After discovering her true heritage and rescuing her sister, Ramsey Wilder is finally adjusting to life in the Elf Realm. She still has a lot to learn though, especially about her new power, which makes her start in ability school extremely convenient. But even as she immerses herself in school life, the secret she has yet to learn continues to linger in the back of her mind, as well as thoughts of Finn and his dangerous promise to return. And with Stellan away at war and Zora acting strange, Ramsey has no one to turn to but Nathan, an elf from school with much more to him than spells and a sarcastic sense of humor – one that Ramsey can't help but gravitate toward. And as danger reenters Ramsey's life, the terror and mystery only brings them closer together, threatening her future with Stellan and jeopardizing her relationship with her sister.
Ramsey can't lie to herself forever about what – and who – she truly desires, but is she ready for more changes to be a part of her already uncertain future? In this thrilling second installment, the key to Ramsey's secret may very well also unlock the secrets to her heart.
A sensational sequel full of inspired imaginative concepts and enchanting wonders!
Having been blown-away by Markelle Grabo’s incredible debut novel “The Elf Girl” I could not wait to delve into the next instalment of this exciting series! ‘The spell master’ is a brilliantly conceived creation and fantastic follow-up, full of fun and thrilling drama that takes you on the most extraordinary adventure. Addictive and unputdownable, book 2 is a wonderfully wrought saga containing a cast of captivating characters whose magnetism lures you into such a gripping tale. I did not think that the author could produce a sequel of such awe-inspiring profundity and depth, yet “The Spell Master” is even better than all I could have imagined or hoped for. What I loved so much was the heartrending love triangle between Ramsey, Nathan and Stellan that made me melt and literally (reminiscent of Stephanie Meyer’s twilight) had my emotions tugged in two directions constantly! Another additional layer of depth was added to book 2 and so I cannot contain my optimism as I predict an explosive, unforgettable ending for this terrific trilogy.
Only one KEY can unlock the secret…
In book 2 the romantic elements of Ramsey’s story (aka. Elf Girl) steps up a notch, with her heart being torn into two pieces by her boyfriend who is away at war to alluring Elf with a strangely sarcastic sense of humor. As dark and dangerous times lie ahead, Ramsey is thrust headlong into a dynamic adventure that will test both her magical abilities as well as her strength of character to the limits. Character-driven at its core and full of fervent intensity, sparkling magnetism and heated rivalry this sensational sequel is a real page-turner.
Once again I would like to thank the author for providing me with an e-copy of her brilliant book to read (& provide a non-biased, honest review on). As I wait with baited breath and eager anticipation for book 3, I urge you to add book 1 & 2 of this YA/ Fantasy series to your bookshelves.
The Spell Master is a great follow up to Journey into the Realm. It is a fun, adventurous fantasy that you won't want to put down.
Ramsey is excited to start school in the elf realm but a little sad because her boyfriend Stellan is off fighting in the war. She desperately wants to find out her secret but her sister Zora refuses to tell her. Ramsey finds that school in the elf realm is so much more fun and interesting than in the human realm. She makes new friends the first day, including one of which will betray her and one who will love her.
Ramsey meets Nathan, an elf she has met before and recognizes by his eyes. If you have read the first book you will know what I'm talking about. Ramsey and Nathan become friends and become very close over time. Once she learns that he is a spell master, together they discover her secret. This is only the beginning, together they will have to fight for their love, friendship and stay alive at the same time.
I thought the first book was amazing but this one blew it away. I fell in love with Nathan right along with Ramsey. He is such a great elf, always there for her and never judges her. I loved how they knew from the start that there was a connection between them but took their relationship slow. The author brings the emotions of the characters to life. I felt how torn Ramsey was between Stellan and Nathan and how she felt towards Zora. I was happy when Zora went to Talore for awhile, she treated Ramsey like she was a mother instead of a sister. Ellie, I enjoyed her character but kept thinking there is something off about her. I was happy to see some of my favorites from the first book pop up in this one. I don't want to give away any real details and spoil it for someone. This is such a fun read with lots of twists and turns, clean romance and a shocking cliffhanger ending. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this if you are a YA fantasy fan. I hope Markelle gets book three done quickly, I can't get enough of this series!
This book was given to me by the author for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
I can say that there's a vast improvement at the same time I was becoming emotional towards the end.
We finally learned the big secret of Ramsey. It was something I never expected. It was like a double secret. I should have known about at least partially of it because there were some forshadowed moments but I never paid any attention to it.
Ramsey's life wasn't any easier especially when she discovered her big secret. What was nice about this was she finally knew her true feelings for a certain someone.
I disliked her sister though and I hoped that it will change. She still kept the secret of Ramsey till the end and a whole lot of more. She only told another secret because it was something she couldn't keep quite anymore.
I supposed I should have expected some tragedy but I still wasn't prepared for it.
Now, I mentioned that her secret was finally revealed but how she's going to affect the realms wasn't mentioned yet. I have a feeling there's more to this than just the elemental fairies.
I will definitely continue reading this series and more so when it's finally completed.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
After rescuing her sister from the fairies, Ramsey now has to make a life for herself in the Elf realm. Which includes learning how to control her blossoming powers; and to finally discover the big secret that caused her parents to leave her in the human realm for fifteen years.
The Spell Master is the second in the Journey into the Realm series (you can read my review of the first book - The Elf Girl). I was offered a free copy as part of Shut Up & Read's read & review.
This book picks up soon after the first. Ramsey is getting used to life as an elfen. She has her sister back, but the realms are still at war. Despite the war looming, and the obvious fact that Ramsey's boyfriend Stellan is fighting at the front; the war has little implication for the first half of the book. Instead it concentrates on Ramsey's training at school, and the friends she makes.
I didn't click with the first book, and this one had a lot of the same issues. I still don't like Ramsey, and as this is from her point of view, there's no escape from her thoughts and feelings. She is a very selfish character. I felt sorry for Zora - she was recently kidnapped, and while she was out of it, her boyfriend got stolen by her younger sister. In The Spell Master, Zora acts "oddly", which one can only expect after such an ordeal. But Ramsey and her best friend neglect her, ignore her feelings, and talk about how annoying the "crazy" sister is. The new best friend Nathan, is a clear love interest, bringing this directly to a love triangle. When Ramsey met Stellan, there were butterflies and weak knees; when she met Nathan, it was locked eyes and instant connection on the deepest level. I do like that Ramsey and Nathan were friends first. But I don't like a) Ramsey constantly going on about Nathan's eyes. All elves have bright green eyes, how does she go so ga-ga over his? b) everybody telling Ramsey that Nathan is the one for her, so the whole time, it is so totally ok that she likes him, but she's going to be a martyr and stay with Stellan, because she's a good person. (Seriously, some of the elves she's confided in have probably known Stellan all his life, and they are telling her to leave him because war will change him... What shit friends!)
The action and concerns of the outside world come in around the 300 page mark.
The last fifty pages, or so, do pick up nicely. Which is frustrating, Grabo can clearly write adventure, and excitement; but the first 300 pages are taken up with Nathan's eyes and woe-is-me. The secret is also very good, and worth waiting for.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
**Beware! Does contain some spoilers!**
Simple word to described the sequel to a very outstanding trilogy -- A M A Z I N G!
I thought the first book was great, but the sequel takes the cake! The secret is revealed. New love arises. Friendship deceived. Death takes place. New journeys have to happen...man oh man...I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The Spell Master is the sequel to The Elf Girl which is story that follows the journey of fifteen year old elfen Ramsey Wilder. In book one, we learn that Ramsey is an elfen (female elf) that was taken to the Human Realm for protection because she has a secret that every Realm -- mostly Elemental Fairies -- want to know. In The Elf Girl, she encounters countless meetings with various Elemental Fairies and has to save her sister Zora from them before she gives the secret away. Book 1 ended amazingly with Ramsey meeting guy she has a strong attraction to saving her sister, receiving her ability, learning that her boyfriend Stellan is a dog, getting a note from Finn (fire fairy general) and still not knowing her secret.
The Spell Master reveals so much for us. Ramsey attends ability school (which eventually closes because teachers with high status are needed for the war) since she is now sixteen years old and has her ability. During this time Stellan is away at war, Addison is at the palace helping the queen, Zora becomes an overprotective and distant jealous sister and she learns that the guy she has a strong attraction for is the one she should be with.
Nathan, her new love, is an amazing young man. He is a Spell Master and he helped her find out her secret by opening up the trunk for her. I love how even though they had insta love they worked on a relationship slowly. Totally loved when the dragons hatched -- Kalani being Ramsey's dragon and Razi being Zora's
Ramsey's secret definitely was a surprise. I thought it had to do with her ability, but I was more shocked when it had to do with who she really was. Being that she was royal made it ten times better. I love how she becomes much more different to elves. Knowing her secret makes the understanding of her being the Chosen Daughter and being the one to end the war between Realms much easier.
I truly review this book without giving too much away to the story, I highly suggest picking it up.
I will say however that Ramsey killing Finn was amazing! And the way she learned to work with her abilities and deal with the danger of the Elemental Fairies was great. Ramsey definitely has grown since the first book and I'm excited to see what happens next for her.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Spell Master is the 2nd novel of the Journey Into the Realms series that follows a young elf named Ramsey. As this novel begins, she's settling into a peaceful life as an elf and beginning school in order to perfect her skill. Her boyfriend, Stellan, is away at war, and she meanwhile begins a friendship with Nathan, aka the Stranger. Throughout the book, Ramsey deals with an internal war until something more important occurs.
Wow :) I'm so impressed with this second novel! The first book was a good story and I enjoyed it, but it was so clear that the author was a young rookie. Her writing improved immensely and I found it easier to read than the first. It still wasn't perfect and there could be improvements, but it shows the author's growth.
The plot was fascinating. There were times where the drama made my head hurt, but the discovery of the secret; the learning of the elf and fairy realms; and the ending kept me interested.
The reason I knocked it a star was the cowardice and hypocrisy of Ramsey. She went too far with Nathan just by meeting him at night at the tree. She had a boyfriend! I think she would've been beyond mad if Stellan had done that. She knew her feelings, and yet she still decided to keep her relationship. She wasn't being fair to either Nathan and Stellan. To be honest, what she did would warrant her losing both of them.
I really wish Stellan and her were never together. It never made sense. I wish it was just like a strong friendship from the start. And not to mention, it would've removed the love triangle. But I understand the author doing it. I enjoyed Ramsey better with Nathan, because they got to know each other and it was more gradual. It seemed like with Stellan it was instant and unnatural.
I'm going to start the 3rd one right away and I will be following the series. The entire ending was mind-blowing.
So much drama...but in a "I-must-know-what-happens-next" sorta way. ^_^
Ramsey is the elfen girl we've grown to love over the course of book one; in book two, we find her adjusting to her reclaimed life in the Elf Realm...with a slew of new problems about to befall her. Finn, the dangerous and evil Element Fairy, is still after her. Zora, the elfen sister she rescued, is treating her like a stranger not family, holding her at arms length and still withholding the BIG secret that concerns Ramsey herself! Of all people, she NEEDS to know (as do we!)! Stellan, the elf she fell in love with (a little too quickly but I understand), is away at war fighting to keep their realm safe, and his elfen alive. That enough drama for you? Let's throw in Nathan, the unintentionally (not really) suave, dashing, green eyed Spell Master elf that...oh wait; she KNOWS him!
It's not all about fairy wars and heartfelt longing though; it's also about finding and ACCEPTING your true self. Allowing others to see those things that make you who you are and giving them the chance to open their hearts to you. A great addition to the series and one that left this reader satisfied...yet still wanting more. If you're a fan of the Young Adult genre, love a good mystery, a healthy dose of magic, a journey of self-discovery that is laden with danger and a little love for good measure, this is definitely one for you.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Totally loved this book. I flew through it! One of the best sequels I've ever read.
In the previous book, The Elf Girl, we were introduced to the wonderful Ramsey Wilder, who discovers that she is an elf and enters into the Elf Realm to find and save her sister, Zora, who has been kidnapped. After rescuing Zora, she hopes to learn her secret and wants life to go back to normal.
In this book, Ramsey is settling finally and is going to school when element fairies start chasing her. And she also finds out her secret. By finding out her secret, has she made herself more vulnerable?
I am absolutely thrilled after reading this book. I loved the first book and was very eager to start the second book. This book was as good as the first and did not dissapoint at all. Grabo has done a wonderful job with the characters, the plot and the world-building.
There is a lot of character development in this book, and the plot takes a new turn. It is so very different from what I expected. Zora does act a bit weird in this book. However, my favorite character would have to Nathan. He was just so caring and loveable. Loved that we finally got to meet him!
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. 5 out of 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
How would you feel if there was a secret about you that was hazardous to your health yet your sister refused to tell you, frustrated, angry and determined to find the answer? Welcome to Ramsay's world as if finding out she wasn't human and indeed part elf wasn't stressful enough, Element fairies had her on the top of their "Most Wanted" list. Struggling to deal with all the changes in her life, Ramsay seeks solace in her friendship with Nathan the handsome stranger whereby her affections for Stellan are seriously compromised. I liked the pace of her relationship with Nathan how it unwinds over time and is much more realistic that the "instant love" that is common to this type of story. We follow Ramsay's journey into becoming a woman and discerning her feelings for both men understanding what true love is all about and having to make the right choice for her. Add to this tale plenty of twists and turns, the excitement of dragon flight and the ability to solve a mystery that will change her life forever and you have a very engaging read.
What ensues is a story of one girl who against all odds strives to do the right thing and fulfill a prophecy she has no understanding of because she wants to protect the elfen/elves that she loves.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review and this has not influenced me in any way.
Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to the author for letting me review this book as I did the previous book.
I've got such mixed feelings about the book, I won't lie but I did find it slow starting, that may be me though as my head can be busy at times. However I loved it, and the last paragraph was a OMG what? How?
I love the character Ramsey and am looking forward to seeing her develop even more in the next book. Her relationships and how they transformed through the book was interesting and the intensity of her relationship with Nathan was gripping, the poor girl didn't know if she was coming or going, I was pleased with the outcome in the end. I did shed a few tears with the death of a character and I will say it was a shock to the point where I openly said "nooooo" and my boyfriend looked at me like I was losing the plot. Ramsey is an amazingly strong character the high s and lows she endures for a girl of such a young age is inspiring.
I felt this book was setting the scene for the next book and what's to come in Ramsey's life. The next book looks very promising and I'm looking forward to reading it.
The Spell Master is such a nice follow up to The Elf Girl. The Journey Into the Realm series improves with each book. The Spellmaster was so well written. It continues with the story of Ramsey, the Elf Girl. After leaving the human realm to save her sister Zara, Ramsey has to adapt and learn more about the Elf Realm. She attends school and makes new friends that help her with the adjustment. She also learns more about her weaknesses and her strengths as she grows and matures as an elfen. Her love for both the Stranger, Nathan, and Stellan cause her and those she loves right much turmoil. Once her BIG secret is revealed, the choice is pretty much made for her. When she is drawn into battle with Finn and the Elemental fairies, she learns who she can trust and who she cannot.
Once again, Grabo does a fantastic job using imagery to paint beautiful pictures of the realms and characters in her books. Her writing is filled with suspense, drama, and romance. I could not put the book down. I am looking forward to reading Book 3 of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Spell Master is a wonderful story. I could not put this book down! I love the way the author weaves the story. The continuation from Elf Girl is even better then the first book and I loved Elf Girl!
Ramsey is so confused about her secret. Zora is not cooperating with her for reasons she cannot understand. It seems that no one wants her to know the complete truth.
I absolutely love Nathan! Watching their relationship evolve was wonderful. They share a connection that is beyond anything Ramsey can understand.
There is so much going on in this book - love, fear, secrets, violence - everything I want in a book. The world the author created is amazing and very descriptive. I highly recommend this book. Great YA read!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The first book was about Ramsey, she discovered that she was an elf. And then she went on a journey to find her sister that was kidnapped. She managed to save her sister and now she want's to learn more about all that's happened.
As things start going back to “normal” Ramsey finds herself being chased by some fairies.
On goes another awesome adventure. The story continues to be entertaining and wonderful with incredible characters that keep getting better and better. I love this story it's been entertaining since page one, I'm definitely glad that I started reading this book/story it hasn't disappointed me yet!!
The action in this book was breathtaking. The twist of her secret when finally revealed was astounding! I could not believe the decisions she had to make and of course the major major twist towards the end left me screaming at the book. I don't post spoilers, so I won't say why. BUT, OMG!! NEVER saw that coming AT ALL!!!
I love the dragons so much. I'm not a big fan of Zora, but I understand her attitude. This was a great read and I really am looking forward to reading the third book!
This book is a really great read; it's much better than the first in the series, bearing in mind that the first was pretty good. The plot is very imaginative, as well as being an emotional rollercoaster, and the characters are well-rounded. I look forward to reading book three!
1. progress: omg Nathan *___* this book will definitely be so much better than the first one
2. after finishing: it really was better than the first one because of Nathan <3 and because of the Ramsey's secret, although I'd already guessed part of it while reading the first book
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHY? I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me a lot longer to read than it would have usually and that was because I made the mistake of trying to explain it to my writing buddy, who then pointed out that it contained a lot of fillers (spoiled it for me)