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Magelight
Fleeing her sheltered life, a noblewoman must trust a warrior, a forester, and a thief to unlock her true power and face her destiny.
Embrace Your Power and Forge Your Destiny
All her life, Aelys of Brionne had been weak. As the noble daughter of one of the empire’s most powerful magic-wielding families, it should have been easy for her to live her dream of bonding with a warrior protector and joining the Imperial Battlemage Corps. But when her weakness robs her of her dreams, her best friend, and the man she loves, Aelys makes the only choice she can she takes her fate into her own hands and she runs, leaving her safe, protected world behind.
Now she must find a way to work with three dangerous strangers—a warrior, a forester, and a thief—to escape the bandits stalking her, fight through the dangers of the untamed forest, and make her way back home, where her family and her destiny await.
Only . . . her violent protectors might be the key to the power and freedom she’s always craved. Can Aelys find the strength to choose her own destiny and become the sorceress she was born to be? Or lose herself on the path to power?
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
After retiring from the USAF and flying medical emergency helicopters, Kacey Ezell is a full-time writer who specializes in sci-fi/fantasy/alt history/horror fiction. Her first novel was a Dragon Award finalist in 2018, and her stories have been featured in Baen’s Year’s Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction compilation in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, her story “Family Over Blood” won the 2018 Year’s Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction Reader’s Choice Award. She writes for Baen and Chris Kennedy Publishing.
Embrace Your Power and Forge Your Destiny
All her life, Aelys of Brionne had been weak. As the noble daughter of one of the empire’s most powerful magic-wielding families, it should have been easy for her to live her dream of bonding with a warrior protector and joining the Imperial Battlemage Corps. But when her weakness robs her of her dreams, her best friend, and the man she loves, Aelys makes the only choice she can she takes her fate into her own hands and she runs, leaving her safe, protected world behind.
Now she must find a way to work with three dangerous strangers—a warrior, a forester, and a thief—to escape the bandits stalking her, fight through the dangers of the untamed forest, and make her way back home, where her family and her destiny await.
Only . . . her violent protectors might be the key to the power and freedom she’s always craved. Can Aelys find the strength to choose her own destiny and become the sorceress she was born to be? Or lose herself on the path to power?
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
After retiring from the USAF and flying medical emergency helicopters, Kacey Ezell is a full-time writer who specializes in sci-fi/fantasy/alt history/horror fiction. Her first novel was a Dragon Award finalist in 2018, and her stories have been featured in Baen’s Year’s Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction compilation in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, her story “Family Over Blood” won the 2018 Year’s Best Military and Adventure Science Fiction Reader’s Choice Award. She writes for Baen and Chris Kennedy Publishing.
- GenresFantasy
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
9 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Kacey Ezell
79 books106 followersKacey Ezell was born in South Dakota in 1977. Her parents joined the US Air Force in 1984, and she grew up around the world on various military bases. When she was seven, her mother gave her a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragondrums, and shortly thereafter, Kacey decided that she wanted to be a dragonrider when she grew up. In 1999, she followed her parents into the “family business” and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy before going to pilot training. As dragons were in short supply at the time, she reasoned that flying aircraft was the next best thing. She earned her wings in 2001, and has over 2500 hours in the UH-1N and Mi-17 helicopters.
From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family. In 2009, while deployed to Iraq, she wrote the military-themed supernatural story “Light”, which was accepted for publication in the Baen Books anthology Citizens. She was asked to consult on John Ringo’s 2015 novel Strands of Sorrow, and wrote the cover story for the Black Tide Rising anthology set in Ringo’s zombie apocalypse universe. That story, “Not in Vain” was selected for inclusion in the “Year’s Best Military SF and Adventure Fiction” anthology produced by Baen Books.
In addition, she’s written a story called “Gilded Cage” for the Four Horsemen Universe anthology A Fistful of Credits, and her story “Family Over Blood” will be included in the upcoming Forged In Blood anthology set in Michael Z. Williamson’s Freehold Universe.
She and Christopher L. Smith are currently collaborating with John Ringo on a new post-apocalyptic steampunk trilogy from Baen.
Kacey writes science fiction, fantasy, horror, noir, romance… etc. fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats.
From the time she was a small child, Kacey made up stories to tell to her friends and family. In 2009, while deployed to Iraq, she wrote the military-themed supernatural story “Light”, which was accepted for publication in the Baen Books anthology Citizens. She was asked to consult on John Ringo’s 2015 novel Strands of Sorrow, and wrote the cover story for the Black Tide Rising anthology set in Ringo’s zombie apocalypse universe. That story, “Not in Vain” was selected for inclusion in the “Year’s Best Military SF and Adventure Fiction” anthology produced by Baen Books.
In addition, she’s written a story called “Gilded Cage” for the Four Horsemen Universe anthology A Fistful of Credits, and her story “Family Over Blood” will be included in the upcoming Forged In Blood anthology set in Michael Z. Williamson’s Freehold Universe.
She and Christopher L. Smith are currently collaborating with John Ringo on a new post-apocalyptic steampunk trilogy from Baen.
Kacey writes science fiction, fantasy, horror, noir, romance… etc. fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 24, 2025
I’m not usually much of a reader, but the cover caught my eye in a bookstore and seemed like something both my wife and I would enjoy, given our respective interests in romance and fantasy. I tend to play fantasy video games and she tends to read romance books, so this felt like a fun way to merge interests.
This book did not disappoint, and I’ve already preordered the sequel coming out in April.
I really liked how familiar the fantasy and magic elements were. It wasn’t so high fantasy that I felt like I had to learn a lot of new terminology. The spells were simple but interesting, reminding me of Arthurian legends.
I also enjoyed the politics and interpersonal dynamics between Aelys and her three men. This kept me invested through the early exposition and added depth to the men, as each had a different upbringing that shaped their motivations and actions throughout. Following their highs and lows kept me surprisingly engaged from cover to cover.
As an intro to a series, I’m excited to keep following their journey, while at the same time Magelight also stands on its own with an exciting resolution to the main story arc.
While I know there are many amazing books out there, what makes this a five-star read for me is how great it is as an on-ramp for someone like me who wants to read more but needed a manageable story with interesting yet not overwhelming world building.
I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow fantasy gamers looking to get into reading, especially if you’re hoping to blend hobbies with a partner who’s an avid romance reader.
This book did not disappoint, and I’ve already preordered the sequel coming out in April.
I really liked how familiar the fantasy and magic elements were. It wasn’t so high fantasy that I felt like I had to learn a lot of new terminology. The spells were simple but interesting, reminding me of Arthurian legends.
I also enjoyed the politics and interpersonal dynamics between Aelys and her three men. This kept me invested through the early exposition and added depth to the men, as each had a different upbringing that shaped their motivations and actions throughout. Following their highs and lows kept me surprisingly engaged from cover to cover.
As an intro to a series, I’m excited to keep following their journey, while at the same time Magelight also stands on its own with an exciting resolution to the main story arc.
While I know there are many amazing books out there, what makes this a five-star read for me is how great it is as an on-ramp for someone like me who wants to read more but needed a manageable story with interesting yet not overwhelming world building.
I would definitely recommend this book to my fellow fantasy gamers looking to get into reading, especially if you’re hoping to blend hobbies with a partner who’s an avid romance reader.
May 10, 2025
This is a very fun Romantic Fantasy by Kacey Ezell. It has a great blend of role-playing games, Romantasy tropes, and quick pacing that made it a breeze to read.
The book follows a new Mage, Aelys, who is trying to journey home and recruits 3 men: a soldier, a forrester, and a thief, to serve as her escort and protection. However, everything changes when Aelys accidentally forms a magical bond and has to determine what to do next.
Many, if not most, of the Fantasy Romances (and/or Romantasy) have included many inappropriate scenes. So I was shocked when this book didn't have any explicit scenes. Being a romance, characters are obviously attracted to others, but Kacey thankfully keeps the book (generally) appropriate.
In many ways, the story reminded me of a Role Playing game (in a good way). There is a party, a journey, side-quests, and some moments where our characters power up (although this doesn't read like a Lit-RPG or anything like that). But unlike some books I've read this book's influences felt like it naturally fit in.
Of the three men in the party, I most enjoyed Daen's character. Vil and Romik were interesting, but they had qualities that I didn't always enjoy reading on the page. Daen was certainly the one I not only connected with, but was in a way "rooting" for (although Ezell takes a different approach than th e usual love triangle).
The ending is much smaller scale and scope than I expected, and I think it perhaps needed something bigger plotwise to really draw in traditional fantasy audiences. But I still enjoyed the story it told. It has a good setup for a sequel, but also in a way could be read as a standalone.
I did really enjoy the opening chapters where we met the crew. Their introductions were perfectly designed to explain their backstory without it feeling too exposition heavy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Its very heavy on the romance (although its hard to label it as "Romantasy" or "Fantasy Romance"), so know that going in. But I'm interested to see where Ezell takes this story next. 7 out of 10.
The book follows a new Mage, Aelys, who is trying to journey home and recruits 3 men: a soldier, a forrester, and a thief, to serve as her escort and protection. However, everything changes when Aelys accidentally forms a magical bond and has to determine what to do next.
Many, if not most, of the Fantasy Romances (and/or Romantasy) have included many inappropriate scenes. So I was shocked when this book didn't have any explicit scenes. Being a romance, characters are obviously attracted to others, but Kacey thankfully keeps the book (generally) appropriate.
In many ways, the story reminded me of a Role Playing game (in a good way). There is a party, a journey, side-quests, and some moments where our characters power up (although this doesn't read like a Lit-RPG or anything like that). But unlike some books I've read this book's influences felt like it naturally fit in.
Of the three men in the party, I most enjoyed Daen's character. Vil and Romik were interesting, but they had qualities that I didn't always enjoy reading on the page. Daen was certainly the one I not only connected with, but was in a way "rooting" for (although Ezell takes a different approach than th e usual love triangle).
The ending is much smaller scale and scope than I expected, and I think it perhaps needed something bigger plotwise to really draw in traditional fantasy audiences. But I still enjoyed the story it told. It has a good setup for a sequel, but also in a way could be read as a standalone.
I did really enjoy the opening chapters where we met the crew. Their introductions were perfectly designed to explain their backstory without it feeling too exposition heavy.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Its very heavy on the romance (although its hard to label it as "Romantasy" or "Fantasy Romance"), so know that going in. But I'm interested to see where Ezell takes this story next. 7 out of 10.
April 28, 2025
I received an advanced readers copy [eARC] of Kacey Ezell’s new reverse harem romantasy from Baen publishing in return for an honest review. I confess to not being a natural target audience for this genre, but have come to follow Ezell due to her online presence. I first was introduced to Ezell from her stories in the Black Tide Rising universe and from her online presence. As you may know, a reverse harem is when the “master” is a female with a number of males in the harem
Magelight develops a pre-industrial fantasy world with magic. Typically, the daughters of noble families go to the academy to develop their magic powers to ultimately bond with a warrior. Aelys of Brionne has spent her life thinking she is a failure, and when she graduates, no warrior bonds with her. But all is not as it seems, and as she runs home, she unwittingly bonds with not one, but three, violent strangers: a warrior, a forester, and a thief. I would recommend checking Goodreads or Amazon for a fuller plot summary.
The story is well written and exciting with many unexpected twists. The interesting curve ball in this reverse harem [unlike the typical harem fantasy] is that Aelys and her 3 protectors are constantly fighting their bond and questioning were they just beguiled into this bond, or is there a real bond there. Typical harem fantasies have the master just accept that a bevy of attractive females want to have sex; this is not the case here, and in fact, there is a lot of resistance to the attraction as noted. This is, hopefully, book one of a series; but Magelight does contain a satisfying story arc while setting up a compelling romantasy series. More please!
Magelight develops a pre-industrial fantasy world with magic. Typically, the daughters of noble families go to the academy to develop their magic powers to ultimately bond with a warrior. Aelys of Brionne has spent her life thinking she is a failure, and when she graduates, no warrior bonds with her. But all is not as it seems, and as she runs home, she unwittingly bonds with not one, but three, violent strangers: a warrior, a forester, and a thief. I would recommend checking Goodreads or Amazon for a fuller plot summary.
The story is well written and exciting with many unexpected twists. The interesting curve ball in this reverse harem [unlike the typical harem fantasy] is that Aelys and her 3 protectors are constantly fighting their bond and questioning were they just beguiled into this bond, or is there a real bond there. Typical harem fantasies have the master just accept that a bevy of attractive females want to have sex; this is not the case here, and in fact, there is a lot of resistance to the attraction as noted. This is, hopefully, book one of a series; but Magelight does contain a satisfying story arc while setting up a compelling romantasy series. More please!
May 9, 2025
Kacey Ezell gives us a fantastic story of the strength of family, the fight to self confidence, and the path to self knowledge. Also a great adventure!
April 4, 2025
This is a fantastic book! The character- and worldbuilding are top-notch, and the romantic tension is intense. The story will hold you in its grip until well after the last page is read. Highly recommend!
July 20, 2025
An excellent quest story in the traditional sense, but with an unconventional twist.
Magelight by Kacey Ezell is an exciting and absorbing fantasy romance presented in a traditional quest format, but with an unconventional reverse harem setup that avoids venturing into intimate territory. The romance is clean and slow-burning, with the main characters invested more in the success of their mission.
Aelys of Brionne, the heiress to one of the 20 ruling families in this matriarchal society, is graduating from her training as a mage despite her feeble reserve of power, when the man she expects to bond with and join the Imperial Battlemage Corps chooses another. Devastated, she heads to her distant home only to be waylaid by bandits just as she reaches the inn where she’d planned to stop.Romick, Daen, and Vil had been inseparable boyhood friends before tragedy had orphaned them and scattered them in different directions. Twenty years later, they finally reunite and plan to form a partnership, offering the special skills they had acquired while apart for hire to those who are willing to pay the price. When a young woman is attacked outside the inn where they had met, they leap to her defense. Aelys immediately hires the three to escort her the rest of her way home. But when the bandits return later with reinforcements and try to burn the inn down around the new companions, Aelys tries to save them using her meager power. While successful, in the process, she pulls energy through her new protectors and binds the men to her as well. Now the foursome must make their way to Aelys’s home and confer with her aunt, the most gifted mage of the day, to see if there is a way to dissolve the bond and set the men free.
I enjoyed this book so much! Her horrible family has emotionally beaten down Aelys, and her treatment at the hands of her instructors and fellow students at school has been no better. She starts the story as a pretty pathetic creature and is like a magnet for bad luck. (But there’s more to what’s going on than is initially apparent.) Thankfully, she gradually grows into a more confident young woman over the course of the story.The author creates interesting and diverse backstories for the three men and skillfully weaves them into the story without overwhelming the reader or diverting significant time from the main plot. All three experienced hardships after they separated as boys, all heartbreaking at times and even shocking. All three struggle with their feelings after they are inadvertently bonded to Aelys, and frequently, those feelings threaten to overcome their bond of brotherhood.
The plot moves at a fast pace, and the lively, interesting multi-viewpoint narrative makes the pages fly by. Several twists in the storyline were really surprising and what they discovered when they finally arrived at Aelys’s home was unexpected. The ending delightfully opens the door for a sequel.I recommend MAGELIGHT to readers of fantasy, romantic fantasy, and fans of quests.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.
May 25, 2025
A pretty solid fantasy novel by Kacey Ezell. I really enjoyed her other books, especially Second Chance Angel, as well as her alternate history novel Minds of Men, and was looking forward to this one.
One of the best things I really liked about this novel was the reminder of the main character's self-doubt, and how she struggles with it. Many children who are labeled as gifted or have high expectations heaped on them when young oftentimes peter out or never reach their "full capabilities." The author here deftly handles Aelys' own self-doubt after she fails to bond with an Ageon, despite who her family is and the reputation they have (as well as their own unspoken expectations of the niece of the most powerful Bellatrix in the land). Watching Aelys come into her own, slowly through pain and experience, is a unique and wonderful thing.
The only reason this one didn't get 5 stars is because I really only liked one of the male protagonists who travels with Aelys, and that's Romik. Coincidentally, he's the one who I feel was the most developed. The other two were there but they didn't really "click" with me for some reason. It might just be that the author ran out of space. However, since I already know that this is book one in a series, I anticipate the other two men who travel with Aelys (Daen & Vil) will be further explored in the future novels.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read for those who like romantic tension but are looking for a plot-first romantasy novel. Kacey Ezell really delivers here.
One of the best things I really liked about this novel was the reminder of the main character's self-doubt, and how she struggles with it. Many children who are labeled as gifted or have high expectations heaped on them when young oftentimes peter out or never reach their "full capabilities." The author here deftly handles Aelys' own self-doubt after she fails to bond with an Ageon, despite who her family is and the reputation they have (as well as their own unspoken expectations of the niece of the most powerful Bellatrix in the land). Watching Aelys come into her own, slowly through pain and experience, is a unique and wonderful thing.
The only reason this one didn't get 5 stars is because I really only liked one of the male protagonists who travels with Aelys, and that's Romik. Coincidentally, he's the one who I feel was the most developed. The other two were there but they didn't really "click" with me for some reason. It might just be that the author ran out of space. However, since I already know that this is book one in a series, I anticipate the other two men who travel with Aelys (Daen & Vil) will be further explored in the future novels.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read for those who like romantic tension but are looking for a plot-first romantasy novel. Kacey Ezell really delivers here.
June 15, 2025
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Magelight by Kacey Ezell is a romantic fantasy full of heart, magic, and unexpected twists.
Aelys of Brionne has always dreamed of graduating as a Bellatrix and joining the Battlemage Corps with her bonded Ageon. But when she’s not chosen at her graduation ceremony, she runs away, heartbroken. On her journey, she's attacked by bandits—only to be saved by three mysterious men. She hires them to escort her home, but during a dangerous encounter, one of them declares their loyalty, and she accidentally bonds with all three, making them her Ageons.
As they travel together, Aelys uncovers more about her powers and deepens her connection with her protectors. But when the time comes, will she be able to let them go?
This is a beautiful story about a young woman who was led to believe she was worthless—and the three men who helped her discover her true strength and value. It's an inspiring tale, filled with action, magic, and emotional growth. I really enjoyed their journey and the battles they faced along the way. The twist near the end took me by surprise, and the conclusion wasn't what I expected—but it definitely left me wanting more.
In conclusion, Magelight is a fantastic fantasy story that will appeal to both young and adult readers alike.
Magelight by Kacey Ezell is a romantic fantasy full of heart, magic, and unexpected twists.
Aelys of Brionne has always dreamed of graduating as a Bellatrix and joining the Battlemage Corps with her bonded Ageon. But when she’s not chosen at her graduation ceremony, she runs away, heartbroken. On her journey, she's attacked by bandits—only to be saved by three mysterious men. She hires them to escort her home, but during a dangerous encounter, one of them declares their loyalty, and she accidentally bonds with all three, making them her Ageons.
As they travel together, Aelys uncovers more about her powers and deepens her connection with her protectors. But when the time comes, will she be able to let them go?
This is a beautiful story about a young woman who was led to believe she was worthless—and the three men who helped her discover her true strength and value. It's an inspiring tale, filled with action, magic, and emotional growth. I really enjoyed their journey and the battles they faced along the way. The twist near the end took me by surprise, and the conclusion wasn't what I expected—but it definitely left me wanting more.
In conclusion, Magelight is a fantastic fantasy story that will appeal to both young and adult readers alike.
July 31, 2025
3.5 stars
“Magelight” by Kacey Ezell features Aelys, a young noblewoman who has never really found her niche in life, despite big dreams. Her unexpected rescue by a trio of harsh men results in an unwilling connection that forces them all to decide what their mutual goals are and how they can achieve them, despite the deadly challenges they face.
This fantasy romance is somewhat of a reverse harem story that is combined with a coming-of-age theme. I was frustrated by the heroine because she was so self-effacing and downtrodden at first, but she gradually evolved, thankfully. The trio of men who have faced their own crucibles of life form a harsh counterpoint to her experiences, and they also are pretty cranky and resistant, but it was satisfying to watch them all find a way to integrate with each other, even if the story is a slow-burn tale. There are multiple dangling threads that pique the reader’s interest, and I suspect some of the folks introduced at the beginning of the story will pop up again in the sequel. I look forward to seeing this quartet refine their connection and learn to utilize the powers that they have together.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Magelight” by Kacey Ezell features Aelys, a young noblewoman who has never really found her niche in life, despite big dreams. Her unexpected rescue by a trio of harsh men results in an unwilling connection that forces them all to decide what their mutual goals are and how they can achieve them, despite the deadly challenges they face.
This fantasy romance is somewhat of a reverse harem story that is combined with a coming-of-age theme. I was frustrated by the heroine because she was so self-effacing and downtrodden at first, but she gradually evolved, thankfully. The trio of men who have faced their own crucibles of life form a harsh counterpoint to her experiences, and they also are pretty cranky and resistant, but it was satisfying to watch them all find a way to integrate with each other, even if the story is a slow-burn tale. There are multiple dangling threads that pique the reader’s interest, and I suspect some of the folks introduced at the beginning of the story will pop up again in the sequel. I look forward to seeing this quartet refine their connection and learn to utilize the powers that they have together.
A copy of this title was provided for review
July 10, 2025
Independent reviewer for archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ok so. You know when you read a blurb, and your mind automatically plans out how it's gonna go? No?? Just me then! Well my mind went one way with this blurb, and the book went the other and I thoroughly enjoyed it BECAUSE it went the opposite way!
Aelys bonds with Vil, Romik and Daen, albeit while trying to save them. They are then bonded in ways long since outlawed in this world. What I especially liked about this, was the fact that all four of them were fighting the bond, right almost til the end. There was none of that *MINE* thing, and, also, no smex! Some reference to it, and there is an amusing scene or two when Aelys is doing something with her power and the power of the guys, but absolutely no smex and this was where I was surprised. I thought, when I read this blurb, it was gonna be all about the smex and the reverse harem thing. And it really isn't and I loved that it surprised me!
What I am left with though, are questions. And for once, I can voice them!
Is there a next book? I felt the ending was kinda meh, and then there was the epilogue that kinda threw me.
The aunt issue?? What happened there?? I was sideswiped by that and I did not see it coming!
Why have I not come across Ezell and her work before?? She has a massive backlist! I would love to read more, especially about this group!
High octane fantasy, at its very best.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere.
July 14, 2025
Magelight by Kacey Ezell is a romantic fantasy that involves our MC named Aelys of Brionne. Aelys is a daughter in one of the most powerful magical families in the Kingdom but there is one problem, Aelys is weak. She must flee one day from all that is taken from her and she meets a few strange people on her journey and they must all work together to find Aelys's destiny.
I loved the D and D feel of the story when Aelys is on her own and runs into the strangers who are different professions in the kingdom. I resonated with the story well as my family plays D and D, along with roleplaying games. Aelys is your typical warrior/fighter except she is weak and can't protect anyone. The author keeps the romance part of the book very PG so anyone can read this book and have no problem at all with explicit scenes between people in the book. There are a few male characters who travel with Aelys and I really liked the characters of Romik, Daen, and Vil in the book. I actually wanted to learn more about their side of the story, so I hop the author will explore all 3 of them in upcoming books!
I loved the D and D feel of the story when Aelys is on her own and runs into the strangers who are different professions in the kingdom. I resonated with the story well as my family plays D and D, along with roleplaying games. Aelys is your typical warrior/fighter except she is weak and can't protect anyone. The author keeps the romance part of the book very PG so anyone can read this book and have no problem at all with explicit scenes between people in the book. There are a few male characters who travel with Aelys and I really liked the characters of Romik, Daen, and Vil in the book. I actually wanted to learn more about their side of the story, so I hop the author will explore all 3 of them in upcoming books!
May 7, 2025
Great "why choose?" fantasy romance (as long as you like slow burn, lol)
Aelys is considered a "bad" mage because she's not super talented in magic. She has a rough early life, and her family isn't the nicest. But, through a series of events, she meets three men who have a brotherhood bond (and then magically bond with her). They have a lot of -touch-her-and-die energy, and help Aelys get back to her family where we learn lots of secrets (as to why she's "bad" at magic) and plenty of other great twists.
I love the boys defending Aeyls, and I love when bad guys get what's coming to them, lol
If you love these types of stories (or romances with forced proximity) I'm sure you'll devour this one!
Aelys is considered a "bad" mage because she's not super talented in magic. She has a rough early life, and her family isn't the nicest. But, through a series of events, she meets three men who have a brotherhood bond (and then magically bond with her). They have a lot of -touch-her-and-die energy, and help Aelys get back to her family where we learn lots of secrets (as to why she's "bad" at magic) and plenty of other great twists.
I love the boys defending Aeyls, and I love when bad guys get what's coming to them, lol
If you love these types of stories (or romances with forced proximity) I'm sure you'll devour this one!
March 20, 2025
Romantic fantasy fans take note! Kacey Ezell has woven romantic elements seamlessly into a coming-to-power fantasy story that will have you up all night to find out what happens. If you are looking for an engaging plot, characters who come to life off the page, and a fantasy world filled with surprises, you will want to read Magelight.
June 8, 2025
A new take on magical bonds with a hint of history both darker and more sensual. Magelight brings betrayal, power, and intrigue to the table. It will definitely leave you wanting more.
November 8, 2025
not my normal read, but I this is a well crafted little adventure that explores a mage and her three protectors. it teases romance which i suspect will get spicier in future books.
November 29, 2025
Would have been a 5, but she dropped a cliffhanger right in the middle of the action. Damn I hate that.
May 10, 2025
Total Crap. I had such hopes and now I'm so disappointed in Baen and this book.
Its been a while since I've read something with this bad of a story. The female char is so pathetic that she's unlikeable and the story is predictable and uninspired. The academy, the magic system, even the gods who appear are unexplored/unexplained.
Bad things happen to helpless pathetic girl, 3 boyhood friends are suddenly besties after 20 years apart and the gods bless them. Meet girl unexplained things happen, randomly get toys, girl's family is mean. Leave opening for next book.
A total waste of time (and apparently I'm angry about it...)
Its been a while since I've read something with this bad of a story. The female char is so pathetic that she's unlikeable and the story is predictable and uninspired. The academy, the magic system, even the gods who appear are unexplored/unexplained.
Bad things happen to helpless pathetic girl, 3 boyhood friends are suddenly besties after 20 years apart and the gods bless them. Meet girl unexplained things happen, randomly get toys, girl's family is mean. Leave opening for next book.
A total waste of time (and apparently I'm angry about it...)
January 4, 2026
A fantastic story and where to find it!
First off, let me just tell you where to find a fantastic story. In this book.
I know. I know. I probably should've dragged that out and kept you in suspense for approximately 15.935624 seconds before overwhelming you with that revelation, but that just isn't my style. I prefer to just be super concise and not ramble on and on and on, but I also fail miserably in that regard.
Now, let's just dive right in to the sleep-ending greatness that this book embodies. It's like if the forbidden love child of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Star Wars met the bastard child of The Princess Bride and The Sword of Shannara, fell in love, had a male child who went out adventuring, was press ganged into naval service by the British Empire, and then met some guy named Mike while raiding a port in Trinidad.
I'll give you a moment to process this as it is probably a little overwhelming. If you find yourself getting dizzy, please take a seat on the stool behind you that I've thoughtfully provided.
All better know? Do you understand why this story changed my life, drove me to become a monk, and sing hymns in a mountain monastery? I expect I'll see many of you here soon.
This story made me care about the characters. It had some twists and turns that were interesting, pulled me through the book, and left me wanting the sequel.
If you don't like good fantasy stories, you should probably reconsider and buy this book. If you do, then you should also buy this book. After you've read it you should also probably drop the author a quick note saying you think she should send me the sequel so I can help edit it. I'm certain she will finally see reason and relent if enough of you do this.
7.3630986/5 stars
First off, let me just tell you where to find a fantastic story. In this book.
I know. I know. I probably should've dragged that out and kept you in suspense for approximately 15.935624 seconds before overwhelming you with that revelation, but that just isn't my style. I prefer to just be super concise and not ramble on and on and on, but I also fail miserably in that regard.
Now, let's just dive right in to the sleep-ending greatness that this book embodies. It's like if the forbidden love child of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Star Wars met the bastard child of The Princess Bride and The Sword of Shannara, fell in love, had a male child who went out adventuring, was press ganged into naval service by the British Empire, and then met some guy named Mike while raiding a port in Trinidad.
I'll give you a moment to process this as it is probably a little overwhelming. If you find yourself getting dizzy, please take a seat on the stool behind you that I've thoughtfully provided.
All better know? Do you understand why this story changed my life, drove me to become a monk, and sing hymns in a mountain monastery? I expect I'll see many of you here soon.
This story made me care about the characters. It had some twists and turns that were interesting, pulled me through the book, and left me wanting the sequel.
If you don't like good fantasy stories, you should probably reconsider and buy this book. If you do, then you should also buy this book. After you've read it you should also probably drop the author a quick note saying you think she should send me the sequel so I can help edit it. I'm certain she will finally see reason and relent if enough of you do this.
7.3630986/5 stars
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