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Boston Magic Academies #3
Heart of the Mage
At the academy, it’s time to drop the mop.
I never thought I’d miss being a janitor, but at least I knew what I was doing in that job. Now I’m a great and mighty war mage trying to help a team of college wizards win a magic competition, and I’m desperately afraid of screwing up.
To make matters worse, my four gorgeous, powerful teammates totally believe in me, none more so than dangerously sexy, unnervingly intense Marcus Winter. Marcus knows he can make me stronger…but only if I’m willing to let him unlock my deepest desires.
Um…k.
Marcus has his own reasons for wanting to win the Mage Trials. Three years ago, he lost his cousins to the game. Now there’s the faintest hint they might be alive—but to find them, we’ll have to pull out all the stops. Marcus is willing to do whatever it takes to level me up…
And I might just let him.
Gulp.
I never thought I’d miss being a janitor, but at least I knew what I was doing in that job. Now I’m a great and mighty war mage trying to help a team of college wizards win a magic competition, and I’m desperately afraid of screwing up.
To make matters worse, my four gorgeous, powerful teammates totally believe in me, none more so than dangerously sexy, unnervingly intense Marcus Winter. Marcus knows he can make me stronger…but only if I’m willing to let him unlock my deepest desires.
Um…k.
Marcus has his own reasons for wanting to win the Mage Trials. Three years ago, he lost his cousins to the game. Now there’s the faintest hint they might be alive—but to find them, we’ll have to pull out all the stops. Marcus is willing to do whatever it takes to level me up…
And I might just let him.
Gulp.
282 pages, ebook
First published April 7, 2020
775 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 3, 2020
*Source* Author
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Heart of the Mage is the third installment in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy which is a paranormal academy romance series. For protagonist Maddigan Pierce, Twyst Academy has become more than a place where she's spent the past 6 years as a janitor. It's become a matter of life or death for her to succeed. As a war mage who isn't supposed to exist in the real world, she's now fully immersed as part of team Mage Runners in a competition called the Mage Trials where the winners will get a huge boost to their powers. That is if they can survive the trials and tribulations and challenges that they must face.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Heart of the Mage is the third installment in author D.D. Chance's Twyst Academy which is a paranormal academy romance series. For protagonist Maddigan Pierce, Twyst Academy has become more than a place where she's spent the past 6 years as a janitor. It's become a matter of life or death for her to succeed. As a war mage who isn't supposed to exist in the real world, she's now fully immersed as part of team Mage Runners in a competition called the Mage Trials where the winners will get a huge boost to their powers. That is if they can survive the trials and tribulations and challenges that they must face.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 7, 2020
This is definitely my favorite book in the series. Marcus is like no one else on this team. He's not what you'd expect. He's nothing like the others. He's privileged, a member of the silver spoon society, and one of the most capable of knowing what's in your heart.
Maddie is a little apprehensive about spending time with Marcus. He's an enigma to her. Getting to know him has been quite an experience for her, though. He seems to understand her in ways the others just don't. And, if that's not enough, he knows he can help build her strength if she'll just let him in. And Maddie needs to feel her own strength. She needs to acknowledge that she actually is an asset to the team. However, Maddie, being the least likely to be voted Open Book of the Year, is more than just a little nervous about letting anyone in, let alone someone as potent as Marcus. Her lack of self-confidence in regards to magic is paralyzing her, which is where Marcus can help. If she'll just let him.
But for the team, the trials, she knows she needs to give it her all. Which, like it or not, means opening up to Marcus. But, really, how hard can that be, seeing as he's gorgeous, mysterious, and oh, man, is he built! Not like Connor, their sunshine with a lanky build, or even Luke, the sensitive powerhouse, but built instead with enough wiry muscle to make him drool-worthy. It's his intensity that holds her back.
This book brings us closer to the end of the trials, with Maddie finding out more and more about what she can do and how deep her power runs. Learning more about herself, and subsequently learning more about Marcus, brings her to a new level in her magic, and her ability to back her teammates. It's a riveting tale of what it's like to open up to someone completely, and not have it backfire in your face. What an exhilarating experience that can be.
DD Chance, I am in awe of the way these just keep getting better and better with each volume. This was so exceptionally done I want to scream it from the rooftops! Excellently done, DD Chance, Excellently done indeed! And then some!
Maddie is a little apprehensive about spending time with Marcus. He's an enigma to her. Getting to know him has been quite an experience for her, though. He seems to understand her in ways the others just don't. And, if that's not enough, he knows he can help build her strength if she'll just let him in. And Maddie needs to feel her own strength. She needs to acknowledge that she actually is an asset to the team. However, Maddie, being the least likely to be voted Open Book of the Year, is more than just a little nervous about letting anyone in, let alone someone as potent as Marcus. Her lack of self-confidence in regards to magic is paralyzing her, which is where Marcus can help. If she'll just let him.
But for the team, the trials, she knows she needs to give it her all. Which, like it or not, means opening up to Marcus. But, really, how hard can that be, seeing as he's gorgeous, mysterious, and oh, man, is he built! Not like Connor, their sunshine with a lanky build, or even Luke, the sensitive powerhouse, but built instead with enough wiry muscle to make him drool-worthy. It's his intensity that holds her back.
This book brings us closer to the end of the trials, with Maddie finding out more and more about what she can do and how deep her power runs. Learning more about herself, and subsequently learning more about Marcus, brings her to a new level in her magic, and her ability to back her teammates. It's a riveting tale of what it's like to open up to someone completely, and not have it backfire in your face. What an exhilarating experience that can be.
DD Chance, I am in awe of the way these just keep getting better and better with each volume. This was so exceptionally done I want to scream it from the rooftops! Excellently done, DD Chance, Excellently done indeed! And then some!
April 27, 2020
I read about Connor then Luke and now Marcus and Maddigan’s bonding together. The bonding is more than just a mental bond but a sexual bond which brings so much more to the group!
This story was amazing in that Maddigan learned more about herself and the secrets going on in the Trials. Her and Marcus share their learned knowledge with the rest of the group. But there is so much going on you the reader will be really surprised by some of this information.
What has really peaked my interest besides the excellent book I just read is the small excerpt for the next book! Read and enjoy because you will want the next book in the series to read!
This story was amazing in that Maddigan learned more about herself and the secrets going on in the Trials. Her and Marcus share their learned knowledge with the rest of the group. But there is so much going on you the reader will be really surprised by some of this information.
What has really peaked my interest besides the excellent book I just read is the small excerpt for the next book! Read and enjoy because you will want the next book in the series to read!
April 28, 2021
Well then
3.7 for me
I solely like this cause Marcus is the kinkier of the four and he. Can. Get. It. I live for the silent guys who are actually a little whooooooo underneath it all and he’s super smart so that kinda makes him even more sexy?? I’m totally one of those readers right now that ignore the complexity of a world to drool over the dude, and I’m okay with that.
Maddigan’s story is progressing more and I’m glad for all of it. It’s almost bad that I can completely blank on details but hear about it again later on, cause then it’s like I almost don’t need to really be paying attention to still get answers...
It’s more pronoun in this book than the other two but I’ve officially noticed that Maddigan pays attention to way too many mundane things. Like something big happened for example and instead of just summing up that the teacher returned something, she had to think about how he gave them an order, left them alone, how she could hear about the exchange and how it reminded her of something else, and then AND THEN the teacher returned. I’d be okay if it happened for things that mattered but she does it all. The. Time. And there’s only so much I can take before I start to think that not a lot is important to her, cause she does it to the guys to (which I don’t really need to complain about).
I’d recommend this if you had kindle unlimited, or if you enjoyed the way the first book came off. Cause a lot of the things are the same, the tempo with the guys, the lengthy essays of the world, the constant buildup etc. I think I would’ve abandoned ship if I didn’t feel so enamored by the five and their story. Let’s hope this ends on an epic note. Or an orgy. I’m cool with either.
3.7 for me
I solely like this cause Marcus is the kinkier of the four and he. Can. Get. It. I live for the silent guys who are actually a little whooooooo underneath it all and he’s super smart so that kinda makes him even more sexy?? I’m totally one of those readers right now that ignore the complexity of a world to drool over the dude, and I’m okay with that.
Maddigan’s story is progressing more and I’m glad for all of it. It’s almost bad that I can completely blank on details but hear about it again later on, cause then it’s like I almost don’t need to really be paying attention to still get answers...
It’s more pronoun in this book than the other two but I’ve officially noticed that Maddigan pays attention to way too many mundane things. Like something big happened for example and instead of just summing up that the teacher returned something, she had to think about how he gave them an order, left them alone, how she could hear about the exchange and how it reminded her of something else, and then AND THEN the teacher returned. I’d be okay if it happened for things that mattered but she does it all. The. Time. And there’s only so much I can take before I start to think that not a lot is important to her, cause she does it to the guys to (which I don’t really need to complain about).
I’d recommend this if you had kindle unlimited, or if you enjoyed the way the first book came off. Cause a lot of the things are the same, the tempo with the guys, the lengthy essays of the world, the constant buildup etc. I think I would’ve abandoned ship if I didn’t feel so enamored by the five and their story. Let’s hope this ends on an epic note. Or an orgy. I’m cool with either.
April 2, 2024
Mages/RH/Multiple PoV/Academy
SYNOPSIS (of Complete Series): The FC was an orphan who worked as a janitor at a magic academy in order to save money to get into a top university. It is then discovered by one of the MCs that she is very clever and is, in fact, a rare War Mage. She is then offered a sponsorship so that she can join the MCs team when they participate in the Mage trials and help them win. The series covers the corruption of the Mage trials and the various stages that the Mage Runner team must complete. There is a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There are a few sex scenes but they are more isolated to one or two per book. They were not particularly hot and other than one, quite vanilla
The story is unique but I found it overly confusing and the plot had too many gaps. I felt that the author had tried to come up with something different and deep but the result was that it was too clever and just became confusing and, in some parts, didn’t make sense.
Whilst each of the MCs was different and worked well together I felt there was insufficient building of the FC/MC relationships and insufficient background development. The focus was all on the Mage trials and the different individuals involved in running them and it just didn’t work for me. There was too little world building generally. The MCs all seemed to be more interested in what the FC could do for them and bring to them rather than on actually liking or getting to know her as an individual. The FC herself just acted like her whole raison d’etre was to support the MCs and save them even if it was to her detriment. That didn’t work for me and certainly didn’t paint the portrait of a romantic, loving relationship.
There were gaps and inconsistencies through the story for example, Gallagher tells the FC that “they” helped put the Dire Queen on the throne so they know the timeline but it’s unclear how that works with the fact the Twelve did their trials 39years prior?? Also, if there’s an agency that runs the trials then how does anyone die or get hurt? The agency is supposed to be independent so why are the trials worse for the Mage Runners?There’s conflict in the description of how the trials works and all the different agencies involved is confusing.
There’s some angst and lots of tribulations with the Mage trials but none of it felt particularly thrilling or engaging. The ending itself was a bit odd and I didn’t fully understand what was happening. There was no full explanation of the borderlands and what had happened there or of why the twins were stranded and exactly what a war mage was or did. I just felt dissatisfied.
Ultimately I made it through the series as I kept hoping that things would improve and the story become more engaging. Unfortunately it didn’t for me.
SYNOPSIS (of Complete Series): The FC was an orphan who worked as a janitor at a magic academy in order to save money to get into a top university. It is then discovered by one of the MCs that she is very clever and is, in fact, a rare War Mage. She is then offered a sponsorship so that she can join the MCs team when they participate in the Mage trials and help them win. The series covers the corruption of the Mage trials and the various stages that the Mage Runner team must complete. There is a HEA
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There are a few sex scenes but they are more isolated to one or two per book. They were not particularly hot and other than one, quite vanilla
The story is unique but I found it overly confusing and the plot had too many gaps. I felt that the author had tried to come up with something different and deep but the result was that it was too clever and just became confusing and, in some parts, didn’t make sense.
Whilst each of the MCs was different and worked well together I felt there was insufficient building of the FC/MC relationships and insufficient background development. The focus was all on the Mage trials and the different individuals involved in running them and it just didn’t work for me. There was too little world building generally. The MCs all seemed to be more interested in what the FC could do for them and bring to them rather than on actually liking or getting to know her as an individual. The FC herself just acted like her whole raison d’etre was to support the MCs and save them even if it was to her detriment. That didn’t work for me and certainly didn’t paint the portrait of a romantic, loving relationship.
There were gaps and inconsistencies through the story for example, Gallagher tells the FC that “they” helped put the Dire Queen on the throne so they know the timeline but it’s unclear how that works with the fact the Twelve did their trials 39years prior?? Also, if there’s an agency that runs the trials then how does anyone die or get hurt? The agency is supposed to be independent so why are the trials worse for the Mage Runners?There’s conflict in the description of how the trials works and all the different agencies involved is confusing.
There’s some angst and lots of tribulations with the Mage trials but none of it felt particularly thrilling or engaging. The ending itself was a bit odd and I didn’t fully understand what was happening. There was no full explanation of the borderlands and what had happened there or of why the twins were stranded and exactly what a war mage was or did. I just felt dissatisfied.
Ultimately I made it through the series as I kept hoping that things would improve and the story become more engaging. Unfortunately it didn’t for me.
April 7, 2020
May I properly introduce you to….. Marcus Winter
We have been observed Marcus from afar since the beginning of the Series three books ago, but now finally we get a first-row experience on Marcus Winter. At first glance Maddigan and Marcus only connection seems to be absolute lack of common interest outside from some kind of weird superficial attraction that surely is not enough…. or it is?
As the story evolves a deeper connection between Maddigan and Marcus consolidates, which is only fortunate as Marcus’s seem to be in desperate need of a “Maddigan-Special” boost. It is more to Marcus character that what meets the eye, even if it does not meet the high standard Luke’s book achieved (Twyst Academy Book 2). Marcus Winter definitely needs our attention, but … fair warning, Marcus is not your average girl’s white knight hero, thus affairs between Marcus and Maddigan are kind of “mature”.
The story arc on the Magic Trials keeps developing with new elements, unexpecting twist and some hard curve balls that keep us wonder if Maddigan and the boys even stand a snowball chance not only of winning the Trials but of surviving at all, while the infamous Red Team keeps wreaking havoc on the odds.
The ability of this author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched and the writing stile as always excellent. A thoroughly satisfactory reading that can only be toped with the release of the fourth and final book in the Series. I can hardly wait to enjoy what twisted plot the bonding with Rafe Twyst will reveal…. And yes! pun very much intended 😉…
We have been observed Marcus from afar since the beginning of the Series three books ago, but now finally we get a first-row experience on Marcus Winter. At first glance Maddigan and Marcus only connection seems to be absolute lack of common interest outside from some kind of weird superficial attraction that surely is not enough…. or it is?
As the story evolves a deeper connection between Maddigan and Marcus consolidates, which is only fortunate as Marcus’s seem to be in desperate need of a “Maddigan-Special” boost. It is more to Marcus character that what meets the eye, even if it does not meet the high standard Luke’s book achieved (Twyst Academy Book 2). Marcus Winter definitely needs our attention, but … fair warning, Marcus is not your average girl’s white knight hero, thus affairs between Marcus and Maddigan are kind of “mature”.
The story arc on the Magic Trials keeps developing with new elements, unexpecting twist and some hard curve balls that keep us wonder if Maddigan and the boys even stand a snowball chance not only of winning the Trials but of surviving at all, while the infamous Red Team keeps wreaking havoc on the odds.
The ability of this author to weave a multitude of themes into a coherent both deep and funny full enjoyable story is unmatched and the writing stile as always excellent. A thoroughly satisfactory reading that can only be toped with the release of the fourth and final book in the Series. I can hardly wait to enjoy what twisted plot the bonding with Rafe Twyst will reveal…. And yes! pun very much intended 😉…
July 27, 2020
4.5 Betrayer and Betrayed Stars
Heart of the Mage is the third installment in the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
This book was entirely more fulfilling than the two previous in the series. Mainly due to Marcus. Surprisingly his connection with Maddigan appears to be the strongest. Such a weird turnabout because of his creepy vibes going so strong.
There’s still somewhat of a disconnect on the character development, between what the author is obviously going for and what is presented on the page. They don’t feel fully constructed.
However I’m truly enjoying the plot and the world building, as it all relates to the Mage Trials. Are the trials sentient? Because I’m catching some vibes here.
Will we learn more about the Consulate and the agency? These two secret and mysterious organizations. Will we finally have some insight into not only the inner workings of them but the magical community as a whole? The suppression of magic and communication, all of the cloak and dagger is showing its true detrimental nature with all these shadowy forces working against the wellbeing and interests of magical society.
How will they face not only the Red Team but the Queen, and still make it out of the Mage Trials? Will they all survive?
Heart of the Mage is the third installment in the Twyst Academy series by D. D. Chance.
This book was entirely more fulfilling than the two previous in the series. Mainly due to Marcus. Surprisingly his connection with Maddigan appears to be the strongest. Such a weird turnabout because of his creepy vibes going so strong.
There’s still somewhat of a disconnect on the character development, between what the author is obviously going for and what is presented on the page. They don’t feel fully constructed.
However I’m truly enjoying the plot and the world building, as it all relates to the Mage Trials. Are the trials sentient? Because I’m catching some vibes here.
Will we learn more about the Consulate and the agency? These two secret and mysterious organizations. Will we finally have some insight into not only the inner workings of them but the magical community as a whole? The suppression of magic and communication, all of the cloak and dagger is showing its true detrimental nature with all these shadowy forces working against the wellbeing and interests of magical society.
How will they face not only the Red Team but the Queen, and still make it out of the Mage Trials? Will they all survive?
September 21, 2021
Heart of the Mage
Summary
In Heart of the Mage, we continue our story with Maddigan Pierce as a student at Twyst Academy with this third book in the series.
Maddigan, war mage, and her 4 male mages, Connor, Luke, Marcus, and Rafe, continue their journey through the Mage Trials.
This particular story is focused on the connection between Maddigan and Marcus as they journey together to find Marcus' lost cousins with in the Mage Trials.
Review
I really enjoyed this book as much as the second. There is definitely a fire in the relationship between Maddigan and Marcus.
The story and world building of the Mage Trials definitely continues to grow in this book. We are starting to discover secrets that were building in the first two books. I like that they are bringing in past winners of the Mage Trials and involving them in a bigger conspiracy.
Recommendation
I definitely recommend this series! The series has gotten better by the second book and the third book is just as great.
Summary
In Heart of the Mage, we continue our story with Maddigan Pierce as a student at Twyst Academy with this third book in the series.
Maddigan, war mage, and her 4 male mages, Connor, Luke, Marcus, and Rafe, continue their journey through the Mage Trials.
This particular story is focused on the connection between Maddigan and Marcus as they journey together to find Marcus' lost cousins with in the Mage Trials.
Review
I really enjoyed this book as much as the second. There is definitely a fire in the relationship between Maddigan and Marcus.
The story and world building of the Mage Trials definitely continues to grow in this book. We are starting to discover secrets that were building in the first two books. I like that they are bringing in past winners of the Mage Trials and involving them in a bigger conspiracy.
Recommendation
I definitely recommend this series! The series has gotten better by the second book and the third book is just as great.
February 21, 2024
Good book
I wished there was more point of views. We only get one of the guys point of view as the prologue. She’s grown a lot, she is starting to trust them in a way that feels natural to her. It was Marcus’s book, where she forms the warrior bond with him. There wasn’t much fan fare, they did it in the queens play room. Which made me nervous in case they got caught, doing the deed, in her castle in her secret play room where they definelyy shouldn’t have been. They are starting to understand that there’s more to the land where they go for the Magic Trials. They find Marcus’s lost cousins, yay! They are alive! They also caught on to how the magic responds when they compliment the magic or wish for something that they really need at the time. They always said, magic had ears. I rated it 4 stars because it was to slow in some spots and others it raced. I started to get bored and it was easily put down when I had to physically go and do something. Otherwise, I can’t wait to see her fall for Rafe and Rafe for her!
I wished there was more point of views. We only get one of the guys point of view as the prologue. She’s grown a lot, she is starting to trust them in a way that feels natural to her. It was Marcus’s book, where she forms the warrior bond with him. There wasn’t much fan fare, they did it in the queens play room. Which made me nervous in case they got caught, doing the deed, in her castle in her secret play room where they definelyy shouldn’t have been. They are starting to understand that there’s more to the land where they go for the Magic Trials. They find Marcus’s lost cousins, yay! They are alive! They also caught on to how the magic responds when they compliment the magic or wish for something that they really need at the time. They always said, magic had ears. I rated it 4 stars because it was to slow in some spots and others it raced. I started to get bored and it was easily put down when I had to physically go and do something. Otherwise, I can’t wait to see her fall for Rafe and Rafe for her!
April 6, 2020
In Heart of the Mage, the 3rd of the Twyst Academy series, we see Maddigan and the Mage Runners team caught up in ever more complicated magical political play, as well as the ongoing mage trials. Of course, there is great interplay between Maddigan and the guys, and this time she gets close to Marcus, so we learn more about him. It's a fun story with lots of action, cool characters and a great story that hits the ground running and doesn't stop.
Again, I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I'm looking forward to book 4, although I've no idea how she's going to be able to wrap up the story and explain what's been going on, and have fun with Maddigan and Rafe (the remaining Mage Runner to bond with her) in a single book! If you haven't read these books yet, do, preferably in order as the story builds from one to another.
Again, I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I'm looking forward to book 4, although I've no idea how she's going to be able to wrap up the story and explain what's been going on, and have fun with Maddigan and Rafe (the remaining Mage Runner to bond with her) in a single book! If you haven't read these books yet, do, preferably in order as the story builds from one to another.
April 8, 2020
Marcus has been the most mysterious one. You know there is a lot more than he is revealing. In this third book in the series, she gets a chance to uncover who he truly is and finds some surprises.
I do highly recommend this series. Each book gets better and better as I really enjoy seeing the relationships grow and strengthen. At this point, she has bonded on another level with Connor and Luke and her growing feelings for Marcus confuse her.
I liked what I got to know about him. He really knows how to support and protect her when she needs it. She hasn't felt safe her entire life.
The ending has a prologue featuring what is to come for them in the fourth book and it is not going to be easy for any of them. I can't wait.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I do highly recommend this series. Each book gets better and better as I really enjoy seeing the relationships grow and strengthen. At this point, she has bonded on another level with Connor and Luke and her growing feelings for Marcus confuse her.
I liked what I got to know about him. He really knows how to support and protect her when she needs it. She hasn't felt safe her entire life.
The ending has a prologue featuring what is to come for them in the fourth book and it is not going to be easy for any of them. I can't wait.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
June 1, 2020
I have to admit I'm definitely liking the series. At first it was a little rocky but it greatly improved as I went along. Things get really interesting as we delved more into the Mage Trials. Marcus is a mind mage and whoa he's pretty intense and Maddie just doesnt know what to do at first. They have mad chemistry and Marcus is different in that he's a master manipulator. He lets you think your calling the shots and doing your thing and your in control but at the last moment he turns on you. He's the one in control. That was a fun love scene y'all I'm not kidding and I wasnt disappointed! Just sayin. We're learning all sorts of things about the trials and Borderlands. Things arent what they seems and people you think are good arent. This series keeps you guessing for sure.
February 7, 2021
This was a good-ish read. I had really high hopes for it but it just wasn't quite the series I was expecting. Why? The balance of plot/thoughts/dialogue/narration/sex/character development was just really off. I like descriptions and knowing what our characters are thinking, but there was just so much said that some of it was redundant. I'm also disappointed that with this trying to be a medium-burn, that it acted more like a slow burn with one 2 sex scenes per book and only with that said books main boy focus.
I do like the overall idea about the mage trials and balancing magic once again in both worlds and even the plot twist with our parole officer, but I just wish there was more to the relationship dynamics.
I do like the overall idea about the mage trials and balancing magic once again in both worlds and even the plot twist with our parole officer, but I just wish there was more to the relationship dynamics.
April 29, 2026
I found the series to be interesting, but not quite as good as it could be, mostly because the relationship building was rather flat. These were not a Why Choose in the normal sense. The FMC does end up with the four guys, but each one in their own book, and then the relationship with the others is mostly ignored/not mentioned. So, it's more like serial monogamy. The relationship between her and the guys, and among the guys themselves, could have been so much richer. Perhaps the author wasn't really comfortable writing Why Choose, which usually includes multi-scenes.
Otherwise, the concept was fun. The worldbuilding was rather unique. Loved that it was set in Boston!
April 8, 2020
The third installment continues to Twyst and turn through many permutations. Still edgy and coming to terms with her central role Maddigan must learn to accept she is the heart of the Mage Runners and that there are games within games in the world of magic.
The pace does not slacken and the development of a complex love triangle, no not a triangle, a love pentagram continues to unfold. Once a loner Maddigan is now beginning to accept she is more with a team and the team means more to her.
The intermingling of mundane and magic is masterfully handled you keep the reader enmeshed in the tale. Three quarters of the trial down and one to go. I can hardly wait!
The pace does not slacken and the development of a complex love triangle, no not a triangle, a love pentagram continues to unfold. Once a loner Maddigan is now beginning to accept she is more with a team and the team means more to her.
The intermingling of mundane and magic is masterfully handled you keep the reader enmeshed in the tale. Three quarters of the trial down and one to go. I can hardly wait!
April 8, 2020
This is the third book in the Twyst Academy series and what a blinder. It certainly grabs you from the first pages and is full to the brim with action. This instalment continues the story of the mage trials with Madigan and Marcus taking centre stage. The dynamic between the two characters is my favourite so far with just the right amount of vulnerability to make the characters relatable. There are a lot of answers in this book, but so may more questions to be answered in the 4th, yet to come. What are the Red Team and the Twelve up to? I am intrigued to find out what happens with Rafe and what his deal is. This is well written and enjoyable book and I urge you to buy now!
April 28, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series with it's new ideas on magic between overlapping realities because its presented in an understandable way; you don't need to be a quantum philosopher to get what's happening!
As the story has progressed much that has been obfuscated is now starting to come into focus making me very excited for the next one!
I like how the interactions and connectivity between the different worlds are becoming more defined and the picture is filling out.
I'm super curious about the nature of her relationships with her teammates and I can't wait to see where the story is going!
Highly recommend!
As the story has progressed much that has been obfuscated is now starting to come into focus making me very excited for the next one!
I like how the interactions and connectivity between the different worlds are becoming more defined and the picture is filling out.
I'm super curious about the nature of her relationships with her teammates and I can't wait to see where the story is going!
Highly recommend!
April 10, 2020
The Heart of the Mage is the 3rd book in the Twyst Academy series and it didn't disappoint. As each book continues to build up to the end of the Mage Trials, the connections that Maddi is making with her team is also increasing. But what happens when it's over? More secrets are revealed and we learn more about the cabinet and what the 12 are doing to the borderlands. This is a must-read for anyone that has read the first two, and if you haven't yet, pick them up. You will not be disappointed in this series!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review and am so happy I did!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review and am so happy I did!
June 7, 2021
How have I lived this long without D.D. Chance?
Again, an awesomely slow burn story that involves so much plot that I feel like I’m in the middle of a theater watching the greatest movie ever. I have never read this author before this series, but I can guarantee you that I will be following her/his(?) work. No, I haven’t read the biographical information blurb. I guess one day I will. But for now, I am just obsessed with her words in these novels.
Simply the best RH series I have ever read.
Again, an awesomely slow burn story that involves so much plot that I feel like I’m in the middle of a theater watching the greatest movie ever. I have never read this author before this series, but I can guarantee you that I will be following her/his(?) work. No, I haven’t read the biographical information blurb. I guess one day I will. But for now, I am just obsessed with her words in these novels.
Simply the best RH series I have ever read.
April 20, 2020
This the 3rd in the series is great, i loved the 1st but enjoyed this one more that the 2nd - dont know why, maybe i like Marcus more than Luke. As far as what will happen with Rafe in the next book, i cant wait to find out. As others have said this book leaves us with more questions asked than answered. I would definitely recommend this series BUT you need to read them all in order for them to work as they should.
April 27, 2020
This is the continuation of Maddigan and her boys. In this book she bonds with Marcus. As the adventure continuous we see less of the 1st boys Luke and Connor I would have loved for them to be more together but I understand this book is for Marcus as the last will be for Rafe. Great book all in all it Maddigan made me think of Sara Wilde in some parts. I love a strong heroine with developing powers.
June 14, 2020
I feel like these books are two different stories. You have the whole mage trials thing and you have a wanna be RH. The mage trials story is pretty good. The RH part...not so much. I skimmed all of that because it feels forced. The story would have been bette without all of that. They’ve known each other for a few weeks and they all have this deep love and trust for each other. I don’t buy it. I’ll keep reading because I’m interested in the conclusion, but I’m sure I’ll skim the next book too.
August 2, 2020
Messy, convoluted chaos, that's what the story has boiled down to by now.
Added to that I was really disappointed with Marcus, I mean, Brains and a fighter, I thought he'd be just my type. But any type of mind magic, coercion, manipulation is an absolute no-no for me. And then the whole bondage thing just made it worse, especially since he practically hypnotized her while at it. So Not OK!!!
Glad its almost over.
Added to that I was really disappointed with Marcus, I mean, Brains and a fighter, I thought he'd be just my type. But any type of mind magic, coercion, manipulation is an absolute no-no for me. And then the whole bondage thing just made it worse, especially since he practically hypnotized her while at it. So Not OK!!!
Glad its almost over.
November 2, 2020
A little bit of BDSM
Things are so fantastical now. Nothing is as it seems and there's even more questions than before.
I loved the BDSM mix between Maddigan and Marcus. It was exquisitely done. I wish there could have been more time involved with their relationship but now its Rafe's turn. I am curious how that will go down. I also hope that she will also have more time with the other three in the next book.
Things are so fantastical now. Nothing is as it seems and there's even more questions than before.
I loved the BDSM mix between Maddigan and Marcus. It was exquisitely done. I wish there could have been more time involved with their relationship but now its Rafe's turn. I am curious how that will go down. I also hope that she will also have more time with the other three in the next book.
April 7, 2020
For the third book in the series, this one surprised me with how much I liked it and couldn’t stop reading! The plot moved right along, it wasn’t repetitive, and I didn’t leave with my questions than answers which was awesome. Marcus blew me away. My favorite has been Rafe through the books but I really loved how Marcus delivered. Awesome book, great world, and I cannot wait for book 4.
April 7, 2020
Maddigan and her 4 mages at Twyst Academy move into the 3rd level of the Mage Trials and nothing is as it should be. Allies appear, enemies abound and twists are thrown at them at every turn. Some questions are answered but many more are raised and a chilling prologue to book 4 to finish off! Can’t wait for the conclusion!
April 8, 2020
I'm really loving this series! This part of Maddigan's story takes an interesting personal turn (spoiler alert: so very, very steamy), and the rest of everything I could say would be an actual spoiler alert so I will sum up: if you're loving this series, you are going to want this book! Just be aware that it has moments that are volcano-hot.
August 10, 2020
Again great series
This series is wonderful, I just wish that each book was more than the relationship with one guy. It seems like she bonds with one in a book and the next there is hardly any mention of him. I think the flow could be better by making it more of a unit, then it is.
This series is wonderful, I just wish that each book was more than the relationship with one guy. It seems like she bonds with one in a book and the next there is hardly any mention of him. I think the flow could be better by making it more of a unit, then it is.
February 27, 2021
Endless
First and foremost, the story predictably moved on with Maddigan and Marcus. But it went on forever. Every time they get dragged into the trials it feels like that should be a level but apparently not. It’s like that song, it just goes on and on my friend. This series seriously could have been two or three books long at the most.
First and foremost, the story predictably moved on with Maddigan and Marcus. But it went on forever. Every time they get dragged into the trials it feels like that should be a level but apparently not. It’s like that song, it just goes on and on my friend. This series seriously could have been two or three books long at the most.
October 16, 2021
This book is about Maddigan and Marcus. How Maddigan gets to know each guy is awesome. I just wish that you’d see her act with not only the new guy she’s getting to know, but more with the other guys that she already knows. I’m interested to see how she and Rafe get to know each other better in the next book.
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