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Coming of Mage
It's 1986. But maybe not the same one you remember.
Quinn Sullivan, fresh from his first year of college, returns for yet another summer to the North Shore of Minnesota, working for minimum wage at an off-season ski resort.
A resort for wizards. Wizards like Quinn.
Like most "mages" his age, Quinn's got no car, no money, isn't keeping up on his spells, and wants desperately to get the girl. And not just any girl—Emma, a promising alchemist (and lover of rock music) who happens to be Quinn's best friend.
And entirely oblivious to his affections.
Don't worry. Quinn has a plan. Because if Emma wants to study alchemy abroad, she needs one of the rarest metaphysikal artifacts in existence: a solistone. And it costs a whole lot more than a summer's worth of paychecks. But if Quinn can just get his hands on one—even if he has to make it himself—maybe he'll get that chance to show Emma he's more than "just a buddy."
But where does a mage barely out of high school even begin?
Chock full of strange creatures, mystifying spells, small town mystery, and even a tour bus of old ladies, Quinn's quest is a quirky, summertime adventure with a fantasy twist that will make him wish “getting the girl” was his biggest problem!
Quinn Sullivan, fresh from his first year of college, returns for yet another summer to the North Shore of Minnesota, working for minimum wage at an off-season ski resort.
A resort for wizards. Wizards like Quinn.
Like most "mages" his age, Quinn's got no car, no money, isn't keeping up on his spells, and wants desperately to get the girl. And not just any girl—Emma, a promising alchemist (and lover of rock music) who happens to be Quinn's best friend.
And entirely oblivious to his affections.
Don't worry. Quinn has a plan. Because if Emma wants to study alchemy abroad, she needs one of the rarest metaphysikal artifacts in existence: a solistone. And it costs a whole lot more than a summer's worth of paychecks. But if Quinn can just get his hands on one—even if he has to make it himself—maybe he'll get that chance to show Emma he's more than "just a buddy."
But where does a mage barely out of high school even begin?
Chock full of strange creatures, mystifying spells, small town mystery, and even a tour bus of old ladies, Quinn's quest is a quirky, summertime adventure with a fantasy twist that will make him wish “getting the girl” was his biggest problem!
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 13, 2016
A well-written novel, and while I don't know that I would add it to my list of all-time favorites, it was a worthwhile read. It's something like a Harry Potter on the North Shore. The author has managed to populate his world with wizards, alchemists and magical creatures while still retaining the spirit of the area.
At an off-season resort for wizards, Quinn and his friend, an alchemist named Emma, are spending their summer working as guides on canoe trips, basilisk tracking, and whatever other tasks their boss assigns them. Quinn's goal for the summer is not, however, to catch up on his spells or brace for his second year at college. Rather, his free time is spent on a project that he believes will enable him to move beyond the friend zone in his relationship with Emma.
His plan is to get a solistone, a very rare and expensive gem, for Emma so that she can study alchemy abroad. Unfortunately, being a college student, Quinn has no car and no money and ends up teaming up with his rival, a stuck up, sword-wielding rich kid in order to get what he needs to make the stone. He also enlists the help of Tristan, a coworker with his own set of unusual skills.
At an off-season resort for wizards, Quinn and his friend, an alchemist named Emma, are spending their summer working as guides on canoe trips, basilisk tracking, and whatever other tasks their boss assigns them. Quinn's goal for the summer is not, however, to catch up on his spells or brace for his second year at college. Rather, his free time is spent on a project that he believes will enable him to move beyond the friend zone in his relationship with Emma.
His plan is to get a solistone, a very rare and expensive gem, for Emma so that she can study alchemy abroad. Unfortunately, being a college student, Quinn has no car and no money and ends up teaming up with his rival, a stuck up, sword-wielding rich kid in order to get what he needs to make the stone. He also enlists the help of Tristan, a coworker with his own set of unusual skills.
November 4, 2011
A worthy debut! This YA fantasy novella has a lot going for it: solid worldbuilding, sharp geek humor and some unexpected twists and turns. Andrews is an author I'd definitely want to read more from.
Want to read
May 4, 2013A must read!
October 12, 2014
This book is a fun read. You can tell the writer is stuck in the 80s which is great since his book takes place and references 80s nostalgia throughout the book. This was by far my favorite book of 2013. (Sorry for the late review.) After I finished it I immediately read it again. Since I purchased the book I have read it 6 times and am more than excited for a sequel to this one.
Magic and 80s. It is like John Hughes, and J.K Rowling had a child and that child is Mikel Andrews. The characters are described magnificently, with an edge of your seat adventure. Highly recommend this book!
Magic and 80s. It is like John Hughes, and J.K Rowling had a child and that child is Mikel Andrews. The characters are described magnificently, with an edge of your seat adventure. Highly recommend this book!
August 9, 2013
Excellent page turner! Can't wait to see what comes next from this author!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews