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How the Magic Began #1
The Star
Riley is an ordinary boy living an ordinary life . . . until something extraordinary happens. One morning, just like any other, Riley wakes up, begins to get ready for school, looks in the mirror and . . . he sees the image of a star around his eye! Why has he been marked with this symbol and for what purpose? Everything begins to change soon after as he and his friend, Kelly, stumble upon a door in the forest which leads to a fantastical world, a world inhabited by very unusual beings. As they explore, they encounter two creatures who become their companions; one is a benevolent little vampire by the name of Joseph--fortunately, he is not the bloodthirsty type, and the other is a kindhearted "mizzer" named Kelvin. Together, the four travel to the Zefan castle, and shown hospitality by the princess who resides there and rules the land. Upon entering Zefa, Riley is oblivious that he is being hunted down by a demonic evil of another world. The same being who, many years before, had sent forth his minion to wipe out the "People of the Symbol" civilization. When he does learn about this, however--and with the help of an elder magician named Dorobonn--Riley is determined to somehow bring back the civilization and to find out why he has been mysteriously marked with this symbol . . . despite the many threats that block his path and are determined to do away with him.
- GenresFantasy
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2013
1 person is currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Addison Dixon
4 books97 followersAddison Dixon is an avid reader who enjoys archery, gaming. and traveling.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 17, 2019
Riley finds himself cast into a magical world and a spanning adventure in Amariah Dixon’s How the Magic Began—The Star. Adventure is the heart of this novel as Riley and his friend Kelly explore a mysterious other world and the creatures within it. It was fun to see what they would encounter next as they unraveled the mystery of the strange star that appeared on Riley’s eye. This one’s great for anyone that loves world-building and imaginative fantasy creatures!
February 8, 2018
I really like the whole idea of this!! And so many unique characters! However, it does seem like it needs some work and a few edits here and there, but overall, a good read. I also think this needs to be fleshed out, and the changing of perspective through me for a bit. This is a story I really wanted to savor, however, it went by a little too fast. But I am interested in reading more!
December 19, 2016
Great book. I don't read that much fantasy usually but I really enjoyed this
May 22, 2018
Amariah Dixon has developed an entire world, complete with cultures, languages, backstories and more than a dozen developed minor characters. As you follow the adventures of Riley, a young, unexpected magician, you get glimpses of this world and its fabric. It is nearly on the level of a CS Lewis in its depth and connection to greater ideas.
However, the story is lost in the details. I simply couldn't keep up with the characters, geography, cultural elements, languages, and different types of creatures. Characters came and went at a blistering pace, and in-store explanations didn't seem to matter beyond the moment, and we're forgotten. The protagonist and his friends are regularly making decisions that isolate them in strange places, willingly leading to life-threatening situations...but why they went there in the first place is perplexing.
If you continue the series, many of these questions may be answered, but they were distracting enough that I likely won't continue. Dixon is a young author with enormous potential whose work should be kept in mind as she develops her storytelling craft.
However, the story is lost in the details. I simply couldn't keep up with the characters, geography, cultural elements, languages, and different types of creatures. Characters came and went at a blistering pace, and in-store explanations didn't seem to matter beyond the moment, and we're forgotten. The protagonist and his friends are regularly making decisions that isolate them in strange places, willingly leading to life-threatening situations...but why they went there in the first place is perplexing.
If you continue the series, many of these questions may be answered, but they were distracting enough that I likely won't continue. Dixon is a young author with enormous potential whose work should be kept in mind as she develops her storytelling craft.
August 20, 2018
What an interesting world the author has created! The characters are unique and their personalities draw you into understanding the personal conflicts that each struggle with. I decided to rate 5 stars instead of 4 because of the potential the author has in writing the rest of the series. While the book takes a bit to lay out the plot, there really is a neat story here. I will certainly read book two!
August 24, 2017
A Great Fantasy Adventure Book!
Want to get into the heart of the magic? Want to experience the thrills of time travel, realms of good and evil, and tests of courage and loyalty? This is the book in which to experience it all. The protagonist, Riley, and his best friend, Kelly, make a terrific team as they explore strange alternate realities with even stranger inhabitants. These entities, some human and some not, test Riley and Kelly's determination to remain true to their principles. And, always, Riley is marked by the symbol of his difference: a star that sets him apart from his peers. It is his bane and his blessing. This novel is about friendship, about accepting others for who they truly are, and it is about being honest and brave no matter what the cost. I highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy of any age, and I look forward to the continuation of Riley's adventures. Does Amariah Dixon have volumes yet to come? Bring them on!
Want to get into the heart of the magic? Want to experience the thrills of time travel, realms of good and evil, and tests of courage and loyalty? This is the book in which to experience it all. The protagonist, Riley, and his best friend, Kelly, make a terrific team as they explore strange alternate realities with even stranger inhabitants. These entities, some human and some not, test Riley and Kelly's determination to remain true to their principles. And, always, Riley is marked by the symbol of his difference: a star that sets him apart from his peers. It is his bane and his blessing. This novel is about friendship, about accepting others for who they truly are, and it is about being honest and brave no matter what the cost. I highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy of any age, and I look forward to the continuation of Riley's adventures. Does Amariah Dixon have volumes yet to come? Bring them on!
November 16, 2013
Amariah Dixon's first novel, How the Magic Began, The Star, transports the reader to a fantasy world like no other. This page-turner is full of adventure and suspense starting from the day the main character, Riley, wakes up with an indelible star on his face and embarks on a mission to find the meaning of his mark.
Amariah displays great skill in storytelling and in keeping the reader engaged and entertained.
I can't wait for the sequel to be released!
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and recommend it to all readers who enjoy fantasy novels.
Amariah displays great skill in storytelling and in keeping the reader engaged and entertained.
I can't wait for the sequel to be released!
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and recommend it to all readers who enjoy fantasy novels.
July 27, 2018
I accepted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
You know that dream where something ominous is after you, but you don't know why? That is what sixteen-year-old Riley faces repeatedly in The Star: How the Magic Began. His story begins with abuse by a group of bullies at his school. Shortly thereafter, he wakes to find a star imprint over his eye. He hides this from his parents, but cannot avoid showing it to his friend Kelly. Almost immediately thereafter, they are chased by a malicious ghost army. Riley escapes from one horrific encounter only to be thrust into another: evil clowns, mad scientists, ghouls, grim reapers, and the like. Each creature must be battled, be it in Colorado, an alternate dimension, or the magical land of Zefa, which Riley and Kelly enter through a mysterious door in the forest. In Zefa, he is able to use magic against his adversaries. Although most new characters are abusive bullies, some are victims of bullies; these individuals he befriends. The novel concludes with many questions left unanswered; it is clearly intended to set the stage for another installment.
Billed as a Christian book, The Star is primarily a story of good vs. evil. Riley is pitted against various "evil" characters, many of whom avow their loyalty to the Vile One outright. I have asked myself why Riley must experience animosity from almost everyone he meets, animosity that leads to attempts on his life. Perhaps we are meant to read Riley as the messianic figure in this story: he is selected by the One of Light and comes into his power as a young adult, he stands against abuse of the weak, and he acquires followers as he travels through Zefa (and those followers become as close as brothers themselves). I wonder if he will need to die in a future novel in order to fulfill the purpose for which he was marked with the star.
Review
You know that dream where something ominous is after you, but you don't know why? That is what sixteen-year-old Riley faces repeatedly in The Star: How the Magic Began. His story begins with abuse by a group of bullies at his school. Shortly thereafter, he wakes to find a star imprint over his eye. He hides this from his parents, but cannot avoid showing it to his friend Kelly. Almost immediately thereafter, they are chased by a malicious ghost army. Riley escapes from one horrific encounter only to be thrust into another: evil clowns, mad scientists, ghouls, grim reapers, and the like. Each creature must be battled, be it in Colorado, an alternate dimension, or the magical land of Zefa, which Riley and Kelly enter through a mysterious door in the forest. In Zefa, he is able to use magic against his adversaries. Although most new characters are abusive bullies, some are victims of bullies; these individuals he befriends. The novel concludes with many questions left unanswered; it is clearly intended to set the stage for another installment.
Billed as a Christian book, The Star is primarily a story of good vs. evil. Riley is pitted against various "evil" characters, many of whom avow their loyalty to the Vile One outright. I have asked myself why Riley must experience animosity from almost everyone he meets, animosity that leads to attempts on his life. Perhaps we are meant to read Riley as the messianic figure in this story: he is selected by the One of Light and comes into his power as a young adult, he stands against abuse of the weak, and he acquires followers as he travels through Zefa (and those followers become as close as brothers themselves). I wonder if he will need to die in a future novel in order to fulfill the purpose for which he was marked with the star.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews