The Madness Project

The Madness Method #1

by J. Leigh Bralick

In a world that shuns magic…

…the Crown Prince hides his power.

But how long can he keep it secret?

Seventeen-year-old Prince Tarik is only too happy to ignore his magical powers, until an underground society of mages is blamed for a ruthless assassination plot.

None of his father’s spies can get close to the group.

Tarik is the only one who can, if he uses his long-buried power. But who can he turn to for help?

Friendship is a strange word on the streets…

…and trust is stranger still. But as Tarik fights to stay undetected with plots of rebellion tightening around him, he wins an unlikely ally in Hayli, a shapeshifter mage.

Hayli has spent her life on the streets, trying to forget her own strange magic. Meeting Tarik brings her closer to her power than she ever believed possible. But is he too dangerous to trust?

Will they be strong enough to survive the city’s darkest currents…

…or will they fall together?

You'll love this dark fantasy, because a little madness never hurt anyone.

Librarian Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00FIYEQYY.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Steampunk, Magic, Amazon

580 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2013

About the author

J. Leigh Bralick is a fantasy author by day and an RN by night...or vice versa, depending on the day. She originally got her bachelor's in medieval history and MA in political philosophy, but decided on a career change when she realized she didn't want to teach, and no one was going to pay her exorbitant sums of money to use her learning to invent fantasy worlds. (She still holds out hope on that score, however.)

After growing up all around the country as a military brat, she now lives in Dallas, TX with a crazy menagerie of animals and more books than she legitimately has space for. When she isn't writing or working, she enjoys ballet and Krav Maga, hiking, and sharing gory ER stories with her friends.

Find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jleighbralick

Reviews

[S. Usher Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pointed to this book by my friend Kristin (so a friend of a friend).

In the first two or three chapters, I was confused, especially as the POV switched from the girl to the boy (I am sure I will mispell both names). Four pages into the first chapter from the girl's perspective, I realized that I was in the shoes of another character.

Then I stayed up all night to read it because I couldn't put it down.

The book has several themes which I did enjoy - the gray between what we've grown up to believe is right and what our internal compass tells us is right, maturity and seeing the world for as it is, not as we want it to be, and the idea of having to mask yourself. The story was coherent, built effectively, and was pleasing, yet open for a sequel. For those of you who know my reviews, I'm a crotchety old hag, and I hate love stories, but this one was very, very well told, like a simmer that comes to a boil before you even know it.

I have to give special props to the writing itself. There's a great deal of slang in this book, which, if the author used an editor, I'm sure that was a nasty surprise ("This...isn't a word." "Nah, just go with it.") It was fun to read, and really separated the ragamuffins from the elites.

I'm actually looking forward to re-reading it so that I can pick up on all of the different nuances I missed the first go-round and the small details I missed as I'd been reading the book for six hours straight. Hah!

[J.L. Rallios · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my kind of story, I guess. It kept me going, but it was so dark and political. The writing and characterizations were good, but so many names. To make it more confusing a lot happened that it was hard to remember it all. I found myself vaguely caring about what was going to happen to Shade and Hayli -- and it left me hanging. Cliff hanger. Oh, well, I don't care enough to follow the saga into the next book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book because I LOVED "The Lost Road Chronicles" by the same author. It truly is madness!

This story touches on topics of identity, race, and peer family, for sure, as well as disparity between the poor and the rich. It is written in first-person, alternating between Tarik and Hayli, which makes for an interesting read (and also forces you to read the chapter header to know who "I" is). Each of the characters were unique and distinguishable from the others.

This fantasy steampunk world is filled with politics and magic.

Prince Tarik has, since the age of 5, been hiding the secret of being a mage. Now that he is 17, his father, King Trabin, has asked him to utilize the magery Trabin despises so much. Tarik has no idea what he's getting into, and finds out that not everything is as it seems.

Hayli is a young mage, struggling with her feeling like she doesn't belong anywhere and learning how to control her shape-shifting ability.

Tarik and Hayli have several run-ins before Tarik is given his mission, and little do they know how large her role will be in its execution.

Pros:
-Good pacing with a great storyline that kept me wanting to read on
-Believable/unique characters
-Interesting setting (I don't think I've read anything steampunk before...)
-Magic system explained enough to make sense but remain magical, and there is definitely more to learn in the upcoming books
-Depth of thought put into Tarik's magic, especially, to be able to accomplish his mission
-Cavnish slang
-Touches on topics related to issues in today's world such as race, poverty, and politics
-There is a line shared between Zagger and Hayli which (to me) was fairly powerful
-Slow-burn romance
-Adventurous and emotional

Faux-cons:
-I want to know the rest of the story, but the other three book aren't out yet

Cons:
-I don't have any complaints about this book

So, there you have it, I would definitely recommend checking out this book if you are looking for an adventure you won't soon forget!

(This review also appears on my blog)

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd have to be mad to miss it! J. Leigh has wow'd me with her incredible writing talent, ambition in the realm of intrigue, and imagination that is - yeup! - not of this world! It makes sense for her to choose fantasy as her canvas - boundaries are the fiction in that realm. This book does not disappoint..just make sure to schedule your day free of other obligations because you won't be able to set it down for long!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply incredible. From the characters who were so real and endearing to the plot so complex without ever getting confusing or boring, I loved every minute of The Madness Project. The dialogue was great, and even though there were two narrators in the first person, I never forgot who's POV I was reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good magical read with mystery and intrigue.

[Natasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing.
So original.
Absolutely loved every page.

[Soraya Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The pacing is a little on the slow side but there was plenty of intrigue to keep me interested from start to finish. There is a lot of build-up for both the character relationships and the different threads of the plot, most of which all come together toward the end.

I loved the steampunk feel and the overall setting. It was different from my usual fantasy reads. The magic was awesome, especially Hayli’s. And for a magical world, it was still relatable.

Hayli is a wonderful character in every way, and I loved Tarik’s inner conflict. Together they make a great team that I could root for.

Bralick’s prose is lovely. It always takes me a little while to get used to two POV 1st person narrative, but Hayli and Tarik have distinct voices, and I hardly ever forgot whose head I was in. In my opinion, multiple 1st person POV is hard to pull off and I don’t usually enjoy reading it, but Bralick makes it work pretty well!

Great book! Would recommend to others who like fantasy and a touch of steampunk.

[Em Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway**

Holy actual dang, this was a good book. It's stories like these that make me angry simply because they're not more popular when they definitely deserve to be.
For a doorstopper, it didn't drag. Tarik and Hayli were both complex and empathetic main characters. Tarik especially had a vivid mind to be in, and the buildup of lies and madness he had to deal with were almost claustrophobically real as a reader. Even the secondary characters were great and memorable.
And seriously, Bralick threw every possible wrench into the plot that it was possible to through. Twist, after twist, after twist.
And there's a sequel that I don't own. Grr.
Finishing this book is like coming home after an amazing, crazy vacation. I'm missing it already! So if you're interested any any fast paced steampunk-esque YA adventure full of politics, intrigue, and magic, then I wholeheartedly reccomend this to you.

[M.H. Thaung]

This book had a nice mix of magic, political intrigue and action. I'm a sucker for settings where those with special abilities are underdogs, and I found both Tarik and Hayli sympathetic characters.

For me, the middle of the book dragged a bit. I think this was because there were so many different parties with their own agendas that I didn't manage to keep track of them, and so I couldn't appreciate the significance of the (many) twists and reveals. Additionally, for a fair chunk of Tarik's PoV chapters, I found his thoughts too opaque. Therefore, I wasn't able to follow his decision-making process and fit them into the developing story. I still enjoyed reading, but I wouldn't have minded more streamlining and heavier hints as to what was going on underneath.

Overall, an intricately woven tale in a magical steampunk world.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was way better than I expected.
I didn't have high hopes, because lately I haven't found most books to be worth reading, but this one definitely entertained!

I'll admit, at first I found it a little boring. But in all fairness, I usually read before bed, so I am already tired. The plot and storyline are surprisingly good and the characters are likeable and hateable at the same time. I don't remember any grammar mistakes either. Language was used in all the right places, not forced or shocking like some books, and everything just seemed to fit. I'd definitely reccomend this one.

For my clean readers: includes language, violence, drug use, kidnapping, human experimentation, murder, a few graphic explanations of tortured bodies, political intrigue, and mild romance.

[Barbara J Maich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novel

The Madness Project was well written. The storybook begins in a palace and the Prince is sent out to find whoever tried to assassinate the king. This journey to the streets was hard for the pampered Prince but the journey takes many twists and turns and he finds out who the real
Prince is. The book grabbed my attention from start to finish.
Prince Tarik finds many stumbling blocks and finally realizes what his true nature is and sets him on a dangerous path to help all the street rats have a better life.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gatsby meets Game of Thrones — but it’s clean and there’s more magic!

This was an incredible beginning to a series I’m sure I’ll devour. The writing, world building, and concept was spectacular, and the blend of magic, nature, and technology in this steampunk story was exactly what I wanted. Tarik’s descent was FANTASTIC, and I loved how he struggled with both the magic and real-world conflict with such honesty. Hayli is such a sweet character, and I love the kiddos at the Hole!! I cannot WAIT to read book 2, and Bralick’s backlist books are now high on my TBR!

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun surprise this book was! It was dense, don't get me wrong, but I never found myself bored. There are so many layers and plots that all connect and come to a head by the end of the book. It's a really satisfying read! The character's were great, the setting was cool (literally), and the story itself was full of mystery and intrigue. My only complaint is I wish there was a map of the city! And a list of what all the different mage types and what they do (Yes, most of them are explained but I just like to look at them, okay. Like Pokemon, gotta collect them all lol)

Overall, I'm excited to see what this series holds!

[Melissa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I first started reading this book, I really wasn't sure that I was going to like it as it started a little slow for me. But then I fell into Hayli and Tarik's world and I didn't want to drag myself out.

This was one of those books where I closed the back cover and gasped for breath. Incredibly well written, I loved the characters immensely and I cannot wait for book 2.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star

Huge portions of the book were immensely powerful but the ending isn't really satisfying. He has character arc but the story feels more open than resolved. The ending itself rqises many questions. So 3 star is as generous as I can be. Sad.

[Andi Houtsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Madness Project is not a book to be missed. The first in what will likely be a trilogy of epic proportions and storytelling genius, TMP introduces us to the world of Cavnal and its capital, Brinmark where steam-power rules and magic is forbidden. Bralick brings the city to life as thoroughly as someone who has lived there all their life, and gives us characters that we cannot help but become emotionally invested in and attached to.

Written in first person but told from the opposing perspectives of Prince Tarik Trabinis, heir to the throne, and Hayli, street waif. Bralick does a stunning job of delineating each perspective from the other, expertly crafting her own unique brand of slang to set Hayli apart from the educated airs of Tarik. Hayli, and the other street rats, speak in such a way as to be completely natural and as such I even found my own thoughts and speech patterns sliding down into "Dan gannin' about....", etc.

Tarik and Hayli are captivating characters that draw the reader into their respective worlds and refuse to let go. As the reader, I bled and cried and sweated right next to them, their lives made as much a part of my own as the real people in my life. Even now, two weeks after finishing the book, I am constantly drawn back to this story, experiencing for the first time in my reading life an overwhelming desire to start reading from the beginning as soon as I had finished the last page. There simply was not enough to fill my insatiable need for more, more, more.

TMP makes an impressive leap from her Down a Lost Road trilogy into the spectrum of "This book *needs* to be a movie!" Listening to any movie score while reading will only amplify this sentiment. It is abundantly clear that Bralick writes from a place of pure enjoyment, from somewhere deeper than the place DALR originated from. TMP is testament to her growth as a creative artist and can only serve as a launching pad for greater successes although I can't imagine how she will top this astounding work of fiction. Anticipation for the second volume in the trilogy leaves me shivering.

Bralick has given me, and the entire world, my own "sweet shop". Forgive us all if we come sneaking up to your digital doorstep with eyes leaking desperate need for more of your creative genius, faint pleading whispers of "Please... just another 1500 words, another peek, just give me *something*...." spilling from between drooling lips.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Madness Project is set in the land of Cavnal, which bears a striking resemblance to Earth in the early 20th century. The main difference is that there are people who can use supernatural powers (mages) and the government of Cavnal is trying to get rid of them.
This scenario provides a great premise for what proved to be a fascinating and intricate story full of political intrigue, betrayal and a little bit of romance. I enjoyed reading about Tarik and his journey and I loved Hayli as well, not to mention Zagger, who is a favourite of mine. There were also plenty of characters I loved to hate.
I do think it was just a tad long and sometimes the plot was a bit convoluted. Sometimes it was difficult to remember who was fighting with whom and all the details that went with that, especially if I had to leave the book to participate in Real Life for a while. I'd come back and say, 'Okay, he's meeting with who again? And are they enemies or friends?' It would have been worth keeping notes so that I could refresh my memory before I re-entered that world.
However, don't let that stop you from reading it. It was fantastic and I know many readers thrive on intricate plots like that. It was a wonderful world to inhabit and I will be checking out the next book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told between 2 points of view, a prince trapped in a political game and a street-wise young girl who sees something good in him even when he doesn’t, this story unfolds within a steampunk setting full of magic and danger around every corner. The author sets a good pace and weaves a complex (and sometimes dark) set of events and forces at work in a gritty and action-packed plot. The cruel world of the slums and their rule of life are set in contrast to the royals and elite full of arrogance, prejudice and political corruption. The characters are real and believable, faced with difficult choices and struggling with both external and internal conflict. I enjoyed the writing style, the dialogue, and the unique words and slang used by the characters. The world came to life from the page and I looked forward to escaping there every time I picked up the book. I simply loved these characters and this world! They’ve become like old friends and I’m looking forward to getting back to them in the next book.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you will want to read again and again. The characters are so masterfully developed, you will feel that you know them (and identify with them) and yet there is a mystery around them that is intriguing and captivating. The story is absolutely fascinating as well....with modern themes in a fantasy world setting that is believable, strangely familiar, and yet very original! I loved the twists and turns, and the "masks" that hide more than just face I have never read a steam-punk/fantasy novel of this sort and it is refreshingly unique! J.Leigh may well have started a whole new genre!

Tarik is one of my favorite characters in all of J. Leigh's books. This is his coming-of-age story, and watching him come to terms with who he is was heart-wrenching yet wonderful. I am anxiously waiting to meet him and the endearing Hayli again in the next book!

[Oezay · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received this book for free through the making connections group, the author was kind enough to post it.

Ok....my first reaction to this book...wooooaaahhh, yea it was just that good.i really enjoyed this book from the depth of the characters to the amazing story, which i have to say doesn't portray just one genre, we have fantasy, a bit of steam punk, a pinch of romance, lots of magic and even though i'm not a big fan of politics i enjoyed the roles played in this book, makes it more interesting and yes you will definitely want to read this incredible piece of fiction literature, you will find out why i said that when you read it.

recommended to all the people who love fantasy and magic based books you will absolutely love this book.

[Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in first reads giveaway but this has no affect on my feeling or thoughts. I have no completed this book so my rating is based on what I did read almost half. (45%)

I really couldn't get into this book despite my repeated attempts. The world building was mediocre up to what I read. I did find the charecters charming but I wasn't drawn to them as I normally am or should be. It just felt alittle flat. I hate doing this books but I'm going to set this aside and come back to it as maybe I am the one who isn't being fair. I guess well see.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Madness Project started out a little slow, but it was worth it. Everything that happens in the book is tied together. The author wrote well and took her time with developing the story and the characters. I could not find many flaws. I have to say the dialect was a little off putting for the street rats at first, but it grows on you, and it definitely flavors the story. Nothing was done without reason. I love a good, meaty book and this one did not disappoint. I immediately read the next book in the series.

[Hannah E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was drawn to it because I loved The Lost Road Chronicles, also written by J. Leigh Bralick. The Madness Project is definitely an addictive read- as soon as I opened the book, I felt very drawn to the characters and their developing stories. I am very impressed with how Ms. Bralick's writing has matured, and how she writes just as easily and descriptively in steampunk-fantasy as she did in sci-fi/fantasy. Definitely looking forward to the sequel!!

[Kristin Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a friend of mine and I enjoyed her other series, but when reading this one, I was very impressed by the growth in her writing. Her characters were more complex and developed than the DaLR trilogy and also a bit edgier. The magic concepts were consistent within the world and definitely showed her striking out on her own. Great work and I eagerly await the sequel.

[Elizabeth Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a whole new concept of mages and magic. I found it very interesting. The division between non-magic people and mages is very different too. Normally mages run the show! I also enjoyed how the two protagonists loved each other from afar. Made the adventure more suspenseful. Definitely waiting impatiently for the next installment!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was AMAZING and I do not use that word lightly. When I first started it, I was a little confused but when I got more into and started to understand the plot I was addicted and could not put it down. After I finished it I reread it again and again it was THAT captivating!

[India · Rating 1 out of 5]

SO SLOW. I really had to work to finish this one.

[AH]

10/6/15 - Kindle free download.

[Elisa C. Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start but gets better

I thought this book took a while to get into. It was hard to read because of the accents and magic story line, but if you push through its worth it.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read

Would benefit from a tighter copyedit, but an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters of the Hole, and the steam punk like society.