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The Mages' Guild Trilogy #1
Magic Fell
The Mages' Guild Book 1
In a world where magic is outlawed and punishable by death, Tasis Kadara has much to fear. When he discovers his magical ability, he also finds out he’s been chosen to resurrect the legendary Mages’ Guild of the Dragon’s Claw. With only some disturbing dreams and a strange cat to guide them, Tasis and his sister Zaree leave home in hopes of finding the isle that once housed the guild.
Aid comes from an unexpected source when the siblings encounter Kelwin Tiovolk during a fight at a tavern. The elf has journeyed from his home to brave the dangers of human society at his teacher's recommendation, and since then his dreams have been full of someone who looks suspiciously like Tasis. Wanting to see where fate leads them, Kelwin pledges his assistance to Tasis and Zaree. But will Tasis find what he’s looking for, or will he die trying?
The present is about to meet the past, as a thousand years of waiting for magic to return to the world that needs it comes to an end.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2016
9 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Andi Van
10 books39 followersAndi Van is a foul-mouthed troublemaker who lives near San Diego with a baseball bat that's forever being used for things other than baseball and a fondness for rum and caffeine (though not necessarily together).
Andi is fluent in three languages (English, sarcasm, and profanity), and takes pride in a highly developed -- if somewhat bizarre -- sense of humor.
Andi's pronouns are they/them. They identify as nonbinary, and ask that you not misgender them. Thank you!
Andi is fluent in three languages (English, sarcasm, and profanity), and takes pride in a highly developed -- if somewhat bizarre -- sense of humor.
Andi's pronouns are they/them. They identify as nonbinary, and ask that you not misgender them. Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 16, 2016
3.5 Stars
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I don’t read high fantasy all that often, but this book caught my interest for a couple reasons (one of those reasons being elves, since I haven’t read many book about those), and I’m glad I decided to give it a chance.
For one thing, it was just a nice read. It was rather mild in that it didn’t have a ton of action or intense emotion, but it had easy-to-read writing, likeable characters, and a fairly light, enjoyable plot that kept my attention. Generally I like my books to pack a bit more of a punch, but sometimes I enjoy taking a break with something lighter. And though this book was a little anticlimactic, it felt like it was a really a setup for the main course, which means the rest of the books are likely to be at least a little more action-packed and exciting.
As for the romance aspect, it was small, but it was sweet, and it seems like it might also get a little stronger in the rest of the books.
Possibly the best thing about the book though was how it handled gender and LGBT issues. It was a little heavy handed, but I can easily forgive the book for that since it was such an important message. There were gay characters and a transgender character, and of course they faced prejudice in the world, but the focus was on the characters who accepted them for who they were and who didn’t judge them for who they happened to love, so the general feeling of the book was a positive one.
Overall, it was a fairly quick, light, adventure-y start to a high fantasy series with a positive LGBT message.
Recommended For:
YA/LGBT/high fantasy readers who want something light and adventure-y with elves and mages.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Full Review:
*I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I don’t read high fantasy all that often, but this book caught my interest for a couple reasons (one of those reasons being elves, since I haven’t read many book about those), and I’m glad I decided to give it a chance.
For one thing, it was just a nice read. It was rather mild in that it didn’t have a ton of action or intense emotion, but it had easy-to-read writing, likeable characters, and a fairly light, enjoyable plot that kept my attention. Generally I like my books to pack a bit more of a punch, but sometimes I enjoy taking a break with something lighter. And though this book was a little anticlimactic, it felt like it was a really a setup for the main course, which means the rest of the books are likely to be at least a little more action-packed and exciting.
As for the romance aspect, it was small, but it was sweet, and it seems like it might also get a little stronger in the rest of the books.
Possibly the best thing about the book though was how it handled gender and LGBT issues. It was a little heavy handed, but I can easily forgive the book for that since it was such an important message. There were gay characters and a transgender character, and of course they faced prejudice in the world, but the focus was on the characters who accepted them for who they were and who didn’t judge them for who they happened to love, so the general feeling of the book was a positive one.
Overall, it was a fairly quick, light, adventure-y start to a high fantasy series with a positive LGBT message.
Recommended For:
YA/LGBT/high fantasy readers who want something light and adventure-y with elves and mages.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
maybe
September 19, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Fell-Mag...
September 21, 2016
3.5 stars. This is a very enjoyable YA high fantasy. It's well-written and pleasant and light and very low-key and upbeat. It's a traditional "chosen one on a quest" sort of story and our teenage heroes have many adventures. The main characters are all likeable and pleasant and it's enjoyable to read about them. I like that there are queer and trans main characters and it's not a really big deal and there's no big drama about it. Saving the world and beating the bad guys is the issue at hand (though the budding teenage romance in the background is kind of cute). However, sometimes it's all a little too low-key and all their problems, some of which are quite perilous, solve themselves with alarming ease. The writing could use a little more tension to it and sometimes it's just all too "easy." But, it's enormously pleasant overall. I quite like complicated, dark, twisty fantasy, but sometimes it's really nice to read fantasy that isn't like that--light fantasy where the peril isn't too perilous and the good guys win and nobody dies. This was very likeable and I am looking forward to the next book.
I'm not a YA (or a parent), but I think this is probably a great fantasy for actual YAs and kids of any age. It's upbeat and full of interesting characters and magic and there's a talking cat and there's no sex or bad language or big violence or anything too scary. Plus, it's about queer kids saving the world, which there needs to be way more of in books.
I'm not a YA (or a parent), but I think this is probably a great fantasy for actual YAs and kids of any age. It's upbeat and full of interesting characters and magic and there's a talking cat and there's no sex or bad language or big violence or anything too scary. Plus, it's about queer kids saving the world, which there needs to be way more of in books.
September 18, 2018
The blurb for this book sounded interesting - what with magic’s very existence at stake and three teenagers the ones responsible for reviving an entire guild of mages - and from the moment I read the prologue, I was hooked. What you have here is a mother who sacrifices her life to end an evil king’s reign and life, her elf companion responsible for getting her daughter - the Mages’ Guild’s last hope of survival – to safety, and the promise of an epic struggle a thousand years in the future. And while this is the first book in a series, it offers plenty of adventure, secrets, and the search for a hidden island to keep any lover of fantasy thoroughly entertained.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 2, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think this was a nice, light read adventure fantasy read. It was good paced, interesting enough to have me want to read on and find out quickly what happened next. I think I especially liked how... good the book felt. I liked how creatures often portrayed as evil wasn't in this book, and that the characters came off as good and sincere, but not being meek.
I first feared that Tasis was going to be as most any other yaoi~~ pretty androgynous meek boy, but he grew on me during the read. I liked how he had cheek to him, and that all three teens came off as being just teens. I liked that their reactions and actions and way of speech felt real. I really liked the way the friendship was molded during the book and that the book took a stance on being allowed to identify as and love anyone you want, all the while not marking the love between two boys something extraordinary or unusual - the love story was woven into the story as in most heterosexual love stories are in books.
I think it's going to be interesting to read a follow-up to this.
I think this was a nice, light read adventure fantasy read. It was good paced, interesting enough to have me want to read on and find out quickly what happened next. I think I especially liked how... good the book felt. I liked how creatures often portrayed as evil wasn't in this book, and that the characters came off as good and sincere, but not being meek.
I first feared that Tasis was going to be as most any other yaoi~~ pretty androgynous meek boy, but he grew on me during the read. I liked how he had cheek to him, and that all three teens came off as being just teens. I liked that their reactions and actions and way of speech felt real. I really liked the way the friendship was molded during the book and that the book took a stance on being allowed to identify as and love anyone you want, all the while not marking the love between two boys something extraordinary or unusual - the love story was woven into the story as in most heterosexual love stories are in books.
I think it's going to be interesting to read a follow-up to this.
June 13, 2016
I really enjoyed reading the first installment of Andi Van's new fantasy series Magic Fell. The writing is excellent, the characters well-drawn, the story a fresh one. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Funny. I never thought I was much into fantasy, but I guess I was wrong. Just goes to show how much we can learn when we open ourselves up to new experiences. Well done, Andi Van. You created a wonderful new world and an exciting new story that a lot of people are going to happily lose themselves in. As writers we can't ask for much more than that.
May 19, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review.)
Wow. I grabbed this book on a whim when I saw it on our available to review list. I’m not a huge reader of Young Adult books, and I’m not really sure why! Every time I read one, I tell myself I should read more of them. Especially when I find one of the caliber of this one!
In Magic Fell, Andi Van brings us a high fantasy tale, complete with magic users, dragons, elves, giants, and some nice, and not so nice, humans.
I enjoyed the characters in this one. We have Tasis Kadara, a young half-elf whose mother has just passed away. We have his adopted sister Zaree, who has some big secrets of her own. We have a young elf named Kelwin who is out on his version of walkabout when he runs into Tasis and Zaree in a bar fight and helps them escape. And we have several very well fleshed out background characters.
Tasis has never fit in. Humans are suspicious of Elves in his world, and because he is half Elf, people have gone out of their way to torment him. They refer to his mother as a whore, and say that his Elf father must have raped his mother, even though she is half Elf herself. After his mother dies, he and his adopted sister Zaree decide to leave the town and see more of the world. They are also on a quest to find out why Tasis has been hearing voices, and what the strange repeating dreams are all about.
But before they get out of the village, there is a confrontation, and Tasis uses his newly found magic ability to fight off a bully. When a handsome elf helps them, and they all hurriedly escape town, they don’t realize that this is only the beginning of their adventure of discovery.
I flew through this book, and was so disappointed to get to the last page! I can’t wait for the next book in the Trilogy! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a high fantasy in the Young Adult market.
Wow. I grabbed this book on a whim when I saw it on our available to review list. I’m not a huge reader of Young Adult books, and I’m not really sure why! Every time I read one, I tell myself I should read more of them. Especially when I find one of the caliber of this one!
In Magic Fell, Andi Van brings us a high fantasy tale, complete with magic users, dragons, elves, giants, and some nice, and not so nice, humans.
I enjoyed the characters in this one. We have Tasis Kadara, a young half-elf whose mother has just passed away. We have his adopted sister Zaree, who has some big secrets of her own. We have a young elf named Kelwin who is out on his version of walkabout when he runs into Tasis and Zaree in a bar fight and helps them escape. And we have several very well fleshed out background characters.
Tasis has never fit in. Humans are suspicious of Elves in his world, and because he is half Elf, people have gone out of their way to torment him. They refer to his mother as a whore, and say that his Elf father must have raped his mother, even though she is half Elf herself. After his mother dies, he and his adopted sister Zaree decide to leave the town and see more of the world. They are also on a quest to find out why Tasis has been hearing voices, and what the strange repeating dreams are all about.
But before they get out of the village, there is a confrontation, and Tasis uses his newly found magic ability to fight off a bully. When a handsome elf helps them, and they all hurriedly escape town, they don’t realize that this is only the beginning of their adventure of discovery.
I flew through this book, and was so disappointed to get to the last page! I can’t wait for the next book in the Trilogy! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a high fantasy in the Young Adult market.
Read
January 28, 2020At halfway through the MCs have only just gotten together, so I can see that this as book 1 is really the beginning of one long story. Since I'm finding it boring and have no interest in continuing the series, I think I can just quite now.
June 9, 2016
Magic Fell by Andi Van is a fantasy novel that will appeal to the young adult, new adult, and adult audience. Magic has been missing from the world for a millennium, and it’s needed now more than ever. But in a culture where arcane power is forbidden and practitioners are executed, Tasis will have to keep his own aptitude for magic secret. With nothing to direct them besides bizarre dreams and a mysterious cat, Tasis and his sister Zaree undertake a quest to discover the hidden island that was once home to the guild. Kelwin Tiovolk departs his village following his mentor’s suggestion. As an elf wandering into human civilization, he’s in danger simply for being who he is. A brawl at an inn leads him straight into the path of the young man he’s been dreaming about, and he’s compelled to help Tasis and his sister any way he can. Together, the trio might have a chance of accomplishing their mission, or the attempt might kill them.
Magic Fell is a wonderful introduction to a fantasy world. The world is one that has faced war and conflict, resulting in a fear of magic and all thing different. Tasis has magic, and is different from those around him in many ways but is a good hearted person that wants to honor his mother's life and be a good person. Zaree is his sister in every way but blood, though she is different from those around them as well, although she goes through great strides to keep her secrets. Kelwin is an elf on a quest to learn more from the world, and to figure out his crazy dreams. When Tasis and Zaree meet up with Kelwin the adventure really begins. I like that there is a noble quest, and plenty of action and danger to keep readers eager to see just what is going to happen next. I liked that many different kinds of love were addressed, the complicated love of family (both by blood and by choice) as well as he start of romantic and friendship based love. I loved how matter of factly everyone's preferences and identities are handled and accepted, and the way conflicts are presented. The fear and hate that some have for anything or anyone they cannot (or refuse to) understand is something that is extremely relevant now.
Magic Fell is a wonderful fantasy novel with complex characters and high action. The only people I would not recommend this read to are those that are not open minded about sexuality and gender identity. These are issues that come up in the book (and frankly are handled perfectly), so those that cannot accept people and relationships that fall outside preconceived idea will want to pass.
Magic Fell is a wonderful introduction to a fantasy world. The world is one that has faced war and conflict, resulting in a fear of magic and all thing different. Tasis has magic, and is different from those around him in many ways but is a good hearted person that wants to honor his mother's life and be a good person. Zaree is his sister in every way but blood, though she is different from those around them as well, although she goes through great strides to keep her secrets. Kelwin is an elf on a quest to learn more from the world, and to figure out his crazy dreams. When Tasis and Zaree meet up with Kelwin the adventure really begins. I like that there is a noble quest, and plenty of action and danger to keep readers eager to see just what is going to happen next. I liked that many different kinds of love were addressed, the complicated love of family (both by blood and by choice) as well as he start of romantic and friendship based love. I loved how matter of factly everyone's preferences and identities are handled and accepted, and the way conflicts are presented. The fear and hate that some have for anything or anyone they cannot (or refuse to) understand is something that is extremely relevant now.
Magic Fell is a wonderful fantasy novel with complex characters and high action. The only people I would not recommend this read to are those that are not open minded about sexuality and gender identity. These are issues that come up in the book (and frankly are handled perfectly), so those that cannot accept people and relationships that fall outside preconceived idea will want to pass.
April 22, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the world building, I loved the fast pace, the legend and everything was entrancing. Also, dream-visions? Magical animals? How cool is that?
But I wasn't so much a fan of Tasis. He was another stereotypical "speshul" character that everyone is obsessed with for no reason at all. There aren't any defining or believable traits in his personality other than passivity and a bland, selfless doormat-ness that reminded me of Bella from Twilight but with less believability!
Since the other two characters's thoughts were constantly centered on him, it wasn't something I could easily get over. He definitely had no personality.
It was this passive part of his character that bugged me. He didn't need to do a lot, life just kind of happened to him. And then, once his path was clear and he basically had no choice, he succeeded in what he set out to do. It lacked that realistic feel of a definite choice being made, evaluated against a series of reasonable alternatives.
At the end of the day, this had the potential to be a great book. The story's theme is of outcasts (specifically those marginalized in society because of their sexual orientation) finding a place and a home and people who accept/love them, but sadly this was a poor, poor attempt.
It just was not my particular cup of tea.
But I wasn't so much a fan of Tasis. He was another stereotypical "speshul" character that everyone is obsessed with for no reason at all. There aren't any defining or believable traits in his personality other than passivity and a bland, selfless doormat-ness that reminded me of Bella from Twilight but with less believability!
Since the other two characters's thoughts were constantly centered on him, it wasn't something I could easily get over. He definitely had no personality.
It was this passive part of his character that bugged me. He didn't need to do a lot, life just kind of happened to him. And then, once his path was clear and he basically had no choice, he succeeded in what he set out to do. It lacked that realistic feel of a definite choice being made, evaluated against a series of reasonable alternatives.
At the end of the day, this had the potential to be a great book. The story's theme is of outcasts (specifically those marginalized in society because of their sexual orientation) finding a place and a home and people who accept/love them, but sadly this was a poor, poor attempt.
It just was not my particular cup of tea.
June 4, 2016
Never really been one for high fantasy but this one really appealed to me. Thoroughly enjoyed this. From sweet 16 to super Mage in 28 days. Especially liked 'Rin, as he developed more and more sarcasm as the story progressed. Looking forward to the next epic instalment.
March 6, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gan
From that review: walked backwards into this series with a call to review the final story in this trilogy. One look at that blurb and I was hooked! You see I have loved high fantasy and dragons since I can remember, reading the books of Anne McCaffrey and her Dragonriders of Pern or Ursula K. LeGuin and her Wizard of Earthsea. And there were so many more that started me for my craving for high fantasy and elves, and magic, and lands so wondrous that I wanted to live there and never leave.Well, Andi Van has written another trilogy that I would have adored finding at that age and actually any age. This YA high fantasy novel is beautifully written, with great world building and characters that continue to show growth and depth as the story moves through the trilogy arc. It's also just fast paced enough that you can feel as though you've had a chance to "look around" and enjoy the highlights and jewels of each scene and new character while never fretting that the story is lagging about the need to drive to the all important final narrative destination.
For all our reviews check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
for the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gan
From that review: walked backwards into this series with a call to review the final story in this trilogy. One look at that blurb and I was hooked! You see I have loved high fantasy and dragons since I can remember, reading the books of Anne McCaffrey and her Dragonriders of Pern or Ursula K. LeGuin and her Wizard of Earthsea. And there were so many more that started me for my craving for high fantasy and elves, and magic, and lands so wondrous that I wanted to live there and never leave.Well, Andi Van has written another trilogy that I would have adored finding at that age and actually any age. This YA high fantasy novel is beautifully written, with great world building and characters that continue to show growth and depth as the story moves through the trilogy arc. It's also just fast paced enough that you can feel as though you've had a chance to "look around" and enjoy the highlights and jewels of each scene and new character while never fretting that the story is lagging about the need to drive to the all important final narrative destination.
For all our reviews check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
July 1, 2018
I want more trans rep like this, where it’s not a big controversy or source of tension, and no one is sitting around analyzing whether or not the trans character passes. - Leigh
The writing was lovely, the world building full of details but without being tedious, and the story fast paced enough that I just couldn’t stop reading once I got into it. - Laura
You can read our full review here
The writing was lovely, the world building full of details but without being tedious, and the story fast paced enough that I just couldn’t stop reading once I got into it. - Laura
You can read our full review here
July 26, 2019
This work is undoubtedly exciting and refreshing. Usually, when I read an M/M novel, I'm expecting the romance to overshadow any other plot; however, that was not the case with this one. There are romance elements, but the majority of the novel is a refreshing fantasy novel. I found this novel a mixture of Merlin (the TV show), Lord of the Rings (though the magical object is a pendant in this one), and Founders-Era Harry Potter (wandless magic though).
I can't wait for more!
I can't wait for more!
September 21, 2022
Very well written and nice start into a new series. Only 3* because everything just went a bit too smoothly for my taste. I wasn't fearing for the heroes even once in the whole book. Obstacles were overcome easily and I missed an antagonist (I guess it's the king, but we didn't see a lot of him). Hopefully there'll be more in the next book.
September 23, 2018
The only bad thing about this book is that it ended. I really wouldn't have minded if it would've continued. Great story which I recommend to anyone who likes mages, elves, and magic.
August 25, 2016
I love fantasy and this had a lot of really good elements to it. It opens with a mother giving up everything to stop a power-mad king then fast forwards several decades. Her ploy was only partially successful. Magic has been outlawed and the king's descendants will put any magic user to death.
Our point of view character is Tasis, a half human half elf (which opens him up to prejudice as does his androgynous appearance) who is in the middle of a tragedy of his own. His only friend is Zaree who is like a sister to him. She's part of a warrior sect with secrets of her own. Tasis's problems are compounded by the fact he is a budding magic user and the king is very aware of it. He and Zaree are forced to go on the run.
The other point of view character is the elf, Kelwin who is on mission of his own, basically leaving his mentor to find his way in the world beyond the safety of his home. Naturally soon he and Tasis (and Zaree) are thrown together and they learn Tasis is part of something bigger than he knows. Together with the familiar (in the form of a cat) K'yerin they try to find an island of myth which isn't so mythical. They might just be the ones to bring magic back to the world, reestablish the lost guild and stop the magic-hating king.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. Tasis does need saving a bit often but he is just a teenager and just coming into his power so that's forgivable. This is a series and it does it in the way I like, yes it sets up the next one but the main story arc of the first book has a conclusion (I'm not a fan of the very open ending so this works for me). I'm looking forward to the next one.
Our point of view character is Tasis, a half human half elf (which opens him up to prejudice as does his androgynous appearance) who is in the middle of a tragedy of his own. His only friend is Zaree who is like a sister to him. She's part of a warrior sect with secrets of her own. Tasis's problems are compounded by the fact he is a budding magic user and the king is very aware of it. He and Zaree are forced to go on the run.
The other point of view character is the elf, Kelwin who is on mission of his own, basically leaving his mentor to find his way in the world beyond the safety of his home. Naturally soon he and Tasis (and Zaree) are thrown together and they learn Tasis is part of something bigger than he knows. Together with the familiar (in the form of a cat) K'yerin they try to find an island of myth which isn't so mythical. They might just be the ones to bring magic back to the world, reestablish the lost guild and stop the magic-hating king.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. Tasis does need saving a bit often but he is just a teenager and just coming into his power so that's forgivable. This is a series and it does it in the way I like, yes it sets up the next one but the main story arc of the first book has a conclusion (I'm not a fan of the very open ending so this works for me). I'm looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2016
After his mother dies, Tasis starts having strange dreams that are trying to lead him to a world that is not supposed to exist. When a mysterious purple cat shows up at his home, Tasis has the feeling that the cat knows him and is there for a reason.
This a short and light read with a great adventure, fantastic sidekicks (a purple cat and a wolf), family, friends. Following half elf Tasis, we learn that dragons and giants are good and humans are evil. And let's not forget the adorable love story.
The only thing that I wasn't completely happy about was the fact that everything was solved pretty quick and easy, there were no real complications that were not conveniently (or should I say "magically" e.e) resolved in the next chapter.
Still I adored this book and will definitely wait for the next book.
This a short and light read with a great adventure, fantastic sidekicks (a purple cat and a wolf), family, friends. Following half elf Tasis, we learn that dragons and giants are good and humans are evil. And let's not forget the adorable love story.
The only thing that I wasn't completely happy about was the fact that everything was solved pretty quick and easy, there were no real complications that were not conveniently (or should I say "magically" e.e) resolved in the next chapter.
Still I adored this book and will definitely wait for the next book.
July 23, 2016
Very interesting plot and enjoyable characters. A little bit on the long side though with some unnecessary parts and others that needed expanding.
Overall a great read and can't wait for the next two!
Overall a great read and can't wait for the next two!
July 27, 2024
good but a little bland.
It was a good, easy to read, YA fantasy story. I enjoyed the adventure even if it was a little contrived at times. I may read the next book, but it won’t be too of my list.
It was a good, easy to read, YA fantasy story. I enjoyed the adventure even if it was a little contrived at times. I may read the next book, but it won’t be too of my list.
May 1, 2016
The story is very good.I look forward to reading more about Tasis.
May 31, 2016
Review at Prism Book Alliance
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