It's been three years since the events of The Academy. Four friends have matured, and each of them works on their chosen path: Jackie is a lawyer helping victims of domestic violence; Elisa and Urchin serve as the guardians in the capital; and Theo lives in Triville with his dragon Rei and solves the crimes happening in the suburbs of Lake Kingdom.
All of them do their best catching the criminals, however this time they face a dangerous religious cult called Daughters of Divine. Its leader sacrifices a young woman when the full moon rises.
Will four friends find a way to get together again to stop this cult?
I’m in love with reading. I guess all the books I've ever read impacted me in a great way – they let me expand my worldview and inspired me to pursue my dreams despite the obstacles.
Born in Russia, I immigrated to Canada in 2014, where I faced multiple challenges, including building my own life from scratch and figuring out what career path would let me use my full potential.
My searches led me to feminist studies in college and volunteering in female support groups. My experience slowly took shape as ideas for my fantasy series Two Worlds, in which women shape the sphere of justice with their natural talents.
It was a pleasure to return to the magical world of Lake Kingdom Lubov Leonova has created in her books. Despite it not being a perfect place, where everyone lives peacefully and happily, there is a cosy feeling about reading this series.
Set a few years after the events of book one, “Forbidden Manuscript” follows the lives of the four Guardian academy graduates pursuing their careers and trying to find a work-life (and love) balance.
Jackie and Elisa are together. It isn’t easy to live, hiding their relationship from everyone and knowing they are putting their careers at risk. And probably because of the constant pressure, they easily fall into a trap a dishonest person sets up for them to make them break up. I really appreciated the sly literary agent character that appears to shake the already fragile routine of Jackie and Elisa’s lives.
Four friends now work in different fields, but they come together to solve a particularly shocking series of murders. Young women get killed, and there seemingly isn’t any connection between these cases. But eventually, threads lead to a cult, and finding out who this cult’s leader is will bring trauma and shock.
“Forbidden Manuscript” is a story that keeps the reader guessing what will happen next. It is packed with magic and mystery along with questions and situations that people in the nowadays real world also face. Is it worth it to fight against the existing prejudices? Can one person make a change? Does some special trait one possesses make one better than those less lucky? Is it worth it to sacrifice one’s peace of mind for love?
The ending of the book, although heartbreaking, suggests new fascinating adventures for the characters in the future. The author opens up a curtain hiding other magical kingdoms beyond Lake Kingdom and leaves readers wanting to learn more about them.
Once again I would like to thank Booktasters and the author for providing the ARC for the sequel of this series😊
I love the sequel❤️ This book is set 3 years after the events in the first book and all the characters are quite accomplished in their job as a Guardian.
I absolutely love seeing their growth and also more of the worldbuilding.
In terms of writing, the author definitely improved. The pacing was well done and everything feels much more cohesive. It didn't feel rushed and I had a fun time reading.
It is clear that this book is not only to see more of our beloved characters adventures but also sets up the events that will happen in the next book.
I think the next book would be much more intense in a lot of ways and I am very much looking forward to it. 😆
To anyone who already read the first book and is interested in the second book, I recommend it you read this😉
I recently had the pleasure of reading *Forbidden Manuscript*, and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed. The second book in the Two Worlds: Magic Squad series is a fast-paced and engaging read that left me captivated from beginning to end.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the likable characters and their LGBT romance, which added a touch of romance to the otherwise dark and twisted plot. The crime investigations kept me on the edge of my seat, and the whimsical nature and magical setting made the story even more captivating. The author's writing style has improved since the first book, and I was impressed by the beautiful artwork between some chapters.
The book is thought-provoking and has a strong female protagonist. It's a powerful and tragic story that I would recommend to anyone who loves magical and whimsical stories with a feminist slant. The book is a perfect example of how high fantasy can be grounded in reality, and I appreciated how the author incorporated science into this magical world.
I really enjoyed how much the characters matured since the first book. The twist at the end of the book was touching, and I wasn't prepared for it. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys mystery and thrilling supernatural stories; I highly recommend giving this series a chance.
Forbidden Manuscript is the second book in Lubov Lenova’s Magic Squad duology, and it’s every bit as engaging as the first. Be warned, though, that this isn’t a standalone. You’ll want to read The Academy: Detective Stories first to fully appreciate where this one picks up, especially when it comes to the evolving relationship between Jackie and Elisa. And while there are romantic threads, this isn’t a romantasy in the conventional sense.
In the second installment of the series, Lenova continues her blend of feminist-forward magical fantasy and supernatural mystery, weaving in sharp commentary on religion and the ways faith can be weaponized against women. Those themes give the story real bite without ever dulling its sense of wonder or momentum.
The prose still carries a touch of the same slightly uneven syntax as the first book, but it remains highly readable, and Lenova’s growth as a storyteller—particularly in pacing and character depth—is clear. I especially appreciated the gutsy, thought-provoking ending and will be eager to see if there’s more to come in this world.
This book is a continuation of the story I had read earlier, and I absolutely loved it! It was really nice to meet the old characters and see how they built their adult life. New quests that they face are very compelling, so it was hard to put the book down.
If you like page-turner mysteries with an unusual setting, you will love this book!
I picked this story shortly after reading the first book, and I absolutely loved it! Forbidden Manuscript takes place 3 years after the first instalment, and I enjoyed seeing four friends being adults. Now, they are all focused on careers, and Elisa and Jackie also navigate their relationship problems.
I sincerely enjoyed all their quests (like in The Academy, there were 3 separate stories in the book, with different challenges but interconnected, which made the reading convenient). This time, the dragons have grown up, so the episodes of flying Rose (the red dragon) over the snowy mountains were breathtaking!
As for the ending, it was shocking for me. However, thinking of it, I felt it was building since book one, when Jackie was on the hunt for dragon’s eggs together with her friends.
Overall, an enjoyable read for all fans of YA fantasy adventures!
Unexpected Ending with A Promise of Good Continuation
This book was a quick read. I enjoyed the way Elisa and Jackie started their life together, fighting the obstacles on their way (especially the ones including social prejudice). Also, I was glad to see Theo, who is now a professional Guardian with a pet dragon named Rei. As for Urchin, it was a bit sad seeing him heartbroken. Hopefully, his life would turn out nicely for him!
The plot was twisted and had a lot of surprises. The story about Julia and Kyle (Elisa’s school friends from the past) was touching and inspirational. In the end, I couldn’t believe everything ended this way! I must admit - the author did a good job by adding an extra chapter and smoothing the shocking final twist. In the end, I was able to move past it, and now I can’t help but wonder what awaits Elisa in the future. I’ll certainly be waiting for the next series release!
"Forbidden Manuscript" picks up after the events of the first book, following the lives of four Guardian academy graduates navigating their careers and relationships. Jackie and Elisa face challenges as they conceal their romance, while their friends unite to solve a string of murders linked to a mysterious cult.
"Forbidden Manuscript" seamlessly blends magic and mystery with contemporary issues, captivating readers with its engaging plot and relatable characters. The depiction of LGBT romance adds depth to the narrative, and the crime investigations keep readers hooked until the very end. The author's improved writing style and the inclusion of beautiful artwork enhance the reading experience.
What stands out most is the thought-provoking exploration of themes such as prejudice, individual agency, and sacrifice. Through its strong female protagonist and feminist undertones, the book delivers a powerful and tragic story that resonates with readers. The incorporation of science into the magical world adds an intriguing layer of complexity.
The character development is commendable, with each character maturing and facing their own challenges. The unexpected twist at the end adds an emotional punch, leaving readers eager for the next installment. Overall, "Forbidden Manuscript" is a must-read for fans of mystery, supernatural tales, and intricate world-building, offering a compelling blend of fantasy and reality.
"Forbidden Manuscript" is the second book in the Two Worlds: Magic Squad series, and it’s an exhilarating continuation of the very well-written The Academy. A story about two women making their way in an ever-changing fantasy world.
This time, Elisa and Jackie meet additional characters who are old friends. The story is captivating with well-thought-out female protagonists. It’s a touching story full of magic and a bit of LGBT love. The crime-solving element was full of twists and turns, full of low-lifes and the criminal element.
I like how Leonova raises the bar by showing how the girls have grown into women with real-life issues and occupations. It makes the reader feel invested by knowing where these women come from and how they’ve grown.
Leonova’s writing style has grown in a multitude of ways. The girls' dialogue is more blended within their character relations. The prose in both books is very well written, but Forbidden feels, in some ways, more mature. Maybe that’s because the characters are older, but I’d like to think it's an improvement in the author's abilities.
The one thing Leonova always does well is her world-building. She’s phenomenal when it comes to establishing a solid and believable magic system. It’s never overblown or convenient for the sake of the story.
At this rate, I can't wait to see what’s coming next from the mind of Lubov Leonova.
This second book in the Two Worlds: Magic Squad series is just as fun as the first. In this book, Jackie and Elisa attempt to track down a group of underage thieves. A greedy literary agent tries to convince Jackie to publish a book detailing intimate moments of her relationship – information that could put her at risk. Then later, Jackie goes undercover to track down a ritualistic serial killer. It all concludes in a touching finale that I really wasn’t prepared for.
I like how it introduces a bit more science into this magical world. One character creates what is basically a walkie-talkie, by harnessing the power of magical crystals into hand-held boxes. It’s this sort of inventive use of magic that I like to see in high fantasy. The book does a good job of bringing fantasy down to earth. For example, having a dragon farm sounds like a perfectly legitimate business in a fantasy setting, but this book shows the difficulties that would come with such an occupation.
The author’s writing style has improved since the first book, and I really liked how much the characters matured since the first book. I also enjoyed the beautiful artwork between some chapters. If you liked the first book in this series, the sequel really delivers.
Picking up this sequel felt like checking in with old friends, and seeing Jackie, Elisa, and the whole crew navigate grown-up life was fantastic. They are now working Guardians, dealing with careers and a tough life balance. The story throws them right into a complex murder investigation tied to a cult. Even though the kingdom has magic, the book tackles real issues like prejudice and the fight for equality. I loved the mix of fantasy world-building and down-to-earth problems. The author's writing is better than the first book, making the pacing smooth and the characters feel deep. Plus, the way the magic system works feels completely believable.
The mystery part kept me guessing all the way through; it had twists and turns that made it hard to put the book down. Watching the characters grow since the first installment was great. Their maturity shows in how they handle both their jobs and their challenging personal lives. The romance element adds heart to the plot without taking away from the high stakes. The ending packs a serious emotional punch, suggesting big new adventures in store for the Lake Kingdom and other worlds. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a mystery with magic and compelling female characters.
It felt great to return to the world of Elisa, Jackie, and their friends. Now, they’re all adults, and they have new challenges coming. I was particularly excited to see Jackie working on her memoir about their cadethood journeys. Though her writing career didn’t go as planned, it was interesting to see the perspective of a newbie writer who does everything to inspire a positive change in the lives of all women.
As for Elisa, she has a hard time dealing with Urchin, who is now her colleague working close by. I enjoyed Elisa’s dynamic with Theo, though. As it appears, now Theo is a lead detective. With his dragon, Rei, Theo takes interesting cases around the Kingdom. This time, he needs Elisa’s help to find a cult leader who threatens the lives of young women.
The ending, both shocking and tragic, left me speechless. I wish things had unfolded differently, but I must admit that the events happening in the end were a reminder of the darkness of this realm. I’ll be waiting for the continuation of Elisa’s story to see what she will do next to shift the order of things.
This enchanting story starts with a reveal that the protagonist, Elisa, is a ‘guardian’. Author Lubov Leonova deftly provides this backstory without dwelling on events from her earlier book. The details provide intrigue and make the reader want to dive into this delightful fantasy novel that highlights strong women.
Elisa’s job is to protect the town of Middle Lake from gang criminal activity and to do so without raising suspicion about her magical abilities. This becomes more challenging when her girlfriend, Jackie, pens a novel revealing much of their personal life.
Jackie’s storyline provides a pleasant surprise in that Leonova gives adequate attention to secondary characters and through them, highlights important issues. Jackie is a lawyer representing a woman who inadvertently used her power of telekinesis to fight off her abusive husband.
This book has a strong plot, well-developed characters, and excels in its ability to tackle current subjects including abuse, same sex relationships, power struggles, and more with delicacy as well as strength. A wonderful read.
Forbidden Manuscript continues the story of the Magic Squad after three years of personal growth and difficult work. Jackie supports survivors of domestic violence and faces pressure to share her own story through a memoir. Elisa and Urchin protect Middle Lake and handle the challenges of their roles. Theo investigates crimes in Triville with his dragon partner, Rei. Each character carries their own responsibilities and struggles, and this gives the story a steady emotional core.
The central mystery is intense. The group investigates a religious cult called the Daughters of Divine. The cult performs rituals during the full moon, and the danger builds as the story moves forward. The plot develops through clear steps and strong scenes that show the risks each character faces. The magic system feels practical and consistent and adds depth to each moment.
The writing is thoughtful and easy to follow. The relationships are warm and sincere. The final chapters are powerful and memorable. This is an engaging and rewarding fantasy novel.
"Forbidden Manuscript" is book 2 of the "Two Worlds: Magic Squad" duology. It is a fast-paced, intense, and engaging fantasy novel full of mystery and suspense. It contains vivid, realistic descriptions and interesting dialogues. Its pace is neither too slow, but not too fast. The world-building is nice. The characters are all - with no exception - deep, complex, interesting, and well-developed. The author's writing style is engaging and able to make you, the reader, travel to the fantasy world of the book. There are many plot twists inside the story and unexpected events that leave the reader with his/her mouth open, wondering what will come next. People that love crime novels and fantasy will greatly appreciate this read as it combines features and characteristics of both genres in a well-mixed way. It's not a super long read and could be the perfect bedtime story; or a book you catch to read in order to decompress and escape the stresses of daily life. Overall, would recommend it.
“Forbidden Manuscript” is about trust and deceit. This time, four characters face their adult life problems. Jackie has a community helping women who faced domestic violence. She also attempts to publish her own story in the form of a memoir to inspire other women with similar experiences. However, she first must decide if she can rely on her literary agent.
As for Elisa and Theo, they start working on a case to find a religious cult that sacrifices young women at the full moon. As they team up, they embark on a journey to find the truth and learn the difference between genuine faith and manipulative dogmas. Urchin is helping them here and there while finding a way to mend his broken heart.
The ending was shocking. Thinking of it, everything that happened to Elisa is the beginning of a bigger-scale conflict between mages and Incapables.
The story brought me back into a familiar magical realm. This time, the world looks more advanced, with a bunch of developed technologies (Thanks to mage Edward). I enjoyed another meeting with four friends who are no longer cadets and work on careers of their choice. In this story, they unite again to help each other and stop a mystical cult that sacrifices young women.
The ending was a huge surprise for me when a completely unexpected tragedy happened. However, looking back, I can see that the plot has been building this momentum all along since book 1 in the series.
Forbidden Manuscript is a thrilling continuation of the Two Worlds: Magic Squad series. Lubov Leonova crafts a compelling narrative that blends fantasy, crime, and romance seamlessly. The story follows four friends who reunite to combat a dangerous cult, the Daughters of Divine. The characters are richly developed, and their individual journeys are both relatable and inspiring. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. This book is a must-read for fans of supernatural mysteries and strong, dynamic characters,💜🎀❄️🥺♥️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed the continuation about the Guardian Cadets. All four friends have new challenges and new missions. The story about the religious cult is brilliantly written, and all 3 parts of the book interweave, which makes it a very enjoyable read. In the end, though I could see it coming, I was still shocked by the ending. I read the last pages, hoping it was some kind of joke, but no... Overall, the epilogue left me hopeful, and I can't wait to see what awaits Elisa next!
Some stories come and go, but not this one. Forbidden Manuscript, an installment about four friends, captivated me from the first page. It made me delve on such things as our role in making a positive impact and the legacy we leave behind.
Beautifully written in an unforgettable, poetic style, this tale is a must-read for everyone who loves thought-provoking literature.
The author split this story into three parts, and I enjoyed each of them – from Jackie and Elisa’s conflict as they discover Incapable teens stealing copper, to their journey to discover it’s actually the beginning of the Rebellion against mages’ supremacy. In the end, the situation escalates and ends tragically. The epilogue left me pondering the possibility of the story's continuation. I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
I enjoyed the second installment of the series! This time, it was a twisted mystery about a secret cult and sacrifice. The shocking ending sets the ground for the next stories to come!