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Middle Lands
Apprentice's Luck
Apprentice magician Talisman Morning has always been lucky. It’s a problem.
Talis knows his luck is a magical talent -- but he can’t control it. And good luck for him can mean bad luck for other people, and a lot of trouble. He’s beginning to wonder whether he belongs with the magicians at all, or whether he should give up and run away ... until he meets a royal guard who asks for his help.
King’s guard Jeryn de Machaut could use a magician. He thinks he’s overheard a plot against the king, but he has no evidence and no support. But a wayward apprentice with a knack for being in the right place -- and stumbling over hidden objects -- might be exactly the luck Jer needs.
Together, Jer and Talis will uncover a palace conspiracy, save a king, and find their own best chance at love.
Talis knows his luck is a magical talent -- but he can’t control it. And good luck for him can mean bad luck for other people, and a lot of trouble. He’s beginning to wonder whether he belongs with the magicians at all, or whether he should give up and run away ... until he meets a royal guard who asks for his help.
King’s guard Jeryn de Machaut could use a magician. He thinks he’s overheard a plot against the king, but he has no evidence and no support. But a wayward apprentice with a knack for being in the right place -- and stumbling over hidden objects -- might be exactly the luck Jer needs.
Together, Jer and Talis will uncover a palace conspiracy, save a king, and find their own best chance at love.
228 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2023
25 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 10, 2025
Wizard with words tellin’ me my energy’s so bewitchin’ / So I’ll go first, there’s an open bar, let’s close this distance (lowkey – NIKI).
Damn it, I’m feeling all those pesky emotions again. My problem is when reading becomes the tiniest bit too habitual, I kind of forget what it’s actually like to be fully immersed in a book. I mean, when I was reading this, I would often find myself surprised at how into it I was. No skimming, no glazed eyes, and definitely no urge to check my phone! Like, oh yeah, reading is actually something I enjoy doing! It's always nice to find something that recaptures that special kind of joy. I’ve probably waxed poetic enough about how much I love this author’s entire book catalogue, and I’m sorry to say that I will most definitely be doing more of that here. I'm afraid I can’t help it! In many ways, Talis’ “luck magic” perfectly encapsulates what reading this was like; I’m riding high, easy like Sunday morning, knowing that everything will work out just fine. It’s a comfort read, for sure. I also really loved the message! It’s refreshing because a lot of books like to do the whole “believe in yourself” thing, and that’s a nice sentiment and all, but sometimes stories about those who need a little extra help in that department are nice too. Sometimes folks need someone else to believe in them first. Yeah, so I hope that it’s clear that I loved this book. From its soulful coziness to its easy-going, lyrical prose, this is the perfect read if you’re looking for a pretty book full of pretty words where a caring knight falls for a pretty wizard.
“The King’s going boating on the river in three days.”
“How nice for him.”
“Are all magicians this unhelpful? I’ve never met one before.”
“No. I told you I’m not a very good one.”
Damn it, I’m feeling all those pesky emotions again. My problem is when reading becomes the tiniest bit too habitual, I kind of forget what it’s actually like to be fully immersed in a book. I mean, when I was reading this, I would often find myself surprised at how into it I was. No skimming, no glazed eyes, and definitely no urge to check my phone! Like, oh yeah, reading is actually something I enjoy doing! It's always nice to find something that recaptures that special kind of joy. I’ve probably waxed poetic enough about how much I love this author’s entire book catalogue, and I’m sorry to say that I will most definitely be doing more of that here. I'm afraid I can’t help it! In many ways, Talis’ “luck magic” perfectly encapsulates what reading this was like; I’m riding high, easy like Sunday morning, knowing that everything will work out just fine. It’s a comfort read, for sure. I also really loved the message! It’s refreshing because a lot of books like to do the whole “believe in yourself” thing, and that’s a nice sentiment and all, but sometimes stories about those who need a little extra help in that department are nice too. Sometimes folks need someone else to believe in them first. Yeah, so I hope that it’s clear that I loved this book. From its soulful coziness to its easy-going, lyrical prose, this is the perfect read if you’re looking for a pretty book full of pretty words where a caring knight falls for a pretty wizard.
“The King’s going boating on the river in three days.”
“How nice for him.”
“Are all magicians this unhelpful? I’ve never met one before.”
“No. I told you I’m not a very good one.”
May 4, 2025
A wonderful story with really amazing characters.
For my taste, there were a few too many sex scenes, even though they were great and kind of unique.
Still, I wish the story had focused more on the magic and maybe just a tiny bit more on the plot.
The plot is a bit boring.
The magic, though, is outstanding.
And Talis is such a beautiful character, and it's so lovely to see him find his perfect partner.
Friends, Talis thought. It must be nice, to have someone to laugh with, to share jokes. 🥺💔🥺
Jer’s ears were pink, but he kissed Talis’s thigh, the smooth inner spot just above his knee; Talis had never known that his leg had always wanted to be kissed by Jeryn de Machaut on a chilly evening. 😳💗😳
“Can I…” Jer leaned down, kissed his nose. This had the side-effect of getting Jer’s unremoved shirt sticky with their mutual release. “Can I take care of you a bit more? Clean you up, and everything? Maybe even a bath? If you’d let me.”
“Do you hear me complaining?” 🫠💞🫠
For my taste, there were a few too many sex scenes, even though they were great and kind of unique.
Still, I wish the story had focused more on the magic and maybe just a tiny bit more on the plot.
The plot is a bit boring.
The magic, though, is outstanding.
And Talis is such a beautiful character, and it's so lovely to see him find his perfect partner.
Friends, Talis thought. It must be nice, to have someone to laugh with, to share jokes. 🥺💔🥺
Jer’s ears were pink, but he kissed Talis’s thigh, the smooth inner spot just above his knee; Talis had never known that his leg had always wanted to be kissed by Jeryn de Machaut on a chilly evening. 😳💗😳
“Can I…” Jer leaned down, kissed his nose. This had the side-effect of getting Jer’s unremoved shirt sticky with their mutual release. “Can I take care of you a bit more? Clean you up, and everything? Maybe even a bath? If you’d let me.”
“Do you hear me complaining?” 🫠💞🫠
September 2, 2024
This was such a lovely, uncomplicated and wholesome story and I really enjoyed this as easy escapism. This was my first time reading K.L Noone’s and their narrative voice really works for me but i could imagine it’s perhaps a bit too lyrical for some.
A relatively high stakes/ low stress mystery in which wholesome and noble (and handsome) Kings guard Jeryn encounters and recruits apprentice magician Talisman in an effort to uncover and stop a planned assassination attempt against the King.
This was probably a bit too insta-love for some people, not that it’s shocking given that it’s only a short book but it totally worked for me. Talis and Jer were never particularly secretively about their attraction for one another and their desires and I enjoyed their chemistry and connection together. Very sweet and wholesome with a sprinkling of BDSM and praise kink-as you do.
Perhaps my favourite part of this was the fascinating perspective it put on magic and its world building. Talis’ magical talent lies in luck, which in itself is not necessarily unique but this story takes the approach of viewing it as a flip side coin of gift and curse, which I found fascinating. The idea that the luck that comes from side stepping to avoid someone walking into you with a plate of food in a tavern might mean the someone else gets that same hot plate of food thrown on them instead and then the moral complications of knowing that your gift could hurt the people around you that you care about in the process of your ‘luck’ and managing the potential isolation that would come with wanting to protect people from that? Surprisingly deep for such a brief look into this world.
A lovely, wholesome (I know I’ve said this a lot but it really is), steamy little palette cleanser with handsome Knights and Magicians. I loved it.
A relatively high stakes/ low stress mystery in which wholesome and noble (and handsome) Kings guard Jeryn encounters and recruits apprentice magician Talisman in an effort to uncover and stop a planned assassination attempt against the King.
This was probably a bit too insta-love for some people, not that it’s shocking given that it’s only a short book but it totally worked for me. Talis and Jer were never particularly secretively about their attraction for one another and their desires and I enjoyed their chemistry and connection together. Very sweet and wholesome with a sprinkling of BDSM and praise kink-as you do.
Perhaps my favourite part of this was the fascinating perspective it put on magic and its world building. Talis’ magical talent lies in luck, which in itself is not necessarily unique but this story takes the approach of viewing it as a flip side coin of gift and curse, which I found fascinating. The idea that the luck that comes from side stepping to avoid someone walking into you with a plate of food in a tavern might mean the someone else gets that same hot plate of food thrown on them instead and then the moral complications of knowing that your gift could hurt the people around you that you care about in the process of your ‘luck’ and managing the potential isolation that would come with wanting to protect people from that? Surprisingly deep for such a brief look into this world.
A lovely, wholesome (I know I’ve said this a lot but it really is), steamy little palette cleanser with handsome Knights and Magicians. I loved it.
February 6, 2024
This book is sweet and calm, there's magic, kindness, loyality, and love.
The need to feel safe and cared for, and to do the right thing.
A mm fairy tale. I was reading with a constant smile on my face.. this author's writing is just so lovely. So many beautiful desciptions of the rain.. awesome.
Some quotes (yes I know.. every time I read a book by this author I can't resist):
The silence hung like a broken guitar-string, suspended, curling up on itself. Jer’s hand nudged Talis’s knee. A quick touch, maybe an accident; but then it came back, a determined large weight. “He would be proud of you.” “You didn’t know him.” “No. But. I know you.” The hand didn’t move. Talis’s knee liked that fact.
Jer shook his head. “I think you’re incredible and I feel like you’re everything I didn’t know I was missing, like I’ve known you for three days and also in a story I’ve heard my whole life, and then I want to shout at you and tie you up in a bed full of cotton wool so you won’t run headfirst into danger and pretend it doesn’t matter. It matters. You matter. To me. Please."
“I want you.” Jer put both arms around him. “I’ll tell you that forever, if you want me to. It’ll be a change, yes. We’ll figure it out. Together. Because you’re the person I want, Talisman Morning. You. Yourself. All of you. Your heart. The way you always, always choose to be kind. Your smile. The freckle on your ankle. I want to kiss that next time. Your hair. It’s curling.” “And you said you didn’t write poetry,” Talis said. “You do it for me. And my hair.”
Jer laughed. The rain leapt, bounced, ran with glee down the windowpanes.
The need to feel safe and cared for, and to do the right thing.
A mm fairy tale. I was reading with a constant smile on my face.. this author's writing is just so lovely. So many beautiful desciptions of the rain.. awesome.
Some quotes (yes I know.. every time I read a book by this author I can't resist):
The silence hung like a broken guitar-string, suspended, curling up on itself. Jer’s hand nudged Talis’s knee. A quick touch, maybe an accident; but then it came back, a determined large weight. “He would be proud of you.” “You didn’t know him.” “No. But. I know you.” The hand didn’t move. Talis’s knee liked that fact.
Jer shook his head. “I think you’re incredible and I feel like you’re everything I didn’t know I was missing, like I’ve known you for three days and also in a story I’ve heard my whole life, and then I want to shout at you and tie you up in a bed full of cotton wool so you won’t run headfirst into danger and pretend it doesn’t matter. It matters. You matter. To me. Please."
“I want you.” Jer put both arms around him. “I’ll tell you that forever, if you want me to. It’ll be a change, yes. We’ll figure it out. Together. Because you’re the person I want, Talisman Morning. You. Yourself. All of you. Your heart. The way you always, always choose to be kind. Your smile. The freckle on your ankle. I want to kiss that next time. Your hair. It’s curling.” “And you said you didn’t write poetry,” Talis said. “You do it for me. And my hair.”
Jer laughed. The rain leapt, bounced, ran with glee down the windowpanes.
February 7, 2024
A long time ago, and for reasons I no longer remember, I noped out of K.L. Noone's Spells and Sensibility and stuck the author on my DNR list, but then I somehow or other found myself reading samples during the most recent Smashwords sale and wound up taking a chance on several books/stories by them.
Anyway, this was fun and fluffy, with hot sex that has a d/s vibe; I'm giving it 3.5 stars because it's basically cotton candy made out of cinnamon rolls and, like anything oversweetened, it gluts the tastebuds fast. But I'm also rounding up to 4 because it's well-made cinnamon-roll cotton candy; like I said, the sex is hot; and I got it on sale. I would probably be less gruntled if I'd paid full price.
Anyway, this was fun and fluffy, with hot sex that has a d/s vibe; I'm giving it 3.5 stars because it's basically cotton candy made out of cinnamon rolls and, like anything oversweetened, it gluts the tastebuds fast. But I'm also rounding up to 4 because it's well-made cinnamon-roll cotton candy; like I said, the sex is hot; and I got it on sale. I would probably be less gruntled if I'd paid full price.
September 2, 2023
4.5 rounded up
I'm really enjoying this author, and the Middle Lands series in particular is just lovely! There's a gentleness to these stories that does not equal fluff and sappiness--they're comforting. I also find the magical system and worldbuilding to be quite fascinating, and Tal's 'luckiness' was particularly interesting! Compelling characters, lovely build between the MCs, and just a fun read all around! The ~mystery~ plot was a little under-baked, but I hardly minded.
I'm really enjoying this author, and the Middle Lands series in particular is just lovely! There's a gentleness to these stories that does not equal fluff and sappiness--they're comforting. I also find the magical system and worldbuilding to be quite fascinating, and Tal's 'luckiness' was particularly interesting! Compelling characters, lovely build between the MCs, and just a fun read all around! The ~mystery~ plot was a little under-baked, but I hardly minded.
February 26, 2024
This is a really beautiful fantasy.
Jer is looking for help from a magician and Talis is in the right place at the right time.
This is pretty Insta love because it happens over the space of just a few days. But, I loved how much they appreciated each other and think the other is awesome.
There are some thoughts about what makes a ruler "strong" that I appreciated and felt like pertain to my own country.
I would prefer fewer reminders of their past lovers, but otherwise I really loved this book.
Jer is looking for help from a magician and Talis is in the right place at the right time.
This is pretty Insta love because it happens over the space of just a few days. But, I loved how much they appreciated each other and think the other is awesome.
There are some thoughts about what makes a ruler "strong" that I appreciated and felt like pertain to my own country.
I would prefer fewer reminders of their past lovers, but otherwise I really loved this book.
August 5, 2023
GR's search could never find this book! I had to hunt it down in the author's list.
That was annoying.
Luckily, the story's good. Alas, at the end it got too over-the-top gooey for me, and so did parts of the bonus story, so I did skim a bit, hence the missing star. I still really like this world, and I hope there are more stories in it.
That was annoying.
Luckily, the story's good. Alas, at the end it got too over-the-top gooey for me, and so did parts of the bonus story, so I did skim a bit, hence the missing star. I still really like this world, and I hope there are more stories in it.
Read
October 6, 2023This is a story full of earnest people being earnest.
If you don't mind your royal guards not seeming to be very martially minded and want your romance instant and essentially uncomplicated, then this might be for you.
If you don't mind your royal guards not seeming to be very martially minded and want your romance instant and essentially uncomplicated, then this might be for you.
September 6, 2024
⭐ 3.5 ⭐
So cute and soft omg
So cute and soft omg
May 4, 2024
4-⭐
I really like the magic in this series a lot and both leads here are very lovely. This one felt a bit too long though and the romance is very straightforward. So I wasn't quite as excited as I was with Magician and The Twelfth Enchantment.
There's a bonus short story in the end with Jeryn's POV. I do rather like it this way: a sinlge POV story with a glimpse from the other after the main story. It was the same with Magician.
I really like the magic in this series a lot and both leads here are very lovely. This one felt a bit too long though and the romance is very straightforward. So I wasn't quite as excited as I was with Magician and The Twelfth Enchantment.
There's a bonus short story in the end with Jeryn's POV. I do rather like it this way: a sinlge POV story with a glimpse from the other after the main story. It was the same with Magician.
September 22, 2023
September 2023
Kindle edition
Initial after thoughts: None.
I'm gonna say this was a case of bad luck. Lately I've been reading and listening to books that elicit a lot of emotion. This one just happened to be next on the list and, I felt nothing. It was a soft straight forward insta-love. Talis' power was interesting but that was about it.
Kindle edition
Initial after thoughts: None.
I'm gonna say this was a case of bad luck. Lately I've been reading and listening to books that elicit a lot of emotion. This one just happened to be next on the list and, I felt nothing. It was a soft straight forward insta-love. Talis' power was interesting but that was about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 3, 2023Cosy and soothing. Normally I’d like a little more bite to the romantic relationship, but I liked the Mckillip-esque descriptions and the world/magic system.
October 3, 2024
This is how you write saccharine! They were just the sweetest. The prose is lyrical, and the couple is just so open and communicative from the very beginning that the bond is there, even over the short time. Literally the most polite sex scene I have ever read, lol. It was just so peaceful to read!
January 18, 2025
I really liked two of the other novels in the series but unfortunately i bounced off this one. Nothing worked for me: the mystery was bland, the romance dull and insta-lovey, and although I enjoy lyrical prose, I don't think it was well-done here.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some.
December 11, 2023
A cute insta love story about a magic apprentice who is lucky, much to the detriment to the people around him. Unable to master his magic his plan to leave the city is thwarted by a very hot guard who thinks the kings life might be in danger.
I’m not mad at insta love and this one was sweet. I liked the writing. I just wanted more. I’m happy that though the plot might have been predictable, this book didn’t fall into all of the romance tropes it could have easily indulged in. Over all solid work and I would turn to this author for more comfort reads.
I’m not mad at insta love and this one was sweet. I liked the writing. I just wanted more. I’m happy that though the plot might have been predictable, this book didn’t fall into all of the romance tropes it could have easily indulged in. Over all solid work and I would turn to this author for more comfort reads.
November 1, 2023
given how this is a 240 pages book, i dismissed some of the rushed bits and how fast paced the romance is, how sometimes the descriptions and prose went a bit long and i lost track of what was supposed to be happening; and still gave Apprentice’s Luck five stars.
in recent years i don’t give five stars lightly— i’ve given whooping three stars to books i absolutely loved and am obsessed with to this day, because i couldn’t dismiss their flaws, and yet.
something about talis and jer, the ambiance of magic and the last days of winter, of rain and humidity and new love… this is a cozy book, a cozy reading, and some passages truly gripped me in a most delightful ways, for some reason.
this isn’t a ground breaking story or romance, except maybe it is. i’m still struggling to find queer books that comfortably fall somewhere in the middle between the innocence of young adult romances and more adult themes. i do enjoy sweet romance, but c’mon folks, i still want well-written and engaging sex scenes. i want adult characters and problems with gravitas! and this one did have a neat little murder plot, so it gets bonus cookie points.
Apprentice’s Luck is an uncomplicated book that reads the way you watch a soft slice of life anime— pretty colors, warmth, some gentle insight you didn’t expect to make about yourself.
because this book DID make me discover a whole new thing about myself, so i guess you can account my five star rating to that.
i recommend this reading to anyone who wants to sit down and smile and enjoy some beauty as a pick me up.
in recent years i don’t give five stars lightly— i’ve given whooping three stars to books i absolutely loved and am obsessed with to this day, because i couldn’t dismiss their flaws, and yet.
something about talis and jer, the ambiance of magic and the last days of winter, of rain and humidity and new love… this is a cozy book, a cozy reading, and some passages truly gripped me in a most delightful ways, for some reason.
this isn’t a ground breaking story or romance, except maybe it is. i’m still struggling to find queer books that comfortably fall somewhere in the middle between the innocence of young adult romances and more adult themes. i do enjoy sweet romance, but c’mon folks, i still want well-written and engaging sex scenes. i want adult characters and problems with gravitas! and this one did have a neat little murder plot, so it gets bonus cookie points.
Apprentice’s Luck is an uncomplicated book that reads the way you watch a soft slice of life anime— pretty colors, warmth, some gentle insight you didn’t expect to make about yourself.
because this book DID make me discover a whole new thing about myself, so i guess you can account my five star rating to that.
i recommend this reading to anyone who wants to sit down and smile and enjoy some beauty as a pick me up.
August 29, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Apprentice Luck is a delightful fantasy set in the same world as Magician and The Twelfth Enchantment. Author K.L. Noone takes readers back to the fictional world of Averene and introduces an entirely new and instantly likable cast of characters. There is far less focus on power dynamics between royals and magicians. Instead, the biggest drama in the story comes entirely from the connection between Talis and Jer. First, of course, is their working relationship. This feels very straightforward, but as our two main characters get to know each other, it’s revealed that Talis simply trusting Jar’s word that there is treason afoot acts as a firm foundation for their romantic connection to develop.
Overall, I thought Apprentice’s Luck is a great addition to this family of stories. The writing and world building made for a wonderfully immersive experience. Fans of opposites attract or hurt/comfort themes, giving and taking control in the bedroom, found family, glow-ups, and, of course, magi will all find plenty to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Apprentice Luck is a delightful fantasy set in the same world as Magician and The Twelfth Enchantment. Author K.L. Noone takes readers back to the fictional world of Averene and introduces an entirely new and instantly likable cast of characters. There is far less focus on power dynamics between royals and magicians. Instead, the biggest drama in the story comes entirely from the connection between Talis and Jer. First, of course, is their working relationship. This feels very straightforward, but as our two main characters get to know each other, it’s revealed that Talis simply trusting Jar’s word that there is treason afoot acts as a firm foundation for their romantic connection to develop.
Overall, I thought Apprentice’s Luck is a great addition to this family of stories. The writing and world building made for a wonderfully immersive experience. Fans of opposites attract or hurt/comfort themes, giving and taking control in the bedroom, found family, glow-ups, and, of course, magi will all find plenty to enjoy in this book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
September 10, 2023
Really enjoying this series, I like all the characters the author has created, and this book didn’t disappoint. I like how all of the stories are unique, but you still get the connection of the world and magic.
August 7, 2023
a very good read
Slow to build, but does not disappoint. You’ll end the story wanting to hear more of Jer & Talis’ lifestory.
Slow to build, but does not disappoint. You’ll end the story wanting to hear more of Jer & Talis’ lifestory.
May 20, 2024
I didn’t hate it. I don’t regret reading it. But I don’t think I would reread it.
pros
✦ Talis and Jer are genuinely so cute. The softest dom/sub you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading.
✦ The story was actually entertaining, if not entirely suspenseful or anything of the sort, despite Talis and Jeryn meeting because of an assassination plot. I do appreciate that Noone did their best considering their writing might not lend itself well to mystery.
✧ Also, while Talis does use his luck to help solve the mystery, he also does a fair amount of snooping around. And for some reason he knows what foxglove extract and poppy syrup look or smell like. That’s useful when you’re being a snoop.
cons
✦ Way too flowery. Maybe Noone’s hellbent on showing me their literary chops. But there were times when I just wanted to know if it was raining or not. No need to tell me that the rain fell like crushed diamonds over buildings, shops, spires — just tell me it rained. I appreciate metaphors every now and then, but Noone definitely over-employed it, and it lost meaning and impact and became clutter on the page at some point.
✧ Talis and Jer’s conversations? Well, I know this is definitely a fantasy world, because people don’t talk like that. Jesus Christ.
✧ Their sex talk falls in the “not my cup of tea” category. The sex also falls kind of in the “meh” category because of all the talking and how flowery it all is.
✦ The timelines in this story are unreal. Noone operates only on fantasy timelines, which, granted, this is a fantasy story, so it tracks. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
✧ We went from Talis contemplating running away because he thought his magic was shit to Talis being proclaimed the most powerful magician of his generation in, like, five days. Even before Sadako could roll out of the TV, Talis could wish her into unbeing.
✧ “I love yous” were being thrown out willy-nilly. I repeat: five days. Come on, man, give me at least a month. Please. I am begging you.
✦ Fucking Talis goes from “overexhaustion, asleep for two days” to delivering this line in the span of 0.0001ms:
Can he be fucking normal for once? Why can’t his first word after “Jer” be “water”??
deets (although you could just read it, it’s not that long)
pros
✦ Talis and Jer are genuinely so cute. The softest dom/sub you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading.
✦ The story was actually entertaining, if not entirely suspenseful or anything of the sort, despite Talis and Jeryn meeting because of an assassination plot. I do appreciate that Noone did their best considering their writing might not lend itself well to mystery.
✧ Also, while Talis does use his luck to help solve the mystery, he also does a fair amount of snooping around. And for some reason he knows what foxglove extract and poppy syrup look or smell like. That’s useful when you’re being a snoop.
cons
✦ Way too flowery. Maybe Noone’s hellbent on showing me their literary chops. But there were times when I just wanted to know if it was raining or not. No need to tell me that the rain fell like crushed diamonds over buildings, shops, spires — just tell me it rained. I appreciate metaphors every now and then, but Noone definitely over-employed it, and it lost meaning and impact and became clutter on the page at some point.
✧ Talis and Jer’s conversations? Well, I know this is definitely a fantasy world, because people don’t talk like that. Jesus Christ.
✧ Their sex talk falls in the “not my cup of tea” category. The sex also falls kind of in the “meh” category because of all the talking and how flowery it all is.
✦ The timelines in this story are unreal. Noone operates only on fantasy timelines, which, granted, this is a fantasy story, so it tracks. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
✧ We went from Talis contemplating running away because he thought his magic was shit to Talis being proclaimed the most powerful magician of his generation in, like, five days. Even before Sadako could roll out of the TV, Talis could wish her into unbeing.
✧ “I love yous” were being thrown out willy-nilly. I repeat: five days. Come on, man, give me at least a month. Please. I am begging you.
✦ Fucking Talis goes from “overexhaustion, asleep for two days” to delivering this line in the span of 0.0001ms:
“I wouldn’t hallucinate some sort of plaintive operatic solo in a language that I’ve never heard. So that was you. Of course I remember you.”
Can he be fucking normal for once? Why can’t his first word after “Jer” be “water”??
deets (although you could just read it, it’s not that long)
November 13, 2024
This story asks you, what if everything did go right? What if everything was going to be ok? And then it takes your hand and shows you, slowly and beautifully. Noone has a poetic drawing writing style, and that combined with magically mundane (or mundanely magical, creates a peaceful atmosphere with depth in every direction.
The story telling style reminds me of a ghibili movie. Sometimes there are fantastical otherworldly adventures and sometimes all the beauty in the world is drawn from the things in every day life. This book touches on both, though I would say mostly the latter, even though I usually enjoy more high stakes stories.
The apprentice’s luck was a small story, a single city, a single event, a single romance over the course of a couple days, but not any less captivating than an epic of a much larger scale. Noone’s metaphors and wordplay simply make everything too beautiful to ever want to look away.
I think in a different book Talis and Jer’s romance would have bothered me. It happens so quickly, fully in love in a matter of days, yet the pace and depth taken allow them to come to know each other deeply. That and they are shockingly honest and open, to an extent I find somewhat unrealistic. But you know why shouldn’t that happen? Why shouldn’t two people with open hearts and easy truths stumble into their soul mate? Why shouldn’t they be able to say exactly what’s on their mind and be understood? Love fearlessly and be lovingly caught in return? It fits in place perfectly in this tale, in a story where everything always was going to be ok.
The story telling style reminds me of a ghibili movie. Sometimes there are fantastical otherworldly adventures and sometimes all the beauty in the world is drawn from the things in every day life. This book touches on both, though I would say mostly the latter, even though I usually enjoy more high stakes stories.
The apprentice’s luck was a small story, a single city, a single event, a single romance over the course of a couple days, but not any less captivating than an epic of a much larger scale. Noone’s metaphors and wordplay simply make everything too beautiful to ever want to look away.
I think in a different book Talis and Jer’s romance would have bothered me. It happens so quickly, fully in love in a matter of days, yet the pace and depth taken allow them to come to know each other deeply. That and they are shockingly honest and open, to an extent I find somewhat unrealistic. But you know why shouldn’t that happen? Why shouldn’t two people with open hearts and easy truths stumble into their soul mate? Why shouldn’t they be able to say exactly what’s on their mind and be understood? Love fearlessly and be lovingly caught in return? It fits in place perfectly in this tale, in a story where everything always was going to be ok.
August 24, 2024
An enjoyable fantasy tale, the first I’ve read in this world, so I am really pleased that there are some other books already written.
Talis is an apprentice magician, not in control of his magic and afraid that all he’s ever going to do is harm others.
Jeryn is a King’s guard. Solid, reliable, and totally under-appreciated.
Talis’ luck is swirling when they first meet, and mischievous pushing them together. Such a lovely couple, who fit perfectly together, both not believing they deserve the happiness that stands right before them.
I really enjoy the way Noone writes. Such lovely thoughtful descriptions, adding depth to a character or scene. Looking forward to reading more about these characters. I hope Noone does write the follow book.
Talis is an apprentice magician, not in control of his magic and afraid that all he’s ever going to do is harm others.
Jeryn is a King’s guard. Solid, reliable, and totally under-appreciated.
Talis’ luck is swirling when they first meet, and mischievous pushing them together. Such a lovely couple, who fit perfectly together, both not believing they deserve the happiness that stands right before them.
I really enjoy the way Noone writes. Such lovely thoughtful descriptions, adding depth to a character or scene. Looking forward to reading more about these characters. I hope Noone does write the follow book.
January 4, 2024
***3.6***
Liked how they loved one another. This was an insta-lovestory for sure as the I love yous were said within days. I also liked the intrigue/crime. Still the plot overall was extremely low angst despite the topic and I felt it could have been condensed and more fast paced.
Liked how they loved one another. This was an insta-lovestory for sure as the I love yous were said within days. I also liked the intrigue/crime. Still the plot overall was extremely low angst despite the topic and I felt it could have been condensed and more fast paced.
March 2, 2024
lovely
Just love this. A wonderful addition to the world of the Magician and the Sorceress. Talis and Jer are wonderful together and, as always, KL Noone’s writing is lyrical and lovely.
Just love this. A wonderful addition to the world of the Magician and the Sorceress. Talis and Jer are wonderful together and, as always, KL Noone’s writing is lyrical and lovely.
October 14, 2024
The books in this series are the only ones keeping me engaged at the moment. So far, they've been cozy and soothing, which is exactly what I needed.
The plot is quite straightforward so don't pick this up if you're looking for an intricate read. The magic system is quite interesting.
The plot is quite straightforward so don't pick this up if you're looking for an intricate read. The magic system is quite interesting.
July 12, 2025
2.5
I rounded up the rating because if you are looking for a cute story and don't mind insta-love, a predictable outcome of a not so mysterious mystery and quite perfect protagonists, then you'll like this.
I rounded up the rating because if you are looking for a cute story and don't mind insta-love, a predictable outcome of a not so mysterious mystery and quite perfect protagonists, then you'll like this.
September 2, 2023
I liked this. Their relationship happened super fast. The l love you's within days. But somehow it was ok. My only gripe is that the story went on to long. I skimmed the end.
December 25, 2023
I think I prefer Noones novellas and shorts because the longer they get the more just okay sex scenes there are
Read
August 20, 2024Actually read the Kobo epub edition, which Amazon-owned Goodreads of course does not list.
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