What do you think?
Rate this book
The Zero Enigma #3
The Zero Equation
Caitlyn Aguirre is no magician ...
... But she’s still at the centre of the storm.
Caitlyn and her friends have returned to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy, but all is not well in the school. The Great Houses of Shallot are on the verge of going to war and the conflict is spilling into the school, while - in the background - powerful and secretive forces prepare to finally reveal their plans to reshape the world. Caught in the middle, torn between her family and her friends - and burdened with a secret she dares not share - Cat must unlock the secret of the Zero Equation ...
... Or watch helplessly as her family, friends and school are destroyed by war.
... But she’s still at the centre of the storm.
Caitlyn and her friends have returned to Jude’s Sorcerous Academy, but all is not well in the school. The Great Houses of Shallot are on the verge of going to war and the conflict is spilling into the school, while - in the background - powerful and secretive forces prepare to finally reveal their plans to reshape the world. Caught in the middle, torn between her family and her friends - and burdened with a secret she dares not share - Cat must unlock the secret of the Zero Equation ...
... Or watch helplessly as her family, friends and school are destroyed by war.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2018
510 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 15, 2018
I've been enjoying there Zero Enigma series as much or more than even Christopher Nuttall's Schooled in Magic series, which has been a favorite of mine for the past four or five years now. The Zero Enigma books are aimed at a somewhat younger reading audience, and I'd recommend them without hesitation for junior high and middle graders. Very clever world building, a truly compelling scenario, complex and well developed characters, and excellent storytelling. I love the way that Christopher envisions the intricacies of how magic works, coupled with a real working knowledge of politics (both personal and social), economics, education, and warfare. Worthwhile reading.
February 21, 2018
Well, ok. This was hard to read because of all the whining Cat was doing, all the little plots and big plots from the first books assembled into a big event. War. The level of betrayals and shifting of alliances in this book surprised me. All of it because people who were already blessed in being privileged wanted more and weren't satisfied with what they had. The magic as usual was rather different from the works of the author (schooled in magic). Contrarily to Emily, Cat learn from her mistakes and try to rise from her position that life handed her: being a victim.
I really liked the conclusion of this first trilogy of the zero series. I want to see the same kind of thing happening in SIM, character growth, badass magic and maybe less politicking.
I really liked the conclusion of this first trilogy of the zero series. I want to see the same kind of thing happening in SIM, character growth, badass magic and maybe less politicking.
August 7, 2018
This book has such great potential but the author just couldn't bring it out. I listened to the audio version and the poor writing was really highlighted. Constantly repeating infomation dumps were bad enough, but the worst part of this and in the previous books is the character interaction. Each conversation takes several minutes to get through because the author repeatedly pauses after each line to deliver a paragraph or two of introspection or background information, often stuff that we already know having been mentioned previously. (Did you know the main character can't do magic? I certainly would have never figured it out if it wasn't mentioned at least twice per chapter.) This creates a long slog where often I forget what the conversation the characters are having is about.
Even worse is the author does this during actions scenes. One person raises their hand to cast a spell and before the spell hits her we get to read a paragraph of information detailing the political ramifications of such an action followed by the character thinking about how she can't retaliate because she doesn't have magic. Then the spell hits and we get to read another paragraph about how the spell failed because she is wearing special items to protect her. Then a paragraph of the person being surprised and her thoughts on how she could take advantage of this. Then she raises her hand to fight back and it basically repeats from there. This is pretty much how every action scene is written.
This series could have been so much better if the author had a quality editor to help him keep his story on task instead of wondering off on tangents.
Even worse is the author does this during actions scenes. One person raises their hand to cast a spell and before the spell hits her we get to read a paragraph of information detailing the political ramifications of such an action followed by the character thinking about how she can't retaliate because she doesn't have magic. Then the spell hits and we get to read another paragraph about how the spell failed because she is wearing special items to protect her. Then a paragraph of the person being surprised and her thoughts on how she could take advantage of this. Then she raises her hand to fight back and it basically repeats from there. This is pretty much how every action scene is written.
This series could have been so much better if the author had a quality editor to help him keep his story on task instead of wondering off on tangents.
August 28, 2022
Book 3 picks up not long after the events of Book 2, in which Caitlyn, Rose and Akin were taken by Fairuza and forced to make Objects of Power. However, there is a bigger issue that has also surfaced, and that is the Sword that belongs to House Ruben, the one that Caitlyn repaired and Akin picked up in Book 2 – the only person who was able to pick up the sword. On top of this, Caitlyn has learned that Wizards are technically not real. There is a magic field everywhere, and people just learn how to access it. But it can also be turned off. She can turn it off. She can make everyone powerless if she wants, removing all magic. But she doesn’t know the impact, or if she can turn it back on?
Nor does she know if magic is fading from the world?
There has been a significant shift of power in the Families with Caitlyn now able to produce Objects of Power, and this has caused a lot of the Families to become unhappy with her having this ability, feeling that it provides the Aguirre family too much power.
At the start of this book, there is an investigation at the Magus Court into the abduction of Caitlyn, Akin and Rose, but the Crown Prince has decided that he should oversee things at the last minute, and has come to Shallot. This has set everyone on edge, as it was very unexpected, and everyone is brushing up on Royal Etiquette.
During the proceedings, in a break, Lord Ruben demands the sword back from Caitlyn and her Father, saying it is theirs, and he is going to sue for it if they don’t hand it over. However, Lord Aguirre flatly refuses, saying their claim was broken when they lost it, and it is now Caitlyn’s to decide what to do with.
Without giving too much away, the sword is a spark that lights the fire. War has come to Shallot.
The Wizarding Families of Shallot choose sides, and this is used to reignite old feuds that are centuries old (there is some wonderful world building of the different tales and stories of all the Families and their different feuds going back over time – some so old that there are no living relatives and some don’t even remember what they are feuding over!).
Most though, choose between House Ruben and House Aguirre, knowing that one or the other will come out on top, and with both have a large majority of clients as well.
Jude’s is meant to stay neutral, it has ever since it was created as the Academy of Sorcery for students, there is to be no feuds brought on grounds, no conflict within its walls. However, with the abduction of Caitlyn and her friends, it appears that all bets are off, and now, students of the families are warring within the halls.
Soon Caitlyn, Alana, Bella as well as anyone with House Aguirre find themselves targets. Similarly, House Ruben are also targets. But Caitlyn and Akin refuse to be a part of this, and they continue to be friends in the face of this conflict, much to the disgust and horror of their siblings (well not Bella).
In the middle of all of this, Caitlyn is still terrified by what she learned in the Eternal City, and the impact this is going to have on Magic for everyone. As things start to spiral out of control, and the War ramps up so that people are dying, and her Family is at real risk of being hurt, not to mention that the entire school and all the students are at risk, Caitlyn must decide if she creates an Object of Power that can remove all Magic from the area, and stop the fighting, or if this will cause too much damage.
This is one of the best stories yet, full of intrigue, political motivations, the relationship that is forming between Akin and Caitlyn (in a very Romeo and Juliet fashion). There are so many different storylines that run through this particular book, with Isabella and not just her fight with Caitlyn, but her standing with her own Family and Akin. There is Rose, who has gone from being an unknown commoner, with some magical ability, to a known client of the most powerful Family in Shallot, and is now being sought after on her own accord. There are several sub-plots with the Masters, Tallyman with forging, Von Rupert and the Defences of the school, Niven and his training of Caitlyn in thinking about Magic as well as defending herself on a more psychological level. In amongst this is the ongoing investigation to the abduction, the Magus Court, and the Crown Prince, as well as the unwanted presence of Great Aunt Stregheria. Of course, Caitlyn has to contend with Alana as well, constantly berating and trying to impose her will on her.
There are so many brilliant parts to this story, it is a compelling and captivating book from the very first pages, right to the final pages, making you want to drop it and pick up book 4 immediately (and you will want to read book 4 once you get through this, book 4 is just as fascinating!!).
It is not just the characters in this book that are exceptional though, it is the world building that brings it to life. There is so much depth in every aspect of this book. Even though it is a Fantasy book, there is a certain realism to the story, in the settings, and even the magic system. The locations and buildings are all 18th century style period homes in Shallot, and in the country, the ‘commoners’ work the land, there is that look and feel to everything that has this depth and detailed realism to it that brings it all to life. It completely immerses you into the story.
This is a brilliant third book, and easily the best book so far in the series, with this frantic pace, suspense, and underlying tension to the story right the way through. Nuttall creates such a powerful edge to the storytelling you are utterly captivated from the start. If you have read the first 2, you will love this. If you haven’t started the series, it is a must read!!
Nor does she know if magic is fading from the world?
There has been a significant shift of power in the Families with Caitlyn now able to produce Objects of Power, and this has caused a lot of the Families to become unhappy with her having this ability, feeling that it provides the Aguirre family too much power.
At the start of this book, there is an investigation at the Magus Court into the abduction of Caitlyn, Akin and Rose, but the Crown Prince has decided that he should oversee things at the last minute, and has come to Shallot. This has set everyone on edge, as it was very unexpected, and everyone is brushing up on Royal Etiquette.
During the proceedings, in a break, Lord Ruben demands the sword back from Caitlyn and her Father, saying it is theirs, and he is going to sue for it if they don’t hand it over. However, Lord Aguirre flatly refuses, saying their claim was broken when they lost it, and it is now Caitlyn’s to decide what to do with.
Without giving too much away, the sword is a spark that lights the fire. War has come to Shallot.
The Wizarding Families of Shallot choose sides, and this is used to reignite old feuds that are centuries old (there is some wonderful world building of the different tales and stories of all the Families and their different feuds going back over time – some so old that there are no living relatives and some don’t even remember what they are feuding over!).
Most though, choose between House Ruben and House Aguirre, knowing that one or the other will come out on top, and with both have a large majority of clients as well.
Jude’s is meant to stay neutral, it has ever since it was created as the Academy of Sorcery for students, there is to be no feuds brought on grounds, no conflict within its walls. However, with the abduction of Caitlyn and her friends, it appears that all bets are off, and now, students of the families are warring within the halls.
Soon Caitlyn, Alana, Bella as well as anyone with House Aguirre find themselves targets. Similarly, House Ruben are also targets. But Caitlyn and Akin refuse to be a part of this, and they continue to be friends in the face of this conflict, much to the disgust and horror of their siblings (well not Bella).
In the middle of all of this, Caitlyn is still terrified by what she learned in the Eternal City, and the impact this is going to have on Magic for everyone. As things start to spiral out of control, and the War ramps up so that people are dying, and her Family is at real risk of being hurt, not to mention that the entire school and all the students are at risk, Caitlyn must decide if she creates an Object of Power that can remove all Magic from the area, and stop the fighting, or if this will cause too much damage.
This is one of the best stories yet, full of intrigue, political motivations, the relationship that is forming between Akin and Caitlyn (in a very Romeo and Juliet fashion). There are so many different storylines that run through this particular book, with Isabella and not just her fight with Caitlyn, but her standing with her own Family and Akin. There is Rose, who has gone from being an unknown commoner, with some magical ability, to a known client of the most powerful Family in Shallot, and is now being sought after on her own accord. There are several sub-plots with the Masters, Tallyman with forging, Von Rupert and the Defences of the school, Niven and his training of Caitlyn in thinking about Magic as well as defending herself on a more psychological level. In amongst this is the ongoing investigation to the abduction, the Magus Court, and the Crown Prince, as well as the unwanted presence of Great Aunt Stregheria. Of course, Caitlyn has to contend with Alana as well, constantly berating and trying to impose her will on her.
There are so many brilliant parts to this story, it is a compelling and captivating book from the very first pages, right to the final pages, making you want to drop it and pick up book 4 immediately (and you will want to read book 4 once you get through this, book 4 is just as fascinating!!).
It is not just the characters in this book that are exceptional though, it is the world building that brings it to life. There is so much depth in every aspect of this book. Even though it is a Fantasy book, there is a certain realism to the story, in the settings, and even the magic system. The locations and buildings are all 18th century style period homes in Shallot, and in the country, the ‘commoners’ work the land, there is that look and feel to everything that has this depth and detailed realism to it that brings it all to life. It completely immerses you into the story.
This is a brilliant third book, and easily the best book so far in the series, with this frantic pace, suspense, and underlying tension to the story right the way through. Nuttall creates such a powerful edge to the storytelling you are utterly captivated from the start. If you have read the first 2, you will love this. If you haven’t started the series, it is a must read!!
July 2, 2019
I think the story is quote boring. It has great potential but it wasn't properly developed. There are some parts that I didn't quite understand. I was intrigued to know who the villain was but I was disappointed when it was finally revealed. Even the way the villain was defeated was a bit flat for me.
What I found the most annoying about the book is how Caitlyn would mention her mother each time she cursed.
I think most of the characters weren't properly used in the story. I would like to see more of Magister Niven or the Castellan actually.
What I found the most annoying about the book is how Caitlyn would mention her mother each time she cursed.
I think most of the characters weren't properly used in the story. I would like to see more of Magister Niven or the Castellan actually.
April 6, 2018
Satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
A few minor nits:
- needs a professional proofreader:
- the grammar test is: if you remove the other person, would you say I or me? This was far more prevalent in this third book.
- I assume the two “wrench” were supposed to be “wench”
- “are you alright?”
- could use a professional editor, or perhaps some of the repeated thoughts were for less experienced readers.
- they have a lot of experience and ability to handle theory for 12 year olds. At times they sound 12, but is the author giving them too much credit or me not enough?
- I’ll be vague here: there’s a scene in the Book of Swords that comes to mind about Townsaver that seemed more realistic in its effect on a wielder. More of that should have happened.
- some convenient errors by villains
But there are more than enough interactions and politics and musing about magic and little innovations and not knowing who to trust, with changing dynamics and personal growth as a result. People in this series are allowed to grow.
A few minor nits:
- needs a professional proofreader:
- the grammar test is: if you remove the other person, would you say I or me? This was far more prevalent in this third book.
- I assume the two “wrench” were supposed to be “wench”
- “are you alright?”
- could use a professional editor, or perhaps some of the repeated thoughts were for less experienced readers.
- they have a lot of experience and ability to handle theory for 12 year olds. At times they sound 12, but is the author giving them too much credit or me not enough?
- I’ll be vague here: there’s a scene in the Book of Swords that comes to mind about Townsaver that seemed more realistic in its effect on a wielder. More of that should have happened.
- some convenient errors by villains
But there are more than enough interactions and politics and musing about magic and little innovations and not knowing who to trust, with changing dynamics and personal growth as a result. People in this series are allowed to grow.
November 7, 2022
I am loving this series but I have two complaints.
1: repetition. Way too much! How many times and ways do we have to be told that she was thinking a word her mother would not approve of? And that is just one example.
2. Way too much telling instead of showing. And seriously, my eyes were rolling whenever an action scene was interrupted by Caitlyn’s introspection or thoughts about what was happening. She’s about to get blasted by seriously nasty spells and she’s thinking about yesterday’s dinner! Okay, maybe that’s not exactly what she’s thinking about, but you get my drift.
These books could really use a good editor.
But having said that, the storyline and premise are unique enough and interesting enough that I am still reading/listening.
Oh wait, I have one more little complaint, and it’s not the author’s fault. Let’s talk about the cover art, shall we? It’s great except that the girl on the cover looks nothing like how Caitlyn is described! Is it really that hard to draw a very black person?
1: repetition. Way too much! How many times and ways do we have to be told that she was thinking a word her mother would not approve of? And that is just one example.
2. Way too much telling instead of showing. And seriously, my eyes were rolling whenever an action scene was interrupted by Caitlyn’s introspection or thoughts about what was happening. She’s about to get blasted by seriously nasty spells and she’s thinking about yesterday’s dinner! Okay, maybe that’s not exactly what she’s thinking about, but you get my drift.
These books could really use a good editor.
But having said that, the storyline and premise are unique enough and interesting enough that I am still reading/listening.
Oh wait, I have one more little complaint, and it’s not the author’s fault. Let’s talk about the cover art, shall we? It’s great except that the girl on the cover looks nothing like how Caitlyn is described! Is it really that hard to draw a very black person?
August 20, 2018
What struck me quite early in this book is how horrible the vast majority of people are, in fact Rose is probably the only really likeable person in the whole book. I even find Cat tiresome at times, even though she is friends with Rose she is still a bit of a snob and I wish she would stop moaning about how vulnerable she is and just do something about it.
My main problem is that the series seems to be going the same way as the author’s other school based series Schooled in Magic. The school has become a battleground with ineffectual staff, where ‘Might is Right’ and ‘Do onto others before they do it to you’ seems to be the prevailing code of conduct. For the first three quarters of the book the story was so depressing, there just weren’t any lighter moments to provide any relief.
It was the final half-a-dozen or so chapters that saved the book for me, up until that point I would have only given 1 star.
My main problem is that the series seems to be going the same way as the author’s other school based series Schooled in Magic. The school has become a battleground with ineffectual staff, where ‘Might is Right’ and ‘Do onto others before they do it to you’ seems to be the prevailing code of conduct. For the first three quarters of the book the story was so depressing, there just weren’t any lighter moments to provide any relief.
It was the final half-a-dozen or so chapters that saved the book for me, up until that point I would have only given 1 star.
March 5, 2018
It would be a 5-star if... I hadn't read basically that story from M. Nuttall before.
The biggest problem with the series, and it's most visible in that last entry, is that it's a straight copy of the author's main series (Schooled in Magic). The characters are mostly the same archetypes, the themes are similar, and that severely reduces my enjoyment of the trilogy. I liked the appendices, though, which make clear that the world is our world, and the Eternal City is... the Eternal City (Rome).
Overall, I'd recommend this series if you haven't read the Schooled in Magic, but you can easily skip it if you're up to par with Emily's adventures.
The biggest problem with the series, and it's most visible in that last entry, is that it's a straight copy of the author's main series (Schooled in Magic). The characters are mostly the same archetypes, the themes are similar, and that severely reduces my enjoyment of the trilogy. I liked the appendices, though, which make clear that the world is our world, and the Eternal City is... the Eternal City (Rome).
Overall, I'd recommend this series if you haven't read the Schooled in Magic, but you can easily skip it if you're up to par with Emily's adventures.
July 28, 2024
4.5 stars.
Excellent character work, a very strong plot, and a world design that's coming into its own.
The political plot is both twisty and believable and it's tense throughout. The action and magic system are credible within the context of the world that Nuttall has designed. And the characters are likable and sympathetic (or vile, as appropriate.)
Note: the half star is lost because I simply do not believe that 12-year-olds would ever react in the way they do in this book, so whenever the age is mentioned, it's a bit jarring.
Highly recommended as long as you can ignore the putative age of the protagonist.
Excellent character work, a very strong plot, and a world design that's coming into its own.
The political plot is both twisty and believable and it's tense throughout. The action and magic system are credible within the context of the world that Nuttall has designed. And the characters are likable and sympathetic (or vile, as appropriate.)
Note: the half star is lost because I simply do not believe that 12-year-olds would ever react in the way they do in this book, so whenever the age is mentioned, it's a bit jarring.
Highly recommended as long as you can ignore the putative age of the protagonist.
March 2, 2024
I got closure with this trilogy ending, which I’m pleased about- I also didn’t expect the responsible parties so that was also a nice surprise.
That being said it definitely felt like it dragged for the majority of the book and only came to actual events in the last 3rd or so, making it quite a difficult read in the end. I think that took something from the story, and it felt somewhat rushed?
I don’t know, kinda felt like when you’re anticipating your favourite meal all day & you finally get to eat it but it’s cold- you’re full, but not exactly satisfied? Yeah that.
That being said it definitely felt like it dragged for the majority of the book and only came to actual events in the last 3rd or so, making it quite a difficult read in the end. I think that took something from the story, and it felt somewhat rushed?
I don’t know, kinda felt like when you’re anticipating your favourite meal all day & you finally get to eat it but it’s cold- you’re full, but not exactly satisfied? Yeah that.
March 4, 2018
Enjoyable read
I assume this completes the trilogy! Of course there is plenty of space for more with these characters or with the world / setting created! I will look forward to either of these happening. Definitely be be a future purchase. Still don’t know how one author can create SO much quality work but I sure do appreciate it. Just wish I had the time to read. I swear there is more written than I have time to read!
I assume this completes the trilogy! Of course there is plenty of space for more with these characters or with the world / setting created! I will look forward to either of these happening. Definitely be be a future purchase. Still don’t know how one author can create SO much quality work but I sure do appreciate it. Just wish I had the time to read. I swear there is more written than I have time to read!
April 3, 2019
A simple equation can often bring disaster to people
For followers of fantastic magical places where lack of magic itself can seem a disaster greeting your sister or friend can be dangerous. I liked the characters and their conflicts a heap. Turm magic on its head and see who turns a fool? I didn't like the danger the future seems to hold and whom will she end up married to? But Rose may have an even greater part to play? Stay tuned...
For followers of fantastic magical places where lack of magic itself can seem a disaster greeting your sister or friend can be dangerous. I liked the characters and their conflicts a heap. Turm magic on its head and see who turns a fool? I didn't like the danger the future seems to hold and whom will she end up married to? But Rose may have an even greater part to play? Stay tuned...
October 4, 2019
Nice coming of age story
I like the book and Think its well thought out with a good story and intressting charecters.
The one thing i noticed is that in this book as well as the 2 before there is a twist about halfway in that makes the story more intressting as you read a few books you start to want aticipate the twist and the drama leaving up to it can though usally entertaining as Wella drag on a bit
I like the book and Think its well thought out with a good story and intressting charecters.
The one thing i noticed is that in this book as well as the 2 before there is a twist about halfway in that makes the story more intressting as you read a few books you start to want aticipate the twist and the drama leaving up to it can though usally entertaining as Wella drag on a bit
April 28, 2018
The Zero Equation (The Zero Enigma Book 3) Review
Dear Christopher, another entertaining and wonderful book in the series. The characters and plot lines are outstanding and exciting. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in reading a great story.Thanks for the entertainment. Once started I discovered that I couldn't put the book down.
Dear Christopher, another entertaining and wonderful book in the series. The characters and plot lines are outstanding and exciting. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone interested in reading a great story.Thanks for the entertainment. Once started I discovered that I couldn't put the book down.
May 24, 2019
Slow finish
It was literally 2/3 into the story before there was a major problem and our heroes set a goal to do anything about it. So, if you’re willing to grind through miscellaneous classroom scenes to get the to ending, then you might like the ending. But it was only a good ending, not a mind blowing ending. Hence, 3 stars.
It was literally 2/3 into the story before there was a major problem and our heroes set a goal to do anything about it. So, if you’re willing to grind through miscellaneous classroom scenes to get the to ending, then you might like the ending. But it was only a good ending, not a mind blowing ending. Hence, 3 stars.
August 16, 2019
Great ending to the trilogy, although all the crap about betrothals leaves me cold. I love the system of magic and the author's exploration of it.
In the afterward the author talks about continuing these books - I really hope he does and if and when he does I will be buying.
Note: I have just gotten the Alchemist's Apprentice - thank you Christopher
In the afterward the author talks about continuing these books - I really hope he does and if and when he does I will be buying.
Note: I have just gotten the Alchemist's Apprentice - thank you Christopher
January 28, 2020
like game of thrones + Hogwarts
This was an interesting series. Borrowing heavily from Harry Potter with a more serious mood & vibe, this story follows Kat who has no magic in a world where magic is power and those without magic have few choices and little hope.
This third book felt like a conclusion. I was surprised to find that the story goes on from here.
This was an interesting series. Borrowing heavily from Harry Potter with a more serious mood & vibe, this story follows Kat who has no magic in a world where magic is power and those without magic have few choices and little hope.
This third book felt like a conclusion. I was surprised to find that the story goes on from here.
March 3, 2018
Ugg
I'm sorry The promise of the earlier books is just not fulfilled. The tention and conflict are so obviously fabricated and unrelenting that it just get boring. I quite literally don't care how it comes out. Which is too bad because the author has such promise.
I'm sorry The promise of the earlier books is just not fulfilled. The tention and conflict are so obviously fabricated and unrelenting that it just get boring. I quite literally don't care how it comes out. Which is too bad because the author has such promise.
March 22, 2018
Cat rules!
The dynamic interplay among Cat, her family, her fellow students, and the faculty makes this novel especially personal. This reader demands that the adventurous journey continue, and soon.
The dynamic interplay among Cat, her family, her fellow students, and the faculty makes this novel especially personal. This reader demands that the adventurous journey continue, and soon.
April 3, 2018
Fantastic!
Another awesome story. Each book in this serious keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to see where Cat, Akin, and Rose take us next and how they will continue growing in all regards. Christopher Burrell is an amazing author. I cannot wait to read more!
Another awesome story. Each book in this serious keeps getting better and better. I cannot wait to see where Cat, Akin, and Rose take us next and how they will continue growing in all regards. Christopher Burrell is an amazing author. I cannot wait to read more!
May 8, 2018
A long-awaited book that did not disappoint.
I would like a continuation to explore how ahhh arranged marriage can work when the couple are not forced into it - perhaps with a few failings out along the way before they realise they were in love all along.
I would like a continuation to explore how ahhh arranged marriage can work when the couple are not forced into it - perhaps with a few failings out along the way before they realise they were in love all along.
November 13, 2021
Siege
Cat accidentally starts a family war. Who knew a sword would cause so much trouble. When the wars come to school and the grounds are sieged Cat and her friends learn this war goes much deeper than a family feud.
Cat accidentally starts a family war. Who knew a sword would cause so much trouble. When the wars come to school and the grounds are sieged Cat and her friends learn this war goes much deeper than a family feud.
July 26, 2018
3 stars, It was pretty good for the most part, like the first two but starting to get a little stale. I will be reading the next book when it comes out as I am enjoying the series.
August 6, 2018
Good "ending" but want more. Maybe a little less adolescent angst, but overall an excellent read.
March 20, 2021
Like the first two only this one comes to an end. A pretty satisfactory predictable ending.
December 18, 2021
This series is gradually getting better.
February 2, 2022
I should had learnt by now... I just can't take any more of reading same things again and again. It is SO annoying...
Dropping the series and authors.
Dropping the series and authors.
May 22, 2022
Picking up where book 2 left off, Caitlyn, Akin, and Rose are back home from their kidnapping and facing the fall-out from the kidnapping. The perpetrator has not been found and old tensions are starting to bubble over.
Though Judes has a storied past of neutrality between the families, the rising tensions in the city are being mirrored among the student body. Though she certainly tries to keep her head down and simply focus on her studies and the upcoming end-of-year exams, Caitlyn can't avoid the situation forever, and when the tensions do erupt into a House War in the city, those same battles begin occurring in the school halls between upperclassmen.
Though I thought the fights between the students that mirrored the ones between the families outside of school to be a bit much, they were also somewhat believable given the school had continually allowed students to hex each other in the past as a way to learn. Given how isolated the students are supposed to be while in school, not allowed to leave during the term to see their family and such, it seemed a bit of a stretch that the House War would spill into the school halls so quickly and so hard. That being said, it certainly worked well as a plot device, and the escalation of long-boiling tensions and feuds suddenly erupting due to some spark is not unheard of.
I did like the way the characters have continued to develop in their relationships, and I especially liked seeing Bella finally start to step into herself. Though I thought some of the internal dialogue that Cat had regarding Alana was a bit much - especially in the one situation where she comes upon Alana and the upperclassmen - I could certainly understand it, given their history; there is a lot of history in that relationship for Cat to deal with, though I do think it is handled well overall.
Though I don't want to give away any spoilers, I will say that the final resolution that is proposed at the end of the book was advertised way too much throughout the book - to the point that it wasn't a surprise. Indeed, I wondered why it took that long for the idea to come up when I thought of it as a solution almost immediately. The idea that the adults in the room wouldn't have thought about even a little bit as a possible solution seems very far-fetched to me - and the fact that Cat was the one to even suggest it, when she is 12, was a bit much to swallow as far plot devices go. I'm not going to let that stop me from continuing to read the series, but it did annoy me that a very simple, and likely standard, solution among the elites was so blatantly ignored for so long.
Though Judes has a storied past of neutrality between the families, the rising tensions in the city are being mirrored among the student body. Though she certainly tries to keep her head down and simply focus on her studies and the upcoming end-of-year exams, Caitlyn can't avoid the situation forever, and when the tensions do erupt into a House War in the city, those same battles begin occurring in the school halls between upperclassmen.
Though I thought the fights between the students that mirrored the ones between the families outside of school to be a bit much, they were also somewhat believable given the school had continually allowed students to hex each other in the past as a way to learn. Given how isolated the students are supposed to be while in school, not allowed to leave during the term to see their family and such, it seemed a bit of a stretch that the House War would spill into the school halls so quickly and so hard. That being said, it certainly worked well as a plot device, and the escalation of long-boiling tensions and feuds suddenly erupting due to some spark is not unheard of.
I did like the way the characters have continued to develop in their relationships, and I especially liked seeing Bella finally start to step into herself. Though I thought some of the internal dialogue that Cat had regarding Alana was a bit much - especially in the one situation where she comes upon Alana and the upperclassmen - I could certainly understand it, given their history; there is a lot of history in that relationship for Cat to deal with, though I do think it is handled well overall.
Though I don't want to give away any spoilers, I will say that the final resolution that is proposed at the end of the book was advertised way too much throughout the book - to the point that it wasn't a surprise. Indeed, I wondered why it took that long for the idea to come up when I thought of it as a solution almost immediately. The idea that the adults in the room wouldn't have thought about even a little bit as a possible solution seems very far-fetched to me - and the fact that Cat was the one to even suggest it, when she is 12, was a bit much to swallow as far plot devices go. I'm not going to let that stop me from continuing to read the series, but it did annoy me that a very simple, and likely standard, solution among the elites was so blatantly ignored for so long.
April 13, 2021
Outstanding, really outstanding. The best new book I have read in a year (I mostly read older books and re-read a lot). I was very engaged in the characters, the plot, the way the world works. Loved how the characters grew and were able to change themselves for the better (well, not all :)).
I very much want more books from this world, and my first preference would be to pick up right where it left off, with the same characters, including the faculty and all the students. The author does ask at the end for feedback on some of his next book ideas, and although I despise her, the idea he summarized for Isabella could be good. I will take anything but much prefer more with Cat as first person point of view. Please.
I very much want more books from this world, and my first preference would be to pick up right where it left off, with the same characters, including the faculty and all the students. The author does ask at the end for feedback on some of his next book ideas, and although I despise her, the idea he summarized for Isabella could be good. I will take anything but much prefer more with Cat as first person point of view. Please.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews