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Recipe for Magic
Connor Roth is a fire mage who’s going places. He's powerful, popular, and he has a plan. But his plan for fame and glory is disrupted when the Oracle sticks him with Landyn Glendower for Senior Trial. This is an act unprecedented in their school's history. Landyn is a water mage, and everyone knows mages with opposing elements can’t work magic together.
Connor is left with a work alone and fail or swallow his pride and work with Landyn to find a way to combine their magic in a display the Archmages will never forget—if they don't get kicked out of school in the process.
Connor is left with a work alone and fail or swallow his pride and work with Landyn to find a way to combine their magic in a display the Archmages will never forget—if they don't get kicked out of school in the process.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2015
5 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Bird
1 book221 followersAgatha Bird grew up in sunny, swampy Florida where she still lives with two ridiculously named cats. She told fibs when she was a kid, but now she tells stories. (Plus, storyteller sounds way better than professional liar.) She subsists on a steady diet of sunflower seeds, tea, books, and terrible puns. Libraries are her natural habitat, and she reaches her full power once a year on Halloween.
She believes in wereyorkies, the full moon, and true romance. She loves monsters, magic, bad guys, and happy endings, preferably all in one story. She thinks frog princes are totally overdone, so she stares a little too longingly at alligators. One has yet to stare longingly back.
She believes in wereyorkies, the full moon, and true romance. She loves monsters, magic, bad guys, and happy endings, preferably all in one story. She thinks frog princes are totally overdone, so she stares a little too longingly at alligators. One has yet to stare longingly back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 6, 2015
Agatha Bird is not a new author to me. Before she had a published book, I read a few of her wonderful free online fiction (even one of her fan fiction). I really enjoy Bird’s narrative which is why I was excited when I saw this one listed at Dreamspinner Press’s coming soon page.
Recipe for Magic dwells in a world of a magic school – where mage students are paired by the Oracle to display their power at the Senior Trial. Connor Roth is a fire mage, he comes from a great family of magic; his father is a First Mage of the King’s council. Connor has plans … one of them is to succeed at the trial and becomes the youngest mage to ever sit in the King’s council. Except on the day of the pairing, Connor is paired with Landyn Glendower. A water mage. Two mages with opposing elements are unprecedented. It never happens. It is like a sign that he is doomed.
At first Connor is acting all “woe-is-me”, being attached to a water mage, who is not popular, heck, Connor doesn’t even know if Landyn is good at his magic. It just ruins his plan and his popularity. He becomes a pariah because of this pairing. However, slowly Connor finds out more about Landyn and he realizes who his friends truly are. And that sometimes opposites attract and can be bound for great things.
I found this a very solid enemies-to-lovers story – with a message of trying to look for other people’s qualities beyond the surface. Connor learns that Landyn is more than meets the eye. He opens his eyes to others who may not value the same things he does, who may not really care about popularity or showing off power just because they can.
I really loved their banter – and their private sessions of training their magic and their attempts to know each other. I loved the quiet times too, when they were in the kitchen, working together to make a great meal (because Landyn sometimes forgets to eat and Connor needs to feed him). It is wonderful little tale, filled with youthful emotion. There is also a great display of magic dragons – which I thought would be perfect if translated to visual platform.
My biggest complaint for this story was the rushed ending. I thought it would have been nice if Bird extended the ending just a few more pages to highlight the Trial. I felt rather dissatisfied with how it ended.
Overall, I totally loved this first published novella of Agatha Bird. Here’s to more in the near future, Ms. Bird!
PS: For my smutty-lover friends, this story contains no-sex scenes. Only kiss. Consider this an advisory for your reading pleasure :)
Recipe for Magic dwells in a world of a magic school – where mage students are paired by the Oracle to display their power at the Senior Trial. Connor Roth is a fire mage, he comes from a great family of magic; his father is a First Mage of the King’s council. Connor has plans … one of them is to succeed at the trial and becomes the youngest mage to ever sit in the King’s council. Except on the day of the pairing, Connor is paired with Landyn Glendower. A water mage. Two mages with opposing elements are unprecedented. It never happens. It is like a sign that he is doomed.
At first Connor is acting all “woe-is-me”, being attached to a water mage, who is not popular, heck, Connor doesn’t even know if Landyn is good at his magic. It just ruins his plan and his popularity. He becomes a pariah because of this pairing. However, slowly Connor finds out more about Landyn and he realizes who his friends truly are. And that sometimes opposites attract and can be bound for great things.
I found this a very solid enemies-to-lovers story – with a message of trying to look for other people’s qualities beyond the surface. Connor learns that Landyn is more than meets the eye. He opens his eyes to others who may not value the same things he does, who may not really care about popularity or showing off power just because they can.
I really loved their banter – and their private sessions of training their magic and their attempts to know each other. I loved the quiet times too, when they were in the kitchen, working together to make a great meal (because Landyn sometimes forgets to eat and Connor needs to feed him). It is wonderful little tale, filled with youthful emotion. There is also a great display of magic dragons – which I thought would be perfect if translated to visual platform.
My biggest complaint for this story was the rushed ending. I thought it would have been nice if Bird extended the ending just a few more pages to highlight the Trial. I felt rather dissatisfied with how it ended.
Overall, I totally loved this first published novella of Agatha Bird. Here’s to more in the near future, Ms. Bird!
PS: For my smutty-lover friends, this story contains no-sex scenes. Only kiss. Consider this an advisory for your reading pleasure :)
dnf
March 3, 2021Cute, lightweight YA set in a boarding school for young magicians. It might hit the spot for younger readers. But the beautiful mean spiteful conniving popular blonde teenage schoolgirl cliché drained my will to read. Seriously, authors, can we give that banal, preposterously overused stereotype a rest? DNF @ 70%
January 7, 2015
A sweet, and fun story. I liked that even though Connor was a jerk Landyn wasn't a pushover, and gave just as good as he got. I liked seeing things from Connor's perspective because I was able to understand why he was the way he was, and it was nice to see his growth over the course of the story. Their final project made me smile. A really good ya story.
Read
January 17, 2015Conflicted on rating this so not going to.
On one hand it’s AGGYBIRD and I adore Aggybird’s fics I don’t think it’d be possible for me to not buy any published fic of hers! On the other hand while I liked it, I can’t say I loved the book.
It’s a short Y.A. read. The characters and what we see of their world is interesting, I thought the ending was predicable but also very endearing. But it is Y.A. not sure what age group it’s aimed at but there wasn’t enough depth for me, not enough tension. Aggy is known for her quirky characters and pun throwing and compared to her usual fare this felt restrained, not sure if that’s due to it being a published work or the fact it’s a Y.A.
Appealing but I think I’d have liked it more in first person where I’d have felt more connected. The characters are interesting but I kept feeling we were barely touching them. There's a youthful message about true friendship and acceptance and what really matters - but I couldn't help wanting more. The trial at the end seemed mostly off-page which felt a bit of an anti-climax.
Overall the story’s pleasant but not trail blazing. I think though, that my expectations were too high; I was reading it as an Aggybird and not adjusting my expectations for it being a Y.A. story. It's good and I'm really excited to see Aggy getting published, but it's not all that! I'm not the target audience.
On one hand it’s AGGYBIRD and I adore Aggybird’s fics I don’t think it’d be possible for me to not buy any published fic of hers! On the other hand while I liked it, I can’t say I loved the book.
It’s a short Y.A. read. The characters and what we see of their world is interesting, I thought the ending was predicable but also very endearing. But it is Y.A. not sure what age group it’s aimed at but there wasn’t enough depth for me, not enough tension. Aggy is known for her quirky characters and pun throwing and compared to her usual fare this felt restrained, not sure if that’s due to it being a published work or the fact it’s a Y.A.
Appealing but I think I’d have liked it more in first person where I’d have felt more connected. The characters are interesting but I kept feeling we were barely touching them. There's a youthful message about true friendship and acceptance and what really matters - but I couldn't help wanting more. The trial at the end seemed mostly off-page which felt a bit of an anti-climax.
Overall the story’s pleasant but not trail blazing. I think though, that my expectations were too high; I was reading it as an Aggybird and not adjusting my expectations for it being a Y.A. story. It's good and I'm really excited to see Aggy getting published, but it's not all that! I'm not the target audience.
October 20, 2015
I love this side of YA. Would love to read more about this world in the future.
February 15, 2021
This was a delightful read!
January 12, 2015
3.5 stars
This was a sweet, romantic little YA read. Nice idea and it was written in an easy-to-read style that I zipped through in an hour or so.
Unfortunately it's short length led to a few downsides - we don't really get much world-building, back story or development of characters and we are kind of dropped in to see only a snippet of time in this world where we don't know much about what went before and we are left with nothing much wrapped up - but I guess it's consistent with other stories with a similar page count.
I must admit, I should have looked at the book length before buying this, as it was just over £3 for only 62 pages on kindle, which I thought was a bit expensive.
This was a sweet, romantic little YA read. Nice idea and it was written in an easy-to-read style that I zipped through in an hour or so.
Unfortunately it's short length led to a few downsides - we don't really get much world-building, back story or development of characters and we are kind of dropped in to see only a snippet of time in this world where we don't know much about what went before and we are left with nothing much wrapped up - but I guess it's consistent with other stories with a similar page count.
I must admit, I should have looked at the book length before buying this, as it was just over £3 for only 62 pages on kindle, which I thought was a bit expensive.
August 7, 2018
Oh Agatha Bird! What an exceptional tale. I don't know if I'd like a sequel, but I can say with certainty that this was one the best short story I ever read.
The setting is not original as magic and elements are used copiously, but anyway this tale was so romantically cute I might even overlook Connor's clichéd unawareness.
I hope I'll find some of her other stories.
The setting is not original as magic and elements are used copiously, but anyway this tale was so romantically cute I might even overlook Connor's clichéd unawareness.
I hope I'll find some of her other stories.
May 4, 2016
I had totally skipped over this book originally because I had seen that it was YA, and that really isn’t something I go out of my way to check out. But a few weeks later I was looking around for something different to read, and this book came up again, so I thought I would give it a closer look. I loved the cover, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. It’s only 60 pages, so what’s the worst that could happen?
Thankfully this book turned out to be really good. And I would have happily read for another hundred pages. In fact, I hope that Agatha Bird decides to write more stories in this world, because not only were the MCs really good, the world and magic here are worth a closer look.
Connor has a bit of an ego problem, to begin with, seeing as how his father is some bigwig mage who works closely with the King. And just about everyone expects him to do as well, if not better than dear ol’ dad. He was a bit of a ass to Landyn in the beginning, but as the story goes along, and Connor sees exactly what his ‘friends’ are made of, they start to have something resembling a friendship (and maybe a bit more) growing between them.
The enemies-to-lovers aspect of this book was very well done. And I quite enjoyed the magical hissy-fits they threw at each other. With them being of opposing natures magically, they are quite evenly matched (much to Connor’s consternation), but it is their more personal natures that are quite similar. They work very well with each other once they get over themselves, and while the whole Misunderstanding at the end felt a tad bit forced, the solution was rather cute. And much in keeping with their growing feelings for each other.
I might not read a lot of YA, but I do know what I like when I read it. And this I like. Even if YA is not really your thing, I would suggest giving this a look.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Thankfully this book turned out to be really good. And I would have happily read for another hundred pages. In fact, I hope that Agatha Bird decides to write more stories in this world, because not only were the MCs really good, the world and magic here are worth a closer look.
Connor has a bit of an ego problem, to begin with, seeing as how his father is some bigwig mage who works closely with the King. And just about everyone expects him to do as well, if not better than dear ol’ dad. He was a bit of a ass to Landyn in the beginning, but as the story goes along, and Connor sees exactly what his ‘friends’ are made of, they start to have something resembling a friendship (and maybe a bit more) growing between them.
The enemies-to-lovers aspect of this book was very well done. And I quite enjoyed the magical hissy-fits they threw at each other. With them being of opposing natures magically, they are quite evenly matched (much to Connor’s consternation), but it is their more personal natures that are quite similar. They work very well with each other once they get over themselves, and while the whole Misunderstanding at the end felt a tad bit forced, the solution was rather cute. And much in keeping with their growing feelings for each other.
I might not read a lot of YA, but I do know what I like when I read it. And this I like. Even if YA is not really your thing, I would suggest giving this a look.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 7, 2019
Connor (fire) and Landyn (water) are indeed magical together, but it takes them some time for their mouths to find one another, sizzle, and create steam. A delightful, engaging short, particularly if you get off on the realm of magic.
February 3, 2016
Loved it!! Short and sweet Y/A romance.
December 12, 2021
A short story that had some amazing world-building, but failed to deliver on all the promise. Maybe if it was longer, it could have been developed more into something more substantial. Yet, it was cute enough for a YA
January 30, 2015
What a great novella! I love it when characters really learn something in a story, and boy, Connor has a lot to learn. As they say, “pride goes before a fall” and that is what happens here. Once Connor has been removed from his opinionated and egocentric pedestal, so to speak, help comes from the most unexpected direction and someone Connor wouldn’t ever have considered worth his time. Yes, Connor is that sort of a teenager before the Oracle interferes and puts him in a situation where he will either learn to be himself or sink into obscurity (as Connor would put it).
Connor, in his mind, has already won everyone’s praises before he has even passed his Senior Trial. He is selfish, believes he has a right to be adored, and has his life mapped out for himself. If he were an adult, I wouldn’t bet on him being able to change, but he is a teenager and there is hope. The Oracle gives him a task worthy of a coming-of-age challenge, and for quite a while, it looks as if Connor might fail. I loved watching the slow steps he takes as he sulks his way through self-pity, then anger, then finally understands what he is supposed to learn. Yes, he is a pretty nasty bastard in the beginning, but with a father like his? I’d expect him to have some issues.
Landyn is, in many ways, Connor’s opposite. He is a water mage to Connor’s fire talents, he is quiet where Connor is loud and in-your-face, and he is lonely where Connor is surrounded by friends—at least until Connor falls from grace and ends up a pariah. But Landyn is also a great mage, much more advanced than many of his peers. I suspect most of that is due to him having no social life and spending all his time studying. Landyn is also a very warm and loving boy, and someone who is loyal once he’s made a friend. Someone Connor can rely on to have his back—once he lets go of his preconceived ideas about what a great mage is really like.
If you like stories about young men finding their way in life, if enemies-to-lovers in a world full of magic is an idea that appeals to you, and if you’re looking for a read that is passionate, funny, and full of youthful enthusiasm, then you will probably like this novella. I think it’s very creative and I loved the way the Senior Trial turns out – including Connor and Landyn’s unexpected, but very cleverly designed presentation of their talents.
NOTE: This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Connor, in his mind, has already won everyone’s praises before he has even passed his Senior Trial. He is selfish, believes he has a right to be adored, and has his life mapped out for himself. If he were an adult, I wouldn’t bet on him being able to change, but he is a teenager and there is hope. The Oracle gives him a task worthy of a coming-of-age challenge, and for quite a while, it looks as if Connor might fail. I loved watching the slow steps he takes as he sulks his way through self-pity, then anger, then finally understands what he is supposed to learn. Yes, he is a pretty nasty bastard in the beginning, but with a father like his? I’d expect him to have some issues.
Landyn is, in many ways, Connor’s opposite. He is a water mage to Connor’s fire talents, he is quiet where Connor is loud and in-your-face, and he is lonely where Connor is surrounded by friends—at least until Connor falls from grace and ends up a pariah. But Landyn is also a great mage, much more advanced than many of his peers. I suspect most of that is due to him having no social life and spending all his time studying. Landyn is also a very warm and loving boy, and someone who is loyal once he’s made a friend. Someone Connor can rely on to have his back—once he lets go of his preconceived ideas about what a great mage is really like.
If you like stories about young men finding their way in life, if enemies-to-lovers in a world full of magic is an idea that appeals to you, and if you’re looking for a read that is passionate, funny, and full of youthful enthusiasm, then you will probably like this novella. I think it’s very creative and I loved the way the Senior Trial turns out – including Connor and Landyn’s unexpected, but very cleverly designed presentation of their talents.
NOTE: This book was provided by Harmony Ink Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 8, 2015
Reviewed for The Novel Approach.
I could read an entire series with Connor and Landyn. This 64 page novella is NOWHERE NEAR long enough, and yet despite this, what is on the page is wonderful. The world is well developed and understandable, and the characters are unforgettable. Connor and Landyn are distinct and have their own voices. Both have strong personalities, just as strong as the fire and water magic they control.
I’ve never read Agatha Bird before but just from this book I can tell she has skill. For example, all of the snide comments and riffs the characters give to each other fit their type of magic, and it’s never forced. No, it fits seamlessly in the story. I laughed so many times and highlighted more of this book than is strictly necessary. One of my favorite scenes is between Landyn and Connor fighting about being paired together. They’re bickering, of course, and after Connor asks how Landyn would feel about having no eyebrows, Landyn returns with this gem: “How do you feel about toilets exploding on your at every opportunity for the rest of your life?” HA! Maybe it’s my juvenile sense of humor (I am a teacher), but I was rolling.
They often refer to their elements when cursing each other or their emotions. Connor mentions the “scorched earth of his hope.” Dugan calls Landyn a “puddle-licker.” Little details like these just made the book so much more awesome. I really wish I had written this book. I just finished it and I already want to go back in and read it again.
Now, a plea to the author: Can we please have a series with these two post trial? Because I will be the first one to buy the books.
I could read an entire series with Connor and Landyn. This 64 page novella is NOWHERE NEAR long enough, and yet despite this, what is on the page is wonderful. The world is well developed and understandable, and the characters are unforgettable. Connor and Landyn are distinct and have their own voices. Both have strong personalities, just as strong as the fire and water magic they control.
I’ve never read Agatha Bird before but just from this book I can tell she has skill. For example, all of the snide comments and riffs the characters give to each other fit their type of magic, and it’s never forced. No, it fits seamlessly in the story. I laughed so many times and highlighted more of this book than is strictly necessary. One of my favorite scenes is between Landyn and Connor fighting about being paired together. They’re bickering, of course, and after Connor asks how Landyn would feel about having no eyebrows, Landyn returns with this gem: “How do you feel about toilets exploding on your at every opportunity for the rest of your life?” HA! Maybe it’s my juvenile sense of humor (I am a teacher), but I was rolling.
They often refer to their elements when cursing each other or their emotions. Connor mentions the “scorched earth of his hope.” Dugan calls Landyn a “puddle-licker.” Little details like these just made the book so much more awesome. I really wish I had written this book. I just finished it and I already want to go back in and read it again.
Now, a plea to the author: Can we please have a series with these two post trial? Because I will be the first one to buy the books.
April 18, 2021
This was such a sweet book! I haven't really been into YA lately but Recipe for Magic made me miss those wholesome first kiss/touch moments that YA usually entails. But I just wish it were longer—and this is coming from someone who's been hardcore binging novellas—besides the potential of developing Connor and Landyn's characters more (because I was really surprised at how Connor magically changed from being egoistic to a sweet guy cooking for his "pal"), there were too many details that were left untouched (the book spans weeks upon weeks but we're only given a select few days to experience) and I definitely would have enjoyed more intimate moments between Connor and Landyn to see how their relationship develops. But that being said, I did enjoy Recipe for Magic, it was a delightful and quick read that would brighten anyone's day.
September 6, 2023
This was a 4.5 stars for me, but I'm rounding it up because I am a sucker for elemental mages and this was no exception!
When two mages from opposite elements get paired together, things are bound to get amazing especially when those two mages are just so perfect together!
The book had such a sweet and adorable plot and characters and I just couldn't help myself giggling and crying and getting my emotions unstable. This is a book I shall read again someday.
When two mages from opposite elements get paired together, things are bound to get amazing especially when those two mages are just so perfect together!
The book had such a sweet and adorable plot and characters and I just couldn't help myself giggling and crying and getting my emotions unstable. This is a book I shall read again someday.
Want to read
January 1, 2015Let's be clear: I generally have no interest in reading YA novels. Or fantasy books. Or ones about fire mages and Oracles (really, I'm not even are what those are, but they just don't really seem like my "thing").
What I am interested in is reading anything by Aggy Bird because she's friggin' hysterically funny and talented. So, dammit, it looks like I'm gonna be reading a YA fantasy book about Oracles and mages sometime in 2015 (maybe I'll finally figure out what they are).
What I am interested in is reading anything by Aggy Bird because she's friggin' hysterically funny and talented. So, dammit, it looks like I'm gonna be reading a YA fantasy book about Oracles and mages sometime in 2015 (maybe I'll finally figure out what they are).
October 12, 2016
Adorable story. I was pretty much smiling the whole time I read it. Would love to read more in this world.
I've read some fab free reads by this author, and I can't wait to read more of her published works :)
Recommended!!!
I've read some fab free reads by this author, and I can't wait to read more of her published works :)
Recommended!!!
January 30, 2015
This book seemed to be shorter than I thought it was going to be. I was really starting to enjoy it and then it was over. A quick, fun read though.
February 22, 2016
3.5 Stars rounded up. As I usually do with a short story I wish it had been a little longer because I really liked both characters but all in all a sweet young adult coming of age story.
January 26, 2015
So cute! Would read more in this world, or about these guys.
August 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this story! Despite being short it truly felt like there was adequate time to build and create this camaraderie and relationship between the two leads. The only thing that suffered for the short was not being able to fully explain and realize the world- though doing that easily could have made this into a novel, one I would very much enjoy to see!
Connor and Landyn are the two leads, paired for their final magical exams, which is a shock as they have opposing types of water. I really enjoyed how the two played off on one another. Connor is very much holier-than-thou and expects everything that comes to him, automatically believing that Landyn will be useless and nothing in magic because he hasn't noticed him. Landyn is willing to call COnnor out on his shit, but can also be soft in times when he sees that Connor's world is shifting. It becomes clear that Connor's mannerisms and beliefs have in part come from upbringing and expectations, much as Landyn's withdraw from the catty popularity based society of the school has been from his calm but serious upbringing. As the two bend and slowly get to know each other and you see them open up it is a beautiful and simple thing, one of first a wonderful friendship a that awkward age, developing into the chance for something more. The end exam is a great little surprise, though there are hints to it earlier, and the idea of what it meant was a delight. A wonderful story and an author I will be looking into!
Connor and Landyn are the two leads, paired for their final magical exams, which is a shock as they have opposing types of water. I really enjoyed how the two played off on one another. Connor is very much holier-than-thou and expects everything that comes to him, automatically believing that Landyn will be useless and nothing in magic because he hasn't noticed him. Landyn is willing to call COnnor out on his shit, but can also be soft in times when he sees that Connor's world is shifting. It becomes clear that Connor's mannerisms and beliefs have in part come from upbringing and expectations, much as Landyn's withdraw from the catty popularity based society of the school has been from his calm but serious upbringing. As the two bend and slowly get to know each other and you see them open up it is a beautiful and simple thing, one of first a wonderful friendship a that awkward age, developing into the chance for something more. The end exam is a great little surprise, though there are hints to it earlier, and the idea of what it meant was a delight. A wonderful story and an author I will be looking into!
August 22, 2017
4.5-5 stars
Sometimes, to find the really amazing magic, you have to look beyond the great deeds into the very daily things….
In a world where wyverns, dragons and powerful wizards are commonplace, senior trial is the moment where young magicians can show their value… Provided they are not mismatched, as it has happened to Fire mage Connor Roth. Connor had all his future planned, but after annoying the powerful Oracle he finds himself paired with Water mage Landyn Glendower. Not only do they belong to opposite elements, but Landyn is way below his league… or that’s what Connor thinks. Trying to work with together proves very difficult for both young men, who have to find a way to make their magic blend. Stubborn characters, pride, and evil busybodies are some of the things they have to get over if they are to prove that opposites can work perfectly together… and also fall in love.
This was one of the cutest young adult stories I’ve read lately. I loved the setting, the main characters and the resolution of their problem. Well written, smoothly paced and charming, this little story is a jewel for lovers of stories involving magic and first love.
Highly recommendable
Sometimes, to find the really amazing magic, you have to look beyond the great deeds into the very daily things….
In a world where wyverns, dragons and powerful wizards are commonplace, senior trial is the moment where young magicians can show their value… Provided they are not mismatched, as it has happened to Fire mage Connor Roth. Connor had all his future planned, but after annoying the powerful Oracle he finds himself paired with Water mage Landyn Glendower. Not only do they belong to opposite elements, but Landyn is way below his league… or that’s what Connor thinks. Trying to work with together proves very difficult for both young men, who have to find a way to make their magic blend. Stubborn characters, pride, and evil busybodies are some of the things they have to get over if they are to prove that opposites can work perfectly together… and also fall in love.
This was one of the cutest young adult stories I’ve read lately. I loved the setting, the main characters and the resolution of their problem. Well written, smoothly paced and charming, this little story is a jewel for lovers of stories involving magic and first love.
Highly recommendable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
OMG THIS WAS SO GOOD😭❤️🩹
Conner a fire mage gets the surprise of his life when he gets paired up with Landyn a water mage . Not just because he’s been planning to get paired with his girlfriend for years, but also because Fire and Water mages usually don’t get paired up together.
I loved this so much, even though I knew beforehand that this will be short I still was disappointed because I wanted more!
The idea was really interesting and I feel something really great could’ve been made out of this plot. And I loved the characters and their chemistry!! The enemies to lovers was enemies to lovers-ing. I wanted their relationship and progress to be more flushed out and given its proper time 😭💔
I could’ve given this a five stars if only for some little nicks that happened at the end and if it was fully written. But nonetheless I really loved it.
Conner a fire mage gets the surprise of his life when he gets paired up with Landyn a water mage . Not just because he’s been planning to get paired with his girlfriend for years, but also because Fire and Water mages usually don’t get paired up together.
I loved this so much, even though I knew beforehand that this will be short I still was disappointed because I wanted more!
The idea was really interesting and I feel something really great could’ve been made out of this plot. And I loved the characters and their chemistry!! The enemies to lovers was enemies to lovers-ing. I wanted their relationship and progress to be more flushed out and given its proper time 😭💔
I could’ve given this a five stars if only for some little nicks that happened at the end and if it was fully written. But nonetheless I really loved it.
April 13, 2020
”Yeah,” Connor said, pressing a cold, wet kiss to Landyn’s cheek. “I’ll teach you how to turn up the heat.” He waggled his brows.
Landyn pushed him off the chair into a puddle.
Connor thought he might be in love.
4.5 stars. I loved this so much!!! The enemies to lovers slow burn was great and overall Connor and Landyns characters were wonderful. The world and magic was really fun and I enjoyed the dynamic between the boys a lot. I just really wish that the ending wasn’t as rushed! I wanted more of them together after the trial! I thought the pacing throughout the rest of the story was done really well even though I would totally read a full length novel on them, but my only compliant would be that ending.
Overall I loved this and would highly recommend!!!
Landyn pushed him off the chair into a puddle.
Connor thought he might be in love.
4.5 stars. I loved this so much!!! The enemies to lovers slow burn was great and overall Connor and Landyns characters were wonderful. The world and magic was really fun and I enjoyed the dynamic between the boys a lot. I just really wish that the ending wasn’t as rushed! I wanted more of them together after the trial! I thought the pacing throughout the rest of the story was done really well even though I would totally read a full length novel on them, but my only compliant would be that ending.
Overall I loved this and would highly recommend!!!
August 13, 2017
3.5 stars.
This was a short story. 62 pages. A one-hour read, about. The couple was kind of cute. I enjoyed their flirtations and thought they had decent chemistry. But there was no sex. The conflicts... well... the early conflict was a bit dragged out too much, too mopey, and then the later conflict was too quickly established and surpassed. The world, perhaps could have been interesting, but too little was developed. The parents met with the Headmaster and seemed to behave as poorly as the kids. There was very little content in this story and much of it was sub-par. But the editing was at least decent and it mostly made me smile. So that gets it over 3 stars. But I wouldn't really recommend this book for most anyone.
This was a short story. 62 pages. A one-hour read, about. The couple was kind of cute. I enjoyed their flirtations and thought they had decent chemistry. But there was no sex. The conflicts... well... the early conflict was a bit dragged out too much, too mopey, and then the later conflict was too quickly established and surpassed. The world, perhaps could have been interesting, but too little was developed. The parents met with the Headmaster and seemed to behave as poorly as the kids. There was very little content in this story and much of it was sub-par. But the editing was at least decent and it mostly made me smile. So that gets it over 3 stars. But I wouldn't really recommend this book for most anyone.
February 19, 2022
A sweet little tale.
I loved the overall story but would of loved a little more.
A short but entertaining story.
I loved the overall story but would of loved a little more.
A short but entertaining story.
May 1, 2018
Cute, sweet and too darn short. I love boarding schools, I love magic schools and you put those two together I'm nearly guaranteed to at least want to read the story. Love the enemies (but not really) to friends to lovers and the banter. The banter is wonderful, especially when they start actually becoming friends. I'd totally adore a sequel - a full length sequel would be awesome! - showing them out doing their magic thing together. (Though a whole series of short stories appeal to me, too.)
(I'd love to give this five stars, because the cute fluffiness that it is deserves it, but we never get into Landyn's head. Sure, Connor develops and that's awesome, but just felt like a little something was missing without knowing Landyn's thoughts.)
January 23, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This was a lovely little story filled with the arrogance of youth, and a lesson well learned. With magic leading the way, two young men realize that appearances aren’t always what they seem and that working together, and asking for help, can make all the difference.
At first glance, Connor is just a smarmy, self-absorbed young man without a trace of humility. But underneath, he’s vulnerable. Being the son of a truly famous mage has taken its toll. His father is unduly harsh on him, and Connor is trying so hard not to disappoint his father that he’s lost focus. He’s popular and powerful, and he thinks that’s all there is to life and how he’s going to succeed. His friendship with Landyn changes his ideals, and I loved watching him grow over the course of the story. Connor has wonderful layers that endeared him to me.
Landyn is a loner, mostly by choice, and a quiet, unassuming boy. Connor has a lot of misconceptions about Landyn, simply because Landyn doesn’t show off his talent. I thought he was the perfect partner of Connor, showing him there’s more to life than arrogance and popularity. And Landyn didn’t take any of Connor’s crap, giving back as good as he got. I found Landyn utterly charming, and enjoyed him very much. I wanted nothing more than for these two young guys to recognize how well they worked together, and that what they were building was solid and true.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This was a lovely little story filled with the arrogance of youth, and a lesson well learned. With magic leading the way, two young men realize that appearances aren’t always what they seem and that working together, and asking for help, can make all the difference.
At first glance, Connor is just a smarmy, self-absorbed young man without a trace of humility. But underneath, he’s vulnerable. Being the son of a truly famous mage has taken its toll. His father is unduly harsh on him, and Connor is trying so hard not to disappoint his father that he’s lost focus. He’s popular and powerful, and he thinks that’s all there is to life and how he’s going to succeed. His friendship with Landyn changes his ideals, and I loved watching him grow over the course of the story. Connor has wonderful layers that endeared him to me.
Landyn is a loner, mostly by choice, and a quiet, unassuming boy. Connor has a lot of misconceptions about Landyn, simply because Landyn doesn’t show off his talent. I thought he was the perfect partner of Connor, showing him there’s more to life than arrogance and popularity. And Landyn didn’t take any of Connor’s crap, giving back as good as he got. I found Landyn utterly charming, and enjoyed him very much. I wanted nothing more than for these two young guys to recognize how well they worked together, and that what they were building was solid and true.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
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