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The Sire
Enter a realm of magick mirroring Europe in the late 1930s, locked in a repressive government where a girl struggles to see beyond prejudice and a boy has lost faith in humanity.
The era jives with jazz and swing, war divides the land and its people, and the Monarch seeks any with the gifts of magick: the Mages. Fifteen-year-old Claire Royce hates magick, but not as much as her ruthless king's war. As fate would have it, she ends up stuck in the company of a powerful young Mage, Walter Tully. And when they learn the Monarch is searching for The Sire, the creator of all magick, they know someone must stop him. But are they really up to the task?
The era jives with jazz and swing, war divides the land and its people, and the Monarch seeks any with the gifts of magick: the Mages. Fifteen-year-old Claire Royce hates magick, but not as much as her ruthless king's war. As fate would have it, she ends up stuck in the company of a powerful young Mage, Walter Tully. And when they learn the Monarch is searching for The Sire, the creator of all magick, they know someone must stop him. But are they really up to the task?
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2013
35 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Fowle
9 books16 followersM.S. Fowle was born and raised in Maine and continues to live there with her family. She started writing fantasy stories as a child, but was quickly drawn to science fiction and horror after discovering Stephen King. Her work is available on both Amazon and Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2013
Originally on my blog Books Forget Me Knot
I have been itching to finish this new indie YA novel by our very own M.S. Fowle. It has kept me company on long, sleepless nights and the past two Friday’s where my dad has been an hour late to pick me up from work.
Anyways…
I honestly adored this novel! Fowle captures the epitome of ripe adolescence so perfectly in both Claire Royce and Walter Tully. I was reminded of being young, quick minded, and how it feels to gradually start falling for someone. Not that it happens or anything like that…*slowly backs away*
Within the first pages of the novel, Fowle throws us into the heat of heart-racing action. Claire is on her way home when she sees the Royals (the Monarch’s Mage police force) chasing a boy. Quickly, Claire intervenes and saves the boy’s life. Claire in turn is thrust into his world of magic when Walter uses his powers to escape. Walter takes Claire with him and whisks her away to his home, a cabin in the woods.
It’s there that we (as the reader) delve into who Claire and Walter are. We learn that Claire lost her parents at a young age, while Walter’s shunned him for what he was. Claire is clouded with prejudice, while Walter wants Claire to see that not all magic is bad. Fowle contrasts both the protagonists’ emotions very well, but also instills us with insight and a deep understanding of where preconceive notions begin. I found this aspect of the novel provocative and beautiful.
Another thing that I love about M.S. Fowle’s writing are her creative and unique stories. The Sire does not disappoint in that area. Here is a world, set during the 1930′s in Europe, where magic is known and people are genuinely afraid of it. Why? They fear it because of the Monarch’s abuse of magic, using it to instill fear to his country. I honestly have never read a book where magic is widely known to the population and for that it gets extra brownie points in my book.
Finally, let’s talk about the ending, which I did not see coming at all. Fowle threw a massive curve ball and I completely messed it by a long shot. I had my own prediction on who the Sire might be, but I was entirely wrong. I liked that I was wrong because who it is makes the story ten times more enjoyable and amazing!
This book was just….so lovely. It was an easy and fast-paced short story, where I completely consumed it in the times I physically just sat down to read it. There’s a little bit of everything in this novel like action, suspension, mystery, and a sprinkle of romance. I became utterly lost within Fowle’s world and characters that I just…didn’t want the story to end. I don’t know if M.S. Fowle tends to continue this refreshing, new YA novel into a series, but if she does I will be sure to nab myself a copy of the sequel!
On a final note, I received an ebook copy of this novel as part of M.S. Fowle’s cover reveal of The Sire. In no way or form did it influence my rating for the novel itself.
I have been itching to finish this new indie YA novel by our very own M.S. Fowle. It has kept me company on long, sleepless nights and the past two Friday’s where my dad has been an hour late to pick me up from work.
Anyways…
I honestly adored this novel! Fowle captures the epitome of ripe adolescence so perfectly in both Claire Royce and Walter Tully. I was reminded of being young, quick minded, and how it feels to gradually start falling for someone. Not that it happens or anything like that…*slowly backs away*
Within the first pages of the novel, Fowle throws us into the heat of heart-racing action. Claire is on her way home when she sees the Royals (the Monarch’s Mage police force) chasing a boy. Quickly, Claire intervenes and saves the boy’s life. Claire in turn is thrust into his world of magic when Walter uses his powers to escape. Walter takes Claire with him and whisks her away to his home, a cabin in the woods.
It’s there that we (as the reader) delve into who Claire and Walter are. We learn that Claire lost her parents at a young age, while Walter’s shunned him for what he was. Claire is clouded with prejudice, while Walter wants Claire to see that not all magic is bad. Fowle contrasts both the protagonists’ emotions very well, but also instills us with insight and a deep understanding of where preconceive notions begin. I found this aspect of the novel provocative and beautiful.
Another thing that I love about M.S. Fowle’s writing are her creative and unique stories. The Sire does not disappoint in that area. Here is a world, set during the 1930′s in Europe, where magic is known and people are genuinely afraid of it. Why? They fear it because of the Monarch’s abuse of magic, using it to instill fear to his country. I honestly have never read a book where magic is widely known to the population and for that it gets extra brownie points in my book.
Finally, let’s talk about the ending, which I did not see coming at all. Fowle threw a massive curve ball and I completely messed it by a long shot. I had my own prediction on who the Sire might be, but I was entirely wrong. I liked that I was wrong because who it is makes the story ten times more enjoyable and amazing!
This book was just….so lovely. It was an easy and fast-paced short story, where I completely consumed it in the times I physically just sat down to read it. There’s a little bit of everything in this novel like action, suspension, mystery, and a sprinkle of romance. I became utterly lost within Fowle’s world and characters that I just…didn’t want the story to end. I don’t know if M.S. Fowle tends to continue this refreshing, new YA novel into a series, but if she does I will be sure to nab myself a copy of the sequel!
On a final note, I received an ebook copy of this novel as part of M.S. Fowle’s cover reveal of The Sire. In no way or form did it influence my rating for the novel itself.
June 3, 2016
M S Fowle weaves a fantastical tale about a kingdom bereft of magik—ruled by a monarch who cannot see beyond his thirst for power. He searches for the Sire, the creator of all magik and in his quest unleashes terrible cruelty on his subjects. War rages and the people of the land live in fear. Magik is prohibited; those found practicing are captured and punished. Here the select few enforce their rule on the laity, to subdue and control them. Amongst this chaos rises a story of faith, friendship, loyalty and …. well magik.
I liked the author's writing style – the flow is smooth and effortless, though at times I did find it a bit too grand in some portions. I had to stop, take a breath and go over the lines a couple of times to let them sink in, before I continued further.
The characters are very endearing especially the twins. As you read through you will definitely fall in love with Claire and Walter. They fight yet they stand by each other. They will make you laugh, cry, bite your nails in fear for their lives. You will find yourself enjoying their adventures and little skirmishes.
The end was not surprising yet I was disappointed by the quick closing and felt that it was a bit rushed. It kind of broke the flow that the author had maintained through the earlier chapters. But let's be honest I was also sad that the story ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and do hope there are more adventures of Walter and Claire and we read them soon. I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the author's writing style – the flow is smooth and effortless, though at times I did find it a bit too grand in some portions. I had to stop, take a breath and go over the lines a couple of times to let them sink in, before I continued further.
The characters are very endearing especially the twins. As you read through you will definitely fall in love with Claire and Walter. They fight yet they stand by each other. They will make you laugh, cry, bite your nails in fear for their lives. You will find yourself enjoying their adventures and little skirmishes.
The end was not surprising yet I was disappointed by the quick closing and felt that it was a bit rushed. It kind of broke the flow that the author had maintained through the earlier chapters. But let's be honest I was also sad that the story ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and do hope there are more adventures of Walter and Claire and we read them soon. I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2013
What a wonderful story. Walter a young powerful mage meets Claire as she helps him evade the soldiers after he steels some apples. Claire hates magik and mages and resents Walter as he tries to help her. They go on adventures together, with Claire as a reluctant participant. What grows between them is genuine friendship and eventually love. The final battle arrives as The Sire is discovered and the evil king is defeated.
Well done M.S.Fowle and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Well done M.S.Fowle and I look forward to reading more of your work.
July 7, 2013
I don't normally read YA novels, but I liked this book. Probably because there was a lot of action and mystery throughout that kept you reading. It's a nice story with an interesting plot and a hint of adolescent romance. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy YA fantasy.
April 20, 2013
AWESOME BOOK!!!! Very well done by M.S. Fowle!! I will be giving my review on my blog SOON!!! http://emilyguido.com/
November 23, 2013
Loved! Loved! Loved!!!!!
What a wonderful, magical story. Claire and Walter live in a time and place where magic abounds as well as war rages. Claire helps Walter escape from some soldiers after he steals some apples only to find out he's a powerful mage. The reigning Monarch is searching out all the mages because he wants to control magic for himself.
Claire and Walter escape and she becomes an unwilling participant in is adventures. After finding that her grandfather has been taken into custody she seeks out Walter to help put an end to the war.
I loved the building relationship between Claire and Walter. And while I found it obvious where the plot was heading, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved the characters and the relationships between them as well as the magic in the air. A wonderful, original story that anyone would love.
What a wonderful, magical story. Claire and Walter live in a time and place where magic abounds as well as war rages. Claire helps Walter escape from some soldiers after he steals some apples only to find out he's a powerful mage. The reigning Monarch is searching out all the mages because he wants to control magic for himself.
Claire and Walter escape and she becomes an unwilling participant in is adventures. After finding that her grandfather has been taken into custody she seeks out Walter to help put an end to the war.
I loved the building relationship between Claire and Walter. And while I found it obvious where the plot was heading, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved the characters and the relationships between them as well as the magic in the air. A wonderful, original story that anyone would love.
May 3, 2015
Quite enjoyed it but too many grammatical errors and phrases.... drive me potty!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews