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Misfits #1
Misfit Magic
Once upon a time, a handsome prince met a beautiful princess and they fell in love. Everyone in the land of Draconia rejoiced, the prince and princess were married, they had a daughter who was pretty and wise, and they all lived happily ever after. Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen…
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2017
95 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Niall Teasdale
73 books292 followersI was born in the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall so perhaps a bit of history rubbed off. Ancient history obviously, and border history, right on the edge of the Empire. I always preferred the Dark Ages anyway; there’s so much more room for imagination when people aren’t writing down every last detail. So my idea of a good fantasy novel involved dirt and leather, not shining plate armour and Hollywood-medieval manners. The same applies to my sci-fi, really; I prefer gritty over shiny.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 6, 2017
Awesome story
As always the author didn't disappoint. Some of the key points of the story were predictable, but you can gloss over it and appreciate the magic system and world building. The characters are endearing, smart and funny! A page turner who deserve the money I spent on it.
As always the author didn't disappoint. Some of the key points of the story were predictable, but you can gloss over it and appreciate the magic system and world building. The characters are endearing, smart and funny! A page turner who deserve the money I spent on it.
March 4, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
I liked this book. The thing that I like the most was the writing style. There was a lot of funny sarcastic banter between the characters. This story is completely filled with women. I can remember only a handful of men being in the story, so that was something I am not used to either. Some of the teasing and ribbing from the female characters were things I haven't heard before, because it is only something one woman could say to another. Like when Krys was talking about her bras that she received form the nunnery and how they looked like the bras should have rivets because of how bulky it looked.
The story involves dragons. In this world every person is a dragon, they have a human form and a dragon form (though the dragon form is still human shaped and I don't think there are any wings.) Some dragons can also use magic, so the ones that do can go to school to learn more. Krys is an orphan who has received a scholarship to such a school. Usually the schools are only for men, but the one that Krys is going to is one of the only girls schools. Each dragon has a different color and this has different characteristics (blue, red, yellow, green, indigo, grey, and rainbow). Krys has started school and made friends with a group who call themselves the misfits. Most of the people at the school are rich or looking to find a husband or to gain a political alliance. Krys and her roommate are both on scholarship and the rest of her friends on the floor are not there to find a husband either which makes them different. As I wrote above it is the relationships and banter that I loved the most and not the actual story (it was okay but nothing special), so I don't feel the need to go into too much detail about what happens. She goes to school, has fun with her friends, study's, parties and has a couple of eventful incidences. I figured out pretty quickly the secret that Krys was keeping, but it wasn't explored very much. Maybe that's because the author is saving those for future books.
I liked this book. The thing that I like the most was the writing style. There was a lot of funny sarcastic banter between the characters. This story is completely filled with women. I can remember only a handful of men being in the story, so that was something I am not used to either. Some of the teasing and ribbing from the female characters were things I haven't heard before, because it is only something one woman could say to another. Like when Krys was talking about her bras that she received form the nunnery and how they looked like the bras should have rivets because of how bulky it looked.
The story involves dragons. In this world every person is a dragon, they have a human form and a dragon form (though the dragon form is still human shaped and I don't think there are any wings.) Some dragons can also use magic, so the ones that do can go to school to learn more. Krys is an orphan who has received a scholarship to such a school. Usually the schools are only for men, but the one that Krys is going to is one of the only girls schools. Each dragon has a different color and this has different characteristics (blue, red, yellow, green, indigo, grey, and rainbow). Krys has started school and made friends with a group who call themselves the misfits. Most of the people at the school are rich or looking to find a husband or to gain a political alliance. Krys and her roommate are both on scholarship and the rest of her friends on the floor are not there to find a husband either which makes them different. As I wrote above it is the relationships and banter that I loved the most and not the actual story (it was okay but nothing special), so I don't feel the need to go into too much detail about what happens. She goes to school, has fun with her friends, study's, parties and has a couple of eventful incidences. I figured out pretty quickly the secret that Krys was keeping, but it wasn't explored very much. Maybe that's because the author is saving those for future books.
November 13, 2018
My Little Ponies. The entire book was a send up of MLP, down to the signature colors of hair (and scales) and the symbols involved. A sapphic version, of course, this is Niall Teasdale after all, but still ... my little ponies? Really??!
This was not one of her stronger books, in great part because Niall was working with a parody of a cartoon that itself is something of a parody. However, once you realize the connection, the world makes perfect sense. It was a bit rushed, and the climax sequence could have been better plotted, but all in all a fun piece
This was not one of her stronger books, in great part because Niall was working with a parody of a cartoon that itself is something of a parody. However, once you realize the connection, the world makes perfect sense. It was a bit rushed, and the climax sequence could have been better plotted, but all in all a fun piece
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2018
Different yet familiar Fantasy novel by Niall Teasdale.
This is basically what happens when you mix, Hogwarts, dragons and pretty girls with a more mature audience. Krystal Ward was raised by nuns, but as soon as her magical talent was discovered that is what she anted to do. Learn about magic! Add another five other friends and an interesting world withe racial and social devides depending on what color your draco-form is and you get a typical Teasdale setting and story.
In all I enjoyed myself with this novel. Here and there it felt a bit rushed and could have used some polishing, but the overal story was fine. I'll be waiting for the next installment.
This is basically what happens when you mix, Hogwarts, dragons and pretty girls with a more mature audience. Krystal Ward was raised by nuns, but as soon as her magical talent was discovered that is what she anted to do. Learn about magic! Add another five other friends and an interesting world withe racial and social devides depending on what color your draco-form is and you get a typical Teasdale setting and story.
In all I enjoyed myself with this novel. Here and there it felt a bit rushed and could have used some polishing, but the overal story was fine. I'll be waiting for the next installment.
May 19, 2017
I liked Teasdale's Thaumatology 101, and I liked this one. That's not to say that MISFIT MAGIC is the same, but some of the elements repeat -- main character who's a prodigy magic student, slowly developing her talent and confidence. Some lesbian sex, but not that much (for Teasdale, that is) and leavened by repartee, innuendo, and sometimes bumbling attempts at seduction.
The magic seems nice - powerful but not unlimited, and requiring a lot of study and practice. The world has some depth, but it's not as intricate as Middle Earth -- more like a good background for the major characters. And, in addition to the protagonist, Krys, there are several supporting characters with appeal. Some of the plot elements seems very standard for a school, but it's done well here. I look forward to the the next in the series.
By the way -- this world is populated by dragons, but the term can be misleading. In this world, the dragons are not multi-ton fire-breathing beasts; they are normal humans, that have an alternate form which is just slightly larger (one of the characters gains 1/2'' in height in her "Dracoform"), slightly stronger, and have tougher skin. They remain pretty much human, but with glitter. They can also fly in this form, but the lift is mostly via magic, and not by flapping wings like a hummingbird. The alternate form takes more energy to maintain, so most dragons spend most of their time in their normal form -- basically a standard human.
The magic seems nice - powerful but not unlimited, and requiring a lot of study and practice. The world has some depth, but it's not as intricate as Middle Earth -- more like a good background for the major characters. And, in addition to the protagonist, Krys, there are several supporting characters with appeal. Some of the plot elements seems very standard for a school, but it's done well here. I look forward to the the next in the series.
By the way -- this world is populated by dragons, but the term can be misleading. In this world, the dragons are not multi-ton fire-breathing beasts; they are normal humans, that have an alternate form which is just slightly larger (one of the characters gains 1/2'' in height in her "Dracoform"), slightly stronger, and have tougher skin. They remain pretty much human, but with glitter. They can also fly in this form, but the lift is mostly via magic, and not by flapping wings like a hummingbird. The alternate form takes more energy to maintain, so most dragons spend most of their time in their normal form -- basically a standard human.
June 30, 2017
If nothing else, Niall Teasdale excels at world building, and here is another interesting and divergent high fantasy world that he has laid out, and built strong rules for.
Make no mistake, even though pretty much everyone in the novel's a dragon (they take humanoid form for… plot reasons) there really doesn't seem to be any tie to the dragons of his previous series. This is a new world — with familiar archetypes. And if you like those comfortable character types, odds are, you'll enjoy this one, as well.
Stop me if you've heard this — socially awkward child with hidden depths and a powerful intelligence befriends a free spirit and they immediately pair off, balancing each other out socially, intellectually, and passionately. Said child narrowly avoids Mary Suedom due to her obvious flaws, and need to grow as a character, but immediately starts bending the people around her. Eventually, they form a group of well — title drop — misfits, who are all safer around each other: the disgraced rich girl, the jock, the animal lover, and the tree hugger. It's a regular rainbow brigade!
If this review sounds flip, that's because it is, I'm being quite lighthearted about it. But if as a reader, it seems like I'm dismissing the book, don't believe it — this was a fun read. Even if you know where it's going, a lot of the enjoyment is in the execution of the ride.
Make no mistake, even though pretty much everyone in the novel's a dragon (they take humanoid form for… plot reasons) there really doesn't seem to be any tie to the dragons of his previous series. This is a new world — with familiar archetypes. And if you like those comfortable character types, odds are, you'll enjoy this one, as well.
Stop me if you've heard this — socially awkward child with hidden depths and a powerful intelligence befriends a free spirit and they immediately pair off, balancing each other out socially, intellectually, and passionately. Said child narrowly avoids Mary Suedom due to her obvious flaws, and need to grow as a character, but immediately starts bending the people around her. Eventually, they form a group of well — title drop — misfits, who are all safer around each other: the disgraced rich girl, the jock, the animal lover, and the tree hugger. It's a regular rainbow brigade!
If this review sounds flip, that's because it is, I'm being quite lighthearted about it. But if as a reader, it seems like I'm dismissing the book, don't believe it — this was a fun read. Even if you know where it's going, a lot of the enjoyment is in the execution of the ride.
February 8, 2021
This was a mixed bag for me. There were some really cool ideas and some interesting world building, I liked the idea of a society of dragons, socially stratified by color. There is a lot of potential story telling in this world. Unfortunately, the story itself fell a little flat for me, it wasn't terrible, but neither was it particularly ground breaking. The characterizations were very two dimensional, with little or no character growth, with the exception of one character, who was not the protagonist, but rather one of several sidekicks, this characters story arc, was actually more interesting than the protagonist.
One thing I do have address is the sex. Please don't get me wrong, I am no prude, I am all for good sex in a good story, especially lesbian sex. However, in this book it felt a lot like fan service. The author knew his primary readership was going to be horny teenage boys and wanted to throw them some hot babe sex to keep them reading. This did not in anyway contribute to the story, the relationship between Krys and Trudy could have easily been addressed with out the graphic sex scene.
One thing I do have address is the sex. Please don't get me wrong, I am no prude, I am all for good sex in a good story, especially lesbian sex. However, in this book it felt a lot like fan service. The author knew his primary readership was going to be horny teenage boys and wanted to throw them some hot babe sex to keep them reading. This did not in anyway contribute to the story, the relationship between Krys and Trudy could have easily been addressed with out the graphic sex scene.
May 26, 2017
I really liked this book, it has elements from other series by this author, including the lesbian relationships, but in many ways it’s quite different. It’s almost a YA fantasy, with a little added sex.
I found it interesting that the whole world is inhabited by different types of dragon and rather than inter species tensions, in this book it’s the strain between different colours of dragons.
The obvious comparison for the magic school is with Hogwarts but I found it more like ‘Whitehall’ school in Christopher Nuttall’s ‘Schooled in Magic’ series.
I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series.
I found it interesting that the whole world is inhabited by different types of dragon and rather than inter species tensions, in this book it’s the strain between different colours of dragons.
The obvious comparison for the magic school is with Hogwarts but I found it more like ‘Whitehall’ school in Christopher Nuttall’s ‘Schooled in Magic’ series.
I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series.
June 1, 2017
So much fun!!
An orphan dragon raised at a convent run orphanage wins a scholarship to a magic college for females. We join Krystal the day she arrives at the dorms.
Krystal and her band of misfit friends are my kind of ladies. Smart, caring, a little naive and each unique in her own way. This first semester is focused on each finding her way in the unusual world of college.
I have enjoyed one of Teasdale's other series so much I picked this up on first glance. Giggle worthy with a lesbian twist. I can hardly wait to see what the future brings.
An orphan dragon raised at a convent run orphanage wins a scholarship to a magic college for females. We join Krystal the day she arrives at the dorms.
Krystal and her band of misfit friends are my kind of ladies. Smart, caring, a little naive and each unique in her own way. This first semester is focused on each finding her way in the unusual world of college.
I have enjoyed one of Teasdale's other series so much I picked this up on first glance. Giggle worthy with a lesbian twist. I can hardly wait to see what the future brings.
May 15, 2017
Not as expected
I expected the sex. That's the author's signature.
What was missing was a truly coherent world. The plot hung together well, and the characters were tolerable, if predictable. But there was a lot about the social structure of the world that did not make sense.
I will likely buy the next book, because his writing ^is^ readable, but I do not feel I can recommend this series at present.
I expected the sex. That's the author's signature.
What was missing was a truly coherent world. The plot hung together well, and the characters were tolerable, if predictable. But there was a lot about the social structure of the world that did not make sense.
I will likely buy the next book, because his writing ^is^ readable, but I do not feel I can recommend this series at present.
May 14, 2017
Dragons. Really
It was different but the same. Some things apparently don't change.
I like the world and the characters. There is a huge potential here and we will see how it goes. It is already decided that I will buy the next book in the series.
Thank you and now on to the next work.
It was different but the same. Some things apparently don't change.
I like the world and the characters. There is a huge potential here and we will see how it goes. It is already decided that I will buy the next book in the series.
Thank you and now on to the next work.
May 10, 2017
Misfits
Another interesting story by Mr Teasdale. It was a good story and I thought it ended almost predictably. There was one part about halfway through the book you get a repeat paragraph it shows up right after the following paragraph. But the characters as per usual were all quite interesting.
Another interesting story by Mr Teasdale. It was a good story and I thought it ended almost predictably. There was one part about halfway through the book you get a repeat paragraph it shows up right after the following paragraph. But the characters as per usual were all quite interesting.
May 13, 2017
Please keep them coming.
Niall Teasdale is still performing magic with their writing. I continue to be impressed by the path of the stories. When I read, I seek stories that are full of life and complexity. Niall rarely fails to provide in any way shape or form. I will continue to grab as many stories as I can for as long as they keep coming.
Niall Teasdale is still performing magic with their writing. I continue to be impressed by the path of the stories. When I read, I seek stories that are full of life and complexity. Niall rarely fails to provide in any way shape or form. I will continue to grab as many stories as I can for as long as they keep coming.
July 21, 2017
With this book I was hoping for something similar to, or related to Niall's earlier Thaumatology books. Unfortunately, it is not. This is just a lightly pornographic Harry Potter type thing with all girls who are also dragons. Someone with Niall Teasdales imagination really does not need to copy the work of others. I was disappointed.
September 2, 2017
A fun read, but not the most well-put-together book. I wanted something light, and I am typically willing to give authors a try. For this one, I would say that, just because it is fantasy, it does not need to have everyone be the best at everything. It makes things a bit unrealistic. I might check out the next one in the series, I might check out others from this one, I have not decided yet.
March 17, 2018
Absolutely brilliant "magic school" type series, but with the inevitable sexcapades resulting in cramming all girls college age students into shared living spaces short on privacy!
Utterly loved it, like Harry Potter but more sex and girls! First book of a series of only two so far, so here is hoping there are MANY MORE BEING WRITTEN, HINT HINT NIALL TEASDALE!
Utterly loved it, like Harry Potter but more sex and girls! First book of a series of only two so far, so here is hoping there are MANY MORE BEING WRITTEN, HINT HINT NIALL TEASDALE!
June 1, 2024
This story was exciting and fun. Lead character Krystal was as such an amusing contrast to the rest of her band of misfits. The world that was created as the backdrop and the fact that it would seem that this world is populated by Shifters and that they're all Dragons just make it that more inspiring❗
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
May 22, 2017
Loved it.
Everyone is talking about how much sex is in this book... must not have read ANY of is other works. Frankly I could have gone for a bit more. All in all excellent story and I'm looking forward to any possible sequels.
Everyone is talking about how much sex is in this book... must not have read ANY of is other works. Frankly I could have gone for a bit more. All in all excellent story and I'm looking forward to any possible sequels.
May 11, 2017
Awesome!
This is a great book by Niall Teasdale! In this one we can find a bunch of great characters in a beautiful new world of magic.. Very good, I can't wait for the next one!
This is a great book by Niall Teasdale! In this one we can find a bunch of great characters in a beautiful new world of magic.. Very good, I can't wait for the next one!
May 16, 2017
Interesting
I find the world setting quite interesting and liked all the misfits. I can't wait to see how this series develops.
I find the world setting quite interesting and liked all the misfits. I can't wait to see how this series develops.
September 10, 2017
Slow world building, a little like "Thaumatology 101".
August 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It is very entertaining, with enough suspense to keep things moving forward without being overbearing. The good characters are all very likable, and the bad characters are great for boos and hisses. I especially love the main character, her strength and compasion.
The world premise is also quite interesting - haven't seen a mix of ideas quite like this before. I really can't wait until the next one is out!
The world premise is also quite interesting - haven't seen a mix of ideas quite like this before. I really can't wait until the next one is out!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews