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The Counterfeit Apprentice #1
Tethered by Blood
A law against female magicians. A girl pretending to be a boy.What's the worst that could happen?It's forbidden for females to perform high magic in Faronna, and there's an elaborate execution reserved for those foolish enough to try.Avery wouldn't call herself foolish. More like gutsy, focused, and determined—with a little bit of an anger problem thrown in. For three years she has disguised herself as a boy, apprenticed to a master wizard. With a talent for lying and a hunger for learning, she's confident in her ability to keep her secret and complete her training.After a public slip of her temper, Avery is thrust into a new apprenticeship with an inexperienced and bitter young master wizard. Garrick Wendyn doesn't want an apprentice, and is eager to make Avery prove her skills while he looks for any reason to send her packing. When an opportunist bent on revenge decides to use Avery's secret to his advantage, it will take all her wits and magical abilities to save her own neck—and that of her reluctant master.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 1, 2019
This was a great YA fantasy. Avery was a strong but wonderfully flawed character. The relationships she develops with the other characters all have their unique challenges and flavors. The world was full and interesting, but not so complicated that it was hard to follow. I loved reading about her challenges with disguising herself as a boy, as well as her reasons for risking the consequences of being found out.
Though this is book one of a three book series, it wrapped up really nicely. No cliff hanger at all, which is good because I really dislike cliff hangers.
Only hints of romance, but I get the feeling that the next book might go in that direction.
Though this is book one of a three book series, it wrapped up really nicely. No cliff hanger at all, which is good because I really dislike cliff hangers.
Only hints of romance, but I get the feeling that the next book might go in that direction.
February 7, 2022
Clean magical fantasy
Avery Mullins will do anything to fulfill her dream and goal of becoming a wizard even if it means disguising herself as a boy in a world where Wizarding females will be killed.
Page turning story ( that is clean!) that is both adventure and mystery. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Avery Mullins will do anything to fulfill her dream and goal of becoming a wizard even if it means disguising herself as a boy in a world where Wizarding females will be killed.
Page turning story ( that is clean!) that is both adventure and mystery. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
May 30, 2018
I was expecting more of a romance and I wanted more information about Avery’s future and if she would ever live her life as a girl again.
February 10, 2022
An interesting and enjoyable read!
This was a good book! It was an interesting an unique story. It took a familiar trope of a girl disguising herself as a boy--in this case so that she can learn magic (yes, there is really dumb and harsh prohibitions against women doing magic for really no reason, sigh). Mix in some creepy blood magic, and you've got a good set up for conflict and a bit of mystery.
Avery, as a character, is rather interesting. She's scrappy and is very used to deception, but still has a moral compass buried within her. Her master, Garrick, is rough around the edges and a bit emotionally unintelligent, but a good guy. I really enjoyed Ivan, a "fool"--aka he doesn't speak, but is actually quite intelligent once given the chance. I also really like the other side characters.
I felt that the plot was interesting and it didn't drag for me. I was really curious to see how everything played out, and the climax and conclusion were satisfying--no cliff hanger. I definitely plan on reading the next book very soon.
As for content rating, it's clean as far as language, romance (there really isn't any in this book), and not very much explicit violence, though there is reference to murders and such. And blood magic is kinda dark. There's also references to alcoholism (not condoning it) and parental neglect. And there's definitely some sexism, which isn't surprising considering a girl has to pretend to be a boy...
I recommend this book if you enjoy clean YA fantasy.
This was a good book! It was an interesting an unique story. It took a familiar trope of a girl disguising herself as a boy--in this case so that she can learn magic (yes, there is really dumb and harsh prohibitions against women doing magic for really no reason, sigh). Mix in some creepy blood magic, and you've got a good set up for conflict and a bit of mystery.
Avery, as a character, is rather interesting. She's scrappy and is very used to deception, but still has a moral compass buried within her. Her master, Garrick, is rough around the edges and a bit emotionally unintelligent, but a good guy. I really enjoyed Ivan, a "fool"--aka he doesn't speak, but is actually quite intelligent once given the chance. I also really like the other side characters.
I felt that the plot was interesting and it didn't drag for me. I was really curious to see how everything played out, and the climax and conclusion were satisfying--no cliff hanger. I definitely plan on reading the next book very soon.
As for content rating, it's clean as far as language, romance (there really isn't any in this book), and not very much explicit violence, though there is reference to murders and such. And blood magic is kinda dark. There's also references to alcoholism (not condoning it) and parental neglect. And there's definitely some sexism, which isn't surprising considering a girl has to pretend to be a boy...
I recommend this book if you enjoy clean YA fantasy.
March 24, 2022
After a strong start, this book should have been great, and certainly the pages flew by. The MC is compassionate, stubborn and likeable, and most of the secondary characters were interesting too. Tension and pace were fairly well done. It's clearly intended to start a series so some plot threads aren't followed very far, but fine.
Yet at the end of the book I just had no desire to continue the series, which is almost an automatic 3 stars. Issues: male MC was boring and a wet blanket . No, he's not like Howl. He's just buttoned up and disagreeable. Secondly, most of the plot tension comes from a device (coercion spell) that robs the character of agency that artificially messes with both character development and emotional stakes. I've seen coercion magic written well but didn't buy this.
Finally, there was a hint of romantic interest that was a little too close to a high schooler having a crush on her teacher. Ugh. She does have a likeable peer (Ivan) who could be a more relevant interest. I guess I'll never find out.
Yet at the end of the book I just had no desire to continue the series, which is almost an automatic 3 stars. Issues: male MC was boring and a wet blanket . No, he's not like Howl. He's just buttoned up and disagreeable. Secondly, most of the plot tension comes from a device (coercion spell) that robs the character of agency that artificially messes with both character development and emotional stakes. I've seen coercion magic written well but didn't buy this.
Finally, there was a hint of romantic interest that was a little too close to a high schooler having a crush on her teacher. Ugh. She does have a likeable peer (Ivan) who could be a more relevant interest. I guess I'll never find out.
February 11, 2022
A clean fantasy set in a world of magic. Avery, as a girl, isn’t allowed to practice magic, so she disguises herself as a boy and becomes an apprentice. Her troubled past comes back to haunt her and make her life difficult. I enjoyed the concept. I didn’t really connect with Avery as a character; her personality traits seemed incongruent and unpredictable. But I’d like to try another book by Jane Beckstead.
January 6, 2019
This is a book of a lifetime bracketed really knows her fantasy skills
March 1, 2019
Enjoyable storyline. Got drawn in in the second half and then finished within a few days. Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
December 4, 2019
I wish there was more than 5 stars to give - this is the first book in a long time I've felt like this about a book! I hope there will be many more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews