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Guild Mage #1
Apprentice
There are a lot of things wrong with Liv Brodbeck.
She’s too small, for one thing. When she works in the castle kitchens with her mother, she can’t carry a sack of flour or roll a keg of ale.
Baron Summerset’s chirurgeon says that she has brittle bones, so she isn’t allowed to wrestle or sword fight with the other children. Even sledding downhill in the winter brings the risk of breaking an arm or a leg if she falls.
Everyone says that she ruined her mother’s life when she was born. Not when they think Liv is in the room, of course, but she overhears all the same. In the kitchen of a less kind lord, a cook bearing a bastard child would have been more than cause enough for both of them to be out on the street.
No, a child like Liv doesn’t have much hope. But when she accidentally unleashes a surge of wild magic, she takes her first step on a journey which will lead her from the kitchens of Castle Whitehill, to the cold palaces of the Eld, and beyond, to the graves of gods...
She’s too small, for one thing. When she works in the castle kitchens with her mother, she can’t carry a sack of flour or roll a keg of ale.
Baron Summerset’s chirurgeon says that she has brittle bones, so she isn’t allowed to wrestle or sword fight with the other children. Even sledding downhill in the winter brings the risk of breaking an arm or a leg if she falls.
Everyone says that she ruined her mother’s life when she was born. Not when they think Liv is in the room, of course, but she overhears all the same. In the kitchen of a less kind lord, a cook bearing a bastard child would have been more than cause enough for both of them to be out on the street.
No, a child like Liv doesn’t have much hope. But when she accidentally unleashes a surge of wild magic, she takes her first step on a journey which will lead her from the kitchens of Castle Whitehill, to the cold palaces of the Eld, and beyond, to the graves of gods...
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2025
338 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
David Niemitz
11 books35 followersDave Niemitz is a writer and teacher; he lives with his wife, son, a black cat named Charlie, and a Pug named Duncan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 29, 2026
very nice adventure. super young mc for most of the book, but there is a very good reason for it. Medieval fantasy magic adventure.
February 8, 2026
This is a solid coming of age fantasy with few surprises. While full of the usual tropes, they're done well and supported by a sympathetic protagonist.
The magic system is the most original part of the story. It's cleverly wound into the local feudal politics, as a protected resource. Clever.
The second book will test my tolerance, as I'm not a fan of fantasy-academia. We'll see.
The magic system is the most original part of the story. It's cleverly wound into the local feudal politics, as a protected resource. Clever.
The second book will test my tolerance, as I'm not a fan of fantasy-academia. We'll see.
April 17, 2026
Very good start to a series. I'm a sucker for a well-considered and developed magic system, and the book certainly has that. The MC is believable and easy to root for. There are a lot of shifts in pace as it switches between slice-of-life and short, self-contained adventures, but it all works for me.
The one thing I had a little harder time buying into was the correlation between physical age and mental maturity; if you physically age half as fast, does it follow that your mental/emotional development is similarly impeded? I'm not sure I buy that, but it's a fairly trivial point and did nothing to detract from my enjoyment.
The one thing I had a little harder time buying into was the correlation between physical age and mental maturity; if you physically age half as fast, does it follow that your mental/emotional development is similarly impeded? I'm not sure I buy that, but it's a fairly trivial point and did nothing to detract from my enjoyment.
December 21, 2025
Decent coming of age story of a castle scullion who awakens her magical abilities while rescuing a young girl. Good writing and editing.
November 4, 2025
Really good. I'm addicted.
The people feel real and realistic. Interesting magic system and world. Good pacing, with fitting time-skips.
The people feel real and realistic. Interesting magic system and world. Good pacing, with fitting time-skips.
March 14, 2026
well paced
Slice-o-life, female MC, mostly family friendly, with small town ‘politics’ making up most of the narrative force. There are elements of EPIC DESTINY layered within, but the MC is peripheral here.
Going to buy book 2 now. It reads well.
Slice-o-life, female MC, mostly family friendly, with small town ‘politics’ making up most of the narrative force. There are elements of EPIC DESTINY layered within, but the MC is peripheral here.
Going to buy book 2 now. It reads well.
March 24, 2026
I definitely enjoyed the story. Considering this is the first book in the series, there are a few things in this book that I appreciated. I would say it had a slower pace, which I say as a good thing. It felt like a proper introduction, and it gave the story time to set up characters, worldbuilding, and the magic system. I think the magic system, at least insofar as we've seen it, seems simple on the surface, with the ability to make it more complex as the series goes on. As far as the characters go I liked the main character, and some of the older characters (e.g. Lady Julianne, Master Grenfell, etc.) but some of the other characters like Sophie fall kind of flat. A lot of the book is mostly low stakes, but it definitely sets up for bigger conflict in a very clear way. There are a lot of little interesting things and mysteries in the worldbuilding, so I'm curious to see what the author does with it all.
There were a couple of things that I didn't quite enjoy in this book. The book was mostly from Liv's perspective, but there were a couple of chapters from other character's perspectives. I thought Wren's chapters were interesting, but I didn't really enjoy the other character's chapters (I can't remember his name at the moment). Secondly, I thought the whole thing with Liv's age/when she's going to get sent to college is very odd. A lot of fantasy series have elves age slower, and so they have a different perspective on time. That's sort of the approach the author is taking here with Liv, and I can kind of appreciate the way it makes her feel a little alienated. But at the same time, it strikes me as like... definitely out of place, because she's being raised in a human society. All of the adults in her life agree that she should only go to college once she's physically matured into an adult, which will be when she's into her 30s. The whole way they handle her age, and the huge jumps in time that the story makes in the latter half, really strike me as odd, and not particularly satisfying to read. Even if she's going through puberty during it, I just struggle to find a way in which it makes sense to have a clearly talented person study for 20 years without the proper resources, instead of just sending them to a place where they could be properly supported.
Overall, definitely an enjoyable book. The book itself was a good read, and it also served as a good set up for future stuff down the line. There were a couple of things I didn't enjoy in the story, but I'm definitely still interested in seeing what happens next.
There were a couple of things that I didn't quite enjoy in this book. The book was mostly from Liv's perspective, but there were a couple of chapters from other character's perspectives. I thought Wren's chapters were interesting, but I didn't really enjoy the other character's chapters (I can't remember his name at the moment). Secondly, I thought the whole thing with Liv's age/when she's going to get sent to college is very odd. A lot of fantasy series have elves age slower, and so they have a different perspective on time. That's sort of the approach the author is taking here with Liv, and I can kind of appreciate the way it makes her feel a little alienated. But at the same time, it strikes me as like... definitely out of place, because she's being raised in a human society. All of the adults in her life agree that she should only go to college once she's physically matured into an adult, which will be when she's into her 30s. The whole way they handle her age, and the huge jumps in time that the story makes in the latter half, really strike me as odd, and not particularly satisfying to read. Even if she's going through puberty during it, I just struggle to find a way in which it makes sense to have a clearly talented person study for 20 years without the proper resources, instead of just sending them to a place where they could be properly supported.
Overall, definitely an enjoyable book. The book itself was a good read, and it also served as a good set up for future stuff down the line. There were a couple of things I didn't enjoy in the story, but I'm definitely still interested in seeing what happens next.
August 18, 2025
Need More Chapters! (it's that good)
Overall, this is the book I've enjoyed reading the most, thus far. And there's a reason for that! You just can't get enough of the Guild Mage.
The style feels professional. The author conveys everything perfectly, and it makes for an awesome read that really immerses the reader in the story.
The story itself is really well done, with amazing world building and plot. Everything builds on everything, and there doesn't seem to be any plot holes or dead spots in the story. There are a few slow paced chapters, though, but they're necessary for the story's progression.
Obviously, the grammar acts as the magic glue for everything. And, even though it holds everything together, there's nothing to say about it, really. There's no errors, and the way everything is written transports you into the medieval setting. It's a well written, grammatically sound fiction.
Lastly, the characters. They're unique, they have personality, and there's a variety of them. You don't really need anything else. Except maybe emotion, but that covered as well.
It's a really well done fiction that feels likeit shouldn't be on Royal Road (it's now stubbed on RR) because it's so good. I would definitely recommend reading it!
Overall, this is the book I've enjoyed reading the most, thus far. And there's a reason for that! You just can't get enough of the Guild Mage.
The style feels professional. The author conveys everything perfectly, and it makes for an awesome read that really immerses the reader in the story.
The story itself is really well done, with amazing world building and plot. Everything builds on everything, and there doesn't seem to be any plot holes or dead spots in the story. There are a few slow paced chapters, though, but they're necessary for the story's progression.
Obviously, the grammar acts as the magic glue for everything. And, even though it holds everything together, there's nothing to say about it, really. There's no errors, and the way everything is written transports you into the medieval setting. It's a well written, grammatically sound fiction.
Lastly, the characters. They're unique, they have personality, and there's a variety of them. You don't really need anything else. Except maybe emotion, but that covered as well.
It's a really well done fiction that feels like
August 18, 2025
Underdog Half-elf Ice Princess Comes of Age in a Medieval World of Might, Magic, and Intrigue
This is one of my favorite currently being written stories on the serialized novelization site Royal Road. If you haven't checked out RR you certainly should. There are many wonderful stories such as this one being written there every day by great and terrible aspiring and ascendant authors you have probably never heard of.
They have many different types of stories, but I stick mostly to the fantasy genre. This novel lands well within that category and is a standout among them. The MC, Livara tär Valtteri kaen Syvä, Liv for short. starts her life as an underdog in a post-apocalyptic medieval fantasy setting. The Gods of this world were defeated in a great war 1000 years in the past and she sprouts up among the remnants of their power and might.
The author weaves an interesting slow-burn tale of magic mixed with vanished technology. As she and her experiences grow, so does her power and command of the knowledge of the world that was. Secrets and plots are slowly uncovered and we, along with her, find that some of the old gods are not as dead as once thought.
There is intrigue in abundance here as well as a great cast of accompanying characters and a vivid and well-crafted world with differing races and factions, all with their own goals and agendas. This is all set amidst a new great war being threatened, which she and her companions are trying desperately to prevent.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of fantasy and hope that you all will enjoy it as much as I am. Can't say enough good things about it. Go out and read it now !!
This is one of my favorite currently being written stories on the serialized novelization site Royal Road. If you haven't checked out RR you certainly should. There are many wonderful stories such as this one being written there every day by great and terrible aspiring and ascendant authors you have probably never heard of.
They have many different types of stories, but I stick mostly to the fantasy genre. This novel lands well within that category and is a standout among them. The MC, Livara tär Valtteri kaen Syvä, Liv for short. starts her life as an underdog in a post-apocalyptic medieval fantasy setting. The Gods of this world were defeated in a great war 1000 years in the past and she sprouts up among the remnants of their power and might.
The author weaves an interesting slow-burn tale of magic mixed with vanished technology. As she and her experiences grow, so does her power and command of the knowledge of the world that was. Secrets and plots are slowly uncovered and we, along with her, find that some of the old gods are not as dead as once thought.
There is intrigue in abundance here as well as a great cast of accompanying characters and a vivid and well-crafted world with differing races and factions, all with their own goals and agendas. This is all set amidst a new great war being threatened, which she and her companions are trying desperately to prevent.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of fantasy and hope that you all will enjoy it as much as I am. Can't say enough good things about it. Go out and read it now !!
August 22, 2025
Very solid, very entertaining.
A thousand years ago, the world was ruled by 'gods'. Humans and Elden (for story purposes, might as well be elves) were property. Occasionally there were half-breed children with some of their parents' magic. The old world was brought down by civil war and rebellion, and now the 'gods' are gone, though some of their artifacts remain. Now one of the old gods is returning. (Goddess of blood; that can't be good.)
This book is told from the perspective of a young girl. At the start she is twelve years old - and thanks to her half-Elden heritage, she appears to be six. She doesn't know about old gods or new politics. She scrubs pots, scrubs chamberpots, and helps in the kitchen. As she grows, and her world becomes larger - and as she comes into the magic which is also part of her heritage - the reader starts being exposed to a larger world and a larger story.
Good, well-paced story telling and world building.
A thousand years ago, the world was ruled by 'gods'. Humans and Elden (for story purposes, might as well be elves) were property. Occasionally there were half-breed children with some of their parents' magic. The old world was brought down by civil war and rebellion, and now the 'gods' are gone, though some of their artifacts remain. Now one of the old gods is returning. (Goddess of blood; that can't be good.)
This book is told from the perspective of a young girl. At the start she is twelve years old - and thanks to her half-Elden heritage, she appears to be six. She doesn't know about old gods or new politics. She scrubs pots, scrubs chamberpots, and helps in the kitchen. As she grows, and her world becomes larger - and as she comes into the magic which is also part of her heritage - the reader starts being exposed to a larger world and a larger story.
Good, well-paced story telling and world building.
September 24, 2025
This is an exceptionally well written book.
Unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea.
The story boils down to the difficulty of maturation (mentally and physically) of a mixed race elf/human. It is a "coming of age" story that becomes too emotional and tedious for my tastes.
I am near 70 years of age, and I have little patience/empathy for stories about immature, indecisive, petulant, thumb-sucking teenagers, who are actually about 30 years of age. I like stories where the character develops/progresses. I am not so fond of stories where the protagonist has arrested psychological development. This character becomes emotionally dependent upon everyone around her (clingy) and is unable to stand on her own as an adult, even after 30 years. That is frankly, quite disturbing to read about/watch.
Well written, but hard to read. :-)
Unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea.
The story boils down to the difficulty of maturation (mentally and physically) of a mixed race elf/human. It is a "coming of age" story that becomes too emotional and tedious for my tastes.
I am near 70 years of age, and I have little patience/empathy for stories about immature, indecisive, petulant, thumb-sucking teenagers, who are actually about 30 years of age. I like stories where the character develops/progresses. I am not so fond of stories where the protagonist has arrested psychological development. This character becomes emotionally dependent upon everyone around her (clingy) and is unable to stand on her own as an adult, even after 30 years. That is frankly, quite disturbing to read about/watch.
Well written, but hard to read. :-)
September 25, 2025
I normally don’t read slow burn stories, but I was drawn in by Liv, the MC of this story, as she slowly displayed her kind spirit and curiosity which led her to take a very active role in events. From a progression perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed all the chapters detailing Liv’s various lessons while having concrete examples of her periodic growth (mana increase, total number of spells). The worldbuilding was phenomenal and I loved the detail provided in the language based magic system. This is a coming of age story, as Liv is exploring who she wants to become in the future, while managing the complexities of her humble upbringing as a non-human in a society governed by nobles. I’ve loved the development Liv has with all of the various characters introduced. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to future books in the series!
February 9, 2026
4.5⭐️
This book came out of left field for me. I was just clicking on recommendations under books I have read and want to read and going down a rabbit hole as I usually do and was intrigued by the blurb. I have not read YA in a long while and I was hesitant to read a book about a very young protagonist at this point in my life. But I was in for a surprise.
In this book we follow Liv through her finding magic, making friends, making a few enemies, learning magic and so much more. This story had the perfect elements of fantasy, cozy, action and intrigue to keep me interested. It has been a while since I have fallen in live with and been interested in a fantasy series and with my history I might not finish reading the series but I think I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I am looking forward to what Liv gets up to in the next part of her life.
This book came out of left field for me. I was just clicking on recommendations under books I have read and want to read and going down a rabbit hole as I usually do and was intrigued by the blurb. I have not read YA in a long while and I was hesitant to read a book about a very young protagonist at this point in my life. But I was in for a surprise.
In this book we follow Liv through her finding magic, making friends, making a few enemies, learning magic and so much more. This story had the perfect elements of fantasy, cozy, action and intrigue to keep me interested. It has been a while since I have fallen in live with and been interested in a fantasy series and with my history I might not finish reading the series but I think I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I am looking forward to what Liv gets up to in the next part of her life.
April 2, 2026
Poor plot armor
This story was very good until the final 5 pages. At the start the MC was treated as a 12 year old. She worked with her mother in the kitchen. At no point did anyone treat her as less than a 12 year old. Then nearly 20 years later because she didn't physically age (apparently) people that she had nearly 2 decades of experience with started talking down to her as if she did not help raise 2 children to adulthood. I get the physical aging bit but she had 2 decades of experience working with adults and being treated as an adult. This was a disjointed ending to the book as it was severely inconsistent with the rest of the story. I did not read the remainder of the book as I found incongruity off putting.
However, if you can overlook this element, the book is very good and I recommend it.
This story was very good until the final 5 pages. At the start the MC was treated as a 12 year old. She worked with her mother in the kitchen. At no point did anyone treat her as less than a 12 year old. Then nearly 20 years later because she didn't physically age (apparently) people that she had nearly 2 decades of experience with started talking down to her as if she did not help raise 2 children to adulthood. I get the physical aging bit but she had 2 decades of experience working with adults and being treated as an adult. This was a disjointed ending to the book as it was severely inconsistent with the rest of the story. I did not read the remainder of the book as I found incongruity off putting.
However, if you can overlook this element, the book is very good and I recommend it.
August 19, 2025
This book delivers a captivating story centered around a compelling female protagonist who feels genuine and multi-dimensional. Her emotions and struggles are portrayed with depth, making her journey both relatable and inspiring.
The protagonist’s abilities are impressive but well-balanced, ensuring she remains grounded and engaging. The narrative spans multiple cities, each brought to life with vivid detail, adding richness and depth to the world.
The pacing is expertly handled, blending action, character development, and worldbuilding seamlessly. This dynamic combination of a strong yet relatable main character and an expansive, immersive setting makes the story extremely enjoyable to read.
The protagonist’s abilities are impressive but well-balanced, ensuring she remains grounded and engaging. The narrative spans multiple cities, each brought to life with vivid detail, adding richness and depth to the world.
The pacing is expertly handled, blending action, character development, and worldbuilding seamlessly. This dynamic combination of a strong yet relatable main character and an expansive, immersive setting makes the story extremely enjoyable to read.
May 2, 2026
A sudden shift
Most of the story is quiet, almost cozy. Then suddenly, near the end, we have monsters popping up. There are three storylines: That of the main character, that of Wren (a woman she met in passing), and that of a guy somewhere else who doesn't seem connected at all. Most of the tension arises in Wren's storyline, at least toward the end when the monsters start popping up.
I was liking the story until around then, but Wren's storyline makes it seem like things are going to get darker and less pleasant, rather than continuing with things being quietly interesting and cozy. Not sure if I'll be reading the next book.
Most of the tension arises from the two characters who
Most of the story is quiet, almost cozy. Then suddenly, near the end, we have monsters popping up. There are three storylines: That of the main character, that of Wren (a woman she met in passing), and that of a guy somewhere else who doesn't seem connected at all. Most of the tension arises in Wren's storyline, at least toward the end when the monsters start popping up.
I was liking the story until around then, but Wren's storyline makes it seem like things are going to get darker and less pleasant, rather than continuing with things being quietly interesting and cozy. Not sure if I'll be reading the next book.
Most of the tension arises from the two characters who
October 27, 2025
An interesting take on elves and a fun magical system.
One thing about this that I thought was interesting vs other books with elves or their analogues is that this book shows them growing out of childhood much slower. Usually you see them growing at the same rate as humans and then they're just young adults for a couple hundred years. Not this time. The book also goes a good job of showing how the purely human characters age and the other things that go along with that slow grow up. The words of power magic system was a solid one as well, and I enjoyed the characters very much.
One thing about this that I thought was interesting vs other books with elves or their analogues is that this book shows them growing out of childhood much slower. Usually you see them growing at the same rate as humans and then they're just young adults for a couple hundred years. Not this time. The book also goes a good job of showing how the purely human characters age and the other things that go along with that slow grow up. The words of power magic system was a solid one as well, and I enjoyed the characters very much.
February 22, 2026
As the first in a newer series from Dave Niemitz, Guild Mage: Apprentice masterfully showcases his ability to create exposition, build out his worlds, and craft characters you can get emotionally invested in, like Liv Brodbeck.
In this journey following her character, Liv is different than everyone else. Born a half-Eld, she ages much slower than humans. And as she grows, not only must she learn what it means to be a mage, but how to cope with being different to everyone else. My rating? 5/5.
In this journey following her character, Liv is different than everyone else. Born a half-Eld, she ages much slower than humans. And as she grows, not only must she learn what it means to be a mage, but how to cope with being different to everyone else. My rating? 5/5.
August 18, 2025
Amazing read, with it's own unique world building
I really liked reading this book. The world is well thought out and creative while not falling into the commonly used tropes.
The authors style of writing was spectauclar and stayed fresh avoiding repeating common phrases and words.
I get the vibe that this book was not the authors first just by how well it turned out, like it was written by a seasoned author. But if it was I'd tell them to pat their back on a job well done.
I really liked reading this book. The world is well thought out and creative while not falling into the commonly used tropes.
The authors style of writing was spectauclar and stayed fresh avoiding repeating common phrases and words.
I get the vibe that this book was not the authors first just by how well it turned out, like it was written by a seasoned author. But if it was I'd tell them to pat their back on a job well done.
October 7, 2025
Stupendous read
This book pleasantly surprised me, a coming of age story but with a twist. The main character, a half-elf, ages at half the speed of a human. The reader experiences excellent world building alongside our protagonist as she learns more about her world and heritage. This book kept me riveted front to back, I cannot recommend it highly enough and can’t wait for book 2.
This book pleasantly surprised me, a coming of age story but with a twist. The main character, a half-elf, ages at half the speed of a human. The reader experiences excellent world building alongside our protagonist as she learns more about her world and heritage. This book kept me riveted front to back, I cannot recommend it highly enough and can’t wait for book 2.
December 4, 2025
An absolutely gem of a story. Original high fantasy with a likeable main character and set in an interesting world. The magic system is engaging, and you look forward to discovering it together with the protagonist.
It very much reminded me of the coming-of-age elements found in fantasy classics like Feist's Magician: Apprentice, which I am a huge sucker for.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I would give it 6/5 stars if I could.
It very much reminded me of the coming-of-age elements found in fantasy classics like Feist's Magician: Apprentice, which I am a huge sucker for.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I would give it 6/5 stars if I could.
January 19, 2026
Great! Liv is delightful. I like the world she lives in, I like her teachers and peers. Everyone feels like real, compassionate people that occasionally have to do hard things. There seems to be quite the trouble brewing out of the main frame, so I'm interested to see how that pans out. I'm also looking forward to some more time skips so Liv grows up a little more. She's still kinda teen-ish even if it doesn't come up too much
April 21, 2026
Liv is a small child for her age, fragile but smart and trustworthy. She is not allowed to play with others because she has had troubles with her bones. So on Snow Market day she notices a child skating towards the hotspring and reacts. What pours out of her is magic. Immediately the Mayor discovers she knows a word of power and tries to take advantage of the situation. But the Guild of Mages intervenes. So starts the training of Liv the Guild Mage.
April 28, 2026
I like that our protagonist is working class and, even when she proves to be very special, keeps her original sensibilities and interests.
Otherwise, however, this is playing a very familiar "protagonist grows up in a fantasy world" tune, which just doesn't interest me as much. Wasn't particularly enthused about all the time skips toward the end of the book, as I don't feel the continuity of relationships and other elements was set up to work over so much time.
Otherwise, however, this is playing a very familiar "protagonist grows up in a fantasy world" tune, which just doesn't interest me as much. Wasn't particularly enthused about all the time skips toward the end of the book, as I don't feel the continuity of relationships and other elements was set up to work over so much time.
August 20, 2025
The story is wonderfully and lovingly crafted. The main cast of characters are interesting and fun to read. The protagonist Liv is engaging and fleshed out. The prose and grammar are appropriate with few errors. It reads wonderfully, and pulls you in for more with every chapter! Would reccomend to fans of the Ranger's Apprentice, Alanna of Trebond and Eragon book series's.
September 16, 2025
Loved It
I really loved this story. It was very different from the type that I usually go for, but still it was well written with intriguing characters. I loved Living story, and it definitely made me feel all the good emotions that a good book makes you feel. Im definitely waiting on book 2.
I really loved this story. It was very different from the type that I usually go for, but still it was well written with intriguing characters. I loved Living story, and it definitely made me feel all the good emotions that a good book makes you feel. Im definitely waiting on book 2.
September 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this book!
I think it’s the superb writing that gives this book an edge over the dozens of other books I’ve recently read. The PC’s story plot is absolutely interesting and the secondary characters and threads have such depth that the entire story weaves into a 5-star example of creative, highly entertaining “goodness”. Very much looking forward to book 2.
I think it’s the superb writing that gives this book an edge over the dozens of other books I’ve recently read. The PC’s story plot is absolutely interesting and the secondary characters and threads have such depth that the entire story weaves into a 5-star example of creative, highly entertaining “goodness”. Very much looking forward to book 2.
September 29, 2025
A gem of the genre, this was a refreshing blend of older, traditional coming of age fantasy with more modern progression fantasy elements. The main character’s development—both in their magic and as a person—is exciting and drags you along, but the story also handles topics like aging and death with grace. Good stuff!
October 14, 2025
Excellent
Wonderful world building. Grabbed my attention from the beginning, AND maintained it throughout the entire story.
I won’t give details- the excerpt is enough to give you an insight into what this is about.
What I will say, is that I enjoyed this book so much, that I’m excited to read the next one!
Wonderful world building. Grabbed my attention from the beginning, AND maintained it throughout the entire story.
I won’t give details- the excerpt is enough to give you an insight into what this is about.
What I will say, is that I enjoyed this book so much, that I’m excited to read the next one!
February 19, 2026
This book is a nice coming of age story that while being a little on the slow side, it doesn't waste your time.
This book is at that odd quality where it is hard to review without either spoiling large sections of it or getting nitpicky. Where every part of the story is well put together, and the few problems are rare and minor.
This book is at that odd quality where it is hard to review without either spoiling large sections of it or getting nitpicky. Where every part of the story is well put together, and the few problems are rare and minor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews