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Magic Is Forbidden

Dragon Servants Sanna and Isadora Spence live in the village of Anguis, deep in Letum Wood, where persnickety dragons are the least of their worries.

Thanks to years of simmering tension, the hidden village is destined to crack. Soon. Sanna’s deep love for the giant beasts causes her to make an irreversible mistake, while Isadora’s disinterest leads her to a fateful decision that will change the course of the entire world.

Can the sisters prevent everything they know from falling apart? Or do they allow it to break and the pave the way for new growth?

Join the beloved sisterwitches from the Network Series in a story about sisterhood, new magic, and dealing with change.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2018

185 people are currently reading
719 people want to read

About the author

Katie Cross

102 books776 followers
My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

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5 stars
245 (51%)
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151 (31%)
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61 (12%)
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13 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Laura A. Grace.
1,966 reviews306 followers
March 18, 2018
By golly, this is one of the best books I've read about dragons and got me out of a reading slump ASAP!

When is book two coming out again? Haha!

Seriously, the opening was extremely engaging and after reading the first chapter, I was already telling myself, "I know I'm going to LOVE this book!" I definitely was not wrong because it was sooooooooo incredibly good!

I immensely enjoyed all of it (even though I'm not very fond of reading books about "witches"). There was so much awesomeness packed into this story, including the plot, sisters who in so many ways couldn't be more opposite, dragons who are just so different from anything I've ever read, and sarcasm from a character that I totally can't help but ship. Plus, the magic system was very interesting and curious to see how it will "reveal" itself.

The book held me in a you-must-read-this-in-one-sitting grip, even though I'm sad to say I couldn't read it in one sitting due to life. That however did not stop me from being instantly engaged when I picked it up. Every. Single. Time.

As of right now, this is one of the best books I have read in 2018 and suspect that even at the end of the year, I will still say, "This was one of the best books I read!"

If you love stories about dragons, sisters, and a what-is-going-to-happen-next plot, I very highly recommend Flame and to have to book two already on your to-read list ready to go!

*(I received an ARC. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a review.)*
Profile Image for Jason Anderson.
6 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2018
Well done... Very well done.

Enough mystery and missing detail to suck me in. I'd rather not know everything right away and Katie Cross does an excellent job of revealing the story slowly. You discovery the mystery along side the main characters and learn what's actually happening, or in some cases happened, in the same way the characters do.

Plenty of exciting action and deep characters. Everyone is slightly flawed, adding to the depth without taking away from the heroism.

The ending brings closure... To a point, but it's obvious more is coming as well.

Well done...
12 reviews
March 12, 2018
I have enjoyed everything I have read by Katie Cross, but Flame may be my favorite. It drew me in and I totally ignored chores I should have been doing. She paints a vivid picture without being overly wordy (which drives me crazy), and her characters are fantastic. They were so real to me that at various times I wanted to smack one of them or hug another one or yell a warning or give someone a shake for being stupid. I love the world and creatures (especially the dragons!) of Letum Wood and enjoyed getting to know other areas of the Network through the eyes of the characters. The book was intense in spots and left me wanting to know what happens next, I am already anxious for the next book in the series. I definitely recommend reading Flame.
Profile Image for Britni Rakowiecki.
5 reviews
March 28, 2018
Awesome

Flame is everything you expect from Katie Cross, and more. You are plunged into a world of beautiful creatures, exotic wild life, and adventure. Katie captures the details in such an amazing way that you feel as if you can see the sparkle, feel the heat, and touch the leaves of Letum Wood.

Not only are you immersed into a world of beautiful dragons, you are also plunged into a critical turning point for two sisters who are just trying to not only do what their family wants, but find themselves as well. I can not wait for the next installment to see where the paths of Sanna and Isadora have led them!!!!
Profile Image for Polly Black.
6 reviews
March 27, 2018
One of the most amazing voices I have ever read...

If you are a lover of any fantasy world, or just love an amazing story line or characters you feel you actually know. This is hands down, the series for you. Tolkien, Narnia, Fillory, D'lacey, Feehan, Noel, Hamilton, Davidson, Caine. ..authors and world's already in existence should move over ... fantasy lovers and anyone whom ever thought a dragon was pretty....the imagery this book creates will make you feel the fire within. You will not be disappointed. ..
Profile Image for Lacey.
10 reviews
March 11, 2018
Katie Cross has once again captured the eye and the heart. Not only did this catch my from the very start, it kept my attention and has me begging for the second book. I am so in love with Isa and Senna, I can't decide which is my favorite dragon ("Wild Dragon" or Cara.) More please! This trilogy is going to be amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next! Don't hesitate to read this book, even if you've read nothing from Katie before, because it's just that good. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Lindsey.
234 reviews
September 13, 2021
Katie Cross has created a unique fantasy world featuring dragons, magic, and war. I loved the differences between the sisters and how they each featured a different side of the same coin. That being said, I wish the magic and the different settings had been a bit more flushed out. The writing was a tad clunky in sections, although the plot was engaging throughout the book. I would have loved this book when I was younger and I'd recommend it to anyone just getting into the fantasy genre.
Profile Image for Finnely.
150 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2021
This was a hidden Hoopla gem and I'm so glad to have stumbled across it. Finally a dragon book that features dragons well. The audiobook was beautifully done with an array of accents and different tone of voice for each sister that really brought the book to life. Politically based books can either be a hit or a miss for me, but this one kept me intrigued the entire way though. Looking forward to continuing the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Connor Stephenson.
9 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2018
Where do I start. Katie creates a beautiful world full of mystery and adventure with dragons and humans and witches alike. It seriously helped fill the dead for dragons since I have to wait a year for GoT. But Katie kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book and I can't wait to finish the rest of the series. 10/10 recommend.
1,612 reviews32 followers
March 2, 2022
Whenever I see a new novel out by Katie Cross, I have to jump right on it. I have found her to be a talented author and she proved herself again with this new novel. Flame is an incredible novel. This book drew me in from the very first page and I admit I had a very difficult time putting it down. The plot was very well developed and had a twists hidden within that the author unraveled throughout the story. I highly recommend this novel. I plan to read more novels by this author, I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.
655 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2022
An ingenious way to tell a story and the Author's gift of storytelling is amongst the best! A town where dragon's were the boss and the town had to keep them fed. Two sisters, Isadora and Sanna were both witches but didn't know how to use their power. A new Dragon came to town that Sanna chose, but the old Dragon didn't like that at all. The story gets better and so much excitement you can't wait to turn the page! The sister's learn the magic different ways to help people and dragon's. Read what happen next!
17 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2018
I discovered Katie Cross when I read her award winning "Miss Mabel's School for Girls" and became a fan. That was the first book of the Network Series and it, and the rest of the series, are remarkable. "Flame" continues in the same pattern -- strong intelligent young woman as protagonists, a fully realized alternate world, no reliance on romantic relationships to move the plot along, much violence but none of it gratuitous, good and evil going head to head with no easy victories, a cast of characters, major and minor, who are well delineated and defined, and of course, witches and dragons and spells galore.

I do not want to get into details of the content of the book for fear of slipping in any spoilers but I do want to say that despite the fact that I have never been very interested in reading fantasy Ms Cross has converted me. These books are suitable for a very wide audience. They are so well written (and might I add edited?) and free of sex and obscenity that they are suitable for any age group from YA on up. I recommend "Flame" very highly, as a great place to start for those who have not yet discovered the Network Series and a great place to continue if you have already discovered those books.

I received an ARC of "Flame" -- and am so glad I did!
Profile Image for G.S. Jennsen.
Author 52 books515 followers
March 27, 2018
Deep magic and wild dragons come to vivid life in this imaginative new tale from Katie Cross

Katie Cross’ vivid, unique and imaginative world of Antebellum comes to life in new and unexpected ways in this new tale. While technically a prequel to The Network Series, no prior knowledge of those books is needed to dive into this one (though you should absolutely read the series, as Bianca is one of the most remarkable and inspiring young heroines in fantasy today).

This is a story of twin sisters who could not be more different from one another—except for their shared strong-willed determination to follow their hearts and to do all they can to protect the people and the world they hold dear. It’s a story of magic and dragons—deep magic and wild dragons. It’s a story about bravery, about sacrifice, about overcoming fears and facing down hard choices. It’s a story about fate and claiming the right to choose your own.

It’s impossible not to love Isadora and Sanna both, each for their own delightful quirks and flaws. You’ll weep at the shattering of their innocence and marvel at their strength as they grow beyond it into powerful young women.

You’ll also love (or love to hate) Max. Because oh my goodness, Max.
Profile Image for Kelsey Keating.
Author 7 books83 followers
March 17, 2022
So, I mean, I read all of Katie Cross' books because they're good. I'm not going to pass up Flame, am I?
No. No I am not.

And Flame isn't just good. It's AMAZING. I read it in two days--couldn't put it down. Despite the late hour, I continued on, needing to know what happened to Sanna and Isadora next. I loved both witches during their time in the Network Series, and getting to know them as young witches is by far the best idea Ms. Cross has had yet.

No joke, read this book. If you like fantasy, dragons, and sisterhood, you'll love the beginning of this trilogy (bonus, no awful cliffhanger to jerk you by the navel. It wraps up a portion of its story nicely while leaving a grander story to unfold in books to come).

You're welcome.
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,700 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2018
If you are a fan of Dragon's and or Witches this will be your new fave book! Flame follows the story of two sisters who's journey takes them on separate paths to ultimately meet again one day. It is an action packed magical story with wonderful characters that will have you binge reading until early morning hours. The Author's world building is so descriptive you can see the story playing out in your mind as clearly as a movie on a screen. I could not put this book down and look forward to seeing where the author takes the story in the next book.
Profile Image for Darcee Henstock.
107 reviews
September 15, 2020
Katie Cross has totally done it again! She sucked me into the world of Antebellum all over again in Flame. The characters are so perfect. The dragons stole a little piece of my heart. It is so fascinating learning the history that is Isadora and Sanna; the history that is the Dragonmasters! I feel a little lost without it and have an uncontrollable desire to read it again even though I only finished an hour ago!
Profile Image for Colette Pedersen.
6 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2018
I’ve enjoyed Katie Cross’s other books, but was excited to read this one because I love dragon stories. It did not disappoint. Her dragons were colorful and beautiful and amazing. Luteis, the wild dragon was my favorite. Finding out about Sanna and Isadora and how their individual journey began was interesting. I loved the action and pacing of this book. I could not put it down! Flame is a must read for fantasy readers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
209 reviews
April 8, 2018
Ready for the rest of the trilogy to come out! I absolutely loved this book.
118 reviews
December 1, 2022
I was excited to finally understand where Isadora and Sanna came from and how they became the women we met in the Network Series. I just kinda wish there was more of a sister relationship established before they went their separate ways and rarely thought of each other again. The ties between them were clearly strong, but their actual interactions were very brief. Besides that issue, I thought the book was enjoyable. I really liked the glimpse into how Isadora's special abilities work and how she had to learn about the larger world as an outsider. I thought the political intrigue (both throughout the Networks and within Letum Wood with dragons and gods) was interesting. I know where the sisters end up, but I can't wait to see how they get there. I hope we get more time with them together though.

Maturity rating: I'd suggest high school readers and up. There's no issues surrounding romance or drugs, but there are some made up swear words that are somewhat similar to the real ones and a fair bit of violence. Lots of dragon blood, wild animal attacks, raiders cornering some girls with vague threats of what they'll do to them, you get the idea. Likely too intense for middle grades.
Profile Image for Laila Savolainen.
Author 78 books14 followers
March 5, 2022
OMG so good I want more...

Katie has created a vast and all encompassing world of magic, witches and dragons. So much happens in this adventure, that it seems magical that it all fits into one novel, and still I want more...
Her characters are compelling and they captured my interest and held it all the way through this novel, and triology. After reading all three of The Dragonmasters Triology, I have found an entire new experience in revisiting this incredible world by listening to Flame. The narrator does a great job of bringing the characters into my everyday world.
Profile Image for Andy Gonzalez De M.
46 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2022
The story of twins Isadora and Sanna is full of adventure, challenge, and new beginnings. I loved every moment of their stories, and cannot wait to start book two!! If you like dragons and magic, what are you waiting for?!
Thank you Katie for introducing me to amazing characters and a dragon world that is just wow!
Profile Image for Patrick Hodges.
Author 48 books122 followers
May 26, 2018
I love Katie Cross's writing. Very few authors I have ever been exposed to can put words together so beautifully the way she can. Her gift for world-building is second to none, and the narrative she effortlessly weaves together is not something you merely read, you ABSORB it. If you've read any of the incredible Network Series, you know what I'm talking about.

Taking place prior to the events of the Network Series, this first book in the Dragonmaster Series explores the early lift of sisters Isadora and Sanna, both fascinating and enigmatic characters.

The story picks up when both sisters, in their teens, are preparing to be selected to serve a specific dragon of many that their small community lives in harmony with... or so it seems. Sanna, a spunky girl who is as one with nature, is highly coveted, but Isadora, a misfit who has yet to hit her stride, is less certain of her future.

The arrival of Luteis, a wild dragon that Sanna instantly connects with, turns the entire community upside down. Both sisters are whisked away to lead their own adventures. Neither story is given short shrift, and both are equally rewarding to read. Both Sanna and Isadora come into their own as characters as they learn (Sanna through Luteis and Isadora through the mysterious witch Maximillion) difficult truths about the world beyond the walls surrounding their tiny community.

I savored every word in this book, which is why it took me a while to finish it. That's not a knock, not at all. Katie Cross's writing is not merely meant to be read, but to experience. Do yourselves a favor and experience this series!
Profile Image for amanda_coffee_books.
677 reviews24 followers
January 9, 2019
I was given the opportunity to receive arc copy from the author for honest review. I am going to be completely honest this was my first book with dragons in it. And to make it even better it had some witches which made this book very good. This story is about twin sisters Sanna and Isadora who live with thier family to serve the dragons. Where magic was not allowed between the sisters. Then one night it all changed for both of the sisters when it came to choosing a dragon to serve. The sisters may have been twins but their paths were different from each other. Sanna had a love of the dragons and cared about them so much. Isadora path was very different she wanted to learn more about magic. And this is where we meet the wild dragon and Max. This story between the two sisters and the jounary they take to save thier family is amazing. I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. The way Katie made me see these dragons and the witche's that Isadora and Sanna had come across. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to continue when the next book comes out. And find out what Sanna and Isaora go up against next. I do recommened this book very enjoyed and sad. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. Thank you Katie Cross for this amazing read.
Profile Image for Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat).
395 reviews67 followers
May 4, 2019
A Magical Story Of Dragons & Witches

This was a well written book that was very captivating once you got into it. I did feel the story took its time developing but once in, it takes you on a really incredible journey.

Characters were well thought out and loved the development of each one. I really loved the relationship that grew between Sanna and Luteius it was unique and beautiful. Her dragon on countless times kept me amused. I also really loved watching Maximillion character unfold. I was immediately drawn in by him and wanted to know more. I could automatically see beyond his no fuss, abrupt attitude and knew there was more to him.

The story although slow at times for me personally it still managed to hold my attention. Being a hopeless romantic as well I was looking out for some sparks but as of yet I’m not getting any fees. I think I read too many paranormal romance books that i now expect romance to pop up anywhere lols.

If your looking for a magical book of witches and dragons and two sisters fighting for a place in their world your going to love this book.

Happy Readings My Nerdy Friends 🤓
6 reviews
May 9, 2018
This was a good book. If you like witches and dragons and seers, you'll like this book. At times it was quite suspenseful as the chapter would leave you hanging to start the next chapter with another key figure in the story. In this way the story kept me interested and yet able to lay it down for a bit instead of burning my eyes out (which I usually do) reading the whole book at once. I am interested in the other two books in the series and will go look to see if they have been written yet. Enjoyed this first one well enough. The two sisters and the supporting characters were interesting, and am sure future books can delve a bit into the lives of the other characters to bring them more depth and give the reader a better idea of why they are who they are and how they came to be in their role.
Profile Image for Brendan C.
5 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was such an original idea (in my opinion) and I loved the way that the perspectives switched between Sanna and Isadora. There were a few spots where it was a little harder for me to follow what was happening. Granted, I was reading into the late hours of the night and I am on younger side. I also liked how it was so easy to tell when the dragons were talking. It is definitely on my top three favorite books that I have read. The end of the book has left me itching to read the next book. Great work by Katie Cross!
P.S. This is my first experience with her writing. Left a great first impression!
Profile Image for Lianne Takach.
23 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2018
Katie brings us back to Antebellum and it's complicated earlier times. Sanna and Isadora are tucked away in an isolated part of Antebellum where they are expected to continue the family business- servants to the dragons. Sanna seems ready but Isadora is not so sure. Their decisions begin an amazing new adventure for each (on very different paths). Filled with drama, joy, heartbreak, and hope, you are drawn into each of their lives from the get go! If you want to be completely absorbed in a world of magic and DRAGONS this is the book for you! I cannot wait for the second installment of the sisters' adventures! Oh, did I mention DRAGONS!
Profile Image for Victoria.
121 reviews
May 29, 2020
WARNING: If you plan on diving into this rabbit hole, ensure your copy of the next book before you begin this one! There is no time lost between the two and you can't really take a break in between. Try it. I dare you!


Katie Cross's ability to draw the reader into her world is as powerful as "secundum"! The first in a trilogy, Flame does not disappoint! The raw emotions, the internal struggles, everything the characters experience is transferred to the reader. I have read other Dragon books, but never have the dragons had such a voice to speak for their emotions. This is Marie's masterpiece, and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Kelsey Langenfeld.
312 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2018
It's been 2 years since I have visited the world of Antebellum and I now remember what I loved so much about it. This is perhaps one of the best dragon stories I have ever read. It is detailed, but succinct. I also love that it is an amazing story that doesn't need a romantic plot. This is a story about two sister witches. They live in a small village where they are raised to be Servants of the dragons. They both have completely different paths ahead of them.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews

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