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Endeavor Series #1
Phoenix Incandescent
Fresh out of college, Charlotte is running the Wayfarer’s Inn, a castle in the middle of farmland that gives humans the chance to vacation amongst mermaids, centaurs, elves, and dwarves. The guests don’t know that the magic is real, but Charlotte does. For now. She hasn’t developed powers like her father, so now she must either marry into the magical world or have her memory wiped and live on her own.
What’s a girl to do?
Her parents throw her a last chance ball to find a suitable husband within the magical world, but the dancing is interrupted. Join Charlotte and many magical characters, old and new, as she ditches the ball gown, picks up the quarterstaff, and begins a journey that will expose the secrets her family has kept from her.
Secrets that could kill.
What’s a girl to do?
Her parents throw her a last chance ball to find a suitable husband within the magical world, but the dancing is interrupted. Join Charlotte and many magical characters, old and new, as she ditches the ball gown, picks up the quarterstaff, and begins a journey that will expose the secrets her family has kept from her.
Secrets that could kill.
- GenresFantasy
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2013
312 people want to read
About the author
A.E.M.
7 books54 followersAEM resides in central Oklahoma with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 12, 2018
What a magical and creative ride this has been! Author A.E.M. kept me glued to each page. I was intrigued and delighted as I faced a world where anything was possible. This well-written novel, not only showcases the author’s brilliant imagination and her creativity, but it was also full of beautiful notions and insights into the complexities of relationships.
The protagonist, Charlotte, is a Dane — a human who therefore lacks magical abilities. Together with the handsome and chivalrous Beau, they embark on a suspenseful, magical, and dangerous journey when the world as they know it is threatened. Fans of fantasy will love the suspense, and the interesting characters the author created, but what also struck me was the author’s ability to capture beautiful details of platonic and not so platonic relationships. The dialogue between the main two characters was very entertaining, beautiful and realistic, even if the leading male character is part bronze eagle and thus, has wings. Charlotte’s feisty and fiery personality, and his playful, caring, protective, and accepting nature worked so beautifully together, and I think the story also came to life with these two characters as they not only tackled magical creatures and evil which threatened their world, but we also witness how they tackle and deal with their own conflicting feelings, for each other, and within themselves. Whether they succeed is something the reader will enjoy finding out. Much of the dialogue between many of the other characters was also very refreshing and entertaining.
Charlotte needs to accept herself — she undergoes drastic changes and she has always felt that she doesn’t have a place in this world where those around her, including her father, have magical powers. Will these changes complicate things further, or is it exactly what she needs to finally fit in?
The author not only has a unique imagination, but I think she has deep insight into human relationships, and the intriguing plot blends beautifully with the real emotions that emanate from the characters.
The castle which is also a resort for Danes, and where they mix with magical creatures that keep their abilities a secret, was also very entertaining and I could just imagine booking a stay in this interesting place and taking a swim with mermaids in the pool.
I also feel compelled to mention the acknowledgements at the end of the book. I was deeply touched and inspired by the the author’s passion and sincerity.
This was a unique, romantic, magical, and enchanting reading experience. I enjoyed it immensely!
The protagonist, Charlotte, is a Dane — a human who therefore lacks magical abilities. Together with the handsome and chivalrous Beau, they embark on a suspenseful, magical, and dangerous journey when the world as they know it is threatened. Fans of fantasy will love the suspense, and the interesting characters the author created, but what also struck me was the author’s ability to capture beautiful details of platonic and not so platonic relationships. The dialogue between the main two characters was very entertaining, beautiful and realistic, even if the leading male character is part bronze eagle and thus, has wings. Charlotte’s feisty and fiery personality, and his playful, caring, protective, and accepting nature worked so beautifully together, and I think the story also came to life with these two characters as they not only tackled magical creatures and evil which threatened their world, but we also witness how they tackle and deal with their own conflicting feelings, for each other, and within themselves. Whether they succeed is something the reader will enjoy finding out. Much of the dialogue between many of the other characters was also very refreshing and entertaining.
Charlotte needs to accept herself — she undergoes drastic changes and she has always felt that she doesn’t have a place in this world where those around her, including her father, have magical powers. Will these changes complicate things further, or is it exactly what she needs to finally fit in?
The author not only has a unique imagination, but I think she has deep insight into human relationships, and the intriguing plot blends beautifully with the real emotions that emanate from the characters.
The castle which is also a resort for Danes, and where they mix with magical creatures that keep their abilities a secret, was also very entertaining and I could just imagine booking a stay in this interesting place and taking a swim with mermaids in the pool.
I also feel compelled to mention the acknowledgements at the end of the book. I was deeply touched and inspired by the the author’s passion and sincerity.
This was a unique, romantic, magical, and enchanting reading experience. I enjoyed it immensely!
August 4, 2018
I opened this book club read with some trepidation, as Fantasy is not my usual reading genre. However, the book is well written and easy to read, and would appeal to old and young alike. I think it was a good choice for my initiation into Fantasy!
Charlotte Locklear was raised by her parents Audrey and Isaac in a magic castle/hotel, where she now works at the front desk. She does not possess her father’s magic weaver powers, but in order to gain these abilities she knows she has to marry into the magical world and have all her previous memories erased. Her parents arrange a ‘coming-out’ ball for Charlotte, a kind of last chance to choose between keeping her memories and living in the human (danes) world or choosing magic and love and being ordered to get married to a weaver sooner than she would have liked.
Her parents invite several suitors to the ball, for Charlotte to choose from. She is escorted to the ball by her humanoid eagle friend Beau, but without giving away too many spoilers, tragedy strikes and the evening does not go as planned.
Four stars for a very imaginative read!
Charlotte Locklear was raised by her parents Audrey and Isaac in a magic castle/hotel, where she now works at the front desk. She does not possess her father’s magic weaver powers, but in order to gain these abilities she knows she has to marry into the magical world and have all her previous memories erased. Her parents arrange a ‘coming-out’ ball for Charlotte, a kind of last chance to choose between keeping her memories and living in the human (danes) world or choosing magic and love and being ordered to get married to a weaver sooner than she would have liked.
Her parents invite several suitors to the ball, for Charlotte to choose from. She is escorted to the ball by her humanoid eagle friend Beau, but without giving away too many spoilers, tragedy strikes and the evening does not go as planned.
Four stars for a very imaginative read!
October 24, 2018
This book is a veritable feast for the imagination. Visually stunning, with more magical characters and creatures than you could shake a stick at. All so real and interacting brilliantly together as if part of legend and not recently created. If this were a film, it would beat anything already made...
Charlotte’s father, Isaac, is descended from Wizards and teaches magical classes at the Wayfarer Inn, while her mother, Audrey who has no magic, runs the Inn, a place for humans to vacation with supposedly fake magical creatures.
Charlotte, unfortunately, has not inherited any magic powers.
But was this the truth?
By now, although I was expecting a mystery, the answers to my questions would have to wait. The author gives few clues, providing more questions than answers as this incredible story unfolds, building the tension to incredible heights.
Charlotte has reached the age where she must marry someone with magic or have her memory wiped clean and be exiled. A glittering Ball is planned in Charlotte’s honour but is ruined by the arrival of Philip. Someone who was a faun, half-human half goat, but has been magically transformed into a nasty but attractive piece of work, someone determined to ruin everything.
But who is Philip’s master, who does he obey?
Her friend Beau, an extremely handsome man/golden eagle, saves her from Philip’s dubious advances. In my opinion, this was the best scene in the book. Sensitively written, Beau rescues Charlotte and we discover more about Charlotte’s past and how much they mean to one another.
Such a clever and helpful idea to include a full cast list of characters and their capabilities...
This book will leave you wanting so much more of this intriguing story, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment!
Charlotte’s father, Isaac, is descended from Wizards and teaches magical classes at the Wayfarer Inn, while her mother, Audrey who has no magic, runs the Inn, a place for humans to vacation with supposedly fake magical creatures.
Charlotte, unfortunately, has not inherited any magic powers.
But was this the truth?
By now, although I was expecting a mystery, the answers to my questions would have to wait. The author gives few clues, providing more questions than answers as this incredible story unfolds, building the tension to incredible heights.
Charlotte has reached the age where she must marry someone with magic or have her memory wiped clean and be exiled. A glittering Ball is planned in Charlotte’s honour but is ruined by the arrival of Philip. Someone who was a faun, half-human half goat, but has been magically transformed into a nasty but attractive piece of work, someone determined to ruin everything.
But who is Philip’s master, who does he obey?
Her friend Beau, an extremely handsome man/golden eagle, saves her from Philip’s dubious advances. In my opinion, this was the best scene in the book. Sensitively written, Beau rescues Charlotte and we discover more about Charlotte’s past and how much they mean to one another.
Such a clever and helpful idea to include a full cast list of characters and their capabilities...
This book will leave you wanting so much more of this intriguing story, and I cannot wait to read the next instalment!
May 1, 2018
What struck me as I read Phoenix Incandescent was just how much fun, author AEM must have been having whilst writing this novel. She has an amazing imagination full of mystical characters from Centaurs to Mermaids and more.The story opens with the main character, Charlotte, having to make a coming of age decision whether to join the magical world of these wonderful creatures or join the alternative community of the Danes, those without magical powers. At this point she has no idea if she possesses magical powers herself. Before a decision can be made she is plunged into a terrifying scenario of a war where her mother disappears. Completely unprepared she has to fight evil forces previously unknown to her with the support of her closest allies led by her true love Beau who, believe it or not, is part Eagle. As the story progresses, Charlotte learns much about her heritage and the deep secrets held by her parents. I suspect this novel was aimed at the Y.A. market. I am certainly not of that age group but enjoyed it just the same. I believe that this author is a rare breed that can conjure a magical world with words. A worthy Five Stars.
February 16, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting lost in this magical world. When it ended it left me wanting more. I hope there is going to be a sequel!
January 29, 2019
Fauns, eagles, and Centaurs, oh my!
This is a fabulous first look into a new mythical fantasy world full of fauns, eagles, centaurs, unitaurs(unicorns), elves, fairies, mermaids...and it goes on and on.
AEM has created a captivating fantasy world full of easy to love, and hate, characters that will keep you turning the page. I truly enjoyed this coming of age story about a young woman who suddenly finds that she is not who she’s grown up believing she was. Her inner conflict as she is hit by revelation after revelation made my heart ache for her and I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she navigates her suddenly unfamiliar world.
Though there were a few editing issues that I couldn’t help but notice, the story was so good that I had no trouble ignoring them and I simply couldn’t take any stars away for them as I might for another, less entertaining novel.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this first book of AEM’s Endeavor Series and I will definitely be reading book 2.
This is a fabulous first look into a new mythical fantasy world full of fauns, eagles, centaurs, unitaurs(unicorns), elves, fairies, mermaids...and it goes on and on.
AEM has created a captivating fantasy world full of easy to love, and hate, characters that will keep you turning the page. I truly enjoyed this coming of age story about a young woman who suddenly finds that she is not who she’s grown up believing she was. Her inner conflict as she is hit by revelation after revelation made my heart ache for her and I couldn’t help but cheer her on as she navigates her suddenly unfamiliar world.
Though there were a few editing issues that I couldn’t help but notice, the story was so good that I had no trouble ignoring them and I simply couldn’t take any stars away for them as I might for another, less entertaining novel.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this first book of AEM’s Endeavor Series and I will definitely be reading book 2.
June 19, 2019
I love fantasy and have read many books in this genre over the years. The book description of Phoenix Incandescent intrigued me – as well as the fact that it’s the first book of a series (the Endeavor Series) so I decided I just had to read it. And I was very glad I did. I found it an engrossing read with all the elements I would hope to find in a well-crafted and fast-paced fantasy novel that draws readers in and keeps them involved.
AEM has created a rich and colourful fantastical world, populated by a cast of diverse and magical creatures, all intermingling and interacting in order to keep the community alive and functioning. Not only was I fascinated by the vividly described physical appearance of each species but by the range of attributes they were endowed with. The author has done an excellent job of not only creating them but in ensuring that each has a role to play in this parallel universe. (There is a useful glossary at the back of the book with descriptions of the various species.)
The theme of good v evil is woven into the story that revolves around the heroine, Charlotte Locklear, a young woman who has just left college and now faces an uncertain future. Despite living in a castle, with a father who has magical powers and surrounded by magical creatures, Charlotte has no magic of her own. She must either marry a man with magic or have her memory erased and live on her own. Her parents, Isaac and Audrey, organise a coming of age ball, during which they hope she will find a suitable husband. But a devastating attack on the castle during that ball changes everything and Charlotte’s life will never be the same again. Thrown into war, she soon discovers her true self - and realises there must be a traitor in their midst. She must now learn to fight and develop both her skills and her confidence in order to face the conflict and dangers ahead.
I found this a delightful and engaging read, with wonderfully magical and varied characters, and heroes and villains aplenty. It is a book that all fantasy lovers will enjoy.
AEM has created a rich and colourful fantastical world, populated by a cast of diverse and magical creatures, all intermingling and interacting in order to keep the community alive and functioning. Not only was I fascinated by the vividly described physical appearance of each species but by the range of attributes they were endowed with. The author has done an excellent job of not only creating them but in ensuring that each has a role to play in this parallel universe. (There is a useful glossary at the back of the book with descriptions of the various species.)
The theme of good v evil is woven into the story that revolves around the heroine, Charlotte Locklear, a young woman who has just left college and now faces an uncertain future. Despite living in a castle, with a father who has magical powers and surrounded by magical creatures, Charlotte has no magic of her own. She must either marry a man with magic or have her memory erased and live on her own. Her parents, Isaac and Audrey, organise a coming of age ball, during which they hope she will find a suitable husband. But a devastating attack on the castle during that ball changes everything and Charlotte’s life will never be the same again. Thrown into war, she soon discovers her true self - and realises there must be a traitor in their midst. She must now learn to fight and develop both her skills and her confidence in order to face the conflict and dangers ahead.
I found this a delightful and engaging read, with wonderfully magical and varied characters, and heroes and villains aplenty. It is a book that all fantasy lovers will enjoy.
July 20, 2018
Fantasy is one of my favorite book genres because anything can happen. When I crack open those pages, I’m hoping for the unknown, the impossible, the incredulous! The further from reality, the better. Odd creatures? Check. Spells and potions? Check. Enchanted objects? Check. But the more farfetched the story, the more important it is to have a solid foundation to contain it. Too many fantasy writers do not heed this, in such a hurry to get to the “cool stuff,” they don’t spend enough time creating a believable space for it to exist.
This is where author AEM shines. The world she has created in the Endeavor Series is rich and authentic. There is language and history and culture. There are rituals and social customs and an economy. And do not worry about being bored to tears by lengthy narratives and painfully superfluous descriptions. No, no, no. This author knows we want a journey, not a lecture, and allows us to explore this new world through the characters and events.
In Phoenix Incandescent (Book 1 of the Endeavor Series), Charlotte is a dane (human with no special powers) who has grown up privy to the magical world because of her partial magani heritage. But now she is approaching womanhood and must choose to abide by the strict rules imposed on danes, or have her memory wiped and be banished forever. At Charlotte’s coming of age celebration, a powerful villain infiltrates the castle and wages war. Many are killed, injured, or captured and the community is left reeling. Charlotte always knew secrets were being kept from her, but she never imagined the truth could unravel her life. A dazzling and enchanting read. Five stars.
This is where author AEM shines. The world she has created in the Endeavor Series is rich and authentic. There is language and history and culture. There are rituals and social customs and an economy. And do not worry about being bored to tears by lengthy narratives and painfully superfluous descriptions. No, no, no. This author knows we want a journey, not a lecture, and allows us to explore this new world through the characters and events.
In Phoenix Incandescent (Book 1 of the Endeavor Series), Charlotte is a dane (human with no special powers) who has grown up privy to the magical world because of her partial magani heritage. But now she is approaching womanhood and must choose to abide by the strict rules imposed on danes, or have her memory wiped and be banished forever. At Charlotte’s coming of age celebration, a powerful villain infiltrates the castle and wages war. Many are killed, injured, or captured and the community is left reeling. Charlotte always knew secrets were being kept from her, but she never imagined the truth could unravel her life. A dazzling and enchanting read. Five stars.
September 12, 2018
I won’t spend time describing the plot of Phoenix Incandescent, author AEM’s first novel in her fantasy series, as other reviews have already covered that. Instead I’ll tell you what I loved about it. Starting with the author’s boundless imagination. AEM swept me up and took me on a journey through her vivid magical world. Her characters are memorable and—no matter how far from human—very relatable, even those whose magical otherness would seem to preclude our understanding. I cheered for heroine Charlotte as she stood on the cusp of a huge transition in her life, craving self-knowledge and a sense of belonging. And I gasped (literally) at a wonderfully satisfying plot twist that took me completely by surprise. I’m sure there will be more fun twists in the books that follow this one in the Endeavor Series.
At the story’s end (and after some enjoyable author’s acknowledgments) I found the Prologue and first chapter of Malignant Transformation, the second novel in the series. It was a tasty sample that made me want to read the book. But that’s not the end. Three important features came next: Appendix A is a Cast of Characters (very useful for navigating the many characters and their relationships) and Appendix B lists the “Magical Communities” in the series. A handy glossary is last.
I suppose one would classify the book as YA fantasy, but that’s confining its appeal too closely. It’s really an exhilarating adventure for fantasy lovers of all ages. Perhaps most of all, it’s for everyone who enjoys surrendering to the power of belief.
At the story’s end (and after some enjoyable author’s acknowledgments) I found the Prologue and first chapter of Malignant Transformation, the second novel in the series. It was a tasty sample that made me want to read the book. But that’s not the end. Three important features came next: Appendix A is a Cast of Characters (very useful for navigating the many characters and their relationships) and Appendix B lists the “Magical Communities” in the series. A handy glossary is last.
I suppose one would classify the book as YA fantasy, but that’s confining its appeal too closely. It’s really an exhilarating adventure for fantasy lovers of all ages. Perhaps most of all, it’s for everyone who enjoys surrendering to the power of belief.
July 10, 2019
A magical story of enchantment and young love!
I was enchanted by this story! I started reading it on a Sunday morning and only planned on reading for a short while. Hours later, I found myself in the middle of a world populated with magical creatures that included a bird people called bronze eagles, also centaurs, fauns, elves, fairies and many other wondrous beings.
And yet, I think what kept me entranced by the story were the feelings that were evoked. I really enjoyed the sweet, innocent interaction between the main heroine, Charlotte, and her childhood friend, Beau Winguard (a bronze eagle). They had arrived at that difficult time in life where the ways of children must hopefully give way to the wisdom of adulthood. It can be a difficult journey for any being. In their case, they had each other to help ease the way.
But being there for each other didn’t mean Charlotte and Beau didn’t have to face terrible, unexpected challenges. When a war breaks out, and their world becomes a frightening, chaotic place, they have no choice. All of the many characters in the story must find a way to bring forth their courage and bravery. They must all learn to co-operate and use their varied skills and abilities to defeat a very powerful enemy.
All and all, the story and its many diverse characters are woven together to create a complex and satisfying tapestry of events, interactions and a sense of what has been and what is coming. This is the first book in the series.
I was enchanted by this story! I started reading it on a Sunday morning and only planned on reading for a short while. Hours later, I found myself in the middle of a world populated with magical creatures that included a bird people called bronze eagles, also centaurs, fauns, elves, fairies and many other wondrous beings.
And yet, I think what kept me entranced by the story were the feelings that were evoked. I really enjoyed the sweet, innocent interaction between the main heroine, Charlotte, and her childhood friend, Beau Winguard (a bronze eagle). They had arrived at that difficult time in life where the ways of children must hopefully give way to the wisdom of adulthood. It can be a difficult journey for any being. In their case, they had each other to help ease the way.
But being there for each other didn’t mean Charlotte and Beau didn’t have to face terrible, unexpected challenges. When a war breaks out, and their world becomes a frightening, chaotic place, they have no choice. All of the many characters in the story must find a way to bring forth their courage and bravery. They must all learn to co-operate and use their varied skills and abilities to defeat a very powerful enemy.
All and all, the story and its many diverse characters are woven together to create a complex and satisfying tapestry of events, interactions and a sense of what has been and what is coming. This is the first book in the series.
January 5, 2020
Great Self-Discovery Fantasy
Charlotte has a lot to deal with at her young age. She has to come to grips with her lack of magic in a magical world. Her crush goes off on some journey when she wanted him the most, and her home is attacked just when she was getting her party on. AEM created a likable main character in Charlotte. She's a little more than the typical "chosen one" young adult. The cast of characters are also fun and enjoyable. I really liked the romantic subplots. Charlotte not only learns to fight the good fight, she also take some time off to cuddle up with Beau, and her parents are all kinds of into each other.
I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but I enjoyed the book a lot. I'm going to have to crack open book two!
Charlotte has a lot to deal with at her young age. She has to come to grips with her lack of magic in a magical world. Her crush goes off on some journey when she wanted him the most, and her home is attacked just when she was getting her party on. AEM created a likable main character in Charlotte. She's a little more than the typical "chosen one" young adult. The cast of characters are also fun and enjoyable. I really liked the romantic subplots. Charlotte not only learns to fight the good fight, she also take some time off to cuddle up with Beau, and her parents are all kinds of into each other.
I'm not usually a fantasy reader, but I enjoyed the book a lot. I'm going to have to crack open book two!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews