What do you think?
Rate this book
Mastermind Academy #2
The Silver Chains
Isabelle’s first year at Mastermind Academy starts with a bang, broken bones and her magic going wild. What a way to make new friends! To top it off, her enemies threaten to kill her family if she doesn’t help free them from prison. Left with only one option, Isabelle sets out to reign in her magic, secure a place in the advanced class and learn to fly a Mesura. But trouble is brewing and things are taking a very different turn.
Boldrick Cavendar hides a murky past. His actions are why Agartha is under threat from Terran invasion, why they stole and duplicate Agarthan technology for military purposes. A chance at redemption surfaces to stop these scoundrels declaring war on his home. But for some reason he cannot put his claws on, someone keeps stopping him at every turn, and that someone might be Lady Isabelle.
Boldrick Cavendar hides a murky past. His actions are why Agartha is under threat from Terran invasion, why they stole and duplicate Agarthan technology for military purposes. A chance at redemption surfaces to stop these scoundrels declaring war on his home. But for some reason he cannot put his claws on, someone keeps stopping him at every turn, and that someone might be Lady Isabelle.
228 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2015
5 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Clarkson
9 books62 followersLJ Clarkson has done many things in her time. Making mud pies as an Environmental Engineer. Bossing people around as a project manager. Reducing flood risk to residents affected by floods. But her all time favorite job is telling stories and making others laugh.
She counts the following as very special talents: singing out of tune, laughing at her own jokes, reciting useless, but very fascinating facts, and a magical habit of magnetizing food to her clothes. If she were a Mastermind, she’d uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog’s fussy eating habits.
LJ is the author of the Mastermind Academy, Heaven and Hound and Fireborn series. You can find out more at www.mastermindacademy.net or join her newsletter here http://mastermindacademy.net/join-l-j...
She counts the following as very special talents: singing out of tune, laughing at her own jokes, reciting useless, but very fascinating facts, and a magical habit of magnetizing food to her clothes. If she were a Mastermind, she’d uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog’s fussy eating habits.
LJ is the author of the Mastermind Academy, Heaven and Hound and Fireborn series. You can find out more at www.mastermindacademy.net or join her newsletter here http://mastermindacademy.net/join-l-j...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 7, 2017
A fast paced action and adventure thrill ride of fiction and fantasy, this book 2 in the Mastermind Academy series is a wonderful read for all to enjoy. I loved it!
June 21, 2016
Travelling from Terra to her new magic school on Agartha, Isabelle Tresdon is excited about learning how to correctly and skillfully use her new-found magic. During the journey, Boldrick Cavendar (feline extraordinaire) teaches Isabelle the art of air-surfing behind a Mesura piloted by Esme Williams, before the magical aircraft is hit by enemy firepower and crashes into the ocean. Boldrick’s secret past catches up with him when he calls for help, revealing himself to be a former intelligence officer who is serving a two hundred year sentence (in the form of a cat) as punishment after jeopardizing Agartha’s safety in 1947 and trying to deflect the blame from himself when caught. After arrival at Mastermind Academy and being placed in the same class as a very spiteful bully, Isabelle is told (via magical message) to break Lemuria and Gyan from prison without notifying authorities; failure to comply would result in the death of Isabelle’s family. In the meantime, Boldrick tries to make right his sins of the past by averting an invasion of Agartha by a corrupt Terran military. With her every move being monitored by spies who are working for the blackmailers and with Boldrick unable to help, Isabelle feels helpless and alone while trying to figure out a way to save her family before time runs out.
Initially, I found The Silver Chains to be extremely confusing and had to read as much information as possible about the first book in the series before being able to follow the second. Once I had some basic knowledge of the terminology and the back story of the series, I was easily able to immerse myself into Isabelle’s world as she struggled with broken bones, panic attacks and the trauma of her first day at Mastermind Academy. Watching as a bully berated and abused her and feeling Isabelle’s helplessness in not knowing who to trust in order to try and save her family was heartbreaking. I definitely advise readers of the Mastermind Academy to read the books in numerical order so they do not end up lost, as I did. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the trials and tribulations of young Isabelle Tresdon as she fights her fears and utilizes her every skill to try and save those she cares about. Well written, The Silver Chains is filled with fun, adventure and humor as well as darker issues related to bullying and helplessness. I recommend this book to all readers over the age of 12 years who love books filled with challenges in a world of magic.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Initially, I found The Silver Chains to be extremely confusing and had to read as much information as possible about the first book in the series before being able to follow the second. Once I had some basic knowledge of the terminology and the back story of the series, I was easily able to immerse myself into Isabelle’s world as she struggled with broken bones, panic attacks and the trauma of her first day at Mastermind Academy. Watching as a bully berated and abused her and feeling Isabelle’s helplessness in not knowing who to trust in order to try and save her family was heartbreaking. I definitely advise readers of the Mastermind Academy to read the books in numerical order so they do not end up lost, as I did. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the trials and tribulations of young Isabelle Tresdon as she fights her fears and utilizes her every skill to try and save those she cares about. Well written, The Silver Chains is filled with fun, adventure and humor as well as darker issues related to bullying and helplessness. I recommend this book to all readers over the age of 12 years who love books filled with challenges in a world of magic.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
August 22, 2016
Packed full of fantasy, this book dives off into adventure with cute characters and a quick plot.
First, I didn't read book one in the series, which was a mistake on my part. Book two seems to start off where the first one left off. Although it wasn't too hard to get the general jest of things and dive into the adventure, there were big holes in the characters and background which I really should have filled in first. In other words, this is not recommended as a stand alone and should be read as a series.
Excitement finds Isabelle even before she hits the Mastermind Academy with a thrilling air-surf, which not only shows off some of her talents but introduces the lovely Boldrick (a cat who's not just that). Once at school, Isabelle is thrilled to learn more about her magic, but soon finds herself in a sticky situation. Boldrick isn't any better off as both land in messes which they may or may not be able to tackle...especially on their own.
There's a lot of good stuff packed into these pages, and the main characters, Isabelle and Boldrick, count to that group. Their reactions and personalities are simply wonderful, and although they lack a bit of depth, it's still fun to follow and cheer for them as they fight their way through. Fantasy thrives in this story and the pacing doesn't fall back into boredom even once. The writing could be a bit smoother, but in general, it's an easy world to fall into.
Kids who love magic, fun and adventure are sure to enjoy this.
First, I didn't read book one in the series, which was a mistake on my part. Book two seems to start off where the first one left off. Although it wasn't too hard to get the general jest of things and dive into the adventure, there were big holes in the characters and background which I really should have filled in first. In other words, this is not recommended as a stand alone and should be read as a series.
Excitement finds Isabelle even before she hits the Mastermind Academy with a thrilling air-surf, which not only shows off some of her talents but introduces the lovely Boldrick (a cat who's not just that). Once at school, Isabelle is thrilled to learn more about her magic, but soon finds herself in a sticky situation. Boldrick isn't any better off as both land in messes which they may or may not be able to tackle...especially on their own.
There's a lot of good stuff packed into these pages, and the main characters, Isabelle and Boldrick, count to that group. Their reactions and personalities are simply wonderful, and although they lack a bit of depth, it's still fun to follow and cheer for them as they fight their way through. Fantasy thrives in this story and the pacing doesn't fall back into boredom even once. The writing could be a bit smoother, but in general, it's an easy world to fall into.
Kids who love magic, fun and adventure are sure to enjoy this.
June 23, 2016
I was given this ARC by L. J. Clarkson's team in exchange for an honest review.
The Silver Chains takes off immediately after the first book, with Isabelle learning at Mastermind Academy. Isabelle tackles problems that threaten her, her friends, and her family while learning about her new magic. This book was a quite enjoyable middle-grade fantasy that improved upon things it was lacking in the first book.
The plot was a great improvement from the first book. The trials the characters went through were fun and readable, and the pacing was just right.
The characters were the only thing that I didn't feel improved. Again, the characters are good, but they have no depth so I don't care for them deeply.
The writing was so much better! It is still "dumbed-down" for children to read, but it just felt so much better. The language and the flow felt more professional to me and made it a lot better of a read. It would still best be enjoyed by young readers. It can be read by those older but there does have to be a certain suspension of reality.
Overall, I liked this book a lot. It would be enjoyed by young fantasy readers, and I recommend it to them. This was fun and I'm excited to see where it goes in the future.
The Silver Chains takes off immediately after the first book, with Isabelle learning at Mastermind Academy. Isabelle tackles problems that threaten her, her friends, and her family while learning about her new magic. This book was a quite enjoyable middle-grade fantasy that improved upon things it was lacking in the first book.
The plot was a great improvement from the first book. The trials the characters went through were fun and readable, and the pacing was just right.
The characters were the only thing that I didn't feel improved. Again, the characters are good, but they have no depth so I don't care for them deeply.
The writing was so much better! It is still "dumbed-down" for children to read, but it just felt so much better. The language and the flow felt more professional to me and made it a lot better of a read. It would still best be enjoyed by young readers. It can be read by those older but there does have to be a certain suspension of reality.
Overall, I liked this book a lot. It would be enjoyed by young fantasy readers, and I recommend it to them. This was fun and I'm excited to see where it goes in the future.
March 21, 2016
What a fantastic and fun book. I’m super impressed with LJ Clarkson’s creativity in The Silver Chains. It packed a punch with suspense and action. I had fallen in love with the characters back in The Silver Strand (Book 1), so to follow them on their adventures again had me reading the book so fast, that I immediately looked for book 3. Oh, Boldrick, the mischievous cat had me in stitches.
Isabelle has got herself into a right pickle and while she thinks that keeping problems to herself will help her, well, let’s just say she’ll be learning some lessons. And she’s not the only one with secrets—Boldrick gets himself into a number of sticky situations that you have to read. You won’t be disappointed.
I adored this book and devoured it in one sitting.
Can’t recommend this book enough and I’ll be doing that to my nieces and nephews. It made me laugh out loud, the writing is crisp and clean, and every scene was brought to life. Well done, Clarkson. Now, where is book 3??
Isabelle has got herself into a right pickle and while she thinks that keeping problems to herself will help her, well, let’s just say she’ll be learning some lessons. And she’s not the only one with secrets—Boldrick gets himself into a number of sticky situations that you have to read. You won’t be disappointed.
I adored this book and devoured it in one sitting.
Can’t recommend this book enough and I’ll be doing that to my nieces and nephews. It made me laugh out loud, the writing is crisp and clean, and every scene was brought to life. Well done, Clarkson. Now, where is book 3??
May 16, 2017
Reasonably entertaining
The same problems dog this book as the first one. Namely occasional typos or poor sentence structure which made some paragraphs hard to understand. Pacing was better in this one, but on the whole I feel like these were fun books which could have been good or great with a little more polish. Still a good time if you're looking for something lightweight to read.
The same problems dog this book as the first one. Namely occasional typos or poor sentence structure which made some paragraphs hard to understand. Pacing was better in this one, but on the whole I feel like these were fun books which could have been good or great with a little more polish. Still a good time if you're looking for something lightweight to read.
March 18, 2023
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would its a good easy read.
May 9, 2016
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Which is why I am devastated at giving it only two stars, as I don't like giving bad reviews. However, as an aspiring author and editor, I did not like this book. It sorely needs an editor, someone who isn’t afraid to say what parts suck and what needs to be changed. That is not to say that this book has no potential, or that no-one will like it. For example, my brother really likes this series called "Daniel X", which I find much worse than this book. I have no idea why my brother likes the adventures of one very overpowered kid who has absolutely no pain receptors, but that just goes to show that I have a very picky taste. But, with no further ado, here is a more in-depth review of why I do not liek this book, and why I do.
Why I Gave Two Stars
The writing of this book, the second in the series, is much better than the first, which gives me hope that the writer is steadily and quickly improving. Also, I fell in love with one of the characters; a worried, gentlemanly, British-accented (at least in my mind) cat who has at least character, though it is shown too plainly in some parts (especially on how he always messes up. Too much emphasis is put on that, so that it becomes boring and unrealistic). Also, I did get into the magic part, especially how the main characters magic responded to her, and I am interested to see what the author will do with the curious story-world.
No Continuity.
I the beginning of this book a new fear was introduced to the main character. I thought this was genius, since I find the main character quite flat and overcoming fears is not only a good theme for a junior book, it builds character. However, this fear did not persist, instead blinking in and out like a broken light bulb. Because of this disregard of continuity, the brilliant addition became unreal and boring.
Flat and Clichéd Characters
With the exception of one, all the characters are flat, with little or no backstory. Over top of that, all the characters are clichéd to some degree, which is okay if they are unique and rounded, but not when they are flat. This made me sorely disappointed, as characters are the main and sometimes only reason I read a book.
Bad Dialogue and Character Decisions
The author seems to depend too much on what the readers will like and/or expect instead of what the characters should actually do, making their actions inconsistent and choppy. To continue this, or maybe because of this, the dialogue is unrealistic and just plain bad in some parts.
Inconsistent Plot
The plot rambles and jumps, with no hints or shadowing.
Bad Main Character
The main character is poorly built, unrealistic, and poorly executed, and she survives on the whims of the author, not her own.
Atrocious Antagonists
The antagonists have no character quirks, except to show that they are bad. The person who is mean is always related to or is the antagonist.
Why I Gave Two Stars
The writing of this book, the second in the series, is much better than the first, which gives me hope that the writer is steadily and quickly improving. Also, I fell in love with one of the characters; a worried, gentlemanly, British-accented (at least in my mind) cat who has at least character, though it is shown too plainly in some parts (especially on how he always messes up. Too much emphasis is put on that, so that it becomes boring and unrealistic). Also, I did get into the magic part, especially how the main characters magic responded to her, and I am interested to see what the author will do with the curious story-world.
No Continuity.
I the beginning of this book a new fear was introduced to the main character. I thought this was genius, since I find the main character quite flat and overcoming fears is not only a good theme for a junior book, it builds character. However, this fear did not persist, instead blinking in and out like a broken light bulb. Because of this disregard of continuity, the brilliant addition became unreal and boring.
Flat and Clichéd Characters
With the exception of one, all the characters are flat, with little or no backstory. Over top of that, all the characters are clichéd to some degree, which is okay if they are unique and rounded, but not when they are flat. This made me sorely disappointed, as characters are the main and sometimes only reason I read a book.
Bad Dialogue and Character Decisions
The author seems to depend too much on what the readers will like and/or expect instead of what the characters should actually do, making their actions inconsistent and choppy. To continue this, or maybe because of this, the dialogue is unrealistic and just plain bad in some parts.
Inconsistent Plot
The plot rambles and jumps, with no hints or shadowing.
Bad Main Character
The main character is poorly built, unrealistic, and poorly executed, and she survives on the whims of the author, not her own.
Atrocious Antagonists
The antagonists have no character quirks, except to show that they are bad. The person who is mean is always related to or is the antagonist.
October 31, 2016
Synopsis- Isabelle is back in another adventure! This time, she is on her way to Mastermind Academy with Esme and Boldrick, her Agarthan friends. But when their craft gets shot with an EMP and falls out of the sky, they are captured by Terrans (AKA people on Earth). They are rescued, and shortly find themselves at the Academy. The Agarthan security force just brushed it off, but there are still some hanging threads – how did the Terrans know where to find the craft, for one? And why is Isabelle being blackmailed to stop Boldrick from finding out?
What I Thought- Oooh! This was intense! And mysterious! And thrilling! Ms. Clarkson writes realistically, especially when creating a fantasy world! The setting of Agartha is fleshed out in the book, giving it more depth, and making it into more of a world in general. I liked that a lot. Isabelle is a character who isn’t sure of what to do. She is going through trials about what is the right thing to do and learning about herself in the process. Ms. Clarkson’s writing style keeps the tense situations light with just the right amount of humor. The book will work well as a stand-alone. I think the reader may be brought up to speed a bit quicker if you read book 1 (plus it’s good so you don’t want to miss it). I also think Ms. Clarkson does a good job at summing up the first book so it isn’t necessary you do. This was a fun book that kept you reading! Great cover too!
*NOTE* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
What I Thought- Oooh! This was intense! And mysterious! And thrilling! Ms. Clarkson writes realistically, especially when creating a fantasy world! The setting of Agartha is fleshed out in the book, giving it more depth, and making it into more of a world in general. I liked that a lot. Isabelle is a character who isn’t sure of what to do. She is going through trials about what is the right thing to do and learning about herself in the process. Ms. Clarkson’s writing style keeps the tense situations light with just the right amount of humor. The book will work well as a stand-alone. I think the reader may be brought up to speed a bit quicker if you read book 1 (plus it’s good so you don’t want to miss it). I also think Ms. Clarkson does a good job at summing up the first book so it isn’t necessary you do. This was a fun book that kept you reading! Great cover too!
*NOTE* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
October 27, 2016
The silver chains, is the sequel to, The silver strand. The story continues with Isabelle being transported to Agartha, by Puss and Madam, so she can attend Mastermind Academy. Before they even arrive, they are in trouble. They stumble upon an illegal operation to commence mining in Antarctica and the villains are also stealing Mesuras (flying ships). Despite this, Isabelle just wants to settle into school, but there is no chance of that. She is having difficulty controlling her magic with disastrous consequences. Her old foes, Lemuria and Gyan also threaten to harm her parents if she does not lie for them at their court appearance.
This story is obviously written for much younger people than myself, but I found it a riot from beginning to end. It was fast paced and suspenseful. The plot has a number of magical creatures which are just a twist from what we’ve come to suspect. The magic is also believable and not over done. This along with great settings, give this book fantastic transport into Clarkson’s world. My only criticism is the ending did not deal out punishment for the villains. Instead our three heroes were blamed and punished, which I thought was realistic, but a bit of a downer for a finish.
I’d recommend the book not just for the younger audience it is intended, but like Harry Potter, I think people of all ages would enjoy this one.
This story is obviously written for much younger people than myself, but I found it a riot from beginning to end. It was fast paced and suspenseful. The plot has a number of magical creatures which are just a twist from what we’ve come to suspect. The magic is also believable and not over done. This along with great settings, give this book fantastic transport into Clarkson’s world. My only criticism is the ending did not deal out punishment for the villains. Instead our three heroes were blamed and punished, which I thought was realistic, but a bit of a downer for a finish.
I’d recommend the book not just for the younger audience it is intended, but like Harry Potter, I think people of all ages would enjoy this one.
May 20, 2016
2.5 Stars
I was very kindly offered this book by the author for an honest review.
I just posted my review for the first of this series. I'm a tad bit disappointed. My heart honestly hurts because I wanted to like this book so badly. I think kids would really like this, but I just had no interest in it.
The main fault with this book was that I had no connection with the main character. I didn't enjoy her personality or really even who she was in general. I did enjoy the side characters though, they weren't that bad.
Also, after reading the first book and not enjoying it made it really hard to enjoy this book. I felt as though I was making myself read page after page.
All in all this series is just not for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read it and allowing me to review it.
I was very kindly offered this book by the author for an honest review.
I just posted my review for the first of this series. I'm a tad bit disappointed. My heart honestly hurts because I wanted to like this book so badly. I think kids would really like this, but I just had no interest in it.
The main fault with this book was that I had no connection with the main character. I didn't enjoy her personality or really even who she was in general. I did enjoy the side characters though, they weren't that bad.
Also, after reading the first book and not enjoying it made it really hard to enjoy this book. I felt as though I was making myself read page after page.
All in all this series is just not for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read it and allowing me to review it.
April 13, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
Isabelle is finally starting her first term at Mastermind Academy. Esme and Boldrick return to escort her to the Academy but get sidetracked when they stop to investigate some suspicious Terran activity. After barely escaping with their lives, the trio makes it to Agartha. When Isabelle is placed into a class and begins her studies of magic, she is disappointed and frustrated with how difficult things are for her. She struggles to control her magic and she has to deal with Namaya, the daughter of a woman Isabelle helped to imprison. To top that off, she starts receiving horrible threatening A-Mails. She makes a few new friends and gets mixed up in more Esme/Boldrick mischief. Can she learn to control her magic, save her family, and stay out of trouble?
I thought that the pace and the style of this book was a little different than the first book, but I loved it! There was plenty of action and excitement. The technology is pretty awesome - there are replicators with the ability to project holographic programs, bracelets with the ability to turn into flying crafts, suits that can meld to your body seamlessly and cool/heat as needed, hovering beds, and more! I just LOVE the Esme/Boldrick parts. They are such a great duo.
This book ended on a little bit of a cliffhanger and so I am eager to read the next one. I still have a few questions that I would like answered (for example, what was up with the holographic simulation with her friend? Was it real? Was it not?) The time difference (Agarthan time runs 6x faster than Terran time) was getting a little confusing. I was also just a little distressed at the treatment of Isabelle by the authorities at the end. She definitely broke some rules but I felt like their punishment was too harsh.
Overall, another great book by LJ Clarkson. I really am looking forward to the next one (waiting for me on my Kindle!) as well as the prequel about Boldrick.
Grammar/Editing: Needs Work- The grammar was a little rough at times. There were not too many misspellings or word usage errors, it was mostly odd wordings and fragments that didn't get caught. There were things that could have been worded better. It was not too bad overall.
Violence: Mild- There was very little real violence in this book. There were a few times that energy weapons were shot. People were put in dangerous situations, abducted, and told that they would be killed. The most distressing thing in this book is that someone threatens to kill Isabelle's family if she does not do what they want.
Profanity: None- Apart from a few made up curse words, this book was clean as a whistle.
Sexuality: None- No sexuality whatsoever.
Rating: 4/5
Isabelle is finally starting her first term at Mastermind Academy. Esme and Boldrick return to escort her to the Academy but get sidetracked when they stop to investigate some suspicious Terran activity. After barely escaping with their lives, the trio makes it to Agartha. When Isabelle is placed into a class and begins her studies of magic, she is disappointed and frustrated with how difficult things are for her. She struggles to control her magic and she has to deal with Namaya, the daughter of a woman Isabelle helped to imprison. To top that off, she starts receiving horrible threatening A-Mails. She makes a few new friends and gets mixed up in more Esme/Boldrick mischief. Can she learn to control her magic, save her family, and stay out of trouble?
I thought that the pace and the style of this book was a little different than the first book, but I loved it! There was plenty of action and excitement. The technology is pretty awesome - there are replicators with the ability to project holographic programs, bracelets with the ability to turn into flying crafts, suits that can meld to your body seamlessly and cool/heat as needed, hovering beds, and more! I just LOVE the Esme/Boldrick parts. They are such a great duo.
This book ended on a little bit of a cliffhanger and so I am eager to read the next one. I still have a few questions that I would like answered (for example, what was up with the holographic simulation with her friend? Was it real? Was it not?) The time difference (Agarthan time runs 6x faster than Terran time) was getting a little confusing. I was also just a little distressed at the treatment of Isabelle by the authorities at the end. She definitely broke some rules but I felt like their punishment was too harsh.
Overall, another great book by LJ Clarkson. I really am looking forward to the next one (waiting for me on my Kindle!) as well as the prequel about Boldrick.
Grammar/Editing: Needs Work- The grammar was a little rough at times. There were not too many misspellings or word usage errors, it was mostly odd wordings and fragments that didn't get caught. There were things that could have been worded better. It was not too bad overall.
Violence: Mild- There was very little real violence in this book. There were a few times that energy weapons were shot. People were put in dangerous situations, abducted, and told that they would be killed. The most distressing thing in this book is that someone threatens to kill Isabelle's family if she does not do what they want.
Profanity: None- Apart from a few made up curse words, this book was clean as a whistle.
Sexuality: None- No sexuality whatsoever.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews