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Royal Institute of Magic #4
The Silver Dwarf
Ben's double life continues at the Royal Institute of Magic. To most, he's a talented apprentice and an exceptional spellshooter, but Ben is also a Guardian, responsible for uniting Elizabeth's Armour, the only artefact powerful enough to overthrow the evil dark elves.
With two pieces of the armour secure, finding the third may be Ben's toughest challenge yet. His only clue is a magical key, a tenuous link to a legend called the Silver Dwarf.
With the dark elves slowly conquering the Unseen Kingdoms, Ben races against time to gather the pieces of armour and unite the Guardians entrusted with them. If that wasn't hard enough, new challenges and old enemies await him at the Institute, and his friendship will be tested like never before.
With two pieces of the armour secure, finding the third may be Ben's toughest challenge yet. His only clue is a magical key, a tenuous link to a legend called the Silver Dwarf.
With the dark elves slowly conquering the Unseen Kingdoms, Ben races against time to gather the pieces of armour and unite the Guardians entrusted with them. If that wasn't hard enough, new challenges and old enemies await him at the Institute, and his friendship will be tested like never before.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
482 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Victor Kloss
17 books237 followersVictor 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.
"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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 16, 2016
Maybe it was a mistake to read the four books consecutively, because I sometimes lost interest in this one.
I mentioned in my review of the previous that I didn't agree with some of the choices the heroes made, but excused it because they were teens.
This book begins with preparations for a tournament. Now, Ben is the sole person who can defeat the bad guy who wants to destroy the world. He has a few more tasks before he is ready to do so. He also needs to rescue his parents from death. He also is in a challenging academic program and an even more challenging Institute apprenticeship with looming deadlines.
So for him to take a couple weeks off to compete in a sporting event was extremely frustrating to me. I simply could not concentrate on that irrelevancy. It also shocked me that no adult put their foot down and forbade it.
Yes there is excitement in this book, but I could not forgive the waste of time while death and the end of the world are approaching.
I mentioned in my review of the previous that I didn't agree with some of the choices the heroes made, but excused it because they were teens.
This book begins with preparations for a tournament. Now, Ben is the sole person who can defeat the bad guy who wants to destroy the world. He has a few more tasks before he is ready to do so. He also needs to rescue his parents from death. He also is in a challenging academic program and an even more challenging Institute apprenticeship with looming deadlines.
So for him to take a couple weeks off to compete in a sporting event was extremely frustrating to me. I simply could not concentrate on that irrelevancy. It also shocked me that no adult put their foot down and forbade it.
Yes there is excitement in this book, but I could not forgive the waste of time while death and the end of the world are approaching.
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December 1, 2016So, like this book, let's jump straight into the action! In the first few pages of the story, the key they obtained, their only clue towards the next artefact, flies away, like in Harry Potter, just without the wings, and the attacking when grabbed. So, naturally, Ben and his friends chase after it. When the key reaches it's destination, which is the home of a network of dwarves, around a hundred, almost all were slaughtered by the dark elves, except for one. This one, slipped into the void. The void is a dimension where most rules of physics don't apply. If you think you can fly, and you don't doubt yourself, you can fly. If you think you're invisible, then you're invisible. If someone thinks that they can see everybody, no matter what, it's a battle of will. We learned about the void a small bit in The Protectors, and we also know ben's parent's are there. Ben knows that in order to find both his parents, and also the next artefact, he must enter the void. I thought that adding a void dimension seemed a little tacky, but it worked out pretty well, and for the most part, I enjoyed it. I would say continue with the series if you liked it up until now.
April 10, 2019
I love the Royal Institute of Magic books and this one certainly did not disappoint. It continues the story of Ben Greenwood, Charlie and Natalie's pursuit of both the Guardians and Elizabeth's armour.
This, the fourth book in the series, was full of action, twists and turns and I loved it. Victor Kloss's imagination and great writing skill make his books a pleasure to read. I am so looking forward to the fifth book.
I was so, so sorry to hear that Victor Kloss had died though. Condolences to his wife and daughter. I do hope that the sixth book is completed as he wished.
I have just finished re-reading this and loved it all over again. What a fantastic series.
This, the fourth book in the series, was full of action, twists and turns and I loved it. Victor Kloss's imagination and great writing skill make his books a pleasure to read. I am so looking forward to the fifth book.
I was so, so sorry to hear that Victor Kloss had died though. Condolences to his wife and daughter. I do hope that the sixth book is completed as he wished.
I have just finished re-reading this and loved it all over again. What a fantastic series.
July 21, 2016
Unbelievable
When I started this series I really thought it was very similar to Harry Potter. The author has gone above and beyond in this book. I personally think it's the best book yet. It moves past the other three books and shows a writing style all of the authors own. I wish I had given the other books four stArs because this one is so much better!
When I started this series I really thought it was very similar to Harry Potter. The author has gone above and beyond in this book. I personally think it's the best book yet. It moves past the other three books and shows a writing style all of the authors own. I wish I had given the other books four stArs because this one is so much better!
January 23, 2018
I love this series! It quickly became a new favorite and I literally read the whole story back to back... Sadly, the high council is the final installment and there will never be any more adventures but it is definitely worth reading and I look forward to sharing this amazing story with my children.
July 16, 2017
Still Intriguing!
Even after four books, I'm ready for more! I love the recurring puzzle that draws the reader into the plot. Can't wait to see what Ben and his friends encounter next.
Even after four books, I'm ready for more! I love the recurring puzzle that draws the reader into the plot. Can't wait to see what Ben and his friends encounter next.
June 3, 2017
Incredible series
These are right up there with Harry Potter. Fantastic story. Likeable characters. Impossible to put down. Look forward to more.
These are right up there with Harry Potter. Fantastic story. Likeable characters. Impossible to put down. Look forward to more.
February 24, 2020
Good book
It was a very, very, very, very interesting book.
I’m reading the series to my 3 kids, and they are enjoying it.
It was a very, very, very, very interesting book.
I’m reading the series to my 3 kids, and they are enjoying it.
August 11, 2021
This is my favorite so far in the series! My kids and I listen to this series together and really enjoy them.
June 27, 2020
Well the overarching story is progressing, if somewhat predictably.
What bugged me about this one (aside from the usual problems with past participles) is the strong resemblance to Harry Potter. Spellstrike = quidditch, Will = Oliver Wood. At one point one of the characters says something is ‘mental’ in a very Ron Weasley way. Ben and Charlie have a falling out very reminiscent of Harry and Ron in Deathly Hallows. The way Natalie tried to settle it was like Hermione in Goblet of Fire. Dagmar Borovich = Professor McGonagall. Hmm.
Anyway, I will read on to see what relevance Aaron D’Gayle (another Draco Malfoy knock-off) plays
What bugged me about this one (aside from the usual problems with past participles) is the strong resemblance to Harry Potter. Spellstrike = quidditch, Will = Oliver Wood. At one point one of the characters says something is ‘mental’ in a very Ron Weasley way. Ben and Charlie have a falling out very reminiscent of Harry and Ron in Deathly Hallows. The way Natalie tried to settle it was like Hermione in Goblet of Fire. Dagmar Borovich = Professor McGonagall. Hmm.
Anyway, I will read on to see what relevance Aaron D’Gayle (another Draco Malfoy knock-off) plays
November 16, 2016
It´s been a while since I read the first 3 books in this series, but it didn´t take long for the story to come back to me. In this one Ben and his friends are looking for another guardian, the Silver Dwarf. In the process, Ben and Charlie go into the void, and find a dwarf, but it turns out the guardianship has passed onto his son. His son, found running a restaurant in a town for "hiddens", is not very enthusiastic about his new role, but finally agrees to help look for Elizabeth´s breastplate. Besides this, Ben is taking exams, playing a very physical game against his rival at school, and running for head of his class at the school. It´s an action packed story.
June 13, 2016
Amazing homework assignments
This entire series has proven its worth with each additional book I have read.. I could easily visualize the scenes, characters as I read this book since by now it feels like I know this world within as if I was there.. True the author has not completed the series, but if you have the patience to wait then go ahead and read this book. Be prepared for that feeling when you read the last page that you wish the next book was available to re a d in the series.
This entire series has proven its worth with each additional book I have read.. I could easily visualize the scenes, characters as I read this book since by now it feels like I know this world within as if I was there.. True the author has not completed the series, but if you have the patience to wait then go ahead and read this book. Be prepared for that feeling when you read the last page that you wish the next book was available to re a d in the series.
April 23, 2020
Time will be kind to Victor Kloss and his wonderful fantasy series, "Royal Institute of Magic". "The Silver Dwarf" has everything you need from a book - great cast of characters, including a very likeable protagonist, rich magical world and complex plot, full with twists and surprised. More than worthy heir of "Harry Potter" and "Percy Jackson" - it will depend on the final two books, but this series might be even better!
Detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/the-silver-dwar...
Detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/the-silver-dwar...
January 9, 2017
A good "Harry Potter" clone with an interesting magic system and backstory.
Well written and engaging for readers of all ages.
Unfortunatly the author Victor Kloss passed away this past November leaving a wife and young child as well as an unfinished book 6 to complete the story.
More information can be found here http://www.royalinstituteofmagic.com/
there is a Patron site to support both his family and the completion of the story here https://www.patreon.com/royalinstitut...
Well written and engaging for readers of all ages.
Unfortunatly the author Victor Kloss passed away this past November leaving a wife and young child as well as an unfinished book 6 to complete the story.
More information can be found here http://www.royalinstituteofmagic.com/
there is a Patron site to support both his family and the completion of the story here https://www.patreon.com/royalinstitut...
February 18, 2017
Can't put it down!
I like the way you feel like your one of the characters. I like the way the three heros interact. The void was creepy and a little intense for my daughter. We skipped it and the story still worked for us. My daughter is 12 with an over active inagination, which is good when awake. Not so good when trying to sleep. This is the reason we skipped the void portion of the book. Overall we give this series 5 stars for adventure, team work, fun and friendship!
I like the way you feel like your one of the characters. I like the way the three heros interact. The void was creepy and a little intense for my daughter. We skipped it and the story still worked for us. My daughter is 12 with an over active inagination, which is good when awake. Not so good when trying to sleep. This is the reason we skipped the void portion of the book. Overall we give this series 5 stars for adventure, team work, fun and friendship!
November 6, 2016
I really enjoy this series and following Natalie, Charlie, and Ben through their hunt to find all the guardians. I enjoyed the characters' journeys in this book and the lands they traveled to. I also secretly (well not so secret now) want Aaron to be discovered for who he really is. I am starting on book 5 tonight.
June 15, 2016
The Silver Dwarf
Book 4 was a great adventure with Ben, Charlie and Natalie battling Aaron and the Dark Elves. I was hoping for something less like a Harry Potter rehash. The last part with the Silver Dwarf was very good.
Book 4 was a great adventure with Ben, Charlie and Natalie battling Aaron and the Dark Elves. I was hoping for something less like a Harry Potter rehash. The last part with the Silver Dwarf was very good.
June 19, 2016
Superb
This had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. It was really put together and sadly I have to wait for book 5, I will definitely be reading that. Victor your pretty good at this,all the best going forward.
This had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. It was really put together and sadly I have to wait for book 5, I will definitely be reading that. Victor your pretty good at this,all the best going forward.
August 23, 2016
The entire Royal Institute of Magic books are quick-witted and easily read. The characters are likeable and the scenery is well devised. While not the most in-depth plot line it is enjoyable and I an eagerly awaiting book 5
July 25, 2017
A great holiday"read'. If you like Rick Riordan, pick this series.
It's a junior version of Piers Anthony's Xanth world and Harry Potter.Well written,enjoyable! The supporting characters need more depth and exposure. Fun!
It's a junior version of Piers Anthony's Xanth world and Harry Potter.Well written,enjoyable! The supporting characters need more depth and exposure. Fun!
July 29, 2017
Great book
Having read 4 of 5 stories now I found that they are great. If my grandchildren were old enough to read or could read them I would encourage them to do so. Yes they some what compare to UP but stand all on there own. Great reading thank you
Having read 4 of 5 stories now I found that they are great. If my grandchildren were old enough to read or could read them I would encourage them to do so. Yes they some what compare to UP but stand all on there own. Great reading thank you
February 19, 2020
I was shattered when I learned today that Victor Kloss died some 4 years ago. So damned young. It broke my heart. The only thing that gives me solace is that this marvelous series has given me a new world to travel to time and again.
June 9, 2016
I loved this book. The plot line was so good, I cannot wait for book five. I hope the rest of the books are as good as this. READ IT !!!.
Oliver
Oliver
June 21, 2016
Good book
Very good book. Great story. Very interesting. I would read this again. Can't wait till the next one comes out.
Very good book. Great story. Very interesting. I would read this again. Can't wait till the next one comes out.
July 17, 2016
I can't wait for book 5
July 9, 2016
Again
I sped through this book and now I have to wait for the next one, again. I love these books! They are a delight.
I sped through this book and now I have to wait for the next one, again. I love these books! They are a delight.
September 12, 2016
Great fiction
A good set of books to keep you yearning for more! You will not want to put this series down.
A good set of books to keep you yearning for more! You will not want to put this series down.
July 9, 2016
Can't wait for book number 5
Book 4 did not disappointed, it is as intriguing as the first 3 books. Excellent writing, a great story line.
Book 4 did not disappointed, it is as intriguing as the first 3 books. Excellent writing, a great story line.
July 19, 2016
Great continuation of the series. Very well plotted, with some new threads joining the existing ones, and some new characters as well. Can't wait for the next book!
July 20, 2016
Loved!
Great series to read! Couldn't put the books down read them all in under a week. If you are looking for a great fantasy book this is it.
Great series to read! Couldn't put the books down read them all in under a week. If you are looking for a great fantasy book this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews