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Spirit Mage's Journey #2
A City of Swords and Fangs
“In my world, keeping my head on my shoulders has always required paying attention to what goes on around me. I’ve seen chaos, and I’ve seen evil...”
In Zurich—the wealthy, peaceful city where I plan to attend university—I walk into a war zone. Vampires, werewolves, Knights Magica, and the Mage Guild battle for supremacy. Apprenticed to a man considered the greatest living mage, I have a lot to learn—if I survive.
“Balance is messy. Freedom is messy. People and their social constructs aren’t always pretty.”
A dark, character-driven urban fantasy where magic is power, alliances are fragile, and survival means walking the line between order and chaos.
Perfect for readers who Dark, immersive urban fantasy with political depthComplex heroine with untamed magicMagic vs. morality stories where no side is cleanHigh-stakes danger, evolving friendships, and hard-earned power
In Zurich—the wealthy, peaceful city where I plan to attend university—I walk into a war zone. Vampires, werewolves, Knights Magica, and the Mage Guild battle for supremacy. Apprenticed to a man considered the greatest living mage, I have a lot to learn—if I survive.
“Balance is messy. Freedom is messy. People and their social constructs aren’t always pretty.”
A dark, character-driven urban fantasy where magic is power, alliances are fragile, and survival means walking the line between order and chaos.
Perfect for readers who Dark, immersive urban fantasy with political depthComplex heroine with untamed magicMagic vs. morality stories where no side is cleanHigh-stakes danger, evolving friendships, and hard-earned power
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2025
179 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
42 books954 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 22, 2025
Deftly handled
Like most of Kingsolver’s books, politics form, a big chunk of the conflict and background. However, she handles the nuances definitely and doesn’t let politics become a character or preach about certain ideologies. This is something that not every author can pull off, but she does it well. The characterization is dynamic and consistent. The pacing is very tight and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving enough open to set us up for the next book.
Like most of Kingsolver’s books, politics form, a big chunk of the conflict and background. However, she handles the nuances definitely and doesn’t let politics become a character or preach about certain ideologies. This is something that not every author can pull off, but she does it well. The characterization is dynamic and consistent. The pacing is very tight and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion while leaving enough open to set us up for the next book.
May 24, 2025
A City of Swords and Fangs
Even better than the first one in the series. Kaitlyn continues to grow her magical abilities. She managed to adjust to Switzerland easily and makes friends. The secondary characters are developed nicely. Plenty of action and suspense. Looking forward to seeing more of her adventures. Highly recommended.
Even better than the first one in the series. Kaitlyn continues to grow her magical abilities. She managed to adjust to Switzerland easily and makes friends. The secondary characters are developed nicely. Plenty of action and suspense. Looking forward to seeing more of her adventures. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2026
A mixed bag but enjoyable
Rating: 4⭐️
A City of Swords and Fangs picks up almost immediately after the events of Demon Dance and Other Disasters, the novel where we meet 16 year old Katy Brown. Street toughened by loss, hardened by homelessness and abandonment and trauma, she’s a powerful self taught mage and hunter surviving alongside the monsters in the streets of the city.
But now she’s on a different path, one that’s brought her to Zurich as the student of one of the world’s most powerful mage’s of the Guild. She’s 17, soon to be in college and eager for her new adventures and life.
Unfortunately politics and the religious order has a different plan for Europe and magic that will disrupt her life and those who have taken her in.
I found this story very interesting and absorbing. It moves at an extremely fast pace, packed with history and current events of the world this is situated in. The paranormal, mundane and religious aspects of the European setting are very familiar coded, if that makes sense. The elements that are stirring up the political atmosphere and hatred here, while layered with magical or paranormal overtones, still have that racial and religious and ethnic tension and bigotry that’s been present throughout history. It’s urban fantasy and current reality.
The school and all the various other groups within the Guild are interesting but, like much of the relationships between the characters, don’t get the same detail and exploration as the political aspect of the story. She’s sent to certain groups and we see her as being part of a larger community but there’s no depth in the design of this particular part of her life. We know nothing about these characters or the school or even her lessons. Which is why she was sent there to begin with.
Everything other than the political instability becomes a non-element in the story. That means a whole lot of narrative is left behind or discarded in favor of another plot line that loses track of her character development. She’s moved quickly from A to Z without any further learning, real believable relationships with others, and although she’s said that Zurich feels like home, I’m astounded. Because the author hasn’t made her case for it.
And there’s no realistic connection between a vampire she’s just worked with on a dramatic short time case and immediately overcoming her issues about trust etc. That entire scene felt entirely unrealistic.
So yes to the action packed adventure, yes to the political drama and magical moments. But this was disappointing after the well crafted characters seen in the first novel. Those relationships were absent.
A mixed bag but enjoyable.
Cover art by Lou Harper
(Note: Pls take time to appreciate the wonderful cover art for both novels done by Lou Harper who has passed recently. She will be missed. )
A Spirit Mage’s Journey:
- [x] Demon Dance and Other Disasters #1
- [x] A City of Swords and Fangs #2
Rating: 4⭐️
A City of Swords and Fangs picks up almost immediately after the events of Demon Dance and Other Disasters, the novel where we meet 16 year old Katy Brown. Street toughened by loss, hardened by homelessness and abandonment and trauma, she’s a powerful self taught mage and hunter surviving alongside the monsters in the streets of the city.
But now she’s on a different path, one that’s brought her to Zurich as the student of one of the world’s most powerful mage’s of the Guild. She’s 17, soon to be in college and eager for her new adventures and life.
Unfortunately politics and the religious order has a different plan for Europe and magic that will disrupt her life and those who have taken her in.
I found this story very interesting and absorbing. It moves at an extremely fast pace, packed with history and current events of the world this is situated in. The paranormal, mundane and religious aspects of the European setting are very familiar coded, if that makes sense. The elements that are stirring up the political atmosphere and hatred here, while layered with magical or paranormal overtones, still have that racial and religious and ethnic tension and bigotry that’s been present throughout history. It’s urban fantasy and current reality.
The school and all the various other groups within the Guild are interesting but, like much of the relationships between the characters, don’t get the same detail and exploration as the political aspect of the story. She’s sent to certain groups and we see her as being part of a larger community but there’s no depth in the design of this particular part of her life. We know nothing about these characters or the school or even her lessons. Which is why she was sent there to begin with.
Everything other than the political instability becomes a non-element in the story. That means a whole lot of narrative is left behind or discarded in favor of another plot line that loses track of her character development. She’s moved quickly from A to Z without any further learning, real believable relationships with others, and although she’s said that Zurich feels like home, I’m astounded. Because the author hasn’t made her case for it.
And there’s no realistic connection between a vampire she’s just worked with on a dramatic short time case and immediately overcoming her issues about trust etc. That entire scene felt entirely unrealistic.
So yes to the action packed adventure, yes to the political drama and magical moments. But this was disappointing after the well crafted characters seen in the first novel. Those relationships were absent.
A mixed bag but enjoyable.
Cover art by Lou Harper
(Note: Pls take time to appreciate the wonderful cover art for both novels done by Lou Harper who has passed recently. She will be missed. )
A Spirit Mage’s Journey:
- [x] Demon Dance and Other Disasters #1
- [x] A City of Swords and Fangs #2
October 28, 2025
I liked the first book in this series and was looking forward to this book.
The first half of this book was interesting. We follow our FMC Kaitlyn Dunne as she moves to Switzerland. She has a uniquely rare type of magic (being a spirit mage) and there is a tremendous amount of potential, but to REALLY learn all she can, it would be better if she learns from someone who understands her type of magic. With that in mind, she is given a great opportunity to study magic under a Master Mage, so hence the move. She will be also attending the University in the fall.
When she moves to Switzerland, it is a bit of a culture shock, finally being around people her own age (19 years old) and meeting other mages who are also apprenticing. She decides to do everything she can to improve her magical abilities and quickly learn the language before the fall term.
Here is where things got a little wonky for me. Without going into spoilers, I'm just going to mention a few items that continually pulled me out of the story:
Kaitlyn's Magic - it is supposedly awesome and unique, yet she is continually told by her mentor that she still has so much to learn and that she uses her magic incorrectly ("like driving a nail with a wrecking ball") and without subtlety. Yet, when things get crazy, she is the most powerful mage around.....???
The war in the city - there is a war going on between everyone. Initially between the Lycans and the Strigoi, then the Mages and the Supernaturals, then between the Knights and everyone else and then all of a sudden, the Mage Guild swoops in and ........???? Was it really that easy? If so, why the heck did it take so long?
Older men - Kaitlyn talks about how disgusted she is with older men, how they are always trying to hit on her and because of her past (where she was assaulted) she has no desire for men but especially not for older men. Then the last page of this book ends with her expressing an out of the blue desire for a particular OLDER man....???
These were just a couple of things. This book felt very all over the place. It also felt superficial, like we were just getting an overview of everything and because of that, I never really felt invested.
So, I think I will probably stop with this book. Maybe.....
The first half of this book was interesting. We follow our FMC Kaitlyn Dunne as she moves to Switzerland. She has a uniquely rare type of magic (being a spirit mage) and there is a tremendous amount of potential, but to REALLY learn all she can, it would be better if she learns from someone who understands her type of magic. With that in mind, she is given a great opportunity to study magic under a Master Mage, so hence the move. She will be also attending the University in the fall.
When she moves to Switzerland, it is a bit of a culture shock, finally being around people her own age (19 years old) and meeting other mages who are also apprenticing. She decides to do everything she can to improve her magical abilities and quickly learn the language before the fall term.
Here is where things got a little wonky for me. Without going into spoilers, I'm just going to mention a few items that continually pulled me out of the story:
Kaitlyn's Magic - it is supposedly awesome and unique, yet she is continually told by her mentor that she still has so much to learn and that she uses her magic incorrectly ("like driving a nail with a wrecking ball") and without subtlety. Yet, when things get crazy, she is the most powerful mage around.....???
The war in the city - there is a war going on between everyone. Initially between the Lycans and the Strigoi, then the Mages and the Supernaturals, then between the Knights and everyone else and then all of a sudden, the Mage Guild swoops in and ........???? Was it really that easy? If so, why the heck did it take so long?
Older men - Kaitlyn talks about how disgusted she is with older men, how they are always trying to hit on her and because of her past (where she was assaulted) she has no desire for men but especially not for older men. Then the last page of this book ends with her expressing an out of the blue desire for a particular OLDER man....???
These were just a couple of things. This book felt very all over the place. It also felt superficial, like we were just getting an overview of everything and because of that, I never really felt invested.
So, I think I will probably stop with this book. Maybe.....
August 5, 2025
I’ve enjoyed this series, but the last part of this one left me bewildered. For most of the book, Kaitlin is getting used to her new home and apprenticeship in Switzerland. The growing conflict between different factions of mages, the Church, and the strigoi (vampires) and lycanthropes colors her everyday experiences until the conflict rather quickly becomes much more overt and deadly. Then…bam! So much inconsistency and just plain wtf’ery.
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
The threat from the Knights Magica and magic supremacists at first seemed substantial. Yet, when Kaitlin and others go to rescue the strigoi master, killing the head of the magic supremacists who supposedly really had little power, the whole coalition seemed to implode.
There were a lot of character inconsistencies as well. Alex, the brother of the head of the magic supremacists, said he used to be close with his brother. Yet both his brothers were slaughtered in front of him and he didn’t blink an eye, something that would be difficult to understand even if he had hated his brothers. Kaitlin for the first book and 9/10 was uninterested in relationships with men and had not even imagined herself actually being sexually attracted to someone. She also insisted she was repulsed by older men being attracted to her, likely due to her history of being raped and abused. Then suddenly, she was throwing herself at Alex, the brother of the (now dead) man she had told was too old for her. Yet Alex was only two years younger and she’d only known him a very short time. Finally, in the war the Guild forged against the Knights Magica and the Church, they ruthlessly killed innocents along with their enemies. They even sent the head of the local leader of the Church, someone Kaitlin recalled as being quiet and kind, to send a “message” to other Church officials. All this happened in about the last ten percent or so of the book, leaving me reeling and wondering just wtf I’d been reading.
END SPOILERS
END SPOILERS
END SPOILERS
After that avalanche of headshake-inspiring action at the end, I’m a bit ambivalent about whether or not to read the next book.
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
The threat from the Knights Magica and magic supremacists at first seemed substantial. Yet, when Kaitlin and others go to rescue the strigoi master, killing the head of the magic supremacists who supposedly really had little power, the whole coalition seemed to implode.
There were a lot of character inconsistencies as well. Alex, the brother of the head of the magic supremacists, said he used to be close with his brother. Yet both his brothers were slaughtered in front of him and he didn’t blink an eye, something that would be difficult to understand even if he had hated his brothers. Kaitlin for the first book and 9/10 was uninterested in relationships with men and had not even imagined herself actually being sexually attracted to someone. She also insisted she was repulsed by older men being attracted to her, likely due to her history of being raped and abused. Then suddenly, she was throwing herself at Alex, the brother of the (now dead) man she had told was too old for her. Yet Alex was only two years younger and she’d only known him a very short time. Finally, in the war the Guild forged against the Knights Magica and the Church, they ruthlessly killed innocents along with their enemies. They even sent the head of the local leader of the Church, someone Kaitlin recalled as being quiet and kind, to send a “message” to other Church officials. All this happened in about the last ten percent or so of the book, leaving me reeling and wondering just wtf I’d been reading.
END SPOILERS
END SPOILERS
END SPOILERS
After that avalanche of headshake-inspiring action at the end, I’m a bit ambivalent about whether or not to read the next book.
June 14, 2025
Good
Katy has arrived in Switzerland, ready to apprentice with another Spirit Mage, but she arrives at an unsettled time.
The Knights Magica in Europe, are preparing a war against the supernaturals, and Katy as Mage and a member of the Guild of Mages there, finds herself caught up in the battles.
Between studying and learning about her magic, getting intensive German lessons, and navigating her reluctant way around magical politics, she’s a very busy student…
Katy is once more in the thick of things, as the world around her changes. Even though she is no longer in Queen City, we do get to see a number of her old friends in this book, as well as meeting a few new ones, along with some new magical tricks.
Fans of the author’s Rose O’Grady’s series, will recognise the troublemakers in this book, since they were quite prominent in that series, but there is no need to have read those books before this one.
This is an enjoyable urban/contemporary fantasy series, with an intriguing magical system, and some very likeable characters. It’s fairly fast paced, definitely action filled, and enjoyably different for fantasy lovers.
Katy has arrived in Switzerland, ready to apprentice with another Spirit Mage, but she arrives at an unsettled time.
The Knights Magica in Europe, are preparing a war against the supernaturals, and Katy as Mage and a member of the Guild of Mages there, finds herself caught up in the battles.
Between studying and learning about her magic, getting intensive German lessons, and navigating her reluctant way around magical politics, she’s a very busy student…
Katy is once more in the thick of things, as the world around her changes. Even though she is no longer in Queen City, we do get to see a number of her old friends in this book, as well as meeting a few new ones, along with some new magical tricks.
Fans of the author’s Rose O’Grady’s series, will recognise the troublemakers in this book, since they were quite prominent in that series, but there is no need to have read those books before this one.
This is an enjoyable urban/contemporary fantasy series, with an intriguing magical system, and some very likeable characters. It’s fairly fast paced, definitely action filled, and enjoyably different for fantasy lovers.
September 19, 2025
Majority of the book is her adjusting to her new setting & adapting to life in Switzerland. Nothing really happens till we reach 70%, when the war starts to happen. But most of the conflict and resolution happen at the last 10% — it feels super rushed & is very disappointing. Majority of the book has been leading to this war, yet it wraps up in a couple of pages. If it was this easy, why didn’t the Guild intervene before? Also, the romance between Alex & Katy was out of nowhere. She spent the whole book explaining that she wasn’t attracted to older men or ppl in general; then at the last few pages she randomly starts liking him. There was no buildup, no chemistry, nothing to indicate romance or even friendship. He wasn’t even a character till the last 5%.
Lastly, the author constantly tells us information instead of showing us through the story. Makes for poor storytelling.
Overall, it was a weird read. I don’t mind the slow pacing, but the inconsistency & super rushed ending threw me off.
Lastly, the author constantly tells us information instead of showing us through the story. Makes for poor storytelling.
Overall, it was a weird read. I don’t mind the slow pacing, but the inconsistency & super rushed ending threw me off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
A book you will not put down until finished!
Book 2 starts off a few years after the world changing vents which opened Katy’s eyes to a world of magic she could never hope to be part of and which now welcomed her with open arms. A family finally and a new adventure awaits with a new master instructor who could be the greatest spirit mage ever. This adventure takes her to Zurich to learn magic and attend college. But some Mage guild members and the Church’s Knights Magica are up to no good and the supernatural world is on the verge of a civil war. Anti-creature sentiment is being fomented and Vampires and Lycan are warring each other instead of joining forces. Katy is learning much but the dangers around her always seem to draw her in and she must keep her eye on her teachers and trust her instincts to make sure she can survive this turmoil. BR Kingsolver is at the top of his game this book is another sure fire winner. Read it now!
Book 2 starts off a few years after the world changing vents which opened Katy’s eyes to a world of magic she could never hope to be part of and which now welcomed her with open arms. A family finally and a new adventure awaits with a new master instructor who could be the greatest spirit mage ever. This adventure takes her to Zurich to learn magic and attend college. But some Mage guild members and the Church’s Knights Magica are up to no good and the supernatural world is on the verge of a civil war. Anti-creature sentiment is being fomented and Vampires and Lycan are warring each other instead of joining forces. Katy is learning much but the dangers around her always seem to draw her in and she must keep her eye on her teachers and trust her instincts to make sure she can survive this turmoil. BR Kingsolver is at the top of his game this book is another sure fire winner. Read it now!
June 17, 2025
This book is focused on Katy's first months in Zurich as a new apprentice and student. Unexpectedly, civil war breaks out between all of the supernaturals and the Knights/church and the Guild. There's definitely plenty of action in this - both direct and discussed. Big chunks of the book are about the history of the Guild and the existing "peace" Treaty between all factions. Some magical and physical training happens. Katy is starting to find a place (and a family) where she feels more at home. That means she is willing to fight and help defend it as needed. I'm still dealing with the dichotomy of Katy - a nineteen-year-old who for the most part comes across as ten (at least) years older. Both in experience and delivery. The ending seems to be setting up something very different for the next book, however.
July 18, 2025
Nice new series based previous series. Not a copy or a clone. Original!
This is the second book in a new series bases on previous work by BR Kingsolver. It is not a copy, A clone, nor a repeat of a prior success.
There are references to characters and their slightly mentioned back history from a prior series. It provides a sense of familiarity, nothing more. There is no need to read prior books.
The character development is feels very natural. The characters are complex like real people. Some are people you would like to know, like Katy and her mentor and new friends. Others are people if would try to avoid in real life.
The possible love interests are typical of a serious minded young adult prioritizing there education. So far a great series.
This is the second book in a new series bases on previous work by BR Kingsolver. It is not a copy, A clone, nor a repeat of a prior success.
There are references to characters and their slightly mentioned back history from a prior series. It provides a sense of familiarity, nothing more. There is no need to read prior books.
The character development is feels very natural. The characters are complex like real people. Some are people you would like to know, like Katy and her mentor and new friends. Others are people if would try to avoid in real life.
The possible love interests are typical of a serious minded young adult prioritizing there education. So far a great series.
February 9, 2026
A wildly fun ride from start to finish
A City of Swords and Fangs is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I keep coming back to BR Kingsolver. It is easy to sink into, endlessly entertaining, and packed with the kind of sharp pacing that makes you look up and realize you have devoured half the book without noticing.
The world is vivid, the action hits fast, and the characters have that familiar Kingsolver charm that keeps the pages turning. It balances danger, intrigue, and humor in a way that feels effortless, making it the perfect escape read.
I had a great time with this one and absolutely cannot wait for more in the series. If you want something fun, fast, and full of supernatural flair, this is a fantastic pick.
A City of Swords and Fangs is exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I keep coming back to BR Kingsolver. It is easy to sink into, endlessly entertaining, and packed with the kind of sharp pacing that makes you look up and realize you have devoured half the book without noticing.
The world is vivid, the action hits fast, and the characters have that familiar Kingsolver charm that keeps the pages turning. It balances danger, intrigue, and humor in a way that feels effortless, making it the perfect escape read.
I had a great time with this one and absolutely cannot wait for more in the series. If you want something fun, fast, and full of supernatural flair, this is a fantastic pick.
September 30, 2025
Switzerland A nexus point
When Kaitlyn went to Switzerland to go to university and train with Adolphus, her life and her powers developed at a rate she now began to have not just to use but to understand. Knowledge is power and she uses it well. Mainly to defend but a warrior when needed. I felt it was a whirlwind of emotions, new friends⁰The Guild The Knights , and use of history to make references about then and now. Mixed races and showed once again of power corruption. There is a lot to unpack and enjoy. Beware there is a lot of beheading, fights offensive weapons. Sex is spoken about and assaults on young women. DONE by the young and old.
When Kaitlyn went to Switzerland to go to university and train with Adolphus, her life and her powers developed at a rate she now began to have not just to use but to understand. Knowledge is power and she uses it well. Mainly to defend but a warrior when needed. I felt it was a whirlwind of emotions, new friends⁰The Guild The Knights , and use of history to make references about then and now. Mixed races and showed once again of power corruption. There is a lot to unpack and enjoy. Beware there is a lot of beheading, fights offensive weapons. Sex is spoken about and assaults on young women. DONE by the young and old.
June 30, 2025
Kingsolver is a great author and I know I may not be the target market for this genre but the book didnt seem to come together for me.
There was the oh so topical world at war theme with its grim futility and inexorable march forward which I found pretty depressing particularly paired with a main character who is so passionless as to be almost robotic.
Compared to her other offerings, it felt unemotional and didnt flow. TBH the only character that really interested me was Sima. I struggled to finish the book and would class it as something of a misfire.
There was the oh so topical world at war theme with its grim futility and inexorable march forward which I found pretty depressing particularly paired with a main character who is so passionless as to be almost robotic.
Compared to her other offerings, it felt unemotional and didnt flow. TBH the only character that really interested me was Sima. I struggled to finish the book and would class it as something of a misfire.
July 13, 2025
Politics and Power
Where to begin? As usual BRK has a unique ability to drag you into a high octane caper that always has an element of truth and a nod to history. Our young MFC still has the innocence of youth despite her life experiences. The type of magic that abounds around all the main characters is different from other writers, it is well thought out and described with beauty. The only downside I need to make you aware of is the wait until book 3 is out. This is a live series that you cannot binge read. It’s tough suck it up and have patience.
Where to begin? As usual BRK has a unique ability to drag you into a high octane caper that always has an element of truth and a nod to history. Our young MFC still has the innocence of youth despite her life experiences. The type of magic that abounds around all the main characters is different from other writers, it is well thought out and described with beauty. The only downside I need to make you aware of is the wait until book 3 is out. This is a live series that you cannot binge read. It’s tough suck it up and have patience.
November 28, 2025
Another good read.
Another good read. I read the first of 2 books yesterday, this one today. I found the same reasons to like this book as the first. Just too much fun to miss. Strong, well developed characters, a plot that didn't take me for a simpleton, but which a far less experienced reader would also have enjoyed. So, a typical BR Kingsolver pleasurable read. I have not failed to enjoy any of the author's works, finding them inventive, well intended, interesting, structurally sound, and just plain fun reading.
Another good read. I read the first of 2 books yesterday, this one today. I found the same reasons to like this book as the first. Just too much fun to miss. Strong, well developed characters, a plot that didn't take me for a simpleton, but which a far less experienced reader would also have enjoyed. So, a typical BR Kingsolver pleasurable read. I have not failed to enjoy any of the author's works, finding them inventive, well intended, interesting, structurally sound, and just plain fun reading.
May 29, 2025
Recommended addition to series
I am a big fan of BR Kingsolver and this world appears to be the same or similar to the Rosie O’Grady series. This is the second book in the series and I recommend that you start with book 1. In this story, MC has moved to continue her education but the city of Zurich is experience unrest. Needless to say as a tracker she is in the middle of it. This was a fin romp and I recommend it.
I am a big fan of BR Kingsolver and this world appears to be the same or similar to the Rosie O’Grady series. This is the second book in the series and I recommend that you start with book 1. In this story, MC has moved to continue her education but the city of Zurich is experience unrest. Needless to say as a tracker she is in the middle of it. This was a fin romp and I recommend it.
August 15, 2025
Almost five stars
Good, fast paced read with interesting characters and an unusual setting. Unfortunately three things detract from it being a five star novel:
A major feline plot point is never properly developed or explained.
The Guild changes power level with little explanation.
And, following from that power change, the end is ridiculously quick easy making all the previous conflict seem like a waste of time.
Good, fast paced read with interesting characters and an unusual setting. Unfortunately three things detract from it being a five star novel:
A major feline plot point is never properly developed or explained.
The Guild changes power level with little explanation.
And, following from that power change, the end is ridiculously quick easy making all the previous conflict seem like a waste of time.
May 27, 2025
So?
Is this the end of the cycle? I can see future books, or see this being a short two book,series. I guess we will need to wait for the Author to shed light on the question. In many areas the MC reminds me of Rosie's Bar and Grill. Not the same, but elements of their pain. I hope we see more and watch her grow and return to Queen City.
Is this the end of the cycle? I can see future books, or see this being a short two book,series. I guess we will need to wait for the Author to shed light on the question. In many areas the MC reminds me of Rosie's Bar and Grill. Not the same, but elements of their pain. I hope we see more and watch her grow and return to Queen City.
May 28, 2025
Outstanding
I loved everything the characters, politics, and the world building. I have read all the series by this author but this by far is my favorite. I enjoy how she completes each story without the dreaded cliffhanger. As a senior it is refreshing to read a young adult story and not lose interest due to teenage agnst. Bravo! I highly recommend this series.
I loved everything the characters, politics, and the world building. I have read all the series by this author but this by far is my favorite. I enjoy how she completes each story without the dreaded cliffhanger. As a senior it is refreshing to read a young adult story and not lose interest due to teenage agnst. Bravo! I highly recommend this series.
June 2, 2025
Zurich
Action forever in this book. I almost have the urge to learn sword fighting myself, except I'm a complete hazard! Things get serious in Zurich and boys or a strange cat can't change the future. But murders and madness drag everyone into the conflict. Tense is an understatement. Great book
Action forever in this book. I almost have the urge to learn sword fighting myself, except I'm a complete hazard! Things get serious in Zurich and boys or a strange cat can't change the future. But murders and madness drag everyone into the conflict. Tense is an understatement. Great book
June 7, 2025
Magic and politics
In an alternate, magical world a young mage going to Switzerland for university and magic training gets caught up with a violent coup. Nicely done with how the war both does and doesn’t affect her- reads very much like true accounts of being near riots and coups. Enjoyable and a really nice change from the more unsophisticated chosen one books.
In an alternate, magical world a young mage going to Switzerland for university and magic training gets caught up with a violent coup. Nicely done with how the war both does and doesn’t affect her- reads very much like true accounts of being near riots and coups. Enjoyable and a really nice change from the more unsophisticated chosen one books.
July 10, 2025
A Good Read
This second installment keeps the interest level up by being set in a completely different environment from the first book. This allows the author to showcase the main character's growth as well as introducing new ones and delving deeper into the political situation. One with a lot of similarities to this world.
This second installment keeps the interest level up by being set in a completely different environment from the first book. This allows the author to showcase the main character's growth as well as introducing new ones and delving deeper into the political situation. One with a lot of similarities to this world.
July 17, 2025
Good storyline
I will admit I shy away from books with ya or teenagers as the protagonist. That being said, I did enjoy this series. I read the other series in this world and it was nice to find out where this series fits in the timeline. The characters are believable and I like the magic system.
I will admit I shy away from books with ya or teenagers as the protagonist. That being said, I did enjoy this series. I read the other series in this world and it was nice to find out where this series fits in the timeline. The characters are believable and I like the magic system.
September 4, 2025
Learning the lessons of power.
In the second story of the spirit mage chronicles,Katy learns how power can be used for great good and when its abused how it can cause pain and much destruction. I love how they build up her character over time,and expand her powers and what to do with them. Alot of action and spell use in this one,I really liked it and recommend this series.
In the second story of the spirit mage chronicles,Katy learns how power can be used for great good and when its abused how it can cause pain and much destruction. I love how they build up her character over time,and expand her powers and what to do with them. Alot of action and spell use in this one,I really liked it and recommend this series.
May 26, 2025
Great second installment in the series
I love Kaitlyn. She's growing up, both magically and as a person.
I also love her new teacher/mentor.
A lot of action and well written banter.
Can't wait for the series to continue.
I love Kaitlyn. She's growing up, both magically and as a person.
I also love her new teacher/mentor.
A lot of action and well written banter.
Can't wait for the series to continue.
May 26, 2025
I read this in one setting.
The author always does such strong world building. I enjoy the strong women, main character characters. I like how some of the elements from her other books are threads through this one. If you haven’t read this author, get started.
The author always does such strong world building. I enjoy the strong women, main character characters. I like how some of the elements from her other books are threads through this one. If you haven’t read this author, get started.
May 30, 2025
Action packed adventure of the magical and supernatural kind
Awesome fun, thrills, and danger for our heroine and friends. Success and blooming romantic interest. Every page turning seemingly on its own so I could follow the action
Awesome fun, thrills, and danger for our heroine and friends. Success and blooming romantic interest. Every page turning seemingly on its own so I could follow the action
May 31, 2025
good book!
I randomly read the first book in the series and was disappointed when I realized I had to wait for the next one. This one has definitely lived up to my desires and now I’m waiting for the next!!
I randomly read the first book in the series and was disappointed when I realized I had to wait for the next one. This one has definitely lived up to my desires and now I’m waiting for the next!!
June 14, 2025
Another satisfying read from BR. kingsolver
I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author,, and I think I've read everything published so far. These two books are no exception. An interesting society, compelling characters, I highly recommend it!
I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author,, and I think I've read everything published so far. These two books are no exception. An interesting society, compelling characters, I highly recommend it!
July 9, 2025
Another great series by Kingsolver!
Good drama and intrigue with a nice storyline. A few twists and turns makes it very interesting. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Good drama and intrigue with a nice storyline. A few twists and turns makes it very interesting. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
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