The Summoning of Mages

by Nadia Tate

You have been summoned to complete the entrance exam for St. Elias University. Be warned: while the mountain may not let you in, it also may not let you leave. Only the best and brightest will be deemed worthy. If this does not describe you, you should consider declining the summons—that is, if you want to survive.

Prophetic dreams lead Hazel, a sheltered and sweet, book-smart young mage from Arkansas, to Saint Elias University to find her mother. Her counterpart, Gwen, a smart-mouthed, out of control shifter raised in hiding in Maine, needs the knowledge at SEU to gain control over the beast within–before it controls her.

In order to be accepted, they must survive the magical entrance exam within the belly of Mount Saint Elias in Alaska.

But the summoning is just the beginning.
Ancient magic awaits them—along with charming a golden boy with a soft spot for Hazel, and Gwen’s forbidden temptation.

When kidnappings lead to killings around campus, reality crashes down around them, and they begin to consider that there might be something more nefarious about SEU than the entrance exam.

While the girls search for their own answers, they find themselves at the heart of these attacks. In order to save themselves and their friends, Gwen and Hazel have to do the trust each other and burn together.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance

680 pages, ebook

First published October 7, 2025

About the author

Best friends and co-authors, Nadia and Tate do everything together—from playing board games to camping to finishing each other’s sentences. What began as a fun story for their friends has grown into a shared adventure: writing.

While they write together now, both Nadia and Tate each have over a decade of writing experience.

Nadia has been crafting stories since 2006. Her love for storytelling began at a young age, inspired by her aunt’s romance novels. As an avid reader, she found escape from small town life through books, whether contemporary or fantasy, and now she hopes to help others do the same.

Tate began writing in 2014, using it as a way to cope with the loss of her mother. Though her mother had tried to spark a love of reading in her as a child, it wasn’t until adulthood that Tate truly fell in love with books. Now, she can’t stop reading or writing. She knows her mother would be proud of how far she’s come.

Together, Nadia and Tate bring unique perspectives to their stories.

Reviews

[elizabeth rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summoning of Mages is magical perfection — an electrifying debut that has shot straight onto my favourites list.

From the very first page, this book had me spellbound. Hazel and Gwen, two girls from wildly different worlds, are thrust into the perilous entrance exam at Saint Elias University — a mountain that doesn’t just test you, it decides if you survive. What unfolds is a dazzling mix of danger, dark secrets, forbidden magic, and slow-burning romance, all woven into a story that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the bonds that form when everything is at stake.

Hazel is sweet, bookish, and full of heart; Gwen is sharp, chaotic, and impossible not to love. Their friendship dynamic absolutely shines throughout. Add in a forbidden romance, a town where people are disappearing, and a campus that feels wonderful yet menacing, and you have the perfect recipe for obsession.

✨ This book is everything I crave in fantasy: lush world-building, high-stakes trials, jaw-dropping twists, and characters who leap off the page. It’s Harry Potter meets A Deadly Education with a dash of Lord of the Rings — familiar in the best way, yet utterly fresh and original.

And that ending? I’m still reeling. I NEED book two immediately.

If you love dangerous academies, fierce heroines, and magic that feels alive, The Summoning of Mages is an absolute must-read. Nadia Tate has delivered one of the most thrilling and addictive debuts of the year.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia Tate’s The Summoning of Mages is a coming-of-age romantasy centered around Gwen and Hazel. Growing up from different backgrounds, they couldn’t be more similar yet different. Hazel receives prophetic dreams, while Gwen is a secret shifter; they both hold yet believe the answers lie in St. Elias University. However, they have to pass the entrance exam first. 

I took my time reading this book, as I found each page more entertaining than the other. Tate’s writing is not only clear and entertaining but also immersive. The character act was well played out. This is visible through Gwen and Hazel as they learn to trust each other, building a solid connection. This narrative may have readers in a chokehold with the unforeseen, adventitious twists and turns.

[Tarisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summoning of Mages is an impressive debut that seamlessly blends the excitement of fantasy with the emotional depth of romance. The novel follows Gwen and Hazel, two young women whose paths converge after being summoned into a new world and thrust into the challenges of entering Saint Elias University.

The strength of this story lies not only in its compelling magical framework and well-paced plot but also in the nuanced development of its protagonists. Gwen and Hazel’s individual struggles, layered with secrets and self-discovery, are brought to life with sincerity and care.
Their relationship; both as individuals and as a growing partnership; anchors the narrative, offering readers a balance of intrigue, vulnerability, and heart.

With richly imagined world-building, engaging character arcs, and romances that feel both natural and essential, The Summoning of Mages sets the stage for an exciting series to come. More than a story of magic, it is a testament to the strength of female connection and a promising beginning to a saga that celebrates friendship as much as it does adventure and love.

10/10: I can’t wait to see what unfolds for Gwen and Hazel next. May the best of our past; be the worst of our future. ❤️

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review (and spoiler free).

If you've loved reading HarryPotter while growing up, you WILL love The Summoning of Mages, I sssstrongly recommend you add it to your TBR. I'm already so hungry for more!!

I was a bit afraid at first about the length of that book, it was honestly a kind of intimidating knowing this is only the first book of a series, but every pages was 100% worth it. While HP is a story about a kid growing up, The Summoning of Mages has us follow Hazel and Gwen, both young adult women : they're both going to take the the entrance exam to get into St. Elias University and we then follow an entire year of them going through so much.

Why do I keep talking about HP? Man I felt such stronnnng vibes that was so close to Harry and Ron in Hazel and Gwen relationship, their different lives and backgrounds, and I'M HERE FOR IT. I really fell in love with their relationship and the fact that this story is really focused on it, there's some strong sense of sisterhood that I really really liked. Add to that a touch of romance, a sprinkle of spice, secrets, more friends, challenges and mysteries.. oh boy am I waiting for the following books, keep them coming!

I'm so curious about knowing more about that really cool world, and I also can't wait to know more about all of these characters, as well as discover if my little hunch about one (or several) particular character(s) turns out to be justified or not. 👀

On a side note, I must say I had never seen that many ways of describing one's skin in one single book, I'm genuinely impressed.

I will definitely be following Nadia and Tate's work, that was an amazing debut novel, definitely a 5 stars for me, I'm so grateful for having the opportunity of reading the ARC. Thanks again ♡

[Sandrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book! I love stories that take place in an magical academy/university, and this was no exception. As soon as it starts, the stakes are high. Gwen and Hazel must pass the entry exam to Saint Elias university, a school for mages. I really liked the progression of their friendship and how they had to learn to trust each other. The world building was extensive and made me immersed in this world. The magic system is well thought out. This book also has a dual POV, which was very nice. There is also a romance subplot which I enjoyed, but the story is more focused on and Gwen’s and Hazel’s discovery of their magic and themselves. There’s many characters, all of whom have different backgrounds and secrets that I’m very excited to explore in the next book.
I really liked the pace of the book, lots of events are happening over the school year like mysterious disappearances and deaths and it kept me engaged and eager to know more the whole time I was reading. I really got attached to Gwen and Hazel and I can’t wait to read more !
It’s definitely worth reading. I’m sure people will enjoy this book as much as I did!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Mybookish.odyssey · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an epic book!!!! 4.5⭐️ short blurb….The book follows Hazel and Gwen, both summoned to complete the entrance exam at St Elias University. A friendship blossoms between the two, leading to a turn of events where secrets are revealed and so much more. No spoilers…

This is the perfect read for those that enjoy…
Dark Fantasy
found family
Academia
magic
witches
shifters
slowburn and mysterious who done it….

Thank you NetGalley, Blue Press, Nadia &Tate for this advance reader copy.

[BeamMeUpScotty! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a little bit of everything: magic, intrigue, murder, mystery, adventure, romance, etc. This book is long. However, I feel it was necessary in order to hash out the St. Elias world and characters. This is a first book in what I expect to be a series and because of this the author had to cover a lot of ground to get the reader into the know.

The story is about the lives of two girls entering college (a magical academy). In the first part we learn their back stories and meet their families. We learn what led them to St. Elias. (Each girl has a family secret that is interwoven into the plot and adds a depth to the unfolding story.) Without giving spoilers, the girls must earn their spot as a St. Elias student by going through several trials conducted by a sentient magical entity. (Personal note: There is a trial that involved a farm field that was very well done and emotionally charged, this was my favorite of the trials.)

After the trials, the story progresses to the their lives at the university (I don’t consider this a spoiler as there would not be a book about St. Elias if they hadn’t passed the trials). While the girls are attending the university the reader is introduced to a deluge of fantastical world-building and a mysterious plot the girls set out to solve. Mixed in with the plot the reader follows the lives of the FMC’s and experiences their growth as friends, their romances, and their gradual maturity into women.

Side-note: There is a scene involving the students reliving a historic battle that was positively interstellar. Wow.

The end had a nice wrap-up on the main mystery plot of book one and leaves the story open for a book two which I feel will dive more heavily into the FMC’s mysterious pasts.

Based on what the reader learns of the FMC’s pasts in book one, book two promises to be chock full of revelations and history explained. I am personally excited for book two and am patiently waiting for its release. What a great start for a new author.

Bravo Nadia Tate!

[here for the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summoning of Mages surprised me. On one hand, it’s an engaging, easy-to-read story with an original core idea that kept me hooked. On the other, it borrows so heavily from Harry Potter that at times I couldn’t ignore the parallels. I’ve read the HP books countless times, and the echoes here — from the letter of acceptance delivered by an eagle to broom sports and castle ghosts — were impossible to miss.

The story follows two girls, Hazel and Gwen, as they enter the world of Saint Elias University — a place full of secrets, danger, and the kind of tests that push them to their limits. What stood out to me was the dual perspective: instead of centering on a romance, the story highlights their friendship, which feels fated and beautifully written. Their bond takes the spotlight while love interests stay secondary — something I don’t see often in this genre and really appreciated.

In the end, while the Harry Potter influence was a bit too much for me, I still really enjoyed the book. The friendship between Hazel and Gwen, the secrets of Saint Elias, and the sense that bigger things are waiting around the corner kept me invested. I’ll be reading book two for sure, and if you like magical schools, strong female friendships, and a bit of danger, this one’s worth picking up.

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC!

[Teehee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ambitious debut fantasy novel pays off. I am thankful I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

From the very first pages, we’re welcomed into a world brimming with magics: spells that twist Latin and Italian into clever, musical incantations (kudos to the authors for the sheer fun of their linguistic play), and a university setting that feels at once familiar and freshly reimagined. Think: entrance exams and moving into dorms recalling Harry Potter, blended with a dash of the peril of The Gauntlet or any good adventure tale. Did German influence words too?

At first, the rhythm can feel a little uneven; especially with the separate introductions and the simmering rage against father figures that fuel both heroines and is both very strongly described but not maintained throughout the book. More like a character description that comes back when useful.

Then the rhythm picks up and the book flows forward along the different seasons at St Elias. And with each, our protagonists stumble (and soar) through their research on love and identity.

While the students are technically 18+, the book does not shy away from grown-up themes. Simply put: there is sex in this book. And while the tension between characters is already beautifully drawn, the actual scenes didn’t add much for me beyond what was already pulsing beneath the surface. And the added trope of teacher-student relationship was a big turn off for me.

Otherwise: the whole mythical parade is here: shifters (called therians), mages, elves, dragons, living in a parallel world to the humans. Every character who steps into frame : Rafe, Jordan, the roommates, other students… feels like they carry their own fully fleshed backstory, and I would love for their own little spin off tales to be told. And yet there is a light moral underlying each character's relationship to themselves, the others and magic (the danger and temptation of magic, for instance), and the story gains a depth that lingers.

All in all: simple but oh so rich storyline. Tale of friendship strained by trust, of tension that hums with possibility, of mates and betrayals and the tantalizing sense that anything could happen next.

And speaking of next: that cliffhanger!

I, for one, can’t wait for Year 2… or, more accurately, Book 2.

[Ashley Gallaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel feels both new and familiar in the best way. As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, I found the magic world of Saint Elias University warm and inviting, like stepping into a new magical academy that carries the comfort of Hogwarts but hums with the intensity of Fourth Wing, and with an American twist.

Hazel and Gwen are college-age students, so the tone leans more mature than traditional YA without losing that sense of wonder. I tried to pace myself because I didn’t want it to end, but the deeper you go, the harder you fall. The story draws you in with fast friends, immersive visuals, and some “hot-for-teacher” tension that’s as irresistible as it is surprising.

There are flickers of enemies-to-lovers chemistry brewing, a cast bursting with different magical abilities, and a plot that keeps tightening with every chapter (everyone has a secret...) And just when you think you can finally breathe and the story is wrapping up in a neat little box, Nadia Tate grabs you by the ponytail and dangles you right off a cliff. I’m still hanging there, waiting for book two.

If you’re craving a new fantasy series that feels nostalgic yet daringly fresh, this one’s a must-read.

[Energy Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over 700 pages to be left on a cliffhanger of sorts. Some things have resolved, but we have so much more to go, but I am totally here for it.

I loved the girls. Gwen and Hazel were fast friends, with none of the cattiness you often find in YA. They were both smart and strong, a duo to cheer for. I also love how Gwen’s family took in Hazel as one of their own. You could feel Hazel’s gratefulness pour off the page. Their roommates would have been near perfect too, but you can’t always have 100% perfect characters, and it felt authentic to have. I also really liked Rafe and Jordan, though Jordan’s disappearance 3/4s into the book was a bit of a disappointment.

If there was anything I didn’t love, it was Gwen’s relationship with someone inappropriate. But it didn’t deter my enjoyment of the book on the whole. I loved the magical systems, the way the girls were discovering what they could do, and I adored the school. These are authors to watch, and I, for one, will be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. Kudos.

[Eddie Joo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summoning of mages was a good debut novel for a fantasy novel set in a world where young mages are summoned to be tested.

The world building was intriguing and they added more depth to then just wave a wand and spells go whoosh. I did wish some more things got told in depth like the competitive game that is the backbone for certain plot elements is never really fully explained or how does one cast spells or choose their specialization.

While I understand the MC's are only 18 they sometimes come off as teenagers when they get frustrated or start arguing like they are in high school. And there is some parts I wasn't entirely comfortable reading where there are points of "magical enslavement" and dynamics that are unethical and unbalanced in power.

Overall I think this was an excellent read.
There are points of very explicit romance I did glance over, but the book can be perfectly read without it.

[Kayla Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars rounded up! Overall, impressive for a debut novel!

I had such a fun time entering a new fantasy world and following along Gwen and Hazel’s journey at St. Elias. It was nice to follow a story about female friendship and to see the bonds these two characters created. I also enjoyed the world that was created at SEU and the sub characters that we were introduced throughout the book. Mostly I enjoyed a plot that kept me guessing and on my toes!

I wished some plot points and parts of the story were expanded on even deeper, but I also know more of the story is to come in future books. Hoping to get more of Logan and Dane in future books because I am intrigued by their characters! There are a few characters that still have me confused on in I can trust them but that’s what has me excited for this story to continue!

[Maloridanae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so good. It was filled with found family, strong female leads, lore, mystery, tons of magic at every turn, surprises and satisfying storylines.

If you are chasing something that has the cozy academic feel of Harry Potter but with women, adult life situations and even more magic, this is it. I absolutely loved the setting of the university. It was unique and familiar feeling all at the same time.

The two fmc’s are strong characters who hold their own storylines so well. Both of their situations are different from each other but allow each other to relate on a deep level and form a beautiful friendship.

I don’t want to give any spoilers in this so I won’t go into more details. I just want to go make everyone in my life and online read this if they enjoy fantasy books or want to try them out!

[Giana]

DNF @ 35%

I wanted to like this, and maybe at a different time, and perhaps if I had a physical copy, I would've liked it more. But the writing didn't click with me (it's like Tate didn't trust the reader to glean anything on their own and had to overexplain everything) and all of the characters acted far younger than they were. At one point we played truth or dare, and they acted like flirting for free drinks was one of the most scandalous things one could ever do. I never really connected with the characters, and at 35% of the way through, I still wasn't fully sure of the stakes or central conflict. Just not for me at this time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Summoning of Mages is a great debut young adult fantasy novel and I look forward to future books in the series. I really enjoyed the world the story is set in and learning about the magic system.

The friendship between the two main characters is really believable and their indivdual journeys and challenges mesh well together. The romances are very true to life of teen romances.

The pacing is good and the little gingerbread crumbs of plot keep you engaged with the book.

With thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this ARC.

[Clairiefaerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

The summoning of mages is interesting and a well written debut.

I particularly enjoyed the friendship between Gwen and Hazel and the exploration of their family dynamics and their families opposition to them studying magic.

The tests were pretty cool and get bonus points for featuring a talking dragon.

This did read a little bit too young for my particular preference but I think a lot of people will be obsessed with it.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Tanya Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this is a solid 4.5 stars for me. I loved the setting and the found family that was almost immediate for Gwen and Hazel. The magic system was so interesting and I can’t wait for the other books to show more of what’s going on. Also, duh there are dragons!? The only thing stopping it from 5 stars for me is the relationship between Gwen and Thacker, and that’s probably just because I’m not a fan of professor/student age gap stuff.

Thank you to BookSirens and Nadia Tate for this ARC. I will be watching closely for the next book.

[Alexis Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Rating.

A bit of a slow read, but expected for the first book in a fantasy series, setting up its magic system and history. A very enjoyable read.

The worldbuilding is great and I like how Gwen and Hazel act their ages. Just barely adults. It's annoying in the best sense since they have yet to mature into proper adults.

Would have given this a better rating if it weren't for the teacher-student relationship. The beginning of the relationship was cute, but the sex scenes were to close together, both in time setting wise and chapter-wise.

[crispy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Gwen and Hazel—their friendship developed quickly, and I enjoyed every second of it.

The magic system was fantastic: easy to follow, engaging, and explained in a way that never felt overly complicated or like a dense block of information.

I felt truly immersed in the world and am genuinely excited to see what comes next in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Prospect Press for the eARC!

[Jessica Del Rosario Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing book. Harry Potter, but featuring two women who are on paths to break from their families and make their way in the magical world. Adventure, friendship, some spiciness sprinkled through!!! Grand buildings, a quaint but large settings that bring you into this new world painted by Nadia Tate!!! I was very impressed with this fantasy adventure, and I CANNOT WAIT for the next book to come out!!!!

[Mikhaella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summoning of Mages has a fantastic blend of fantasy and dark academic elements, intertwined with an engaging story about friendships and personal growth. Gwen and Hazel’s friendship was written wonderfully and felt very authentic, holding a lot of depth. This book was rich in word building, engaging characters and natural feeling romance.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book 🖤

[Hei Yin Tsui · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars/5

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for providing me with an ARC for my honest opinion.

I think this book was a little too long and slower paced for me. But the ending redeemed it a bit for me. I love Hazel and Gwen’s relationship. I am interested to see how the story continues. I will say none of the love interests for the FMCs are standing out to me currently either.

[Trista Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summoning of Mages is the kind of fantasy that sweeps you straight into its world and refuses to let go. The magic system is vivid, the stakes are high, and every character feels layered and purposeful. The plot balances action with emotion, building tension while still giving space for relationships, growth, and those unforgettable moments of wonder.

[Kaitlyn Raasveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the friendship between Gwen and Hazel. I like that they were opposites in a way but still found ways to come together to work for the greater good. I liked the boys and the bits of romance. All in all it was a pretty good read.

[Abby Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing.
10/10 for me.
That’s the complex friendship and the world building such a unique storyline and I cannot wait to see where these authors take this story.

[Marie Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars cause vibes and payoff.
So pissed that so much was left unanswered - in the best way. Dying for book 2!

— also “Dragon” has me SCREAMING.

[Yvonne Garbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the twists and turns

I enjoyed the character development that invested you in their stories. Looking forward to the next book. It was a good read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think fans of magical academia settings, unique world building and characters who are easy to read about and love, will enjoy this book immensely. While there are parallels to other popular magical reads, The Summoning of Mages stands apart in how it portrays the friendship between Gwen and Hazel. I really enjoyed their individual backstories and how they formed a quick bond that saw them through many challenges. This was a great debut by the author.

[Kelsey Comfort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dual women POV, and the focus on the friendship between the two women main characters! The magical world created was also so fun!