What do you think?
Rate this book
The Magic Wakes #1
The Magic Wakes
Since childhood, scientist Talia Zaryn has been haunted by recurring dreams, visions of an alien attack on her planet Sendek. Each time it ends abruptly with Talia’s death in the capital city Joharadin, a city that she has spent her life desperately avoiding. Talia keeps these dreams a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when she is unexpectedly transferred to Joharadin she is convinced that the conflict, and her own death, is at hand.
As Talia’s nightmares occur with increasing frequency, they reveal the imminent invasion of a half-dragon, half-human race called Dragumon, bent on the annihilation of her world.
In Sendek, magic is dead and science rules, forcing Talia to keep another secret, one that could cost her everything if it were known. Now, in order to save her planet, Talia must awaken the powers within her and rely at last on the magic that is her true inheritance.
As Talia’s nightmares occur with increasing frequency, they reveal the imminent invasion of a half-dragon, half-human race called Dragumon, bent on the annihilation of her world.
In Sendek, magic is dead and science rules, forcing Talia to keep another secret, one that could cost her everything if it were known. Now, in order to save her planet, Talia must awaken the powers within her and rely at last on the magic that is her true inheritance.
300 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2013
42 people are currently reading
1660 people want to read
About the author
Charity Bradford
20 books89 followersCharity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round.
Her preferred writing genre consists of a mix of science fiction, fantasy, adventure and romance. She also enjoys reading detective novels, YA in all styles, paranormal, and whatever a friend recommends.
She also writes romance under the pen name River Ford.
Her preferred writing genre consists of a mix of science fiction, fantasy, adventure and romance. She also enjoys reading detective novels, YA in all styles, paranormal, and whatever a friend recommends.
She also writes romance under the pen name River Ford.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 15, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy Romance
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of romance, fans of science fantasy, people who enjoy a good story
Book Available: February 19, 2013
Trigger Warnings: Some violence, genocide
My Thoughts: This is a very interesting world that Charity Bradford has created. In many ways it is much like ours, but there are enough differences that it feels exotic. I’m especially impressed by how well this book turned out, since it is her debut novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The characters are believable and complex, the world building is terrific, and I really enjoyed the way she blended two of my favorite genres: science fiction and urban fantasy. Plus... dragons! Who doesn’t like dragons, right? There were only a couple things that bothered me, and neither should really bother most other people.
First thing, is that in some ways, there is too much romance in this story for my tastes, including the cliché of love interests reacting to each other with irritation and snappishness without even understanding why. Fortunately there are enough other things going on to hold my interest that it didn’t significantly detract form my enjoyment of the story, and for many people that romance element will probably be the selling point.
The only other thing that really bothered me is that we don’t learn what is planned for the magic users going forward. I’m not certain if this is to be continued in another book, but that one thread dangling is itching at my brain terribly!
However, that wasn’t enough to significantly lessen my enjoyment of the story, and I think most others will agree that this is a very well-written and enjoyable story. I can definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you would enjoy.
I’m also a stop on Charity Bradford’s mini-blog-hop, and you can see that post here.
Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.
Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She has kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.
Talia's work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton is not looking for a friend. He is looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.
Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of romance, fans of science fantasy, people who enjoy a good story
Book Available: February 19, 2013
Trigger Warnings: Some violence, genocide
My Thoughts: This is a very interesting world that Charity Bradford has created. In many ways it is much like ours, but there are enough differences that it feels exotic. I’m especially impressed by how well this book turned out, since it is her debut novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The characters are believable and complex, the world building is terrific, and I really enjoyed the way she blended two of my favorite genres: science fiction and urban fantasy. Plus... dragons! Who doesn’t like dragons, right? There were only a couple things that bothered me, and neither should really bother most other people.
First thing, is that in some ways, there is too much romance in this story for my tastes, including the cliché of love interests reacting to each other with irritation and snappishness without even understanding why. Fortunately there are enough other things going on to hold my interest that it didn’t significantly detract form my enjoyment of the story, and for many people that romance element will probably be the selling point.
The only other thing that really bothered me is that we don’t learn what is planned for the magic users going forward. I’m not certain if this is to be continued in another book, but that one thread dangling is itching at my brain terribly!
However, that wasn’t enough to significantly lessen my enjoyment of the story, and I think most others will agree that this is a very well-written and enjoyable story. I can definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you would enjoy.
I’m also a stop on Charity Bradford’s mini-blog-hop, and you can see that post here.
Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.
Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She has kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.
Talia's work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton is not looking for a friend. He is looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.
Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.
December 24, 2012
Charity Bradford is one of the best new voices I have read in science fiction. I am a fortunate recipient of an Advanced Reader Edition and I devoured it in two sittings on a Saturday and Sunday.
In The Magic Wakes we are presented with a technologically advanced world that reminds me in some ways of Alderaan in Star Wars (before it got destroyed by the Empire). It's filled with natural beauty, but there are these incredibly fantastic metropolitan areas complete with flying cars and high-tech trains. The main character, Talia, is a super-bright, smoking hot woman that possesses all the brains of Dr. Brennan from the t.v. series Bones combined with the body of a Victoria Secret super model. There's one scene where she explains how fusion pods sent into the core of a moon can melt the core and thereby create ideal conditions for terraforming. It's hard science-fiction at its best, and that's the kind of stuff that I love.
But the Magic Wakes is definitely more than this. It is also the story of a world on the verge of an apocalypse. Sendek is about to be invaded by the dragumon--a race of exiled beings that are led by a terrifying female dragumon who has an unending bloodthirst for humanity. We get hints of this impending doom through prophetic dreams that Talia has for she is one of the last people born at a special time of year--a sign of the incredible magic lying latent within her blood. She can literally drink up sunlight to heal herself, communicate with trees, and then in a spectacular show of strength...burn villains to ashes.
In this clash of good vs. evil, we also get Landry. A different kind of mage, Landry is basically a prince of the world of Sendek. He's incredibly handsome, smart, and has the ability to funnel or transfer his magic to strengthen Talia's. They make a great pairing.
The Magic Wakes is a gorgeous ebook, and I imagine it will make an equally beautiful paperback. The cover is one of the best I've seen on a book, and the interior is spotless complete with handcrafted symbols for scene breaks. The writing is fluid, the editing flawless, I can't recommend this book more for lovers of science fiction.
I think those that love Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game" would be wise to look into Charity's offering. It has that same flavor of one person outwitting and destroying a race that is bent on human genocide. However, Charity's Talia is much better managed than Ender, and I enjoyed it way more than "Ender's Game."
This book ties up all the loose ends, which leaves me wondering, is there going to be a sequel? Let's hope that there is. It's not even 2013 yet, but I think I've read one of the most exciting novels of the year.
In The Magic Wakes we are presented with a technologically advanced world that reminds me in some ways of Alderaan in Star Wars (before it got destroyed by the Empire). It's filled with natural beauty, but there are these incredibly fantastic metropolitan areas complete with flying cars and high-tech trains. The main character, Talia, is a super-bright, smoking hot woman that possesses all the brains of Dr. Brennan from the t.v. series Bones combined with the body of a Victoria Secret super model. There's one scene where she explains how fusion pods sent into the core of a moon can melt the core and thereby create ideal conditions for terraforming. It's hard science-fiction at its best, and that's the kind of stuff that I love.
But the Magic Wakes is definitely more than this. It is also the story of a world on the verge of an apocalypse. Sendek is about to be invaded by the dragumon--a race of exiled beings that are led by a terrifying female dragumon who has an unending bloodthirst for humanity. We get hints of this impending doom through prophetic dreams that Talia has for she is one of the last people born at a special time of year--a sign of the incredible magic lying latent within her blood. She can literally drink up sunlight to heal herself, communicate with trees, and then in a spectacular show of strength...burn villains to ashes.
In this clash of good vs. evil, we also get Landry. A different kind of mage, Landry is basically a prince of the world of Sendek. He's incredibly handsome, smart, and has the ability to funnel or transfer his magic to strengthen Talia's. They make a great pairing.
The Magic Wakes is a gorgeous ebook, and I imagine it will make an equally beautiful paperback. The cover is one of the best I've seen on a book, and the interior is spotless complete with handcrafted symbols for scene breaks. The writing is fluid, the editing flawless, I can't recommend this book more for lovers of science fiction.
I think those that love Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game" would be wise to look into Charity's offering. It has that same flavor of one person outwitting and destroying a race that is bent on human genocide. However, Charity's Talia is much better managed than Ender, and I enjoyed it way more than "Ender's Game."
This book ties up all the loose ends, which leaves me wondering, is there going to be a sequel? Let's hope that there is. It's not even 2013 yet, but I think I've read one of the most exciting novels of the year.
May 30, 2013
I loved the world-building! I thought the romance was okay (not bad, but certainly not anything new). I'm not too much for magic but I loved it here & there were dragons. Dragons! That was a neat twist. Talia was a well rounded character & she was fairly easy for me to follow along with. Landry took longer for me to get into. There wasn't anything wrong with him by any means but the romantic set up is something that I take as a thing that is a part of so many stories that it's sometimes a little more work to win me over there.
Between Talia's nightmares & the terrorist type things happening in Joharadin, I was pretty easily wrapped up in this story. I loved all the tech & descriptions of the city but would have liked maybe a little more patina on the people who populated this world (other than our mains). I don't know if there will be a sequel but this was tied up so well that I would be satisfied if this is a stand alone. I will read a sequel if one comes along.
Between Talia's nightmares & the terrorist type things happening in Joharadin, I was pretty easily wrapped up in this story. I loved all the tech & descriptions of the city but would have liked maybe a little more patina on the people who populated this world (other than our mains). I don't know if there will be a sequel but this was tied up so well that I would be satisfied if this is a stand alone. I will read a sequel if one comes along.
February 12, 2015
The plot for this book is actually quite good. In fact there are many positives to it such as the heroine being highly educated and successful (career wise anyway). If I bought this with the intent to read a light romance, chick-lit type read, than I'd award it 3*. However, for a SciFi, it tanks.
It has all the gagging (pass me a bucket) ingredients one would expect from a cheesy romance, such as the vulnerable sweet golden haired and violet eyed damsel in distress (here known as Talia) awaiting her Knight in Shinning Armour, who conquers her heart, conquers her fears, defeats , and wins her trust (a feat of epic proportions).
The hero is nothing to sneer at in the looks stakes either - the typical tall, dark handsome Major Laundry of the pale blue eyes and Royal Connections is an Alpha male with all the arrogance and assurance one would expect to find on the cover of a bodice ripper etc (but replace the "Major" with Duke or Billionaire).
And of course our hero and heroine are soulmates. A paranormal romance wouldn't be complete without this little detail (well the author doesn't outright use "soulmates" but the ingredients are there). Bounded by a tie stronger than mere feelings which surpasses the normal forms of conventional courting, these two lovebirds can telepathically communicate to each other.
Unfortunately the book dwells far too much on the precarious relationship between these two and their conflicted feelings for each other. I think if the author paced the romance element of the book, beginning with subtle reactions rather than full on impact, it would have saved the story.
However, it's not only the antics of the two lovebirds that distracts the book from its SciFi pretensions. The prose reads very much as one would expect to find within the depths of a chick lit:
"Those blue eyes pierced right through her as he waited, giving no clue to what he wanted."
Piercing blue eyes... Surprised the author didn't include "rippling muscles" and "square jaw"..
"The sooner this interview was over the sooner he would leave."
Succinct - a most enlightening observation.
"The look on her face haunted him. There was something more to this woman and Laundry needed to learn what. He never liked loose ends. A trip to her hometown of Gneledar might provide the answers."
**gag** Haunting facial expressions that required further investigation. And of course this high duke Major dude didn't have any minions to do the job.
"This was her secret, the one he sensed her holding onto even as she shared her nightmares with him. Laundry understoof Talia's desire to keep this gift a secret. She was a priestess appealing to the gods. But unlike the money-grubbers on the nets, the gods answered her. He looked away, ashamed to intrude on her supplication."
How touching.
Additionally, it puzzles me why so many authors create an advance society with an incumbent non-constitutional Monarchy ruling their "Kingdom". Magic isn't opposed to Democracy, is it? I just find the concept of Monarchy ruling an advance civilization highly bizarre. Even a dictatorship makes sense but not a Monarchy.
There should be more chapters dedicated Jaron. One felt empathy with him, but there wasn't enough details.
I skipped so many pages and hence by default scored it a 1*. Luckily it was free.
If you do like SciFi with a combination of action, political intrigue, magic and a touch of romance try Elantris (a stand-alone fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson)
It has all the gagging (pass me a bucket) ingredients one would expect from a cheesy romance, such as the vulnerable sweet golden haired and violet eyed damsel in distress (here known as Talia) awaiting her Knight in Shinning Armour, who conquers her heart, conquers her fears, defeats , and wins her trust (a feat of epic proportions).
The hero is nothing to sneer at in the looks stakes either - the typical tall, dark handsome Major Laundry of the pale blue eyes and Royal Connections is an Alpha male with all the arrogance and assurance one would expect to find on the cover of a bodice ripper etc (but replace the "Major" with Duke or Billionaire).
And of course our hero and heroine are soulmates. A paranormal romance wouldn't be complete without this little detail (well the author doesn't outright use "soulmates" but the ingredients are there). Bounded by a tie stronger than mere feelings which surpasses the normal forms of conventional courting, these two lovebirds can telepathically communicate to each other.
Unfortunately the book dwells far too much on the precarious relationship between these two and their conflicted feelings for each other. I think if the author paced the romance element of the book, beginning with subtle reactions rather than full on impact, it would have saved the story.
However, it's not only the antics of the two lovebirds that distracts the book from its SciFi pretensions. The prose reads very much as one would expect to find within the depths of a chick lit:
"Those blue eyes pierced right through her as he waited, giving no clue to what he wanted."
Piercing blue eyes... Surprised the author didn't include "rippling muscles" and "square jaw"..
"The sooner this interview was over the sooner he would leave."
Succinct - a most enlightening observation.
"The look on her face haunted him. There was something more to this woman and Laundry needed to learn what. He never liked loose ends. A trip to her hometown of Gneledar might provide the answers."
**gag** Haunting facial expressions that required further investigation. And of course this high duke Major dude didn't have any minions to do the job.
"This was her secret, the one he sensed her holding onto even as she shared her nightmares with him. Laundry understoof Talia's desire to keep this gift a secret. She was a priestess appealing to the gods. But unlike the money-grubbers on the nets, the gods answered her. He looked away, ashamed to intrude on her supplication."
How touching.
Additionally, it puzzles me why so many authors create an advance society with an incumbent non-constitutional Monarchy ruling their "Kingdom". Magic isn't opposed to Democracy, is it? I just find the concept of Monarchy ruling an advance civilization highly bizarre. Even a dictatorship makes sense but not a Monarchy.
There should be more chapters dedicated Jaron. One felt empathy with him, but there wasn't enough details.
I skipped so many pages and hence by default scored it a 1*. Luckily it was free.
If you do like SciFi with a combination of action, political intrigue, magic and a touch of romance try Elantris (a stand-alone fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson)
May 28, 2013
Although I liked the story, I am of two minds about this book. On the one hand it felt...odd. It was supposed to take place on another planet, yet everything seemed very earth-like in many ways. The people weren't supposed to be human (At least it didn't seem so) and yet everything about them was human. Their technology was in some ways very advanced, and in others seemingly in the dark ages. I liked the main characters, but spent the first third of the book confused about who was supposed to be the male lead.
It dragged a little in places (for me), but for the most part it was well written and entertaining. I would certainly read the next book in the series (especially if it's available through the Kindle Lending Library like the first is), and hopefully there will be more world building and a further progression of the romance between the two MCs.
It dragged a little in places (for me), but for the most part it was well written and entertaining. I would certainly read the next book in the series (especially if it's available through the Kindle Lending Library like the first is), and hopefully there will be more world building and a further progression of the romance between the two MCs.
September 8, 2013
This is a great fantasy/sci-fi/romance with just the right tension along the way too keep the story interesting.
I loved the world building Charity created throughout and across worlds. I loved the technology and science aspects and the idea that magic, or believing in something you can't explain can go hand in hand with science.
I appreciate that the story started and finished in one book, but I suspect the story could continue on very nicely. Well done Ms. Bradford, and thank you MJ for sharing it with me!
I loved the world building Charity created throughout and across worlds. I loved the technology and science aspects and the idea that magic, or believing in something you can't explain can go hand in hand with science.
I appreciate that the story started and finished in one book, but I suspect the story could continue on very nicely. Well done Ms. Bradford, and thank you MJ for sharing it with me!
October 10, 2013
I enjoyed the combination of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. I'm not really sure which one it belongs to, but I couldn't put it down. I liked how the book ended, no need for a sequel, but I would definitely read it if there was one.
January 5, 2013
I am constantly on the look out for a great book to read, and I had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Magic Wakes, by Charity Bradford, and took the chance. The Magic Wakes is AMAZING! The story draws you in from the very first page. I found myself constantly trying to find the time I needed to just sit and read. With each page I turned, I found myself more and more excited, to discover what lay ahead for Talia and Landry. I also base a good book on my ability to dream about it at night, which may sound silly, but it helps me really understand the characters and their location. I wasn't disappointed, as I drifted off to sleep, I found myself in Sendek, surrounded by Dragumon, fighting for my life, although unlike Talia, I was unharmed when I woke. Charity offers something that I have never read before, a very good mixture of Science Fiction, meets Fantasy, meets Romance, and it was blended beautifully. Sendek offered it all, the flying cars, technology that made my imagination go wild, and characters only found in my dreams. I give the book 5 stars, as well as the author. Look out New York Times Best Sellers List, Charity Bradford will soon find herself on your pages.
Find more about Charity at:
charitybradford.com
Find more about Charity at:
charitybradford.com
April 5, 2014
I do admit I "bought" the Kindle version when it was temporarily "free". I almost didn't. In fact, I went searching for something else, but kept coming back to "The Magic Wakes". I'm a scifi fan, and the scifi portion of the description caught my interest. So, I decided I had nothing to lose by trying it. I AM SO GLAD I DID!!! I stayed up all last night reading it because I couldn't put it down (yawnnnnn...). The first thing I did after catching 40 winks was to see if there was a sequel. I'm so glad to find out there is at least one and maybe more. This was an awesome first book, and I say this as an avid reader of just about anything, but especially scifi and mystery/thrillers. This was all that plus some magic/fantasy thrown in.
March 12, 2016
This was a selection for my sci-fi book club and we did not even know that she is a local author. It turns out that my manager at work knows her, and Charity kindly agreed to come on the night we discussed her book. She asked for honest feedback and she got it! The response was absolutely positive with some hearty discussion.
My personal thoughts were: There's so much going on here that I expected it not to work, but it did. Also, another author would have taken 1,200 pages to tell this story, but it wasn't missing anything- except, as someone else noted, more dragon.
The second book and more dragon are coming soon!
I applaud Charity Bradshaw's first effort and can speak for myself and at least six other people who will be following her subsequent works.
My personal thoughts were: There's so much going on here that I expected it not to work, but it did. Also, another author would have taken 1,200 pages to tell this story, but it wasn't missing anything- except, as someone else noted, more dragon.
The second book and more dragon are coming soon!
I applaud Charity Bradshaw's first effort and can speak for myself and at least six other people who will be following her subsequent works.
October 23, 2013
Kindle freebie!
I love it when I happen upon a freebie that turns out to be awesome. So often I see freebies published without editing. Or it's just a teaser for a story you need to pay $7.99 for. Most of the time, it seems like somebody just published a story they wrote in five minutes and want to see if anyone has any interest in their writing.
But this one... this one was pretty damn good. I enjoyed the characters, even the villains. I would have preferred a bit more of an explanation about the mages and how their powers work, but beggars can't be choosers.
No real complaints about this one.
I love it when I happen upon a freebie that turns out to be awesome. So often I see freebies published without editing. Or it's just a teaser for a story you need to pay $7.99 for. Most of the time, it seems like somebody just published a story they wrote in five minutes and want to see if anyone has any interest in their writing.
But this one... this one was pretty damn good. I enjoyed the characters, even the villains. I would have preferred a bit more of an explanation about the mages and how their powers work, but beggars can't be choosers.
No real complaints about this one.
Read
September 29, 2012No comment since I wrote it. Of course I love it! ;)
February 21, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-magic-wakes-blog-tour-arc-indie.html
The Magic Wakes is about a woman named Talia who is quite brilliant. She is a dedicated scientist who loves her job. But no one knows about her secret since most wouldn't believe what she is. She is a mage who gets her powers from the earth and the suns (there is more than one in this world). She also has visions and she keeps having one vision about an alien invasion. But they aren't aliens per se, they are Dragumon (dragon-human hybrids). In a science-based world, no one is bound to believe in the existence of dragons. After moving to work at a space station, While there she meets a man named Landry who works for the Royalist. They aren't fans of each and don't trust each other, but they know they must help each other to save the world. But before they do, Talia has to uncover what she is truly capable of and if she can handle it.
I don't do this as often as I should, so let me start now. Take a minute and just embrace that gorgeous cover for a second. I love it! I love it as much as I love this book. It was a great read. I love the mixture of science fiction meets magic. It was a wonderful balance.
Talia was a great lead. She was such a shut in given what she was. She avoided people since it seems people seem to die around her and she can't do anything to stop it. I loved her. She had a lot of character development and it made me root for her more. I loved Landry. Although I did find him a bit of a snob in the beginning. He doesn't trust anyone and the way he reacts to Talia's success was just rude. I wanted to slap him and I know Talia did too. But trust me, you will be in love with him by the end. I like that there was some struggle between these two when they met. It wasn't instant love, mainly because they were to stubborn to admit it, but still. They work so well together in the book and the romance isn't in your face. The action and the romance are balanced well. It was a great combination of the two.
I also enjoyed the villains in this book. I love a good villain or at least a character who is misunderstood like Jaron. I mean he was bad, but it isn't really his fault. I wish we got more out of his story, but I did like where it went. But that Shishali, goodness gracious she scared me. She was just crazy for the sake of being crazy. She likes to kill only because she can. Even though she wants to talk about the injustices done to her and her kind. But all that has happened to her has happened to her because of her. Yes that was a weird sentence, but you know what I mean. After 900 years of living you would think some wisdom crept into that brain of hers, but no. She was just too far gone.
The story was amazing and kept me at the edge of my seat. Again, the mix of science fiction (teleportation, multiple suns, and many more) and magic (mages, demons, dragons and Dragumon), made this hard to put down. I don't want to give too much away, but I love where it ends up. The world building in this book is just amazing. Bradford truly has created her own unique blend of elements and it works very well. This is a world I was glad to get lost in, it was exciting from beginning to end and I can only pray for some kind of sequel (Stephen, pretty please?) Highly recommended for sci-fi and fantasy fans alike.
The Magic Wakes is about a woman named Talia who is quite brilliant. She is a dedicated scientist who loves her job. But no one knows about her secret since most wouldn't believe what she is. She is a mage who gets her powers from the earth and the suns (there is more than one in this world). She also has visions and she keeps having one vision about an alien invasion. But they aren't aliens per se, they are Dragumon (dragon-human hybrids). In a science-based world, no one is bound to believe in the existence of dragons. After moving to work at a space station, While there she meets a man named Landry who works for the Royalist. They aren't fans of each and don't trust each other, but they know they must help each other to save the world. But before they do, Talia has to uncover what she is truly capable of and if she can handle it.
I don't do this as often as I should, so let me start now. Take a minute and just embrace that gorgeous cover for a second. I love it! I love it as much as I love this book. It was a great read. I love the mixture of science fiction meets magic. It was a wonderful balance.
Talia was a great lead. She was such a shut in given what she was. She avoided people since it seems people seem to die around her and she can't do anything to stop it. I loved her. She had a lot of character development and it made me root for her more. I loved Landry. Although I did find him a bit of a snob in the beginning. He doesn't trust anyone and the way he reacts to Talia's success was just rude. I wanted to slap him and I know Talia did too. But trust me, you will be in love with him by the end. I like that there was some struggle between these two when they met. It wasn't instant love, mainly because they were to stubborn to admit it, but still. They work so well together in the book and the romance isn't in your face. The action and the romance are balanced well. It was a great combination of the two.
I also enjoyed the villains in this book. I love a good villain or at least a character who is misunderstood like Jaron. I mean he was bad, but it isn't really his fault. I wish we got more out of his story, but I did like where it went. But that Shishali, goodness gracious she scared me. She was just crazy for the sake of being crazy. She likes to kill only because she can. Even though she wants to talk about the injustices done to her and her kind. But all that has happened to her has happened to her because of her. Yes that was a weird sentence, but you know what I mean. After 900 years of living you would think some wisdom crept into that brain of hers, but no. She was just too far gone.
The story was amazing and kept me at the edge of my seat. Again, the mix of science fiction (teleportation, multiple suns, and many more) and magic (mages, demons, dragons and Dragumon), made this hard to put down. I don't want to give too much away, but I love where it ends up. The world building in this book is just amazing. Bradford truly has created her own unique blend of elements and it works very well. This is a world I was glad to get lost in, it was exciting from beginning to end and I can only pray for some kind of sequel (Stephen, pretty please?) Highly recommended for sci-fi and fantasy fans alike.
March 28, 2013
I found this book to be a fun science fiction romance that especially shined with scenes involving Landry and Talia. The author is skilled at bringing out the chemistry between these two, which at times was sizzling. The blend of science fiction and fantasy is interesting. This story includes various humanoids, dragons, mind reading, self-healing, space ships, spacesuits, airlocks, trams, mages and demons. I think it's best described as futuristic fantasy.
In the beginning, the main character, Talia Zaryn has frequent nightmares about being killed and she is often in fear of this coming true. For this reason, she came across as a believable character because anyone would worry about that, however at times, she seemed a bit too fearful of it. However, despite this fear she built a satellite to stop the Dragumon and came to the very planet where she dreams she will die all for the purpose of saving lives. At that point, I saw her as strong person as she still wanted to help others despite her own fears. I think just more of an emphasis on her desire to save people and less on her fears in the beginning would've brought out her stronger side sooner in the story.
Occasionally, certain scenes needed more fleshing out. For example, there was a scene where Talia and Landry are escaping a tram that is being set up to crash by a terrorist. The tram scene lacks details about what is going on with the other people on board. The whole time the tram is speeding out of control there is no mention of them, except at the end when they are dead, and there was a missed opportunity to really drive in the horror of what occurred because there is no description of the dead people. There were a few other scenes that seemed to be missing a few details.
Overall, this is a fun read, I enjoyed it and it left me feeling happy at the end. I look forward to more by this author.
In the beginning, the main character, Talia Zaryn has frequent nightmares about being killed and she is often in fear of this coming true. For this reason, she came across as a believable character because anyone would worry about that, however at times, she seemed a bit too fearful of it. However, despite this fear she built a satellite to stop the Dragumon and came to the very planet where she dreams she will die all for the purpose of saving lives. At that point, I saw her as strong person as she still wanted to help others despite her own fears. I think just more of an emphasis on her desire to save people and less on her fears in the beginning would've brought out her stronger side sooner in the story.
Occasionally, certain scenes needed more fleshing out. For example, there was a scene where Talia and Landry are escaping a tram that is being set up to crash by a terrorist. The tram scene lacks details about what is going on with the other people on board. The whole time the tram is speeding out of control there is no mention of them, except at the end when they are dead, and there was a missed opportunity to really drive in the horror of what occurred because there is no description of the dead people. There were a few other scenes that seemed to be missing a few details.
Overall, this is a fun read, I enjoyed it and it left me feeling happy at the end. I look forward to more by this author.
March 18, 2014
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book once it got going, but I had to knock it down a couple stars because of a few things:
1) The beginning was rocky. It took a little while for me to really get into this book. I would've liked a little more world building and it just seemed kind of all over the place. I understand just jumping into the story, but this one left me a little confused.
2) I really wanted more back story for the dragons. I really love dragons. Like, REALLY love them, ok? So I was disappointed that they were kind of skimmed over.
3) I felt like some things were skimmed over quickly when they needed more explanation. (And no, I'm not just being bitter about the dragon thing) I mean like when they gathered all the mages and didn't talk about how all those people handled the fact that they had magical abilities. They were all just immediately cool with that? I feel like there would have been a struggle there to get thousands of people to wield magic that they were previously either unaware of or hiding.
These things didn't completely ruin the book for me though. I still really enjoyed it and while these things did bother me, I was able to overlook them and still enjoy the story. And I loved the story! The idea is very unique and I loved the characters. I would still recommend it to my friends and family as a fun sci-fi read. 3.5 stars :]
I really enjoyed this book once it got going, but I had to knock it down a couple stars because of a few things:
1) The beginning was rocky. It took a little while for me to really get into this book. I would've liked a little more world building and it just seemed kind of all over the place. I understand just jumping into the story, but this one left me a little confused.
2) I really wanted more back story for the dragons. I really love dragons. Like, REALLY love them, ok? So I was disappointed that they were kind of skimmed over.
3) I felt like some things were skimmed over quickly when they needed more explanation. (And no, I'm not just being bitter about the dragon thing) I mean like when they gathered all the mages and didn't talk about how all those people handled the fact that they had magical abilities. They were all just immediately cool with that? I feel like there would have been a struggle there to get thousands of people to wield magic that they were previously either unaware of or hiding.
These things didn't completely ruin the book for me though. I still really enjoyed it and while these things did bother me, I was able to overlook them and still enjoy the story. And I loved the story! The idea is very unique and I loved the characters. I would still recommend it to my friends and family as a fun sci-fi read. 3.5 stars :]
February 2, 2013
The Magic Wakes was a fun read. Charity Bradford creates a hybrid book, weaving science-fiction and fantasy into a unique vision. Talia Zaryn is a scientist and has disturbing dreams of dying and an alien invasion. The dreams portray frightening visions of creatures called Dragumon. The Dragumon are hybrids—half human, half dragon. The Magic Wakes narration with multiple viewpoints, including protagonist Talia’s and the Dragumon, worked well. It won’t be a spoiler to say there’s an invasion, for Talia’s dreams are certainly portents, but are they prophetic. . . Since The Magic Wakes involves sci-fi (space travel, moon colonies, teleportation) and fantasy (magic, dragons and mages (magical humans) there are engaging turns and revelations. There’s also a romance element between Talia and Major Landry Sutton. At first, Sutton mistrusts Talia but the relationship grows to a love affair as they discover that they are mutually telepathic, able to read thought and emotion. The Magic Wakes has good world-building, maybe a tad shy on characterization, and the first chapters had me sorting out characters and worlds till it melded together for me. But I rooted for Talia as she awakens to magic and her world is invaded. . . A nice debut sci-fi/fantasy novel.
September 17, 2013
Bradford's debut novel really draws one in to the fantasy world she has created. Talia has nightmares that leave visable scars on her flesh. She is healed by energy from the sunsrise. Her nightmares are a sign of impending doom, and there is trouble afoot. The old king is dying and has a secret to tell his son and nephew. There are a lot of important characters in this novel, and most of them have secrets. The build-up of intrigue helps the reader turn page after page faster and faster to reach the conclusion.
My son would give it 5 stars because there's a dragon, but then he'd take one away because there's not enough swordplay and there might be some kissing (he's 10). I give it 4 stars because there are a LOT of characters and it was hard to keep up with them in the beginning, but the magic and the realism of the science fantasy was really good. I'm looking forward to future books by Bradford.
DISCLAIMER -- I got this book as an Amazon special. The author and I have some of the same writing circle friends, so we are friends on FB, which is how I learned of the Amazon special. Although I want to, the author and I have yet to meet IRL. In any event, I have done my best to give a fair and honest review of her work here.
My son would give it 5 stars because there's a dragon, but then he'd take one away because there's not enough swordplay and there might be some kissing (he's 10). I give it 4 stars because there are a LOT of characters and it was hard to keep up with them in the beginning, but the magic and the realism of the science fantasy was really good. I'm looking forward to future books by Bradford.
DISCLAIMER -- I got this book as an Amazon special. The author and I have some of the same writing circle friends, so we are friends on FB, which is how I learned of the Amazon special. Although I want to, the author and I have yet to meet IRL. In any event, I have done my best to give a fair and honest review of her work here.
March 7, 2013
I really enjoyed Magic Wakes! I had a hard time getting through the epilogue and the first chapter or two, but once I adjusted to the world in which it was set, I really thought it was stellar!!
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy the fantasy genre over people who enjoy scifi. I think that's why I had such a hard time gettting into it initially; I was expecting more science fiction. I'd love to go back and read it again in the future, knowing where its headed. And yes, this is most definitely a book I would read again!
One thing bothered me, and I'm still not sure if I just didn't understand, but something about the end was unresolved. I read the last chapter 3 or 4 times to see if I missed something, but I'm just not sure. It wasn't anything major, and ot didn't effect the outcome.
The character interaction seemed really organic and relatable. The development of the relationship between the two main characters was more than enough to keep this romantic happy.
I'd love to see this as a movie, and I don't say that about many books. I felt like my imagination did not do the Dragamun (spelling? Sorry lol) justice, and I'd love to see someone's vision of them.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy the fantasy genre over people who enjoy scifi. I think that's why I had such a hard time gettting into it initially; I was expecting more science fiction. I'd love to go back and read it again in the future, knowing where its headed. And yes, this is most definitely a book I would read again!
One thing bothered me, and I'm still not sure if I just didn't understand, but something about the end was unresolved. I read the last chapter 3 or 4 times to see if I missed something, but I'm just not sure. It wasn't anything major, and ot didn't effect the outcome.
The character interaction seemed really organic and relatable. The development of the relationship between the two main characters was more than enough to keep this romantic happy.
I'd love to see this as a movie, and I don't say that about many books. I felt like my imagination did not do the Dragamun (spelling? Sorry lol) justice, and I'd love to see someone's vision of them.
February 4, 2013
It is always a treat when an author successfully weaves science fiction and fantasy together in a great story. Charity Bradford blends the two in to a compelling work of speculative fiction… or is it science fantasy? Anyway, I always love a good cross genre work. In the tradition of Avatar and Star Wars, she builds interesting alien worlds with advanced technology which finds itself inadequate when The Magic Wakes.
In the distant past, a man allows a demon to possess him in order to give him the power to enact a terrible revenge. A woman, hiding her magic because of prejudicial superstitions, has dreams portending a distant enemy arriving to wipe out humans in the local systems in that area of space. Having dreamed often of dying on the capital world, she finds her job transferring her there. When the possessed man arrives at the same time as a half-dragon alien race, the only hope to save mankind is to call on the powers of magic which have been so long oppressed.
With a fast moving and visually dynamic story, it’s easy to get pulled into this book.
In the distant past, a man allows a demon to possess him in order to give him the power to enact a terrible revenge. A woman, hiding her magic because of prejudicial superstitions, has dreams portending a distant enemy arriving to wipe out humans in the local systems in that area of space. Having dreamed often of dying on the capital world, she finds her job transferring her there. When the possessed man arrives at the same time as a half-dragon alien race, the only hope to save mankind is to call on the powers of magic which have been so long oppressed.
With a fast moving and visually dynamic story, it’s easy to get pulled into this book.
March 16, 2013
If sci-fi fantasy is your meat and potatoes, this book will fill your plate to overflowing.
Charity Bradford builds a tech-lover’s dreamworld for anyone who loves the science behind space travel and new planets. And dragons. Did I mention dragons?
She blends my two beloved fantasies into one: space and dragons. A planet is in jeopardy due a mistake made long ago. No one listens to the ones who warn of the impending invasion. Not even the heroine Talia even though it’s her dreams that she dismisses. And hopes aren’t true.
The characters pulled at my heartstrings. I lived with these people, breathed their air and walked their path, drawn into the story immediately.
A fine author and great story. Do not turn down a chance to read this excellent book.
I can't wait for the next in the series
Charity Bradford builds a tech-lover’s dreamworld for anyone who loves the science behind space travel and new planets. And dragons. Did I mention dragons?
She blends my two beloved fantasies into one: space and dragons. A planet is in jeopardy due a mistake made long ago. No one listens to the ones who warn of the impending invasion. Not even the heroine Talia even though it’s her dreams that she dismisses. And hopes aren’t true.
The characters pulled at my heartstrings. I lived with these people, breathed their air and walked their path, drawn into the story immediately.
A fine author and great story. Do not turn down a chance to read this excellent book.
I can't wait for the next in the series
April 5, 2014
The writing in this book is fantastic. You immediately believe her as she tells you about this new world of Sendek, and Talia and Landry's unique challenges.
Drama, fear, and excitement. As well as quite a love story.
The whole thing picks up speed as you go and soon your turning page after page wishing you didn't have to worry about minor things in life like food. I'm excited for the next book!
Drama, fear, and excitement. As well as quite a love story.
The whole thing picks up speed as you go and soon your turning page after page wishing you didn't have to worry about minor things in life like food. I'm excited for the next book!
March 13, 2013
This was a pleasant surprise. It's a genre I'm not always thrilled to read, but once I got started, I couldn't stop. By the time I got half way through, I couldn't put it down. I read it all at once. I even stayed up till almost 2am it finish. It was a fun and exciting read. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book.
September 7, 2013
The author did a great job making this story a fun read. It had all the potential to be just another story with a whiny protagonist who cries over her forlorn self through the whole thing, but Talia was a heroine with some guts and took everything that happened to her and turned it into something to make her stronger. The story was fast moving and evenly paced. I would recommend.
March 29, 2013
I was privileged to read part of an early draft of this book - and I loved it then. The finished book was amazing. I would recommend this book to any fantasy or sci-fi fan. I am looking forward to the sequel. Highlights included a strong heroine and supporting cast. An evil antagonist and a few surprises.
July 16, 2013
It was slow going at first, seems like everything I'm choosing is. But about 1/3 of the way in, the action started geting good, and they introduced a romance, for which I'm a sucker.
Good mix of futuristic society, magic and dragons. The unlikely heroine was believable, and her unsuspecting hero was likeable.
Good mix of futuristic society, magic and dragons. The unlikely heroine was believable, and her unsuspecting hero was likeable.
August 20, 2013
I saw people complain that this was chick lit and that they were expecting it to be a Sci-Fi book.
I prefer to read books without expectations... it makes the experience more enjoyable.
This book is a well-written fantasy with a touch of Sci-Fi wrapped in a ribbon of romance. The author has talent... give her a chance.
I prefer to read books without expectations... it makes the experience more enjoyable.
This book is a well-written fantasy with a touch of Sci-Fi wrapped in a ribbon of romance. The author has talent... give her a chance.
August 21, 2013
This book was a quick, fun read. As someone else mentioned, it does seem like parts of the story come too easily, the romance seems forced at points, and to me the mail character kind of changed personality half way through. But other than that, I really did enjoy this book. It was interesting and something I've never contemplated or read of before.
September 10, 2016
This book was great! The characters practically leap off the page, and it wasn't predictable at all. I thought it was awesome, and I'm very glad I got to be one of the first people to read the whole thing.
August 24, 2013
I give this book 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4. Some of it was really, really good. Other parts seemed to ramble and still other parts seemed rushed and left me wondering. It sets up a sequel. I will be interested to read that one.
February 10, 2013
The Magic Wakes
What a FANTASTIC story!! She grabs you from the first page and the book is just captivating! I absolutely loved it and I really hope she gets another book out fast!!
What a FANTASTIC story!! She grabs you from the first page and the book is just captivating! I absolutely loved it and I really hope she gets another book out fast!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews