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Age of Magic: The Rise of Magic #1
Restriction
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic…” Arthur C. Clarke
She didn’t mean to use magic
She didn’t even know she HAD magic
She just wanted to save her brother, who was dying in her arms.
Accused of using illegal magic, and sentenced to a cruel death at the hands of the city’s guards, Hannah has no choice but to trust in the aid of a strange old man who wields unimaginable power.
The Founder has returned to correct the wrongs of unjust. But to do that, he needs Hannah, a young woman from the city slums. She has a key to unlocking a power even greater than his own--if she can only learn to trust herself and the magic flowing within her blood.
Restriction is a fantasy set in the far future, where magic and monsters ravage the land of Irth and only the strong survive.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, Restriction tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
Read now and Enter the Age of Magic...
She didn’t mean to use magic
She didn’t even know she HAD magic
She just wanted to save her brother, who was dying in her arms.
Accused of using illegal magic, and sentenced to a cruel death at the hands of the city’s guards, Hannah has no choice but to trust in the aid of a strange old man who wields unimaginable power.
The Founder has returned to correct the wrongs of unjust. But to do that, he needs Hannah, a young woman from the city slums. She has a key to unlocking a power even greater than his own--if she can only learn to trust herself and the magic flowing within her blood.
Restriction is a fantasy set in the far future, where magic and monsters ravage the land of Irth and only the strong survive.
Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, Restriction tells an entirely new story in the Age of Magic--and of the heroes and villains who battle for control of its destiny.
Read now and Enter the Age of Magic...
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2017
1323 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Raymond
49 books68 followersC.M. Raymond holds a PhD in philosophy, which qualifies him to write pop fiction but not much else. His home is in a river valley of Western Pennsylvania.
Outside of reading and writing, he loves to spend time with his family in the woods and wilds or the city streets.
You can also check out his Steel City Heroes saga and fast-paced thrillers, The Jack Carson Stories (beginning with The Devil's Due).
Outside of reading and writing, he loves to spend time with his family in the woods and wilds or the city streets.
You can also check out his Steel City Heroes saga and fast-paced thrillers, The Jack Carson Stories (beginning with The Devil's Due).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 28, 2019
****4.5 "It's Ezekiel" Stars****
I so love Hannah's character and this story! The authors do a great job of building this world and the details are perfectly done so I can picture the scenes in my imagination.
The character development is right on track (but I am taking into consideration 3 of the books of this series when I am writing this review)
This was a great build up book to the actual adventure Hannah starts with Zeke, Parker, Carl, and the rest of the crew!
I so love Hannah's character and this story! The authors do a great job of building this world and the details are perfectly done so I can picture the scenes in my imagination.
The character development is right on track (but I am taking into consideration 3 of the books of this series when I am writing this review)
This was a great build up book to the actual adventure Hannah starts with Zeke, Parker, Carl, and the rest of the crew!
September 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this captivating fantasy. This story has complex, kick-ass characters that immediately grab your attention; a street rat with innovative powers, a wizard who's life's work has been perverted, mind controlling mystics and a villain with delusions of grandeur to name but a few. This story has tragedy, magic, hints of potential romance and action. The plot is well paced, exciting, humorous and keeps your attention from the beginning to the end. The narrator of the audiobook did an excellent job. Her male and female voices were spot on and she created tension, sarcasm and humour with her tone and intonation in all the right places. Kate Rudd gives the characters individual voice and had the story visualized in your head like a movie at the theatre. It's the first book I've read/listened to in this universe and it definitely made me want to read more in the Kurtherian Gambit series. I will look forward to listening to the continuation of Hannah's story in the next book.
September 9, 2018
This is the first book of a trilogy, set in the already well-developed fictional universe of the Kurtherian Gambit, which is founded on (Arthur C.) Clarke's law, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
I haven't read any of the previous Kurtherian Gambit books, so some of what I say that relates to previous events may be imprecise or just wrong.
The invention and escape into the wild of nanotechnology caused major changes in humanity, changes which allowed some people to attain powers not easily distinguishable from magic, some became vampires, ore werewolves, and others to just go completely mad and turn into cannibals. This is called The Age of Madness, and it lasted entirely too long. There was a long-ruling vampire named Michael, and faces with yet another attempt to overthrow him, he recruits Bethany Anne. She becomes, among other things, one of the major mythic figures of the world that will follow her. I think this is when humans start to get real control of the "magic" that is now inside every single human.
And all this matters because it's the background for the world Hannah, a young woman living in the "Queen Bitch Boulevard" slum area of the city of Arcadia, has grown up in.
Except one more important person came along, maybe half a century ago, roughly. Ezekial is revered as the Founder--the founder of the city of Arcadia and its school of magic. He got everything on the right path, with peace and prosperity, along with magic, breaking out all over, and then he left his best student, Adrian, in charge of the school, someone else as governor of the city, and left. Adrian turned out not to be who Ezekiel believed him to be. Arcadia is an old-fashioned, oppressive plutocracy. And unauthorized use of magic is illegal.
Hannah didn't mean to use magic; she didn't know she could. But her brother was having a seizure, and she wanted to help him--wanted to so badly that she reached into herself and tapped the magic she didn't know she had. Unfortunately, some of Adrian's Hunters were nearby, and she's quickly running for her life. Ezekiel has finally returned, and is appalled to see what has happened to Arcadia--and is in the right place at the right time to rescue Hannah.
When he understands what she's done, untrained, he recognizes her as possibly key to his hopes of restoring Arcadia. Hannah is potentially an even more powerful magician than he is.
Ezekiel, Hannah, her brother William, her friend Parker, and Ezekiel's assorted friends who are still around and haven't followed Adrian's path, are interesting and worthwhile characters. I have some serious questions about what "Earth" and certain other seemingly obvious terms mean in context in this book, but some of that may simply be not having read previous books. It is a weakness for this book as a starting point, however, and it may be more rewarding for people already at least somewhat familiar with the Kurtherian Gambit world. It's also the first book of a trilogy, and while there is somewhat of an ending, it would really be helpful to have that next book lined up.
Nevertheless, it is enjoyable.
Moreover, the narrator, Kate Rudd, is just fantastic, and added significantly to my enjoyment of the story, and even the three authors' notes at the end.
Recommended if you like high fantasy and are looking for a different take on it.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from one of the authors, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
I haven't read any of the previous Kurtherian Gambit books, so some of what I say that relates to previous events may be imprecise or just wrong.
The invention and escape into the wild of nanotechnology caused major changes in humanity, changes which allowed some people to attain powers not easily distinguishable from magic, some became vampires, ore werewolves, and others to just go completely mad and turn into cannibals. This is called The Age of Madness, and it lasted entirely too long. There was a long-ruling vampire named Michael, and faces with yet another attempt to overthrow him, he recruits Bethany Anne. She becomes, among other things, one of the major mythic figures of the world that will follow her. I think this is when humans start to get real control of the "magic" that is now inside every single human.
And all this matters because it's the background for the world Hannah, a young woman living in the "Queen Bitch Boulevard" slum area of the city of Arcadia, has grown up in.
Except one more important person came along, maybe half a century ago, roughly. Ezekial is revered as the Founder--the founder of the city of Arcadia and its school of magic. He got everything on the right path, with peace and prosperity, along with magic, breaking out all over, and then he left his best student, Adrian, in charge of the school, someone else as governor of the city, and left. Adrian turned out not to be who Ezekiel believed him to be. Arcadia is an old-fashioned, oppressive plutocracy. And unauthorized use of magic is illegal.
Hannah didn't mean to use magic; she didn't know she could. But her brother was having a seizure, and she wanted to help him--wanted to so badly that she reached into herself and tapped the magic she didn't know she had. Unfortunately, some of Adrian's Hunters were nearby, and she's quickly running for her life. Ezekiel has finally returned, and is appalled to see what has happened to Arcadia--and is in the right place at the right time to rescue Hannah.
When he understands what she's done, untrained, he recognizes her as possibly key to his hopes of restoring Arcadia. Hannah is potentially an even more powerful magician than he is.
Ezekiel, Hannah, her brother William, her friend Parker, and Ezekiel's assorted friends who are still around and haven't followed Adrian's path, are interesting and worthwhile characters. I have some serious questions about what "Earth" and certain other seemingly obvious terms mean in context in this book, but some of that may simply be not having read previous books. It is a weakness for this book as a starting point, however, and it may be more rewarding for people already at least somewhat familiar with the Kurtherian Gambit world. It's also the first book of a trilogy, and while there is somewhat of an ending, it would really be helpful to have that next book lined up.
Nevertheless, it is enjoyable.
Moreover, the narrator, Kate Rudd, is just fantastic, and added significantly to my enjoyment of the story, and even the three authors' notes at the end.
Recommended if you like high fantasy and are looking for a different take on it.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from one of the authors, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
March 19, 2017
You really have to do have to be into the series to read this book.
It starts with a prologue which is a bit of an info dump. This does occur in different parts of the story. Rather than drip feeding the world as part of the plot it seems to dump the info on you at certain points and I think the pacing is lacking. It is very simple in its explanation.
I thought the description of this setting was lacking. I would love more info on what the buildings are like, what the streets look like. This is meant to be in the future right?
The characters were quite well drawn though. I like how they had clear motivations and clear definitions between good and evil. I had trouble distinguishing between who was who though. The characters have very generic names like Hannah, William etc. Took me a while to remember this as the names do not stick into my mind. It meant I just could not remember who was who but I could remember their motivation.
I did like this book and is the action especially was good. But the writing style got to me a little bit. Every few pages there is a one line paragraph which just seems to grate and interrupt the reading. And the one line paragraph just repeats the obvious from what has just been said from the previous paragraph. It will be nice to have a paragraph which is more than a few sentences.
The plot is good but the execution did not live up to expectations. I really wanted to like it and if you are really into the series already you could probably ignore the flaws. But if you've not read any of the books before and do not know the context like me, you will probably struggle to get into it.
It starts with a prologue which is a bit of an info dump. This does occur in different parts of the story. Rather than drip feeding the world as part of the plot it seems to dump the info on you at certain points and I think the pacing is lacking. It is very simple in its explanation.
I thought the description of this setting was lacking. I would love more info on what the buildings are like, what the streets look like. This is meant to be in the future right?
The characters were quite well drawn though. I like how they had clear motivations and clear definitions between good and evil. I had trouble distinguishing between who was who though. The characters have very generic names like Hannah, William etc. Took me a while to remember this as the names do not stick into my mind. It meant I just could not remember who was who but I could remember their motivation.
I did like this book and is the action especially was good. But the writing style got to me a little bit. Every few pages there is a one line paragraph which just seems to grate and interrupt the reading. And the one line paragraph just repeats the obvious from what has just been said from the previous paragraph. It will be nice to have a paragraph which is more than a few sentences.
The plot is good but the execution did not live up to expectations. I really wanted to like it and if you are really into the series already you could probably ignore the flaws. But if you've not read any of the books before and do not know the context like me, you will probably struggle to get into it.
September 15, 2017
I received this book from the authors/editor/narrator of my own free volition for an honest review.
I don't regret asking for this book, it was so awesome really, I had my doubts at first since I was like damn really what a crappy town this poor girl lives in?
but the more you advance on the story and the more you understand what, when and how everything is coming to what you know now, it was like holy cow so hot a book, I need more 😘🤤
loved the lore, the mix of technology and magic that sometimes can be one and the same for some people, was so good really and the plot was pretty smooth. I had so mich fun with this book, it made me felt so many emotions and Hana is so going to kick some a s s e s really.
I don't if I should feel bad for Ezequiel or not I mean he did know something was going to happen just waoo not like that but hopefully we will know how all this progress in the next book.
And I do hope Hana makes Eidrian her b i t c h he need to be pawned seriously.
Will wait super anxiously the next book.
I don't regret asking for this book, it was so awesome really, I had my doubts at first since I was like damn really what a crappy town this poor girl lives in?
but the more you advance on the story and the more you understand what, when and how everything is coming to what you know now, it was like holy cow so hot a book, I need more 😘🤤
loved the lore, the mix of technology and magic that sometimes can be one and the same for some people, was so good really and the plot was pretty smooth. I had so mich fun with this book, it made me felt so many emotions and Hana is so going to kick some a s s e s really.
I don't if I should feel bad for Ezequiel or not I mean he did know something was going to happen just waoo not like that but hopefully we will know how all this progress in the next book.
And I do hope Hana makes Eidrian her b i t c h he need to be pawned seriously.
Will wait super anxiously the next book.
January 3, 2019
A fast-paced short book, this was my first time reading anything from the Kurtherian Universe, so I wasn't sure how lost I'd be.
There are some history lessons throughout the book where you even learn how the Madness came to be, so there's no lack of information, which for me was a plus.
I liked the magic system, how it was a post-apocalyptic residue of sorts, and how far are some bad guys willing to go in order to control it.
Loved most characters, the master-apprentice relationship was well executed, the fact that the master doesn't master everything made perfect sense.
I really enjoyed reading this one and will continue the series, probably read more of the previous/related books, too. We'll see.
All I want now is to pet Sal!
There are some history lessons throughout the book where you even learn how the Madness came to be, so there's no lack of information, which for me was a plus.
I liked the magic system, how it was a post-apocalyptic residue of sorts, and how far are some bad guys willing to go in order to control it.
Loved most characters, the master-apprentice relationship was well executed, the fact that the master doesn't master everything made perfect sense.
I really enjoyed reading this one and will continue the series, probably read more of the previous/related books, too. We'll see.
All I want now is to pet Sal!
May 31, 2020
I was captivated from the very first page.
The Age of Madness has ended, heralding the arrival of The Age of Magic.
We touch on what Ezekiel has been up to since the end of the Age of Madness and we look in on Arcadia.
We see what life has become, and meet a few notable characters in the story of The Rise of Magic.
This book focuses on Hanna and her preparations to mete out Justice for the downtrodden of Arcadia.
Without giving too much away, we learn why Hanna is the person chosen to redeem Arcadia.
What makes her so special? What feeds her need for justice? Who will she gather to her side to help her in this quest?
The Age of Madness has ended, heralding the arrival of The Age of Magic.
We touch on what Ezekiel has been up to since the end of the Age of Madness and we look in on Arcadia.
We see what life has become, and meet a few notable characters in the story of The Rise of Magic.
This book focuses on Hanna and her preparations to mete out Justice for the downtrodden of Arcadia.
Without giving too much away, we learn why Hanna is the person chosen to redeem Arcadia.
What makes her so special? What feeds her need for justice? Who will she gather to her side to help her in this quest?
October 27, 2017
I RECEIVED THE THE AUDIO OF THE BOOK WHICH WAS GREAT BOOK FOR ME I BELEAVE IN WITCH AND OTHER MAGICAL THINGS THAT GO BUMB IN THE NIGHT. THE BOOK TAKE YOUR THRUGH THE THE UP AND DOWN OF THE PEOPLE IN THE ARA AND THEN SOME DO NOT NOW IF THEY HAVE ANY POWER TO OVER TAKE THE BAD GUYS BUT WITH A LITTLE TRAINING YOU SEE
THE OLD MAN TRAIN THE YOUNG TO BE STRONG AND FIGHT ALL BAD POWER AND THEN THE YOUNG DID AND LISTEN TO HIM THE BOOK TAKE YOU ALL IN THE HISTORY OF THE WITCH AND THEN THE POWER YOU CAN HAVE AND NOW YOU DONT NOW YOU HAVE IT
THE OLD MAN TRAIN THE YOUNG TO BE STRONG AND FIGHT ALL BAD POWER AND THEN THE YOUNG DID AND LISTEN TO HIM THE BOOK TAKE YOU ALL IN THE HISTORY OF THE WITCH AND THEN THE POWER YOU CAN HAVE AND NOW YOU DONT NOW YOU HAVE IT
September 4, 2018
Audiobook review: Restriction is an offshoot of the wildly popular Kutherian Gambit series and the authors did a wonderful job of keeping the theme awareness alive but giving the new series it’s own flare & structure. The story is entertaining, engaging, magical, and tragic. The characters are likable and believable. Book 1 is definitely a “build up book” for more things to come and not all storylines are tied up at the end of this story. The narrator did a great job with providing unique voices for each character and appropriate tone inflections for each scene! I’m definitely looking forward to book 2!
September 25, 2017
Cataclysmic events have wiped out much of the population and thrown the rest of us back into the dark ages full of monsters and magic! This was so much fun to read, or rather to have read to me in audible. Multiple times I found myself stopping whatever else I was doing to focus on what was happening in the story as it had me wrapped up in its magical fingers. C.M. Raymond and L.E. Barbant have advanced their storytelling greatly and I cannot wait to get my hands on book two in this series!
September 8, 2017
It's the first book by CM Raymond I've ever read, and I fell in love with it immediately. a powerful vision of a city, which had started as a utopia and was turned into a dystopia, very well written characters and a great plot made the book fascinating. It touched on numerous important issues: abuse of power, manipulation, master - apprentice relationship and responsibility for your creation. All wrapped up in a fast paced, action packed plot, full of twists and turns. It was heartwarming to see strong familial relationships and loyalty still existing in this cruel environment.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 17, 2018
Avg writing / story line but utterly unreadable for me due to glaring plot holes! Holes big enough to drive a truck through. Example: The heroine Hannah has a rough day where she's chased by corrupt law enforcement. The next day she goes to bet on an amateur boxing fight in favor of her inexperienced friend, who then wins against a 2 year reigning champion. She does all this in an open market place where cops are looking for her, yet that is not mentioned.
That's already unbelievable. Worse, the story makes Hannah a pick-pocket thief; in the description of the boxing bet it's clear she could've just as easily stolen the money from the dwarf as made a bet for it. Therefore the drama of whether she gets that money is meaningless.
I hope the review makes sense. This book doesn't and I quit after page 140.
That's already unbelievable. Worse, the story makes Hannah a pick-pocket thief; in the description of the boxing bet it's clear she could've just as easily stolen the money from the dwarf as made a bet for it. Therefore the drama of whether she gets that money is meaningless.
I hope the review makes sense. This book doesn't and I quit after page 140.
February 4, 2019
Did not finish. We are immediately told the MC is a "chosen one" in a pretty dumb way (the opening scene is a history class discussing the amazing accomplishments of the MC). The MC, through an insanely convenient chance meeting on the street, is immediately saved and taken in by the wise old wizard character. Then we are introduced to the villain.
Bottom line: 40 minutes into this audio book and all that had happened was the author had introduced three cliche characters in a cliche story line.
Bottom line: 40 minutes into this audio book and all that had happened was the author had introduced three cliche characters in a cliche story line.
May 8, 2017
Boring. Boring. Boring. And unnecessarily crass.
September 13, 2017
“Restriction: The Rise of Magic” earns 5/5 Green Spiky Lizard Sidekicks!
Prologue: Kathryn, a teacher always excited about opening up the minds of her students, is eager for them to respond to her lecture. She is pleased that they respond well with information about the Age of Madness which lead to the Age of Magic and the years of peace in which they live. She was excited to continue their studies by relating the story of “…the girl who changed the world.” The true story of the heroin of Magic…the most powerful magician…one who used that magic to vanquish evil…Hannah.
Hannah, a resident of the slums on QBB of Arcadia, accidentally uses magic to revive her brother William from a seizure. This event did not go unnoticed by the Hunters who have permission to use magic to hunt down ‘unlawfuls,’ ones who unlawfully use magic. Taken into an alley and set to be assaulted and killed, she is saved by someone else who witnessed her use of magic…someone long believed dead, someone who knows the magic within Hannah is greater than his and his mission is clear…take on his former student and save the world of magic for all.
I am not an active fan of the fantasy genre, but “Restriction: The Rise of Magic” is engaging enough to entice me as a regular. The trio of Raymond, Barbant, and Anderle have penned an absorbing journey into the already established Kurtherian Gambit realm: a world of magic, class struggle, cross generational partnerships, and an ultimate battle between good and evil. The characters are well developed: some quirky, some practical, and some scary. I greatly enjoyed Hannah…a survivor, strong willed, and skeptical with the penchant for using a few expletives; nothing offensive just a few “s#&%” words. The partnering with the ‘Founder’ Ezekiel, “Zeke" to Hannah, as the wise mentor was reminiscent of other apprenticeships like Merlin and Arthur, Gandalf and Bilbo, Yoda and Luke. I highly recommend this book in any format, especially the audio version.
I love audiobooks and this version of “Restriction: The Rise of Magic” was delightfully enriched by the artistic talents of Kate Rudd. I’d listen to it again, when normally I am a ‘one and done’ type reader/listener. She enriches the experience by adding to the suspense with her tone and speed of her reading and adding another layer to each character’s personality and bringing them to life with their voice, their emotions, their subtle and obvious nuances, something I cannot do reading the story to myself. Kate’s brilliant skill manifests a wide range of ages along with light to gruff, sober to drunk, meek to grandiose power adding to the total experience.
Disclosure: I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobook Access. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Prologue: Kathryn, a teacher always excited about opening up the minds of her students, is eager for them to respond to her lecture. She is pleased that they respond well with information about the Age of Madness which lead to the Age of Magic and the years of peace in which they live. She was excited to continue their studies by relating the story of “…the girl who changed the world.” The true story of the heroin of Magic…the most powerful magician…one who used that magic to vanquish evil…Hannah.
Hannah, a resident of the slums on QBB of Arcadia, accidentally uses magic to revive her brother William from a seizure. This event did not go unnoticed by the Hunters who have permission to use magic to hunt down ‘unlawfuls,’ ones who unlawfully use magic. Taken into an alley and set to be assaulted and killed, she is saved by someone else who witnessed her use of magic…someone long believed dead, someone who knows the magic within Hannah is greater than his and his mission is clear…take on his former student and save the world of magic for all.
I am not an active fan of the fantasy genre, but “Restriction: The Rise of Magic” is engaging enough to entice me as a regular. The trio of Raymond, Barbant, and Anderle have penned an absorbing journey into the already established Kurtherian Gambit realm: a world of magic, class struggle, cross generational partnerships, and an ultimate battle between good and evil. The characters are well developed: some quirky, some practical, and some scary. I greatly enjoyed Hannah…a survivor, strong willed, and skeptical with the penchant for using a few expletives; nothing offensive just a few “s#&%” words. The partnering with the ‘Founder’ Ezekiel, “Zeke" to Hannah, as the wise mentor was reminiscent of other apprenticeships like Merlin and Arthur, Gandalf and Bilbo, Yoda and Luke. I highly recommend this book in any format, especially the audio version.
I love audiobooks and this version of “Restriction: The Rise of Magic” was delightfully enriched by the artistic talents of Kate Rudd. I’d listen to it again, when normally I am a ‘one and done’ type reader/listener. She enriches the experience by adding to the suspense with her tone and speed of her reading and adding another layer to each character’s personality and bringing them to life with their voice, their emotions, their subtle and obvious nuances, something I cannot do reading the story to myself. Kate’s brilliant skill manifests a wide range of ages along with light to gruff, sober to drunk, meek to grandiose power adding to the total experience.
Disclosure: I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobook Access. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
July 31, 2022
This book had me thoroughly engrossed in the plot within the first paragraph!
Hannah is looking to be as tough and kickass as BA - though she'll have to up her game in potty mouth before she reaches that level! Lol
I love her character, as well as her friend, Parker, and I love that Ezekiel has appeared once again, as I really love his character.
Putting the two together is a masterpiece in storytelling, and I really am avid to read what happens next!
I'm being good, though, and doing my best to write this review first, in the hopes of getting others to read it, too - and then the series after that!
Why? Because this book, alone, has persuaded me that the whole series is worth buying and, more to the point, worth keeping, and rereading.
I love that the story is giving us the history of the beginnings of the Age of Magic.
Obviously, all the other series I've read, set in the Kurtherian Universe, have set up the scenario already, but each series, written with different authors, in conjunction with Michael Anderle, have given me the background to this one - but written through different viewpoints - with Michael being the meeting point of them all, of course.
This does feel slightly different, as both Ezekiel, and Adrien, have been written in a way that, although they are obviously the characters I've come across previously, they have both, nonetheless, been changed slightly here - due, I'm sure, to each of their own individual life experiences!
For a book thought of, and written, by three separate men, this story has a wonderful cohesion, and I could have easily imagined that it was written by one person alone.
But then, with having read so many series within this Universe, I realise that every author, while bringing their own mark to these works, have all stayed true to the over beat of the whole Kurtherian Universe.
This really shows just how well Michael's choices of coauthors has been, and I'm really glad he said yes to Lee Barbant, and Chris Raymond's ideas for a new series - because, with this first book as such an excellent example, I know I'm in for another wonderful rollercoaster ride to the end!
Hannah is looking to be as tough and kickass as BA - though she'll have to up her game in potty mouth before she reaches that level! Lol
I love her character, as well as her friend, Parker, and I love that Ezekiel has appeared once again, as I really love his character.
Putting the two together is a masterpiece in storytelling, and I really am avid to read what happens next!
I'm being good, though, and doing my best to write this review first, in the hopes of getting others to read it, too - and then the series after that!
Why? Because this book, alone, has persuaded me that the whole series is worth buying and, more to the point, worth keeping, and rereading.
I love that the story is giving us the history of the beginnings of the Age of Magic.
Obviously, all the other series I've read, set in the Kurtherian Universe, have set up the scenario already, but each series, written with different authors, in conjunction with Michael Anderle, have given me the background to this one - but written through different viewpoints - with Michael being the meeting point of them all, of course.
This does feel slightly different, as both Ezekiel, and Adrien, have been written in a way that, although they are obviously the characters I've come across previously, they have both, nonetheless, been changed slightly here - due, I'm sure, to each of their own individual life experiences!
For a book thought of, and written, by three separate men, this story has a wonderful cohesion, and I could have easily imagined that it was written by one person alone.
But then, with having read so many series within this Universe, I realise that every author, while bringing their own mark to these works, have all stayed true to the over beat of the whole Kurtherian Universe.
This really shows just how well Michael's choices of coauthors has been, and I'm really glad he said yes to Lee Barbant, and Chris Raymond's ideas for a new series - because, with this first book as such an excellent example, I know I'm in for another wonderful rollercoaster ride to the end!
October 1, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"Strangers to walk the halls of the mind."
After The Madness the magic came. From the chaos, the Founder forged a new world and Arcadia was built, a city to be prosperous, safe and free for all. And then he left, handing the ongoing care to his best student. But as the years passed, the ethos of the city slowly eroded, the security of the state and prosperity of it's leaders becoming all, the citizens neglected and magic itself banned to all except the high status families. Memories of the past faded into legend.
Hannah lived in the slums; she hadn't been granted magic training. She had no idea that she had magic in her. So when it emerged, she didn't understand what had happened, at first. But others saw - and she became one of the 'unlawfuls' to be hunted down and killed.
Nicely written from various perspectives, this is a pleasant fantasy story with well deliniated characters, especially that of Hannah, who's personality as a cynical young girl just trying to keep herself and her brother alive shines through whilst still giving the impression of one who can still care. The balance between action and groundwork preparation is good, providing a clear entry to the 'what happens next?' of an ongoing series.
Kate Rudd's well paced reading fully interprets the storyline text, with good intonation and understanding. She also plucks miriad different voicings for the characters and that of Hannah, I particular, is very well expressed, her conversational responses seeming very real and life-like. Apart from the occasional editting glitches, especially the long repeated lines left in chapter 19, this is a very good narration which definitely increases the pleasure of the story experience.
This is a book to relish if magic (and dragons) and the battle between caring for people over the list for power is your reading choice. Well written and narrated, it promises to be the start of an excellent series.
"Strangers to walk the halls of the mind."
After The Madness the magic came. From the chaos, the Founder forged a new world and Arcadia was built, a city to be prosperous, safe and free for all. And then he left, handing the ongoing care to his best student. But as the years passed, the ethos of the city slowly eroded, the security of the state and prosperity of it's leaders becoming all, the citizens neglected and magic itself banned to all except the high status families. Memories of the past faded into legend.
Hannah lived in the slums; she hadn't been granted magic training. She had no idea that she had magic in her. So when it emerged, she didn't understand what had happened, at first. But others saw - and she became one of the 'unlawfuls' to be hunted down and killed.
Nicely written from various perspectives, this is a pleasant fantasy story with well deliniated characters, especially that of Hannah, who's personality as a cynical young girl just trying to keep herself and her brother alive shines through whilst still giving the impression of one who can still care. The balance between action and groundwork preparation is good, providing a clear entry to the 'what happens next?' of an ongoing series.
Kate Rudd's well paced reading fully interprets the storyline text, with good intonation and understanding. She also plucks miriad different voicings for the characters and that of Hannah, I particular, is very well expressed, her conversational responses seeming very real and life-like. Apart from the occasional editting glitches, especially the long repeated lines left in chapter 19, this is a very good narration which definitely increases the pleasure of the story experience.
This is a book to relish if magic (and dragons) and the battle between caring for people over the list for power is your reading choice. Well written and narrated, it promises to be the start of an excellent series.
September 9, 2017
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
Listening of this book was well-spent time. Kate Rudd made her job very well! I like her voice and her emotions, especially in the last chapter. I was chill by her reading in that moment.
But the book as itself is very dull. A lot of conversations which are just waste of time. A lot of information that is going to argue with the world setting. Maybe this is not important at all and authors just needed to add more text, I don't know. I wish it could have more actions, really important actions which are pushing the plot forward and making people reading without stops.
Logic. Where is the logic, guys? In this book, all the magic becomes from corrupt which is growing from deepest places of humanity. Even if they can create anything it goes from first corruption position. Very bad idea.
Has Restriction turned you off from other books in this genre?
Absolutely no. Even more - I won't read or listen books from this series.
Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?
As performed by Kate Rudd I liked Zeke. She made him wise, strong, impatient sometimes, an old man who knows how to turn things out right.
Did Restriction inspire you to do anything?
No.
Any additional comments?
I think it is a bad book with a corruption of thoughts.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Listening of this book was well-spent time. Kate Rudd made her job very well! I like her voice and her emotions, especially in the last chapter. I was chill by her reading in that moment.
But the book as itself is very dull. A lot of conversations which are just waste of time. A lot of information that is going to argue with the world setting. Maybe this is not important at all and authors just needed to add more text, I don't know. I wish it could have more actions, really important actions which are pushing the plot forward and making people reading without stops.
Logic. Where is the logic, guys? In this book, all the magic becomes from corrupt which is growing from deepest places of humanity. Even if they can create anything it goes from first corruption position. Very bad idea.
Has Restriction turned you off from other books in this genre?
Absolutely no. Even more - I won't read or listen books from this series.
Which character – as performed by Kate Rudd – was your favorite?
As performed by Kate Rudd I liked Zeke. She made him wise, strong, impatient sometimes, an old man who knows how to turn things out right.
Did Restriction inspire you to do anything?
No.
Any additional comments?
I think it is a bad book with a corruption of thoughts.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 7, 2018
Amazing!!!!
I love the way the world took a turn that allowed for the people of Earth or Irth as they put it to be able to manifest magic out of what was another horrible time for humanity. I have always wished that magic could be real so this book allowed me to explore that fantasy in a new way. The characters are great and the book is very hard to put down much like the rest of the TGK universe so far. I truly enjoy being able to be transported to this new world where anything is possible. You just never know what will come next but I assure you that from what I've gotten the pleasure to read so far it is definitely worth the time spent reading it. I have so many more to go and I'm excited to see what comes next for all of the characters of the TKG universe. This definitely has put a new spin on the way I see all these mythical tales. If you really love to read about magic ( and if you're anything like me and have that secret wish that magic could be real) I truly think you should read all of these books in the TKG Universe and the Conjuring Quantico books. I simply can't say enough great things about these books. I sometimes wish I had a hand in writing them ( that is if I ever thought I could be half as good as these authors in writing). I hope you have enjoyed them as much as I have!!!
I love the way the world took a turn that allowed for the people of Earth or Irth as they put it to be able to manifest magic out of what was another horrible time for humanity. I have always wished that magic could be real so this book allowed me to explore that fantasy in a new way. The characters are great and the book is very hard to put down much like the rest of the TGK universe so far. I truly enjoy being able to be transported to this new world where anything is possible. You just never know what will come next but I assure you that from what I've gotten the pleasure to read so far it is definitely worth the time spent reading it. I have so many more to go and I'm excited to see what comes next for all of the characters of the TKG universe. This definitely has put a new spin on the way I see all these mythical tales. If you really love to read about magic ( and if you're anything like me and have that secret wish that magic could be real) I truly think you should read all of these books in the TKG Universe and the Conjuring Quantico books. I simply can't say enough great things about these books. I sometimes wish I had a hand in writing them ( that is if I ever thought I could be half as good as these authors in writing). I hope you have enjoyed them as much as I have!!!
September 14, 2018
I received this audiobook at my own request.
This is a great start to the series. I loved the world building and I loved Sal, her lizard friend. But before I get into that let me go back to the beginning. When the story opens up you are bit confused because a woman is telling the story. The format of this book is basically a story within a story. After I got what was happening I loved the concept. There are many times when I am reading a book or listening to one when I think it would make more sense of someone telling a story rather then a story in 1st person.
Hannah, the main character, has had a hard life taking care of her brother and making sure that both of them do not starve to death. When her brother is dying she learns that she is more then a street kid, she has magic. This story has so much detail and some much going on that if you are not paying attention you will miss something very important.
We all know what Hannah is going to be the one that saves not only Arcadia but also Earth. This is the story of how she achieves that goal and what makes her want to be the one to change things. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
My only issue with this story is Hannah. I really hope she matures because I am a bit tired of her snarky attitude and always having a comeback. I need her to realize what is happening around her is bigger then her.
This is a great start to the series. I loved the world building and I loved Sal, her lizard friend. But before I get into that let me go back to the beginning. When the story opens up you are bit confused because a woman is telling the story. The format of this book is basically a story within a story. After I got what was happening I loved the concept. There are many times when I am reading a book or listening to one when I think it would make more sense of someone telling a story rather then a story in 1st person.
Hannah, the main character, has had a hard life taking care of her brother and making sure that both of them do not starve to death. When her brother is dying she learns that she is more then a street kid, she has magic. This story has so much detail and some much going on that if you are not paying attention you will miss something very important.
We all know what Hannah is going to be the one that saves not only Arcadia but also Earth. This is the story of how she achieves that goal and what makes her want to be the one to change things. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
My only issue with this story is Hannah. I really hope she matures because I am a bit tired of her snarky attitude and always having a comeback. I need her to realize what is happening around her is bigger then her.
September 8, 2018
Wow! What a great story! I was fortunate to be chosen to receive a review copy of this audiobook, and I am so glad! The rich cast of characters and the superb narration left me wanting more.
Hannah was born in the poor side of Arcadia. She didn’t pay much attention to magic because only the very rich can be sent to the academy to be trained. Any poor person that shows signs of using magic is killed. Hannah didn’t have much time to worry about anything other than taking care of herself and her younger brother. It was a surprise to her to find out that she has magical abilities when her brother got deathly ill and she somehow saved him. Unfortunately, the city’s guards saw her save her brother and went after her. Luckily, The Founder of Arcadia, Ezekiel, also saw her and saved her from the disgusting guards. Eventually Ezekiel became her mentor and much of this first book of the series is Hannah learning what she can do with her newly found powers, and how to control them. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and seeing more of Hannah and the rest of these characters.
Kate Rudd was perfect as the narrator. Her male and female voices were spot on and made me feel like I was right there inside the story.
Hannah was born in the poor side of Arcadia. She didn’t pay much attention to magic because only the very rich can be sent to the academy to be trained. Any poor person that shows signs of using magic is killed. Hannah didn’t have much time to worry about anything other than taking care of herself and her younger brother. It was a surprise to her to find out that she has magical abilities when her brother got deathly ill and she somehow saved him. Unfortunately, the city’s guards saw her save her brother and went after her. Luckily, The Founder of Arcadia, Ezekiel, also saw her and saved her from the disgusting guards. Eventually Ezekiel became her mentor and much of this first book of the series is Hannah learning what she can do with her newly found powers, and how to control them. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and seeing more of Hannah and the rest of these characters.
Kate Rudd was perfect as the narrator. Her male and female voices were spot on and made me feel like I was right there inside the story.
May 28, 2019
This series is going to cost me so much money but I’m gonna like it! LOL I’ve had the first of The Kurtherian Gambit in my TBR/Wishlist for a long while, but with a series this prolific I was saving up to be able to buy “chunks” of (10 or so seemed about right) books at a time ;D
When this offshoot started I jumped at the chance to dip a toe into the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. I’m so happy I did! First off, the narrator is gorgeous. Her tambour is pleasant, she emotes effortlessly and her characters are easily distinguishable, including the males.
From the first, the world feels established. Yes, you’d expect it to be for having so many volumes and such high reviews, but authors can make a planet spacious and round - sort of leaving themselves “room for evolution” if you know what I mean - where this is robust grown-in. The difference between having a yard make-over TV show come over & tending the garden your mother and grandmother started.
At the same time, you’ve got a fabulous mix of characters that have stretching to do. Some are older and are shaking off the dust and some are young and are filling out their empty corners. I’m tremendously interested to see where they go from where I left them!
When this offshoot started I jumped at the chance to dip a toe into the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. I’m so happy I did! First off, the narrator is gorgeous. Her tambour is pleasant, she emotes effortlessly and her characters are easily distinguishable, including the males.
From the first, the world feels established. Yes, you’d expect it to be for having so many volumes and such high reviews, but authors can make a planet spacious and round - sort of leaving themselves “room for evolution” if you know what I mean - where this is robust grown-in. The difference between having a yard make-over TV show come over & tending the garden your mother and grandmother started.
At the same time, you’ve got a fabulous mix of characters that have stretching to do. Some are older and are shaking off the dust and some are young and are filling out their empty corners. I’m tremendously interested to see where they go from where I left them!
September 16, 2017
Not having read the Kutherian Universe, I had no preconceived idea of what to expect. This is my first experience with CM Raymond. I loved Restriction from the moment I started listening. It is super fantastic with strong characters and a great story line. Kate Rudd did a wonderful job of bring the characters alive. Each was so believable. Kate's interpretation of the last chapter covers a range of emotions (friendship, love, pain, sorrow, etc.) that made you laugh, angry, and cry.
From the beginning I was pulled into the story (listening in one setting) and did not want it to end. Hannah (the main character) is such a gutsy girl. She is devoted to her brother William and when he has a seizure in the middle of town, she uses magic (that she did not know she had) to save him. This use of magic is what brings her to the attention of Hunters and begins her trek into magic.
This story is not to be missed. I highly recommend the audio book as Kate Rudd does a fantastic job, but you will not be disappointed no matter what media you use.
I received the audio book (Audible Access) from the author at no cost; however, this had no affect on my opinion of Restriction.
From the beginning I was pulled into the story (listening in one setting) and did not want it to end. Hannah (the main character) is such a gutsy girl. She is devoted to her brother William and when he has a seizure in the middle of town, she uses magic (that she did not know she had) to save him. This use of magic is what brings her to the attention of Hunters and begins her trek into magic.
This story is not to be missed. I highly recommend the audio book as Kate Rudd does a fantastic job, but you will not be disappointed no matter what media you use.
I received the audio book (Audible Access) from the author at no cost; however, this had no affect on my opinion of Restriction.
September 5, 2018
Restriction is a marvelous book... I was sucked into the this story from the very start... Hanna is just trying to save her brother while he's having a seizure, and in her desperation, she accidentally uses magic out in public... And magic is highly illegal! She's narrowly escaped from the authorities, with the help of a mysterious, powerful magician. We follow Hanna as she secretly learns how to use her magic, instructed by that same magician...
Kate Rudd narration is amazingly good as she tells Hanna's story...
If you've never read a single Kurtherian Gambit story, don't be afraid to start right here! This is a perfect gateway into the series! Just keep in mind that this is literary crack, and you might find yourself with a need to read the entire saga. If you do need more, you might check out fantasticfiction.com for help navigating through this rather extensive, multi author series... You can dive into these tales and go as far as you want, or if you're like me, you can pick up one of the side (spin-off) series like this one, and fool yourself into believing that you can quit anytime! 😄
Kate Rudd narration is amazingly good as she tells Hanna's story...
If you've never read a single Kurtherian Gambit story, don't be afraid to start right here! This is a perfect gateway into the series! Just keep in mind that this is literary crack, and you might find yourself with a need to read the entire saga. If you do need more, you might check out fantasticfiction.com for help navigating through this rather extensive, multi author series... You can dive into these tales and go as far as you want, or if you're like me, you can pick up one of the side (spin-off) series like this one, and fool yourself into believing that you can quit anytime! 😄
March 20, 2017
I should have known better...
I wasn't sure how I felt about this idea of introducing magic into the TKG universe...it seemed so counterintuitive in a series that has relied on a theme of "sciencing the bleep outta" the paranormal. But knowing the TKG universe as well as I do, and trusting Michael Anderle and his collaborative writers as much as I do, I really should have known better!
I love this direction the universe is taking! It is really a natural evolution of an Earth left alone with nanites in the general population. Especially given the drive to acquire the Queen's technology in the TKG books. That inquisitiveness would not have died out just because TQB left the planet. And what would happen if unethical scientists driven by greedy CEOs kept poking where they didn't belong?
I don't know (yet!) if that's what happened exactly, but I can see the progression! And this story is where we'd wind up for a while.
Lee and Christopher are talented writers who did this story justice, and I can't wait for the next installment!!
I wasn't sure how I felt about this idea of introducing magic into the TKG universe...it seemed so counterintuitive in a series that has relied on a theme of "sciencing the bleep outta" the paranormal. But knowing the TKG universe as well as I do, and trusting Michael Anderle and his collaborative writers as much as I do, I really should have known better!
I love this direction the universe is taking! It is really a natural evolution of an Earth left alone with nanites in the general population. Especially given the drive to acquire the Queen's technology in the TKG books. That inquisitiveness would not have died out just because TQB left the planet. And what would happen if unethical scientists driven by greedy CEOs kept poking where they didn't belong?
I don't know (yet!) if that's what happened exactly, but I can see the progression! And this story is where we'd wind up for a while.
Lee and Christopher are talented writers who did this story justice, and I can't wait for the next installment!!
December 30, 2018
I enjoyed this book enough that I am happy to have the next one already so I have no delay in reading on. And yet I feel like not much happened in Book 1. That is because there is a lot of world building- thankfully enjoyable world building...but it seems like nothing much actually happens plotwise for an entire book. Part of that is some minor timeline confusion. At one point Hannah speaks of it being only a couple of days since she started training while Ezekiel refers to it being weeks. One minute Hannah is a child not yet a woman, then suddenly she's 19. In a world as hard as hers, where kids don't get the privilege of childhood, 19 is practically middle aged.
I am intrigued by the world building though and was fascinated in the author's notes to find out that this is like fanfiction of some existing series. It kind of explains some of the odd hints - my guess is that what made me roll my eyes and think, "Enough with the hint, hint, wink, wink", would probably have been a fun insider joke to those who know the series.
I am intrigued by the world building though and was fascinated in the author's notes to find out that this is like fanfiction of some existing series. It kind of explains some of the odd hints - my guess is that what made me roll my eyes and think, "Enough with the hint, hint, wink, wink", would probably have been a fun insider joke to those who know the series.
June 5, 2018
This review is for the first 5 books in the series. I tried to avoid spoilers.
It seems like there is no end to the flood of book series popping up in the Kurtherian universe. It has become a bit of a franchise actually. That’s not a bad thing in itself as long as quality is maintained. So far it has…more or less. The books, the ones that I have read at least, has been of varying quality that has to be said. However, the lowest rating I have given has been three stars with most of them in the four to five star range. The five star books have mostly been the ones written by Michael Anderle himself though.
This book series is another one of those “co-written” by some other author and Michael Anderle. Now I am pretty sure that Michael has had more of a consultant role than doing any actual writing. C.M. Raymond has been doing a pretty good job though.
The books series takes place in a time period after The Queen Bitch left Earth, for the second time, and Earth finally managed to screw up big time. So the world is now a post apocalyptic one with only remnants of science left. A medieval society with nanocyte-induced magic in it.
I quite like the story. The foundation is not really that original. Heroin discovers that she has magic, mysterious man pops up, tells her she is “special”, tutors her. Add a few weird new friends and of course a big bad guy with a diabolical plan, a wee bit of romance and we’re ready to go.
What makes the story a bit above the average thirteen on a dozen such stories is pretty good writing, some nice twists and a fairly interesting connection to the rest of the Kurtherian universe. One that gives plenty of opportunities for development in various directions.
As for the characters, they are quite likable. I do like the heroin. She goes through quite some development at a balanced pace. There’s her old mentor of course, a grumpy dwarf and a few other characters that makes for a quite merry team. Oh, and there is a quite cute little dragon as well of course. Did I say little? On second thought scratch the little part.
The first four books in the series are part of an overall story arc against the main bad guy introduced in the first book in the series. The fifth book hints at the first four being just a bit of warm up for our heroin and that an altogether new story arc with a much bigger and “badder” foe is starting. That doesn’t stop Hanna and her odd band of merry friends to solve a little side story on the way though.
Bottom line, it is fun books to read. It is fairly light reading but still, quite enjoyable.
Oh, one last thing. Should you happen to be the lucky owner of a dragon do NOT feed it coffee!
It seems like there is no end to the flood of book series popping up in the Kurtherian universe. It has become a bit of a franchise actually. That’s not a bad thing in itself as long as quality is maintained. So far it has…more or less. The books, the ones that I have read at least, has been of varying quality that has to be said. However, the lowest rating I have given has been three stars with most of them in the four to five star range. The five star books have mostly been the ones written by Michael Anderle himself though.
This book series is another one of those “co-written” by some other author and Michael Anderle. Now I am pretty sure that Michael has had more of a consultant role than doing any actual writing. C.M. Raymond has been doing a pretty good job though.
The books series takes place in a time period after The Queen Bitch left Earth, for the second time, and Earth finally managed to screw up big time. So the world is now a post apocalyptic one with only remnants of science left. A medieval society with nanocyte-induced magic in it.
I quite like the story. The foundation is not really that original. Heroin discovers that she has magic, mysterious man pops up, tells her she is “special”, tutors her. Add a few weird new friends and of course a big bad guy with a diabolical plan, a wee bit of romance and we’re ready to go.
What makes the story a bit above the average thirteen on a dozen such stories is pretty good writing, some nice twists and a fairly interesting connection to the rest of the Kurtherian universe. One that gives plenty of opportunities for development in various directions.
As for the characters, they are quite likable. I do like the heroin. She goes through quite some development at a balanced pace. There’s her old mentor of course, a grumpy dwarf and a few other characters that makes for a quite merry team. Oh, and there is a quite cute little dragon as well of course. Did I say little? On second thought scratch the little part.
The first four books in the series are part of an overall story arc against the main bad guy introduced in the first book in the series. The fifth book hints at the first four being just a bit of warm up for our heroin and that an altogether new story arc with a much bigger and “badder” foe is starting. That doesn’t stop Hanna and her odd band of merry friends to solve a little side story on the way though.
Bottom line, it is fun books to read. It is fairly light reading but still, quite enjoyable.
Oh, one last thing. Should you happen to be the lucky owner of a dragon do NOT feed it coffee!
September 6, 2018
What a fun little treat of a book! The audiobook was very well narrated. This book was full of everything a fantasy needs, magic, a wizard, good vs evil and even a cute dragon.
I really enjoyed this book
Pro's ~ Well written story that flowed
Interesting characters, both likable and despisable
Dystopian future world shows what happens when magic is controlled by the wrong people
Strong Female MC
A good start to a series
Con's ~ maybe I could do without the MC's potty mouth. Nothing she said was terribly offensive, but it made her sound a bit foolish at times. Overall she seemed smarter than her cursing portrayed. She lived a difficult life, but the character doesn't have to swear to sound tough.
I would recommend this to readers of fantasy and magic, yet I would wait until they are at least 16 yrs old due to the cursing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Audiobook Access for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book
Pro's ~ Well written story that flowed
Interesting characters, both likable and despisable
Dystopian future world shows what happens when magic is controlled by the wrong people
Strong Female MC
A good start to a series
Con's ~ maybe I could do without the MC's potty mouth. Nothing she said was terribly offensive, but it made her sound a bit foolish at times. Overall she seemed smarter than her cursing portrayed. She lived a difficult life, but the character doesn't have to swear to sound tough.
I would recommend this to readers of fantasy and magic, yet I would wait until they are at least 16 yrs old due to the cursing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Audiobook Access for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2018
I listened to the audiobook version of this tale. I'll start by saying the narrator took me a bit to get used to. She sounded almost robotic, except when she was speaking in the voices of the characters. Yet after a time, I grew to appreciate her calm tone, and it's value to the story.
I've never read any other books set in what I have now learned is a vast world that this series spins from. Not to worry, this is a tale all its own. Following a smart ass girl from the wrong side of town, it was full of cursing (verbal and magical), snark, bad assery, and general awesomeness.
Magic? Check.
Worthy female heroine? Check.
Angst and drama? Check and check.
While I'm usually anxious to get to the end and see how it all turns out, this is only book one, so the story is really only beginning. This left me disappointed to reach the end, and only anxious to start the next book.
Absolutely worth the journey into this surprising future regressed world of magic.
I've never read any other books set in what I have now learned is a vast world that this series spins from. Not to worry, this is a tale all its own. Following a smart ass girl from the wrong side of town, it was full of cursing (verbal and magical), snark, bad assery, and general awesomeness.
Magic? Check.
Worthy female heroine? Check.
Angst and drama? Check and check.
While I'm usually anxious to get to the end and see how it all turns out, this is only book one, so the story is really only beginning. This left me disappointed to reach the end, and only anxious to start the next book.
Absolutely worth the journey into this surprising future regressed world of magic.
March 18, 2017
I have read almost all of the books in this world and this has the advantage of being able to recommend to somebody that has read none of the other books.
While reading this I can see it may follow a similar plot to the original series in this world which is great as far as I am concerned. Ezekiel is written as someone very powerful but limited (in my mind he was a Michael figure with a bit less power of endurance) and Hannah is an excellent Bethany Anne figure with a lot of potential and a long way to go (as opposed to Bethany Anne being very powerful from the beginning). Even though those of us who have read all the books in this world know this is actually a science based world, using it to write a fantasy story using magic is an invisible difference to most any other fantasy so far. The beauty of all this is as I said, you need to know nothing about the other books in this world to completely enjoy this book, for all entertainment purposes it is a stand alone.
Bottom Line: This book sets the stage more than really tells a lot of story, it gives us all the major characters, who they are and an idea of their powers, it gives us the characters motivations for future books which if I am correct will be a lot of "justice" and as a confirmed "revenge junkie" I can hardly wait to see what comes next. 4 Stars since most of the story I am waiting for is yet to come and it could have used a bit better editor but nothing major.
While reading this I can see it may follow a similar plot to the original series in this world which is great as far as I am concerned. Ezekiel is written as someone very powerful but limited (in my mind he was a Michael figure with a bit less power of endurance) and Hannah is an excellent Bethany Anne figure with a lot of potential and a long way to go (as opposed to Bethany Anne being very powerful from the beginning). Even though those of us who have read all the books in this world know this is actually a science based world, using it to write a fantasy story using magic is an invisible difference to most any other fantasy so far. The beauty of all this is as I said, you need to know nothing about the other books in this world to completely enjoy this book, for all entertainment purposes it is a stand alone.
Bottom Line: This book sets the stage more than really tells a lot of story, it gives us all the major characters, who they are and an idea of their powers, it gives us the characters motivations for future books which if I am correct will be a lot of "justice" and as a confirmed "revenge junkie" I can hardly wait to see what comes next. 4 Stars since most of the story I am waiting for is yet to come and it could have used a bit better editor but nothing major.
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