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The Magicians #1
Cursed with Power
Celestria Hale learns that she is one of the last living Dark magicians. Upon leaving her hometown, she searches for others like herself to find out what has happened to her kind. She meets Alaire, another Dark magician with a dangerously sinister past. Through their travels, Celestria and Alaire come face to face with their enemies. The White magicians plot against them, developing a conspiracy that will overtake the last of them. While struggling for survival, Celestria must also come to terms with her sister's death. But is her sister dead? There's no way out. The battle's already begun, and only the most powerful force will prevail. Everyone shows a longing hunger in their eyes, but their greed for power is only the beginning of a war raging between darkness and light. With the war approaching to determine the fate of magicians, Celestria fears for her and Alaire's existence. Destiny may find them, but will it be enough?
276 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2012
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Richardson
7 books5 followersLindsey Richardson is a fantasy author who lives in Maryland with her boyfriend and two cats
Lindsey has always adored reading and writing. At twelve years old she discovered her love for magical stories and wrote her first novel.
By the age of eighteen Old Line Publishing expressed their interest in Lindsey's novel, Cursed With Power. Lindsey has been both traditionally published and self published. Since 2010 she has worked on the Magicians series. The complete list of books in the series are as follows: Cursed With Power, Shadows and Embers, Thicker Than Blood, and Bloodline Inheritance. The series follows the lives of five Dark magicians, fighting for survival.
With the series complete, Lindsey looks forward to starting a new book.
Lindsey Richardson also writes under the name Lindsey R. Sablowski.
Follow her books and learn more at her website: www.authorlindsey.com
Lindsey has always adored reading and writing. At twelve years old she discovered her love for magical stories and wrote her first novel.
By the age of eighteen Old Line Publishing expressed their interest in Lindsey's novel, Cursed With Power. Lindsey has been both traditionally published and self published. Since 2010 she has worked on the Magicians series. The complete list of books in the series are as follows: Cursed With Power, Shadows and Embers, Thicker Than Blood, and Bloodline Inheritance. The series follows the lives of five Dark magicians, fighting for survival.
With the series complete, Lindsey looks forward to starting a new book.
Lindsey Richardson also writes under the name Lindsey R. Sablowski.
Follow her books and learn more at her website: www.authorlindsey.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 23, 2013
"Cursed with Power" caught my attention because it was significantly different than any fantasy book I've read. It wasn't a Harry Potter wannabee, nor was it Twighlighty.... it was something new.
The quick premise is that main character Celestria and her family stem from a group of dark magicians, and she recently discovers she is one of the last of her kind. There is a group of white magicians who are plotting for the demise of the remaining dark magicians.
Celestria experiences significant loss in her family, along with other close friends, specifically her sister and best friend, Leal. While trying to find the last of her kind, Celestria meets one of the remaining dark magicians with a sinister past, Alaire, and gradually falls in love with him. Together, Celestria and Aliare navigate new faces and decide who is trustworthy, who is worth fighting, and who is worth saving. Aliare gets very injured in a fight with a white magician, leaving Celestria to the greatest task of fighting for her people alone. However, she has to decide if those she thought she knew, including her own family, have really been honest, and if there is anyone she can trust.
"Cursed with Power" immediately interested me because the main character is from the supposed "bad" group. After seeing the world through her eyes, you have automatic sympathy for her. You see her perspective, what she's been through, and realize that both sides have positives and negatives. The book also leaves you with a significant cliffhanger, begging for its sequel. Sablowski's book is well edited, and has a unique style of writing. The dialogue includes subtle formalities as one would expect from the fantasy genre written for young adults.
It did take me several pages to get into the story, and the second half of the book kept me much more interested than the first. What was strange to me about the dialogue or possibly the personality of Celestria is that she comes across as extremely dramatic in some instances, yet barely shows her feelings at other times. A normal scene turns in an instant with Celestria's outbursts, and I couldn't tell if it was poor word choices, or truly a reflection of character development, revealing the true "YA-ness" of this young woman- I mean, a teenager is going to flip from time to time, right?
I do believe that there is significant promise for young Lindsey Sablowski, and I am excited to see what she writes next!!! Great job, Lindsey!
The quick premise is that main character Celestria and her family stem from a group of dark magicians, and she recently discovers she is one of the last of her kind. There is a group of white magicians who are plotting for the demise of the remaining dark magicians.
Celestria experiences significant loss in her family, along with other close friends, specifically her sister and best friend, Leal. While trying to find the last of her kind, Celestria meets one of the remaining dark magicians with a sinister past, Alaire, and gradually falls in love with him. Together, Celestria and Aliare navigate new faces and decide who is trustworthy, who is worth fighting, and who is worth saving. Aliare gets very injured in a fight with a white magician, leaving Celestria to the greatest task of fighting for her people alone. However, she has to decide if those she thought she knew, including her own family, have really been honest, and if there is anyone she can trust.
"Cursed with Power" immediately interested me because the main character is from the supposed "bad" group. After seeing the world through her eyes, you have automatic sympathy for her. You see her perspective, what she's been through, and realize that both sides have positives and negatives. The book also leaves you with a significant cliffhanger, begging for its sequel. Sablowski's book is well edited, and has a unique style of writing. The dialogue includes subtle formalities as one would expect from the fantasy genre written for young adults.
It did take me several pages to get into the story, and the second half of the book kept me much more interested than the first. What was strange to me about the dialogue or possibly the personality of Celestria is that she comes across as extremely dramatic in some instances, yet barely shows her feelings at other times. A normal scene turns in an instant with Celestria's outbursts, and I couldn't tell if it was poor word choices, or truly a reflection of character development, revealing the true "YA-ness" of this young woman- I mean, a teenager is going to flip from time to time, right?
I do believe that there is significant promise for young Lindsey Sablowski, and I am excited to see what she writes next!!! Great job, Lindsey!
July 2, 2024
“Cursed with Power by Lindsey Sablowski, is a fast paced, mystical, romantic, and mind blowing tale of Celestria Hale and her two mysterious friends Leal and Alaire.
These three are of the last five remaining Dark Magicians in this medieval Transylvania time. The conjuring magicians are the White Magicians.
When Celestria’s sister Dyanna had been killed, Celestria sets out to seek more like her. She first runs upon Leal, a man who is just as much as a lover than a powerful fighter. Once they part ways, Celestria finds herself being attacked by a powerful White magician named Aldemund. Celestria is merely saved by the alluring, handsome Alaire, whose dark past haunt his sweet, gentle soul.
Celestria continues her journey with Alaire on the search for Leal and Aldemund. She wants to face Aldemund in fight once again. All by which leads Alaire in a bleak position that leaves him bed ridden, while Celestria has to face Aldemund on her own in Belsgar.
This tale in riveting and different! Just what the publishing market needs! This debut book and author has a gem in her hands, and her fan base will grow! I cannot wait until the next book after the cliff hanger in this one!”
~Kristia S.
These three are of the last five remaining Dark Magicians in this medieval Transylvania time. The conjuring magicians are the White Magicians.
When Celestria’s sister Dyanna had been killed, Celestria sets out to seek more like her. She first runs upon Leal, a man who is just as much as a lover than a powerful fighter. Once they part ways, Celestria finds herself being attacked by a powerful White magician named Aldemund. Celestria is merely saved by the alluring, handsome Alaire, whose dark past haunt his sweet, gentle soul.
Celestria continues her journey with Alaire on the search for Leal and Aldemund. She wants to face Aldemund in fight once again. All by which leads Alaire in a bleak position that leaves him bed ridden, while Celestria has to face Aldemund on her own in Belsgar.
This tale in riveting and different! Just what the publishing market needs! This debut book and author has a gem in her hands, and her fan base will grow! I cannot wait until the next book after the cliff hanger in this one!”
~Kristia S.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
I just finished Cursed with Power by Lindsey Richardson and I really enjoyed this one.
It’s fast paced, full of action and a spectacular romance. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this one and so while being skeptical at first I’m so happy I was sent a copy to read.
I loved Celestria and how strong of a character she was even as being depicted as the “bad guys” in the story. I loved how we got to see more from her and her character growth throughout the book. It also ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger which has me really intrigued to see what happens in the next book!
Overall this book was a fave and a really great surprise. All her books are currently added to my TBR pile and I honestly can’t wait to read more from her.
It’s fast paced, full of action and a spectacular romance. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this one and so while being skeptical at first I’m so happy I was sent a copy to read.
I loved Celestria and how strong of a character she was even as being depicted as the “bad guys” in the story. I loved how we got to see more from her and her character growth throughout the book. It also ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger which has me really intrigued to see what happens in the next book!
Overall this book was a fave and a really great surprise. All her books are currently added to my TBR pile and I honestly can’t wait to read more from her.
March 15, 2019
My fourth book for Read O Rama Round 12.
The story itself was solid and I liked Celestria's character a lot. I loved Muta the cat and Grefin was an interesting character. I feel like some characters, such as Alaire and L'eal, could have used a little more development. I feel like the romantic relationships were a little rushed but can see Celestria and Alaire making a solid couple. The writing was easy to read but there are a few times in which the first person POV gets shifted to a different character or to 3rd person, which was a bit jarring.
Overall, a nice beginning to a fantasy series with a strong female lead. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
3.5 stars
The story itself was solid and I liked Celestria's character a lot. I loved Muta the cat and Grefin was an interesting character. I feel like some characters, such as Alaire and L'eal, could have used a little more development. I feel like the romantic relationships were a little rushed but can see Celestria and Alaire making a solid couple. The writing was easy to read but there are a few times in which the first person POV gets shifted to a different character or to 3rd person, which was a bit jarring.
Overall, a nice beginning to a fantasy series with a strong female lead. The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
3.5 stars
December 27, 2020
This is a firmly rooted YA book that has a very volatile and immature main character (but I suppose that’s the point). I also don’t see the need for those in a higher standing to refer to a 17 year old novice as mistress. That was just too out of place for me.
The writing left a lot to be desired. The characters are not multidimensional, and the cadence of the writing style mixed with purple prose left me too busy correcting grammar to dive in to the story.
I think this story has a lot of promise, but it needs a lot of polishing to reach its full potential.
The writing left a lot to be desired. The characters are not multidimensional, and the cadence of the writing style mixed with purple prose left me too busy correcting grammar to dive in to the story.
I think this story has a lot of promise, but it needs a lot of polishing to reach its full potential.
August 12, 2017
Spellbound! Loved the reveal at the end. Can't wait to find out more. Things are not what they seem. Intriguing.
September 8, 2013
As a long time friend and follower of Lindsey, I'm glad to say I've finally gotten around to finishing her first published work, Cursed With Power.
I read this book via a Nook app so the page numbers were different...etc., getting to the story.
I've watched Lindsey tell us about her characters via blog posts but I attest there is nothing like reading about these characters for oneself.
Celestial Hale is a teenager of indiscernible age who lives in Transylvania.
I wish the settings were explained in more detail, even for a YA novel - we should have some sense of where the characters are.
Celestria is met with her sisters death and moves to avenge her and protect her own status as one of the last remaining Dark Magicians. This is noble enough, I just wish we had a bit more background as to the girl herself, everything about her felt strange. As she displayed strength sometimes but a considerable weakness at others (ex. other characters saving her countless times) and that would have been fine if we had more background on the types of spells the Magicians used to cause these strengths/weaknesses.
Everything about the fights was rather vague - more depth on the subject of magic (after all it is the focal point of the story) would have really helped the readers understand what exactly was going on - we were left to make it up for ourselves most times.
As for the love interests, Alaire and Lèal were cool guys, I admit I liked Lèal a lot at first but he was there for all of a few pages before Alaire became the main guy. And I'm still confused on whether or not they (Alaire and Celestria) see each other as lovers or just friends.
But as for the plot and the main story, it was done pretty well. There was movement, things happened fairly fast, though I feel as though some parts could've been kept out altogether, but for the most part I wanted to keep reading, there was something about the novel that made me want to see what happened next and that alone made this a 4 star book for me.
I look forward to reading Shadows and Embers and have already downloaded a sample for kindle.
All in all Cursed With Power is a quick harmless read that teenagers will enjoy if looking for a protagonist that doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve and battles a world with (more or less) two hot guys at her side.
I read this book via a Nook app so the page numbers were different...etc., getting to the story.
I've watched Lindsey tell us about her characters via blog posts but I attest there is nothing like reading about these characters for oneself.
Celestial Hale is a teenager of indiscernible age who lives in Transylvania.
I wish the settings were explained in more detail, even for a YA novel - we should have some sense of where the characters are.
Celestria is met with her sisters death and moves to avenge her and protect her own status as one of the last remaining Dark Magicians. This is noble enough, I just wish we had a bit more background as to the girl herself, everything about her felt strange. As she displayed strength sometimes but a considerable weakness at others (ex. other characters saving her countless times) and that would have been fine if we had more background on the types of spells the Magicians used to cause these strengths/weaknesses.
Everything about the fights was rather vague - more depth on the subject of magic (after all it is the focal point of the story) would have really helped the readers understand what exactly was going on - we were left to make it up for ourselves most times.
As for the love interests, Alaire and Lèal were cool guys, I admit I liked Lèal a lot at first but he was there for all of a few pages before Alaire became the main guy. And I'm still confused on whether or not they (Alaire and Celestria) see each other as lovers or just friends.
But as for the plot and the main story, it was done pretty well. There was movement, things happened fairly fast, though I feel as though some parts could've been kept out altogether, but for the most part I wanted to keep reading, there was something about the novel that made me want to see what happened next and that alone made this a 4 star book for me.
I look forward to reading Shadows and Embers and have already downloaded a sample for kindle.
All in all Cursed With Power is a quick harmless read that teenagers will enjoy if looking for a protagonist that doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve and battles a world with (more or less) two hot guys at her side.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews