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The Conjurors Series #1-3
The Conjurors Collection
Belief is a powerful magic.
Valerie Diaz has a power that she can't contain, and it's killing her. Bounced between foster homes and the streets, she only has time to concentrate on staying alive. But a visit from the imaginary friend of her childhood opens a world of possibilities, including a new life half a universe away on a planet that is bursting with magic.
The first three books of The Conjurors Series follow Valerie on a journey that straddles two worlds. In order to survive, she must travel many light years away to a realm where anything is possible. But choosing to embrace her potential will set Valerie on a treacherous course - one filled with true love, adventure and perilous danger.
This collection includes the first three novels in this young adult fantasy series: The Society of Imaginary Friends, Knights of Light, and Guardians of the Boundary. Purchased individually, the ebooks would cost $10. The fourth and final book in the series, Edge of Pathos, is available on Amazon but not included in this collection.
Valerie Diaz has a power that she can't contain, and it's killing her. Bounced between foster homes and the streets, she only has time to concentrate on staying alive. But a visit from the imaginary friend of her childhood opens a world of possibilities, including a new life half a universe away on a planet that is bursting with magic.
The first three books of The Conjurors Series follow Valerie on a journey that straddles two worlds. In order to survive, she must travel many light years away to a realm where anything is possible. But choosing to embrace her potential will set Valerie on a treacherous course - one filled with true love, adventure and perilous danger.
This collection includes the first three novels in this young adult fantasy series: The Society of Imaginary Friends, Knights of Light, and Guardians of the Boundary. Purchased individually, the ebooks would cost $10. The fourth and final book in the series, Edge of Pathos, is available on Amazon but not included in this collection.
- GenresFantasy
952 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2015
84 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Pham
26 books76 followersKristen Pham is a YA science fiction and fantasy author who lives for really great fudge, roller coasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her two children and husband, where she eagerly waits for her kids to turn 11 and receive their invitations to Hogwarts.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2015
This is a review copy from Storycartel.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will like this trilogy. In no way is it similar except that Valerie's an orphan. The Globe is a magical planet created for magical creatures. Valerie is born with magical power that are killing her. She must find her way to the Globe if she is to survive. There is just one problem, oops, one of many. The Globe is in space somewhere. The evil Fractose will stop at nothing to prevent her from succeeding. Will she be able to find the brother she didn't know she had? Will she be able save the Globe and Earth from the Fractose?
The war between good and evil runs throughout this trilogy. Just like in real life, these books teaches us that we have a choice in life. That making the right choices are important and that each choice carries consequences. Beautiful values are taught for e.g. perseverance, persistence, loyalty, and team work.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will like this trilogy. In no way is it similar except that Valerie's an orphan. The Globe is a magical planet created for magical creatures. Valerie is born with magical power that are killing her. She must find her way to the Globe if she is to survive. There is just one problem, oops, one of many. The Globe is in space somewhere. The evil Fractose will stop at nothing to prevent her from succeeding. Will she be able to find the brother she didn't know she had? Will she be able save the Globe and Earth from the Fractose?
The war between good and evil runs throughout this trilogy. Just like in real life, these books teaches us that we have a choice in life. That making the right choices are important and that each choice carries consequences. Beautiful values are taught for e.g. perseverance, persistence, loyalty, and team work.
June 26, 2015
Who doesn't love the idea that imaginary friends are real?! On top of that, they are alive and live in the coolest place ever! It is every kid's dream. But Pham goes a step further and turns it into an epic adventure that goes beyond childhood fantasies. Romance, betrayal, suspense - the series just kept getting better and better with each book. Valerie is a strong central character, but it's the sub-characters that really make the story great. No one is left behind by the series end which is such refreshing change from other books who let minor characters fall to the wayside. Good villain, great best friend and even better love triangle (#TeamCyrus). If you want to escape into a world that you wish was your own with characters you'll love, you have to try The Conjurors series!!
July 2, 2015
I have just finished the Guardians of the Boundary.Last book of the series I thought until I opened my email two weeks ago and had the new Edge of Pathos waiting for me from Kristen herself.Thats how I got to read the 2nd and 3rd book also..And for that I say thank you thank you thank you..Valerie must make the decision to led..The fracture is stronger,the Conjurors are divided,Reaper is making a good argument, but for the Globe and Earth to survive they must fight to keep their magic and way of life safe..The Pillars of Light must stand strong together..Is that possible?Or will the prophecy come true? A truly magical tale,woven with beauty,wonder,and imagination..A great work of art.Kristen takes you on a journey in your mind,across the universe to a different world,she has a way to make you feel as if you are full of magic yourself. As Valerie says,"We all have a little bit of magic in us..
April 2, 2017
Couldn't put it down.
March 2, 2017
I received this from the author herself as part of a Giveaway on Library Thing.
I have to admit, that when I first signed up for the Giveaway, I didn't realize this was a YA novel and that the main character is 15. Had I paid attention, I probably wouldn't have signed up. Now, don't get me wrong, I have absolutely NOTHING against a good YA novel, but being a woman nearing 40, I just don't relate to 15 year olds anymore and am trying to steer away from reading novels with teens as a main character. However, I was drawn to the series because of the plot.
Valerie Diaz has a power that she can't contain, and it's killing her. Bounced between foster homes and the streets, she only has time to concentrate on staying alive. But a visit from the imaginary friend of her childhood opens a world of possibilities, including a new life half a universe away on a planet that is bursting with magic.
I started to read the series with an open mind. Despite the age of the main character (which I had to figure out using a calculator lol), I decided to give this a whole hearted try, but after about 25% into, I just can't finish it right now. I'm ashamed to say this, as I know this has been given rave reviews on Goodreads and maybe one day in the future I will give it a go, but for now, I have to shelve it for later.
In all honesty, I'm not really sure what is turning me off of this book. Maybe it's the age of the main character, or maybe something else. I did enjoy Ms Pham's writing style and would happily read anything else that she is written (if its not YA). But for now I'm sad to say that I will not be finishing this anytime soon. And believe me, I feel absolutely awful about that as it had such potential and seemed a very intriguing plotline.
SO sorry MS Pham.
I have to admit, that when I first signed up for the Giveaway, I didn't realize this was a YA novel and that the main character is 15. Had I paid attention, I probably wouldn't have signed up. Now, don't get me wrong, I have absolutely NOTHING against a good YA novel, but being a woman nearing 40, I just don't relate to 15 year olds anymore and am trying to steer away from reading novels with teens as a main character. However, I was drawn to the series because of the plot.
Valerie Diaz has a power that she can't contain, and it's killing her. Bounced between foster homes and the streets, she only has time to concentrate on staying alive. But a visit from the imaginary friend of her childhood opens a world of possibilities, including a new life half a universe away on a planet that is bursting with magic.
I started to read the series with an open mind. Despite the age of the main character (which I had to figure out using a calculator lol), I decided to give this a whole hearted try, but after about 25% into, I just can't finish it right now. I'm ashamed to say this, as I know this has been given rave reviews on Goodreads and maybe one day in the future I will give it a go, but for now, I have to shelve it for later.
In all honesty, I'm not really sure what is turning me off of this book. Maybe it's the age of the main character, or maybe something else. I did enjoy Ms Pham's writing style and would happily read anything else that she is written (if its not YA). But for now I'm sad to say that I will not be finishing this anytime soon. And believe me, I feel absolutely awful about that as it had such potential and seemed a very intriguing plotline.
SO sorry MS Pham.
December 21, 2015
Wow yummy, yummy loved these 3 stories couldn,t put my kindle down loved the multitude of characters this fast paced thrilling ride was a delight from start to finish.These books I would be so delighted to recommend to all my friends my heart felt thanks to the author Kristen Pham for the privilege & pleasure of reading these amazing books and I do hope to read more in the future so to all happy reading from wee me.xx☺♥
July 24, 2015
I recive a free copy from Storycartel for my review. In general I found it entreteined and good writing. The only thing that bothered me was not to know the age of Valerie, that toward diffuse the character for me.
October 26, 2016
AMAZING
Just amazing! This is wonderful book for young adults 13-17, and so captivating that you can't stop reading! I swear I finished the first three books within a week, and they're like, forty chapters- EACH! I can't wait to get the fourth book! Fantastic job, Miss Kristen!
Just amazing! This is wonderful book for young adults 13-17, and so captivating that you can't stop reading! I swear I finished the first three books within a week, and they're like, forty chapters- EACH! I can't wait to get the fourth book! Fantastic job, Miss Kristen!
September 21, 2015
Love
I love fantasy, magic, adventure, and a little romance. These have all that and more. Thank you so much for these wonderful books. I hope you'll write more!!!!
I love fantasy, magic, adventure, and a little romance. These have all that and more. Thank you so much for these wonderful books. I hope you'll write more!!!!
February 4, 2017
2.5 stars, maybe 3, I really do not know.
[disclaimer: This is based on a review copy provided by the author]
[disclaimer 2: Mild spoilers may be included, but nothing big or important is spoiled.]
Where do I begin…
This series is a mess, it's poorly plotted, the magic system is terribly designed and there are so many things I dislike about it, yet I still cannot get myself to hate this book, it read easily, although the writing wasn't exceptional, and it didn't annoy me greatly, it just felt very, very average.
I am probably going to spend a lot of time now pointing out things that bug me, and it will sound like I hated this series, but just stick with me and keep in mind that for some odd reason I didn't.
I think I would like to cover the whole magic issue first.
There is this thing called Sanderson's Laws of Magic, which aren't really laws, but they are really helpful when writing and analyzing magic systems, and, as they mimic my thoughts, I will use them for clarity.
Law 1: An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic.
I do not understand the magic system in this book. After 3 books, it is simply not clear to me whatsoever. This may be because of Law 3 which I will touch on in a moment, but it is simply a mess.
There are so many different mythical creatures, Unicorns, Mermaids, whatever Thai/Tan is, the Feng [which is a Phoenix I think]. There is charms and sleeping sand, prophecies and a bunch of other things as well. The rules of any aren't really explained.
I do not know what Vals powers are before she uses them, yet she uses them to solve important issues. Peoples gifts are often only announced after they have done something amazing, and it makes it feel like Deus-ex-machina every time, or just sloppy writing.
The charms for example, the rules for them are one of the few things that are partially explained, and even then the information we get seems to not matter as it isn't consistent. Charms for the good guys should protect people from being found, but that doesn't really happen, but for the bad guys, it somehow does, but then there is a way to go around that, and blah blah blah… Please, just make it simple, then you can focus on the actual plot.
Law 2: The limitations of a magic system are more interesting than its capabilities. What the magic can't do is more interesting than what it can.
This one is not as important, but it shows a general attitude of the author that I find irritating. We learn so many things about awesome magic powers, and they seem to all have no limits. Yes, Val has some, but they never create any real struggle. Weaknesses or Limitations should also be more interesting than “Lose powers if x” happens, because then we can be immersed in the system itself, and it creates real meaning.
Law 3: Expand on what you have already, before you add something new.
"A brilliant magic system for a book is less often one with a thousand different powers and abilities – and is more often a magic system with relatively few powers that the author has considered in depth."
I think that really sums up the issues I have here. Imagine on really creative method of transportation that is explained well, instead of: Magic Rollercoasters, Magic Tunnels, Magic Doors, the Where-o-well, so many different types of portals, Magic Bubble things that are never really explained. Do you get where I am going with this? The system is so over-complicated, that it doesn't feel real, it feels confusing. It also feels like it simply invents new things when needed, you have a problem? May I see, my power is [exactly what you need in this situation], I'll help.”
I don't think this book needs 7 gazillion different guilds and powers, especially if most of them are only used once or twice, if it were all simplified and less grand for the sake of being grand, it would have been a lot more enjoyable.
Let's talk about world building as well, because oh boy do I have a lot to talk about.
There is a bunch of world building for the globe, yet it seems not only out of place, but also unnecessary. The information we are given doesn't seem like it leads us anywhere, and instead of creating immersion, it feels like filler. We learn how the stars work, and that Cy is on Azra's Youth Council, but does it ever really lead to anything? not really. The information is never really connected to the plot in any way, so when the plot actually needs it, it is squeezed in at the last minute or patched in afterwards which, again, creates a huge deus-ex-machina effect. We are always drop-fed information when the story needs it, but then it is too late, the story cannot solve a problem using a mechanism or a bit of information that the reader is not aware of yet. The entire thing then feels constructed, not natural, like most good stories do.
Dulcea nodded thoughtfully. “I think she likes us to discover these things for ourselves.”
Characters, let's talk about that for a moment.
I really wanted to like the characters while reading, and I still really do, yet they were never really fleshed out enough. Author VE Schwab gave a very good analysis of this in an interview a while back. If you take a character out of the story and put them in a random situation, if they are well designed, you will be able to predict how they would react, but in this story, I have absolutely no clue. They all seem to underdeveloped to give any real sense of personality, and their actions change so much without this development for me to guess how they would react.
There are a few characters I like, Midnight or Zaki for example.
The love felt so odd and forced as well, this book really didn't need any
There are also so many characters that I: a) lost track, b) started not caring at all. Maybe this was why the characters all felt so underdeveloped, there were simply to many for the story to handle.
I had such a hard time picturing what these characters look like, as they are never really properly described, yes, I know they are super old, but how old do they look. I need some physical attributes to be able to picture them in my head. Kanti is described only because the plot needs it.
The characters seem to be driven by the plot, and not the other way around.
This is something that really, really, really bugs me about these books. Take Cyrus for an example, the only real purpose I see for Cyrus [besides all of the lovely banter, and by all I mean the little that actually exists] is to tell Val what to do next, “I know where to go, I know how to get there, I know who we have to find, etc. etc.” Maybe it is also because the events in this story aren't really that connected, which I will move on to now.
Time to cover the Structure and Writing Style
Thai: “Life has thrown a lot of obstacles in your path.”
This book is a mess, and I really mean it. There are so many unimportant events in this book that the real important events seem to fall into the background, which, if this were a character driven novel, would be totally ok, but as this isn't, it got really annoying.
This book doesn't feel like a real story, it feels like a book. This happens, then that happens, and although I know they are loosely connected, it feels so constructed, and not very realistic. I don't mean realistic in our sense, there is a unicorn in this book after all, but in the world setting we are given, it simply doesn't make sense.
Azra: “There is one other thing you may want to know.”
We are presented with a problem, and before any real conflict occurs, or any time is spent thinking and struggling, a character pulls a solution out of his hat and then we are presented with another problem.
Maybe the Author tried to fit in too many things, or had to many ideas and didn't want to edit them down. I don't know what happened, but whatever did, it ended up not really working out. At the end of book 2 we learn a tiny bit about old politics and social commentary, then we get lessons on beauty that contradict themselves in the form of Kanti, and there are just so many different story threads that never really go anywhere. There are also waaay to many characters.
Little side-note on stereotypes and clichés.
I don't necessarily think that using clichés is a bad thing, only that if they are being used, they should serve some purpose.
I cannot really talk about this without spoiling some things, so:
Also, “You're a Wizard, Harry”
Final Thoughts.
I know I didn't really go into story much here, mostly because I didn't find it all too interesting, and again, it was a mess.
The writing style wasn't amazing, yet it wasn't distracting, although the plotting and structure were a disaster.
The characters were bland, and the whole thing felt cliche, as if I had read it before but in a better version.
Yet somehow I still didn't hate it.
2 stars really means: it was ok.
Thanks for reading,
Yona
[disclaimer: This is based on a review copy provided by the author]
[disclaimer 2: Mild spoilers may be included, but nothing big or important is spoiled.]
Where do I begin…
This series is a mess, it's poorly plotted, the magic system is terribly designed and there are so many things I dislike about it, yet I still cannot get myself to hate this book, it read easily, although the writing wasn't exceptional, and it didn't annoy me greatly, it just felt very, very average.
I am probably going to spend a lot of time now pointing out things that bug me, and it will sound like I hated this series, but just stick with me and keep in mind that for some odd reason I didn't.
I think I would like to cover the whole magic issue first.
There is this thing called Sanderson's Laws of Magic, which aren't really laws, but they are really helpful when writing and analyzing magic systems, and, as they mimic my thoughts, I will use them for clarity.
Law 1: An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic.
I do not understand the magic system in this book. After 3 books, it is simply not clear to me whatsoever. This may be because of Law 3 which I will touch on in a moment, but it is simply a mess.
There are so many different mythical creatures, Unicorns, Mermaids, whatever Thai/Tan is, the Feng [which is a Phoenix I think]. There is charms and sleeping sand, prophecies and a bunch of other things as well. The rules of any aren't really explained.
I do not know what Vals powers are before she uses them, yet she uses them to solve important issues. Peoples gifts are often only announced after they have done something amazing, and it makes it feel like Deus-ex-machina every time, or just sloppy writing.
The charms for example, the rules for them are one of the few things that are partially explained, and even then the information we get seems to not matter as it isn't consistent. Charms for the good guys should protect people from being found, but that doesn't really happen, but for the bad guys, it somehow does, but then there is a way to go around that, and blah blah blah… Please, just make it simple, then you can focus on the actual plot.
Law 2: The limitations of a magic system are more interesting than its capabilities. What the magic can't do is more interesting than what it can.
This one is not as important, but it shows a general attitude of the author that I find irritating. We learn so many things about awesome magic powers, and they seem to all have no limits. Yes, Val has some, but they never create any real struggle. Weaknesses or Limitations should also be more interesting than “Lose powers if x” happens, because then we can be immersed in the system itself, and it creates real meaning.
Law 3: Expand on what you have already, before you add something new.
"A brilliant magic system for a book is less often one with a thousand different powers and abilities – and is more often a magic system with relatively few powers that the author has considered in depth."
I think that really sums up the issues I have here. Imagine on really creative method of transportation that is explained well, instead of: Magic Rollercoasters, Magic Tunnels, Magic Doors, the Where-o-well, so many different types of portals, Magic Bubble things that are never really explained. Do you get where I am going with this? The system is so over-complicated, that it doesn't feel real, it feels confusing. It also feels like it simply invents new things when needed, you have a problem? May I see, my power is [exactly what you need in this situation], I'll help.”
I don't think this book needs 7 gazillion different guilds and powers, especially if most of them are only used once or twice, if it were all simplified and less grand for the sake of being grand, it would have been a lot more enjoyable.
Let's talk about world building as well, because oh boy do I have a lot to talk about.
There is a bunch of world building for the globe, yet it seems not only out of place, but also unnecessary. The information we are given doesn't seem like it leads us anywhere, and instead of creating immersion, it feels like filler. We learn how the stars work, and that Cy is on Azra's Youth Council, but does it ever really lead to anything? not really. The information is never really connected to the plot in any way, so when the plot actually needs it, it is squeezed in at the last minute or patched in afterwards which, again, creates a huge deus-ex-machina effect. We are always drop-fed information when the story needs it, but then it is too late, the story cannot solve a problem using a mechanism or a bit of information that the reader is not aware of yet. The entire thing then feels constructed, not natural, like most good stories do.
Dulcea nodded thoughtfully. “I think she likes us to discover these things for ourselves.”
Characters, let's talk about that for a moment.
I really wanted to like the characters while reading, and I still really do, yet they were never really fleshed out enough. Author VE Schwab gave a very good analysis of this in an interview a while back. If you take a character out of the story and put them in a random situation, if they are well designed, you will be able to predict how they would react, but in this story, I have absolutely no clue. They all seem to underdeveloped to give any real sense of personality, and their actions change so much without this development for me to guess how they would react.
There are a few characters I like, Midnight or Zaki for example.
The love felt so odd and forced as well, this book really didn't need any
There are also so many characters that I: a) lost track, b) started not caring at all. Maybe this was why the characters all felt so underdeveloped, there were simply to many for the story to handle.
I had such a hard time picturing what these characters look like, as they are never really properly described, yes, I know they are super old, but how old do they look. I need some physical attributes to be able to picture them in my head. Kanti is described only because the plot needs it.
The characters seem to be driven by the plot, and not the other way around.
This is something that really, really, really bugs me about these books. Take Cyrus for an example, the only real purpose I see for Cyrus [besides all of the lovely banter, and by all I mean the little that actually exists] is to tell Val what to do next, “I know where to go, I know how to get there, I know who we have to find, etc. etc.” Maybe it is also because the events in this story aren't really that connected, which I will move on to now.
Time to cover the Structure and Writing Style
Thai: “Life has thrown a lot of obstacles in your path.”
This book is a mess, and I really mean it. There are so many unimportant events in this book that the real important events seem to fall into the background, which, if this were a character driven novel, would be totally ok, but as this isn't, it got really annoying.
This book doesn't feel like a real story, it feels like a book. This happens, then that happens, and although I know they are loosely connected, it feels so constructed, and not very realistic. I don't mean realistic in our sense, there is a unicorn in this book after all, but in the world setting we are given, it simply doesn't make sense.
Azra: “There is one other thing you may want to know.”
We are presented with a problem, and before any real conflict occurs, or any time is spent thinking and struggling, a character pulls a solution out of his hat and then we are presented with another problem.
Maybe the Author tried to fit in too many things, or had to many ideas and didn't want to edit them down. I don't know what happened, but whatever did, it ended up not really working out. At the end of book 2 we learn a tiny bit about old politics and social commentary, then we get lessons on beauty that contradict themselves in the form of Kanti, and there are just so many different story threads that never really go anywhere. There are also waaay to many characters.
Little side-note on stereotypes and clichés.
I don't necessarily think that using clichés is a bad thing, only that if they are being used, they should serve some purpose.
I cannot really talk about this without spoiling some things, so:
Also, “You're a Wizard, Harry”
Final Thoughts.
I know I didn't really go into story much here, mostly because I didn't find it all too interesting, and again, it was a mess.
The writing style wasn't amazing, yet it wasn't distracting, although the plotting and structure were a disaster.
The characters were bland, and the whole thing felt cliche, as if I had read it before but in a better version.
Yet somehow I still didn't hate it.
2 stars really means: it was ok.
Thanks for reading,
Yona
January 12, 2017
This was an excellent series. Very engaging, with characters i quickly became fond of. It read very quickly and was extremely well written. I really enjoy books that are written in such a way that as I read them it's like watching a movie in my head. This was definitely a book of that caliber. It was described so well it was like being there. Such a beautiful world of magic. If it were real I'd move there, if I had magic that is. I can easily see this made into a movie series. I really enjoyed reading this series. The writing style flowed smoothly and efficiently. With a well thought out plot and well written characters that are multi faceted. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves magic like I do.
March 4, 2017
Magical
Fun reading and entertaining. Couldn't put it down and looking forward to the rest of the story to finish the tale.
Fun reading and entertaining. Couldn't put it down and looking forward to the rest of the story to finish the tale.
December 21, 2015
Great idea that didn't quite work for me. Barely got 100+ pages read. It didn't hold interest. Lack of clarity and author seemed to switch from first person to writing it like a script. Had advanced copy for honest review.
Read
March 25, 2016Dnf I like unusual adventures but the unicorn part kinda made me loose interest immediately. It started off pretty good, intriguing with a weird aspect with her protector then kinda free fell. I won't rate this book because that's not fair to the author when it's my adversion.
March 31, 2017
Original, exciting, thrilling...oh too many words to describe. I absolutely loved this series! I loved or despised the characters, loved the worlds. Just an awesome series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews