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The Wishing Blade #1
Magic's Stealing
For centuries, ribbons of magic have provided the kingdom of Cirena with light, healing, and protection. Then, in a span of minutes, those ribbons fly from their masters, stolen, save for the magic of a few chosen mages. One of these mages is Toranih, a young noblewoman who would rather have a sword in her hand than use her powers to heal or throw fireballs. As a result, her magic skills are lacking. But with former mages dying from magic withdrawal, and the looming threat of an army of shadows who are impervious to mortal weapons, she must either embrace the responsibilities of a mage or watch her home perish.
This is a 34,000-word novella. Book One of The Wishing Blade series.
This is a 34,000-word novella. Book One of The Wishing Blade series.
- GenresFantasy
170 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2015
4 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Flint
41 books56 followersHello, and thanks for visiting my Goodreads page. :-)
Though all my new works should show up on this page, please visit my Stephanie Bibb account if you want to see what I've read or follow my reviews.
Also, I have a Wordpress blog where I talk about writing and book cover design here.
Feel free to ask me questions through Ask the Author, and I'll get to them as I can. :-)
Thanks!
Stephanie Flint
~
Stephanie Flint (formerly Stephanie Bibb) graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in photography and a minor in creative writing. She merged the two interests into book cover design and photographic illustration, but she particularly enjoys writing speculative fiction and plotting her stories in the form of table-top RPGs with her creative partner, Isaac. They cofounded Infinitas Publishing in June 2015.
Though all my new works should show up on this page, please visit my Stephanie Bibb account if you want to see what I've read or follow my reviews.
Also, I have a Wordpress blog where I talk about writing and book cover design here.
Feel free to ask me questions through Ask the Author, and I'll get to them as I can. :-)
Thanks!
Stephanie Flint
~
Stephanie Flint (formerly Stephanie Bibb) graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in photography and a minor in creative writing. She merged the two interests into book cover design and photographic illustration, but she particularly enjoys writing speculative fiction and plotting her stories in the form of table-top RPGs with her creative partner, Isaac. They cofounded Infinitas Publishing in June 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 26, 2017
Magic's Stealing (The Wishing Blade Book 1) by Stephanie Flint is a young adult fantasy novel that is fresh and intriguing. A city where magic, shape shifting, light and healing is the norm but someone starts stealing the magic and causing death. The story is based around two characters not affected who are determined to find the answer. The plot is nice with a couple of twists, well made characters, but the end stops slightly abrupt but complete. I enjoyed the story. I was given the story to read and the review was optional.
September 24, 2015
Magic’s Stealing has an interesting premise: that all magic is in the form of ribbons, and these can be seen by adepts as they manipulate them.
The story focuses on Toranih, a young woman who has always scorned magic, in part because she is less gifted than her sister. But when magic is stolen from most adepts, Toranih has to step forward and hone her skills, to protect her family and her home.
I liked the book. It’s an episode, really─a smaller arc within a larger tale─but if you don’t mind that, then you would probably enjoy the story. It has magic, a character who grows, swordplay, a power-hungry nemesis─all the classic elements of a fantasy tale, with a unique twist in the world-building.
I have some unanswered questions about the story, but perhaps those will be addressed in subsequent volumes. I would’ve liked to read more about the protagonist’s sister, who became much more important by the end, but she may play a larger role as the story unfolds as well.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
The story focuses on Toranih, a young woman who has always scorned magic, in part because she is less gifted than her sister. But when magic is stolen from most adepts, Toranih has to step forward and hone her skills, to protect her family and her home.
I liked the book. It’s an episode, really─a smaller arc within a larger tale─but if you don’t mind that, then you would probably enjoy the story. It has magic, a character who grows, swordplay, a power-hungry nemesis─all the classic elements of a fantasy tale, with a unique twist in the world-building.
I have some unanswered questions about the story, but perhaps those will be addressed in subsequent volumes. I would’ve liked to read more about the protagonist’s sister, who became much more important by the end, but she may play a larger role as the story unfolds as well.
Full disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
March 25, 2017
Stephanie Flint has written a new take on magic. Toranih and Daernan are the only two who kept their magic when a mage stole the people's magic.
The first book in this series sucks you in......the rest of the series should only get better
The first book in this series sucks you in......the rest of the series should only get better
July 19, 2016
This was a lot of fun for me to read as it was my first fantasy book in many, many years. Granted it took me a bit to get used to reading some of the names, and to follow along with some of the rules of this world. I understand transformations and sword and sorcery verbiage, but things introduced here such as Ribbon Magic, were new and a refreshing twist on the old for me. Something I particularly enjoyed was the main character's arc, and growth, from the beginning to the end as well as a rising in tension as the story progressed. The author certainly left me anxious to read the upcoming sequel to see what happens next!
October 9, 2019
Magic is everywhere and then it isn’t. Now It’s just the two of them with magic, everyone else’s magic has been stolen. They are all that stands between the people and the shadow army. The plot behind the magic stealing goes well beyond what anyone but the Gods thought possible. Toranih, a reluctant hero and Daernan must become a team to try to save their world.
This is a fantasy adventure in a whole new world fill with magic, castles, mages and upper and lower gods. The narrative does a great job of describing the scenery and the characters. The characters are well developed full of life and personality. It is non stop action as the characters navigate through the challenges brought up. It is well written and creative. This is book one in a series so unfortunately the story is not completed yet. I liked how the main character was forced to change her attitude and begin to grow up and take on responsibilities. This book has definitely peaked my interest and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fantasy adventure in a whole new world fill with magic, castles, mages and upper and lower gods. The narrative does a great job of describing the scenery and the characters. The characters are well developed full of life and personality. It is non stop action as the characters navigate through the challenges brought up. It is well written and creative. This is book one in a series so unfortunately the story is not completed yet. I liked how the main character was forced to change her attitude and begin to grow up and take on responsibilities. This book has definitely peaked my interest and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2018
this was such a wonderful read which I just couldn't put down. magic lovers will love this book and will want more. where will it all end? will they be able to get where they need to be? read to find it all out.
September 21, 2016
What struck me most about this book was Ms. Flint’s attention to detail. Her excellent world-building introduces the history, atmosphere and politics, and I was able to immerse myself fully in the story without confusion. Like the whimsical magic ribbons the characters wield, the backstory was weaved in lightly and effortlessly. The settings are fully fleshed out and the characters have three-dimensional personalities.
So, on to the story itself. In the first chapter, we’re introduced to the two main characters, Toranih and Daernan. Toranih comes from a noble family who practices ribbon magic, but she prefers to wield weapons. Not everyone in this world can practice (or see) magic. They all know it exists, but about half are ordinary people and the other half are mages. Daernan is an expert at using ribbon magic and often shapeshifts. Over the course of the book he shifts into an owl, a dog, and a horse, which is pretty neat. Ruling over this world are levels of Gods similar to Greek Gods but with different names and they interact with the mortals in times of need. I won’t go into too much detail about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away, but by the title you can at least guess that at some point, the magic in the land is stolen and Toranih and Daernan are put in a position where they need to get it back.
This book has a wonderful balance of dialogue, planning, and fight scenes as one would expect in a quest story such as this. It’s a fast read and there’s a fair amount of mystery to keep your interest piqued. I highly recommend. To see the full review, visit: https://wordpress.com/stats/post/134/....
So, on to the story itself. In the first chapter, we’re introduced to the two main characters, Toranih and Daernan. Toranih comes from a noble family who practices ribbon magic, but she prefers to wield weapons. Not everyone in this world can practice (or see) magic. They all know it exists, but about half are ordinary people and the other half are mages. Daernan is an expert at using ribbon magic and often shapeshifts. Over the course of the book he shifts into an owl, a dog, and a horse, which is pretty neat. Ruling over this world are levels of Gods similar to Greek Gods but with different names and they interact with the mortals in times of need. I won’t go into too much detail about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away, but by the title you can at least guess that at some point, the magic in the land is stolen and Toranih and Daernan are put in a position where they need to get it back.
This book has a wonderful balance of dialogue, planning, and fight scenes as one would expect in a quest story such as this. It’s a fast read and there’s a fair amount of mystery to keep your interest piqued. I highly recommend. To see the full review, visit: https://wordpress.com/stats/post/134/....
May 3, 2016
Magic Stealing is an imaginative and well-written tale. The author did a great job describing the scenes. I do think this book would appeal to middle grade and preteen readers. I think they’ll love it. Don’t get me wrong, though, adult readers who like these type of stories will enjoy this tale as well, if they’re looking for a clean-cut read. I don’t normally read these types of stories, so I was lost in some parts. I also like romance and was wanting more of a romantic relationship between the main character Toranih and her boyfriend Daernan. You know that fire and heated passion, and it wasn’t there, to me it was flat, which is fine, that’s just my personal preference, but I’m more of a naughty girl. ;) That’s why I think this book should be rated G.
I didn’t care for Toranih. I found her to be whiny and too self-involved, but for a reader to feel that way towards a character shows that the author did her job well. Toranih’s older sister Siklana, on the other hand, I liked a lot. She was bad-ass, and I hope she has a bigger role in the next book. In fact, I think the author should shake it up a bit and write a story just about her. Hint. Hint.
The magic part of the story is inventive. I’m impressed by people who has a great imagination and nourishes it whether through writing, painting, drawing, etc. This author isn’t lacking in that department; however, I wish Magic Stealing didn’t end like it did, but from what I understand this is an episode book, so I get the reasoning behind it. Overall, I think readers who are into these types of stories will enjoy Magic Stealing.
I didn’t care for Toranih. I found her to be whiny and too self-involved, but for a reader to feel that way towards a character shows that the author did her job well. Toranih’s older sister Siklana, on the other hand, I liked a lot. She was bad-ass, and I hope she has a bigger role in the next book. In fact, I think the author should shake it up a bit and write a story just about her. Hint. Hint.
The magic part of the story is inventive. I’m impressed by people who has a great imagination and nourishes it whether through writing, painting, drawing, etc. This author isn’t lacking in that department; however, I wish Magic Stealing didn’t end like it did, but from what I understand this is an episode book, so I get the reasoning behind it. Overall, I think readers who are into these types of stories will enjoy Magic Stealing.
April 7, 2017
Flint mixes the tropes of classic fantasy with those of young adult fiction to weave a story that will appeal to fans of either.
Preferring swordcraft to magic, Toranih’s grasp of her powers is basic at best. However, when an enemy not only rips the magic from most of her nation but also unleashes shadow warriors that are immune to mundane weapons, Toranih becomes one of the few people who can save her home. But what will embracing a power that she doesn’t understand cost?
Adapting the tropes of the chosen one from both Young Adult novels and classic fantasy, Flint replaces dystopia and poverty with an enlightened civilisation and life of privilege. This both creates a feeling of freshness and makes the threat hit harder when it comes.
The education and social position of Toranih and her allies also provide a plausible reason for their rapid competence and slight habit of thinking in exposition: unlike many teenage protagonists, they have been trained in combat, history, geography, and other relevant arts, so merely needs to move from theoretical to practical application.
However, while Toranih’s commentary on events mostly serves to brief the reader without damaging immersion, it veers into the territory of objective reporting rather than emotive experiencing in a few of the uses of magic. Each act of ribbon magic is described in terms of what colour ribbons flow out from the user and how they flow. Although this strengthens the sense of a society filled with art and beauty when first encountered, and provides a visceral edge to seeing a person lose magical ability, the colours and patterns seem vitally important to the characters but are never explained; as such, some readers might find themselves either obsessing over a hidden meaning that never resolves or skimming the description as “another few sentences of magical hand-waving.”
Apart from Toranih’s obsession with the appearance of ribbon magic, the plot is fast-paced and engaging. There are real consequences for characters actions, both immediate and long-term, and the pressure increases swiftly yet plausibly.
This novella is very clearly the first part of a series. While there is a complete arc from comfortable ignorance to new understanding, the ending leaves a consideralbe amount unresolved, meaning this book is unlikely to work as a standalone work and might irritate readers who strongly dislike a sense of a story being chopped into several volumes.
Toranih is a well-crafted young protagonist: her concerns are very clearly shaped by her lack of life experience, but she is neither whiney nor irritatingly more right than adults; as such, readers with a dislike of the traditional teenage heroine’s focus on boys and popularity are unlikely to find themselves wishing to clip Toranih around the head until she starts thinking straight.
The supporting cast are similarly shown from a young adult perspective without being defined by it. Toranih’s friends and family are sometimes less rounded, but only in reverse proportion to their page time; as such, the extent to which they seem to exist only as foils for her concerns feels more like the intersection of separate personal narratives than the self-absorption of the protagonist.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a classic fantasy story in the style of a young adult novel.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Preferring swordcraft to magic, Toranih’s grasp of her powers is basic at best. However, when an enemy not only rips the magic from most of her nation but also unleashes shadow warriors that are immune to mundane weapons, Toranih becomes one of the few people who can save her home. But what will embracing a power that she doesn’t understand cost?
Adapting the tropes of the chosen one from both Young Adult novels and classic fantasy, Flint replaces dystopia and poverty with an enlightened civilisation and life of privilege. This both creates a feeling of freshness and makes the threat hit harder when it comes.
The education and social position of Toranih and her allies also provide a plausible reason for their rapid competence and slight habit of thinking in exposition: unlike many teenage protagonists, they have been trained in combat, history, geography, and other relevant arts, so merely needs to move from theoretical to practical application.
However, while Toranih’s commentary on events mostly serves to brief the reader without damaging immersion, it veers into the territory of objective reporting rather than emotive experiencing in a few of the uses of magic. Each act of ribbon magic is described in terms of what colour ribbons flow out from the user and how they flow. Although this strengthens the sense of a society filled with art and beauty when first encountered, and provides a visceral edge to seeing a person lose magical ability, the colours and patterns seem vitally important to the characters but are never explained; as such, some readers might find themselves either obsessing over a hidden meaning that never resolves or skimming the description as “another few sentences of magical hand-waving.”
Apart from Toranih’s obsession with the appearance of ribbon magic, the plot is fast-paced and engaging. There are real consequences for characters actions, both immediate and long-term, and the pressure increases swiftly yet plausibly.
This novella is very clearly the first part of a series. While there is a complete arc from comfortable ignorance to new understanding, the ending leaves a consideralbe amount unresolved, meaning this book is unlikely to work as a standalone work and might irritate readers who strongly dislike a sense of a story being chopped into several volumes.
Toranih is a well-crafted young protagonist: her concerns are very clearly shaped by her lack of life experience, but she is neither whiney nor irritatingly more right than adults; as such, readers with a dislike of the traditional teenage heroine’s focus on boys and popularity are unlikely to find themselves wishing to clip Toranih around the head until she starts thinking straight.
The supporting cast are similarly shown from a young adult perspective without being defined by it. Toranih’s friends and family are sometimes less rounded, but only in reverse proportion to their page time; as such, the extent to which they seem to exist only as foils for her concerns feels more like the intersection of separate personal narratives than the self-absorption of the protagonist.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I recommend it to readers seeking a classic fantasy story in the style of a young adult novel.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
April 22, 2017
This book was an absolute delight from beginning to end. I am in awe of authors who can just magically, it seems, conjure up stories with fully developed characters and worlds that seem like they really exist or have been around for ages. "Magic's Stealing," by Stephanie Flint, is one such book. I immediately fell in love with Toranih and Daernan and was especially delighted when I found they could shapeshift into owls. I've always been a sucker for an avian fantasy. This is a fun, fast and totally entertaining read and one that will appeal to children of all ages and anyone who loves a good fantasy and wants to step outside the world for a few hours.
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews