What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mage Chronicles #1
DarkSkull Hall
All she wanted was to be a princess….
… instead she was born with magic.
Could one girl be enough to save them all?
Soon after her sixteenth birthday, Lady Alyx Egalion’s world is shattered when she learns that she is the daughter of a mage and must leave the boy she loves to travel to the distant DarkSkull Hall and learn her magic..
Following a harrowing journey, Alyx finds herself in a dangerous world where courage, magic and a growing friendship with DarkSkull’s other misfits are the only things she can rely on for survival. And the longer she stays, the more she discovers about the terrible secrets that hide her true past—secrets that challenge everything she’s ever believed in.
Outside DarkSkull Hall, mages are disappearing without a trace, and an uneasy peace begins to crack, threatening the beloved home she yearns to return to. Alyx’s long-buried magic might be enough to save them all… if she can learn to master it.
Read DarkSkull Hall and dive into the breathtaking young adult fantasy world of The Mage Chronicles...
… instead she was born with magic.
Could one girl be enough to save them all?
Soon after her sixteenth birthday, Lady Alyx Egalion’s world is shattered when she learns that she is the daughter of a mage and must leave the boy she loves to travel to the distant DarkSkull Hall and learn her magic..
Following a harrowing journey, Alyx finds herself in a dangerous world where courage, magic and a growing friendship with DarkSkull’s other misfits are the only things she can rely on for survival. And the longer she stays, the more she discovers about the terrible secrets that hide her true past—secrets that challenge everything she’s ever believed in.
Outside DarkSkull Hall, mages are disappearing without a trace, and an uneasy peace begins to crack, threatening the beloved home she yearns to return to. Alyx’s long-buried magic might be enough to save them all… if she can learn to master it.
Read DarkSkull Hall and dive into the breathtaking young adult fantasy world of The Mage Chronicles...
538 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2016
354 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Cassidy
18 books256 followersLisa is a fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She’s a self-confessed coffee snob (don’t try coming near her with any of that instant coffee rubbish) but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers.
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.
A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently completed the final book in her latest series, The Inkweaver Archive, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.
Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.
Lisa loves to chat to her readers! Check out her website for free bonus content, details on her street team, and info on her reader forum, the Inkweavers (lisacassidyauthor).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 16, 2024
I absolutely adored my first foray into Ms. Cassidy’s writing (A Tale of Sword and Shadows series), so I immediately jumped into the next series of hers that I could find. The writing style is just as good, the overall story is just as compelling. BUT (yep, there it is) I could not stand the main character! And sadly, that ruins the enjoyment of much of the story. Alyx is a spoiled, self-centered, elitist, snob throughout the first half of the book and that doesn’t change much throughout the second half, she just adds whiney and lazy to the list as the book progresses. GAH!
Still, I’m crossing my fingers and diving into the second book in hopes that she at least grows up a bit because everything else about the series holds all kinds of promise.
P.S. The series is YA. Something I didn’t realize when I picked the first book up.
Still, I’m crossing my fingers and diving into the second book in hopes that she at least grows up a bit because everything else about the series holds all kinds of promise.
P.S. The series is YA. Something I didn’t realize when I picked the first book up.
May 22, 2017
This review and more on my blog www.rosalynkelly.co.uk/blog
[I received a free copy of this book from the author to review.]
3.5 stars!
This YA fantasy is super enjoyable, a quick read with intrigue, well-formed characters, vivid descriptions and excellent worldbuilding. I was completely hooked by the prologue, the writing effortlessly bringing the scene alive for me, and I raced through the novel after that brilliant opening.
DarkSkull Hall tells the story of Lady Alyx Egalion, a teenager happy in her court life, with her best friend and boyf, the Prince of Rionn, Cayr, and their outsider friend Dashan. She doesn’t pay much attention to her classes, loves gossiping with her fickle friends and going for rides on her horse. But trouble is brewing with a neighbouring country and the King’s new mage advisor insists they need some more mages, just in case war breaks out (which, by the end of the novel, is looking highly probable!).
Alyx, aware that her late mother was a mage, is forced to attend the mage training academy for the region, DarkSkull Hall, by her father, who is forced by the King. Alyx’s magic hasn’t yet ‘broken out’, she doesn’t want to be a mage and she doesn’t want to go. And that is why I found this book so enjoyable! Alyx’s resistance to magic, her complete dismissal of mage life and her hatred of the school is refreshing compared to the magic training school novels I’ve read in the past. It didn’t go into too much detail on all their classes, and I never felt bogged down with history or in depth explanations about the magic.
There are plenty of hints as to Alyx’s history, and – when her magic does finally break out – a big expectation of what she’s going to become, but her resistance to this path makes for a compelling read. The ending is satisfying in that it confirmed a lot of my suspicions and felt like a great standalone read, but also is a perfect lead into book two.
Alyx’s friends are particularly well drawn, the dashing prince Cayr, the dark but loyal friend Dashan, the twins who are sent from Rionn to DarkSkull with Alyx, and the various friends she makes at the school, although she doesn’t want to admit that they are her friends. Garan is also a spot-on overprotective father.
However, I had a bit of difficulty with the evil bully mage Galien and his fanatical hatred of Alyx and determination to kill her – all the time – as I felt if he really wanted to use his magic against her, he would. I think it would’ve been more sinister if he bullied her for a while before launching straight into an attempted murder. I’m hoping his motivation will become clearer in the next instalment.
Why not quite 4 stars? Because, although I enjoyed reading this, I craved some more juicy intrigue or blow-my-mind plot twists, but I’m sure that fans of YA fantasy will love it.
[I received a free copy of this book from the author to review.]
3.5 stars!
This YA fantasy is super enjoyable, a quick read with intrigue, well-formed characters, vivid descriptions and excellent worldbuilding. I was completely hooked by the prologue, the writing effortlessly bringing the scene alive for me, and I raced through the novel after that brilliant opening.
DarkSkull Hall tells the story of Lady Alyx Egalion, a teenager happy in her court life, with her best friend and boyf, the Prince of Rionn, Cayr, and their outsider friend Dashan. She doesn’t pay much attention to her classes, loves gossiping with her fickle friends and going for rides on her horse. But trouble is brewing with a neighbouring country and the King’s new mage advisor insists they need some more mages, just in case war breaks out (which, by the end of the novel, is looking highly probable!).
Alyx, aware that her late mother was a mage, is forced to attend the mage training academy for the region, DarkSkull Hall, by her father, who is forced by the King. Alyx’s magic hasn’t yet ‘broken out’, she doesn’t want to be a mage and she doesn’t want to go. And that is why I found this book so enjoyable! Alyx’s resistance to magic, her complete dismissal of mage life and her hatred of the school is refreshing compared to the magic training school novels I’ve read in the past. It didn’t go into too much detail on all their classes, and I never felt bogged down with history or in depth explanations about the magic.
There are plenty of hints as to Alyx’s history, and – when her magic does finally break out – a big expectation of what she’s going to become, but her resistance to this path makes for a compelling read. The ending is satisfying in that it confirmed a lot of my suspicions and felt like a great standalone read, but also is a perfect lead into book two.
Alyx’s friends are particularly well drawn, the dashing prince Cayr, the dark but loyal friend Dashan, the twins who are sent from Rionn to DarkSkull with Alyx, and the various friends she makes at the school, although she doesn’t want to admit that they are her friends. Garan is also a spot-on overprotective father.
However, I had a bit of difficulty with the evil bully mage Galien and his fanatical hatred of Alyx and determination to kill her – all the time – as I felt if he really wanted to use his magic against her, he would. I think it would’ve been more sinister if he bullied her for a while before launching straight into an attempted murder. I’m hoping his motivation will become clearer in the next instalment.
Why not quite 4 stars? Because, although I enjoyed reading this, I craved some more juicy intrigue or blow-my-mind plot twists, but I’m sure that fans of YA fantasy will love it.
May 20, 2021
4.5 Stars
I normally shy away from books about young adult schools ... Especially mage schools but I thought I would give this one a try and found myself totally invested in the story. Even though I really disliked Alyx at first...well she was grating through almost the whole story...she really did reform herself at the end. And Dash? Geez...I hope something comes out of her friendship with him.
I normally shy away from books about young adult schools ... Especially mage schools but I thought I would give this one a try and found myself totally invested in the story. Even though I really disliked Alyx at first...well she was grating through almost the whole story...she really did reform herself at the end. And Dash? Geez...I hope something comes out of her friendship with him.
April 9, 2021
I’ll start off by saying Dashan is by far my favorite, followed by Terrick. They are both fantastic supporting characters in my opinion and I can’t wait to see more of them. I love Alyx and Dawn’s friendship. Dawn is a sweet girl and a great friend. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 19, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads (Kindle version) for an honest review.
This is a very well written story that is fast paced and very well imagined. The characters are very well put together and you find yourself caring very much about them and what will happen to them. The book has a very nice flow and the author has masterfully drawn you into the realm of the story. Wonderfully, intelligent and well thought out this story will not disappoint. Actually the opposite you will find yourself really immersed into this story and wanting more!
This is a very well written story that is fast paced and very well imagined. The characters are very well put together and you find yourself caring very much about them and what will happen to them. The book has a very nice flow and the author has masterfully drawn you into the realm of the story. Wonderfully, intelligent and well thought out this story will not disappoint. Actually the opposite you will find yourself really immersed into this story and wanting more!
September 27, 2019
Ha! What? 1st book is the most essential book in every series! Agree? Agree?
Soooooo. 1st long review I ever made.
I hate reading very long series or books as thick as *cough* GOT (sorry!) HONESTLY. I also hate snob female main characters, noble blood who whines for her bestfriend prince, cares for dresses or court gossips. In short, I easily lose interest when these things show up in the first quarter of any book.
Seriously! I should have stopped reading it the moment poor Luden was talked back in class of giggling noble teens or when Alyx stood aside (coward!) when Brynn was bullied, or when she was just daydreaming instead of doing well in classes in Darkskull Hall, counting the days when she will return home and have her "happily ever after" and be back in her noble life!? Rght? And yet.......... I ended up reading the series in 2 days and sleepless nights (and dawns)!
*huff*
Why?
Because this book.. this 1st book is very essential as a base to see how the characters I hated or loved so much develop in the future. The supporting characters, (The bluecoats, Third Patrol, the council, the masters), not just the Main, make this world created by the author Lisa Cassidy worth reading!
This is not your normal academy-themed books because those books are pretty predictable, like year 1 to year 4 or 1st year to final year or freshman to senior. This book is not THOSE. SERIOUSLY.
Also not your normal lady-turned-warrior female heroine. She isn't a badass one yet, unlike those books whose heroes are very intense already from the beginning! She is whiny! She is irresponsible! Until no longer those. YOU WILL HATE HER FIRST before you turn that hate to love.
YOU WILL LOVE THEN HATE THEN LOVE THE PRINCE even he is not your prince charming.
YOU WILL THINK THE BLUECOAT is just a secondary character because he isn't much worth in the 1st book.
You will understand the meaning of TRUE TRUST and TRUE FRIENDSHIP and TRUE LOVE at end of the series because YOU WILL DOUBT THEM from beginning until the end.
JUST READ.
Don't give up reading it.
*waggle my brows*
Soooooo. 1st long review I ever made.
I hate reading very long series or books as thick as *cough* GOT (sorry!) HONESTLY. I also hate snob female main characters, noble blood who whines for her bestfriend prince, cares for dresses or court gossips. In short, I easily lose interest when these things show up in the first quarter of any book.
Seriously! I should have stopped reading it the moment poor Luden was talked back in class of giggling noble teens or when Alyx stood aside (coward!) when Brynn was bullied, or when she was just daydreaming instead of doing well in classes in Darkskull Hall, counting the days when she will return home and have her "happily ever after" and be back in her noble life!? Rght? And yet.......... I ended up reading the series in 2 days and sleepless nights (and dawns)!
*huff*
Why?
Because this book.. this 1st book is very essential as a base to see how the characters I hated or loved so much develop in the future. The supporting characters, (The bluecoats, Third Patrol, the council, the masters), not just the Main, make this world created by the author Lisa Cassidy worth reading!
This is not your normal academy-themed books because those books are pretty predictable, like year 1 to year 4 or 1st year to final year or freshman to senior. This book is not THOSE. SERIOUSLY.
Also not your normal lady-turned-warrior female heroine. She isn't a badass one yet, unlike those books whose heroes are very intense already from the beginning! She is whiny! She is irresponsible! Until no longer those. YOU WILL HATE HER FIRST before you turn that hate to love.
YOU WILL LOVE THEN HATE THEN LOVE THE PRINCE even he is not your prince charming.
YOU WILL THINK THE BLUECOAT is just a secondary character because he isn't much worth in the 1st book.
You will understand the meaning of TRUE TRUST and TRUE FRIENDSHIP and TRUE LOVE at end of the series because YOU WILL DOUBT THEM from beginning until the end.
JUST READ.
Don't give up reading it.
*waggle my brows*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
3.5/5. I enjoyed this quite a bit. I had my doubts going into it but with the high ratings and it being a fantasy book I haven't read before I decided to try it out. It reminds me a lot of Naomi Novak's A Deadly Education (this one was released way before then) which I wasn't a fan of. I don't mind odd education so long as there's actual education classes and teachers or whatever they're called pulling their way and protecting students from their powers and other students. Alyx is a spoiled Lady and probably the closest thing the kingdom she lives in has to an actual princess without being a princess. She's sent to a school called DarkSull Hall and it sounds more like a place for villain training then how to become a mage. Alyx doesn't want to become a mage and at the start of the book has no power, she makes a bargain with her father that if she goes for a year then she doesn't have to go back even if her powers manifest. For most of the book its all about how miserable she is but she does eventually make a close group of friends and the found family feeling is nice. My biggest issue with this school is that they make stuff miserable just for the sake of it, there's no details about how the magics actually work, and the newbies were just tossed to the wolves to learn or not at the pace of more experienced people. In real life this would fail miserably but for some reason they managed to more or less make it through the courses with some being better then others. My biggest issue is with the constant bullying Alyx is putting up with and time and time again when it gets reported to a teacher it gets dismissed (much like irl, 17+ years after k-12 and I'm still bitter who knew?) and nothing gets done about it. By the time Alyx gets home she's changed and doesn't really mesh with her old life anymore and comes to a realization and a decision and things end. I'm heavily invested by this stage and want to see what happens next so I've already started the next book.
June 9, 2020
Actual rating - 3.5/5 stars
Darkskull Hall follows Alyx Egalion, daughter of a close friend and advisor to the King of Rionn. Her world of gossip, gowns, and yearning for the Prince, comes crashing down when she is sent away to Darkskull Hall by the newly appointed lord-mage and the King. Darkskull Hall is a school overseen by the Mage Council, where young mages awaken their magic and train until they are ready to pledge to the Sovereign or the Mage Council. The word "school" is probably not the appropriate word to describe Darkskull Hall because students are not safe from other students and the dark forces brewing outside, that are hellbent on attacking/infiltrating the school. Alyx finds herself in a group of misfits as they continue 'surviving' Darkskull, and all that she had been and known are challenged at every turn. As her past unravels, so does she.
The story was a quick read and had a dark theme with a blend of politics, adventure, action, and magic. The world-building was decent in the first book, and it has the potential to be more. There was not much history to the characters, so I struggled to care for them, but they were diverse, interesting, and sometimes VERY unpredictable. Alyx got on my nerves most of the time because every single time things got hard, she could only think of the Prince and returning home, but the rest of the characters made up for her. Alyx showed promise of no longer being wishy-washy by the end of the book, and the direction to which the story is heading seemed promising, so I am moving on to reading the next book.
Darkskull Hall follows Alyx Egalion, daughter of a close friend and advisor to the King of Rionn. Her world of gossip, gowns, and yearning for the Prince, comes crashing down when she is sent away to Darkskull Hall by the newly appointed lord-mage and the King. Darkskull Hall is a school overseen by the Mage Council, where young mages awaken their magic and train until they are ready to pledge to the Sovereign or the Mage Council. The word "school" is probably not the appropriate word to describe Darkskull Hall because students are not safe from other students and the dark forces brewing outside, that are hellbent on attacking/infiltrating the school. Alyx finds herself in a group of misfits as they continue 'surviving' Darkskull, and all that she had been and known are challenged at every turn. As her past unravels, so does she.
The story was a quick read and had a dark theme with a blend of politics, adventure, action, and magic. The world-building was decent in the first book, and it has the potential to be more. There was not much history to the characters, so I struggled to care for them, but they were diverse, interesting, and sometimes VERY unpredictable. Alyx got on my nerves most of the time because every single time things got hard, she could only think of the Prince and returning home, but the rest of the characters made up for her. Alyx showed promise of no longer being wishy-washy by the end of the book, and the direction to which the story is heading seemed promising, so I am moving on to reading the next book.
August 24, 2022
2.5 stars
I felt like there was a lot that was underdeveloped. I didn’t really get much of a feel for the school, referring to both the curriculum and Alyx’s classmates. The coursework was very vague, and since we only met a few other classmates, the student body felt very small (this might have been intentional? But it also may not have been). I also didn’t get much of a sense of the magic system—there are different mage types, but how many? What constitutes being a higher mage or a lower mage? How common is each power? My final big critique is that I felt like time passed strangely. Every time the book would tell me how far they were in the school year, I got whiplash.
On the positive side, the story sets up some interesting geopolitical conflicts. It seems like the author spent at least a bit of time developing the two countries the book focuses on. Also, I actually liked Alyx’s character progression from spoiled rich girl to trying to find out who she is. I like that she doesn’t end the book knowing all the answers, and I enjoyed how, after completing her first year at the academy, she was put back into her old life and experienced discontent no matter how much she tried to be who she was before. There’s still a lot of room for her to develop, but what development she did have was satisfying.
(Also, I must specify that I tend to be more forgiving with self published novels than professionally published novels. All those issues I picked at above are infinitely tougher to work out on your own, without an editor. Major respect to all self published authors.)
I felt like there was a lot that was underdeveloped. I didn’t really get much of a feel for the school, referring to both the curriculum and Alyx’s classmates. The coursework was very vague, and since we only met a few other classmates, the student body felt very small (this might have been intentional? But it also may not have been). I also didn’t get much of a sense of the magic system—there are different mage types, but how many? What constitutes being a higher mage or a lower mage? How common is each power? My final big critique is that I felt like time passed strangely. Every time the book would tell me how far they were in the school year, I got whiplash.
On the positive side, the story sets up some interesting geopolitical conflicts. It seems like the author spent at least a bit of time developing the two countries the book focuses on. Also, I actually liked Alyx’s character progression from spoiled rich girl to trying to find out who she is. I like that she doesn’t end the book knowing all the answers, and I enjoyed how, after completing her first year at the academy, she was put back into her old life and experienced discontent no matter how much she tried to be who she was before. There’s still a lot of room for her to develop, but what development she did have was satisfying.
(Also, I must specify that I tend to be more forgiving with self published novels than professionally published novels. All those issues I picked at above are infinitely tougher to work out on your own, without an editor. Major respect to all self published authors.)
February 4, 2021
4.5; i adored this! darkskull hall was a very well-written, easy read about coming-of-age and friendship. alyx really grew throughout the story, from privileged and sheltered noblewoman to someone who begins to question what she’s told and seeks answers for herself.
even though there was a magic school element to the story, darkskull hall wasn’t focused on the workings of magic itself but rather on alyx’s character development through her experiences with the other characters. dawn, finn, tarrick and brynn were such loyal friends by the end of it but i appreciate how their dynamic took time and circumstances to develop. i feel like there’s such a thing as insta-friendship too lmao. i love dash and alyx’s bickering and while cayr wasn’t present much in this first book, i’m looking forward to see how he matures as well. i feel like this book definitely showcases the tensions that can develop between longtime friends as they each grow and change at their own paces.
the worldbuilding was a bit sparse but i think it reflected well on alyx’s limited worldview and i can already see that the scope of the next instalment will probably be much larger, with bigger consequences. will definitely be binge reading this series! i think it would be a fantastic read for younger ya readers but also for older readers looking for a light, heartwarming read.
even though there was a magic school element to the story, darkskull hall wasn’t focused on the workings of magic itself but rather on alyx’s character development through her experiences with the other characters. dawn, finn, tarrick and brynn were such loyal friends by the end of it but i appreciate how their dynamic took time and circumstances to develop. i feel like there’s such a thing as insta-friendship too lmao. i love dash and alyx’s bickering and while cayr wasn’t present much in this first book, i’m looking forward to see how he matures as well. i feel like this book definitely showcases the tensions that can develop between longtime friends as they each grow and change at their own paces.
the worldbuilding was a bit sparse but i think it reflected well on alyx’s limited worldview and i can already see that the scope of the next instalment will probably be much larger, with bigger consequences. will definitely be binge reading this series! i think it would be a fantastic read for younger ya readers but also for older readers looking for a light, heartwarming read.
October 23, 2020
Well well well...
I have to be honest, at first I didn't like Alyx at all. She was such a spoilt brat and wasn't even aware of it. I had hopes that whatever happened next would help mature her, and to my relief it did!! A big YASSSS here cause I don't think I would have been able to finish the book otherwise. Ladan,,, I don't even know much about him but I would die and kill for him, that's for sure. The dying and killing thing goes for the twins and tarrick and brynn too (I don't know where Brynn is but I hope he's alive and well :/). I'm very satisfied with the ending I can't even tell, especially with alyx's decision about cayr. I have my theories about the next book but we'll see.
Overall, I liked the world, I'm starting to like the main character more and the plot seems way darker than how it appears on first sight. Yayyy let's get on with the adventure!
I have to be honest, at first I didn't like Alyx at all. She was such a spoilt brat and wasn't even aware of it. I had hopes that whatever happened next would help mature her, and to my relief it did!! A big YASSSS here cause I don't think I would have been able to finish the book otherwise. Ladan,,, I don't even know much about him but I would die and kill for him, that's for sure. The dying and killing thing goes for the twins and tarrick and brynn too (I don't know where Brynn is but I hope he's alive and well :/). I'm very satisfied with the ending I can't even tell, especially with alyx's decision about cayr. I have my theories about the next book but we'll see.
Overall, I liked the world, I'm starting to like the main character more and the plot seems way darker than how it appears on first sight. Yayyy let's get on with the adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
Warning! Binge reading likely to occur.
Good news! The series is completed. Bad news! It's more than a little bit hard to stop reading once you get started. And now there are four full length books. One of the perks of being retired: I could, and did, indulge in a full out read-athon.
I found this author's work impressive on so many levels. Not only does Cassidy tell a story incredibly well, but she does it with exceptional craft skill. For example, the MC (Alyx) is a young adult "lady" of noble position, pampered, and privileged. Definitely a ranking member of the in crowd. Just when you're not sure it's possible to put up with her for an entire series, Cassidy up ends everything and Alyx is on her way to becoming a decent human being; even if it's not a flawless transition. The author creates some amazing characters and relationship dynamics that are complex and oh so realistic. Lots more good stuff, but this review would be humongous if I really got into it all.
Yep, I heartily recommend this series. It appears that most of the current reviews are from Australia and the UK. They're at Goodreads, but don't seem to have posted to Amazon U.S. So check them out if you want more info.
Good news! The series is completed. Bad news! It's more than a little bit hard to stop reading once you get started. And now there are four full length books. One of the perks of being retired: I could, and did, indulge in a full out read-athon.
I found this author's work impressive on so many levels. Not only does Cassidy tell a story incredibly well, but she does it with exceptional craft skill. For example, the MC (Alyx) is a young adult "lady" of noble position, pampered, and privileged. Definitely a ranking member of the in crowd. Just when you're not sure it's possible to put up with her for an entire series, Cassidy up ends everything and Alyx is on her way to becoming a decent human being; even if it's not a flawless transition. The author creates some amazing characters and relationship dynamics that are complex and oh so realistic. Lots more good stuff, but this review would be humongous if I really got into it all.
Yep, I heartily recommend this series. It appears that most of the current reviews are from Australia and the UK. They're at Goodreads, but don't seem to have posted to Amazon U.S. So check them out if you want more info.
February 15, 2022
Could barely read it. Sorry, it seemed like a 2nd draft. It was clunky in places.
I wasn't attached to the characters.
Or the plot.
I didn't like the writing style.
I wasn't hooked. I was struggling to read the pages I did read.
I DNFed this book (Sorry). There are a bunch of things that need to be worked on. The author needs to look for writing advice. AuthorTube might not be the best place (authors have different ways of writing). Seeing what readers want is probably a better idea. Brandon Sanderson has a writing course on YouTube too.
I think the book should have had another draft and another set of beta readers. Then maybe the book would have been at least readable.
That's my opinion. I'm sure some people loved the book.
I wasn't attached to the characters.
Or the plot.
I didn't like the writing style.
I wasn't hooked. I was struggling to read the pages I did read.
I DNFed this book (Sorry). There are a bunch of things that need to be worked on. The author needs to look for writing advice. AuthorTube might not be the best place (authors have different ways of writing). Seeing what readers want is probably a better idea. Brandon Sanderson has a writing course on YouTube too.
I think the book should have had another draft and another set of beta readers. Then maybe the book would have been at least readable.
That's my opinion. I'm sure some people loved the book.
June 19, 2017
Yet another young adult heads off to magic school, unaware dark family secrets are going to catch up with her.
On first sight, the prospect of another magic school story (this time, set in epic-fantasy-land) didn’t fill me with joy, but this is actually pretty good. It doesn’t try to be Harry Potter, the plot chugs along nicely with some interesting mystery and without too much relationship drama, and the main character has human frailties without being an annoying whiny adolescent.
The writing is decent, a bit description-heavy in parts, but very readable throughout and well edited.
This is clearly the start of a series, but it reads reasonably well as a standalone book.
On first sight, the prospect of another magic school story (this time, set in epic-fantasy-land) didn’t fill me with joy, but this is actually pretty good. It doesn’t try to be Harry Potter, the plot chugs along nicely with some interesting mystery and without too much relationship drama, and the main character has human frailties without being an annoying whiny adolescent.
The writing is decent, a bit description-heavy in parts, but very readable throughout and well edited.
This is clearly the start of a series, but it reads reasonably well as a standalone book.
October 21, 2019
The lazy and gimmicky storytelling in DarkSkull Hall ruined my enjoyment of this otherwise well done coming of age novel. Well-meaning adults that don't believe their students' obviously true warnings, an irredeemable evil antagonist upheld as the teacher's pet, a poorly defined and unresolved large external conflict that no one understands, etc. I was particularly off-put in how the author goes out of her way to portray our main character as some sort of cowardly, helpless noble nitwit after the strong prologue and obvious foreshadowing of power. She's led a sheltered life, we get it. I realize it's targeted towards the YA crowd, and they may like it, but I think with one could have occasionally toned down the drama.
May 16, 2022
While the redemption arc here for the main character is a bit too heavyhanded for me, I still thoroughly enjoyed this tale. I’ve read Lisa Cassidy’s A Tale of Stars and Shadow series, and absolutely adored every single second of it, if you haven’t read it, go do that right now. This book is very much true to its YA classification, which is not normally my taste, but the story read like a set-up to an incredible adventure. It felt almost like a prequel to something bigger and better, and I’m extremely excited to continue on with this series and find out what happens to these characters. The premise of found family with strong, detailed supporting characters is this author’s strong suit, and it made this book shine. On to book 2!
June 13, 2018
This was the first book I read in a long time that I could not put down.
I honestly didn’t realize that this was a genre I liked, but I got totally invested in the characters and the story.
I did find that I got frustrated by the lack of information being provided to the main character as she went on her journey and thought it would have kept me even more interested if she got a few tidbits from the many people she sought out.
But overall, I loved it and can’t wait for more books in the series.
Worth a read even if it’s not your normal genre.
I honestly didn’t realize that this was a genre I liked, but I got totally invested in the characters and the story.
I did find that I got frustrated by the lack of information being provided to the main character as she went on her journey and thought it would have kept me even more interested if she got a few tidbits from the many people she sought out.
But overall, I loved it and can’t wait for more books in the series.
Worth a read even if it’s not your normal genre.
October 8, 2020
Another favourite author based on this series ❤️ I fell in love from chapter one and struggled to put it down to do those things like eat, shower and sleep 😂 Such an addicting read, with great world building, character descriptions and development, the right amount of character heartache and growth. It had everything I needed and more.
Literally the only thing I wish was that the series had a map 😂 With so many countries and towns and ports to keep track of a map would have made a nice visual tool. But otherwise couldn’t think fault this.
Look forward to reading more from this author 🙌
Literally the only thing I wish was that the series had a map 😂 With so many countries and towns and ports to keep track of a map would have made a nice visual tool. But otherwise couldn’t think fault this.
Look forward to reading more from this author 🙌
June 2, 2022
“Breaking the mold”
Okay, Lisa. You have gone and done it! I never, ever have left a review on the first book in a saga! I just don’t; until now. You style is very reader-friendly and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this “first book”! There are too many highlights to mention here. Just suffice to say; “I’m hooked” and will be reading all your books! Please always have leading summaries in your subsequent books in your sagas! It really helps for us elderly folk! The clean reading is also superb! You are a star! Thanks!
Okay, Lisa. You have gone and done it! I never, ever have left a review on the first book in a saga! I just don’t; until now. You style is very reader-friendly and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this “first book”! There are too many highlights to mention here. Just suffice to say; “I’m hooked” and will be reading all your books! Please always have leading summaries in your subsequent books in your sagas! It really helps for us elderly folk! The clean reading is also superb! You are a star! Thanks!
September 19, 2022
Le tome 1 j'ai eu vraiment du mal. Alyx est une héroïne à qui on a du mal à s'attacher. Elle paraît un peu bête, trop privilégiée, naïve, elle se plaint tout le temps. Je ne sais vraiment pas pourquoi j'ai continué.
L’histoire s'améliore un peu après. Les enjeux sont plus importants, les personnages secondaires sont plus développés. Alyx est un moins chiante. A la fin j'étais bien embarquée dans l'histoire il faut l'admettre.
Mais bon ce n'est pas une série que je recommande dans sa globalité. Franchement il y a mieux
L’histoire s'améliore un peu après. Les enjeux sont plus importants, les personnages secondaires sont plus développés. Alyx est un moins chiante. A la fin j'étais bien embarquée dans l'histoire il faut l'admettre.
Mais bon ce n'est pas une série que je recommande dans sa globalité. Franchement il y a mieux
May 18, 2024
This series ( I am still only in the 3rd book, but regardless) is amazing. It is refreshing. And it is different in a smart well written, well planned and well packaged into a beautiful coming of age story. What makes it so different is it’s realities. The MC is nowhere near perfect, and it’s constantly shown in a not annoying way except for times when it being made really clearly to drive plot. Just when you think things are are getting more predictable the author was like let’s add some more realism in here (see book 3). Overall, Bravo. BRAVO!!!!
December 11, 2016
This was a good solid read, and a nice and lengthy one to get your teeth into. The novel is well written with developed characters with a definite edge of complexity.
The environment is set around the 'academy' style and this was carried out in the manner of a medieval style setting with plenty of creativity and a strong storyline.
I'm looking forward to seeing the next novel next year and as usual, I'm hoping it won't be a long enough wait to lose momentum and fall off my radar.
The environment is set around the 'academy' style and this was carried out in the manner of a medieval style setting with plenty of creativity and a strong storyline.
I'm looking forward to seeing the next novel next year and as usual, I'm hoping it won't be a long enough wait to lose momentum and fall off my radar.
August 19, 2018
I haven't read a lot of fantasy-genre novels, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. I found this to be enjoyable and it moves at a nice pace, making it fairly easy to read. I found myself both sympathizing and becoming frustrated with the lead character, Alyx, at times as she dealt with her life being turned upside down - but by the end was fully on board with her character and wanted to see how she handled what came next.
January 19, 2021
I’m not gonna lie, I HATE a whiny MC... absolutely can’t stand it and that is what this first book had. So it was hard for me to get through. ALTHOUGH, that being said i gave the rest of the series a try and i’m so glad i did ! if you’re like me, and struggled with this first book I highly encourage you to continue on because it gets SOOOO much better ! I truly loved reading this whole series so give it a shot !
February 17, 2018
I LOVED this book!! It is just the escape I was looking for into a magical world with characters that are relatable and develop over the course of the story! I am well hooked and have now read both of the other books in this series! Also love the series has a strong female lead- paving the way for the new generation of readers and young minds! More of this please.
July 22, 2018
It took me a little while to warm up to this one but once I got into it I thought it was a fun read. It's #loveozya about a group of students at a magic school, and feels a bit like The Medoran Chronicles with some of the thrill and danger of The Queen of the Tearling and the politics of The Queen's Rising. I'm looking forward to seeing where the rest of the series takes me!
March 15, 2019
Good
When i first started reading this story I didn't think I would finish it. The main character Alyx, is nothing but a spoiled, whiny brat. It pleased me that she would toughen up enough to leave home in the end. Hopefully she continues to grow in the next book. Though hard to get started, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
When i first started reading this story I didn't think I would finish it. The main character Alyx, is nothing but a spoiled, whiny brat. It pleased me that she would toughen up enough to leave home in the end. Hopefully she continues to grow in the next book. Though hard to get started, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
December 6, 2021
A binge read
From the cover I expected to be in a more traditional epic fantasy novel. Mage academy is what this book really is. Though things got a little slow in places, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m new to mage academy books but this was a great start to the genre and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series
From the cover I expected to be in a more traditional epic fantasy novel. Mage academy is what this book really is. Though things got a little slow in places, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m new to mage academy books but this was a great start to the genre and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series
December 15, 2023
I'm just finishing my sixth or seventh reading of the Mage Chronicles series. Along with the Spoken Mage series (Melanie Cellier), this is near the top of my fantasy favorites. It has in-depth character development, intricate plot, and tension fraught romance. My only regret is that there isn't an audio version of the series.
February 16, 2018
This book had me at the first page, it was so well written and professionally presented. I loved the magic and intrigue of trying to work out what was happening in the world around Alyx. I thoroughly enjoyed it....can't wait for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews