Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Lila Gray #3

Rise of the Magi

Rate this book
In a battle of wills, who is strongest? The one who hates or the one who loves?

In a test of faith, who will fight the hardest? The one who has everything to lose or the one who believes only in herself?

For Lila Gray, the answer is both. For the Magi, the questions are pointless since they can’t lose, and they’ve been waiting since before Lila’s birth for this one moment. Lila only needs to find them to understand her entire purpose in life. This time, though, instead of protecting her people, Lila may be leading them all, including her unborn child and the man she loves, to their deaths — and not by accident.

In the ultimate trial of heart and soul, and the conclusion to the Lila Gray series, Lila will learn that the greatest weapon of war is herself, with one ultimate unknown. For which side will she fight?

340 pages, ebook

First published May 20, 2013

3 people are currently reading
212 people want to read

About the author

Jocelyn Adams

14 books417 followers
Jocelyn is an office grunt by day and creator of romance and adventure by night. Born a farmer’s daughter with a vivid imagination, she spent her childhood dreaming up stories that remained untold until 2010.

With no formal training, she relied on the honest feedback of her writing group to take her from that first short story all the way to THE END of her first novel. She now has ten published novels and is working on two more for Entangled Publishing.

When she isn’t slinging words, you can find her kayaking or enjoying the serenity of family life in her little house in the woods.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (50%)
4 stars
15 (25%)
3 stars
10 (17%)
2 stars
3 (5%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
334 reviews155 followers
May 29, 2013
Such a fabulous conclusion to the Lila Gray trilogy and still…I want more!
Lila Gray, the fae Queen, is on a mission to find the Magi, the race bent on destroying all other races (including humans ya’ll), except they are incredibly hard to find and Lila needs to convince the Seelie, Unseelie, Elves and other fae to fight with her or all is lost to these creatures.
I keep saying it and I’ll say it again: the Lila Gray series is a great new face in the paranormal romance genre! It’s serious but fun at the same time, and Jocelyn Adams writes her characters with a certain aplomb that makes them entertaining to read and the book hard to put down.
I once interviewed Adams and she told me she was a pantser and had no idea where the series was going when she started Glass Man. Yet, all three novels (Glass Man, Shadow Born and now Rise of the Magi) blend together seamlessly to create one great story.
Lila Gray is a character that starts out not knowing what she is in the beginning of the series and as she is captured and takes on her role as the fae Queen, learns and grows. Adams does a remarkable job developing her character and strength, so much so that she is the kind of character you can look up to (if you’re weird like me and think characters are real people – and I know you are and do).
Adams doesn’t ignore her secondary characters. I particularly liked Andrew’s growth during the novel, from pissy and braying to loved and a strong warrior.
The plot: GREAT! Lots of tension and it’s very…pulpy. The last two books focused mainly on the Seelie and Unseelie. Now Adams has brought the other fae into the mix and I loved reading about how they all get together to beat the bad guy(s).
Adams continues to incorporate a lot of humor in her writing, and Rise of the Magi is no different. The characters bandied about sarcasm and snark and I laughed and laughed at the innuendos that flew back and forth. They really are a funny bunch! I will miss them (so Jocelyn Adams, that’s a hint to write more Lila Gray books)!
For anyone interested in a new fae/paranormal romance series, look no further, because you’ve found it.

This review is also posted at The Bawdy Book Blog. I received this book for review, but I was not compensated for my opinion.
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews489 followers
May 30, 2013
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 4 Solid Stars

*First Thoughts*

"Who will you choose to be, Lila Grey?"

I want to first thank J Taylor Publishing for allowing me an early access of "Rise of the Magi". I promise you this review shall be posted before the release date! I am a huge fan of Jocelyn Adams writing and world building and can't wait to find out what she has up her sleeves next.

Rise of the Magi completely and absolutely wraps up the Lila Gray storyline without leaving lingering questions for readers to ponder for months or years to come. The world this story is set in, could be considered Dystopian in nature because humanity has faced severe challenges from the Fae and others and struggles to remain cohesive and viable.

I absolutely love Lila. I love how determined she was and how she changed from The Glass Man until now. I loved how she finally allows herself to be loved and touched by the Fae that have come to follow her to the ends of the earth. If you haven't read this series yet, please feel free to start with The Glass Man onward. You won't be sorry you did.

I loved Garett! Seriously, Lila and Liam's kid is really amazing and powerful in his own right. I also loved Cas, Andrew, Brigh, Neve, Parthalan, and especially Gallagher. There are others as well like James from the Canadian Mounties, and Laerini of the Dark Elves who opened Lila's eyes in Shadowborn and then stood by her side when the Magi became dangerously aggressive.

I loved Lila and Liam's romance and the fact that Lila has come a long way in that she actually trusts Liam completely and without hesitation. If you've read this series, you know the couple has had a bumpy road since they first met in The Glass Man. However, with Liam alongside her to give strength and faith, Lila becomes a much better queen and leader of the Fae.

The story of the Magi and the machinations they created in order to get to Lila and her awesome abilities that grew exponentially over this trilogy was surprising and revealing to say the least. There were so many different angles and situations and dangers that all forced Lila into making difficult choices while attempting to unite the Fae, Dark Elves, Witches, Mountain Trolls, and Selkies.

There were so many tender moments between characters, as well as danger, that finally comes full circle. Lots of revelations are revealed.

Definitely consider adding The Lila Grey Trilogy to your TBR pile. You won't be disappointed.

Release Date: June 4, 2013 by J Taylor Publishing
Profile Image for Maghon Thomas.
1,541 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2013
I will state that I was bad and read a good portion into this book before I figured out that I really needed to read the whole trilogy for it to become as awesome as it was meant to be. :) Now, THIS is one of the most amazing world building creations I’ve ever read. This are just amazing. I have decided that though things are scary and a little out of control, I’d very much like to take a long vacation to visit there :) The characters are fantastic, there’s not one who won’t leave an imprint on your heart… Hell, even the creeptastic Magi are pretty awesome. The author needs her own zip code or something because she really is a one-of-a-kind writer. I haven’t read anyone who writes in her styles.

Lila is quite an interesting creature. She has changed so much in the series, each book growing more and more lovable. Also more mature and responsible. Plus, having Liam around is filling her with awesome :) I am going to go with fiesty, spunk as her personality, and though she matured, she didn’t lose herself. She’s pretty kick ass as far as lead female roles go. She’s gone through quite some ordeals throughout the series, and I am glad to see her ending be a good one.

There are plenty of familiar characters as well as new ones floating around. There’s several who have grabbed a little piece of my heart throughout. I am still so amazed as the world building. It was just flawless, like watching a movie or having a dream, and feeling like you could be there. The plots and twists and action that occurs is pretty mind blowing. It’s very well done, and never gives you the feeling that there was anything missing. I especially love that things played out like they should have… but that’s just my opinion! :) LOL You are going to have to read it to see if you agree with that opinion! I am definitely a fan forever and I am a little sad that it’s over, even though I read the series in just a few days LOL! 5 SCENERIFIC CREEPTASTIC PAWS!!! Can I also add AMAZING to that!!
Profile Image for Cherie.
Author 28 books117 followers
May 23, 2013
Lila Gray’s final battle may end her world as she knows it in Jocelyn Adams’ Rise of the Magi.

The third and final book of the Lila Gray series, Rise of the Magi yanks the reader back into Lila’s world and doesn’t want to let the reader go. Familiar characters and new characters abound. I particularly loved the introduction of the witches and thought they added to the paranormal world Adams created. The best part of the book was Lila’s growth as a person and queen of the fae. The kick-butt, spunky heroine finally reveals her softer side not only to the readers but to the other characters. I just love Lila to pieces!

Adams brilliantly ties the characters and the plot together in a complex bow. This novel took each thread from the other books and weaved them together, so the reader gets a complete understanding of how everything is linked. For me, the plot served to show the characters’ growths and pushed the characters to their limits.

Adams also explores and explains more about the world Lila Gray lives in. The additional nuances from the previous books and the fantastic descriptions keep the reader grounded in this extraordinarily complex world.

This fast-paced novel had me laughing, cheering for the good guys to win, and cringing at the horrors the characters have to face. I think I sobbed off and on during the last twenty percent of this book—some happy tears too.

For a series with a strong heroine and fascinating paranormal world—with the bonus of very handsome fae men too—I highly recommend Rise of the Magi by Jocelyn Adams as well as the entire Lila Gray series.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hart.
Author 24 books128 followers
June 17, 2013
I’m going to start this review off by stating for the record, I consider the author, Jocelyn Adams a good friend. But, saying that, you should also understand she is one because I met her on a writing site and LOVED her stories, so started to post critiques of them on the site. We got to know each other and became friends, but I loved her stories first.

Now that we have that out of the way.

Rise of the Magi is the final installment of Ms. Adams’ Lila Gray stories, and while I have to say The Glass Man is still my favorite of the three novels in the series, Rise of the Magi comes a close second. The series’ main character, Lila Gray has become one of my favorite literary heroines. I’m just a sucker for a tough female lead. Lila started out spunky in The Glass Man and that spirit and sarcastic determination is evident in the second book, Shadowborn. It still exists in this story.

I make it a point to not give spoilers in my review, so I won’t discuss the plot itself — as much as I want to. I will say I cried in some places, and for a book to get me that way doesn’t happen often.

I also have to say I am completely impressed by the authors ability to carry the tale through three novels and tie things up so succinctly at the end of it all. So many twists and turns, things I never saw coming, clues missed in Book #1 or Book #2 that gave me such “A-ha” moments while reading Rise of the Magi. I love when that happens.

The story is character rich and the “voice” is stellar. I highly recommend the read, in fact, the whole Lila Gray series.

Review can also be found on my blog: http://rebeccahartwriting.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Terri Rochenski.
Author 13 books171 followers
May 6, 2013
Yummies:

What an epic ending to an awesome series! I've dished on Lila Gray before, but in this third & final installment she is BAD @$$. It's amazing how far she's come - the level of growth portrayed within this whole story has been one heck of a ride. It's impossible NOT to fall in love with Lila, her heartaches, her inner struggles to accept what she is, and what she's capable of.

The cast of supporting characters is fleshed out beautifully. Each is distinctive in features and personality, but all snag your attention and heart, instilling a desire to root for them no matter what. Even the creepy Magi are cool.

It's tough to make me cry over words, but oh. From about 80% on to the ending my eyes brimmed more than once. Now, it could have just been the pregnancy hormones raging out of control, but Ms. Adams is G.O.O.D.

The world itself is unique & imaginative. I haven't seen (read) the like in a LONG time. In my short & sweet review of the first book, Glass Man, I mentioned not being a huge fae fan.

Ms. Adams has changed that for me.

I plan on reading more about these fantasy creatures, but let me tell you, those other books have a huge expectation to live up to!

Yuckies:

This 3rd book started off a smidge slow for me, but it didn't take away from the awesomeness of the story. Definitely not worth taking away stars. Overall it was just TOO rockin'.

Recommend:

Oh, yes. With a unique style all her own, Ms. Adam's Lila Gray novels satisfy.

And then some.
Profile Image for The Urban Book Thief.
33 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2013
This series is amazing. Simply, awesomely, amazing. I would go so far (oh yes, I’m that bold) to say that this is on par with the Fever series on my Yay it’s a Fae o’meter. That is how deep and how wide my love for Lila, Liam and the gang goes. Plus! in this last and final book in the series, Ms. Gray isn’t afraid to go all out and kick some serious ass – while pregnant. Take that you Dryad bitches.

Lila
description

If you have no idea what I am going on about, never fear – let me tell you some more about this sorta dystopian type world… Lila Gray has spent most of her life on the run. She lives in a dangerous and uncertain world where human kindness is scarce and a big, bad handsome stranger is out to get her. Okay, I know most of us would rather run towards the handsome hottie than away. Well… okay, just me I guess. But this guy is eeevil. Promise.

Then while taking shelter at a farm she comes across a group of men who seem a little… different. It turns out they’re Fae, and so is she. But not just any Fae – she’s the frickin’ Queen. The Seelie Queen. Lila discovers that she has some sweet, sweet powers at her fingertips, but before she can reach her full potential they hand her over to the big bad and things kick off from there. Adventure, heartache, death, love, tears, hate and redemption ensue.

The book starts off with Lila very loved up. She’s finally got her mitts on the Lovely Hunk a Man Lovin’ Unseelie King Liam (which from now on is his official title) and they’re expecting a child soon. Great! She’s Queen, she hangs out in track pants all day and finally has a group of friends to chill out with. Plus no body wants to kill any of them. What a great couple of days…

Liam
description

Unfortunately, Lila’s best friend Brigh goes a wee bit cray cray after she has a disturbing vision of the future. This sets them off again – ach no! (waves fist in air). Man eating trees, or in this case, Fae and Elf eating trees are destroying everything and everyone they touch. Who controls them? How can they be stopped? Why is the Goddess letting this happen? Can everyone get off their almighty pedestals and work together to destroy them before they literally eat the world?

Well…

The first 50% of the book is fairly slow moving until you realise that Ms. Adams is setting everything up for the final showdown between the Fae and the Magi. There’s quite a bit of muttering round the kitchen sink interspersed between racing off to warn other races about the end of the world and everyone’s impending doom. Then in an interesting twist, a third of the way into the book all of the men disappear without a trace, leaving the women alone to do what they do best: roll up their sleeves and sort shit OUT!

“I don’t know how to do this without losing my mind and everyone I love. Leading a nation and caring about shit sucks.”

My sentiments exactly Lila.

The second half of Rise of the Magi is truly epic. Get your hankies at the ready folks cause they will be sorely needed! Lila has a lot to contend with, her faith in the Goddess, whether she can ever trust Nix again and the effects this final battle will have on her unborn child. And Liam… oh Liam… my scrumptious Unseelie muffin cake, this book is about the ladies so that means no rumpy pumpy action and very little ogling time to squeeze in (damn!).

On one final note – did I mention how amazing the Lila Gray books are? The transition of Lila from Ms. Sass and Mistress Sarcasm to a Ms. Sharer and Mistress Carer has been fabulous. This heroine knows how to kick ass and keep it real at the same time.

Ms. Adams certainly knows how to end a series with a bang and I for one am very interested in where her awesome writing talent will take her next.

Read more book reviews with The Urban Book Thief
Profile Image for Ambur.
848 reviews512 followers
June 20, 2013
Oh...wow! As soon as I finished the second book in this trilogy, Shadowborn, I knew that Rise of the Magi would be my favourite...and it definitely was! I loved every single moment of this book...and while I wanted to read it quickly...I didn't want it to end, so I made myself slow down while reading and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed focusing so fully on the story!

Throughout this trilogy, Lila has gone through so much! She's faced super crazy villains, been forced to confront her inability to let people in...and so much more, and throughout it all, she has grown so much! I don't think I've ever been more proud of a character than I am of Lila! She used to be so closed off, and I have loved seeing her let people in, and seeing her accept change and help! Honestly, I love Lila so freaking much, and I was so happy to see her surrounded by so many people who loved her...it made me so happy! I also loved absolutely every moment that she had with Liam because I totally LOVE them together....*dreamy sigh* it also doesn't hurt that they have some of the steamiest chemistry ever. ;) haha

Seeing Lila grow has been one of my favourite parts of the Lila Gray trilogy, but I've also loved the action and the intricacies of the story! I love that all three books have their own conflict, but are also so interwoven within each other! Jocelyn Adams has done an amazing job with the whole plot and sub-plot dynamics within this trilogy, and it's been amazing seeing everything come together and having it all make sense as Lila discovers it on her own!

Rise of the Magi was fast-paced, but also full of some incredibly heartwarming scenes! Jocelyn Adams definitely "kept the action going" (as she discussed in a guest post on my blog just a few days ago ;D), and I loved it! I loved the way that the story kept me on my toes, and I loved that it made me feel so fully! I won't lie...this book made me sob...like REALLY sob, and I couldn't stop for a while! I sobbed because I felt the loss of characters so fully, and felt Lila's own inner-turmoil so much...I also sobbed happy tears...overall, I just basically sobbed for every reason you can sob, but I enjoyed it, so don't worry, I'm sure if you turn into a sobby mess because of this trilogy, you'll love it, too. ;) haha

I absolutely loved Rise of the Magi, and I loved this trilogy! I would recommend it to fans of stories involving fae, but also to those who just like action-packed stories full of some steamy romance...plus, this trilogy has a very satisfying conclusion, so I can assure you that you'll enjoy this trilogy from start to finish, and by the last page, you'll have one ginormous smile on your face...just like I do. ;)
31 reviews
May 30, 2013
Rise of the Magi

The final book in the Lila Gray series does not disappoint!
Lila has her work cut out for her in this one! Good thing she's got all her friends to back her up; Liam, Gallagher, Andrew, Cas, Neve and Brigh plus a few unlikely allies. Lila really grows a lot in this story as she realizes she can't do everything by herself, to win this battle, she must trust and work with others as she's never done before.

I really liked the way Ms. Adams ties up all the loose ends in the conclusion to this awesome series. Questions from previous books are answered and explained, some I didn't even realize I had questions about. "Oh, so THAT'S why XYZ happened way back then!"

I will really miss these friends (I mean characters) but that's the amazing thing about books, I can visit them anytime! Keep writing, Ms. Adams! I'll definitely keep reading!
Profile Image for Danielle Smiley.
290 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2013
If you've gotten this far into the Lila Gray trilogy, you probably don't need me to tell you that this book is FANTABULOUS, but I'm going to do so anyway because it is soooo freakin' crazy good!!! It truly is a remarkable ending to a remarkable series!!! You have all the elements and characters you've grown to love over the past two books, but magnified! All the expertly molded backstories Jocelyn Adams has woven throughout the series come together in as a cohesive and explosive entity. It's complex and intelligent and just overwhelmingly amazing! I could easily write on and on about how much I love this series, how Parthalan stole my heart, how themes of soul-deep love are my favorite, and how I cried like a baby throughout the last quarter of the book, but I think I'll spare you all my fan-girl ramblings. Just know that this is an incredible book, so get reading!!!
Profile Image for Aimee Laine.
Author 6 books234 followers
May 30, 2013
::tears:: I didn't want it to end. Why oh why oh why must books have a last page? Rise of the Magi especially. I have grown to love Lila and Liam, Cas and Brig, Andrew and Neve ... and Garrett ... and all the rest. And there they go, into the wild blue yonder or whatever the new fae city will create just for them, no longer there for me to see and interact with.

That is, of course, unless I go re-read the books ... for a third time.

Hmmm....

::tapsfingerstogether::

Might just have to go do that.

Bravo, Ms. Adams, on a spectacular series.
Profile Image for Wanda.
307 reviews11 followers
June 23, 2013
'Rise of the Magi by Jocelyn Adams', turned out to be a really great read.

Ms. Adams has created some amazing characters and I both laughed and cried.

Rise of the Magi is a perfect ending to the Lila Gray series.

Love the cover art!





Profile Image for L.S. Murphy.
Author 12 books155 followers
April 14, 2013
Wow. Just wow. Jocelyn Adams delivers again with an amazing novel that will tear your heart out. A great conclusion to the Lila Gray books that will leave you begging for more.
Profile Image for R. Brennan.
Author 11 books61 followers
April 1, 2013
Kudos to Ms. Adams. Few books can bring me to tears. Review to come.
Profile Image for Alana ~ The Book Pimp.
857 reviews192 followers
Currently reading
July 2, 2013
In the process of reading now, and looking forward to the finale of Lila's story. It's almost sad when you know a series is drawing to a close, so I can't help but take my time and savor it.
Profile Image for Melanie Adkins.
802 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2013
Something is happening to the Fae people and those in surrounding areas. No one is certain how to defeat those causing this destruction. Lila Gray is their only hope. Though she may eopardize her family and her people, she is the only one who can save them. Lila has to believe in herself and her abilities before she can think about saving the people around her.

This story might have been a good one, but I couldn't get passed the language. It never really seemed to project the mystical or magical ways of the Fae people. I think of the Fae people and their neighbors as being more advanced, more enlightened. I really felt the story could have been better.

I did find issues. I felt the coarse language wasn't warranted in this story. It seemed truly out of place.

I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because of the language.
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
Profile Image for Caitlin.
2,623 reviews30 followers
September 3, 2013
This is the final book of the trilogy, the one where Lila finally faces the big boss, the evil that has been the driving force behind her suffering and fights up to now.

The Magi, the warped and twisted true children of the Goddess, evil tree creatures with the power to enslave the minds of even the most powerful magical beings. They plan to escape the bindings put on them, take over the world, enslave everyone they wish to keep and destroy the rest.

And it seems like the Magi have the power to steamroll through Lila and her allies--to destroy everything she's fought so long for. How can she defeat an enemy that can take her over?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.