What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal Institute of Magic #3
The Protectors
Ben Greenwood is continuing his apprenticeship at the Royal Institute of Magic, hoping things will be slightly less complicated now that he has advanced to the second grade.
Fat chance.
Coupled with the sterner challenges that the second grade brings, there is also the small matter of the impending dark elf invasion, making life at the Institute even busier than usual. Ben is the only one who can stop them, by finding Elizabeth's armor and its Guardians.
Ben has retrieved one piece of the armor - the boots - but the rest remain hidden. He has just one clue, which could lead to Elizabeth's helm: an old black and white photo given to him by the Master of Apprentices.
Ben must split his time between his apprenticeship and searching for the helm, before the dark elves strike and all hell breaks loose.
Fat chance.
Coupled with the sterner challenges that the second grade brings, there is also the small matter of the impending dark elf invasion, making life at the Institute even busier than usual. Ben is the only one who can stop them, by finding Elizabeth's armor and its Guardians.
Ben has retrieved one piece of the armor - the boots - but the rest remain hidden. He has just one clue, which could lead to Elizabeth's helm: an old black and white photo given to him by the Master of Apprentices.
Ben must split his time between his apprenticeship and searching for the helm, before the dark elves strike and all hell breaks loose.
Audible Audio
First published January 8, 2016
514 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Victor Kloss
17 books238 followersVictor originally wrote:
"Born in London, I live in a lovely little town in West Sussex with my wife and daughter.
"My passion for writing came from the many great books I read as a child and at school. I thought it would be nice to give others the same pleasure of escaping to another world that they gave me."
Victor passed away on 5 November 2016 after fighting a losing battle against an aggressive form of lymphoma.
To learn more about Victor and his writing, please visit his website.
"Born in London, I live in a lovely little town in West Sussex with my wife and daughter.
"My passion for writing came from the many great books I read as a child and at school. I thought it would be nice to give others the same pleasure of escaping to another world that they gave me."
Victor passed away on 5 November 2016 after fighting a losing battle against an aggressive form of lymphoma.
To learn more about Victor and his writing, please visit his website.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 14, 2016
The Protectors RIM III
Wow, a blockbuster full of hidden twists and turns from beginning to end. Hard to put down didn't mind the the adding of a new team mate. This is the book where the Helm is found, but of course you will have to read in order to find where and when. Enjoy.
Wow, a blockbuster full of hidden twists and turns from beginning to end. Hard to put down didn't mind the the adding of a new team mate. This is the book where the Helm is found, but of course you will have to read in order to find where and when. Enjoy.
September 14, 2016
I am really enjoying this series. While it may not be as deep and well rounded as other magical series (Harry Potter, The Magicians, etc). The story is intriguing, the characters are likable, there are elements of what is to come, giving it a well thought out overall plot line to follow. The books are easy to read and get lost in, which is always a sign of a good story!
June 19, 2016
Could have been great
This series had so much more potential than the author gave it credit. ,As intriguing s the story is, it could ave been a block buster. Dagmar was under used as were so many characters, it need more depth. Also I think you tried to dumb it down for your readers, we are a lot more intelligent than you give us credit for.
This series had so much more potential than the author gave it credit. ,As intriguing s the story is, it could ave been a block buster. Dagmar was under used as were so many characters, it need more depth. Also I think you tried to dumb it down for your readers, we are a lot more intelligent than you give us credit for.
February 14, 2026
I love the humor and creativity in this series! The plot moved a little slowly for this one, but I didn't really mind. I still can't get over how cool I think Spellshooters are. I have thus far really enjoyed Abigail's character, and I find it really interesting to imagine things from her perspective. On to the next book!
February 24, 2016
Beat of the three
This series is reminiscent of the Harry potter series but still enough different to be its own, with its own surprises. I recommend this series of books to anyone who enjoyed the Harry potter series. Enjoy!
This series is reminiscent of the Harry potter series but still enough different to be its own, with its own surprises. I recommend this series of books to anyone who enjoyed the Harry potter series. Enjoy!
Read
June 26, 2020Ben continues to search for the Armour and its Guardians. This time he is searching for the Helm, but dark elves and traitors are not far behind him
April 7, 2018
Once again I find myself pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book! I know I keep comparing it to Harry Potter but that is because I truly enjoy it. It gives me that same feeling I had while reading the Harry Potter books. I like how each book starts off in the past then brings you to the future and evolves into bens adventure. I do find myself wishing that there were more descriptions in certain parts of the book, but I realize that this is a young adult book and that would probably make it less appealing to that audience. I mostly read fantasy books, and some of those can be a hassle to get through, which is why I jumped at the chance to read this series when a friend recommended it. It is a nice relaxing read, but the book has a great pace and keeps you wanting to read more! I have just started to read the next book in the series and will definitely finish all 6 books!
October 3, 2018
My favorite part of the series so far! The tension is growing, the stakes are getting higher, and the encounters with the enemy - more numerous and more dramatic. A lot of tight spots I couldn't imagine how our characters will get out of. Excellent pace and a marvellous plot!
Also, intriguing new elements are introduced - a magical team sport (more of a game, actually, not as spectacular as quidditch, but way more complex and strategic), and a new adversary for Ben. I really liked the fact that, unlike Joshua, Aaron isn't your typical self-centered, arrogant bully, so their confrontations promise to be interesting. If anything's lacking, it's some progress in the romantic department. I'm not a fan of love triangles and really hope Victor Kloss won't go there, but it's high time we saw more sparks flying between Ben (or Charlie) and Natalie! (To be honest, I'm rooting for Charlie. Poor guy deserves a lucky break in the girls department :) )
Also, intriguing new elements are introduced - a magical team sport (more of a game, actually, not as spectacular as quidditch, but way more complex and strategic), and a new adversary for Ben. I really liked the fact that, unlike Joshua, Aaron isn't your typical self-centered, arrogant bully, so their confrontations promise to be interesting. If anything's lacking, it's some progress in the romantic department. I'm not a fan of love triangles and really hope Victor Kloss won't go there, but it's high time we saw more sparks flying between Ben (or Charlie) and Natalie! (To be honest, I'm rooting for Charlie. Poor guy deserves a lucky break in the girls department :) )
June 3, 2022
I lost the thread several times. While I was amused with the parallels and their clever twists on the Harry Potter saga, in the first two novels in this series, in this, the third book, the construct copying is taken to extremes, but completely lacking the depth, the details, the richness, of the Harry Potter story. I don't expect complete and lasting uniqueness in fantasy writing...after all, JKR took a lot of her ideas from mythology, as did Tolkien, and Diane Wynne Jones came before JKR and was splendid. But this book could have been soooo good. It has fallen so far by the way side, I don't really want to continue, but I own at least one more.
December 16, 2019
Ok. I’m hooked now. :-)
After reading this, the third book in the series, I am fully connected to the characters and waiting to see what is next. I referred in an earlier review that it is very Harry Potter like, and while there is still some similarities there, the stories have become more unique. The creativity and variety of creatures and personalities is well thought out and fun to read. There is some predictability, but even with that, it is hard to guess how that expected outcome may be achieved, making it fun. Looking forward to more adventures.
After reading this, the third book in the series, I am fully connected to the characters and waiting to see what is next. I referred in an earlier review that it is very Harry Potter like, and while there is still some similarities there, the stories have become more unique. The creativity and variety of creatures and personalities is well thought out and fun to read. There is some predictability, but even with that, it is hard to guess how that expected outcome may be achieved, making it fun. Looking forward to more adventures.
June 24, 2020
More of the same. Odd, slightly old-fashioned speech and gestures (who really bashes their fist into the other palm?) and wrong past participles. These are the things that spoil my enjoyment of a book.
That aside, a good story filled with the usual magical creatures. I was particularly reminded of Draco Malloy and his father with the Joshua bits. I’m wondering if he might not be another Guardian. Abigail is a welcome addition to the gang.
That aside, a good story filled with the usual magical creatures. I was particularly reminded of Draco Malloy and his father with the Joshua bits. I’m wondering if he might not be another Guardian. Abigail is a welcome addition to the gang.
August 9, 2020
Amazing, Though Minor Flaws
I loved it, as any wild reader would, but there were a few minor details. For example, there was a lot of bad words, yet this is a kids book. It also doesn’t add up at the beginning of the story as Natalie, who in the second book is not at the Seen school, apparently was. These kinks in the books are minor, yet important, but the book throughout was amazing. I highly recommend this book series for 11 year olds and up.
I loved it, as any wild reader would, but there were a few minor details. For example, there was a lot of bad words, yet this is a kids book. It also doesn’t add up at the beginning of the story as Natalie, who in the second book is not at the Seen school, apparently was. These kinks in the books are minor, yet important, but the book throughout was amazing. I highly recommend this book series for 11 year olds and up.
July 6, 2024
Excellent Series
A fun and adventure packed series. I’m truly enjoying this series With Ben a likable hero the hero and his two friends each bring that unique talents, we go adventure that has everything you want. A magical Academy, of learning, mystical beasts and enduring friendship and horrific enemies.
The author has created a unique storyline that captures And takes you out of reality and into a story line That is fun to read as Harry Potter, or the The trilogy.
A fun and adventure packed series. I’m truly enjoying this series With Ben a likable hero the hero and his two friends each bring that unique talents, we go adventure that has everything you want. A magical Academy, of learning, mystical beasts and enduring friendship and horrific enemies.
The author has created a unique storyline that captures And takes you out of reality and into a story line That is fun to read as Harry Potter, or the The trilogy.
May 29, 2017
Great characters and brilliant world, but lack of real tension - unforgivable, when you have dark elves as villains. I hope for more in the next two books, or this will be a promise, left unfulfilled. More detailed review in Bulgarian here:
http://citadelata.com/the-protectors-...
http://citadelata.com/the-protectors-...
January 6, 2019
The Protectors
This is book three of the series. Loved it better than book 2. It again continues on to at least 2 more books but it's getting more interesting if possible. I have book 4 waiting but still need to purchase book 5 . I highly recommend this series. From flying beasts to magical spells and everything in between, it keeps your interest.
This is book three of the series. Loved it better than book 2. It again continues on to at least 2 more books but it's getting more interesting if possible. I have book 4 waiting but still need to purchase book 5 . I highly recommend this series. From flying beasts to magical spells and everything in between, it keeps your interest.
November 1, 2019
Refreshing and imaginative
I’m loving this series. I feel a lot of books in this genre get compared to Harry Potter but honestly there isn’t many similarities. It’s a little refreshing. The Characters are all interesting and relatable. I love the little details that make it different such as the way they cast spells and dragon transport.
I’m loving this series. I feel a lot of books in this genre get compared to Harry Potter but honestly there isn’t many similarities. It’s a little refreshing. The Characters are all interesting and relatable. I love the little details that make it different such as the way they cast spells and dragon transport.
January 25, 2018
I adore this series. It's not just about magic, it is magical. I am listening to this book in audio format. I understand that the author passed away before the 6th and final book in the series was written. I hope that his legacy can be completed along with the 6th book. I'm a huge fan.
December 23, 2018
Excellent Series
This is an excellently written series. The characters are great and relatable. If you liked the first 2 books you will like this book. I do recommend you read the first two books before you read this book.
This is an excellently written series. The characters are great and relatable. If you liked the first 2 books you will like this book. I do recommend you read the first two books before you read this book.
November 27, 2019
Fun continuation of the story. The world building is mostly pretty standard (elves, dwarves, etc.) but then he adds one new part of the world to explore each time that keeps it interesting. The best part of the book are the characters, by far.
July 17, 2017
Even better than the last. I couldn't put the book down.
January 14, 2018
I wish, it wouldn’t be sooooo cliched (really a lot like Potter) but otherwise it’s good young fantasy and read absolutely perfect.
February 11, 2018
The fantasy journey continues. it's getting more action packed. can't wait to read the next one.
April 5, 2018
Another wonderful stepping stone in this enchanting series.
August 14, 2018
Great series. The only "gripe" I have are small inconsistencies/editing errors. I began the next book and it is the same way.
January 27, 2020
Loved it. Dropped over $100. Being frugal. That say a lot.
February 18, 2020
Am loving this series!!!!
February 10, 2021
Good book
Very interesting series thus far! Very nice story elements to it that make you always want more. Looking forward to next book!
Very interesting series thus far! Very nice story elements to it that make you always want more. Looking forward to next book!
May 12, 2021
Very fun good book
January 24, 2023
Book 3, check!
An amazing follow up to books one and two. Cant wait to start Book 4….I cant tell you how much this series holds you in its grip. The author did an amazing job!
An amazing follow up to books one and two. Cant wait to start Book 4….I cant tell you how much this series holds you in its grip. The author did an amazing job!
February 11, 2024
Love these stories
Such a creative story, love the characters and all the fantastic beasts. I cannot wait to read the next one even though this is my second time reading them!
Such a creative story, love the characters and all the fantastic beasts. I cannot wait to read the next one even though this is my second time reading them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews