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A Mage's Influence #1-4
A Mage's Influence: Complete Series
Two sisters.
Two seeds of power.
One Mage's Guild, and an unprecedented new power—but which sister does it belong to?
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie’s seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage’s Guild in her sister’s wake. She’s used to living in Airlie’s shadow, but she can’t see a place for herself in this new world.
Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister.
But leaving her new home isn’t an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters’ secrets turn everyone against them.
And as word of Airlie’s power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom’s border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor—enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice. Will she embrace her power—whatever it might be—or pursue a different path?
While the twisted vines that connect them threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. If the sisters have any chance of saving their world, they must do it together.
This set includes:
Seeds of Glory and Ruin
Vines of Promise and Deceit
Thorns of Hope and Betrayal
Forests of Grandeur and Malice
Two seeds of power.
One Mage's Guild, and an unprecedented new power—but which sister does it belong to?
Cadence and her sister possess the seeds of glory and ruin—or so their father always insisted. Cadence never understood what he meant until Airlie’s seed of power is activated, turning her into the most powerful mage in generations. Despite knowing it must mean her own dormant seed is much more malevolent, Cadence is swept away to the distant Mage’s Guild in her sister’s wake. She’s used to living in Airlie’s shadow, but she can’t see a place for herself in this new world.
Nor can she believe in the apparent interest of the charming Zeke. No one has ever chosen her over her beautiful sister.
But leaving her new home isn’t an option. Plagued by questions from her isolated childhood, Cadence needs answers, and the Guild might hold them. But as the revelations grow, Cadence must find a way to conceal the truth from her new companions before the sisters’ secrets turn everyone against them.
And as word of Airlie’s power spreads, new danger emerges. Across the kingdom’s border, a threat is growing among the ruins of their former neighbor—enemies who will do anything to get their hands on the sisters and the seeds they contain. No longer able to shelter behind Airlie, Cadence must make a choice. Will she embrace her power—whatever it might be—or pursue a different path?
While the twisted vines that connect them threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. If the sisters have any chance of saving their world, they must do it together.
This set includes:
Seeds of Glory and Ruin
Vines of Promise and Deceit
Thorns of Hope and Betrayal
Forests of Grandeur and Malice
1176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2023
176 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
87 books2,832 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 30, 2026
Reread the series. Still love it. Cellier's books always deliver excitement, danger, and sweet romance.
September 23, 2023
I love Melanie Cellier's stories. Her stories are clean and the worlds that she creates are wonderful.
But there were some plot holes and characters that bothered me in this series.
The character of Zeke is problematic. The romance between him and Cadence, as well as his role as King felt unbelievable. After the settlers' experience with the General, it made no sense that they would have so readily accepted an outsider's claim as King and deferred to him. Airlie, Renly and Kieran had an actual connection with the settlers and were more acceptable candidates to lead Calista.
The settlers represented the Calistan people, and Zeke never lived among them or did anything for them until he showed up seeking the Calistan throne and treasury. It all seemed very mercenary.
Just as boodline alone didn't not automatically make Nick the best heir to Tartora, it didn't make Zeke the best heir to Calista. Sure he risked his life to free Calista, bust so did Airlie and Renly.
Airlie had a right not to trust Zeke. He was basically this smooth operator and the first boy that showed attention to Cadence. Plus he betrayed her secret to his mother and ended up getting the rest of his group - who actually kept Cadence's secret - into trouble with Tartora. Big red flag in any relationship.
I really liked Airlie and Evermund, and I loved their ending. But from the first book it was pretty clear to all the characters that Airlie tricked Evermund into activating her. One of the characters even said it out loud at the time of her activation. So it was common knowledge. Therefore it made no sense that Airlie would be tormented by this "secret".
The twins and Hayes were also great characters.
All in all, it was an enjoyable story.
But there were some plot holes and characters that bothered me in this series.
The character of Zeke is problematic. The romance between him and Cadence, as well as his role as King felt unbelievable. After the settlers' experience with the General, it made no sense that they would have so readily accepted an outsider's claim as King and deferred to him. Airlie, Renly and Kieran had an actual connection with the settlers and were more acceptable candidates to lead Calista.
The settlers represented the Calistan people, and Zeke never lived among them or did anything for them until he showed up seeking the Calistan throne and treasury. It all seemed very mercenary.
Just as boodline alone didn't not automatically make Nick the best heir to Tartora, it didn't make Zeke the best heir to Calista. Sure he risked his life to free Calista, bust so did Airlie and Renly.
Airlie had a right not to trust Zeke. He was basically this smooth operator and the first boy that showed attention to Cadence. Plus he betrayed her secret to his mother and ended up getting the rest of his group - who actually kept Cadence's secret - into trouble with Tartora. Big red flag in any relationship.
I really liked Airlie and Evermund, and I loved their ending. But from the first book it was pretty clear to all the characters that Airlie tricked Evermund into activating her. One of the characters even said it out loud at the time of her activation. So it was common knowledge. Therefore it made no sense that Airlie would be tormented by this "secret".
The twins and Hayes were also great characters.
All in all, it was an enjoyable story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
A most excellent series! Melanie Cellier does an excellent job developing this world and magic system. It has a lot more depth than her fairy tales and is a great read.
It starts a little slow with much of book 1 laying the groundwork for the series. It picks up after that, though, and has plenty of action, battles, and intrigue.
Highly recommended!
Content:
There is no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is clean with only chaste kisses. There is a lot of magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
It starts a little slow with much of book 1 laying the groundwork for the series. It picks up after that, though, and has plenty of action, battles, and intrigue.
Highly recommended!
Content:
There is no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is clean with only chaste kisses. There is a lot of magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
August 15, 2023
1.5 stars
An okay read but a bit boring.
The romance between Cadence and Zeke was unbelievable, seemingly out of nowhere.
Why would people just accept Zeke's claim that he was king? What if there was another after all that time?
The main characters made dumb decisions throughout, but what do you expect from a 17-yr old? When you think about it, even the adults made dumb decisions.
Why was Cadence the one to come up with the solutions?
A juvenile read, even for a 12 year old.
An okay read but a bit boring.
The romance between Cadence and Zeke was unbelievable, seemingly out of nowhere.
Why would people just accept Zeke's claim that he was king? What if there was another after all that time?
The main characters made dumb decisions throughout, but what do you expect from a 17-yr old? When you think about it, even the adults made dumb decisions.
Why was Cadence the one to come up with the solutions?
A juvenile read, even for a 12 year old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
This is a remarkable and extremely enjoyable series!
Congratulations to Melanie Cellier for another amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next series.
Congratulations to Melanie Cellier for another amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next series.
March 4, 2026
2.5 stars. Good enough to read to the end but not as enjoyable as "The Spoken Mage" and "The Hidden Mage" series.
Unlike the prior two series, I found it hard to not be annoyed with the two main characters' behavior. The overall story was good enough to read to the end I'm glad this was a library book, not something I bought.
Unlike the prior two series, I found it hard to not be annoyed with the two main characters' behavior. The overall story was good enough to read to the end I'm glad this was a library book, not something I bought.
May 5, 2023
Fantastic
Another winning series by Melanie Cellier. I read all four books in two days.
These are clean romantically, like all of her books. I’d let a pre-teen/young teen read them.
Another winning series by Melanie Cellier. I read all four books in two days.
These are clean romantically, like all of her books. I’d let a pre-teen/young teen read them.
June 28, 2023
A great marathon read
My Fav and I read this together, which made the reading even that much more fun. The discussions we had at every little break, makes this omnibus special. I'm so grateful to have something we can enjoy together. A fantastic read.
My Fav and I read this together, which made the reading even that much more fun. The discussions we had at every little break, makes this omnibus special. I'm so grateful to have something we can enjoy together. A fantastic read.
September 1, 2023
Captivating Stories
Well written books of adventure and romance told from the viewpoints of the heroines. The stories never lagged, and the continuity kept them from getting tiresome. It was good to have them together so there was no waiting from one to the next. Highly recommend.
Well written books of adventure and romance told from the viewpoints of the heroines. The stories never lagged, and the continuity kept them from getting tiresome. It was good to have them together so there was no waiting from one to the next. Highly recommend.
September 29, 2024
Excellent series. Strong appealing characters and an interesting plot.
I highly recommend this series. With well developed and appealing characters and a believable and imaginatively crafted plot keeping interest through all the books.
I highly recommend this series. With well developed and appealing characters and a believable and imaginatively crafted plot keeping interest through all the books.
August 25, 2025
Lots of fun to read
These books have everything you could want secrets, villains, good people, love, magic, and a wonderful story line. I throughly enjoyed my time with these books.
These books have everything you could want secrets, villains, good people, love, magic, and a wonderful story line. I throughly enjoyed my time with these books.
July 13, 2023
Fun fantasy
This is a fun fantasy adventure, will world building and good characters the characters could be more dynamic and heroin and heroes less obvious
This is a fun fantasy adventure, will world building and good characters the characters could be more dynamic and heroin and heroes less obvious
August 20, 2023
Listened to this with my 8 year old and it was appropriate for that age group. The writing was hard to listen to. No creativity, slow, repetitive and lacking any variance in prose.
October 28, 2023
Loved it
Great story line, past pace and awesome characters. Once you pick the book up, you won't be able to put it down.
Great story line, past pace and awesome characters. Once you pick the book up, you won't be able to put it down.
November 21, 2024
Audio book is 38 hours - 4 books in one ..... long but so woth it
November 29, 2024
This 4-book series was excellent. It kept me interested and entertained throughout. I would certainly recommend this series to anyone aged 13 and older.
January 27, 2025
A Brilliant Read!
There hasn’t been a book my daughter hasn’t like so far. Each audiobook has been fantastic and the narration is fantastic.
There hasn’t been a book my daughter hasn’t like so far. Each audiobook has been fantastic and the narration is fantastic.
March 11, 2025
While I loved the series, I think the ending was a little too perfect for the sisters at Nick's expense. I would have liked to see him get a happy ending too if everyone else was going to get one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
A good fun read. It was exciting and didn't get bogged down or off track. Each book was as good or better than the one before.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 20, 2025
I am enjoying all the mage series collections!
November 27, 2025
Very much enjoyed this series. Melanie has to find her way & how to work her newly discovered magic. It's not easy when so many are against her but she doesn't give up. GREAT SERIES!!!
December 11, 2025
An excellent read story line well thought out could not put it down
December 29, 2025
good read
Love the strong female characters, fun storyline. Easy to get into and understand what was going on from the beginning.
Love the strong female characters, fun storyline. Easy to get into and understand what was going on from the beginning.
December 22, 2025
I have just spent the past month binging every single Cellier book. So forgive me, but I am going to review them all as one.
Is it woke?
Not really. There is the tiniest hint of 'women can do ___ too." Everything else is perfect.
Is it good?
Cellier's works are phenomenal. Her world building is second to none, and her tone is perfect. She manages to have a light and easy to understand tone but also be entirely enthralling, making it perfect for teens and women alike. Her characterisation is great, and her mysteries captivating. Her only stumble is a penchant for not answering questions that her works pose about the characters or their past, which is still driving me insane.
Obviously some of her earlier works are less developed, but the world building and tone is still amazing, and their charm makes them fantastic. I particularly adore her subtle nod to Christianity with the higher powers evident in her works.
For audio book fans, Esther Wayne is a fantastic narrator and makes every line even better.
Fans of Chanda Hahn, Deborah Grave White, and Lynette Noni will love Cellier.
Is it appropriate for your children?
It is. Though some have mild mature themes, it is all off page and written in a way that it will often go over younger reader's heads. Every book is a clean romance, and there is not even a whisper of an unworthy or abusive love interest that happens so often in fantasy romance. Propriety is always adhered to, and real true love wins the day with romance that protects as well as the other types of true love. 11-12+
Is it woke?
Not really. There is the tiniest hint of 'women can do ___ too." Everything else is perfect.
Is it good?
Cellier's works are phenomenal. Her world building is second to none, and her tone is perfect. She manages to have a light and easy to understand tone but also be entirely enthralling, making it perfect for teens and women alike. Her characterisation is great, and her mysteries captivating. Her only stumble is a penchant for not answering questions that her works pose about the characters or their past, which is still driving me insane.
Obviously some of her earlier works are less developed, but the world building and tone is still amazing, and their charm makes them fantastic. I particularly adore her subtle nod to Christianity with the higher powers evident in her works.
For audio book fans, Esther Wayne is a fantastic narrator and makes every line even better.
Fans of Chanda Hahn, Deborah Grave White, and Lynette Noni will love Cellier.
Is it appropriate for your children?
It is. Though some have mild mature themes, it is all off page and written in a way that it will often go over younger reader's heads. Every book is a clean romance, and there is not even a whisper of an unworthy or abusive love interest that happens so often in fantasy romance. Propriety is always adhered to, and real true love wins the day with romance that protects as well as the other types of true love. 11-12+
October 9, 2023
Usually, I LOVE this author but this time... it felt like I was reading someone else's writing. There were many obvious plot holes, the two romance plot lines didn't have any struggles and a very dissatisfactory ending (the way it was written), and the books generally left out some important information. The entire events of these books were supposed to be training these typical overpowered heroines to do amazing things with their magic abilities, but it felt like (Airlie especially) could do anything she wanted to with her powers without any training at all. I was expecting more out of this book and was sorely disappointed.
January 1, 2026
Love these books, I read them with great eagerness when first published and have enjoyed re- reading them since.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews