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Ancestral Magic #1
Mageborn
In this fantasy magician series, Adelia Kreegan begins her new life as a pupil under the tutelage of a master wizard, Gaston Camlann. He educates her in all the spells and rituals that she will need to know to make her way in the dangerous world of Tellest, where dragons and dark magic abound. Though hers are spells for beginners, Gaston is confident that she will become a truly capable sorceress.
When an intruder comes to the city of Forsynthia, peace is nowhere to be found. Adelia will have to venture outside of the safety of her master's keep to find the truth.
When an intruder comes to the city of Forsynthia, peace is nowhere to be found. Adelia will have to venture outside of the safety of her master's keep to find the truth.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2014
235 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 18, 2015
Thanks to Michael DeAngelo for giving me this book to review.
Adelia has just begun her new life as a pupil under Master Wizard Gaston Camlann. He trains her in all she needs to know to make her way in the treacherous world of Tellest. However, when an assassin enters the city of Forsynthia, Adelia will have to learn to fend for herself outside the safety net of her master, to find out the truth.
Mageborn is an OK fantasy novella with an enjoyable plot. However, I found it hard to get into it as the writing did not flow for me.
I found it a bit difficult to connect with the characters, maybe because I have not read the other books in the Tellest series. With Adelia I would have like to get to know more about her history but she is determined and kind.
This novella is an OK fantasy story and I would recommend Mageborn to people who have read the Tellest series.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Adelia has just begun her new life as a pupil under Master Wizard Gaston Camlann. He trains her in all she needs to know to make her way in the treacherous world of Tellest. However, when an assassin enters the city of Forsynthia, Adelia will have to learn to fend for herself outside the safety net of her master, to find out the truth.
Mageborn is an OK fantasy novella with an enjoyable plot. However, I found it hard to get into it as the writing did not flow for me.
I found it a bit difficult to connect with the characters, maybe because I have not read the other books in the Tellest series. With Adelia I would have like to get to know more about her history but she is determined and kind.
This novella is an OK fantasy story and I would recommend Mageborn to people who have read the Tellest series.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
April 24, 2018
This was a boring read. I am disappointed in the way the book turned out. I had some high expectations for the book because the blurb sounded really interesting. However, it was not for me. The characters were lacking for me. The writing style lacked for me as well because it was so slow paced. Also, it was boring and confusing. It is the type of story that does not capture someone's attention. I do not know if I will continue the series. Overall, a confusing read.
June 20, 2014
Michael DeAngelo’s Mageborn is a slim volume from his Tellest series. The fantasy tale introduces readers to new characters and gives a taste of the invented world in which they live. Gaston, the aged wizard, and Adelia, his new pupil, are well drawn and it’s refreshing to see a young woman as a lead character. Her pairing with the ancient and slightly eccentric male lead adds a good deal of charm to the story.
Whilst I question some word choices, I found the overall style of writing in tune with the tale. The vaguely ancient and sometimes obtuse language fits well with an arcane world, lending veracity to the fantasy elements. The world itself will be familiar to readers of the earlier books in the series, but it was slowly and subtly revealed as the story progressed, adding layers of mystery designed to enhance the reading experience.
I enjoy reading about people I can empathise with, and had no difficulty seeing through the eyes of both main characters. The switch of viewpoints was a little confusing on occasion, but this seems a fairly common feature of contemporary writing and I’ve no doubt many readers would be undisturbed by it.
There is adventure and tension mingled with the charm of this introductory tale. The descriptive passages paint pictures that bring the world alive and some of the incidents, cleverly crafted for surprise, do cause the reader to gasp. The story slowly builds and the denouement flows naturally from events, leading to an ending that is satisfying and promises more to come from this unlikely but well-matched pair of protagonists.
Readers of the genre will find this a delightful read and it serves well as an introduction to the world of Tellest for those unfamiliar with it. A good read.
Whilst I question some word choices, I found the overall style of writing in tune with the tale. The vaguely ancient and sometimes obtuse language fits well with an arcane world, lending veracity to the fantasy elements. The world itself will be familiar to readers of the earlier books in the series, but it was slowly and subtly revealed as the story progressed, adding layers of mystery designed to enhance the reading experience.
I enjoy reading about people I can empathise with, and had no difficulty seeing through the eyes of both main characters. The switch of viewpoints was a little confusing on occasion, but this seems a fairly common feature of contemporary writing and I’ve no doubt many readers would be undisturbed by it.
There is adventure and tension mingled with the charm of this introductory tale. The descriptive passages paint pictures that bring the world alive and some of the incidents, cleverly crafted for surprise, do cause the reader to gasp. The story slowly builds and the denouement flows naturally from events, leading to an ending that is satisfying and promises more to come from this unlikely but well-matched pair of protagonists.
Readers of the genre will find this a delightful read and it serves well as an introduction to the world of Tellest for those unfamiliar with it. A good read.
September 20, 2017
Ok the good parts, there was magic, dragons, a cat named Merlin, potions and even a so called assassination attempt, you would think with all this going on the book would be off the chain right?
NOPE!!!
Ugh, Adelia who is the main character got on my nerves from jump. She goes to one of the most renowned sages, Gaston, to be his apprentince but questions everything he tells her and sasses him! Like she knows everything that he was trying to show her and that he needed to teach her the harder things!
Really! No humility. Even when she squared of with the dragon that was after her and Trevor when they finally did get away and he tells her she was amazing, instead of a humble thank you, it was basically, I know I got this! It didn't exude confidence to me, more like arrogance.
NOPE!!!
Ugh, Adelia who is the main character got on my nerves from jump. She goes to one of the most renowned sages, Gaston, to be his apprentince but questions everything he tells her and sasses him! Like she knows everything that he was trying to show her and that he needed to teach her the harder things!
Really! No humility. Even when she squared of with the dragon that was after her and Trevor when they finally did get away and he tells her she was amazing, instead of a humble thank you, it was basically, I know I got this! It didn't exude confidence to me, more like arrogance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
This is very much a prologue to the next books. It's quite short, my kindle said around 70 pages but it was done at 83%, so you can easily finish this in one go.
The MC is learning how to become a mage/sorceress and she is followed by the highly renowned Gaston and his black cat Merlin. In less than 10 short chapters we see her experimenting and challenging herself in different forms of arts (potions and divination the main ones), encountering different other characters and a big scary monster.
As I said, this feels very much like a prologue. It's very technical as in Gaston explains how magic works in its different forms, and as such it can get a bit boring if you aren't very interested in that. I didn't mind it. I guess for me it was the writing style that didn't fully convince me, but it's just a personal taste.
I think I might continue the series in the future.
The MC is learning how to become a mage/sorceress and she is followed by the highly renowned Gaston and his black cat Merlin. In less than 10 short chapters we see her experimenting and challenging herself in different forms of arts (potions and divination the main ones), encountering different other characters and a big scary monster.
As I said, this feels very much like a prologue. It's very technical as in Gaston explains how magic works in its different forms, and as such it can get a bit boring if you aren't very interested in that. I didn't mind it. I guess for me it was the writing style that didn't fully convince me, but it's just a personal taste.
I think I might continue the series in the future.
October 9, 2021
great story
A female hero what a great surprise, love how the story grabbed me and kept me engaged. You have a fan. Catha Watkins Reese
A female hero what a great surprise, love how the story grabbed me and kept me engaged. You have a fan. Catha Watkins Reese
June 7, 2017
This was my first book by this author. I read it with an eye to my 15 and 11 year old daughters reading it. Reading Adelia's story through my daughters' eyes, I really liked it. The story opens in classic YA style with a starry-eyed girl heading to study with the celebrity wizard Gaston. She struggles to believe in herself. Gaston gives her a series of quests set against the much larger backdrop of the Tellest world.
Cats might be dragons. There's a black dragon. Gaston's lab blows up. Adelia is challenged to learn and grow into the powers she struggles to control.
Give it a try. It'll make your inner YA smile.
Cats might be dragons. There's a black dragon. Gaston's lab blows up. Adelia is challenged to learn and grow into the powers she struggles to control.
Give it a try. It'll make your inner YA smile.
October 10, 2018
Magic and Mystery
I was skeptical at first, thinking this would be another waste of my time. So, I began reading it. Eventually, I "came up for air"... almost 2 hrs later!
This book is one that can be enjoyed by young teens through adults. As for Merlin..... Do you think he's a cat or a transformed human? One thing's for sure- he definitely adds to the charm of this story.
I very much enjoyed reading "Mageborn" and look forward to reading its sequel.
- Tyra Rathje
I was skeptical at first, thinking this would be another waste of my time. So, I began reading it. Eventually, I "came up for air"... almost 2 hrs later!
This book is one that can be enjoyed by young teens through adults. As for Merlin..... Do you think he's a cat or a transformed human? One thing's for sure- he definitely adds to the charm of this story.
I very much enjoyed reading "Mageborn" and look forward to reading its sequel.
- Tyra Rathje
April 18, 2021
I actually read this book as part of Tales of Tellest: Volume One.
I am enjoying the writing style; it is smooth and descriptive, without being overly descriptive. I like the pace, although I wish that the pace in Mageborn was a little faster as I am thoroughly immersed in that story. However, I am not sure which character I have become in the story; sometimes I am Merlin, sometimes I am "Just Gaston, will do," I am even Adelia at times. I think that I enjoy being Merlin the most, though!
It is an excellent book and an excellent read; alas, it ended way too soon.
I am enjoying the writing style; it is smooth and descriptive, without being overly descriptive. I like the pace, although I wish that the pace in Mageborn was a little faster as I am thoroughly immersed in that story. However, I am not sure which character I have become in the story; sometimes I am Merlin, sometimes I am "Just Gaston, will do," I am even Adelia at times. I think that I enjoy being Merlin the most, though!
It is an excellent book and an excellent read; alas, it ended way too soon.
September 10, 2017
The cover art is lovely, and I really wanted to enjoy the book. But opening with a flurry of place and character names was a bit overwhelming; it felt like listening in on a conversation I wasn't meant to be a part of.
The lead character goes about her tasks efficiently enough, complete with her new furry friend. (Nice touch on cats & dragons being related.). However, I just couldn't develop empathy or enthusiasm for the characters.
The lead character goes about her tasks efficiently enough, complete with her new furry friend. (Nice touch on cats & dragons being related.). However, I just couldn't develop empathy or enthusiasm for the characters.
September 20, 2019
Beginnings
A young girl comes to Gaston to learn to use and control her innate magical talents. Upon arriving, she meets a cat, messes up the mixing of a few potions, blows up her desk, and is sent with the cat to find replacements for the reagents she used. At Foly's Glen, she finds the right plants and meets a dragon!
This is the beginning of her training and of a delightful series of books.
A young girl comes to Gaston to learn to use and control her innate magical talents. Upon arriving, she meets a cat, messes up the mixing of a few potions, blows up her desk, and is sent with the cat to find replacements for the reagents she used. At Foly's Glen, she finds the right plants and meets a dragon!
This is the beginning of her training and of a delightful series of books.
March 9, 2022
To be honest this Is probably about one and a half stars for me I didn’t really care much for the main character there’s not much world building the plot I found kind of boring all in all I just really did not like this book at all I kept falling asleep as I was trying to read it I’d pass on this one.
May 9, 2017
Excellent
The story is engaging and fun to get involved with. The ta!e of the growth of a mage is refreshing. Teaching with the understanding that you have the power already is enjoyable to read about.
The story is engaging and fun to get involved with. The ta!e of the growth of a mage is refreshing. Teaching with the understanding that you have the power already is enjoyable to read about.
February 15, 2018
Born in Magic
The beginning of the road for a young magic user which may lead to becoming a great sorceress. Well told beginning of this tale which should be a good story for teens and young adults.
The beginning of the road for a young magic user which may lead to becoming a great sorceress. Well told beginning of this tale which should be a good story for teens and young adults.
August 27, 2019
This was an entertaining, if simple book. It sets up the main character so that we are interested to see what she becomes. The audio book narrator's voice is not super expressive, but the voices that he does are great.
November 20, 2021
A short novella about a magical apprentice going from bumbling failure to saviour of the day in a flash. Not much story, characterisation, or world building. Very much fantasy by the numbers. An okay read, if uninteresting, forgettable. Some very strange word choices which make the narrative awkward.
June 17, 2017
Love!!!
Absolutely adore this series and I just started. I just finished the first book and I cannot wait for more!!
Absolutely adore this series and I just started. I just finished the first book and I cannot wait for more!!
July 7, 2017
Where from?
Book flowed reasonably well. A lot happened with little or no background. Hope series answers some of the questions unanswered in book 1
Book flowed reasonably well. A lot happened with little or no background. Hope series answers some of the questions unanswered in book 1
November 9, 2017
It is lacking some basic story elements. Character's reasons for doing things are seeming afterthoughts. Important backstory elements are glossed over, or simply alluded to in a brief sentence.
March 4, 2018
A lovely read.
I thoroughly loved this book. I'm sure there is more to the storey in the next book. The writing is engaging, t :) e book is skilfully written.
I thoroughly loved this book. I'm sure there is more to the storey in the next book. The writing is engaging, t :) e book is skilfully written.
June 18, 2018
Great book
Enjoyed this book immensely the story is first class from this author. I have not read any of the book s from this author and I was captivated
Enjoyed this book immensely the story is first class from this author. I have not read any of the book s from this author and I was captivated
August 7, 2018
The story line is interesting, but something seemed missing from it. So It is okay.
September 30, 2018
Interesting
A good read. Perhaps the action is too fast and the feats are too easily accomplished. However it is good enough to purchase next book in series.
A good read. Perhaps the action is too fast and the feats are too easily accomplished. However it is good enough to purchase next book in series.
November 29, 2018
Great book
June 3, 2020
A fun fantasy book with an enjoyable story. I'd like to know what happens next and want to read the next books too. :) I especially like Merlin the cat and look forward to more of his story.
September 28, 2021
An interesting premise. I love Merlin. I'm not sure the writing style is for me.
November 13, 2021
Tell Us All About Tellest
Mageborn (Ancestral Magic Book 1) by Michael DeAngelo is fun and entertaining. Not sure how many books there are in the series, but I’m sure we will have plenty of opportunity to get to know a great deal about Tellest and those inhabiting it.
Mageborn (Ancestral Magic Book 1) by Michael DeAngelo is fun and entertaining. Not sure how many books there are in the series, but I’m sure we will have plenty of opportunity to get to know a great deal about Tellest and those inhabiting it.
November 13, 2021
Brilliance
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Loved the characters. Really looking forward to the next installment of the story. Very entertaining and totally got me hooked.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Loved the characters. Really looking forward to the next installment of the story. Very entertaining and totally got me hooked.
August 29, 2023
magic in her blood
Adelina is more like her grandfather than she knows. Gaston has invited her to Hawthorne Keep to help her become the great sorceress she is destined to become.
Adelina is more like her grandfather than she knows. Gaston has invited her to Hawthorne Keep to help her become the great sorceress she is destined to become.
January 13, 2024
blurb sounded interesting, but the book was very mundane and boring imo. it’s a short book, less than 100 pages but it felt incredibly long with the way it’s written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews