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Ben Greenwood is continuing his apprenticeship at the Royal Institute of Magic, hoping things will be slightly less complicated now that he has advanced to the second grade.

Fat chance.

Coupled with the sterner challenges that the second grade brings, there is also the small matter of the impending dark elf invasion, making life at the Institute even busier than usual. Ben is the only one who can stop them, by finding Elizabeth's Armour and its Guardians.

Ben has retrieved one piece of the Armour - the boots - but the rest remain hidden. He has just one clue, which could lead to Elizabeth's Helm: an old black and white photo given to him by the Master of Apprentices.

Ben must split his time between his apprenticeship and searching for the helm, before the dark elves strike and all hell breaks loose.

431 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2016

514 people are currently reading
436 people want to read

About the author

Victor Kloss

17 books237 followers
Victor originally wrote:

"Born in London, I live in a lovely little town in West Sussex with my wife and daughter.

"My passion for writing came from the many great books I read as a child and at school. I thought it would be nice to give others the same pleasure of escaping to another world that they gave me."

Victor passed away on 5 November 2016 after fighting a losing battle against an aggressive form of lymphoma.

To learn more about Victor and his writing, please visit his website.

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5 stars
1,122 (52%)
4 stars
697 (32%)
3 stars
272 (12%)
2 stars
32 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,672 reviews82 followers
January 14, 2016
The Protectors RIM III

Wow, a blockbuster full of hidden twists and turns from beginning to end. Hard to put down didn't mind the the adding of a new team mate. This is the book where the Helm is found, but of course you will have to read in order to find where and when. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Genny.
641 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2016
I am really enjoying this series. While it may not be as deep and well rounded as other magical series (Harry Potter, The Magicians, etc). The story is intriguing, the characters are likable, there are elements of what is to come, giving it a well thought out overall plot line to follow. The books are easy to read and get lost in, which is always a sign of a good story!
Profile Image for Michelle the Magical.
116 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2025
I love the humor and creativity in this series! The plot moved a little slowly for this one, but I didn't really mind. I still can't get over how cool I think Spellshooters are. I have thus far really enjoyed Abigail's character, and I find it really interesting to imagine things from her perspective. On to the next book!
75 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2016
Could have been great

This series had so much more potential than the author gave it credit. ,As intriguing s the story is, it could ave been a block buster. Dagmar was under used as were so many characters, it need more depth. Also I think you tried to dumb it down for your readers, we are a lot more intelligent than you give us credit for.
Profile Image for James M. Barkley.
16 reviews
February 24, 2016
Beat of the three

This series is reminiscent of the Harry potter series but still enough different to be its own, with its own surprises. I recommend this series of books to anyone who enjoyed the Harry potter series. Enjoy!
Profile Image for K.L..
Author 2 books16 followers
Read
June 26, 2020
Ben continues to search for the Armour and its Guardians. This time he is searching for the Helm, but dark elves and traitors are not far behind him
Profile Image for Aaron.
156 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2018
Once again I find myself pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book! I know I keep comparing it to Harry Potter but that is because I truly enjoy it. It gives me that same feeling I had while reading the Harry Potter books. I like how each book starts off in the past then brings you to the future and evolves into bens adventure. I do find myself wishing that there were more descriptions in certain parts of the book, but I realize that this is a young adult book and that would probably make it less appealing to that audience. I mostly read fantasy books, and some of those can be a hassle to get through, which is why I jumped at the chance to read this series when a friend recommended it. It is a nice relaxing read, but the book has a great pace and keeps you wanting to read more! I have just started to read the next book in the series and will definitely finish all 6 books!
Profile Image for Десислава Сивилова.
Author 40 books21 followers
October 3, 2018
My favorite part of the series so far! The tension is growing, the stakes are getting higher, and the encounters with the enemy - more numerous and more dramatic. A lot of tight spots I couldn't imagine how our characters will get out of. Excellent pace and a marvellous plot!

Also, intriguing new elements are introduced - a magical team sport (more of a game, actually, not as spectacular as quidditch, but way more complex and strategic), and a new adversary for Ben. I really liked the fact that, unlike Joshua, Aaron isn't your typical self-centered, arrogant bully, so their confrontations promise to be interesting. If anything's lacking, it's some progress in the romantic department. I'm not a fan of love triangles and really hope Victor Kloss won't go there, but it's high time we saw more sparks flying between Ben (or Charlie) and Natalie! (To be honest, I'm rooting for Charlie. Poor guy deserves a lucky break in the girls department :) )
Profile Image for Holly.
836 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
I lost the thread several times. While I was amused with the parallels and their clever twists on the Harry Potter saga, in the first two novels in this series, in this, the third book, the construct copying is taken to extremes, but completely lacking the depth, the details, the richness, of the Harry Potter story. I don't expect complete and lasting uniqueness in fantasy writing...after all, JKR took a lot of her ideas from mythology, as did Tolkien, and Diane Wynne Jones came before JKR and was splendid. But this book could have been soooo good. It has fallen so far by the way side, I don't really want to continue, but I own at least one more.
Profile Image for Dennis.
78 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2019
Ok. I’m hooked now. :-)

After reading this, the third book in the series, I am fully connected to the characters and waiting to see what is next. I referred in an earlier review that it is very Harry Potter like, and while there is still some similarities there, the stories have become more unique. The creativity and variety of creatures and personalities is well thought out and fun to read. There is some predictability, but even with that, it is hard to guess how that expected outcome may be achieved, making it fun. Looking forward to more adventures.
Profile Image for Deb Jacobs.
468 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2020
More of the same. Odd, slightly old-fashioned speech and gestures (who really bashes their fist into the other palm?) and wrong past participles. These are the things that spoil my enjoyment of a book.

That aside, a good story filled with the usual magical creatures. I was particularly reminded of Draco Malloy and his father with the Joshua bits. I’m wondering if he might not be another Guardian. Abigail is a welcome addition to the gang.
1 review
August 9, 2020
Amazing, Though Minor Flaws

I loved it, as any wild reader would, but there were a few minor details. For example, there was a lot of bad words, yet this is a kids book. It also doesn’t add up at the beginning of the story as Natalie, who in the second book is not at the Seen school, apparently was. These kinks in the books are minor, yet important, but the book throughout was amazing. I highly recommend this book series for 11 year olds and up.
37 reviews
July 6, 2024
Excellent Series

A fun and adventure packed series. I’m truly enjoying this series With Ben a likable hero the hero and his two friends each bring that unique talents, we go adventure that has everything you want. A magical Academy, of learning, mystical beasts and enduring friendship and horrific enemies.

The author has created a unique storyline that captures And takes you out of reality and into a story line That is fun to read as Harry Potter, or the The trilogy.
Profile Image for Alexander Draganov.
Author 30 books154 followers
May 29, 2017
Great characters and brilliant world, but lack of real tension - unforgivable, when you have dark elves as villains. I hope for more in the next two books, or this will be a promise, left unfulfilled. More detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/the-protectors-...
65 reviews
January 6, 2019
The Protectors

This is book three of the series. Loved it better than book 2. It again continues on to at least 2 more books but it's getting more interesting if possible. I have book 4 waiting but still need to purchase book 5 . I highly recommend this series. From flying beasts to magical spells and everything in between, it keeps your interest.
9 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
Refreshing and imaginative

I’m loving this series. I feel a lot of books in this genre get compared to Harry Potter but honestly there isn’t many similarities. It’s a little refreshing. The Characters are all interesting and relatable. I love the little details that make it different such as the way they cast spells and dragon transport.
Profile Image for Neshia.
84 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2018
I adore this series. It's not just about magic, it is magical. I am listening to this book in audio format. I understand that the author passed away before the 6th and final book in the series was written. I hope that his legacy can be completed along with the 6th book. I'm a huge fan.
158 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2018
Excellent Series

This is an excellently written series. The characters are great and relatable. If you liked the first 2 books you will like this book. I do recommend you read the first two books before you read this book.
Profile Image for Scott Wozniak.
Author 7 books97 followers
November 27, 2019
Fun continuation of the story. The world building is mostly pretty standard (elves, dwarves, etc.) but then he adds one new part of the world to explore each time that keeps it interesting. The best part of the book are the characters, by far.
Profile Image for Jyl.
118 reviews
July 17, 2017
Even better than the last. I couldn't put the book down.
Profile Image for FrauMiest.
131 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2018
I wish, it wouldn’t be sooooo cliched (really a lot like Potter) but otherwise it’s good young fantasy and read absolutely perfect.
Profile Image for Dr.
101 reviews
February 11, 2018
The fantasy journey continues. it's getting more action packed. can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Maulesh.
56 reviews
April 5, 2018
Another wonderful stepping stone in this enchanting series.
Profile Image for Christine.
61 reviews5 followers
August 14, 2018
Great series. The only "gripe" I have are small inconsistencies/editing errors. I began the next book and it is the same way.
101 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2020
Loved it. Dropped over $100. Being frugal. That say a lot.
42 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2021
Good book

Very interesting series thus far! Very nice story elements to it that make you always want more. Looking forward to next book!
126 reviews
January 24, 2023
Book 3, check!

An amazing follow up to books one and two. Cant wait to start Book 4….I cant tell you how much this series holds you in its grip. The author did an amazing job!
Profile Image for Suzie Seibel.
42 reviews
February 11, 2024
Love these stories

Such a creative story, love the characters and all the fantastic beasts. I cannot wait to read the next one even though this is my second time reading them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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