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A Mage's Apprentice #3
Tempests of Truth
Having finally rescued her friend, Delphine is left with a secret that could put all of Tartora at risk. Stranded on an island and with their relationship in tatters, Delphine and Nik are further than ever from finding and defeating Grey. But now they know the truth of his ability, they can’t let anything stand in the way of stopping him.Delphine’s unique skills are their best tool for facing Grey, but they also make her a target. Nik wants to protect her, and Delphine’s heart wants to let him, but his status still stands between them. With fear and danger on every side, Delphine will need new levels of determination and courage to save both Tartora’s future and her own.If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, adventure, and clean romance, then try A Mage’s Apprentice, set in the same world as the completed Mage’s Influence series.A Mage’s Apprentice reading of CourageStorms of AllegianceTempests of Truth
350 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2023
99 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,764 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 10, 2023
Contains: kisses, mild fighting and violence.
Totally not shipping Nic and Delphine! 1. Most of their relationship is on the sly and in high stress situations. 2. They ignore each other when the going gets tough (rather than talk it out) and 3. The most convincing argument against them comes from Delphine herself, “Our relationship had been all heat and intensity with little room for the sort of relaxed familiarity I saw between his sister and her husband.” Ummm that doesn’t sound like a healthy relationship to me. It sounds like lust or puppy love or what it actually is: the first love of two teenagers who aren’t mature enough to know what real love is.
Other than that there is quite a bit packed into the book. We have an epidemic, a coup in progress, inept rulers, a possible execution, and the return of the prodigal son. I kinda felt a little let down by Nic’s return since we weren’t there for it. I also was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more remorse for locking Delphine up.
Totally not shipping Nic and Delphine! 1. Most of their relationship is on the sly and in high stress situations. 2. They ignore each other when the going gets tough (rather than talk it out) and 3. The most convincing argument against them comes from Delphine herself, “Our relationship had been all heat and intensity with little room for the sort of relaxed familiarity I saw between his sister and her husband.” Ummm that doesn’t sound like a healthy relationship to me. It sounds like lust or puppy love or what it actually is: the first love of two teenagers who aren’t mature enough to know what real love is.
Other than that there is quite a bit packed into the book. We have an epidemic, a coup in progress, inept rulers, a possible execution, and the return of the prodigal son. I kinda felt a little let down by Nic’s return since we weren’t there for it. I also was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more remorse for locking Delphine up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
I like this author and I've read several of her books. She is creative in her story telling when it comes to world building and characters. While some of that could be seen here, I'll just say that this wasn't for me. It wasn't awful. It just didn't work for me.
It felt super young...like elementary school young. The dialogue anchored it into that feel. It was everyone on their best behavoir all the time and as I listened to the audio, it just felt over-acted. Not my favorite and it amplified the "young" vibe. So 2 stars.
It felt super young...like elementary school young. The dialogue anchored it into that feel. It was everyone on their best behavoir all the time and as I listened to the audio, it just felt over-acted. Not my favorite and it amplified the "young" vibe. So 2 stars.
November 8, 2023
Good ending
I enjoyed the ending of this trilogy. I do wish the 1rst climax had been a little more action packed. I also hope later editions provide the last chapter of book 2 from niks perspective (can be found on the authors site) as otherwise your left slightly confused to what really happened and how the drama could be solved so quickly. It was a good read.
I enjoyed the ending of this trilogy. I do wish the 1rst climax had been a little more action packed. I also hope later editions provide the last chapter of book 2 from niks perspective (can be found on the authors site) as otherwise your left slightly confused to what really happened and how the drama could be solved so quickly. It was a good read.
October 30, 2023
In comparison to the previous series this one lacked flow and was rushed. To elaborate more on that sentence would lead to spoilers that would make this review cliff notes. Overall the series felt like I read a detailed outline and not a quality series.
December 14, 2023
This was a great conclusion to this trilogy! I loved seeing where all the characters from the previous series ended up, and I especially loved Nik's arc in this book as he came to the realization of where he truly belonged vs. where he'd always believed he belonged.
I highly recommend both this series and the first, connected series if you love clean YA fantasy!
I highly recommend both this series and the first, connected series if you love clean YA fantasy!
March 11, 2024
This was a good conclusion to the trilogy. Honestly, I didn’t fully get Delphine’s angst over not being able to be with Nik - their relationship never felt all that impossible to me. But I liked the wrap up of the Grey plotline, and although I saw the Amara-Hayes solution way ahead, it was still nice to read it - and funny how the reader finds out what happens. Overall I wasn’t crazy about what happened from 86-ish% through 93% of the way through the book - the final major plot twist, I suppose. I found it hard to believe, harder to forgive and move past, and the solution, while dramatic and well explained, seems one that would be impossible for a king who had already done the things this one had done to Delphine with far less provocation to look past. So, I’m doing my best to look past it. I liked Nik’s character development across the three books. I sincerely disliked him in the previous trilogy to the best of my recollection - honestly I can’t say he’s my favorite ever hero, but he’s greatly improved and I think he and Delphine will do well together. I liked the tie up for Delphine’s family. I loved having a trilogy about someone with the healing affinity - that’s probably the affinity I would have, so it’s been fun experiencing the world with Delphine. I wish there had been more on animal healing and that we’d got to see whatever Delphine chose to specialize it - assuming maybe healing people, since that’s mostly what she did, though honestly I never fully understood why she had to choose. She seemed equally adept at healing people, animals, and the law stuff at least at the apprentice level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Tempests of Truth (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 3)
Tempests of Truth (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 3) ~~ Tempests of Truth raises the stakes and emotional intensity in a gripping continuation of Kadence’s journey. As secrets from the past surface and political tensions rise, Kadence finds herself facing not just external threats—but the burden of truth, and the cost of standing by it. The consequences of earlier choices echo through every chapter, forcing her to confront who she truly is and what she’s willing to fight for.
Melanie Cellier delivers a beautifully written story filled with layered revelations and moments of real emotional depth. The magic continues to grow more complex, and the connection between Kadence and Athan is tested in ways that feel organic and powerful. Their bond, rooted in trust and quiet understanding, continues to evolve and remains one of the series’ strongest elements.
The pacing in this book is steady with bursts of action, emotional confrontation, and plot twists that challenge both the characters and readers. This installment also explores themes of identity, legacy, and the weight of knowledge, adding maturity and substance to Kadence’s growth as a mage.
Tempests of Truth is a powerful and poignant turning point in the series, preparing readers for the final arc while delivering a satisfying story on its own. I definitely recommend reading this series!
Tempests of Truth (A Mage’s Apprentice Book 3) ~~ Tempests of Truth raises the stakes and emotional intensity in a gripping continuation of Kadence’s journey. As secrets from the past surface and political tensions rise, Kadence finds herself facing not just external threats—but the burden of truth, and the cost of standing by it. The consequences of earlier choices echo through every chapter, forcing her to confront who she truly is and what she’s willing to fight for.
Melanie Cellier delivers a beautifully written story filled with layered revelations and moments of real emotional depth. The magic continues to grow more complex, and the connection between Kadence and Athan is tested in ways that feel organic and powerful. Their bond, rooted in trust and quiet understanding, continues to evolve and remains one of the series’ strongest elements.
The pacing in this book is steady with bursts of action, emotional confrontation, and plot twists that challenge both the characters and readers. This installment also explores themes of identity, legacy, and the weight of knowledge, adding maturity and substance to Kadence’s growth as a mage.
Tempests of Truth is a powerful and poignant turning point in the series, preparing readers for the final arc while delivering a satisfying story on its own. I definitely recommend reading this series!
December 27, 2025
After having a really hard time getting started, I was happy to see the action pick up in this last book. I have shared my opinion on previous books, but one things still bugs me. What do plant mages even do? I have read “Seeds of Glory and Ruin,” the prequel series a know it’s explained there, but it’s been a while! (And a separate series!!)
The intricacies of the healing affinity is well explained and the elements affinity is easy enough to understand. But plants? Like yes it’s plants but also earth/soil and wood?? I get it. It kind of makes sense. But why was it never even briefly explained in the whole series!! For all its over explanation this is one very important piece of information that was missed! I only needed one sentence. Something like “they were an elements mage, with control over fire, water and air. Control over earth, though, belonged to the plants affinity. That and their ability to control wood (??) made them excellent builders”
You know what guys I don’t know. But I was constantly confused with the extent of Nik’s and even Amara’s powers cause I just needed a few sentences 😭😭
The intricacies of the healing affinity is well explained and the elements affinity is easy enough to understand. But plants? Like yes it’s plants but also earth/soil and wood?? I get it. It kind of makes sense. But why was it never even briefly explained in the whole series!! For all its over explanation this is one very important piece of information that was missed! I only needed one sentence. Something like “they were an elements mage, with control over fire, water and air. Control over earth, though, belonged to the plants affinity. That and their ability to control wood (??) made them excellent builders”
You know what guys I don’t know. But I was constantly confused with the extent of Nik’s and even Amara’s powers cause I just needed a few sentences 😭😭
January 3, 2025
At first I really enjoyed this second Mages series, like I did the first. It was great to see Nik grow and get settled, and I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness and not getting hung up on the past. However, this final book solidified my disgust of the rulers in these books, and made me dislike everyone at the end for going along with them instead of immediately deposing them. In the previous serious I was already disgruntled at the acceptance of their treatment of Cadence, and we found out how much the king and rulers had ruined everything by invading Calista. But the king seemed sorry and seemed to repair that relationship, so I had hope. Yet in this book the rulers seemed to have learned nothing - when faced with a threat they immediately want to destroy it again regardless of guilt or the consequences. It really left a bitter taste in my mouth for this series and the last series, that i otherwise really enjoyed. The whole setting/world building was spoiled for me, and I just can't bring myself to truly like these books when I'm so disgusted by the kingdom.
July 3, 2024
The start of this novel clears up the end of the last one, but I was not 100% satisfied with the explanation for a while, instead thinking Grey had somehow manipulated the situation.
Nick and Delphine are stranded on an island of strangers, trying to figure out how to help in the power void left at the end of book two.
An epidemic hits and islanders start to fall ill, leaving Delphine, as the only healer of any strength, to handle it.
After that, she must finally confront Grey back in Tartora. And just when I think the story is all wrapped up nice neat, there’s a gigantic plot twist that I did not see coming. (Well, I knew something was coming as o still had two hours left of audiobook…)
Overall thoughts: a very enjoyable series, as always, by Melanie Cellier. Clean language, light on the romance, but HEA guaranteed by the end. Good magic system. And I love (as always) the animal companions.
Nick and Delphine are stranded on an island of strangers, trying to figure out how to help in the power void left at the end of book two.
An epidemic hits and islanders start to fall ill, leaving Delphine, as the only healer of any strength, to handle it.
After that, she must finally confront Grey back in Tartora. And just when I think the story is all wrapped up nice neat, there’s a gigantic plot twist that I did not see coming. (Well, I knew something was coming as o still had two hours left of audiobook…)
Overall thoughts: a very enjoyable series, as always, by Melanie Cellier. Clean language, light on the romance, but HEA guaranteed by the end. Good magic system. And I love (as always) the animal companions.
October 29, 2023
Tempests of Truth was an incredible finale to a trilogy that has been so much fun to read. There was adventure and politics and complex dangers as well as the growing and changing of relationships and lots of sweet moments with a helpful dash of humor throughout. I love the theme of forgiveness and the process of healing which takes time that was woven throughout the story. Healing comes in many forms and in many aspects of life and this trilogy really explored that well. This would be an incredibly enjoyable read for those who like stories of someone learning to use their powers and coming into their own, good worldbuilding, a strong community of characters and friendships, interesting politics, adventure, unique dangers, animal sidekicks, slow burn clean sweet romance, non-gory fights, fate of the kingdom level stakes, some good humor, and the power of love and forgiveness.
January 1, 2025
Enjoyed the trilogy
I really liked the originality of the magic system of this world. The way the rules and history gradually unfolded was very natural and organic. The characters were unique and interesting and their adventures full of twists and turns. The slowly-developing romance throughout added an additional layer of interest. I have two small criticisms. About halfway through this book, the main character seemed to forget what healers could do, like sensing other living things without seeing them. The conflict at the climax of the story also felt a little forced. Overall, though, an engaging story and a new fantasy world to explore!
I really liked the originality of the magic system of this world. The way the rules and history gradually unfolded was very natural and organic. The characters were unique and interesting and their adventures full of twists and turns. The slowly-developing romance throughout added an additional layer of interest. I have two small criticisms. About halfway through this book, the main character seemed to forget what healers could do, like sensing other living things without seeing them. The conflict at the climax of the story also felt a little forced. Overall, though, an engaging story and a new fantasy world to explore!
April 11, 2024
I liked Nik more before I knew of the previous series and I wasn’t super confused without reading the previous series. I did grow to like Nik and Delphine. Although the end felt a bit rushed. I loved the stories though and they kept me interested. I get bored easily but this book didn’t bore me. I love her animal companions. Melanie writes clean books that I enjoy reading. No spice and no cursing.
Spoiler:
Do I forgive Nik’s parents for suggesting her death and putting her in the dungeons?! No, I don’t 🤣
Spoiler:
Do I forgive Nik’s parents for suggesting her death and putting her in the dungeons?! No, I don’t 🤣
November 8, 2023
Even Better than the Last!
When Delphine and Nik found themselves trapped on a remote island for the winter, Delphine must stop an epidemic. When they get back to Tartora, she must stop a madman. When they get to the capital, she must stop the King, himself! This book never got boring, that's for sure! I hope there will be a fourth book to this series, and that it will come out soon!
When Delphine and Nik found themselves trapped on a remote island for the winter, Delphine must stop an epidemic. When they get back to Tartora, she must stop a madman. When they get to the capital, she must stop the King, himself! This book never got boring, that's for sure! I hope there will be a fourth book to this series, and that it will come out soon!
December 10, 2023
CRAZY ending. Ugh I love this author. Glad to see so much resolution in all these little stories, and even some sweet reconciliation!! Uh…like 70% into the book I was slightly shook, like…there’s more? The climax definitely confused me for a few seconds, but the plot held strong and it was cool to see it unfold. Sad I have to wait a few weeks for new content but her retellings are held CLOSE to my heart and I cannot wait for Daisy’s story.
January 9, 2024
Satisfying story and conclusion with a flaw
I highly enjoyed this series and book. I loved the previous series and wasn’t sure this would live up to it, but it did. Good main and secondary characters, as well as an intricate and appealing storyline. I took off one star for the climax. It was described in a complicated fashion that confused me. A simpler handling would have worked better for me. The final ending was satisfying.
I highly enjoyed this series and book. I loved the previous series and wasn’t sure this would live up to it, but it did. Good main and secondary characters, as well as an intricate and appealing storyline. I took off one star for the climax. It was described in a complicated fashion that confused me. A simpler handling would have worked better for me. The final ending was satisfying.
November 30, 2024
Wow, what a whirlwind! I felt that the book got off to a slow start compared to the last two, but by the end, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen. The twists and turns of the story were wild, and what I thought would be the ending was just the beginning of the final drama. It was cool to see more characters from the last book series, A Mage's Influence, and I enjoyed how we tied up loose ends from the previous books and previous series.
January 1, 2025
A satisfying conclusion to this series! I did really enjoy Delphine and Nik as a couple, even though they made me shake my head at their lack of communication sometimes. I think the last third of the book was my favourite. I was sure where Melanie was taking the story after some of the events but it was interesting and a good conclusion. Plus I loved seeing some characters from previous Mage series!
October 9, 2025
HEA!
Phew! I was worried about how the story would proceed after the ending of book two but book three did not disappoint! The drama at various points was intense though. It’s why I love Melanie Cellier’s books. All of them! They are just so good and give you all the feels. But best of all are the finales. “Happily ever after” endings are my absolute favorite. I will forever recommend all of Melanie’s books.
Phew! I was worried about how the story would proceed after the ending of book two but book three did not disappoint! The drama at various points was intense though. It’s why I love Melanie Cellier’s books. All of them! They are just so good and give you all the feels. But best of all are the finales. “Happily ever after” endings are my absolute favorite. I will forever recommend all of Melanie’s books.
October 29, 2023
Love This Series
I was so excited when this book was released! I was impatiently waiting! I love how Delphine and Nik work through things, even though it was incredibly hard. I was very surprised about the imprisonment and the plan to get out. I feel like I’m still hanging on though and hoping for another book. Yes?
I was so excited when this book was released! I was impatiently waiting! I love how Delphine and Nik work through things, even though it was incredibly hard. I was very surprised about the imprisonment and the plan to get out. I feel like I’m still hanging on though and hoping for another book. Yes?
April 24, 2024
4.5 stars. It's rare for me to be surprised by a book, I was waiting for the twist, but the arrest scene was unexpected.
The romance plot was lacking a bit for me in the series. They seemed to be in love quickly, and most of their interaction was off-page so I wasn't invested in their relationship.
The romance plot was lacking a bit for me in the series. They seemed to be in love quickly, and most of their interaction was off-page so I wasn't invested in their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Loved this book!
I liked that violence was not goal one. I also enjoyed the characters' forgiving family for perceived injustices. It was a well written storyline and not overwhelmed by the romance.
I liked that violence was not goal one. I also enjoyed the characters' forgiving family for perceived injustices. It was a well written storyline and not overwhelmed by the romance.
October 31, 2023
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I really loved reading all of the books in this really wonderful series!
November 6, 2023
What a ride.
There were points my husband and I yelled at the book. I'm telling you, we had discussion breaks and everything. This book is engaging and at points enraging. And we made it to the other side of this journey. Whew!
There were points my husband and I yelled at the book. I'm telling you, we had discussion breaks and everything. This book is engaging and at points enraging. And we made it to the other side of this journey. Whew!
November 24, 2023
Fantastic end to a great trilogy
Honest, real characters. Fun magic. Wonderful story flow that surprises you but ties up all loose ends. This was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy.
Honest, real characters. Fun magic. Wonderful story flow that surprises you but ties up all loose ends. This was a perfect conclusion to the trilogy.
December 1, 2023
Loved it!
Tempests of Truth was fantastic. Everything was wrapped up nicely in a happily ever after bow. I enjoyed the character arcs of both Delphine and Nik, and this was a great series!
Tempests of Truth was fantastic. Everything was wrapped up nicely in a happily ever after bow. I enjoyed the character arcs of both Delphine and Nik, and this was a great series!
December 1, 2023
Great conclusion to the series
I really loved the growth and maturity in Nik and his selfless love for Delphine. Some unexpected developments but it ended with reconciliation and forgiveness.
I really loved the growth and maturity in Nik and his selfless love for Delphine. Some unexpected developments but it ended with reconciliation and forgiveness.
January 7, 2024
five stars
I loved this follow up series to seeds of glory and ruin. I’ve been waiting and waiting for it to finish and it was worth the wait. Melanie Cellier is my favorite author and this is another favorite series from her
I loved this follow up series to seeds of glory and ruin. I’ve been waiting and waiting for it to finish and it was worth the wait. Melanie Cellier is my favorite author and this is another favorite series from her
January 29, 2024
Good conclusion to a good trilogy - so glad they cleared up what was going on at the end of the second book right away so I didn't have to wonder! Thought the conclusion was an interesting solution to the issue.
May 8, 2024
As always well developed characters. The main characters faced chsllenges both personal and somewhat political. Working through their relationship brought life to both Nik and Delphine. Good story flow with a few twist that made the flow hold your attention. Without giving away any story endings, it was an enjoyable read and great to see Nik’s growth at the end, from his character in prior series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews