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Faerene Apocalypse #4
First Magic
Amy’s father is alive, but can she trust him? His human allies are the same militia who want to control Amy and use her magic against the Faerene.
Meantime, Faerene are vanishing. Five are dead in mysterious and isolated circumstances, and Rory is called to investigate.
With threats everywhere, Amy’s adopted human family would be safest in Justice, but that would require them to live surrounded by the Faerene. Their future would change as radically as Amy’s.
However, everyone’s future is changing, whether they want it to or not, because prior to the Migration through the Rift the Faerene made some big assumptions about Earth and its creatures, and those assumptions are about to prove spectacularly flawed.
Amy’s newly learned magic will be put to the test with cataclysmic results.
Meantime, Faerene are vanishing. Five are dead in mysterious and isolated circumstances, and Rory is called to investigate.
With threats everywhere, Amy’s adopted human family would be safest in Justice, but that would require them to live surrounded by the Faerene. Their future would change as radically as Amy’s.
However, everyone’s future is changing, whether they want it to or not, because prior to the Migration through the Rift the Faerene made some big assumptions about Earth and its creatures, and those assumptions are about to prove spectacularly flawed.
Amy’s newly learned magic will be put to the test with cataclysmic results.
Unknown Binding
First published October 28, 2019
426 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books570 followersAustralian science fiction and fantasy author.
Avid reader.
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Avid reader.
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 11, 2025
If one is in the mood for a fantasy that isn’t all about huge wars, fight scenes, and non-stop action, this is the PERFECT series! It is totally and unabashedly fantasy - set in an America after technology falls - that searches the characters and their interactions, challenges and emotions in such a lovely and endearing way that one can’t help but love it all. I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan of giant grubs and magical monster bats, but this lovely made family of Amy’s (FMC) has me totally and completely hooked.
March 12, 2021
NOT the typical Faerenne Migration.
I thought book three introduced new complications, well this book topped those by several levels. I'm constantly impressed how the story that started out seemingly focused on survival techniques and personal interactions has grown; the layers and details that each book adds are complex and astounding.
Amy and Istvan's actions move the story but all the main characters are present and busy, very busy. These are characters that I care about so I spent as much of the book as Amy worrying that some of them might not make it this time.
Amy's trying to hold steady, find her role and grow but events keep coming. Amy's dad isn't much different after the apocalypse. Good thing Amy has husband, friends and family for support.
Istvan's time with Amy as well as emotional elements not related to Amy seem to still baffle the cerebrally oriented Istvan. But he is aware that he is no longer the griffin he was prior to the migration.
Politics, not unique to either society and causing problems in and between both. Events in each book show that human and faerenne societies aren't that different.
Highly recommend this series and anticipate each new release. Now at book four so it would be hard to start the story here, so many details in each book.
One of my favorite, auto-buy authors. I especially love that her series have a beginning, middle and end. I do hope that we're currently in the middle since I can see several potential ends and I don't like some of them.
Possible spoiler
...
...
...
Oh no, the very end... hopefully changes in the world shield's pattern and stability are improved by final events and/or backup plans for shield failure are in place, keep the Big Bad off the planet.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
I thought book three introduced new complications, well this book topped those by several levels. I'm constantly impressed how the story that started out seemingly focused on survival techniques and personal interactions has grown; the layers and details that each book adds are complex and astounding.
Amy and Istvan's actions move the story but all the main characters are present and busy, very busy. These are characters that I care about so I spent as much of the book as Amy worrying that some of them might not make it this time.
Amy's trying to hold steady, find her role and grow but events keep coming. Amy's dad isn't much different after the apocalypse. Good thing Amy has husband, friends and family for support.
Istvan's time with Amy as well as emotional elements not related to Amy seem to still baffle the cerebrally oriented Istvan. But he is aware that he is no longer the griffin he was prior to the migration.
Politics, not unique to either society and causing problems in and between both. Events in each book show that human and faerenne societies aren't that different.
Highly recommend this series and anticipate each new release. Now at book four so it would be hard to start the story here, so many details in each book.
One of my favorite, auto-buy authors. I especially love that her series have a beginning, middle and end. I do hope that we're currently in the middle since I can see several potential ends and I don't like some of them.
Possible spoiler
...
...
...
Oh no, the very end... hopefully changes in the world shield's pattern and stability are improved by final events and/or backup plans for shield failure are in place, keep the Big Bad off the planet.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
November 2, 2019
What a cliffhanger!
While part of the story does involve the dad that didn't love her much, there is also an earth monster that eats magic. This culminates in a decision about the human orb that will affect the world.
Some humans are stupid, including the military, while others move forward with life in a new world.
Read in KU
While part of the story does involve the dad that didn't love her much, there is also an earth monster that eats magic. This culminates in a decision about the human orb that will affect the world.
Some humans are stupid, including the military, while others move forward with life in a new world.
Read in KU
October 29, 2019
Dynamite!
What a surprise!! I was not expecting this turn of the series! Jeez, now I have to wait months for the next episode! So worth waiting for. You must start at book one to get the best out of her books.
What a surprise!! I was not expecting this turn of the series! Jeez, now I have to wait months for the next episode! So worth waiting for. You must start at book one to get the best out of her books.
August 3, 2025
Excellent apocalyptic fantasy adventure
I'm not a fan of apocalyptic fiction of any genre, mostly because of the huge body counts, but I'm enjoying this series. Amy's chosen family continues to grow and be wonderful. The secondary characters are fascinating and easy to care about. And the story is full of surprises (not all good).
I'm not a fan of apocalyptic fiction of any genre, mostly because of the huge body counts, but I'm enjoying this series. Amy's chosen family continues to grow and be wonderful. The secondary characters are fascinating and easy to care about. And the story is full of surprises (not all good).
January 20, 2020
The story line has a good foundation and the ideas behind it are intriguing enough that I read the entire series. Sadly, there should have been some developmental editing done. There are times something happens and then several chapters later there is a summary of that event. There are also many instances of describing a character’s looks or occupation several times throughout each book. It made reading a little more tedious than it needed to be. The main character is a little too perfect in her ability to do anything, despite the background she is given. Still, if you’re a fan of dystopian fantasy, check this series out.
October 28, 2019
Terrific series! Totally enthralled from start to finish! Read each book in a single setting! Look forward to the next one!
December 23, 2021
Associating With Humans
This is the fourth book in a continuing series. You need to read the first three books to understand this one. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this book, but the next one is already available.
It seems that Amy and Rory’s honeymoon is going to be cut very short indeed. Both of them are too important to let them have much time alone. Things are changing on Earth because the Faerene didn’t do quite as good a job of observing Earth through the rift as they thought they did. Following their previous successes they didn’t realise that they’d stop questioning their results or trying to improve their methods and their hubris caused them to dismiss certain things as irrelevant. All of a sudden they are looking at Amy and people like her in a different light.
Faerene are going missing. Five around the world have gone without a trace and there is no indication of what happened to them. Nora and her team are having to look at what’s happened rather than investigating Amy and her magic, but that doesn’t stop Amy from starting to work on her magic skills after Istvan realises he’s letting her down by not teaching her.
Humans are starting to make their presence felt and it’s not in a good way. Amy’s neglectful father has turned up and she doesn’t know how she feels about it. She has an adopted family now that make her feel wanted and cared about in a way her own parents never did. The humans and their knowledge of Amy mean that her adopted family are in danger and she wants to make sure they are safe. Now Amy is a Faerene citizen because of her marriage to Rory, they become part of his family too and that opens up a few options to them. The question is which option will they take to keep themselves safe.
This series keeps getting more absorbing and intriguing with each book. I love the twists and turns that keep appearing. This books shows increasing emotional bonds between Amy and Rory and their love for each other is very apparent. With the insecurities engendered by her neglectful parents the absolute devotion of a werewolf have made Amy more sure of herself. The acceptance and affection of the pack also help her feel good about herself. With the appearance of her father Amy needs that solid base to deal with him.
Istvan is also finding himself changing, after 6 centuries of life, by sharing a bond with Amy. He has always lived on his own and by being bonded with a familiar and providing her with what she needs emotionally he is finding that he too is gaining from it. Not prone to self examination he is prompted to take a look at himself and what he needs to be happy and not just satisfied with what he has.
The plot moves quickly in this book and there are many changes to Amy’s situation, some of the changes are positive but others hurt her. All she can do is hope that the solid base of her bond with Istvan, her marriage to Rory and the love and acceptance of her adopted family and her new pack will help her deal with all that has been heaped on top of her.
This is the fourth book in a continuing series. You need to read the first three books to understand this one. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this book, but the next one is already available.
It seems that Amy and Rory’s honeymoon is going to be cut very short indeed. Both of them are too important to let them have much time alone. Things are changing on Earth because the Faerene didn’t do quite as good a job of observing Earth through the rift as they thought they did. Following their previous successes they didn’t realise that they’d stop questioning their results or trying to improve their methods and their hubris caused them to dismiss certain things as irrelevant. All of a sudden they are looking at Amy and people like her in a different light.
Faerene are going missing. Five around the world have gone without a trace and there is no indication of what happened to them. Nora and her team are having to look at what’s happened rather than investigating Amy and her magic, but that doesn’t stop Amy from starting to work on her magic skills after Istvan realises he’s letting her down by not teaching her.
Humans are starting to make their presence felt and it’s not in a good way. Amy’s neglectful father has turned up and she doesn’t know how she feels about it. She has an adopted family now that make her feel wanted and cared about in a way her own parents never did. The humans and their knowledge of Amy mean that her adopted family are in danger and she wants to make sure they are safe. Now Amy is a Faerene citizen because of her marriage to Rory, they become part of his family too and that opens up a few options to them. The question is which option will they take to keep themselves safe.
This series keeps getting more absorbing and intriguing with each book. I love the twists and turns that keep appearing. This books shows increasing emotional bonds between Amy and Rory and their love for each other is very apparent. With the insecurities engendered by her neglectful parents the absolute devotion of a werewolf have made Amy more sure of herself. The acceptance and affection of the pack also help her feel good about herself. With the appearance of her father Amy needs that solid base to deal with him.
Istvan is also finding himself changing, after 6 centuries of life, by sharing a bond with Amy. He has always lived on his own and by being bonded with a familiar and providing her with what she needs emotionally he is finding that he too is gaining from it. Not prone to self examination he is prompted to take a look at himself and what he needs to be happy and not just satisfied with what he has.
The plot moves quickly in this book and there are many changes to Amy’s situation, some of the changes are positive but others hurt her. All she can do is hope that the solid base of her bond with Istvan, her marriage to Rory and the love and acceptance of her adopted family and her new pack will help her deal with all that has been heaped on top of her.
July 27, 2020
The storyline still intrigued me after book 3, but i started reading #4 hoping that certain issues I had with the writing in books 1-3 would be resolved. Nope. Things just got worse, like, the movie, Tremors, worse. I just can't even be bothered to outline how much this book annoyed me. I can tell you that this book acts like there are no books before it, meaning the same backstory summaries that were in books 2 and 3 were repeated in this novel nearly verbatim. Whyyyyyyy??????? NO ONE is picking up this series beginning with book 4. Stop with the redundant and misplaced narration.
I can also tell you that this novel is like a child trying to emulate his/her older sibling - shallow, but trying so hard to be deep, and being supremely irritating in the process. It doesn't work. There's also an issue with the timeline. So much happens in a short amount of time - think 24 hours - and yet the characters talk about events as if they've already happened, when in fact they couldn't possibly have happened. Characters that have never been introduced are mentioned as if we are all supposed to know who they are. Infuriating. Clearly introduce new characters and their relationship to everyone else.
Grammatical issues persist. Incorrect words used. Object pronouns used where subject pronouns should be and vice versa. It's almost as if the author didn't get help on books 1-3 and so hasn't grown at all in the mastery of writing. These are just a few of the things that seriously vex me. I will attempt to read book 5 because I have this unfortunate need to see how things end.
I can also tell you that this novel is like a child trying to emulate his/her older sibling - shallow, but trying so hard to be deep, and being supremely irritating in the process. It doesn't work. There's also an issue with the timeline. So much happens in a short amount of time - think 24 hours - and yet the characters talk about events as if they've already happened, when in fact they couldn't possibly have happened. Characters that have never been introduced are mentioned as if we are all supposed to know who they are. Infuriating. Clearly introduce new characters and their relationship to everyone else.
Grammatical issues persist. Incorrect words used. Object pronouns used where subject pronouns should be and vice versa. It's almost as if the author didn't get help on books 1-3 and so hasn't grown at all in the mastery of writing. These are just a few of the things that seriously vex me. I will attempt to read book 5 because I have this unfortunate need to see how things end.
July 18, 2025
Timeline failure
These are great simple books that would be good juvenile reads. However the author is clearly lacking a way to track the timeline of the story as it is written.
Book four begins not where book three left off, but a day and a half before book three ends. The problem is book four is not focused on different characters... It just barreled ahead with the story, and somehow everyone forgot that a day is defined as a singular sleeping a waking period, not several all connected.
The author also has difficultly providing a believable timeline for activities to happen on. Even for a population that can teleport, you simply can't go observe an enemy, learn their secrets, formulate a plan of approach and execute it all between lunch and dinner after you and all your friends moved the entire inventory of a 5 acre farm between breakfast and lunch. Allowing the pace of the characters through their lives will only add to the suspended belief, not take away.
These are great simple books that would be good juvenile reads. However the author is clearly lacking a way to track the timeline of the story as it is written.
Book four begins not where book three left off, but a day and a half before book three ends. The problem is book four is not focused on different characters... It just barreled ahead with the story, and somehow everyone forgot that a day is defined as a singular sleeping a waking period, not several all connected.
The author also has difficultly providing a believable timeline for activities to happen on. Even for a population that can teleport, you simply can't go observe an enemy, learn their secrets, formulate a plan of approach and execute it all between lunch and dinner after you and all your friends moved the entire inventory of a 5 acre farm between breakfast and lunch. Allowing the pace of the characters through their lives will only add to the suspended belief, not take away.
February 16, 2020
Hard not to like
This is a really good series although not my usual read in many ways. It has a gentler pace in both the action and the style but it is addictive. In many ways it is as much a study of humanity as it is a fantasy.
Amy’s attitude to people be they supernatural or otherwise is a lesson in acceptance. It is not deliberate on her part but rather a natural extension of her personality, and because of it she gets through to people. More like Amy and any world might be a better place.
This is book 4 and yet no time is wasted catching the reader up. The information is cleverly woven so that it is brief and to the point and gives us the continuity we need with making us feel we have a rehash. I am looking forward to what happens next. Sorry, no spoilers. It’s a good series.
This is a really good series although not my usual read in many ways. It has a gentler pace in both the action and the style but it is addictive. In many ways it is as much a study of humanity as it is a fantasy.
Amy’s attitude to people be they supernatural or otherwise is a lesson in acceptance. It is not deliberate on her part but rather a natural extension of her personality, and because of it she gets through to people. More like Amy and any world might be a better place.
This is book 4 and yet no time is wasted catching the reader up. The information is cleverly woven so that it is brief and to the point and gives us the continuity we need with making us feel we have a rehash. I am looking forward to what happens next. Sorry, no spoilers. It’s a good series.
July 11, 2023
Good
Warning! Cliffhanger! This was pretty much a 5/5 on the trauma scale, so consider yourself warned.
Amy has to deal with the militia, and find out what they’re after. Then there is an unknown that has been killing magic users, and it is Rory that’s sent to investigate.
Political maneuvering and plots galore, make for a trying time for Amy!
There’s a lot going on in this book, and an absolutely massive event going on, that portends bad things!
There’s a fair bit of action amongst the lesser drama involving interactions, and a lot of magic happening.
This is the fourth book in series, and it’s a sequential story so YES you have to read them in order.
It’s an engrossing tale in the series, and the ending will definitely leave you hanging.
A great read for post-apocalyptic fiction fans, and fantasy fans.
Warning! Cliffhanger! This was pretty much a 5/5 on the trauma scale, so consider yourself warned.
Amy has to deal with the militia, and find out what they’re after. Then there is an unknown that has been killing magic users, and it is Rory that’s sent to investigate.
Political maneuvering and plots galore, make for a trying time for Amy!
There’s a lot going on in this book, and an absolutely massive event going on, that portends bad things!
There’s a fair bit of action amongst the lesser drama involving interactions, and a lot of magic happening.
This is the fourth book in series, and it’s a sequential story so YES you have to read them in order.
It’s an engrossing tale in the series, and the ending will definitely leave you hanging.
A great read for post-apocalyptic fiction fans, and fantasy fans.
April 24, 2021
Amy and her family have a new fight on their hands
General Dabiri makes a play using Amy's dad. They want control of magic. The tactics they are using are evil. Amy's dad is rescued, and their reunion does not go as Amy had hoped. Nils help her put thing into perspective. It is clear that their are spies in the caravans that are passing information about Amy, her human family makes the choice to move to Justice, where they are made welcome.
Rory and Nils are attacked by a previously unknown animal while investigating the disappearance of some Faerene. I new threat that seems to be drawn to magic has emerged. Opening the pearl is seems the best way to gain information. The story of the human magic users is told. The barriers that had kept it contained releases. The damage it does is devastating.
Great series, expected cliffhanger, can't wait to see what happens next.
General Dabiri makes a play using Amy's dad. They want control of magic. The tactics they are using are evil. Amy's dad is rescued, and their reunion does not go as Amy had hoped. Nils help her put thing into perspective. It is clear that their are spies in the caravans that are passing information about Amy, her human family makes the choice to move to Justice, where they are made welcome.
Rory and Nils are attacked by a previously unknown animal while investigating the disappearance of some Faerene. I new threat that seems to be drawn to magic has emerged. Opening the pearl is seems the best way to gain information. The story of the human magic users is told. The barriers that had kept it contained releases. The damage it does is devastating.
Great series, expected cliffhanger, can't wait to see what happens next.
September 2, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series! (But I love all of Jenny's books!)
Amy is continuing to find her place in Faerene society but things get much more complicated when her adopted family is threatened and her biological father turns back up in her life. Added to that, there’s a new deadly threat that Rory and Nils have to investigate.
I love Rory and Amy's relationship and we get more of that in this book. I was also really happy to have more time with Digger, Stella, Jarod and the rest of Amy's family.
On to the last book of the series!
Amy is continuing to find her place in Faerene society but things get much more complicated when her adopted family is threatened and her biological father turns back up in her life. Added to that, there’s a new deadly threat that Rory and Nils have to investigate.
I love Rory and Amy's relationship and we get more of that in this book. I was also really happy to have more time with Digger, Stella, Jarod and the rest of Amy's family.
On to the last book of the series!
November 3, 2025
Family of choice
I enjoyed this 4th book in the series. The world building as well as the character building is really good. The characters are interesting and I feel attached to many of them by this time. I did feel that there should have been more interaction between Amy and her father. Her mother’s likely death was never mentioned. The book ends with another cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this 4th book in the series. The world building as well as the character building is really good. The characters are interesting and I feel attached to many of them by this time. I did feel that there should have been more interaction between Amy and her father. Her mother’s likely death was never mentioned. The book ends with another cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 24, 2021
Good story
I enjoy the author's writing and this is the third series I have read. The characters are interesting and often complex and I like that the author shows no matter where they are from there are similarities. My one, for me, negative is I won't read them until the story is complete. Any way you read it though, it is worth reading.
I enjoy the author's writing and this is the third series I have read. The characters are interesting and often complex and I like that the author shows no matter where they are from there are similarities. My one, for me, negative is I won't read them until the story is complete. Any way you read it though, it is worth reading.
October 31, 2023
First Magic: A Slice of Life in Troubled Times, the fourth book of the Faerene Apocalypse series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Once again, with a few changes in venue and a new crisis, Schwartz has progressed this storyline in a new direction, adding layers of complexity to an already interesting plot. Great job.
June 14, 2024
Unlike the previous books in the series, this one started with more excitement and heartache. But Amy gets her previous "family", and she is thrilled to have several families of the Faerene and of humans. Istvan started teaching her lessons in magic that are first taught to Griffin fledglings. She loves Digger and Istvan as her fathers, rather than her birth father, who had neglected her.
Then a mysterious orb in Istavan's possession is revealed to the scientists, who want to unravel it to see what happens. Then all Heck breaks loose!
I would recommend this book to those who like paranormal fiction.
Then a mysterious orb in Istavan's possession is revealed to the scientists, who want to unravel it to see what happens. Then all Heck breaks loose!
I would recommend this book to those who like paranormal fiction.
September 4, 2024
Schwartz is terrible at romance. She needs to stop trying or get someone else to integrate romance into her books.
I like the story but find the reasoning askew. The Faerene are saving humans for their own good. This is a thinly veiled version of colonialism. The Faerene purport not wanting to rule humans but it feels like they subtly rule. They make decisions for humans. An okay story.
I like the story but find the reasoning askew. The Faerene are saving humans for their own good. This is a thinly veiled version of colonialism. The Faerene purport not wanting to rule humans but it feels like they subtly rule. They make decisions for humans. An okay story.
August 5, 2025
cozy post apocalyptic fantasy with cliffhanger
Book 4, like the previous volumes, ends on a cliffhanger. Face it, you’re going to be reading this series straight through.
Exploring subjects like love, family, and duty, the saga continues to provide action, character development, and that cozy feeling that makes us reread a book or series again and again.
Book 4, like the previous volumes, ends on a cliffhanger. Face it, you’re going to be reading this series straight through.
Exploring subjects like love, family, and duty, the saga continues to provide action, character development, and that cozy feeling that makes us reread a book or series again and again.
March 22, 2020
Love this series
Each book is leaves me wanting more. Well written and a great story. Even though I have unlimited I did something I normally don't do and preordered the next book. Cannot wait for it to come out.
Each book is leaves me wanting more. Well written and a great story. Even though I have unlimited I did something I normally don't do and preordered the next book. Cannot wait for it to come out.
November 21, 2021
Daddy issues…
More negotiations between humans and the faerene immigrants, with a twist.
Any faces her upbringing and the distance of her biofather.
A whole new threat, not even breathed about in myth and legend, arises, and leads to earth shattering consequences.
More negotiations between humans and the faerene immigrants, with a twist.
Any faces her upbringing and the distance of her biofather.
A whole new threat, not even breathed about in myth and legend, arises, and leads to earth shattering consequences.
February 16, 2020
Excellent plot
The Author writes in such a way that i care what happens to the many unique characters in this book.
The Author writes in such a way that i care what happens to the many unique characters in this book.
December 3, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like werewolves, dragons, elves and vampires.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like werewolves, dragons, elves and vampires.
February 12, 2022
Great story, excellent series!
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars
May 31, 2023
3.5 stars
August 16, 2023
It gets better
It gets better every time I really like the story and I'm really looking forward to the next part of it
It gets better every time I really like the story and I'm really looking forward to the next part of it
October 7, 2024
Too much darling...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews