With the High Magus' Defenders now hunting her for being a Dual Wielder, Tsillah and her companions go into hiding to avoid being caught.
But Tsillah has had a taste of competitive magic and she doesn't want to stop now that she's started. When an invitation arrives for her and Ermir to join the Elite Circuit - a competition for the best of the best - she convinces her grandmage, Caius, that this circuit is where they need to be as a show of strength against those who wish them dead.
The Elite Circuit is like nothing she's ever experienced before; a high stakes competition with new friends - and enemies - being made along the way. While Tsillah dedicates herself to being the best in the duster ring, her heart is on it's own journey, leading her down paths that should be forbidden.
And while Tsillah, Ermir and Caius make a name for themselves in Vahara, the High Magus is watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and take the trio out for good.
For lovers of the found family, slow burn romance and protector tropes, elemental magic, strong female leads and a level up style of progression. Read Dual Wield today.
This book is SEVERELY underrated. Ah I read again and loved even more the second time around. I don’t know what it is, but the writing feels so natural and I love the storyline so much.
I am so happy I get to finally read the newly released third book Trinity Mage!
———————————
EMILY L.K…. You are KILLING ME! I can’t take the tension anymore and if SOMETHING (IYKYK) doesn’t happen in the next book I may involuntarily combust.
The story continues from where it left off with Tsillah, Ermir and Caius traveling together and finally agreeing to get back on the circuit. However this time they will enter without holding back their secrets and show off Ermir’s Pure and Tsillah’s dual wielding capabilities.
Tsillah works herself to the bone, fighting as both a fire wielder and an illusionist with the help of Caius’ one-on-one training. The dueling scenes get better and better, the looming threat of the Great Magus adds even more drama, and the character development is so natural I find myself getting lost like I’m not reading but immersed in the crowd.
They have faced so many obstacles in this book you feel just how much this trio relies on each other.
The ENDING! It had me in tears.
I haven’t been hooked on a series like this in a long time - It’s just so well written with everything from the concept to the world building so different and cool. This series is incredible and I absolutely need the next book already. Five million stars.
Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions! This was a thrilling sequel that enriches the plot and offers a broader perspective on the entire series.
Dual Wield is the second installment of the Mages of Might saga. If you’d like to read my review of The Archmage, you can find it here.
The story begins with Tsillah and Ermir receiving an invitation to participate in the Elite Circuit, a competition where the most powerful apprentices compete for the title of ‘Best of the Continent’. They decide to attend the circuit, as it offers them the opportunity to take a stand against the High Magus’s tyranny.
While the initial premise of the story is similar to that of the first book, the narrative doesn’t solely revolve around the circuit, and the magical encounters aren’t the only events we follow. Through the competition, we gain deeper insights into the society living under the High Magus's rule, as well as into the High Magus himself. The magic system is also further explored.
This circuit takes place over several months in the same location, and here, Tsillah forms new friendships but also encounters some enemies. This introduces even more elements of the magic school trope while maintaining the fresh approach of the first book.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its characters and their relationships. Their unconditional support, shared experiences, and emotional journeys are truly heartwarming. I really appreciated how the author chose to evolve their family-by-trade bond.
The pacing of the book is just perfect. The story maintains a fast pace without feeling rushed. Occasionally, there are slower chapters that allow readers to connect more deeply with the characters. The events they face are thrilling and had me on the edge of my seat. While certain situations are left hanging, it didn’t affect my enjoyment, as I love longer, more immersive stories.
Nonetheless, the novel does have some weaknesses. At times, it can feel a bit too convenient and driven by the plot. I wished it had explored the presence of the black mages and why they exist in greater depth. It leaves me wondering whether they are simply a narrative device or will play a more significant role as the plot unfolds.
In any case, I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. My expectations are high, and I hope the next one won’t be the last!
Last but not least, I’d like to praise the author for delivering us a true slow-burn romance.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now that Caius is a grandmage, they must move all the time to avoid detection from the High Magus, but Tsillah and Ermir want to become stronger and want to compete again. One day, letters arrive for Tsillah and Ermir inviting them both to compete in an elite circuit for the highest ranking from the last competition. Tsillah makes an argument to convince Caius to let them compete to show people who they are and what they can do to help rally troops to bring down the High Magus once and for all.
So, I loved the first book and I really enjoyed the second book!
I love how the relationship between Caius, Ermir and Tsillah just continue growing stronger. And the romance that I am here for that drove me absolutely nuts through this whole book with their “moments”, and yelling “just kiss already” gave me so much anxiety that I’m surprised I’m still functioning 🤣🤣🤣 it was great and I loved every moment of it!
Same as the first book, this has a lot of magical competition, which is great in that we can see and watch how much stronger both Ermir and Tsillah become. My issue is that it’s basically the same story as the first book, except this time they’re being more vocal of their stand against the High Magus and trying to rally support. I just would get a bit bored with all the competitions because we already went through that in the first book, and wanted something more when it comes to bringing down the villain.
I also was shocked at how much drinking was happening in this book. I mean I don’t care if people drink in books, but I found it strange when and how much they drank when it’s a competition and you would think they would focus on their health more, I dunno, this is more of a “me”thing 😅
And like the first book the pacing is very fast and I was very confused by how they were not being hunted down easily by the High Magus. It just seemed very convenient that they could enter these competitions and not be attacked or arrested. I mean why were they on high alert when no one ever comes for them? And for the High Magus being so strong, how is it that he couldn’t catch them easily? I know Caius is very strong, it just seemed odd that even though literally everyone knew where the three were that no one could catch them or find them?
Besides some of those details, I really did like the story a lot and I’m here for the romance. I love a good slow burn romance and this series delivers it very well, and I love the found family bit too! It’s a different story than I normally read in the fantasy worlds out there, and so I am enjoying it a lot and I’m ready for the next book! I need to see how my hopes and dreams for this story plays out! 😂😭
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you love: ✨Romantasy ✨Magic ✨Slow burn romance ✨Found Family ✨Protector trope ✨Strong FMC
**SPOILERS**
This thrilling sequel picks up right where we left off in The Archmage. Now that Caius became a grandmage, Tsillah advances her powers as a dual wielder and Ermir grows in power and support of him; the target on their backs has the High Magus only looking at them. The danger and urgency to evade him and their enemies is now even more heightened. . The main trio (Caius, Tsillah, and Ermir) is becoming one of my favorites. The found family vibes strengthen even more throughout this book. All the interactions with each other show the precious family by trade they created. Ermir and Tsillah are definitely big brother and little sister. Caius saying he is their protector and defender is ughh 😭🥹. Ermir and Tsillah competing in the Elite circuit was great to see them both grow in strength and power. The vivid description of the battles had me feel like I was there watching them. I loved that they all supported each others’ matches with their friends and loved ones. Tsillah made friends with her fellow illusionists and the party they threw her got me so emotional 🥹. . Now let’s talk about this slow burn romance! The tension, longing, teasing and the little moments had me hanging on every word! Their small confessions and the ending … UGH SWOON 🥰. They almost freaking kissed! All the times Caius protected Tsillah and the promise he made her…instantly melted 🫠. . Overall, the ending was heartwarming and sets up a nice cliffhanger. Can’t freaking wait til the next book! Thank you again @thepagesshewrote for this copy! .
Favorite quotes:
✨ I couldn’t think of anywhere safer than with you…And I promise I’ll always be that for you.
✨ And the fear of goodbye was no longer there, because somewhere in that final fight for glory, she’d made promise to the next High Magus of Teitara that she would fight. Fight for him, fight for Caius, fight for every mage who was gifted and wanted to be powerful.
✨ Let’s keep having those moments, because if I can’t hope for a future in which we have a chance, then what’s the point of fighting at all?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m loving this. Normally, the length of this book would be a quick read for me but really, this book had me enjoying reading it that it seemed like I was reading a longer one 😅
It’s fast pacing but still great I was able to keep up. Still loving the trio. Found family it is.
This was the slowest of slow-burn lol it left me anticipatingggggggggg. The scenes with Caius! Ugh! Can I tell you a secret? I lowkey wanted them 3 to be together 😫 IYKYK 😜 because Rani don’t have much dialogue and little to no conversations happening with her that I can’t really get to know her deeper. I don’t feel a connection and honestly don’t feel her and Ermir’s chemistry ✌️ and Idk if it was just me but Ermir and Tsillah’s fight in the elementalist finals was intense! And I felt their bond more, they look like they’re having fun and seeing ermir happy made my heart happy 😍 I was rooting for the both of them too 😁 he looks like he’d be happier with Tsillah. (I’m bias I know 😝)
It was also heartbreaking what happened to their trade family and I am keen to know what will happen next.
Tsillah’s getting stronger but we still don’t know the full extent of her power. And I can’t wait to see her rank rose and see her with her(oops)/the guys fighting the High Magus. I hoped I could get into Caius’ mind because he’s so reserved, calm although we could see slips in his emotions a few times. I want to see more magic battles outside the duster rings. Like real life along the way kinda fight. Were they experience everything outside circuit fighting. Fighting with no rules. Unexpected enemies. New knowledge acquired. Techniques that can be learned through experience. Things like that.
I loved the ending. Finally she can rest and be able to think through things and decide for herself-for what she wants.
I’m expecting a very thrilling ride next book!
ARC read. Honest review left voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such a rollercoaster, I don’t think I am okay!
The book takes place right after the first one. Now that Caius is a Grandmage, he, Emir and Tsillah have to be even more careful while traveling around. However, when the chance for Tsillah and Emir comes up to compete in an elite circuit and become stronger, they decide to take the risks and compete.
So I really loved the first book, the pace, the storyline, the magic system and the characters. And the second book delivered all that and more. I am still in love with the world building and the magic systems. It still gives me such big Avatar the last Airbender vibes!
The storyline itself felt like a bit of a repetition on the first pages, due to them again being in a circuit. But that changed quickly and I got pulled into the world and storyline. It is fast paced which just kept me turning the pages.
I love the character development, loved how all three of our main characters got even closer to each other and were such a well rounded team.
The romance is a real slow burn, like ‚I want to scream at them‘ slow burn. But the moments that Tsillah and Caius had were extremely sweet and I could not get enough of them. The tension was getting bigger each page and I cannot handle it anymore!
And again, I just LOVE the communication. There were issues? They talked about it. One wanted someone to not keep something hidden? Look at them, they didn’t hide it! It is so refreshing to read about something like that!
Also, special shout out to Emir and Rani. The pullup scene?! If you know you know! 👀 (Yes, I was dying inside.)
All in all a perfect, fast paced fantasy read with a slow burn romance that keeps you on your feet.
I could not put this book down. Something about these characters has got me absolutely hooked on this world and I honestly think about it constantly!
This was an excellent follow up to the first book. Continuing with the challenges as Tsillah and Ermir compete in the elite tournament. I really enjoy this element to the story, the different challenges they undertake and the training of their power. I loved the final match between Ermir and Tsillah. It was really well written and it was nice to see their magic flow and the banter between the two of them was great. Each challenge has had so much imagination and creativity used in their writing.
I am living for the slow burn romance between Tsillah and Caius. It is so heart warming and feels so real. I’m normally all for full on romance but I’m actually really enjoying how LK is drawing it out between the two, it’s been really well done so far.
It was interesting to have the High Magus’ story weaving into this book more, and I look forward to find out more about the battle between them in book three. This book has continued to set up the coming battle really well.
I must admit this story continues to be very basic with little world building and not a great deal of explanations on some topics. However this is one of the things I like about it the most. It’s such and easy and enjoyable read, exactly what I’ve been needing!
I am invested in this series and need to know how the story unfolds. It's got a great build in tension and plot. Nothing is too triggering, but it's definitely a step up from book 1 in the action department, in my opinion.
I adore the found family theme and get warm, cozy vibes. I have a deep attachment to the characters, and I couldn't help but feel their emotions along with them through their ups and downs. Tsillah and caius' relationship is starting to heat up, and I can't wait to see where that goes. Ermir and Tsillahs relationship is so siblinglike and wholesome. The banter and teasing but also feirce loyalty reminds me of me and my own siblings.
The magic element is still as creative and emersive as the 1st book, and I love it. Tsillahs illusion landscapes are beautiful. The way they are depicted makes my brain sing every time. Unreal.
This book had some twists and turns to it and has added to the mysteries I'm sure will unfold throughout the rest of the series. I'm excited to continue this adventure in the books to come, and looking forward to getting to know some of the other characters more indepthly
Oh, my. She did it again!! I feel in love with the first book. And I did not expect to fall so much more in love with the second book. There's so much more action, more of the fighting rings, more of them growing as elementalist. I cannot put this book down. I needed to know what happened and it's so good. All of the things that they go through definitely Caius, Ermir, and Tsillah! Because you get to see them grow into their next levels. And then you get to see the relationships that they create between them three as a family.
Like I really need book 3 now. I need it, I need to know what happens, and I need to know how it ends. I don't know if there's going to be more after book 3. I'm hoping that we get it soon but you know I will wait until the author has it done. Because I need it but she is definitely got me. This book series is the first I've ever read from her and she's so great at it. She kept my attention the whole time and the second book was so good I just didn't want to stop. If I didn't have two little kids I probably would have finished this book in 4 hours. You guys read the series, read any book from her she's so good!
Oh, what's this? A sequel to Archmage? Don't mind if I do. While sinister political dealings continue to loom on the horizon, Tsilaah and Ermir launch right back into the competitive circuit, this time joining an elite system only open to the best of all mage disciplines. The stakes are higher, and the magic is more colorful and brutal, and emotions run high for all of the mages and apprentices as Caius struggles to manage his increasing Might, Ermir fights for himself and a kingdom, and Tsillah wonders if it is enough to just use her powers for her family or if she is called to also help her friends save the world. In between the magic slinging, there's slow-burn romance and moments of joy for Tsillah and company to just be ordinary people enjoying being a family. I don't know how many books there will be in the series, but at the current pace, it feels like there will be quite a few. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to trying the author's other series.
**Thanks to StoryOrigin and the author for the ARC**
If you like magic systems with clear ranks in their power structure and unique ways of wielding then this book is great. I do suggest reading book 1 if you want even more background into how the MCs meet and what led them to this point in the story. This second book is also I feel, the ground work in which we see the future tempest claim back his throne as you see people clearly getting tired of living where being strong is a crime. This book is like a rally call to those who no longer want to hold back and go back to the times before the High Magus started culling the strong. The only thing that I had a problem with was when I finally thought they were going to kiss it turned into a near kiss situation and I dont know who to yell at!! So thank you author for making me look like a psycho grimacing and screeching at my kindle.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review
What a whirlwind of emotions and events! The adventure of Tsillah, Caius and Ermir continue to another city for another circuit, and with this both Ermir and Tsillah have been exposed as pure and a duel wield. Tsillah now has to practise and learn new techniques to become the number one illusionist and elementalist, she also has to learn to defend herself, with the help of Caius, from the newfound target of her strength. With Caius and Tsillah having secret 'moments' together, Tsillah is finding it harder and harder to conceal her emotions for her grandmage, especially with targets on the trios backs.
If you love trials, elemental battles, slow burn romance with absolutely sweet secret moments, a strong FMC, and a touch her and die sunshine MMC, then you'll need to read the Mages of Might series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I think I love this one even more then the first. The ending was heartbreaking but the sweet and romantic moments between Tsillah and Caius were everything! It's still a slow burn, nothing happened yet but I need those two to finally kiss! 😭
And I want the fucking High Mage dead, I hate him! I want the world to heal and I pray that Ermir won't turn into a villain! My heart couldn't take it, I love him too much. Not as much as my cutie pie Caius but I want him to find happiness too. And Rani, Sakura and Flint!
And the ending... 😫 I'm so glad the third book is already released but I know it's not the last book so I prepare myself to be devastated once more. This is the reason why I don't like to read unfinished series' but I'm still glad I tried this one, because it's so worth it.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and couldn't wait to read the second, it did not disappoint! If you liked the first one you'll definitely enjoy the second. It has a similar feel to The Archmage with the trio travelling and competing on a new circuit while growing closer (✨found family trope✨), but the stakes are higher this season. There are new characters and components to the circuit which keeps things fresh and interesting, and the slow burn is s l o w. I read this in one go and couldn't put it down, the pacing was great and there was always something interesting happening without being overwhelming.
I’m still in tears as I write this. I’m not sad, yet I’m not happy. I guess I’m just moved.
This series is incredible and I LOVE these characters with my whole soul.
I’m so glad to see Caius and Tsillah’s connection making small yet steady steps forward even through the impending doom and danger that is before them.
I’m sobbing at the gesture of the rings embellished with HIS Might 😭 that is so touching I can’t deal with it.
I’m dying for book 3. I hope to goodness we get it soon ❤️
The tension and the pining!!.. oh my gosh! These characters are becoming such comfort faves of mine. I love the found family between them. This book was a great sequel to The Archmage which I really enjoyed. We watch Tsillah progress as a Journeyman through the tournaments and I feel there was a lot more action and battles in this book. I am desperate for the third book. I need to know what happens next. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It is a quick read and keeps you gripped throughout.
Thanks so much to Emily LK for so kindly sending me an eARC of her book. I loved it.
One word....EPIC!!! I absolutely loved this book and the series!!! Its a new and fresh take on magic, mage levels, and mage competition. It was an easy and quick read. The characters had depth and were relatable. The world of Vahara was easy to imagine, intricate, and magical. This is what I would call light fantasy. The slow burn was great as well. I would definitely suggest reading the series if you love fantasy.
I LOVE this world. I love the characters. I love the duel scenes, with their rich details. And the tension between the FMC and the MMC? Simply delicious. I can practically feel those feather-light touches, the frantic hope that they mean more, and the maddening feeling that comes with not knowing.
I hope Emily gives us the most villainous villain who ever villained AND the spiciest spice that ever spiced in book 3.
Omg!! I could not put it down What a rollercoaster of emotions it was! I loved every minute, every characters I can’t wait to read book 3 I hadn’t read a book that entertained me so much In this book we continue to follow Tsillah, Ermir and Caius, their fights and evolution. The slow burn is very well done and not boring. I liked the fast paced as well. I feel so sad for Flint and hope Caius forgive him in book 3 because their relationship was adorable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Although I like this story aswell and loved the journey I found it very repetitive to the first book and really not much happening until your towards the end. Hopefully the next book will pick up a touch more in pace The romance aspect is cute & sweet and i actually really like thats it a slow burn 🔥 Cant wait for next one in the series
4.5 Stars Emily does it again. I haven't felt a slow burn this good and agonizing in a while. I love that the main focus is Sil and Ermirs advancement and the bigger war in the horizon with a touch of romance and friendship. The pacing is great and has set up a truly action packed 3rd book. I am counting down the days until I get to read if Sil and Caius ever get to act on those moments.
This was an exciting read! There was always something going on! I loved the characters. Tsillah and Emir have grown both emotionally and with their skills since book one. Caius grows too. The slow burn romance is driving me crazy! I can’t wait until the next book to see where it goes!
I loves The depth of the characters in this book. If you’ve read the 1st book you’ll definitely want to continue with this one. The slow burn romance kept me on the edge. I’m dying to know what happens next. Looking forward to another book in the series.
Wow! It was so gooooooood!!!!!! I'm dying to know what happens in book three with Caius and Tsilliah. I need book 3 now!!!!!! The relationship between Ciaus and Tsilliah is growing more and more, I can't wait to see where their relationship goes from here. It's 5 stars from me!
One of my favourite series, an interesting magic system, complicated relationships, found family, all in a cost and adventurous setting. What more could you want?