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The Sundered Web #1
The Bridge to Magic
Men thought they had won the war against magic, when a demi-god had sundered their realm and banished magic and its keepers to the deadlands. But then another terror was born. Nothing can survive the approaching Blight. Terren, the last refuge of mankind, now stands alone in its path. Only the bridge across the great chasm offers any hope of escape... for some.
Elika has long feared the bridge to the Deadlands. It had taken her parents, and the lives of more poor fools than she could count. What's there for them anyway on the other side but more suffering and death? Though the gods had abandoned them, the king and his priests will stop the Blight. They just need to destroy every echo of magic, the source of the Blight. Then she discovers that the biggest echo of magic is hiding inside her, and through her it seeks to enact the will of its own.
Accused of being a mage, she is hunted and hated. Many doubt her loyalties. Her gang turns against her. The one man she thought she could trust and love, abandons her. Everything she knew about her past shatters, as long-buried secrets about her true birth emerge. Worse still, she may not even be human. She must race to find a way to purge herself from magic's hold. But as time runs out for the city and her magic only grows in power, can she sacrifice herself to save the last of humanity and all that she loves?
Elika has long feared the bridge to the Deadlands. It had taken her parents, and the lives of more poor fools than she could count. What's there for them anyway on the other side but more suffering and death? Though the gods had abandoned them, the king and his priests will stop the Blight. They just need to destroy every echo of magic, the source of the Blight. Then she discovers that the biggest echo of magic is hiding inside her, and through her it seeks to enact the will of its own.
Accused of being a mage, she is hunted and hated. Many doubt her loyalties. Her gang turns against her. The one man she thought she could trust and love, abandons her. Everything she knew about her past shatters, as long-buried secrets about her true birth emerge. Worse still, she may not even be human. She must race to find a way to purge herself from magic's hold. But as time runs out for the city and her magic only grows in power, can she sacrifice herself to save the last of humanity and all that she loves?
360 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2023
39 people are currently reading
23664 people want to read
About the author
Alex Thornbury
3 books148 followersAlex Thornbury is an award-winning author. She grew up in Cheshire UK, and developed deep love of history and fantasy thanks to the many castles she visited as a child. Though she grew up to be an Alchemist by trade, she never stopped fantasising about other worlds, dragons and epic battles.
She has abandoned her Alchemy and potion making career, and is now a full time author of high fantasy.
Her debut fantasy novel, The Bridge to Magic, has won multiple awards, including the 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Award, 2022-23 Reader Views Literary Awards for Overall Grand Prize in Fiction (Silver), Gold medal for YA Fiction, Silver medal for Fantasy, Best Teen/YA Book of the Year and Australia Global Award.
You can find her on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexthornbu...
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.alext...
Website - https://alexthornbury.com/
She has abandoned her Alchemy and potion making career, and is now a full time author of high fantasy.
Her debut fantasy novel, The Bridge to Magic, has won multiple awards, including the 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Award, 2022-23 Reader Views Literary Awards for Overall Grand Prize in Fiction (Silver), Gold medal for YA Fiction, Silver medal for Fantasy, Best Teen/YA Book of the Year and Australia Global Award.
You can find her on:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alexthornbu...
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.alext...
Website - https://alexthornbury.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 23, 2024
I can't get into this book
March 8, 2023
“The Bridge to Magic” is a wonderful example of great world-building.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 16, 2024
It's strange that Goodreads allows authors to review their own books. Well, if that's the case, I guess I cannot pass a chance here at my own honest review. I toyed with the idea of giving it the full 5*, but would that be conceited, false, desperate? Too obvious? Honest even? So I pondered, how many stars would I give this book if another author gave it to me. (5... no 6 stars, whispers a giggling voice in my mind). I settle on 4*, as I am my own harshest critic, and anything less might unfairly shift the average stats against me and put off some readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing The Bridge to Magic. When I conceived this story, I wanted to write a different type of fantasy, where the choices were not so clear cut, and not based on good and evil, right and wrong, ambition or demise of power. Where neither might, nor sword, nor any heroic deed could stand against the terror that approaches. As the seemingly unstoppable enemy nears Terren, rich or poor, strong or weak, young or old, everyone must confront the same enemy within themselves - the terror that grips their hearts in the face of an impossible choice.
I hope the readers enjoy Elika’s story for what it is: a tale of a girl trying to find courage, let go of her fears, and embrace whatever fate she has chosen for herself, whether that is to stay and fight the magic and the Blight, or make the fateful crossing to the other side. Sometimes there are no right choices and easy answers.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing The Bridge to Magic. When I conceived this story, I wanted to write a different type of fantasy, where the choices were not so clear cut, and not based on good and evil, right and wrong, ambition or demise of power. Where neither might, nor sword, nor any heroic deed could stand against the terror that approaches. As the seemingly unstoppable enemy nears Terren, rich or poor, strong or weak, young or old, everyone must confront the same enemy within themselves - the terror that grips their hearts in the face of an impossible choice.
I hope the readers enjoy Elika’s story for what it is: a tale of a girl trying to find courage, let go of her fears, and embrace whatever fate she has chosen for herself, whether that is to stay and fight the magic and the Blight, or make the fateful crossing to the other side. Sometimes there are no right choices and easy answers.
September 30, 2023
"The Bridge to Magic" by Alex Thornbury is an immersive debut that seamlessly blends fantasy and dystopian elements with original worldbuilding. Magic has been banished to the Deadlands, and humanity faces a new threat: the impending Blight that is sweeping across the land and destroying all life in its path. Terren, the last refuge of mankind, stands in the Blight's path, with only a bridge to the Deadlands offering a glimmer of hope for escape.
Elika, part of a gang of scavenging children, harbors a deep fear of the bridge to the Deadlands, as it has claimed the lives of many, including her parents. However, when she discovers that she possesses a hidden echo of magic within her, she becomes a target, hunted for being a mage.
This novel's world-building is exceptional, creating a vivid and immersive setting that combines elements of fantasy and dystopia. The sense of desperation and the grim atmosphere permeates the story and the despair is palpable. Elika has a compelling journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with her unwanted powers and the mysteries of her true birth. The character development and the plot twists kept me engaged and eager to uncover the secrets of this fascinating world. Thornbury's writing style is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into a tale filled with the relentless struggle for survival.
In conclusion, "The Bridge to Magic" is an outstanding debut that offers a fresh and original take on traditional dystopian fantasy. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and a gripping narrative, it promises an exciting start to what is sure to be a fascinating series. This is a must-read!
Thank you to r&rbooktours and the author for the ARC. This is an honest review.
Elika, part of a gang of scavenging children, harbors a deep fear of the bridge to the Deadlands, as it has claimed the lives of many, including her parents. However, when she discovers that she possesses a hidden echo of magic within her, she becomes a target, hunted for being a mage.
This novel's world-building is exceptional, creating a vivid and immersive setting that combines elements of fantasy and dystopia. The sense of desperation and the grim atmosphere permeates the story and the despair is palpable. Elika has a compelling journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with her unwanted powers and the mysteries of her true birth. The character development and the plot twists kept me engaged and eager to uncover the secrets of this fascinating world. Thornbury's writing style is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into a tale filled with the relentless struggle for survival.
In conclusion, "The Bridge to Magic" is an outstanding debut that offers a fresh and original take on traditional dystopian fantasy. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and a gripping narrative, it promises an exciting start to what is sure to be a fascinating series. This is a must-read!
Thank you to r&rbooktours and the author for the ARC. This is an honest review.
October 23, 2022
I was given an early ARC copy of this book through a marketer I know, and volunteered to give honest feedback. It took me a while to start reading it, largely as I thought it was meant for YA, which rarely pops up in my eclectic reading collection. However, once I began, I found I could not put it down, the characters drew me in straight away.
As this book is currently on pre-order, I do not wish to put in spoilers, but suffice to say, the story is about Elika's fight against the seemingly inevitable end and a choice as to whether the unknown is worse than staying and fighting to the end. Face the Blight or cross the Bridge to your own uncertain end.
The story is grim and very poignant in its themes that mirror the problems of today's world. An exciting debut.
As this book is currently on pre-order, I do not wish to put in spoilers, but suffice to say, the story is about Elika's fight against the seemingly inevitable end and a choice as to whether the unknown is worse than staying and fighting to the end. Face the Blight or cross the Bridge to your own uncertain end.
The story is grim and very poignant in its themes that mirror the problems of today's world. An exciting debut.
February 8, 2023
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Bridge to Magic follows Elika, a street orphan living in a world where men and magic have been at war for centuries. The Blight ravages their land, killing anything in its path. Elika's home of Terren is also home to The Bridge to Magic, a bridge that is a last resort option for people the leave the impossible dreadful life they currently have in Terren, in favor of crossing into the deadlands with hope for a new life. Except, there's a high chance they'll never make it across the bridge.
This book gripped me from the very beginning. I was anxious to learn more about the world and characters, and Thornbury delivered. The way this story was told makes it weird to try to explain to other people, but makes perfect sense as you're reading it, and Thornbury reveals enough of the story through memories and Elika simply watching things unfold in her city. I say this only because there isn't much of the story I can give away without spoiling things, and as I was trying to explain it to my husband spoiler free I could feel myself descending further into madness with the words I was saying.
This book is easily a 5 star read for me, but I will note a couple of things that I think could have been done differently.
Elika's character growth and transformation was a good pace, but it was at a different pace than the reader. That's not inherently a bad thing, but I did find myself thinking a couple of times something to the effect of "Okay, you're a teenager, you think you know best, but you're obviously being told by people who are much more experienced than you that things are not what you think they are." Eventually Elika does put pieces together and figure things out, and there were certain pieces of the story that I was right alongside her with it, but there were good portions of it that I figured out long before the character ever did.
The other thing, and this may have just been a me thing, was that my Kindle copy was formatted a little wonky. I know sometimes that can happen when style from the print editions doesn't quite translate over, but the dialogue wasn't formatted correctly in a large portion of it, line breaks were sometimes hard to see, and very occasionally I had like half of a sentence just thrown in between two paragraphs that had nothing to do with anything around it. Again, it could have just been a me thing with how my Kindle loaded the file, but it was sometimes hard to follow.
The book also ends in such a way that you could definitely continue the series (there are a lot of open ended things and if you want to explore more of the world, there's a lot more to explore ahead of the book than behind it), but you could also safely leave it at just the first book and fill in the blanks yourself with how everyone turned out. I plan on continuing and can't wait until book 2 is available!
The Bridge to Magic follows Elika, a street orphan living in a world where men and magic have been at war for centuries. The Blight ravages their land, killing anything in its path. Elika's home of Terren is also home to The Bridge to Magic, a bridge that is a last resort option for people the leave the impossible dreadful life they currently have in Terren, in favor of crossing into the deadlands with hope for a new life. Except, there's a high chance they'll never make it across the bridge.
This book gripped me from the very beginning. I was anxious to learn more about the world and characters, and Thornbury delivered. The way this story was told makes it weird to try to explain to other people, but makes perfect sense as you're reading it, and Thornbury reveals enough of the story through memories and Elika simply watching things unfold in her city. I say this only because there isn't much of the story I can give away without spoiling things, and as I was trying to explain it to my husband spoiler free I could feel myself descending further into madness with the words I was saying.
This book is easily a 5 star read for me, but I will note a couple of things that I think could have been done differently.
Elika's character growth and transformation was a good pace, but it was at a different pace than the reader. That's not inherently a bad thing, but I did find myself thinking a couple of times something to the effect of "Okay, you're a teenager, you think you know best, but you're obviously being told by people who are much more experienced than you that things are not what you think they are." Eventually Elika does put pieces together and figure things out, and there were certain pieces of the story that I was right alongside her with it, but there were good portions of it that I figured out long before the character ever did.
The other thing, and this may have just been a me thing, was that my Kindle copy was formatted a little wonky. I know sometimes that can happen when style from the print editions doesn't quite translate over, but the dialogue wasn't formatted correctly in a large portion of it, line breaks were sometimes hard to see, and very occasionally I had like half of a sentence just thrown in between two paragraphs that had nothing to do with anything around it. Again, it could have just been a me thing with how my Kindle loaded the file, but it was sometimes hard to follow.
The book also ends in such a way that you could definitely continue the series (there are a lot of open ended things and if you want to explore more of the world, there's a lot more to explore ahead of the book than behind it), but you could also safely leave it at just the first book and fill in the blanks yourself with how everyone turned out. I plan on continuing and can't wait until book 2 is available!
February 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGallery for an ARC to read this & provide an honest review!
The Bridge to Magic was my introduction into fantasy novels and it has succeeded in getting me absolutely addicted. I am floored that this is Alex Thornbury's debut book as the storytelling, the dialogue, and the writing are all so rich and fascinating. I was entranced within the first few minutes of reading and for the mere 4 days it took me to devour the whole thing, I spent my days just looking forward to the next time I could sneak in a few more pages. The plot is so complex and cleverly interwoven without being confusing - enough to expertly build a whole world, a whole millenia of time, and yet still able to make us as readers feel satisfied when we put some puzzle pieces together. The characters were brilliant and the dialogue was just awesome. Every time I picked up the book I felt like I was diving into the city of Terren -- Thornbury does such an incredible job at describing details for all senses that you genuinely feel like you're standing on those cobbled streets. I just can't say enough good things about this and I believe that Elika (and Mite, and Bad Penny, and Bill, and Igla, and Anten, and all the tsarens, and even Peter Pockets) will always have a special place in my heart as the story that made me realize how wonderfully transfixing magic can be.
The Bridge to Magic was my introduction into fantasy novels and it has succeeded in getting me absolutely addicted. I am floored that this is Alex Thornbury's debut book as the storytelling, the dialogue, and the writing are all so rich and fascinating. I was entranced within the first few minutes of reading and for the mere 4 days it took me to devour the whole thing, I spent my days just looking forward to the next time I could sneak in a few more pages. The plot is so complex and cleverly interwoven without being confusing - enough to expertly build a whole world, a whole millenia of time, and yet still able to make us as readers feel satisfied when we put some puzzle pieces together. The characters were brilliant and the dialogue was just awesome. Every time I picked up the book I felt like I was diving into the city of Terren -- Thornbury does such an incredible job at describing details for all senses that you genuinely feel like you're standing on those cobbled streets. I just can't say enough good things about this and I believe that Elika (and Mite, and Bad Penny, and Bill, and Igla, and Anten, and all the tsarens, and even Peter Pockets) will always have a special place in my heart as the story that made me realize how wonderfully transfixing magic can be.
October 26, 2023
Thank you to Goodreads for the kindle copy of this book!
Oh I so LOVED this!!! I actually for once found myself pausing between chapters and walking away so I could let everything that just transpired on those pages soak in. This story features a girl named Elika (who is posing as a boy) so she can fit in with a band of raga muffins to steal and barter for food in order to survive. Think Faigin and The Artful Dodger but instead of the backsteeets of London you’re in another world all together that is being slowly destroyed by an invisible plague called The Blithe and it’s so much darker, annnnd there is magic. The world building is so complete that I felt like I had actually been to this place. It’s dark, and creepy with nasty bad guys, people you root for, and those who you just aren’t sure about.
As Elika is fighting to keep her band of orphans fed she is also dealing with the fight of whether magic is evil or good, to cross this bridge to magic or wait for The Blithe to devour the world.
I will never find anything like this ever again. So good!
Oh I so LOVED this!!! I actually for once found myself pausing between chapters and walking away so I could let everything that just transpired on those pages soak in. This story features a girl named Elika (who is posing as a boy) so she can fit in with a band of raga muffins to steal and barter for food in order to survive. Think Faigin and The Artful Dodger but instead of the backsteeets of London you’re in another world all together that is being slowly destroyed by an invisible plague called The Blithe and it’s so much darker, annnnd there is magic. The world building is so complete that I felt like I had actually been to this place. It’s dark, and creepy with nasty bad guys, people you root for, and those who you just aren’t sure about.
As Elika is fighting to keep her band of orphans fed she is also dealing with the fight of whether magic is evil or good, to cross this bridge to magic or wait for The Blithe to devour the world.
I will never find anything like this ever again. So good!
July 16, 2023
Amazing read. I cannot wait for the next installment. Perfect for fans of fantasy. Loved it.
January 25, 2023
Shut your windows. Draw your curtains. Lit a candle and let the pages suck you in. This is a gritty chilling, and dark story. So, let's cross the bridge. Or maybe stay sitting where we are?
The story unravels in a fascinating world. Poverty, danger, and desperation breathe on the reader right from the first page. Grim and grey atmosphere of an apocalypse will fill you as you progress through the story. A smell of salt and blood almost emanates from the pages. Despite all of the desperation the end of the world brings, there is a sense of beauty and coziness. Occasionally even humor. And it all creates an engaging balance.
This fictional world has an incredibly rich past. A past that led it to the point of utter destruction. This kind of setting is truly unique. The whole plot is revolving around the Blight devouring all life in the world. When the reader enters the book, Terren is one of the last unaffected cities. And the literal and undoable end, the Blight, is approaching from behind the horizon. The ultimate end spreads and spreads. And it gives the book its value.
The plot has many pleasant twists and the characters can surprise with unexpected actions that reveal more about their hearts. The cast consists of young and old, brave and cowardly, strong and resigned... And each character contributes to the plot in a unique way.
Elika, the main protagonist, is an ideal character for a fantasy novel. She can make the readers walk the dangerous streets of a fictional city with her. A city on a brink of a total disaster. The readers can struggle with her, dream with her... She is a strong survivor with an inspiring sense for loyalty and care for others. Elika goes through a number of life challenges and she reacts in a very believable and relatable way. She sometimes makes mistakes and assumes wrong conclusions. She always tries to do her best and think her actions through before she acts, even when she fails. She often makes smart decisions and deductions as well. And her life story is simply fascinating.
The bridge itself is an important construction. A physical and philosophical one. A representation of what magic is. And a kind of a book character as well. It is a real bridge between the known world and the dark unknown magic lands. It is a menacing entity and gives the book an acute apocalyptic atmosphere. Even if the bridge is not often visited, it is always present in the characters' thoughts. For some, it is a terrifying place and they would fight tooth and nail to avoid stepping on it. Especially during the first book chapters. But as the plot progresses the bridge becomes a luring path to... What exactly? No one knows. But the unsettling creeping and growing thought that it is better to try the bridge instead of staying in this world keeps growing with every page.
While the book is certainly worth reading and rereading, it suffers from a typical book malady. There are parts that do not flow. Instead, the plot and wordbuilding collide and screech under the pressure of plain telling. Especially the beginning is filled with paragraphs about the past and the long explanations cause boredom. But I need to stress this is just a small issue and I really recommend this book. And I cannot wait for the second one!
Review published also here: https://glennsnest.com/2023/01/25/rev...
The story unravels in a fascinating world. Poverty, danger, and desperation breathe on the reader right from the first page. Grim and grey atmosphere of an apocalypse will fill you as you progress through the story. A smell of salt and blood almost emanates from the pages. Despite all of the desperation the end of the world brings, there is a sense of beauty and coziness. Occasionally even humor. And it all creates an engaging balance.
This fictional world has an incredibly rich past. A past that led it to the point of utter destruction. This kind of setting is truly unique. The whole plot is revolving around the Blight devouring all life in the world. When the reader enters the book, Terren is one of the last unaffected cities. And the literal and undoable end, the Blight, is approaching from behind the horizon. The ultimate end spreads and spreads. And it gives the book its value.
The plot has many pleasant twists and the characters can surprise with unexpected actions that reveal more about their hearts. The cast consists of young and old, brave and cowardly, strong and resigned... And each character contributes to the plot in a unique way.
Elika, the main protagonist, is an ideal character for a fantasy novel. She can make the readers walk the dangerous streets of a fictional city with her. A city on a brink of a total disaster. The readers can struggle with her, dream with her... She is a strong survivor with an inspiring sense for loyalty and care for others. Elika goes through a number of life challenges and she reacts in a very believable and relatable way. She sometimes makes mistakes and assumes wrong conclusions. She always tries to do her best and think her actions through before she acts, even when she fails. She often makes smart decisions and deductions as well. And her life story is simply fascinating.
The bridge itself is an important construction. A physical and philosophical one. A representation of what magic is. And a kind of a book character as well. It is a real bridge between the known world and the dark unknown magic lands. It is a menacing entity and gives the book an acute apocalyptic atmosphere. Even if the bridge is not often visited, it is always present in the characters' thoughts. For some, it is a terrifying place and they would fight tooth and nail to avoid stepping on it. Especially during the first book chapters. But as the plot progresses the bridge becomes a luring path to... What exactly? No one knows. But the unsettling creeping and growing thought that it is better to try the bridge instead of staying in this world keeps growing with every page.
While the book is certainly worth reading and rereading, it suffers from a typical book malady. There are parts that do not flow. Instead, the plot and wordbuilding collide and screech under the pressure of plain telling. Especially the beginning is filled with paragraphs about the past and the long explanations cause boredom. But I need to stress this is just a small issue and I really recommend this book. And I cannot wait for the second one!
Review published also here: https://glennsnest.com/2023/01/25/rev...
November 6, 2022
3.5 / 5 stars - will round up to 4
I received an arc copy of this book I exchanged for my honest review.
This book follows the story of Elika an orphan growing up in Terren, watching as the Blight grows closer and closer to Terren.
Everyone believes that magic is the cause and purging it is the only way to stop the Blight. For some they cross the Bridge to the Deadlands.
Elika knows she is an Echo and the only way to protect herself and Terren is to purge herself of her magic, but it doesn’t go as she hopes.
This book has a really good story and has a lot of potential, yet I feel this book could have used another round of edits. I still have questions about the magic system and how it works. Maybe more understanding will come with book two. I still don’t fully understand some of the purging trials that were carried out. I think editing could have helped provide readers with a bit better understanding of the purging trials and the priestess themselves. I also would have liked to have made a stronger connection with some of the characters earlier on.
I also think the pacing of the book could be enhanced. I found it hard to connect with the first half of the book. Once I got a little over fifty percent I was invested in the book and wanted to see what was going happen next. Towards the end of the book we are introduced to sub-plot that fizzles out very quickly, making it seem out of place.
That being said I did enjoy this book and I am very curious to see where book two will take us. I am also excited to see a YA fantasy boom that has a young female main character who is still trying to figure everything out and isn’t perfect. I also liked that it is a fantasy book that is slightly different from those that are currently out there. I think you should give this book a try if you are looking for something that is a little different from other YA fantasy books, or if you just enjoy stories with magic.
I received an arc copy of this book I exchanged for my honest review.
This book follows the story of Elika an orphan growing up in Terren, watching as the Blight grows closer and closer to Terren.
Everyone believes that magic is the cause and purging it is the only way to stop the Blight. For some they cross the Bridge to the Deadlands.
Elika knows she is an Echo and the only way to protect herself and Terren is to purge herself of her magic, but it doesn’t go as she hopes.
This book has a really good story and has a lot of potential, yet I feel this book could have used another round of edits. I still have questions about the magic system and how it works. Maybe more understanding will come with book two. I still don’t fully understand some of the purging trials that were carried out. I think editing could have helped provide readers with a bit better understanding of the purging trials and the priestess themselves. I also would have liked to have made a stronger connection with some of the characters earlier on.
I also think the pacing of the book could be enhanced. I found it hard to connect with the first half of the book. Once I got a little over fifty percent I was invested in the book and wanted to see what was going happen next. Towards the end of the book we are introduced to sub-plot that fizzles out very quickly, making it seem out of place.
That being said I did enjoy this book and I am very curious to see where book two will take us. I am also excited to see a YA fantasy boom that has a young female main character who is still trying to figure everything out and isn’t perfect. I also liked that it is a fantasy book that is slightly different from those that are currently out there. I think you should give this book a try if you are looking for something that is a little different from other YA fantasy books, or if you just enjoy stories with magic.
February 27, 2023
I did not expect that this book will be darker, I thought in the beging that was a story of a girl that will save her world and discover her real path. I was not totally wrong, Elika try to save her people but she renegades in the greatest of action her power. Sometimes it was extremely revolting observes her pride, to the point of preferring to continue to suffer than accept the truth. But I did like her pack, Bill gods tales and the Bridge.
Is a world that is falling apart and Elika belives (because the priests and the king told them) that magic is evil, and all the Echos and Mages should be burn to save the kingdom. The priests were really
disgusting thinking that torturing could drive out all the magic . And theres the Bridge, that everyone belives is the place when "all storys begins and ends".
The second books seems that will be more intresting, especialy because we will see the world behind the bridge.
Is a world that is falling apart and Elika belives (because the priests and the king told them) that magic is evil, and all the Echos and Mages should be burn to save the kingdom. The priests were really
disgusting thinking that torturing could drive out all the magic . And theres the Bridge, that everyone belives is the place when "all storys begins and ends".
The second books seems that will be more intresting, especialy because we will see the world behind the bridge.
February 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this dark fantasy novel. The world building was fantastic, I felt like I was actually there - I felt like I was actually an orphan on the streets desperately trying to survive. I loved Elika and her attempts to try and help her pack. I loved the description of magic and the blight and how it is steadily taking over Terren and the panic it caused to the people living there. Everything about this novel is captivating and I honestly can’t wait to read the second book in the series and find out what happens next!
I received an ARC of this book This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
November 15, 2022
The Bridge to Magic” is a magnificent high fantasy debut by exciting new author, Alex Thornbury. Dark and foreboding, while equally alluring and addicting—as the first book in The Sundered Web trilogy, Thornbury lays the foundation for an unforgettable journey.
All stories began and ended at the Bridge to Magic. – Chapter One, The Bridge to Magic.
This stunning page-turner revolves around magic, which was banished since the Sundering War, relegated to the Deadlands over 600 years ago. Everyone has heard the stories—everyone hates and fears magic and the bridge to magic. But the Blight is approaching Terren, the last remaining city in this dystopian world, threatening the very existence of humanity, and many are making the choice to cross the bridge. Is it the bridge to suicide or a path to a better life? Some make it across—others turn to dust or fall into the chasm, a fate worse than death. Fear and trepidation heighten and the people of Terren seek to purge every echo of magic from the world, believing it to be the only way to stop the Blight.
Among the citizens of Terren is a teen-aged girl named Elika. Orphaned years ago, she was just a young girl when her parents made the choice to cross the bridge, leaving her behind. Elika’s world and everything she’s ever believed is destroyed when she learns the truth about who she really is and discovers the magic hiding inside her. Elika is faced with dismal choices: does she destroy the magic inside her or cross the bridge where her fate remains uncertain?
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Bridge to Magic.” It’s original, captivating, and readers may be surprised to find this is the author’s debut novel. The storyline is absolutely mesmerizing, and Thornbury has a knack for telling a dark story. And I do mean dark. The despair, the suffering, losing hope—it’s a gloomy formula, and combined with the meticulously drawn settings, Thornbury’s words have the authority to shroud the reader in the eerie gloom that threatens humanity.
“I remember how much brighter the world used to be, full of vigor and color. Now, it’s dull and gray, like a rotting corpse. – Chapter Six, The Bridge to Magic
By contrast there are also moments of courage, possibility, and the power of strength in numbers, fighting not only the magic and the impending Blight, but the oppressive rulers. In spite of, or even because of, the circumstances besetting the people of Terren, many refuse to give up or give in, come what may.
The story hosts an intriguing cast of characters as well, from the scrappy street gangs to the mysterious ethereal beings—even the bridge is a formidable character. I love all the catchy names the author uses for her characters: One-thumb Will, Potter Ned, Rosy Rose, Silky Son, Rusty Pipe, Toothless Jake, Lusty Lucy and so many others—but don’t let these clever names fool you into thinking this is a whimsical read—they just bring a bit of light to glow amid the darkness. Most exciting is the main character, Elika. She really starts coming into her own by the end of the story and I can’t wait to see how she develops in the remainder of the trilogy.
“And she could not help wondering whether magic was truly more evil than men.” – Chapter Twelve, The Bridge to Magic
“The Bridge to Magic” is suitable for YA and adult audiences. It could easily shine as a YA novel with Elika as the protagonist, though the magic and adventure will appeal to crowds of all ages. Alex Thornbury does a remarkable job with world building and character development and her creativity and imagination shines in this work. I got the impression she thoroughly enjoyed writing this story – it shows. I highly recommend “The Bridge to Magic” and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy as the story unfolds.
All stories began and ended at the Bridge to Magic. – Chapter One, The Bridge to Magic.
This stunning page-turner revolves around magic, which was banished since the Sundering War, relegated to the Deadlands over 600 years ago. Everyone has heard the stories—everyone hates and fears magic and the bridge to magic. But the Blight is approaching Terren, the last remaining city in this dystopian world, threatening the very existence of humanity, and many are making the choice to cross the bridge. Is it the bridge to suicide or a path to a better life? Some make it across—others turn to dust or fall into the chasm, a fate worse than death. Fear and trepidation heighten and the people of Terren seek to purge every echo of magic from the world, believing it to be the only way to stop the Blight.
Among the citizens of Terren is a teen-aged girl named Elika. Orphaned years ago, she was just a young girl when her parents made the choice to cross the bridge, leaving her behind. Elika’s world and everything she’s ever believed is destroyed when she learns the truth about who she really is and discovers the magic hiding inside her. Elika is faced with dismal choices: does she destroy the magic inside her or cross the bridge where her fate remains uncertain?
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Bridge to Magic.” It’s original, captivating, and readers may be surprised to find this is the author’s debut novel. The storyline is absolutely mesmerizing, and Thornbury has a knack for telling a dark story. And I do mean dark. The despair, the suffering, losing hope—it’s a gloomy formula, and combined with the meticulously drawn settings, Thornbury’s words have the authority to shroud the reader in the eerie gloom that threatens humanity.
“I remember how much brighter the world used to be, full of vigor and color. Now, it’s dull and gray, like a rotting corpse. – Chapter Six, The Bridge to Magic
By contrast there are also moments of courage, possibility, and the power of strength in numbers, fighting not only the magic and the impending Blight, but the oppressive rulers. In spite of, or even because of, the circumstances besetting the people of Terren, many refuse to give up or give in, come what may.
The story hosts an intriguing cast of characters as well, from the scrappy street gangs to the mysterious ethereal beings—even the bridge is a formidable character. I love all the catchy names the author uses for her characters: One-thumb Will, Potter Ned, Rosy Rose, Silky Son, Rusty Pipe, Toothless Jake, Lusty Lucy and so many others—but don’t let these clever names fool you into thinking this is a whimsical read—they just bring a bit of light to glow amid the darkness. Most exciting is the main character, Elika. She really starts coming into her own by the end of the story and I can’t wait to see how she develops in the remainder of the trilogy.
“And she could not help wondering whether magic was truly more evil than men.” – Chapter Twelve, The Bridge to Magic
“The Bridge to Magic” is suitable for YA and adult audiences. It could easily shine as a YA novel with Elika as the protagonist, though the magic and adventure will appeal to crowds of all ages. Alex Thornbury does a remarkable job with world building and character development and her creativity and imagination shines in this work. I got the impression she thoroughly enjoyed writing this story – it shows. I highly recommend “The Bridge to Magic” and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy as the story unfolds.
March 17, 2023
"The Bridge to Magic" by Alex Thornbury is a thrilling fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey through a world of magic and danger. The book is the first in "The Sundered Web" series, and it introduces us to a young girl named Elika, who discovers that she has magical powers.
Elika lives in a world where magic is forbidden, and those who practice it are punished severely. When she discovers her powers, she is forced to flee her home and sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and her powers. Along the way, she meets a cast of interesting characters, including a rogue thief, a wise old wizard, and a fierce warrior woman. Each of these characters has their own agenda, and Elika must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that exist in this world of magic and power.
The world-building in "The Bridge to Magic" is impressive, with a richly detailed setting that feels both familiar and unique. The magical elements of the world are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a vivid and engaging backdrop for the action. The characters are well-developed and engaging, with each of them having their own distinct personalities and motivations.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The plot is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The writing is descriptive and engaging, drawing readers into the world of the story and making them feel like they are a part of Elika's journey.
Overall, "The Bridge to Magic" is an exciting and well-crafted fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It offers a compelling story, interesting characters, and a vividly realized world of magic and danger. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.
Elika lives in a world where magic is forbidden, and those who practice it are punished severely. When she discovers her powers, she is forced to flee her home and sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and her powers. Along the way, she meets a cast of interesting characters, including a rogue thief, a wise old wizard, and a fierce warrior woman. Each of these characters has their own agenda, and Elika must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that exist in this world of magic and power.
The world-building in "The Bridge to Magic" is impressive, with a richly detailed setting that feels both familiar and unique. The magical elements of the world are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a vivid and engaging backdrop for the action. The characters are well-developed and engaging, with each of them having their own distinct personalities and motivations.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The plot is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The writing is descriptive and engaging, drawing readers into the world of the story and making them feel like they are a part of Elika's journey.
Overall, "The Bridge to Magic" is an exciting and well-crafted fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It offers a compelling story, interesting characters, and a vividly realized world of magic and danger. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.
July 18, 2023
There is a lot of really fantastic world building in this book. The MC, Elika, is a 15 year old orphan, who absolutely loves her city. She knows its people and their stories. Because of the world building, the story starts slowly, but you can easily visualize the city as Elika runs across the rooftops, gropes her way through the sewers, and steals into people’s homes.
In this world, magic is evil. It is destroying the world. The people believe that the only way to stop the destruction is to rid themselves of all magic. Elika firmly believes this and it is this belief, mixed with her love for the people in her city, that drives her actions throughout the book.
The thing I admired most about Elika was her will to live. She’s an orphan, living with a gang of other orphans in an abandoned building on the edge of the chasm, who mostly steal to eat, and really seem to have nothing to live for. And yet she just keeps on fighting to live. In many ways, the bridge represents giving up, losing hope, and surrendering to despair.
Yet, the bridge also represents the hope of something better and having faith when logic says otherwise.
The ending didn’t surprise me at all, but still was really satisfying. After all, the title of the book is The Bridge to Magic, which is a pretty big spoiler on its own. I liked that Elika’s final journey slowed down to show the weight of her decision and didn’t just skip to the end result.
Overall, if you enjoy world building or can get past the slow start, this is definitely worth reading.
In this world, magic is evil. It is destroying the world. The people believe that the only way to stop the destruction is to rid themselves of all magic. Elika firmly believes this and it is this belief, mixed with her love for the people in her city, that drives her actions throughout the book.
The thing I admired most about Elika was her will to live. She’s an orphan, living with a gang of other orphans in an abandoned building on the edge of the chasm, who mostly steal to eat, and really seem to have nothing to live for. And yet she just keeps on fighting to live. In many ways, the bridge represents giving up, losing hope, and surrendering to despair.
Yet, the bridge also represents the hope of something better and having faith when logic says otherwise.
The ending didn’t surprise me at all, but still was really satisfying. After all, the title of the book is The Bridge to Magic, which is a pretty big spoiler on its own. I liked that Elika’s final journey slowed down to show the weight of her decision and didn’t just skip to the end result.
Overall, if you enjoy world building or can get past the slow start, this is definitely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
Bridge to Magic- Alex Thornbury
Goodreads Giveaway(Digital Copy)
I just have to say, what amazing writing!
At first I didnt know if I would be able to fall into this world. Im not typically a YA fan, but YA fantasy is the exception. I just wasnt grasping everything, but in no time, i was fully invested and looking foward to every chapter after. If fantasy without the heavy dose of romance is your thing, then this one is worth the read!
I love this book. I loved all of the characters, and the dark and dirty world put before us. The corruption, and the magic system. The clock ticking with the Blight coming. The imagery!!! There are drawings scattered throughout which really add to the character descriptions and bring it to life.
The ending- Exactly what I wanted it to be. If not, a bit drawn out but i think that was the point.
AND THEN I SAW THERE IS A SECOND BOOK!!! I need it in my life.I love a good series, and most of the time im scared to invest in buying the physical copies before knowing if i will like them, or worried the author will write the first, and pull a George RR Martin.
These I will gladly invest my bookshelf space and money in. I have found this one in physical form on Barnes & Noble, cant wait for the 2nd to be released.
There are some trigger warnings of things that happen off page and are mentioned and alluded to, but dont happen on page. I guess some of the things that happen on page could trigger as well?
Goodreads Giveaway(Digital Copy)
I just have to say, what amazing writing!
At first I didnt know if I would be able to fall into this world. Im not typically a YA fan, but YA fantasy is the exception. I just wasnt grasping everything, but in no time, i was fully invested and looking foward to every chapter after. If fantasy without the heavy dose of romance is your thing, then this one is worth the read!
I love this book. I loved all of the characters, and the dark and dirty world put before us. The corruption, and the magic system. The clock ticking with the Blight coming. The imagery!!! There are drawings scattered throughout which really add to the character descriptions and bring it to life.
The ending- Exactly what I wanted it to be. If not, a bit drawn out but i think that was the point.
AND THEN I SAW THERE IS A SECOND BOOK!!! I need it in my life.I love a good series, and most of the time im scared to invest in buying the physical copies before knowing if i will like them, or worried the author will write the first, and pull a George RR Martin.
These I will gladly invest my bookshelf space and money in. I have found this one in physical form on Barnes & Noble, cant wait for the 2nd to be released.
There are some trigger warnings of things that happen off page and are mentioned and alluded to, but dont happen on page. I guess some of the things that happen on page could trigger as well?
April 7, 2024
The Bridge to Magic
"The Bridge to Magic (The Sundered Web Book 1)" by Alex Thornbury is an enchanting debut in what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy series. Thornbury weaves a rich tapestry of magic, adventure, and intrigue, introducing readers to a meticulously crafted world where magic and reality are intricately linked.At the heart of this novel is a compelling narrative that follows a cast of characters each uniquely drawn, with their own struggles, dreams, and destinies. As they embark on a journey across the Sundered Web, a vast network of bridges that connect different realms of existence, they encounter both wonders and dangers that challenge their understanding of magic and themselves.Thornbury's storytelling is immersive, with a detailed world-building that invites readers to lose themselves in the landscapes, cultures, and complex magic system he has created. The plot is skillfully constructed, blending action, mystery, and emotional depth to keep readers engaged from the first page to the last."The Bridge to Magic" stands out for its originality and the depth of its imagination. Thornbury has crafted a universe that feels both vast and intimate, filled with moments of beauty, terror, and awe. This book is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for a new world to explore and characters to fall in love with. Alex Thornbury's debut is a masterful blend of all the elements that make fantasy literature so captivating.
"The Bridge to Magic (The Sundered Web Book 1)" by Alex Thornbury is an enchanting debut in what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy series. Thornbury weaves a rich tapestry of magic, adventure, and intrigue, introducing readers to a meticulously crafted world where magic and reality are intricately linked.At the heart of this novel is a compelling narrative that follows a cast of characters each uniquely drawn, with their own struggles, dreams, and destinies. As they embark on a journey across the Sundered Web, a vast network of bridges that connect different realms of existence, they encounter both wonders and dangers that challenge their understanding of magic and themselves.Thornbury's storytelling is immersive, with a detailed world-building that invites readers to lose themselves in the landscapes, cultures, and complex magic system he has created. The plot is skillfully constructed, blending action, mystery, and emotional depth to keep readers engaged from the first page to the last."The Bridge to Magic" stands out for its originality and the depth of its imagination. Thornbury has crafted a universe that feels both vast and intimate, filled with moments of beauty, terror, and awe. This book is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts looking for a new world to explore and characters to fall in love with. Alex Thornbury's debut is a masterful blend of all the elements that make fantasy literature so captivating.
June 8, 2023
Perfect blend of traditional fantasy and dark elements
I just finished "The Bridge to Magic: Grimdark and Gritty (The Sundered Web Book 1)" and I was thoroughly impressed. The book is a perfect blend of traditional fantasy and dark elements. The storyline is highly imaginative and grips you from the beginning. It's a thought-provoking and emotional read that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The characters are well-developed, making you feel like you're right there with them. Elika is a strong female protagonist who I found myself rooting for throughout the book. The book has a captivating, dark, and romantic feel that kept me on the edge of my seat. The world building is fantastic and the magic system is unique and novel.
The book is a stunning page-turner, and I was surprised to find out that this is the author's debut novel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Bridge to Magic: Grimdark and Gritty (The Sundered Web Book 1)." It's a modern-day classic that I would recommend to anyone who loves character-driven traditional high fantasy with a dark twist. This book would make a great gift for any fantasy lover.
I just finished "The Bridge to Magic: Grimdark and Gritty (The Sundered Web Book 1)" and I was thoroughly impressed. The book is a perfect blend of traditional fantasy and dark elements. The storyline is highly imaginative and grips you from the beginning. It's a thought-provoking and emotional read that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The characters are well-developed, making you feel like you're right there with them. Elika is a strong female protagonist who I found myself rooting for throughout the book. The book has a captivating, dark, and romantic feel that kept me on the edge of my seat. The world building is fantastic and the magic system is unique and novel.
The book is a stunning page-turner, and I was surprised to find out that this is the author's debut novel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Bridge to Magic: Grimdark and Gritty (The Sundered Web Book 1)." It's a modern-day classic that I would recommend to anyone who loves character-driven traditional high fantasy with a dark twist. This book would make a great gift for any fantasy lover.
January 12, 2023
Thank you to BookSirens for the digital ARC! I received this ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a good read. The world felt very real and gritty, and I liked the concept of magic being a web. The main character, Elika, was also well-written and relatable. I could feel her fears and anxiety as I went through the book, and I liked the constant loyalty she had for her pack.
This book was very grim and dark in a lot of parts, which is to be expected when the book is about a world torn apart and the people left are struggling to survive. There are some political and religious corruption subplots that Elika ends up getting caught up in that were interesting to read.
I know some other reviewers said that the first part of the book was slow, but I personally didn't mind it. I felt it helped build up the world and characters more before it started picking up the pace of the plot.
Overall, this is a great book to read if you like fantasy books with darker plots.
This was a good read. The world felt very real and gritty, and I liked the concept of magic being a web. The main character, Elika, was also well-written and relatable. I could feel her fears and anxiety as I went through the book, and I liked the constant loyalty she had for her pack.
This book was very grim and dark in a lot of parts, which is to be expected when the book is about a world torn apart and the people left are struggling to survive. There are some political and religious corruption subplots that Elika ends up getting caught up in that were interesting to read.
I know some other reviewers said that the first part of the book was slow, but I personally didn't mind it. I felt it helped build up the world and characters more before it started picking up the pace of the plot.
Overall, this is a great book to read if you like fantasy books with darker plots.
March 6, 2023
Huge five stars for this amazing dark fantasy. Reading The Bridge to Magic was like no other fantasy book I've read. I was so impressed to find out this book is a debut. The book may be long, but it is written so beautifully that I flew through it.
This book has so many great things going for it. The magic system, the world building, and the characters were exceptional. We meet our protagonist, Elika. She is an orphan and has to learn how to fend for herself. In this world, mankind is almost at the end of extinction, and it's all because of The Blight. Everyone knows about the bridge. Anyone who tries to cross it experiences certain death. One faithful night, Elika discovers that she has magic within her and is relentlessly hunted for it. Elika's journey was one that I truly loved reading. It was full of sadness and heartbreak, but you immediately fall in love with her. I can go on and on writing about this story, but if you are looking for a story with heart, meaningful content, and an amazing cliffhanger, immediately pick this book for your collection.
This book has so many great things going for it. The magic system, the world building, and the characters were exceptional. We meet our protagonist, Elika. She is an orphan and has to learn how to fend for herself. In this world, mankind is almost at the end of extinction, and it's all because of The Blight. Everyone knows about the bridge. Anyone who tries to cross it experiences certain death. One faithful night, Elika discovers that she has magic within her and is relentlessly hunted for it. Elika's journey was one that I truly loved reading. It was full of sadness and heartbreak, but you immediately fall in love with her. I can go on and on writing about this story, but if you are looking for a story with heart, meaningful content, and an amazing cliffhanger, immediately pick this book for your collection.
March 22, 2024
A Gripping Dark Fantasy Novel
This dark fantasy novel grapples with questions of mortality, human connection, and the dangers of repressed knowledge. The world building in The Bridge to Magic is ambitious, with lots of fascinating lore. Thornbury does a fantastic job of painting the scene and drawing readers into the world. The atmosphere is oppressive, foreboding, and eerie. While I did enjoy the overall story, there were a few things that confused me. For one, some of the characters (Bill and Igla, for instance) seem to exist mainly to offer exposition. I would’ve liked to see more from them. I also found myself baffled by Elika’s motivations. Throughout the book, it was never clear to me why she was acting the way she was. Additionally, we hear a lot about how the food supply is running low, people are crossing the bridge, magic is evil, and the Blight is nearing, but we don’t really learn enough about Elika as a person. Despite my critiques, I liked the book, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the other entries in the series!
This dark fantasy novel grapples with questions of mortality, human connection, and the dangers of repressed knowledge. The world building in The Bridge to Magic is ambitious, with lots of fascinating lore. Thornbury does a fantastic job of painting the scene and drawing readers into the world. The atmosphere is oppressive, foreboding, and eerie. While I did enjoy the overall story, there were a few things that confused me. For one, some of the characters (Bill and Igla, for instance) seem to exist mainly to offer exposition. I would’ve liked to see more from them. I also found myself baffled by Elika’s motivations. Throughout the book, it was never clear to me why she was acting the way she was. Additionally, we hear a lot about how the food supply is running low, people are crossing the bridge, magic is evil, and the Blight is nearing, but we don’t really learn enough about Elika as a person. Despite my critiques, I liked the book, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the other entries in the series!
July 17, 2023
Dim the lights, cozy up, play some soft, suspenseful music, and dive into this dark and stunning novel!
This is a YA Epic Fantasy about grief, survival, loyalty, and regret. It's a story that shows the twisted, gritty side of humanity and how fear of the unknown changes people. Have you ever spent your life believing one thing with your whole heart, only for it to be turned on it's head and challenged?
This is Bridge to Magic.
Magic vs. Men. Who will win in the end? Which side is wicked and which side is good? What world awaits the people of Terran on the other side of the twisted, dangerous bridge to magic?
I was sucked into this story so quickly and actually read it all in one day! The descriptive imagery made Elika's world so real and you can truly feel her emotions through the pages. And that ending made my jaw drop! 😮
This book is definately worth reading!
This is a YA Epic Fantasy about grief, survival, loyalty, and regret. It's a story that shows the twisted, gritty side of humanity and how fear of the unknown changes people. Have you ever spent your life believing one thing with your whole heart, only for it to be turned on it's head and challenged?
This is Bridge to Magic.
Magic vs. Men. Who will win in the end? Which side is wicked and which side is good? What world awaits the people of Terran on the other side of the twisted, dangerous bridge to magic?
I was sucked into this story so quickly and actually read it all in one day! The descriptive imagery made Elika's world so real and you can truly feel her emotions through the pages. And that ending made my jaw drop! 😮
This book is definately worth reading!
December 8, 2022
The Bridge to Magic follows a street urchin named Elika whose world is on the verge of collapse thanks to the wild ravages of maligned and spiteful magic. Each day the world wakes to see the Blight creep closer, and with it, their inevitable demise. Will they submit to their slowly encroaching death, or will they risk crossing the Bridge into an unknown world full of the very magic that is trying to kill them?
PROS:
I think Thornbury had a lot of really interesting concepts to work with in the book, with a ton of complex relationship dynamics. The world was gritty and beautiful in it's own heartbreaking way. Magic being a living, almost sentient thing was a new take on an age-old topic, but really, it was the characters that carried the weight. People felt real, with their own motives and instincts and attachments. Each action felt like something someone in their position would reasonably do.
CONS:
The first half of the book felt like a total slog-fest for me. I finished the second half in under a day, but every time I tried initially picking the book up, I would only read for a few minutes before inevitably setting it down again. I think in large part this had to do with the author "telling" instead of "showing". I'd argue that a lot of the elements of this world fit the category of "grimdark", but instead of slowly revealing the state of the world through the eyes of one of its most disadvantaged citizens, we are hit with large, brutal infodumps.
Despite the fact that the world is in total chaos, there's actually relatively little that actually happens in the story. There are some books where you can get away with that, but in the initial half of the book, it really slows things down. I felt like I was just reading about Elika walking from one part of the city to the other and back again. On top of that, even when things did happen, there would fairly consistently be some opposing factor that effectively canceled the action out and left me wondering "what was the point?". I'm not sure if the author intended this to be a show of futility in this dying world, but it more left me shrugging than anything.
OVERALL:
Alex Thornbury's debut novel is something I could see a lot of fans of classical fantasy really digging in to. It's one of those stories that requires patience and a love of character-driven tales. I know someone out there has found one of their top books of the year, but it was just sadly not for me. That being said, I'll be keeping an eye out for more books from this author in the future!
PROS:
I think Thornbury had a lot of really interesting concepts to work with in the book, with a ton of complex relationship dynamics. The world was gritty and beautiful in it's own heartbreaking way. Magic being a living, almost sentient thing was a new take on an age-old topic, but really, it was the characters that carried the weight. People felt real, with their own motives and instincts and attachments. Each action felt like something someone in their position would reasonably do.
CONS:
The first half of the book felt like a total slog-fest for me. I finished the second half in under a day, but every time I tried initially picking the book up, I would only read for a few minutes before inevitably setting it down again. I think in large part this had to do with the author "telling" instead of "showing". I'd argue that a lot of the elements of this world fit the category of "grimdark", but instead of slowly revealing the state of the world through the eyes of one of its most disadvantaged citizens, we are hit with large, brutal infodumps.
Despite the fact that the world is in total chaos, there's actually relatively little that actually happens in the story. There are some books where you can get away with that, but in the initial half of the book, it really slows things down. I felt like I was just reading about Elika walking from one part of the city to the other and back again. On top of that, even when things did happen, there would fairly consistently be some opposing factor that effectively canceled the action out and left me wondering "what was the point?". I'm not sure if the author intended this to be a show of futility in this dying world, but it more left me shrugging than anything.
OVERALL:
Alex Thornbury's debut novel is something I could see a lot of fans of classical fantasy really digging in to. It's one of those stories that requires patience and a love of character-driven tales. I know someone out there has found one of their top books of the year, but it was just sadly not for me. That being said, I'll be keeping an eye out for more books from this author in the future!
July 19, 2023
This is my first book by this author and I was more than surprised….
Picking this book up I thought I was going into a YA book that would be in the fantasy genre however this novel had so much more, this was so well written you can’t help but fly though it. It had a unique layout within the book with art work appearing along with extracts at the start of each chapter.
I really enjoyed how complex and deep Elika was as a MC and getting to go along on her journey as she tries to figure out all the secrets, twists and turns that happen in this book. The way the author implemented the whole magic aspect in this novel was super interesting and was definitely something that kept me locked into the story. The book was really well paced and I was definitely very easily pulled into the world of Terren.
I can’t wait for the next book as I need to know what happens next, I hope the author doesn’t leave us waiting too long.
Picking this book up I thought I was going into a YA book that would be in the fantasy genre however this novel had so much more, this was so well written you can’t help but fly though it. It had a unique layout within the book with art work appearing along with extracts at the start of each chapter.
I really enjoyed how complex and deep Elika was as a MC and getting to go along on her journey as she tries to figure out all the secrets, twists and turns that happen in this book. The way the author implemented the whole magic aspect in this novel was super interesting and was definitely something that kept me locked into the story. The book was really well paced and I was definitely very easily pulled into the world of Terren.
I can’t wait for the next book as I need to know what happens next, I hope the author doesn’t leave us waiting too long.
March 28, 2024
Dark fantasy worth the read!
"The Bridge to Magic" by Alex Thornbury is a masterful addition to the fantasy genre, offering readers a deeply immersive world and a captivating storyline.
Thornbury's writing style is a standout feature, with its vivid descriptions and engaging prose bringing the dark, magical world to life.
The protagonist's development is exceptionally well-executed, with believable growth throughout the narrative.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, adding depth to the story with dynamic relationships and well-crafted dialogue. Thornbury expertly blends magic, adventure, and mystery, keeping the pacing perfect and the reader eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist.
Overall, "The Bridge to Magic" is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts who are craving a richly imagined world and a compelling story, but not afraid of a dark fantasy.
"The Bridge to Magic" by Alex Thornbury is a masterful addition to the fantasy genre, offering readers a deeply immersive world and a captivating storyline.
Thornbury's writing style is a standout feature, with its vivid descriptions and engaging prose bringing the dark, magical world to life.
The protagonist's development is exceptionally well-executed, with believable growth throughout the narrative.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, adding depth to the story with dynamic relationships and well-crafted dialogue. Thornbury expertly blends magic, adventure, and mystery, keeping the pacing perfect and the reader eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist.
Overall, "The Bridge to Magic" is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts who are craving a richly imagined world and a compelling story, but not afraid of a dark fantasy.
April 1, 2024
Ooh this was good. A book that subverted my expectations with every page.
It was certainly dark and had a sense of despair that just leaked through it. In that sense it actually reminded me a bit of “The Poppy War” so if you read and enjoyed that book you’ll probably like this one too. Though the stories are quite different, certain aspects of the books are very similar. Elika, the main character, especially reminded me a lot of Rin. I loved both of those characters and both of these books. They each have this very gritty, heavy feeling throughout.
The story did start out a bit slow but it picks up towards the end. There were also some plot points that I wish were delved into further but it didn’t really affect my reading experience.
All in all I think it’s great for fans of darker fantasy. I’m excited to read the next installment!
It was certainly dark and had a sense of despair that just leaked through it. In that sense it actually reminded me a bit of “The Poppy War” so if you read and enjoyed that book you’ll probably like this one too. Though the stories are quite different, certain aspects of the books are very similar. Elika, the main character, especially reminded me a lot of Rin. I loved both of those characters and both of these books. They each have this very gritty, heavy feeling throughout.
The story did start out a bit slow but it picks up towards the end. There were also some plot points that I wish were delved into further but it didn’t really affect my reading experience.
All in all I think it’s great for fans of darker fantasy. I’m excited to read the next installment!
December 31, 2023
Amazing. The way this author was able to immerse the reader in this world was truly incredible. There were times I was frustrated, especially with the main character and how long she took to come to various levels of awareness, but as the story unfolded my patience was rewarded and I saw the mastery in how the character developed.
Even though there is another book to this tale, the story was so well told I felt satisfied enough with the ending that I could live peacefully after only reading one of the novels in the series . . . but of course I won't. This is also one of those rare stories I think I could and would want to read again.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book.
Even though there is another book to this tale, the story was so well told I felt satisfied enough with the ending that I could live peacefully after only reading one of the novels in the series . . . but of course I won't. This is also one of those rare stories I think I could and would want to read again.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book.
October 6, 2024
Received a copy of The Bridge to Magic in a giveaway. "There were as many pockets to Terren as you might find on a pedlar, with just as many little treasures." There were just as many treasures in this story. I truly loved to way Alex Thornbury wrote and built the world. This book is full of magic, love, sacrifice, and having hope in the face of destruction. We follow a young woman, Elika, trying to survive in a world that is in turmoil. There is the blight, which kills everything and everyone in its path, coming from one end of the world and the bridge across the bottomless chasm to the deadlands on the other end. Just like the blight I devoured everything in this book; truly fast-paced, addicting, and mesmerizing.
November 7, 2022
I received this book as part of a giveaway. I enjoyed the story and found the world to be well described and interesting. You could feel the emotions around the main character and they were handled well. I didn’t get as good of a feel on the other characters. I had mixed feelings about the ending as the main character was a bit frustrating. It felt a bit anticlimactic and unresolved but I suppose that was due to there being a second book coming. Hopefully the second book will clear up the unresolved storylines. Overall I recommend this book to others who enjoy a thoughtful fantasy novel.
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