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Royal Institute of Magic #1
Elizabeth's Legacy
Two years ago, Ben Greenwood's parents walked out the door and never returned. The police have all but given up finding them when Ben stumbles upon a peculiar letter addressed to his dad. “You are the most wanted man in the Unseen Kingdoms. Unless you come to us, we cannot help. For your child's sake, tell us what you know.”
The letter is from an organisation called the Royal Institute of Magic and is dated a day before his parents disappeared. Like most people, fourteen-year-old Ben hasn't the faintest idea what the Royal Institute of Magic is, but he has his first clue: the logo on the letter.
Armed with nothing but his wits and the help of his good friend Charlie, Ben sets out to find the Institute and, through them, his parents. To succeed, he will have to navigate a land filled with fantastic creatures and Spellshooters, where magic can be bought and sold, to unravel an ancient family secret that could hold the key to defeating an evil the Institute has been fighting for the last five hundred years.
The letter is from an organisation called the Royal Institute of Magic and is dated a day before his parents disappeared. Like most people, fourteen-year-old Ben hasn't the faintest idea what the Royal Institute of Magic is, but he has his first clue: the logo on the letter.
Armed with nothing but his wits and the help of his good friend Charlie, Ben sets out to find the Institute and, through them, his parents. To succeed, he will have to navigate a land filled with fantastic creatures and Spellshooters, where magic can be bought and sold, to unravel an ancient family secret that could hold the key to defeating an evil the Institute has been fighting for the last five hundred years.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
1637 people are currently reading
3902 people want to read
About the author
Victor Kloss
17 books237 followersVictor originally wrote:
"Born in London, I live in a lovely little town in West Sussex with my wife and daughter.
"My passion for writing came from the many great books I read as a child and at school. I thought it would be nice to give others the same pleasure of escaping to another world that they gave me."
Victor passed away on 5 November 2016 after fighting a losing battle against an aggressive form of lymphoma.
To learn more about Victor and his writing, please visit his website.
"Born in London, I live in a lovely little town in West Sussex with my wife and daughter.
"My passion for writing came from the many great books I read as a child and at school. I thought it would be nice to give others the same pleasure of escaping to another world that they gave me."
Victor passed away on 5 November 2016 after fighting a losing battle against an aggressive form of lymphoma.
To learn more about Victor and his writing, please visit his website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
dnf
June 9, 2021Middle grade magic school type of fantasy. This is a magical adventure for younger middle grade readers, without a lot of depth or complexity. The writing is pretty amateurish. I dnf’d it after a few chapters.
September 29, 2014
Do you remember what it felt like when Harry Potter first glimpsed the wonders of Diagon Alley? The Royal Institute of Magic introduces an entirely different world, but that sense of wonder is the same. From subway trains that blink and turn into dragons to spells bought from bargain-loving goblins, our hero navigates this new world admirably despite never before realizing that there was magic hiding beneath the city streets of London.
The world-building is my favorite part, but there's plenty of action to keep the plot moving, a lovable sidekick, and lots of other interesting side characters. This is clearly the beginning of a series, but you're not left dangling at the end, just itching to learn about Ben's next adventure.
The world-building is my favorite part, but there's plenty of action to keep the plot moving, a lovable sidekick, and lots of other interesting side characters. This is clearly the beginning of a series, but you're not left dangling at the end, just itching to learn about Ben's next adventure.
August 14, 2015
If you liked Harry Potter
Magic, mystical creatures, alternate history, and a search for parents who kept a very big secret...what is not to love? The different personalities of the main characters play very well off of each other, the plot twists are unexpected, and the dialogue is engaging. If I had to find fault it would be that I didn't want the book to end. A little more detail, and not having to wait for the sequel and it would be perfect. I am definitely going to keep a watch out for the next book.
Magic, mystical creatures, alternate history, and a search for parents who kept a very big secret...what is not to love? The different personalities of the main characters play very well off of each other, the plot twists are unexpected, and the dialogue is engaging. If I had to find fault it would be that I didn't want the book to end. A little more detail, and not having to wait for the sequel and it would be perfect. I am definitely going to keep a watch out for the next book.
June 25, 2019
This is one of those books that you begin to read and it slowly draws you in until you just can't put it down - even if your eyeballs are screaming for sleep (as mine were).
Ben Greenwood's life was pretty ordinary until his parents disappeared suddenly two years ago without so much as a trace. They were loving parents, and so Ben is understandably very confused as to why the left without a word, and why no one seems to be looking for them.
One day, Ben stumbles on a letter he had never seen before, and he immediately realizes this letter and the strange piece of material with it may shed some light on where his parents are. Little does he know what he is in for as he tries to find out where this "Royal Institute of Magic" is and why his parents would be involved with such a place.
With his friend Charlie at his side, the two end up in a world they should only exist in fairy tales. Charlie and Ben work well together because Charlie is much more studious and thinks more scientifically, while Ben is ready to take on anything (no matter how bizarre) in order to get the answers he needs as quickly as possible so he can find his parents and return to his old life. Enter Natalie, a young girl who is with the Institute and who is charged with watching out for both of them. The three together reminded me of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione as they were the perfect combination of knowledge, instinct, and bravery, all of which will be sorely needed.
This is book one in the Royal Institute of Magic Series, and I most definitely plan to read the rest. While this may be targeted for young adults, as was the Potter series, I am far beyond being a "young adult" and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Ben Greenwood's life was pretty ordinary until his parents disappeared suddenly two years ago without so much as a trace. They were loving parents, and so Ben is understandably very confused as to why the left without a word, and why no one seems to be looking for them.
One day, Ben stumbles on a letter he had never seen before, and he immediately realizes this letter and the strange piece of material with it may shed some light on where his parents are. Little does he know what he is in for as he tries to find out where this "Royal Institute of Magic" is and why his parents would be involved with such a place.
With his friend Charlie at his side, the two end up in a world they should only exist in fairy tales. Charlie and Ben work well together because Charlie is much more studious and thinks more scientifically, while Ben is ready to take on anything (no matter how bizarre) in order to get the answers he needs as quickly as possible so he can find his parents and return to his old life. Enter Natalie, a young girl who is with the Institute and who is charged with watching out for both of them. The three together reminded me of Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione as they were the perfect combination of knowledge, instinct, and bravery, all of which will be sorely needed.
This is book one in the Royal Institute of Magic Series, and I most definitely plan to read the rest. While this may be targeted for young adults, as was the Potter series, I am far beyond being a "young adult" and I enjoyed every minute of it.
June 19, 2016
I read this because others said it was reminiscent of Harry Potter, and it is. It's one of those books that's appropriate for middle school through adult. The story is engaging and was sometimes hard to put down. It's the first in a series, and it was good enough that I plan to buy the second (for my Kindle). Sometimes there seemed to be an awful lot of description, but since the world of the story is unlike ours, the description was necessary. This is a great light read.
October 30, 2014
Very different
I enjoyed this book even if it was more for teens the characters the setting the plot held my interest and am awaiting the next adventure.
I enjoyed this book even if it was more for teens the characters the setting the plot held my interest and am awaiting the next adventure.
August 26, 2018
I found this gem thanks to Kindle unlimited.
When you first read it, you will have the same emotions than when you first entered the Harry Potter world. It is a true pleasure discovering this magical world together with the main character, Ben Greenwood. The world building is fantastic and incredible, the author managed to create a setting as elaborate as the Rowling's one.
It is a very entertaining world with magical creatures, dark magic, dragons, evil kings, Queen Elisabeth I as founder of a magical institute, missing parents and... did I mention dragons?
You immediately have an idea of the characters' personality and create a bond with them.
The first book left a great impact and I hope the second book will be as good.
When you first read it, you will have the same emotions than when you first entered the Harry Potter world. It is a true pleasure discovering this magical world together with the main character, Ben Greenwood. The world building is fantastic and incredible, the author managed to create a setting as elaborate as the Rowling's one.
It is a very entertaining world with magical creatures, dark magic, dragons, evil kings, Queen Elisabeth I as founder of a magical institute, missing parents and... did I mention dragons?
You immediately have an idea of the characters' personality and create a bond with them.
The first book left a great impact and I hope the second book will be as good.
March 1, 2016
An Excellent Middle Grade Magic Adventure Quest
I understand people who gripe about Potter-like books, but don't agree. Potter wasn't the first "boy magician has his eyes opened to an alternate magical world" story and there is no reason for his tale to be the last. Isn't the real question whether this book, here and now, is worthy and entertaining? If that is the question, the answer for me is "Yes".
We have a hero, Ben. His parents have disappeared and his immediate quest is to find them, even though everyone else has given up hope. He has a hardy, smart sidekick. He is eventually joined by a smart, feisty girl sidekick. Through some clever detective work and deception he uncovers and enters his parents' alternate magical world. There is conflict and a villain, but in this world there is a "Royal Institute of Magic" that both supports and thwarts Ben. He and his companions have adventures that include detective work, lots of hiding and runninmg away, fights, flights and close encounters. A deeper backstory begins to emerge even as the present becomes more confused and as tasks and quests begin to multiply. This is grand stuff.
The book is clearly for a slightly younger crowd. It has all of the essentials, but it is brisk and economical, screaming along almost like a jazzy introduction to quest fiction. The plot is pretty straightforward. Questions don't stay unanswered for very long, and everyone seems willing to pause for a moment to monologue and volunteer handy exposition. None of this is a criticism. You have to start somewhere and if you're ten maybe you shouldn't start with the "Silmarillion". That said, the book is smart and is respectful of its audience. It never patronizes and is always consistent in tone and style.
So, at bottom, for me, this was a quite satisfying and perfectly engaging quest fantasy loaded with clever and imaginative magical twists and built worlds. A nice find. (Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I understand people who gripe about Potter-like books, but don't agree. Potter wasn't the first "boy magician has his eyes opened to an alternate magical world" story and there is no reason for his tale to be the last. Isn't the real question whether this book, here and now, is worthy and entertaining? If that is the question, the answer for me is "Yes".
We have a hero, Ben. His parents have disappeared and his immediate quest is to find them, even though everyone else has given up hope. He has a hardy, smart sidekick. He is eventually joined by a smart, feisty girl sidekick. Through some clever detective work and deception he uncovers and enters his parents' alternate magical world. There is conflict and a villain, but in this world there is a "Royal Institute of Magic" that both supports and thwarts Ben. He and his companions have adventures that include detective work, lots of hiding and runninmg away, fights, flights and close encounters. A deeper backstory begins to emerge even as the present becomes more confused and as tasks and quests begin to multiply. This is grand stuff.
The book is clearly for a slightly younger crowd. It has all of the essentials, but it is brisk and economical, screaming along almost like a jazzy introduction to quest fiction. The plot is pretty straightforward. Questions don't stay unanswered for very long, and everyone seems willing to pause for a moment to monologue and volunteer handy exposition. None of this is a criticism. You have to start somewhere and if you're ten maybe you shouldn't start with the "Silmarillion". That said, the book is smart and is respectful of its audience. It never patronizes and is always consistent in tone and style.
So, at bottom, for me, this was a quite satisfying and perfectly engaging quest fantasy loaded with clever and imaginative magical twists and built worlds. A nice find. (Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 21, 2015
RIM: Elizabeth's Legacy; Heir to the Harry Potter Legacy
Ok very strong out of the gate. Will have to wait to see how strong #2 is before becoming a fan, but it looks promising at this point.
Ok very strong out of the gate. Will have to wait to see how strong #2 is before becoming a fan, but it looks promising at this point.
March 30, 2015
Where to begin?? This was truly amazing. The only downside is waiting for the next book in the series. This has the potential to on my all-time favorites with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Not only did I enjoy this book but so did my son. Great job!
Not only did I enjoy this book but so did my son. Great job!
July 22, 2016
Royal Institute of Magic gave me something I thought I had lost: a sense of wonder. The last time I felt this kind of feeling I was twelve and was watching the amazing, beautiful movies of Harry Potter.
This book, unlike the Harry Potter series, is not a boarding school story. However, it is set in a magical world filled with various magnificent creatures; packed with action and epic battles; and revolves around a well crafted mystery that keeps us reading, needing to discover the truths and secrets of the world and characters.
Likable characters, inteligent plot and fascinating world, this novel has got it all.
The one reason I don't rate this book five stars is because I didn't fall in love. When I read a story I need to fall in love and truly love the characters for it to be perfect. Although I liked and cared for the characters in Royal Institute of Magic - and I do have a fascination for Alex and Charlie is certainly in my heart - I didn't fall in love the way I want need to for the book to fulfill me completely. But then again, this is not the story's or characters' fault. It simply did not connect with me at the level I wished it to.
Nonetheless, this is a great novel and I advise it to anyone who loves a good mystery fantasy story.
This book, unlike the Harry Potter series, is not a boarding school story. However, it is set in a magical world filled with various magnificent creatures; packed with action and epic battles; and revolves around a well crafted mystery that keeps us reading, needing to discover the truths and secrets of the world and characters.
Likable characters, inteligent plot and fascinating world, this novel has got it all.
The one reason I don't rate this book five stars is because I didn't fall in love. When I read a story I need to fall in love and truly love the characters for it to be perfect. Although I liked and cared for the characters in Royal Institute of Magic - and I do have a fascination for Alex and Charlie is certainly in my heart - I didn't fall in love the way I want need to for the book to fulfill me completely. But then again, this is not the story's or characters' fault. It simply did not connect with me at the level I wished it to.
Nonetheless, this is a great novel and I advise it to anyone who loves a good mystery fantasy story.
October 9, 2014
Royal Institute of Magic by Victor Kloss is a magical journey through Unseen worlds, of elves, goblins and dragons. The main protagonist is Ben whose parents disappeared a while ago, never to be found. All he has is a piece of cloth. He and his best mate, Charlie, soon find themselves on the outer of these Unseen Kingdoms. Firstly, they are transported on Dragonway and then find themselves at the Institute where they meet Natalie, the third of their trio. Each of these characters have almost equal play(and say) in their predicaments. Soon they avoid the Wardens and find themselves in the forest of the wood-elves but then all hell breaks loose and Natalie is separated from them. Ben and Charlie eventually find themselves at the Floating Prison where a few will be beheaded unless Ben's parents turn up. Suitable for middle grade.
December 13, 2015
This is a great book. It has dragons, goblins, dark elves, mystery and is plenty of fun. From the very beginning I was interested in the story and wanting to see what was next. I believe you will, like me, find yourself wanting to make extra time so you can see how they escape their latest calamity. I can think of no better praise for a book than I wanted to find extra time to devote to reading it.
April 29, 2015
I started reading this book with the intention of reading a chapter out loud to my son's each night before bed. Suddenly they were asleep and I was on chapter 5! I could not put this book down until I finished it! Highly recommended, can not wait for the second installment this spring
July 26, 2016
Cute story with great world building. The author has a lot of talent. More intimate than Harry Potter but with a similar feel.
May 5, 2015
I really loved this book. It proved to be a real page turner that I could not and did not want to put down. It is honestly one of the few books that I have enjoyed as much as Harry Potter. The story even has the feel of the Harry Potter books at times while remaining original. In a way the story brought to mind elements of Kaza Kinsley’s Erec Rex Series and The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe too.
The characters are likeable while being caught up in a fast past adventure that often has you on the edge of your seat. The story makes you laugh out loud quite often, and has an overall feel good atmosphere to it. The only down sides I could find where that I wished the book could have been longer as it felt that it ended far too soon. And also the book is part of a series and I really hate waiting for the next instalment.
This book and author have now migrated to my list of favourite favourites’. I genuinely cannot wait until Ben and his friends return. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.
In the immortal words of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist; "Please Sir, Can I have some more?"
The characters are likeable while being caught up in a fast past adventure that often has you on the edge of your seat. The story makes you laugh out loud quite often, and has an overall feel good atmosphere to it. The only down sides I could find where that I wished the book could have been longer as it felt that it ended far too soon. And also the book is part of a series and I really hate waiting for the next instalment.
This book and author have now migrated to my list of favourite favourites’. I genuinely cannot wait until Ben and his friends return. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.
In the immortal words of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist; "Please Sir, Can I have some more?"
October 25, 2014
I found this book to be a compulsive read. I took me a rather short period of time to read my way through the book. It's geared toward younger teens, but I would personally call it an all ages read, it's that good and crosses all the age barriers. I would describe it as a cross between Harry Potter and Percy Jackson in that the characters are always on the move at a sort of breathless pace.
This is not a bad thing.
I'm just trying to paint a broad swath picture here. Those afore mentioned books have engaging, young characters who go through a lot in their adventures and the same can be said here. I do look forward with great anticipation to the next book in the series. Victor Kloss has come up with something interesting, and new He has brought an engaging freshness to the general proceedings. Most importantly, he has caused us to genuinely care for these characters. Bravo!
This is not a bad thing.
I'm just trying to paint a broad swath picture here. Those afore mentioned books have engaging, young characters who go through a lot in their adventures and the same can be said here. I do look forward with great anticipation to the next book in the series. Victor Kloss has come up with something interesting, and new He has brought an engaging freshness to the general proceedings. Most importantly, he has caused us to genuinely care for these characters. Bravo!
January 20, 2015
This book just has all the elements of magic like Harry's stories, and friends like with Harry. But the theme line is completely different. The feel of the book is very different from JK Rowling's creations. Only thing is those who loved Harry Potter, is bound to love this one too.
Read more at Royal Institute of Magic
Read more at Royal Institute of Magic
November 18, 2014
This is a fun new book about a boy who's parents have disappeared and he finds out there is a magical connection. There are obvious connections to Harry Potter, Charlie Bone, and Percy Jackson (and it would probably make a good compare and contrast lesson!). This one is also very fast paced, has likable characters and interesting problems and plot twists. I think the kids will like this one a lot.
October 2, 2017
3.5 Stars Story, 4 Stars for Narration by Peter Kenny
This was a nice start of an adventure series with magic, conspiracies and beings & creatures of myth. Peter Kenny did a great job of giving that extra bit of life to the characters and story. I would highly recommend this book to middle school kids. It was a fun story that kept me engaged from the start and while away my time on the road.
This was a nice start of an adventure series with magic, conspiracies and beings & creatures of myth. Peter Kenny did a great job of giving that extra bit of life to the characters and story. I would highly recommend this book to middle school kids. It was a fun story that kept me engaged from the start and while away my time on the road.
December 18, 2025
Where is the hype this book is owed? This is just as good as books like Fablehaven, and Harry Potter and other great middle-grade low fantasies! The world was really creative, and I really liked the way they cast spells. The plot so far has been great! I'm excited to continue the series.
November 26, 2015
A good start to a series
This first book in the Royal Institute of Magic series is a great tale of discovery. It’s an engaging read that follows the trials of a young boy as he learns of his parent’s past while trying to find out what happened to them.
This is a book of family secrets that cast two friends on an adventure they could never have imagined. Ben and Charlie are two friends that are like two peas in a pod. Kudos to the author for these two. He nailed their relationship so well, and the dialogue between them is spot on. They are totally believable and endearing characters.
Dragons, goblins, elves and magic. This book is crammed with plenty of things to attract readers. There’s something for everyone. From their journey to find the highly secret Royal Institute of Magic, to the dragon train that takes them to Taecia (which sounds amazing), Kloss has created a whole new world that exists beyond what we see every day. It’s a hidden treasure that is vividly described, inspiring amazing visions as I read.
In addition to Ben and Charlie, there is a cast of other great characters. There’s Aryan, the dark elf, who reminded me very much of Draco Malfoy. And there’s Natalie whose intellect is a cut above the rest. She doesn’t miss a beat, and knows Ben’s plans before he even makes the decision to share them with her. The underlying story here is one of great friendship and a search for answers. Ben is learning of his parent’s past, and it’s not always what he wants to hear. But throughout the book, he remains loyal to them and longs to clear their names.
There’s also lessons about learning to know who to trust, which is something that takes plenty of practice for everyone. I hope to read many more adventures of Ben and Charlie.
In a nutshell
Elizabeth’s Legacy is a good start to a series, and the search for Ben’s parents is set to continue into next books. Given the subject matter, it’s natural for other wizarding books to come to mind, but I think the author has succeeded in building a world sufficiently different to those that we already know.
Please check out more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
This first book in the Royal Institute of Magic series is a great tale of discovery. It’s an engaging read that follows the trials of a young boy as he learns of his parent’s past while trying to find out what happened to them.
This is a book of family secrets that cast two friends on an adventure they could never have imagined. Ben and Charlie are two friends that are like two peas in a pod. Kudos to the author for these two. He nailed their relationship so well, and the dialogue between them is spot on. They are totally believable and endearing characters.
Dragons, goblins, elves and magic. This book is crammed with plenty of things to attract readers. There’s something for everyone. From their journey to find the highly secret Royal Institute of Magic, to the dragon train that takes them to Taecia (which sounds amazing), Kloss has created a whole new world that exists beyond what we see every day. It’s a hidden treasure that is vividly described, inspiring amazing visions as I read.
In addition to Ben and Charlie, there is a cast of other great characters. There’s Aryan, the dark elf, who reminded me very much of Draco Malfoy. And there’s Natalie whose intellect is a cut above the rest. She doesn’t miss a beat, and knows Ben’s plans before he even makes the decision to share them with her. The underlying story here is one of great friendship and a search for answers. Ben is learning of his parent’s past, and it’s not always what he wants to hear. But throughout the book, he remains loyal to them and longs to clear their names.
There’s also lessons about learning to know who to trust, which is something that takes plenty of practice for everyone. I hope to read many more adventures of Ben and Charlie.
In a nutshell
Elizabeth’s Legacy is a good start to a series, and the search for Ben’s parents is set to continue into next books. Given the subject matter, it’s natural for other wizarding books to come to mind, but I think the author has succeeded in building a world sufficiently different to those that we already know.
Please check out more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
January 27, 2015
Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy takes readers on a extraordinary journey to the mythical Unseen Kingdoms where spells are plentiful and secrets are revealed.
It's been two years since Ben's parents vanished yet he knows they are still alive and he is determined to find out what happened to them. Armed with very few clues, Ben and his best friend Charlie find an old treasure box among the police evidence from the day of the disappearance. A logo sparks Ben's memory and the pair set out to locate the building with the matching symbol. Their wildest dreams could not have prepared them for what they are about the encounter.
Elves, goblins, spellshooters, and subway cars powered by dragons are just a few unbelievable sites, but their greatest discovery is the Royal Institute of Magic. Ben may finally get the answers he's been searching for, but at what cost?
This is an absolutely spellbinding fantasy. The author creates a magical world within the real world where his main character, Ben begins to piece together the secrets that surround his life. Ben is outgoing and easily likable. He tends to act before he thinks, which works out most of the time. Charlie, Ben's best friend, is sensible and usually sides with reason This makes them the perfect team. Readers will enjoy the few times when Charlie acts spontaneously to escape sticky situations. The setting is imaginative and the author's attention to detail help readers visualize the Unseen Kingdoms as Ben and Charlie experience them. I like how the Kingdoms exist all around the world, but remain undetected by the human world. Although the story is fantastical it is believable which, in my opinion makes it all the more entertaining. Well done!
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
It's been two years since Ben's parents vanished yet he knows they are still alive and he is determined to find out what happened to them. Armed with very few clues, Ben and his best friend Charlie find an old treasure box among the police evidence from the day of the disappearance. A logo sparks Ben's memory and the pair set out to locate the building with the matching symbol. Their wildest dreams could not have prepared them for what they are about the encounter.
Elves, goblins, spellshooters, and subway cars powered by dragons are just a few unbelievable sites, but their greatest discovery is the Royal Institute of Magic. Ben may finally get the answers he's been searching for, but at what cost?
This is an absolutely spellbinding fantasy. The author creates a magical world within the real world where his main character, Ben begins to piece together the secrets that surround his life. Ben is outgoing and easily likable. He tends to act before he thinks, which works out most of the time. Charlie, Ben's best friend, is sensible and usually sides with reason This makes them the perfect team. Readers will enjoy the few times when Charlie acts spontaneously to escape sticky situations. The setting is imaginative and the author's attention to detail help readers visualize the Unseen Kingdoms as Ben and Charlie experience them. I like how the Kingdoms exist all around the world, but remain undetected by the human world. Although the story is fantastical it is believable which, in my opinion makes it all the more entertaining. Well done!
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
August 5, 2016
This was enjoyable and inventive! The world created was colorful and original. There was plenty of mystery and readers are kept guessing who is trustworthy. The level of action and adventure builds throughout the book leading up to a huge finale that kids will love. I think that the three main characters (two boys and a girl for good balance) had well-defined and engaging personalities. Ben is a bit of a loose cannon who prefers to jump in with both feet and extemporize at every turn. Charlie is more considered and intellectual, he pays attention to important details but often is fearful or physically unable to keep up. Natalie is a planner and there is more to her than the boys first see. Unfortunately for readers, Ben's several aims are not met in this book and we are smoothly handed off to the next book. I didn't realize that this was going to be the case and only just discovered that there are four books with number five on the way. Will these just be further adventures for the trio or will the mystery just go on being unsolved from book to book? I find series like that tiresome and feel that, after a point, the reader deserves an answer and not to just be strung along. I just got burned with an ebook series that kept trailing on and on only to finally announce at book 6 that it was a projected 12 book series--I'll go broke before I find out what happens! I think that I will wait until I'm sure that all the books are out before deciding if I want to commit to continuing with this series.
November 25, 2014
It is absolutely criminal that this book is not more popular, I really mean that. I loved it, but would have loved it even more if I was thirteen and not twenty five (where do the years go??)
After an intriguing prologue we are set onto Ben who has visions or dreams. Ben is forced to alternate between friend’s houses, one every night rather than move away to live with his grandma. I thought this was hilarious and something that I often thought about doing myself when younger. He’s joined by his friend Charlie who reminded me of Rowley from the Wimpy Kid series, a stoic if somewhat chunky sidekick.
Surged on by his quest to find his parents Ben and Charlie eventually stumble upon the eponymous Institute meeting the third of their trio Natalie. I won’t give too much away, but this was an excellent adventure and I was intrigued as I was pulled further and further into this world.
I loved the world-building, though I may be biased as I’m British, and just liked hearing about places like Croydon and London in a magical story. There aren’t enough urban fantasies set in England. An intriguing and unique world, would definitely recommend this book.
June 12, 2015
I just started reading the second installment in the series and could not, for the life of me, remember why I only assigned 4 stars to the first book. So, I figured -- if my objections did not stand the test of time, they deserve to be erased; hence, the five stars. Moreover, I was so looking forward to the second book. It stands to reason that the first book was quite engaging and memorable.
By the way, if you walk away muttering about a JK Rowling rip-off, remember that despite all of her many talents she was *not* the one who first invented magic and the entire "overcoming adversity" plot. I love her dearly, but that does not mean that I will never like another book about magic ever ;)
In fact, it's quite the opposite :D
By the way, if you walk away muttering about a JK Rowling rip-off, remember that despite all of her many talents she was *not* the one who first invented magic and the entire "overcoming adversity" plot. I love her dearly, but that does not mean that I will never like another book about magic ever ;)
In fact, it's quite the opposite :D
August 24, 2016
When Ben Greenwood's parents disappeared, he had no idea what he would find when he went looking for them...a magical world that dates back to Queen Elizabeth I, a brewing war between the dark elves and the rest of the world, and a quest that dates back to the time Queen Elizabeth. Not to mention magic, elves, goblins, trolls, and the reason his parents no longer trust the institute to keep not only themselves, but Ben safe.
A very easy, pleasant read. There are similarities to other magical stories, other quest stories, but it doesn't take away from the pleasure of reading this one. It is engaging, with enough twists to keep your attention. A nice break from heavy epic stories I have been reading of late.
A very easy, pleasant read. There are similarities to other magical stories, other quest stories, but it doesn't take away from the pleasure of reading this one. It is engaging, with enough twists to keep your attention. A nice break from heavy epic stories I have been reading of late.
December 16, 2014
A very good start to this new middle grade series, and I enjoyed reading it. As others have said, it does remind me a bit of the Harry Potter books -- there are three teenagers studying magic, two boys and a girl; the main character's parents are on the run with a secret as the story begins. I didn't find the world-building to be quite as good as J.K. Rowling's but, for an Indie author, I did find it to be well done and expect that to continue as the tale progresses. Book Two is due out in the Spring of 2015, and I am looking forward to it!
January 30, 2016
Excellent Read!!
This book was an excellent read. 100% pure adventure from the start. Each character had their own flare and was fully developed. Thursday's actually be an excellent movie! If you live reading about magic, dwarfs, flying dragons and horses, elves, unseen lands, action and adventure....This indefinitely the book to read. Kept me captivated from page 1. I read this is one day! Kudos to Victor Kloss for writing such excellence. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!!
This book was an excellent read. 100% pure adventure from the start. Each character had their own flare and was fully developed. Thursday's actually be an excellent movie! If you live reading about magic, dwarfs, flying dragons and horses, elves, unseen lands, action and adventure....This indefinitely the book to read. Kept me captivated from page 1. I read this is one day! Kudos to Victor Kloss for writing such excellence. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!!!
December 2, 2015
I think Elizabeth's Legacy, Royal Institute of Magic was a very good book. If you like Harry Potter then you will like Royal Institute of Magic. It is about a boy and his friend who goes to the royal institute of magic to look his mom and dad who disappeared a few years ago. This would be a good book for young adults. I recommend it to anyone who likes a action and adventure book. Hope this was helpful.
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