In a world consumed by Darkness, Lola Porte rises as a fearsome warrior, wielding the power of magick with unyielding determination and an indomitable spirit. Her skills have been honed through countless battles, but when she crosses paths with Kingsley Do'Ramos, a prince burdened by his own tragic past, their destinies entangle in ways neither could have foreseen.
As Lola grapples with the haunting memories of her family's demise and the extraordinary powers she possesses, she realizes that trusting Kingsley is her greatest challenge yet. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across treacherous lands, their fates interwoven in an epic quest to unravel the enigma of the encroaching Darkness.
Kingsley, driven by a relentless thirst for truth, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Lola's magnetic presence. As they venture deeper into the unknown, the intricate tapestry of their interconnected lies becomes a delicate dance between danger and desire. Can their undeniable attraction transcend the darkness that threatens to consume their world?
In this gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the fight against impending ruin, Lola and Kingsley's journey will leave readers breathless. Will their tangled web of secrets and their insatiable connection be enough to save the kingdom of Mosa from the clutches of despair? Immerse yourself in this enthralling saga and discover the untold power of trust, as two souls defy their fears to face an uncertain future together.
Prepare to be captivated by the pages of this spellbinding novel, where the clash of swords, the allure of forbidden romance, and the relentless pursuit of truth collide in a sweeping adventure that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Don't miss your chance to experience the captivating world of Transea—a tale that will stay with you even after the final word is read.
I received an ARC of this novel so spoilers will follow!
I absolutely LOVED book 1 in this series. The world building, characters, unique magic and Afro-Latina focus pulled me in from the beginning. The author has an excellent ability to make you feel as if you’re part of the story and makes the characters seem like real people. There’s a big twist at the end of the book that made me so happy- and frustrated that I need to wait for the third book to continue on. In saying this, I enjoyed Sole more than I enjoyed Lola. Both characters are very different and my preference comes from relating more to Sole more than any issues with Lola’s character. I really appreciated Lola’s fierce nature and her strength, she is a warrior and a badass. Her interactions with the other characters were realistic and interesting which is something that I often find lacking in fantasy novels- sometimes interactions seem very forced and this wasn’t the case here. I will say that I think Lola deserved a lot more from the MMC and I hope that his character is redeemed a bit in the next book. The interactions in my opinion seemed somewhat forced between the FMC and MMC only to the point where I find their chemistry to be (in my opinion) a bit unrealistic. I don’t understand why someone with Lola’s strength, passion and skills would fall for someone as flawed as the MMC but things between them evened out by the end of the novel and to be honest did not take away from the overall story. The back and forth was well done between the characters and I do feel that as they grow together they’ll be a much better match.
What I love most about this series is the world building. It’s so different from the majority of fantasy series in that it isn’t Eurocentric, the characters are realistically flawed and have realistic reactions to what’s happening around them. Lola goes through some stuff in this book and doesn’t simply shake it off- she has trauma and she’s still a certified badass. This series is shaping up to be one of my favorites- my girl Sole is one of my favorite characters and her parts of this book were spot on. I can’t wait for the third book (cliffhanger alert!) as I want to keep following these characters and see how everything turns out. There’s a lot still to come in this series.
If you enjoy strong female characters, excellent diversity and representation of different cultures, interesting magic, overarching plot lines and spice, give this series a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I receive this as and advance listener for my honest review .
Magick Rising by Ligia N. Cushman
Magick Rising had the potential to be a captivating fantasy read, offering an intriguing premise that could have drawn readers into a world of magic and mystery. The foundation of the story was promising, and I appreciated the effort put into crafting a unique narrative.
However, this book missed the mark for me. One of the biggest challenges was the repetition of information, sometimes within the same chapter, which disrupted the flow of the story. Additionally, there were multiple contradictions that made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the plot. A key example is the description of the main character, Lola, which changed between the first and second introductions, creating confusion. Some plot points also lacked clarity—such as Lola somehow knowing she had lost her memory for exactly three years—leaving too many unanswered questions. These inconsistencies made it hard to connect with the characters and the world they inhabited.
The friendship between Lola and Thad played a significant role in the story, but I felt it could have been explored in greater detail to enhance the emotional depth of their bond. Additionally, while there were a few spicy scenes, the wording at times felt unrealistic, making it difficult to fully engage with those moments. The timeline of the story was another point of confusion—it seemed to span only a few days, yet the author may have intended for it to cover a longer period. Unfortunately, that didn't come across clearly to me.
That said, I recognize the passion and creativity that went into writing this book. The concept had great potential, and with further refinement, it could become a compelling fantasy story. I appreciate the author's imagination and dedication, and I look forward to seeing how her storytelling evolves in future works. Overall, I give this book two stars, as it ultimately missed the mark for me.
When the dark throne rises, the three shall bring forth an era of magick and sorrow.
Lola wakes up in the midde of the Ventane Woods, confused about where she is and how she got there. There are three things she knows for certain though. These dirty clothes she’s wearing are not hers, she has magick in her veins she didn’t have before, and the handsome man who just saved her from a wild bear is a distraction she can do without. Lola is a feisty, strong and stubborn woman. She sure doesn’t need anyone to save her, she’s a fierce warrior! While trying to recover the memories of her past, her growing attraction for Kingsley Do’Ramos becomes more and more difficult to resist.
Kingsley has never met a woman as beautiful and fierce as Lola, and he is determined to never let her go. In a short period of time she became his everything. However, Kingsley has his own path to follow. He is the next in line to become king, and falling in love with a princess who is determined to return to Mosa was not part of his plan.
I loved this second book in the Mosa chronicles, it’s full of love, strong friendships and family bonds. I really enjoyed the sparks flying between King and Lola, their chemistry is just wonderful. The quest for answers is full of surprise plot twists, and the world building is truly amazing. I loved Grimerg Rise and the diversity of its inhabitants. All people from different backgrounds, all with their own set of beliefs and their own culture. Where there differences don’t matter because they share a common goal: survival. I truly think our world can learn a thing or two from the world Ligia creates.
This amazing story ends on a terrible cliffhanger, so be prepared to get your heart broken. That epilogue more than made up for it though! I’m so happy with that epilogue and the promise of what is yet to come! *Doing a little happy-dance*
Magick Rising by Ligia N. Cushman got me in my feels. Someone said black girl magic and got me into this amazing book. I was lost in the pages and the constant tumultuous moments wrapped around me like a blanket of darkness. This is a very beautiful romantasy and the whole adventure felt so real to me that I had to portray myself as the main character. A spellbinding novel that is captivating and had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the characters.
I love Lola and King's chemistry and development. The banter at the beginning was fun to read and the way they both had each other's backs even though they had their fears made the tension in the book palpable.
I recommend this book one hundred percent and you, my fellow readers have to read this work of art and welcome back to Mosa.
Favorite quote: "What was it about him that made him so unbearable?"
I had the chance of being a arc listener for this book, by Ligia cushman and respectfully I'm just giving my honest opinion about it. Unfortunately I'm giving it 3 stars, it truly didn't keep my attention and I'm not forsure if it was the voices for the characters I was listening to or the the story line in it's self, but it just wasn't for me.
Would I still recommend this Book yes, because I know that their are people out there who would love this read/listen, because it is for other people. I think for me personally I need a physical copy so I can read it that way.
Recognizing the creativity that went into writing this book, and the authors imagination and dedication, I'd like to see how her storytelling evoles just in paper.
Magick Rising was a very good read. I was so happy to receive the ARC of this book, and to be able to leave a review before it is officially released.
I read Rise of a Dark Throne first and I enjoyed that as well, the world building was done beautifully and carried amazingly into Magick Rising as well.
Lola Porte has been through so much with the darkness raviging her home and leave her with out her family and this new found Magick. She was able to come into her own with the help of Kingsley Do’Ramos.
Seeing there love story unfold was beautiful to witness and the cliffhanger that we ended on has me excited for the next book in this series.
The story was good, although it made me realize I am not a fan of instalove. The FMC was a little annoying at times with all the crying; one paragraph she hates the MMC and the next paragraph she’s confessing her love.
I also felt like it moved a little fast with no representation of how much time has passed between chapters, that would’ve been helpful.
I love the Magic system, and the description of the world sounds absolutely beautiful, I wish it was a real place. I also love that this is a fantasy book with majority of the characters being brown people.
Goodreads only lets us give full star reviews but this was a 3.5⭐️ read, FOR ME!
This was a good story. I really like the detail that was put into the characters and some of their backstory. I didn't however, like the way the narrator made some of the characters sound. I did love her voice though. It was clear and beautiful. Some of the story seemed a little fast paced but I was able to follow through. The main fmc got on my nerve a little bit. She seemed whiney then tried to be big and bad. And she was very wishy-washy. Like she didn't like King then was all over him. But all in all, the story of the darkness and changing them was great. I hope to learn more of the working of this darkness. I would recommend this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was lucky enough to receive an Arc. There were a lot of moments where I was clutching my pearls, and holding my breath, especially the at the end. The only criticism I would give is over descriptiveness. I feel like moments in the story were lost for me because of the time that was taken to describe something (this was also something that was in the first book as well)
I know there is going to be another book and hopefully I’ll get to arc read that one as well! It’s refreshing to read BLACK GIRL MAGIC!
Love the realm of any female character having powers but for the sister to be the keys love it. One thing I can say I didn’t like is the tug and pull when it comes to accepting your in love. The oblivious acts of “ huh he doesn’t love me it’s impossible “ hated it. Also it’s a very slow moving book and I get the set ups for the next book but it’s to slow for me I definitely need more action. Hate that in this book people who are dead keep coming back to life I just don’t see the point but I do like this series , but this book wasn’t my fav.
This book was an amazing I loved the representation of all the characters I honestly couldn’t see my self included in this world, and I couldn’t get over all the twists the magic of you love books like this this is for you 10/10. Makes you laugh and cry and just fall in love with the characters
Lola is so stubborn. Something about those last born. I do love her though. She’s passionate about her craft and her people. Her and Sole together is a mighty force. Baby I want to fight King, Thad and Mya. King was wrong for putting her in a position (that although she wanted) where she couldn’t choose for herself but I was glad she finally embraced her new titles. Here, Before, Now and After
Magick Rising (Book 2 - The Mōsa Chronicles) did not disappoint me with its action, love, war, distrust, and heartache.
The FMC (Lola) is one of the princesses to the Mōsa Kingdom, but currently she finds herself trying to figure out was had happened to her because pieces of her memories are missing and she’s not were she was suppose to be.
The MMC (Kingsley) was destined to live in the background, but unforeseen events had thrusted him into a power position. Trying to fill shoes that wasn’t meant from him, but one magic encounter had him throw ing caution to the wind.
When Kingsley finds Lola in the woods everything changes. This unlikely duo will face challenges from inside and outside their circle. Secrets will be revealed and loyalties will be tested.
This picks up right where Rise of a Dark Throne ends with an introduction to Lola. If you loved Sole you're going to love Lola just as much. She's strong and resilient and has been through so much in this book so please read the triggers before starting.
This dedication:
To all the brown girls who were told they weren’t enough, who were made to feel small. This book is dedicated to you. May you discover the power in vulnerability, embrace your fierceness, and never shrink yourself again.
This alone tells you you're in for a good story with a badass fmc and man did Lygia deliver. Lola is the girl we all dreamed of being. Believing in ourselves even when everyone else says we can't or being constantly torn down no matter what you do. This definitely resonated with me this year.
Lola endures a lot in this book but she's not alone. She has King. King also has some struggles of his own as he is now the crown prince, a role he doesn't really want or is supposed to get as a second born but due to the darkness he is now the crown prince.
🚨TW🚨
This book contains elements of ableism, abusive relationships, alcoholism, bullying, bodies/ corpses, child abuse, classism, death/ dying, death of a parent, death of a sibling, drinking (recreational), emotional abuse, forced captivity, graphic sex, murder, attempted murder, PTSD (panic attacks by the main character), racism (multiple discussions throughout the book), racist microaggressions, serious injury, sexism, sexual abuse, sexual content, slurs, smoking, swearing, torture, violent death of parents, warfare, and weapons.
This is book 2 of the Mosa Chronicles. Lola is a spit fire out of the three sisters, reminds me of Nesta from ACOTAR. She doesn't take any BS and fights for her family. She is loyal and strong. I have been ARC for both the book and the audiobook. Kingsley is a jealous and feisty he loves Lola. I love the friends to lovers vibe and the banter between the two is amazing. I love this world. The audiobook and the book are amazing. The audio narrator was amazing! I absolutely loved it! Thank you @lygiawrites for this amazing world you built called Mosa. Here, Before, Now and After.