What do you think?
Rate this book
The Legacy of Androva #1
Stealing Magic
Jax is a fourteen-year-old magic-taker from Androva. He's also a rule breaker. He should not have opened a portal to our world in daylight, no matter how fed up he was with the rules, or how interested he was in Shannon.
Shannon considers herself to be ordinary. She loves escaping into fantasy books, but she never actually believed in magic. Not until the day she opens her eyes to find herself surrounded by it. And that boy, the one with the green eyes, who winks at her before he disappears into thin air. Who is he? Where does he come from?
When Shannon first touches the silver force field created by Jax, a treaty is broken, giving an ancient enemy the chance he needs to regain his power. The two teenagers don't have much time to figure out what is going on, and they're going to need all of their combined magical ability to stand a chance of surviving. The next ten days will be the most exciting and terrifying of their lives (so far!).
The Legacy of Androva is a series of contemporary fantasy books for a lower young adult / upper middle grade audience. The stories are self-contained, with no cliffhangers between books.
Book 1: Stealing Magic
Book 2: Capturing Magic
Book 3: Seeking Magic
Book 4: Controlling Magic
Book 5: Breaking Magic
Shannon considers herself to be ordinary. She loves escaping into fantasy books, but she never actually believed in magic. Not until the day she opens her eyes to find herself surrounded by it. And that boy, the one with the green eyes, who winks at her before he disappears into thin air. Who is he? Where does he come from?
When Shannon first touches the silver force field created by Jax, a treaty is broken, giving an ancient enemy the chance he needs to regain his power. The two teenagers don't have much time to figure out what is going on, and they're going to need all of their combined magical ability to stand a chance of surviving. The next ten days will be the most exciting and terrifying of their lives (so far!).
The Legacy of Androva is a series of contemporary fantasy books for a lower young adult / upper middle grade audience. The stories are self-contained, with no cliffhangers between books.
Book 1: Stealing Magic
Book 2: Capturing Magic
Book 3: Seeking Magic
Book 4: Controlling Magic
Book 5: Breaking Magic
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2016
625 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 1, 2021
Once upon a time, there lived an Ordinary Human Girl. She had light skin, brown hair, and brown eyes. She was just going about her Ordinary Human Girl Life, going to school, doing homework, etc. when one day, she suddenly discovered Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!😱
Of course, she did not believe it could be real. After all, she believed in Science and Logic. She knew that Magic was only something you read about in storybooks. Therefore, she concluded that she must simply be imagining things.🤔😁😁
But then, to her surprise, THE MAGIC WAS ACTUALLY REAL!!!!! That is right everyone, she discovered that Magic had been real all along just no one knew about it! What do you know! Soon she was traveling to a Faraway Magical World with her New Friends!!!!!! She was very scared. In fact, her heart was beating so loudly that she worried everyone else could hear it!!!!!!😫😫😫
As it turned out, this Ordinary Girl herself actually had Magical Powers!!!!! In fact, she had the best, most powerfulest Magical Powers EVER!!!! Not only that, but according to The Prophecy, she would have to be the one to defeat The Evil (a horrible, dark villain with a cruel smirking face who no one had been able to defeat in hundreds of years)!!!!!!😱😱😱😱😱
Would this one Ordinary Girl be able to save the entire world with her Magic???? Or would she fail and be doomed to defeat by The Evil???? Read the book to find out!!!!
~~~~~
Sooooo. If this sounds like a good book to you, then by all means go read it. But to me it was a plain, cookie cutter kids’ fantasy. (Not even the yummy cookie part. just the cutter. by itself.) (that is, not even the actual good fantasy stuff but just the dry bones of a story that was boring and flavorless and UGGHHH in every way.)
The writing style was unbelievably bland and stilted, like it was trying to sound formal but actually just sounded flat instead. The teenage characters’ dialogue was not believable as coming from kids of any world, except maybe some lifeless dystopia (which their “magical world” actually pretty much was—see my next point).
The world building was somewhat existent. I mean, I now know that
• this Magical World has a city with houses, and it has some mountains
• everyone who lives there does magic spells all the time
• they’re ruled by a council of rulers called The Council
• they spend most of their time collecting magic to use to build the barrier that binds The Evil
• fictional books are banned because they might give the youth bad ideas
• for fun, kids play a game where they try to magically hold an item up in the air for as long as possible (because that’s not like the boringest game imaginable or anything)
• oh and I think there might be some talking clouds or something, we got about one sentence of info on that.
That’s literally it. The author clearly was not interested in spending her time on world building, in fact when it was time to describe a library in the magical world, she just wrote that it basically looked like a normal human library. (problem solved!!!) Then later in the story, the characters ate some “food and drink.” What kind of food and drink they ate, we shall never know.
The characters were also very one-dimensional. Shannon is the Ordinary Girl, sort of a placeholder for kids to “imagine yourself here.” Jax is the supposedly dashing, bold, funny, mischievous love interest who is actually just a flat cardboard cutout. Darius is Jax’s somewhat more wimpish best friend. Oh, and they were also all reeeaaally unintelligent.
The storyline, as mentioned before, followed the same predictable outline of every kids’ fantasy ever.
In conclusion, I did not like this book. If I’d read it between the ages of 6 and 12 when I hadn’t read hardly any fantasies yet, I bet I’d have loved it. And if you’re that age you might love it too. But I’m 16 and this was unfortunately not for me.
Of course, she did not believe it could be real. After all, she believed in Science and Logic. She knew that Magic was only something you read about in storybooks. Therefore, she concluded that she must simply be imagining things.🤔😁😁
But then, to her surprise, THE MAGIC WAS ACTUALLY REAL!!!!! That is right everyone, she discovered that Magic had been real all along just no one knew about it! What do you know! Soon she was traveling to a Faraway Magical World with her New Friends!!!!!! She was very scared. In fact, her heart was beating so loudly that she worried everyone else could hear it!!!!!!😫😫😫
As it turned out, this Ordinary Girl herself actually had Magical Powers!!!!! In fact, she had the best, most powerfulest Magical Powers EVER!!!! Not only that, but according to The Prophecy, she would have to be the one to defeat The Evil (a horrible, dark villain with a cruel smirking face who no one had been able to defeat in hundreds of years)!!!!!!😱😱😱😱😱
Would this one Ordinary Girl be able to save the entire world with her Magic???? Or would she fail and be doomed to defeat by The Evil???? Read the book to find out!!!!
~~~~~
Sooooo. If this sounds like a good book to you, then by all means go read it. But to me it was a plain, cookie cutter kids’ fantasy. (Not even the yummy cookie part. just the cutter. by itself.) (that is, not even the actual good fantasy stuff but just the dry bones of a story that was boring and flavorless and UGGHHH in every way.)
The writing style was unbelievably bland and stilted, like it was trying to sound formal but actually just sounded flat instead. The teenage characters’ dialogue was not believable as coming from kids of any world, except maybe some lifeless dystopia (which their “magical world” actually pretty much was—see my next point).
The world building was somewhat existent. I mean, I now know that
• this Magical World has a city with houses, and it has some mountains
• everyone who lives there does magic spells all the time
• they’re ruled by a council of rulers called The Council
• they spend most of their time collecting magic to use to build the barrier that binds The Evil
• fictional books are banned because they might give the youth bad ideas
• for fun, kids play a game where they try to magically hold an item up in the air for as long as possible (because that’s not like the boringest game imaginable or anything)
• oh and I think there might be some talking clouds or something, we got about one sentence of info on that.
That’s literally it. The author clearly was not interested in spending her time on world building, in fact when it was time to describe a library in the magical world, she just wrote that it basically looked like a normal human library. (problem solved!!!) Then later in the story, the characters ate some “food and drink.” What kind of food and drink they ate, we shall never know.
The characters were also very one-dimensional. Shannon is the Ordinary Girl, sort of a placeholder for kids to “imagine yourself here.” Jax is the supposedly dashing, bold, funny, mischievous love interest who is actually just a flat cardboard cutout. Darius is Jax’s somewhat more wimpish best friend. Oh, and they were also all reeeaaally unintelligent.
The storyline, as mentioned before, followed the same predictable outline of every kids’ fantasy ever.
In conclusion, I did not like this book. If I’d read it between the ages of 6 and 12 when I hadn’t read hardly any fantasies yet, I bet I’d have loved it. And if you’re that age you might love it too. But I’m 16 and this was unfortunately not for me.
June 4, 2022
Why did I rate this four stars?
Well, you see, I was a walking trash can a few months ago and I thought these books were amazing. So, in true bookworm fashion, I got in a reading slump and thought, HEY! I HAVE A GREAT IDEA! I really liked this series let’s reread them!
I just want to say.
I regret everything.
This is cliche TRASH.
Jax is toxic.
And Shannon is an idiot.
Penny is shallow.
Darius has less personality then this pen 🖊
Shannon
StOp iT wITH THE SPECIAL GIRL WITH MOUSY BROWN HAIR WHO HAS LOVE INTERESTS INTRODUCED ON THE SECOND PAGE!!!! Shannon is in true protagonist fashion, a cOMPLETE IDIOT.
I mean, these two boys show up, start doing some doctor strange things on your tree and then leave and what do you do?
Well, you obviously don’t tell your parents two kids trespassed in your backyard and vandalized your tree because that would be smart and Shannon doesn’t do THAT.
nO you must become sPeCiAl and then run away with the boys to magical world where you BeLoNg. NoT WiTh ThOsE pEaSaNt TeRrAnS nO yOu BeLoNg WiTh Us AnDrOvAnS. I swear if Jax and Shannon get together- oH WAIT LOL NO 🔪🥲
Jax
Meet the love interest!
Why is he the love interest? I don’t know. No one knows because all Shannon even notices about him is that he has green eyes. I swear I know more about jax’s eyes then I do about the world building of androva.
I don’t even know why Shannon likes him! He is toxic and self centered and vain and yOU CANT FORGET THAT HE IS A RULE BREAKER.
I can’t even with Jax I want to punch him in his smirky little face every time he talks.
We are not amused.
Darius
My white t-shirt has more personality than Darius.
All we know about Darius is that he’s blond and a goody two shoes. That’s it. That’s all we know.
Well unless you count him being a mindless sheep and following along to Jax’s idiotic plans then yea that’s that’s it.
Penny
The only character I was ok with. But I’m sad the only reason she was there was so that Shannon didn’t look like a Bella swan who has no friends. And she likes makeup and boys, so obviously she’s shallow and stupid and never has anything to say. sTOP IT WITH CATEGORIZING GIRLS PLEASE I HATE IT SO MUCH!!!!!
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!
So when Shannon hears about this super powerful magic person, why does she automatically think, hey! Me and my two brain cells could take him on! nO Shannon you can’t! O wait never mind because a kid who’s been a magician for legit TEN DAYS can EASILY defeat a whatever thousand year old man who has trained for longer than Shannon has lived.
And I’m pretty sure all Jax is thinking about is if now is a good time to flirt with Shannon. The idiot didn’t even help during the big showdown. *whispers* please kill me now*
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
Some quotes that made me scream
Not even the story but the description
“Jax is a 14-year old magic-taker from androva. He’s also a rule breaker.”
pLEASE STOP IM HURTING ALREADY
“Where did the boys come from? Why were they stealing magic, and why from her garden? Would they ever come back? What should she do if they did? And how could she stand it if the didn’t?”
O gee Shannon maybe mOvE oN WiTh YoUr LiFe i dOnT kNoW
“”We won’t find the answers on terra,” Jax declared. “you’ll have to come back with me.” He held out his hand. Shannon paused for the longest moment. Then she made up her mind and room hold of his hand.”
Romeo and Juliet who? Please and people think romance is dead. 😢🥺
“Don’t worry, he whispered to her. “My father is very good at making you feel stupid. He does it to me all the time.”
No Jax. No Shannon. He’s just telling you the truth
1 star⭐️ because penny wasn’t insufferable
Well, you see, I was a walking trash can a few months ago and I thought these books were amazing. So, in true bookworm fashion, I got in a reading slump and thought, HEY! I HAVE A GREAT IDEA! I really liked this series let’s reread them!
I just want to say.
I regret everything.
This is cliche TRASH.
Jax is toxic.
And Shannon is an idiot.
Penny is shallow.
Darius has less personality then this pen 🖊
Shannon
StOp iT wITH THE SPECIAL GIRL WITH MOUSY BROWN HAIR WHO HAS LOVE INTERESTS INTRODUCED ON THE SECOND PAGE!!!! Shannon is in true protagonist fashion, a cOMPLETE IDIOT.
I mean, these two boys show up, start doing some doctor strange things on your tree and then leave and what do you do?
Well, you obviously don’t tell your parents two kids trespassed in your backyard and vandalized your tree because that would be smart and Shannon doesn’t do THAT.
nO you must become sPeCiAl and then run away with the boys to magical world where you BeLoNg. NoT WiTh ThOsE pEaSaNt TeRrAnS nO yOu BeLoNg WiTh Us AnDrOvAnS. I swear if Jax and Shannon get together- oH WAIT LOL NO 🔪🥲
Jax
Meet the love interest!
Why is he the love interest? I don’t know. No one knows because all Shannon even notices about him is that he has green eyes. I swear I know more about jax’s eyes then I do about the world building of androva.
I don’t even know why Shannon likes him! He is toxic and self centered and vain and yOU CANT FORGET THAT HE IS A RULE BREAKER.
I can’t even with Jax I want to punch him in his smirky little face every time he talks.
We are not amused.
Darius
My white t-shirt has more personality than Darius.
All we know about Darius is that he’s blond and a goody two shoes. That’s it. That’s all we know.
Well unless you count him being a mindless sheep and following along to Jax’s idiotic plans then yea that’s that’s it.
Penny
The only character I was ok with. But I’m sad the only reason she was there was so that Shannon didn’t look like a Bella swan who has no friends. And she likes makeup and boys, so obviously she’s shallow and stupid and never has anything to say. sTOP IT WITH CATEGORIZING GIRLS PLEASE I HATE IT SO MUCH!!!!!
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!
So when Shannon hears about this super powerful magic person, why does she automatically think, hey! Me and my two brain cells could take him on! nO Shannon you can’t! O wait never mind because a kid who’s been a magician for legit TEN DAYS can EASILY defeat a whatever thousand year old man who has trained for longer than Shannon has lived.
And I’m pretty sure all Jax is thinking about is if now is a good time to flirt with Shannon. The idiot didn’t even help during the big showdown. *whispers* please kill me now*
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
Some quotes that made me scream
Not even the story but the description
“Jax is a 14-year old magic-taker from androva. He’s also a rule breaker.”
pLEASE STOP IM HURTING ALREADY
“Where did the boys come from? Why were they stealing magic, and why from her garden? Would they ever come back? What should she do if they did? And how could she stand it if the didn’t?”
O gee Shannon maybe mOvE oN WiTh YoUr LiFe i dOnT kNoW
“”We won’t find the answers on terra,” Jax declared. “you’ll have to come back with me.” He held out his hand. Shannon paused for the longest moment. Then she made up her mind and room hold of his hand.”
Romeo and Juliet who? Please and people think romance is dead. 😢🥺
“Don’t worry, he whispered to her. “My father is very good at making you feel stupid. He does it to me all the time.”
No Jax. No Shannon. He’s just telling you the truth
1 star⭐️ because penny wasn’t insufferable
August 4, 2023
If you absolutely love this book then don't read this review. It will prbly make you mad!!!!!!
Okay I completely hated this book from page one to to chapter 21. Chapter 22 and 23 were fun tho! idk if I'll read the next one. It depends. But anyway it was fine. The dialogue was flat and plain, the story predictive, and the characters were whiny. I just felt like I'd read this book before, ya know? These sort of books annoy me SO MUCH!!!! I get all excited but then they're just dumb reads.
So yeah, very dumb! But also
SHANNON TRUSTS COMPLETE STRANGERS WHO WERE TALKING ABOUT CONSEQUENCES IF SHE KNEW STUFF!!!!!!
But then she acts betrayed when people do bad stuff. Well guess what? It was HER OWN FAULT FOR TRUSTING RANDOM PEOPLE!!!!!!
Come on, it's magic 101. Everybody knows these things!!
Sry I got carried away. Shannon is just a big problem for me. She just acts like everything needs to be handed to her on a silver platter🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Anyway, thanks for reading!
Okay I completely hated this book from page one to to chapter 21. Chapter 22 and 23 were fun tho! idk if I'll read the next one. It depends. But anyway it was fine. The dialogue was flat and plain, the story predictive, and the characters were whiny. I just felt like I'd read this book before, ya know? These sort of books annoy me SO MUCH!!!! I get all excited but then they're just dumb reads.
So yeah, very dumb! But also
SHANNON TRUSTS COMPLETE STRANGERS WHO WERE TALKING ABOUT CONSEQUENCES IF SHE KNEW STUFF!!!!!!
But then she acts betrayed when people do bad stuff. Well guess what? It was HER OWN FAULT FOR TRUSTING RANDOM PEOPLE!!!!!!
Come on, it's magic 101. Everybody knows these things!!
Sry I got carried away. Shannon is just a big problem for me. She just acts like everything needs to be handed to her on a silver platter🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Anyway, thanks for reading!
May 11, 2021
If you've ever read a decent fantasy book in your life, you probably shouldn't read this. There are better books to spent your time reading. If you haven't read a decent fantasy book, then go ahead and read this one. Actually no, don't, cause then you'll get a bad first impression on fantasy books and never read another one again, and we don't want that now, do we??
I don't enjoy being negative about books, so I'm dreadfully sorry. But...EEP, this book! Yeah.
I don't even know where to start. So, ask me what I know about the main character.
"What do you know about the main character?"
Okay, um...she's got brown hair, pale skin, brown eyes...she likes reading...um...oh, right, and she has a best friend named Penny. Ta-dah! There is no character complexity, no character arc, no character...anything. As if the author tried too hard to make the MC relatable, and thus made her all the more not relatable.
What about Jax? Well, black hair, green eyes, and he's really mischievous. A rule-breaker. Never heard that one before.
Darius, who's the ALMOST cowardly best friend who we know almost nothing about.
Revus, the dad, who's a jerk and then kinda nice and then a jerk again...and then kinda nice again!!
And of course, the Evil. The mysterious old guy from ages past who's been cooped up in a tower getting stronger in order to break out and take over the world. YAY. Lots of complexity there.
(this honestly hurts)
Ask me what I know about the World setting.
"What do you know about the World setting?"
Right, so there's magic...more magic...a council, some rules called the Code, books aren't allowed...yeah, that's it.
REALLY?
I don't even know what the world looks like! What kind of houses they live in! What the terrain is like, where it is in relation to our world, what kind of food they eat, or transportation, or medical information, or ANYTHING in those lists of Mandatory Questions to Answer When Worldbuilding.
No one talks like these people talk. '"No, father," Jax said. "Do not let your impatience cloud your judgement."' Yeah, cause we all talk to our dads like that. UM...
Basically this was the epitome of cliche, predictable, cookie-cutter books. All showing, no telling, no description, no realistic thought processes...
The thing is, it's a good plot! The plot in its pure, unrefined form is relatively good! But the writing style, boring characters, and lack of emotion, detail, and excitement ruined the idea of the plot completely.
To try to end this slightly encouraging-ly...there are a bunch of good books out there! Truly! I would suggest those over this one!!
(Maybe more like 1.5 stars...)
BUG OUT!
I don't enjoy being negative about books, so I'm dreadfully sorry. But...EEP, this book! Yeah.
I don't even know where to start. So, ask me what I know about the main character.
"What do you know about the main character?"
Okay, um...she's got brown hair, pale skin, brown eyes...she likes reading...um...oh, right, and she has a best friend named Penny. Ta-dah! There is no character complexity, no character arc, no character...anything. As if the author tried too hard to make the MC relatable, and thus made her all the more not relatable.
What about Jax? Well, black hair, green eyes, and he's really mischievous. A rule-breaker. Never heard that one before.
Darius, who's the ALMOST cowardly best friend who we know almost nothing about.
Revus, the dad, who's a jerk and then kinda nice and then a jerk again...and then kinda nice again!!
And of course, the Evil. The mysterious old guy from ages past who's been cooped up in a tower getting stronger in order to break out and take over the world. YAY. Lots of complexity there.
(this honestly hurts)
Ask me what I know about the World setting.
"What do you know about the World setting?"
Right, so there's magic...more magic...a council, some rules called the Code, books aren't allowed...yeah, that's it.
REALLY?
I don't even know what the world looks like! What kind of houses they live in! What the terrain is like, where it is in relation to our world, what kind of food they eat, or transportation, or medical information, or ANYTHING in those lists of Mandatory Questions to Answer When Worldbuilding.
No one talks like these people talk. '"No, father," Jax said. "Do not let your impatience cloud your judgement."' Yeah, cause we all talk to our dads like that. UM...
Basically this was the epitome of cliche, predictable, cookie-cutter books. All showing, no telling, no description, no realistic thought processes...
The thing is, it's a good plot! The plot in its pure, unrefined form is relatively good! But the writing style, boring characters, and lack of emotion, detail, and excitement ruined the idea of the plot completely.
To try to end this slightly encouraging-ly...there are a bunch of good books out there! Truly! I would suggest those over this one!!
(Maybe more like 1.5 stars...)
BUG OUT!
February 3, 2020
really good fun and enduring good and fun but mature characters and good and fun story
May 29, 2021
*2.5
The concepts of the world and magic are kinda interesting, but you could tell that the book it was written by an amateur author. For example, there are lots of formatting errors (extra space between each paragraph, hyphens instead of em dashes, character thoughts not italicized, etc.).
Despite that, I still found Stealing Magic a fun way to pass the time.
The concepts of the world and magic are kinda interesting, but you could tell that the book it was written by an amateur author. For example, there are lots of formatting errors (extra space between each paragraph, hyphens instead of em dashes, character thoughts not italicized, etc.).
Despite that, I still found Stealing Magic a fun way to pass the time.
January 18, 2017
This book is about Jax and Shannon two teenagers from different worlds and only one knowing the other exists, until she opens her eyes and discovers a whole new world.
This book has a lot of action and quirkiness to it, young and old would appreciate this book because it opens up so much. I would say this book has the writing style of Pendragon, not the plot but the ability to draw its readers in!
This book is geared toward teens and young adults, while I may convince myself I am still a kid!I am a big kid at heart. This book reminds me of all the book I read when I was in middle school, when the world was still fresh and inviting. I simply love paranormal books and a big plus for building a book outside of typical Earth. Alex takes something common such as the paranormal and twists into a new refreshed fantasy.
I will admit that I read it to my daughter for two nights and greedily read the rest of it today after she adventured off to dreamland. I just know she is going to love this series. The way her eyes lit up and she had so many questions about the book. It was a joy to see a non-book lover like her to take such an interest.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Book Blurb:
What would you do? Would you open your eyes, if you were the one that heard them? Two magic-takers from another world, arguing about whether they can collect what they came for before you wake up. It sounds like a crazy dream, or a practical joke. But what if the air around you started to vibrate with an invisible force field? What if, all at once, it felt terrifying yet familiar too?
You would have no way of knowing that your life would change forever. That this discovery would set you on a path no-one from our world has taken for centuries. Towards a deadly enemy, and a fight that you will almost certainly lose. All you know is that your heart is beating so fast you’re worried they will hear it, and your brain is starting to buzz as the force field reaches it. Would you open your eyes?
Join Jax and Shannon as they live through the most exciting and terrifying ten days of their lives (so far). This is the first book in the Legacy of Androva series.
Book 1: Stealing Magic
Book 2: Capturing Magic
Book 3: Seeking Magic
Book 4: Controlling Magic
This book has a lot of action and quirkiness to it, young and old would appreciate this book because it opens up so much. I would say this book has the writing style of Pendragon, not the plot but the ability to draw its readers in!
This book is geared toward teens and young adults, while I may convince myself I am still a kid!I am a big kid at heart. This book reminds me of all the book I read when I was in middle school, when the world was still fresh and inviting. I simply love paranormal books and a big plus for building a book outside of typical Earth. Alex takes something common such as the paranormal and twists into a new refreshed fantasy.
I will admit that I read it to my daughter for two nights and greedily read the rest of it today after she adventured off to dreamland. I just know she is going to love this series. The way her eyes lit up and she had so many questions about the book. It was a joy to see a non-book lover like her to take such an interest.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
Book Blurb:
What would you do? Would you open your eyes, if you were the one that heard them? Two magic-takers from another world, arguing about whether they can collect what they came for before you wake up. It sounds like a crazy dream, or a practical joke. But what if the air around you started to vibrate with an invisible force field? What if, all at once, it felt terrifying yet familiar too?
You would have no way of knowing that your life would change forever. That this discovery would set you on a path no-one from our world has taken for centuries. Towards a deadly enemy, and a fight that you will almost certainly lose. All you know is that your heart is beating so fast you’re worried they will hear it, and your brain is starting to buzz as the force field reaches it. Would you open your eyes?
Join Jax and Shannon as they live through the most exciting and terrifying ten days of their lives (so far). This is the first book in the Legacy of Androva series.
Book 1: Stealing Magic
Book 2: Capturing Magic
Book 3: Seeking Magic
Book 4: Controlling Magic
December 21, 2016
Great read for a tween, but not so challenging for anyone older than that. The story is very intreging, enjoyable for any age.
June 4, 2022
✯✧ ☾ 𝕾𝖙𝖊𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕸𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈☽✧✯
3.5 Stars
Shannon's life was completely normal, until the day she found out about Androva. Mischievous fourteen-year old Jax has broken an ancient treaty. When Jax opens up a portal to harvest magic, Shannon sees him. She is one of the first Terrans in a while to witness a person from Androva. When she touches a silver force field created by Jax, magic is awakened within her. Shannon is brought by Jax to explore Androva, and find out about magic. But they must find out how to stop havoc from being wrecked because of the broken treaty. And stop a feared powerful magician. A story that has interesting world-building tying our world (Terra/Earth) history with Androva, a magical world.
*disclaimer: My book reviews are not meant in any way to stop people from reading this book or determining the value of this book. It is solely just to write about my opinion on this book. I make sure to always try to include criticism/praise!
The Legacy of Androva is a promising start to the series, despite a few parts of the plot that felt monotonous.
Some quotes collected:
"She can't hear us," came the voice "Look she sleeps, and besides I've never been caught before."
Sorry to disappoint Jax. She has ears, she can hear you. She's not sleeping. So you've never been caught, well now you are. Shannon is not the smartest, but she has natural common sense to be worried if random strangers are doing Harry Potter or Doctor Strange magic in her backyard.
"Shannon was a intelligent girl,"
I might have believed that if Shannon didn't literally follow some guy just because he did magic or because he had "green eyes" (that was repeatedly described to us like green was some cool thing to be described in several ways). Like here is the thing Shannon was
a) Not in the best mental state and seeing things
b) dreaming
No matter what she thought she was seeing who in common sense would follow some guy? I mean yes! Magic is amazing, and any glimpse of magic being real would be amazing. But anyone who had common sense wouldn't just follow some random guy because he winks, has green eyes, "insanely gorgeous" according to Shannon in five different ways, and has sparkly grey fluid/vapor? Magic flowing out of his hands.
"Although Shannon had not fully recognize it, or understand it, until a lot more time passed, Shannon was no longer the same person as she had been before the arrival of Jax and Darius."
No kidding... she might have lost a few brain cells.
"Shannon paused for the longest moment, then she made up her mind and took his hand."
FoR tHe LoNgEsT mOmEnT?
"I couldn't believe that a book was more engaging than me!"
Well Jax, I'm sorry, but a book is more engaging. I mean, sometimes he is a (bit)? Ok he is possessive.
Basically, the plot point that set the wheels in motion for the plot to start going was one that I did not like. I just don't like the message of seeing some random person who has magic! And following them? Then there was the world-building. Although I thought it was good, I though certain areas where described well. While others lacked majorly. For example, there wasn't a big sense of what houses in Androva looked like, what the food was like, what the plants were like. What we knew was there was a council, a bad guy, and a Sygnus.
Although this is book one in a series, there was absolutely no character growth/moments leading up to character growth in this book. I thought that Shannon was overly dramatic in situations. Shannon also felt shallow sometimes and got upset really easily. She was the "not-like-other-girls" trope but kept on going on about how she was "so normal." Jax was mischievous and didn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He was also possessive and his romance with Shannon felt rushed. Darius was the goody-two-shoes sidekick. He was a character that needed more complexities. It felt a lot like he existed only to be the person who solves things when Jax and Shannon are mad.
Penny was okay, but not memorable or special. I did find the Terran and Androva history very cool. I did feel however, that the very powerful antagonist was defeated so easily?
I enjoy series with one direct antagonist and it will be interesting to see where the series will go.
🆗PLOT
✅PLOT TWIST
🆗CHARACTER
3.5 Stars
Shannon's life was completely normal, until the day she found out about Androva. Mischievous fourteen-year old Jax has broken an ancient treaty. When Jax opens up a portal to harvest magic, Shannon sees him. She is one of the first Terrans in a while to witness a person from Androva. When she touches a silver force field created by Jax, magic is awakened within her. Shannon is brought by Jax to explore Androva, and find out about magic. But they must find out how to stop havoc from being wrecked because of the broken treaty. And stop a feared powerful magician. A story that has interesting world-building tying our world (Terra/Earth) history with Androva, a magical world.
*disclaimer: My book reviews are not meant in any way to stop people from reading this book or determining the value of this book. It is solely just to write about my opinion on this book. I make sure to always try to include criticism/praise!
The Legacy of Androva is a promising start to the series, despite a few parts of the plot that felt monotonous.
Some quotes collected:
"She can't hear us," came the voice "Look she sleeps, and besides I've never been caught before."
Sorry to disappoint Jax. She has ears, she can hear you. She's not sleeping. So you've never been caught, well now you are. Shannon is not the smartest, but she has natural common sense to be worried if random strangers are doing Harry Potter or Doctor Strange magic in her backyard.
"Shannon was a intelligent girl,"
I might have believed that if Shannon didn't literally follow some guy just because he did magic or because he had "green eyes" (that was repeatedly described to us like green was some cool thing to be described in several ways). Like here is the thing Shannon was
a) Not in the best mental state and seeing things
b) dreaming
No matter what she thought she was seeing who in common sense would follow some guy? I mean yes! Magic is amazing, and any glimpse of magic being real would be amazing. But anyone who had common sense wouldn't just follow some random guy because he winks, has green eyes, "insanely gorgeous" according to Shannon in five different ways, and has sparkly grey fluid/vapor? Magic flowing out of his hands.
"Although Shannon had not fully recognize it, or understand it, until a lot more time passed, Shannon was no longer the same person as she had been before the arrival of Jax and Darius."
No kidding... she might have lost a few brain cells.
"Shannon paused for the longest moment, then she made up her mind and took his hand."
FoR tHe LoNgEsT mOmEnT?
"I couldn't believe that a book was more engaging than me!"
Well Jax, I'm sorry, but a book is more engaging. I mean, sometimes he is a (bit)? Ok he is possessive.
Basically, the plot point that set the wheels in motion for the plot to start going was one that I did not like. I just don't like the message of seeing some random person who has magic! And following them? Then there was the world-building. Although I thought it was good, I though certain areas where described well. While others lacked majorly. For example, there wasn't a big sense of what houses in Androva looked like, what the food was like, what the plants were like. What we knew was there was a council, a bad guy, and a Sygnus.
Although this is book one in a series, there was absolutely no character growth/moments leading up to character growth in this book. I thought that Shannon was overly dramatic in situations. Shannon also felt shallow sometimes and got upset really easily. She was the "not-like-other-girls" trope but kept on going on about how she was "so normal." Jax was mischievous and didn't seem to learn from his mistakes. He was also possessive and his romance with Shannon felt rushed. Darius was the goody-two-shoes sidekick. He was a character that needed more complexities. It felt a lot like he existed only to be the person who solves things when Jax and Shannon are mad.
Penny was okay, but not memorable or special. I did find the Terran and Androva history very cool. I did feel however, that the very powerful antagonist was defeated so easily?
I enjoy series with one direct antagonist and it will be interesting to see where the series will go.
🆗PLOT
✅PLOT TWIST
🆗CHARACTER
July 26, 2017
This book was entered and was a FINALIST in The 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Stealing Magic
Author: Alex C Vick
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of 22 Readers:
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 22 readers:
20 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
12 felt the author’ strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
20 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I think this is the first book in the set. After reading it, I wanted to read the rest, so I did. I liked all of them but, actually, the first book is the best. I loved the magic and the chemistry between Shannon and Jax. I’m now a big fan.’ Girl, aged 13
‘It was the lessons I enjoyed the most in this book. The characters really help the young reader to understand loyalty and trust. My class off 11 yr olds enjoyed it too. They liked Androva and the way the author described the fantasy world; they also enjoyed getting to know the diverse set of characters, from Jaz to Marcus to Shannon.’ Primary teacher, aged 33
‘A very clever plot. I loved all the twists and turns. Jax was the best character in it. He’s a rule breaker. Bad boys rule!’ Girl, aged 13
‘The three central characters reminded me a bit of the three in Harry Potter. There’s good chemistry, a little humour and a tiny bit of romance. The plot is fun to follow. I liked how Shannon was so good at magic when she started to practice. The cover did not grab me. I think it’s a bit silly looking. But the story did!’ Boy, aged 13
‘Wow! Super exciting. I’m going to read all of them.’ Boy, aged 13
‘I read Stealing Magic over six days. I read it on my iPad, and I didn’t put it down.’ Girl, aged 13
‘A suspense-filled, magical adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Stealing Magic
Author: Alex C Vick
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of 22 Readers:
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 22 readers:
20 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
12 felt the author’ strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
20 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I think this is the first book in the set. After reading it, I wanted to read the rest, so I did. I liked all of them but, actually, the first book is the best. I loved the magic and the chemistry between Shannon and Jax. I’m now a big fan.’ Girl, aged 13
‘It was the lessons I enjoyed the most in this book. The characters really help the young reader to understand loyalty and trust. My class off 11 yr olds enjoyed it too. They liked Androva and the way the author described the fantasy world; they also enjoyed getting to know the diverse set of characters, from Jaz to Marcus to Shannon.’ Primary teacher, aged 33
‘A very clever plot. I loved all the twists and turns. Jax was the best character in it. He’s a rule breaker. Bad boys rule!’ Girl, aged 13
‘The three central characters reminded me a bit of the three in Harry Potter. There’s good chemistry, a little humour and a tiny bit of romance. The plot is fun to follow. I liked how Shannon was so good at magic when she started to practice. The cover did not grab me. I think it’s a bit silly looking. But the story did!’ Boy, aged 13
‘Wow! Super exciting. I’m going to read all of them.’ Boy, aged 13
‘I read Stealing Magic over six days. I read it on my iPad, and I didn’t put it down.’ Girl, aged 13
‘A suspense-filled, magical adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
December 19, 2016
3.5 stars.
Magic, mystery and a little bit of mayhem lie at the heart of this fun, middle grade adventure. Shannon is an ordinary Earth girl who loves to read and who wakes up one lazy afternoon to overhear two alien boys stealing magic from her garden. It’s a tale full of the wonders of magic, and the problems that follow when people break the rules. It’s also about loyalty and friendship and taking chances if that’s what it takes to save the world.
Shannon may seem ordinary, but she’s full of potential, while Jax is already the most promising magic user of his age. Which has made him a little bit arrogant and over-confident, not to mention determined to break the silly rules that no one will bother explaining to him.
To be honest, it seemed a bit daft that no one on Androva could learn the truth about those rules before they turned eighteen. Especially when it’s young teens who are the best at gathering magic from Terra. It’s not surprising that Jax is rebelling against them, since they make no sense to him. The only surprise is that he’s the first.
Still, it does leave everything open to discovery and wonder as Shannon and Jax become firm friends, and along with another boy, Darius, they set about uncovering the secrets and trying to fix any mistakes they may have made in breaking the rules. There’s trouble aplenty heading their way, thanks to some unpleasant adults and of course the big bad that lurks behind all the rules.
With likeable characters and an interesting plot, this is a highly enjoyable read, particularly for tweens. It has adventure, discovery, excitement, danger, friendship, a tiny touch of romance and plenty of magic. In all this is a good start to the series and leaves you wondering just where it will head next.
(Review copy provided by the author.)
Magic, mystery and a little bit of mayhem lie at the heart of this fun, middle grade adventure. Shannon is an ordinary Earth girl who loves to read and who wakes up one lazy afternoon to overhear two alien boys stealing magic from her garden. It’s a tale full of the wonders of magic, and the problems that follow when people break the rules. It’s also about loyalty and friendship and taking chances if that’s what it takes to save the world.
Shannon may seem ordinary, but she’s full of potential, while Jax is already the most promising magic user of his age. Which has made him a little bit arrogant and over-confident, not to mention determined to break the silly rules that no one will bother explaining to him.
To be honest, it seemed a bit daft that no one on Androva could learn the truth about those rules before they turned eighteen. Especially when it’s young teens who are the best at gathering magic from Terra. It’s not surprising that Jax is rebelling against them, since they make no sense to him. The only surprise is that he’s the first.
Still, it does leave everything open to discovery and wonder as Shannon and Jax become firm friends, and along with another boy, Darius, they set about uncovering the secrets and trying to fix any mistakes they may have made in breaking the rules. There’s trouble aplenty heading their way, thanks to some unpleasant adults and of course the big bad that lurks behind all the rules.
With likeable characters and an interesting plot, this is a highly enjoyable read, particularly for tweens. It has adventure, discovery, excitement, danger, friendship, a tiny touch of romance and plenty of magic. In all this is a good start to the series and leaves you wondering just where it will head next.
(Review copy provided by the author.)
June 10, 2018
While I frequently read young adult fantasy, this certainly feels like a book meant for a younger reader. The reviews and ratings it received are impressive, but I found the characters and plot stiff and oversimplified. I won't fault a story for not appealing to readers older than the intended audience, but I feel others have done a better job at exactly that.
Like the books banned on Androva, this book seems almost like a fairy tale, in message and in complexity.
I'm sitting around a 3.5 right now. We'll see where that pans out, but I have added Book 2 to my reading que.
Like the books banned on Androva, this book seems almost like a fairy tale, in message and in complexity.
I'm sitting around a 3.5 right now. We'll see where that pans out, but I have added Book 2 to my reading que.
March 16, 2017
One day, you discover yourself as having a magic and even could travel into a parallel dimension and could cast your own magic which sound awesome! I love Jax and Shannon character in this book, even though they are very young but they do know how to handle each of the situation in calming way and try to figure out what to do and how to do it. I really enjoy reading Stealing Magic and couldn't wait to read the next series.
May 31, 2017
A Good book for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders
I enjoyed this book but I felt it was a little to young for me personally. This was the reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 star rating. Now with that said I do feel upper elementary students would enjoy it. I have two grandchildren in that age group that would like this book and I will read the next two books also so I can recommend this series to they. Keep up the good work and I do look forward to reading your next book.
I enjoyed this book but I felt it was a little to young for me personally. This was the reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5 star rating. Now with that said I do feel upper elementary students would enjoy it. I have two grandchildren in that age group that would like this book and I will read the next two books also so I can recommend this series to they. Keep up the good work and I do look forward to reading your next book.
September 17, 2021
Eh. This was ok. The writing was disjointed and boring. The descriptions were more like banal lists. The characters were like-able, but not developed enough to see why they liked each other. The writing. Also seemed rushed, like they were trying to squeeze all the events in with a certain page limit. I enjoy middle grade and YA fantasy, but this was not my favorite. There are better storylines and writing elsewhere.
December 31, 2021
I really liked the story line of this book but I feel it could have been written better. The book also seemed a little young for a YA. I also feel the author could have done a little more world building. The book was pretty basic with not many major twists and turns. Unfortunately I was expecting a lot more from this book then it delivered.
Spoilers!!
Can we talk about the whole love aspect I mean Shannon falls in love with jack who SNUCK into her backyard and we’re all ok with that?!? I mean that is crazy plus there’s no real reason for them to fall in love. They barely know each other!
I hope the next book is better but I don’t know if I’ll read it.
Spoilers!!
Can we talk about the whole love aspect I mean Shannon falls in love with jack who SNUCK into her backyard and we’re all ok with that?!? I mean that is crazy plus there’s no real reason for them to fall in love. They barely know each other!
I hope the next book is better but I don’t know if I’ll read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
A solid premise
Interesting storyline. Plotwise, I would like more of the world.
I was left a bit unmoved, emotion-wise, maybe because the storytelling felt report-like. She felt this, he did that, they accepted their tasks, etc.
And the climax was a bit short, I guess.
But I will probably read a sequel, since there are benefits of the book being short.
You can read it in short time, and it still is entertaining.
Interesting storyline. Plotwise, I would like more of the world.
I was left a bit unmoved, emotion-wise, maybe because the storytelling felt report-like. She felt this, he did that, they accepted their tasks, etc.
And the climax was a bit short, I guess.
But I will probably read a sequel, since there are benefits of the book being short.
You can read it in short time, and it still is entertaining.
March 15, 2017
Book Review- Stealing Magic by Alex C. Vick
Jax and Darius are harvesting magic like they are supposed to do, but they are doing it during the day which is against the rules. Another rule is broken when Shannon hears them. After that moment her life is forever changed. She learns of another world, magic and her own abilities.
Jax and Darius take Shannon to their world to figure out what is going wrong. Something has changed. They need to figure out what is really going on and why. A great evil is threatening Androva and a prophesy has been revealed. Jax and Shannon play a big part in saving Androva. The council refuses to believe two children will stop what is coming. Jax and Shannon have to fight against the rules and the council to do what they have to do.
This was a unique storyline. I like the idea of the two worlds and how a treaty was enacted. Magic staying only on one world and the other with knowledge. Of course the secret will get out and leave it to thirteen year olds to do it. Jax and Darius are great friends. Jax being pretty fearless with Darius along for the ride. Jax pushing against the boundaries and rules set forth. Definite typical teenage behavior rules this story with some magic thrown in.
I like how the author shows the adults underestimating the teens. They appear just as capable in what they are doing. It is suspenseful with the fear they have of getting caught. They make a good team of characters. Jax and Shannon are cute. It’s a pretty good read for the preteen, early teen reader. I give it a 4 out of 5.
July 24, 2020
THIS BOOK ☝IS A WONDERFUL,AMAZING STORY!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AUTHOR & HER FUN STORYLINE! I, SO ENJOYED READING 📚THIS BOOK, THE CHARACTERS WERE VERY CLEARLY IDENTIFIED! I DO BELIEVE THE AUTHOR IS VERY GIFTED & HAS WRITTEN A BOOK MANY PEOPLE WILL FIND ENTERTAINING! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AUTHOR & HER FUN STORYLINE! I, SO ENJOYED READING 📚THIS BOOK, THE CHARACTERS WERE VERY CLEARLY IDENTIFIED! I DO BELIEVE THE AUTHOR IS VERY GIFTED & HAS WRITTEN A BOOK MANY PEOPLE WILL FIND ENTERTAINING! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀
January 28, 2018
This was a pretty good read with fantasy and a little bit of a romantic vibe but very subtle. It’s definitely a good read for YA when my daughter gets older I’ll have her read it cause I know she’d enjoy it. It’s a cute short book
July 18, 2022
Good book and i liked reading it.
I liked the adventure and the magical theme of this book. I would recommend this book to some friends who likes medical books likes me. I for this teasing because i really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
I liked the adventure and the magical theme of this book. I would recommend this book to some friends who likes medical books likes me. I for this teasing because i really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 8, 2020
Really enjoyed it! Great book for anyone that loves Harry Potter.
December 24, 2021
Fun and engaging
I enjoy fantasy and this didn’t disappoint however I found the writing a bit juvenile. The story was engaging and fun.
I enjoy fantasy and this didn’t disappoint however I found the writing a bit juvenile. The story was engaging and fun.
February 12, 2022
Starts off iffy but once you read further into the series it gets better
January 8, 2025
Jaw droppingly good!
May 30, 2025
very interesting
Great read really enjoyed slow at first but still kept me very intrigued. Love the nature of it and the atmosphere
Great read really enjoyed slow at first but still kept me very intrigued. Love the nature of it and the atmosphere
December 20, 2020
This is always going to be one of my favorite book series! The story was so well played out and the characters were perfectly put together! I was so sad when I finished the series and wished I could just go back in time and go through the experience again! I absolutely loved it and think it should really become more popular among readers!
October 11, 2023
A story that starts from stranger to friend to lover.💞 This book will leave you smiling and wanting for more! Although the falling action went by pretty quick, I still enjoyed it!
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
February 18, 2017
Jax and Darius live in world with magic and are sent out nightly along with other teens from their world to Terra, Earth to harvest the magic from the trees. While they are on Terra one night harvesting the magic they spot a girl about their age asleep in the garden behind her home. Darius being the one that likes to follow the rules informs Jax they have to leave before this girl wakes up and sees them.
Now the reason they go to Terra at night to harvest the magic is because no one on Earth is supposed to see them if anyone does there will be terrible consequences to face. But before they can make it back to their world through the portal the girl Shannon wakes and sees them.
Jax being your typical teenager who is very mischievous does not take to well to following all the rules and likes to do his own thing. Besides the boy has a very inquisitive mind. So therefore asks lots of questions as to why they have to harvest the magic and what the reasons are behind all the rules. Once the boys break the rules and then are caught doing it the boys try to make amends.
I really enjoyed following Jax, Darius, Shannon and all the other characters on their quest of harvesting the magic and finding out all the secrets that the people on Androva have been keeping through the generations. The world building was out of this world magnificent. I can’t wait to read more about Jax, Darius and Shannon and what adventures they will take us on next. If you have not read Stealing Magic then let me suggest that you do well that is if you like reading all things magical.
Now the reason they go to Terra at night to harvest the magic is because no one on Earth is supposed to see them if anyone does there will be terrible consequences to face. But before they can make it back to their world through the portal the girl Shannon wakes and sees them.
Jax being your typical teenager who is very mischievous does not take to well to following all the rules and likes to do his own thing. Besides the boy has a very inquisitive mind. So therefore asks lots of questions as to why they have to harvest the magic and what the reasons are behind all the rules. Once the boys break the rules and then are caught doing it the boys try to make amends.
I really enjoyed following Jax, Darius, Shannon and all the other characters on their quest of harvesting the magic and finding out all the secrets that the people on Androva have been keeping through the generations. The world building was out of this world magnificent. I can’t wait to read more about Jax, Darius and Shannon and what adventures they will take us on next. If you have not read Stealing Magic then let me suggest that you do well that is if you like reading all things magical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews