's coming from. I still don't understand how Gray's awkward attempts at flirting are actually working, but maybe he has more game than I can see. But I like that she is her own person with a goal that makes her the most ambitious of the class. She treats Gray as an equal and pushes him to be better. If he was the inexplicably agreed upon top of the class this story would be uninteresting. Sorin and Nini have a similarly unique character tick in that they exist separately from Gray. They have a whole budding romance going on that Gray is super uninterested in exploring. Which I get. You don't want to know the specifics of your twin brother's dating life. But it's there in the story and I think that's neat. I am curious about Nini's tic about clothes and layers. I'm sure that will be a reveal at some point. If this was an anime, she overdresses because she's embarrassed that her boobs are too big or something. So that's my prediction, and the number of times we're told how hot Ashlyn and Exie are don't persuade me that I'm wrong yet. Even Nesbit and Knovak get some good character work in this story. They both get a chance to shine and help out Gray but in ways that is consistent with their personalities. And I really liked that Nesbit figured out Gray was possessed at the end and brought teachers to help. It kind of paralleled Gray in book 1 being frustrated that nobody who knew Helmith had noticed anything wrong about her, but Nasbit has spent enough time with Gray to realize it this time.
One other gripe is that I have no faith in the staff of the school to protect these kids. I know Helmith put her life on the line to protect Gray at the end, but that's only after they let him get possessed by a Demon Lord. The headmaster does not have the quite competence and gentle nurturing nature of young arcanists they he is supposed to. He simply doesn't hold a candle to Dumbledore. Leon, Piper and Ren are all quirky and fun, but I wouldn't trust them when Hell eventually opens up. Which I fully expect it to soon at the pace we're flying at. Helmith's father (who she refers to as dad in front of other people including her student and her boss - embarassing) is some super competent master arcanist and yet just stops by for a guest lecture and then leaves. We're told there are other super powerful people out there and yet none are curious enough to come help with the literal devil trying to break in. I did love seeing Ashlyn's dad in action though. It was cool seeing an adult arcanist and eldrin in the peak of their power fight off an eldritch horror demon-kraken thing. Made for a fun climax even if Gray's participation felt out of place in comparison.
January 26, 2024
ref = "https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B... Arcanist is the second book in this most interesting series. The story is pretty good, but with one blaring error. While the academy is looking for a way to destroy the shards, why didn't anyone remember that the three-headed dog breathed fire on shards in the first book, and destroyed them completely. I'm thinking the author wanted to build suspense, instead of having the arcanist just burn up all the remaining fragments. I don't mind stories that have fantastic happenings, but I do so hate when there's already a solution, and the characters refuse to use it, especially when it's as simple as this one, but I guess they have to string the story along somehow. Other than that major faux pas, the story is really good, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
April 19, 2023
So good... need more eldrin !
Love this series! Picks up right where we left off and addresses the end of the Grandmaster Arcanist, to boot!
The only thing I’ll say is that this book feels like even more set up for the overarching plot of this new series. I was hoping we’d get to see more new combinations of all the new magic in the world, and while there was some, it wasn’t actively explored.
With that being said, the set up has been really good to make this an excellent series, and the end of this book is another doozy. Can’t wait for the next one!
Love this series! Picks up right where we left off and addresses the end of the Grandmaster Arcanist, to boot!
The only thing I’ll say is that this book feels like even more set up for the overarching plot of this new series. I was hoping we’d get to see more new combinations of all the new magic in the world, and while there was some, it wasn’t actively explored.
With that being said, the set up has been really good to make this an excellent series, and the end of this book is another doozy. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 20, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series!
when I started reading, the concepts seemed really familiar but when I got to the end of book 1 it hit me! This was the second series in this world I’d read. Awesome storylines! I wasn’t sure I was going to like the mc for the first few chapters, but his emotional growth is occurring throughout and he doesn’t go backwards. It’s actually refreshing to see his thought process as he reviews past actions. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
when I started reading, the concepts seemed really familiar but when I got to the end of book 1 it hit me! This was the second series in this world I’d read. Awesome storylines! I wasn’t sure I was going to like the mc for the first few chapters, but his emotional growth is occurring throughout and he doesn’t go backwards. It’s actually refreshing to see his thought process as he reviews past actions. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
April 20, 2024
What age group are these books focused on?
Seriously they are supposed to be "adults" 18 year olds but they act more like children maybe 16 at tops and some of the professors aren't any better :
“It’s just me,” Professor Helmith said. “And Gray will be back soon. We’re going to speak with my dad and the headmaster. It won’t be long.”
Omg a professor, how old is she that she refers to her father as dad in front of others .
The concept is nice but it's like a teen novel at best not an adult one
Seriously they are supposed to be "adults" 18 year olds but they act more like children maybe 16 at tops and some of the professors aren't any better :
“It’s just me,” Professor Helmith said. “And Gray will be back soon. We’re going to speak with my dad and the headmaster. It won’t be long.”
Omg a professor, how old is she that she refers to her father as dad in front of others .
The concept is nice but it's like a teen novel at best not an adult one
April 21, 2024
A decent read about people and their creatures
An enjoyable book about a shapeshifting lynx and his constantly troublesome companion. But in all seriousness, it's a good book that a kid just wants to go to school and impress his mentor, but cosmic bad luck keeps ruining his day. Has a tendency go explain the same concepts multiple times which is a bit annoying, but the unique takes on creatures makes it definitely worth the read if you're looking for a creature companion style fantasy book
An enjoyable book about a shapeshifting lynx and his constantly troublesome companion. But in all seriousness, it's a good book that a kid just wants to go to school and impress his mentor, but cosmic bad luck keeps ruining his day. Has a tendency go explain the same concepts multiple times which is a bit annoying, but the unique takes on creatures makes it definitely worth the read if you're looking for a creature companion style fantasy book
April 21, 2023
One of a kind
I love this series. Shami Stovall is truly one of my favorite authors. I am so lucky to have had the chance to read her books. The idea of magical companions and magical abilities are amazing and there's nothing quite like it. I will always be ready to read more of her books. Also the diversity of her characters and how there is always someone you can relate to makes me so happy. My favorite couple is still Fain and moonbeam.
I love this series. Shami Stovall is truly one of my favorite authors. I am so lucky to have had the chance to read her books. The idea of magical companions and magical abilities are amazing and there's nothing quite like it. I will always be ready to read more of her books. Also the diversity of her characters and how there is always someone you can relate to makes me so happy. My favorite couple is still Fain and moonbeam.
May 14, 2023
A Strong Sequel.
This story was very good. I would say that this did have more filler than the first. It was good for the character development. I'd just say with having it after the story setting up what ties into the big climax, early into the book, it felt more episode style than book. I'd still highly recommend. The end does get you itching even more for a continuation than the first one did.
This story was very good. I would say that this did have more filler than the first. It was good for the character development. I'd just say with having it after the story setting up what ties into the big climax, early into the book, it felt more episode style than book. I'd still highly recommend. The end does get you itching even more for a continuation than the first one did.
July 7, 2023
This book so amazing. I love this series so much, I love the worldbuilding and the magic system. I loved main characters and how this story is connected to Frith Chronicles. Grey is such an interesting main character and Twain is so funny. I can recommend this series highly enough. I love seeing what is going next and I want to thank the author for making such an amazing world. I loved the focus on the other main characters as well and the new magics in the world. Can not wait for book 3.
August 7, 2024
This universe continues to entrap me! The twists and turns as Gray’s story continues, I can’t even begin to think what will happen next. Each chapter brings its own excitement.
The cameo’s of the OG characters will always bring a smile to my face, but being able to introduce them in the story without overshadowing the current characters is fantastic.
I can’t wait to continue with Gray’s 1st year at school
The cameo’s of the OG characters will always bring a smile to my face, but being able to introduce them in the story without overshadowing the current characters is fantastic.
I can’t wait to continue with Gray’s 1st year at school
September 5, 2024
An incredible sequel that dives even deeper into the world of Astra Academy! This book is filled with magical discoveries, mysterious dangers, and plenty of heart-pounding moments. I loved seeing how the characters grew while facing new challenges. The story takes unexpected turns, making it even more exciting than the first book. The combination of school life and fantasy adventure is perfectly executed. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
May 1, 2023
Such a great novel
Shami has done it again! This book was amazing. While it flew by way to quick I loved how it gave me Harry Potter feeling, while still keeping the arcanist depth and feelings I love about her world. This book takes the groundwork Shami laid in the first book and soars with it. I loved this book and can't wait for the audiobook in June so I can get it as well.
Shami has done it again! This book was amazing. While it flew by way to quick I loved how it gave me Harry Potter feeling, while still keeping the arcanist depth and feelings I love about her world. This book takes the groundwork Shami laid in the first book and soars with it. I loved this book and can't wait for the audiobook in June so I can get it as well.
May 27, 2023
I hate waiting
Shami is writing another great series with this one. Book 3 cannot come quickly enough! I don't know how but she has managed to develop another great set of characters. This book leaves you wanting to join in and help gray and the others. Please read this series and if you haven't yet the arcanist series is amazing too.
Shami is writing another great series with this one. Book 3 cannot come quickly enough! I don't know how but she has managed to develop another great set of characters. This book leaves you wanting to join in and help gray and the others. Please read this series and if you haven't yet the arcanist series is amazing too.
November 11, 2023
pretty good
Still getting Harry Potter themed vibes. This book wasn’t as good as the first in my opinion. One thing I didn’t particularly like was how often he repeated himself. As if the whole book was the beginning where the author normally re explains things so you’re caught up again. He re explained or restated things the whole book. Overall, worth the read.
Still getting Harry Potter themed vibes. This book wasn’t as good as the first in my opinion. One thing I didn’t particularly like was how often he repeated himself. As if the whole book was the beginning where the author normally re explains things so you’re caught up again. He re explained or restated things the whole book. Overall, worth the read.
March 3, 2024
An enjoyable read
Another excellent book in this series. A well written story set in an imaginative and creative world of magic and mythical monsters some of whom bond with people. This book follows the story of two brothers who form this bond and attend an academy to learn to control the magic they now have. Highly recommend.
Another excellent book in this series. A well written story set in an imaginative and creative world of magic and mythical monsters some of whom bond with people. This book follows the story of two brothers who form this bond and attend an academy to learn to control the magic they now have. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2024
great second book
This is a good series we written with a good cast of characters. Though this book ending was not as good as I had hoped, it was a fun read. I just feel as if with everything going on the reaction and choices made by the main character don’t seem to follow. Guess that is why I read and don’t write
This is a good series we written with a good cast of characters. Though this book ending was not as good as I had hoped, it was a fun read. I just feel as if with everything going on the reaction and choices made by the main character don’t seem to follow. Guess that is why I read and don’t write
August 11, 2025
Following the great foundation established in book one, book 2 certainly matures like its characters offering more conflicts that come with the human psyche and emotions. The battles are bigger and so are the creatures you come across. Battle scenes are rich, complex and energetic. I'm already on to book 3.
December 30, 2025
This was such a good book and I really enjoyed reading it! I will say, though, that I was really cringing at some of the things Gray (MC) did. The second hand embarrassment that I felt might have actually killed me, but I loved it. It was so well written and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
June 26, 2023
YA fiction at its best
Shami Stoval has done it again!! This book kept me interested and enertained . If you haven't read the Frith Chronicles you really need to--its also a great read! And there are 7 books!! Looking forward to more books in the Astra Academy series!
Shami Stoval has done it again!! This book kept me interested and enertained . If you haven't read the Frith Chronicles you really need to--its also a great read! And there are 7 books!! Looking forward to more books in the Astra Academy series!
February 25, 2025
A must read for the twist
Mimic Arcanist, the second book in the Astra Academy series, ignited a spark that left me yearning for more, and I'll keep my review brief so I can dive into the third installment, Abyssal Arcanist, and uncover the magic that awaits.
Mimic Arcanist, the second book in the Astra Academy series, ignited a spark that left me yearning for more, and I'll keep my review brief so I can dive into the third installment, Abyssal Arcanist, and uncover the magic that awaits.
April 20, 2023
Excellent read
A great entry to the series and so far this series is looking as good as Firth Chronicles! So fun to see the world continue after the cataclysmic events!
A great entry to the series and so far this series is looking as good as Firth Chronicles! So fun to see the world continue after the cataclysmic events!
April 24, 2023
what a DYNAMIC addition
This entry was phenomenal. I could barely put it down! Great expansion to a world I already loved, Shami you are a force to be reckoned with!
This entry was phenomenal. I could barely put it down! Great expansion to a world I already loved, Shami you are a force to be reckoned with!
June 18, 2023
Excellent
Another great fantasy book! An exciting addition to the Astra Academy series. I can't wait for more books. I will read it again!
Another great fantasy book! An exciting addition to the Astra Academy series. I can't wait for more books. I will read it again!
June 27, 2023
Read them all
This series, Knightmare arcanist, all of em. Do it now. I'm watching...read every word. And the outro. The intro. Look at maps if they're there. Do eet!
This series, Knightmare arcanist, all of em. Do it now. I'm watching...read every word. And the outro. The intro. Look at maps if they're there. Do eet!
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