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Schooled in Magic #8
Wedding Hells
After her victory over Master Grey, Emily wants nothing more than to relax and give herself time to recover from the duel. Her magic, pushed to the limits, is no longer reliable, forcing her to learn to control it from scratch. Every time she delays using her magic, she risks headaches ... or worse. But she must return to Whitehall to complete her fourth-year exams and bid farewell to those of her friends who are not returning for fifth year. And then, she must return to Zangaria to play her role in Princess Alassa's wedding to Jade. It seems, if nothing else, a brief diversion before she goes off on a tour of the Allied Lands.
But all is not well in Zangaria and the kingdom is fast approaching a major crisis. Junior aristocrats are demanding their rights and titles from the king, while King Randor himself is dangerously unstable and hiding a secret that could spark off a civil war ... and the peasants are threatening to revolt. Emily herself is isolated, unsure how to balance her obligations to her closest friends with her belief in freedom, justice and democracy.
And, as Emily finds herself used as a political pawn by the different sides in the growing dispute and no longer sure who she can trust, she may find herself confronting a choice between doing the right thing, regardless of the cost...
...And losing everything she's built over the past four years.
But all is not well in Zangaria and the kingdom is fast approaching a major crisis. Junior aristocrats are demanding their rights and titles from the king, while King Randor himself is dangerously unstable and hiding a secret that could spark off a civil war ... and the peasants are threatening to revolt. Emily herself is isolated, unsure how to balance her obligations to her closest friends with her belief in freedom, justice and democracy.
And, as Emily finds herself used as a political pawn by the different sides in the growing dispute and no longer sure who she can trust, she may find herself confronting a choice between doing the right thing, regardless of the cost...
...And losing everything she's built over the past four years.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2015
256 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 21, 2018
Good fun. I find it sad that Emily chose to introduce guns into this magical world. She had had a dreadful life on Earth, but seems determined to make her new home as bad. By the next book, I fully expect it to be like America with children committing mass murder.
I also found King Radnor extraordinarily patient. If Emily had had to deal with an elected president like Trump, she wouldn't have lasted five minutes.
I could have done without the two appendices. The first began by discussing a film I've never heard of. The second was boring.
Something I meant to mention several books ago: Emily dubs this the Nameless World, and I suppose SF has got us to believe that all worlds have names, whereas it seems most likely that most people, in their own language, simply call their world The Earth or The World just as we do. I know some SF writers named our world Terra, but that is simply Latin for earth anyway. An interesting point, I thought.
I also found King Radnor extraordinarily patient. If Emily had had to deal with an elected president like Trump, she wouldn't have lasted five minutes.
I could have done without the two appendices. The first began by discussing a film I've never heard of. The second was boring.
Something I meant to mention several books ago: Emily dubs this the Nameless World, and I suppose SF has got us to believe that all worlds have names, whereas it seems most likely that most people, in their own language, simply call their world The Earth or The World just as we do. I know some SF writers named our world Terra, but that is simply Latin for earth anyway. An interesting point, I thought.
August 30, 2017
I have to constantly remind myself that Emily was a teenager when she got to the nameless world however smart she may be. I guess I'm still expecting her to wise up at some point. She continues to be reckless and vastly ignorant of the consequences of her actions. Realistically she isn't old enough to be so attached to her independence especially given her up bringing. Her inability to even attempt to blend in baffles me.
June 24, 2017
3 1/2 stars on my scale, rounded up because I really like this series.
Some of this book relies on Emily missing something obvious. Given everything going on and remembering her age I suppose we can forgive her. But surely someone else would have noticed. The story depended on her not thinking about some other things that perhaps only she could have predicted, but again, given everything going on and her age, and her still being a bit of a fish out of water, perhaps we can excuse her. After all, she was mainly thinking to the future and orcs, and had many other distractions that were somewhat overwhelming her, and she's not a genius. So a bit of bumbling can be excused. But it did bring my rating down a bit.
Still, love the characters, love the concept, and the writing is sufficiently good in that it tells the story and doesn't draw attention to the writing.
That's a lot of words to justify my 4 stars. Going to see if the next book is available now (it should be)
Some of this book relies on Emily missing something obvious. Given everything going on and remembering her age I suppose we can forgive her. But surely someone else would have noticed. The story depended on her not thinking about some other things that perhaps only she could have predicted, but again, given everything going on and her age, and her still being a bit of a fish out of water, perhaps we can excuse her. After all, she was mainly thinking to the future and orcs, and had many other distractions that were somewhat overwhelming her, and she's not a genius. So a bit of bumbling can be excused. But it did bring my rating down a bit.
Still, love the characters, love the concept, and the writing is sufficiently good in that it tells the story and doesn't draw attention to the writing.
That's a lot of words to justify my 4 stars. Going to see if the next book is available now (it should be)
October 12, 2018
Words like 'sardonic' and 'gimlet' are overused.
Here again, the MC displays the level of neurosis she did in the first few novels. Her ability to turn from mature, weathered adult to naive, hard-headed teenager within the blink of an eye is jarring for the (reading) senses. I still don't understand these major changes in character.
Again, I am reminded how hard it is for me to believe that she understands the importance of certain innovations in history towards a new world. And then, at certain times understanding the political ramifications of certain actions that were occurring - and yet stubbornly steadfast in her double-standards in that nothing of those political ramifications were applicable to her. I just don't get it.
Here again, the MC displays the level of neurosis she did in the first few novels. Her ability to turn from mature, weathered adult to naive, hard-headed teenager within the blink of an eye is jarring for the (reading) senses. I still don't understand these major changes in character.
Again, I am reminded how hard it is for me to believe that she understands the importance of certain innovations in history towards a new world. And then, at certain times understanding the political ramifications of certain actions that were occurring - and yet stubbornly steadfast in her double-standards in that nothing of those political ramifications were applicable to her. I just don't get it.
February 13, 2017
A weak entry in the series, August 4, 2016
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Wedding Hells (Schooled in Magic Book 8) (Kindle Edition)
The prediction by a demon of violence at Princess Alassa's wedding is not handled well. Everyone relaxed after the private ceremony but the details of the prediction matched the public ceremony. Surprise. Surprise. The trouble occurred at the public ceremony.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Wedding Hells (Schooled in Magic Book 8) (Kindle Edition)
The prediction by a demon of violence at Princess Alassa's wedding is not handled well. Everyone relaxed after the private ceremony but the details of the prediction matched the public ceremony. Surprise. Surprise. The trouble occurred at the public ceremony.
October 22, 2017
More chickens, of course, come home to roost in Book Eight Wedding Hells.
Emily has introduced a lot of new concepts into the Nameless World. The 26-letter English alphabet PLUS the printing press alone has meant that the masses can now read and write their own pamphlets/books.
The masses (commoners) are starting to ask why the aristocrats have all of the political power (whereas in the past, learning was much more controlled and the aristocrats were the one getting good educations).
And then there is the horrifying vision provided Emily by the demon of Alassa struck down on her wedding day. Demons always lie, but what happened in the vision may (or may not) still come to pass.
Magical children tend to come to Whitehall for Year One at age 16. The majority leave after Year Four at age 20. The exams at the end of Year Four are much like the O Levels used to be in Great Britain.
Emily is told that the exam results from Year Four are hugely important for the student's subsequent career. AND after passing these exams the student is no longer considered a minor but enters Year Five as an adult. Top exam results are critical, for example, to getting the
apprenticeship the student needs.
Alassa is leaving after the end of Year Four to go back to her Kingdom and take up her duties as ConfirmedHeir/Crown Princess. Imaiqah is also leaving to go back to the Kingdom and be a close adviser to Alassa.
Emily knows that she needs as much magical training as she can possibly get to survive in the Nameless World so she needs to return to Whitehall for Years Five and Six, even as she misses her closest friends.
If she can just survive Year Four and Alassa's huge state wedding!
Emily has introduced a lot of new concepts into the Nameless World. The 26-letter English alphabet PLUS the printing press alone has meant that the masses can now read and write their own pamphlets/books.
The masses (commoners) are starting to ask why the aristocrats have all of the political power (whereas in the past, learning was much more controlled and the aristocrats were the one getting good educations).
And then there is the horrifying vision provided Emily by the demon of Alassa struck down on her wedding day. Demons always lie, but what happened in the vision may (or may not) still come to pass.
Magical children tend to come to Whitehall for Year One at age 16. The majority leave after Year Four at age 20. The exams at the end of Year Four are much like the O Levels used to be in Great Britain.
Emily is told that the exam results from Year Four are hugely important for the student's subsequent career. AND after passing these exams the student is no longer considered a minor but enters Year Five as an adult. Top exam results are critical, for example, to getting the
apprenticeship the student needs.
Alassa is leaving after the end of Year Four to go back to her Kingdom and take up her duties as ConfirmedHeir/Crown Princess. Imaiqah is also leaving to go back to the Kingdom and be a close adviser to Alassa.
Emily knows that she needs as much magical training as she can possibly get to survive in the Nameless World so she needs to return to Whitehall for Years Five and Six, even as she misses her closest friends.
If she can just survive Year Four and Alassa's huge state wedding!
November 24, 2021
I'd like to have given this 4 stars but the bulk of the book was wedding planning politics used to poorly veil the threats to the kingdom that would come into play later in the book.
All the mains you like, or maybe dislike, are back for more. The same Emily is back and is, as always, both enjoyable and annoying. She is written as both capable, experienced magic user and a foolish, confidence lacking little girl with nothing between them. This really grates on me.
Still, while Emily herself remains a bit of an annoying character, the story progresses around her with good pacing. No back to school problems. No exams. No teachers to worry about. But all that is foreshadowed in the ending.
If you've liked the first 7, you'll like this as well.
All the mains you like, or maybe dislike, are back for more. The same Emily is back and is, as always, both enjoyable and annoying. She is written as both capable, experienced magic user and a foolish, confidence lacking little girl with nothing between them. This really grates on me.
Still, while Emily herself remains a bit of an annoying character, the story progresses around her with good pacing. No back to school problems. No exams. No teachers to worry about. But all that is foreshadowed in the ending.
If you've liked the first 7, you'll like this as well.
January 17, 2018
17.1.2018 - 4*
Začátek byl trochu pomalejší, s tím, že se probírala svatba a celý ten politický cirkus. Ale autor umí psát a vytvořil postavy, které si udržely mou pozornost a čtení uběhlo rychle. A pak přišel konec, kdy jsem pak sedla na zadek a v duchu si říkala: wow. Tohle jsem nečekala.
Je to YA a Emily někdy učinila rozhodnutí, nebo byla prostě zbrklá, která vedla ke stupidním situacím. Ale když se na to podívám pořádně, je to reálné, i když hloupé, a možná proto se mi to tak hodně líbí.
A autor se rozhodně nebojí pořádně praštit.
Jsem zvědavá, co bude dále. :)
Začátek byl trochu pomalejší, s tím, že se probírala svatba a celý ten politický cirkus. Ale autor umí psát a vytvořil postavy, které si udržely mou pozornost a čtení uběhlo rychle. A pak přišel konec, kdy jsem pak sedla na zadek a v duchu si říkala: wow. Tohle jsem nečekala.
Je to YA a Emily někdy učinila rozhodnutí, nebo byla prostě zbrklá, která vedla ke stupidním situacím. Ale když se na to podívám pořádně, je to reálné, i když hloupé, a možná proto se mi to tak hodně líbí.
A autor se rozhodně nebojí pořádně praštit.
Jsem zvědavá, co bude dále. :)
July 14, 2024
This series took a while to get away from its "Harry Potter pastiche" start, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The school scenes in this book aren't as prominent as they were in the first books, but the plot has become more complex and interesting. The world doesn't make as much sense as I would prefer, but it is being developed in interesting ways, at least.
The character of the protagonist has evolved as a result of her experiences, as have her challenges. It must be said that the surrounding cast has become much less of a focus for the story, which is a detriment and probably is what kept this from being a 5-star read for me.
Recommended.
The character of the protagonist has evolved as a result of her experiences, as have her challenges. It must be said that the surrounding cast has become much less of a focus for the story, which is a detriment and probably is what kept this from being a 5-star read for me.
Recommended.
October 21, 2017
I love the series, and it is extremely immersive for the reader. I confess to be annoyed with Emily a few times for not doing what is right or not controlling her temper better. However, I continue to be enthralled by the plotting, overall character development, and magic technicalities. I do prefer the episodes set in school more.
February 12, 2018
This is an enjoyable series, but this is possibly the weakest book so far. The first problem is that most of the story centres on the wedding planning and to be honest most of this is just boring, actually really boring.
My main irritation is that for most of the book Emily is so indecisive, apart from when she stands up to the King over his treatment of Alicia.
My main irritation is that for most of the book Emily is so indecisive, apart from when she stands up to the King over his treatment of Alicia.
February 24, 2020
Another one of these where the action is right at the end, but in this one there are a lot of interesting storylines twisting together and some being completed as the book progresses. Without giving away spoilers the author seems to like old enemies popping up and scene setting for future novels at the end.
Looking forward to the next - looks like another good 'un.
Looking forward to the next - looks like another good 'un.
October 9, 2020
Entertaining
Up and downs abound. Emily's pursuit of equality for all people is coming to a fruition she had not anticipated. As much history as she knows, she fails, not single handedly, to anticipate the problems change brings, or the resistance of the existing power structure. Interesting reading.
Up and downs abound. Emily's pursuit of equality for all people is coming to a fruition she had not anticipated. As much history as she knows, she fails, not single handedly, to anticipate the problems change brings, or the resistance of the existing power structure. Interesting reading.
July 26, 2017
As some others mentioned, I liked the ending, though I can't help but feel.
March 5, 2018
It's just getting better
When I first started to read this series i literary though it was rubbish until I read chapter 5 and I just could not stop.
This book has some twists and turns and full of surprises. It's a great continuation of the series.
When I first started to read this series i literary though it was rubbish until I read chapter 5 and I just could not stop.
This book has some twists and turns and full of surprises. It's a great continuation of the series.
July 24, 2017
Solid book, story is getting a bit darker at least the end hints on that, and its nice that the main character is finally growing a pair so to speak.
August 29, 2017
Very good
These keep getting better, they don't seem to last any time at all before I am at the end of another
These keep getting better, they don't seem to last any time at all before I am at the end of another
October 11, 2017
2.5 to 3 stars, less likable then the others but I will still continue with the series. I Still have the same likes and dislikes about this series.
December 2, 2018
Amazed
Wow. I am amazed at where the story has gone. I’m glad that Emily finally learned to stand her ground. I’m curious where the story will go next.
Wow. I am amazed at where the story has gone. I’m glad that Emily finally learned to stand her ground. I’m curious where the story will go next.
December 11, 2018
Great read
Another great addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am excited to see what happens next in the series, on to book 9.
Another great addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am excited to see what happens next in the series, on to book 9.
July 11, 2019
Aptly titled, with plots upon plots.
April 6, 2020
As usual, well written with good character interactions.
June 13, 2020
Wedding can be beautiful, they can also be stressful. But as you know life around Emily is never dull or easy.
May 25, 2021
3.8 So far it a very good series! I waiting for the true identity of Void. I think he's the last brother of the grand Master and Emily's father or Grandfather!
October 11, 2024
Another great addition to the series. But why is the author so obsessed with baths
January 8, 2017
Yet another great story. I was a little surprised by the different events at the end, and more than a little disappointed. Yet, it was done in such a way that i enjoyed it too and it didn't make me angry about what happened.
December 7, 2015
I was a bit disappointed in Emily's story this time around. In prior books, she had made good strides in development as a character with each passing book in the series. This one, I felt she moved back to her time with Lady Barb in the mountains of her Work Experience.
The book read as if Nuttall was just pushing to get something out. Honestly, I applaud his writing style and speed in which he can get something from his head and out to readers. However, this book felt as if he was deliberately putting in constraints for characters. Plot shackles instead of armor, if you will.
Emily was left reacting instead of acting when met with choices she had to make. When she did act, it was filled with indecisiveness and half-halfheartedness. Honestly, the only thing she was decisive about was confronting the king about Alicia. Even then, however, it was only after she was forced to make a decision. Even Emily's origin secret she is just letting sit around to be revealed. Why didn't she force the king to swear an oath, as well as her friends? The bloodline prevents outside influences but doesn't prevent personal constraints on the mind.
The issue with the populace facing an uprising would have been resolved if she had publicly went out and issued some pamphlets to be printed stating a coarse of action for how personal change will always be quicker than political change, and that she was in the process of working out a stable way of having it implemented. It'd have at least bought the country a couple of years.
Maybe I'm just disappointed that my personal expectations aren't living up for Nuttall's view of where the series is going. I do hope to see some meaningful progress in the next book, though. Emily has so much potential.
The book read as if Nuttall was just pushing to get something out. Honestly, I applaud his writing style and speed in which he can get something from his head and out to readers. However, this book felt as if he was deliberately putting in constraints for characters. Plot shackles instead of armor, if you will.
Emily was left reacting instead of acting when met with choices she had to make. When she did act, it was filled with indecisiveness and half-halfheartedness. Honestly, the only thing she was decisive about was confronting the king about Alicia. Even then, however, it was only after she was forced to make a decision. Even Emily's origin secret she is just letting sit around to be revealed. Why didn't she force the king to swear an oath, as well as her friends? The bloodline prevents outside influences but doesn't prevent personal constraints on the mind.
The issue with the populace facing an uprising would have been resolved if she had publicly went out and issued some pamphlets to be printed stating a coarse of action for how personal change will always be quicker than political change, and that she was in the process of working out a stable way of having it implemented. It'd have at least bought the country a couple of years.
Maybe I'm just disappointed that my personal expectations aren't living up for Nuttall's view of where the series is going. I do hope to see some meaningful progress in the next book, though. Emily has so much potential.
December 29, 2015
I have somewhat dreaded to write this review. This is not at all a bad book from a literary point of view. It is however not at all my kind of story and since this is a personal review I am afraid that I cannot give it such a high rating as I normally give books from this author.
Almost all of the book is dedicated to the wedding mentioned in the book blurb and interpersonal relations between Emily and her friends as well as some people not so much being her friends. When she is not engaged in these matters the book delves into various intrigues and political machinations, including people uprising and revolutions, to overthrow the kingdom.
Also, Mr. Nuttall has once again gone down the path of tearing down the wonderful magical world that he has built.
None of this is exactly my cup of tea. Far from it.
At the very end when things heat up quite a lot the outcome is, as far as I am concerned, rather tragic. At least for Emily but I dare say the outlook for Zangaria as a whole looks rather bleak.
I am afraid that this book, although having the same quality as Mr. Nuttall’s other books as far as writing, characters etc. goes, did not give me the same enjoyment as his books usually do.
Almost all of the book is dedicated to the wedding mentioned in the book blurb and interpersonal relations between Emily and her friends as well as some people not so much being her friends. When she is not engaged in these matters the book delves into various intrigues and political machinations, including people uprising and revolutions, to overthrow the kingdom.
Also, Mr. Nuttall has once again gone down the path of tearing down the wonderful magical world that he has built.
None of this is exactly my cup of tea. Far from it.
At the very end when things heat up quite a lot the outcome is, as far as I am concerned, rather tragic. At least for Emily but I dare say the outlook for Zangaria as a whole looks rather bleak.
I am afraid that this book, although having the same quality as Mr. Nuttall’s other books as far as writing, characters etc. goes, did not give me the same enjoyment as his books usually do.
January 7, 2016
I’ve been following Christopher Nuttall’s Schooled in Magic series about a young woman from our world who finds herself learning magic and providing information she remembers from Earth. The 8th episode It’s time for Princess Alassa's Wedding Hells (ebook from Twilight Times Books) Gunpowder and the printing press havecreated political/economic changes and the nobility, especially King Randor, is trying to use force to keep calm. Between the craziness of a royal wedding and visions of the French Revolution running in her head, Emily can only try to protect her friends. Over the four years that Emily has been on this world , she has become stronger and more confident. I really look forward to her 5th year in school. Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press
June 11, 2017
This is an enjoyable series, but this is possibly the weakest book so far. The first problem is that most of the story centres on the wedding planning and to be honest most of this is just boring, actually really boring.
My main irritation is that for most of the book Emily is so indecisive, apart from when she stands up to the King over his treatment of Alicia.
Emily is not a teenager she is in her twenties, she is the most powerful magician of her generation and has acquired a great deal of experience dealing with all sorts of problems and enemies, yet she is still dithering around unable to make the important decisions.
Finally at the end of the book she is forced to make decisions and perhaps we are beginning to see an independent adult.
My main irritation is that for most of the book Emily is so indecisive, apart from when she stands up to the King over his treatment of Alicia.
Emily is not a teenager she is in her twenties, she is the most powerful magician of her generation and has acquired a great deal of experience dealing with all sorts of problems and enemies, yet she is still dithering around unable to make the important decisions.
Finally at the end of the book she is forced to make decisions and perhaps we are beginning to see an independent adult.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews