Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
An ordinary girl, a dream to become extraordinary, and the powers that will lead her to change the world.
Sixteen-year-old Isadora is recruited to join a secret school. She knows nothing of where she’s going, but anything is better than being stuck at the house of her belittling uncle.

When a sect of sorcerers out to ruin magic finds her, she doesn’t possess the skills to ward them off. She needs to reach the academy. A whole new world awaits her if only she can make it in time.

Will Isadora beat the sorcerers to the academy and begin her education in the magical arts? Or will they succeed in keeping her from her destiny?

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2018

625 people are currently reading
618 people want to read

About the author

Lucía Ashta

103 books907 followers
Lucía Ashta is the internationally top 20 bestselling author of young adult, new adult, and adult paranormal and urban fantasy books, including the series Magical Creatures Academy, Witches of Gales Haven, Smoky Mountain Pack, and Supernatural Bounty Hunter.

When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.

Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta

Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
www.facebook.com/groups/LuciaAshta
www.luciaashta.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
230 (35%)
4 stars
184 (28%)
3 stars
164 (25%)
2 stars
46 (7%)
1 star
27 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Thea Wilson.
249 reviews80 followers
July 13, 2018
Actual rating 3½/5.

Very interesting beginning to this new series by Lucia Ashta. Be warned that this series is kind of spinoff from her Witching World with some characters crossing over to this new series. I haven't read that series myself so can't say if having read it would be beneficial here or not, all I can say is that it was enjoyable to read regardless.

Obviously these books are not full novel length at under 100 pages, hence why they are being published once a month but this book is great beginning with a good deal of potential going forward.

This is the age old story of young girl who finds out she might have magic and is taken to a magic academy, what will happen next? Well, only time and more books will tell to be truthful.

In the end this is a nice short and easy read that didn't tax the brain but does have enough content to get the adrenaline flowing, all good solid fun!
Profile Image for Kitty G Books.
1,695 reviews2,968 followers
November 5, 2018
*This is one of the #SPFBO titles I had to read for 2018*

I am afraid that although there were quite a few good ideas in this book, and I love the idea of a magical school because of nostalgia with Harry Potter etc., I found that this read as quite a young story aimed at young readers. This felt like it was quite simplistic at times, and many of the 'reveals' were quite clear to me from the start of the book which meant the story didn't really keep my interest as I wanted it to.

This is quite a short story which follow a first person point of view from our main character, Isadora. Isa and her brother Nando are bought by some strangers in the star of their book after their Uncle sells them off. They don't know anything about the people who have bought them, and they are quickly in some danger when it appears a rival faction are chasing them.

What I liked about this was that it moved quite quickly and I managed to read it fast and enjoy the story, although it was a simple one.

Unfortunately, this is such a short book that it lacks a lot of development and it's also only the very tip of the story because even by the end of the book we only have mysteries opened up and nothing is resolved. I imagine as a series this would be an easy one for young teens to read, and a good story to hook them in and get them enjoying magical stories, but as an adult or someone who has read a lot of fantasy this one just doesn't stand out enough from the crowd. 2*s from me which is 4/10 overall, but with a lot more development and a longer story with more twists this could have been good fun.
Profile Image for Jesse.
182 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2018
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and wow! Right from the first page you are there and the action is immediate - it was a refreshing change!

I love that it was also shorter than many books in the genre as it meant I actually had a decent chance to read through it in a night without being disturbed. The characters are interesting and I did find Isa very likeable and thus invested in what happens to her in the next book.

Highly recommend giving it a read.

Special thanks to the author for a free copy.
Profile Image for Dichotomy Girl.
2,182 reviews164 followers
February 11, 2019
I admit, I've never really understood the books as "episodes" gimmick, which is what this was. I'm not sure how to rate this, as it wasn't even a complete story, it was instead a really really long chapter.
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,832 reviews7 followers
July 22, 2018
A quick-read novella set in an enchanting magical world, promising much excitement, surprises, dangers, and wonders in the future - if only you keep reading.
Isa is no one extraordinary - basically the most ordinary, average human you can meet, contrary to her brother Nando. Now her live is about to take a sharp turn, being sold to some strange old man. Only the turn is much sharper and more unbelievable than she would have expected, all with discovering that magic is real and her life is now in danger.
The opening story in the Magical Arts Academy is a solid introduction to a new set of characters, bringing back briefly some you might already met from the author´s previous work. Isadora does not stand out much, but some glances of her spirit are already showing, hinting at a strong personality under the layers of averageness, with love for animals and her brother, full of awe, naivety, and determination. I would love to see her journey, her direct contact with magic, and the abilities that will for sure awaken in her. I am also curious about the plot development, as this was only an opening, the first in a string of dangerous, tensed, exciting events in the young girl´s life. I´m definitely eager to read more!
Profile Image for Alyssia Cooke.
1,425 reviews38 followers
September 23, 2019
Well written but simplistic and the short length means that there is a lack of character building or world building. I think it's fair to say that this isn't a full book, and doesn't even cover Isadora's first spell. The 'book' finishes before she even takes a single class - hell, she doesn't even get to see her injured brother. For that you need to buy the next 'installment', another mere hundred pages long. If I'm reading a book, at the absolute least I expect to see basic plot lines addressed if not fully resolved.

I can't help but think that this recent serialised publishing of 100 word snippets is a bit of a piss take, trying to get you to pay well over the odds for your full tale. Yes, serials have been around for ages, but they used to be published as part of a publication or newspaper so you would get you moneys worth. Merge four or five of these together and publish book at usual kindle price and this would be a decent young adult series. As it stands, I can't help feeling it's a rip off.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
625 reviews21 followers
September 27, 2018
First off would like to thank Malcom Paul Barber for sending me this gifted copy and to say this was well written and had me hooked from the start and I stayed up late just to finish it.
This story starts out with a brother and sister that was sold from their uncle and the adventure they had along the way had me sitting on the edge of my bed racing along with the rest to safety and to find out what happened to her brother... Never found out what happened so will have to just start on the next book in this series and I know I'm going to love it just as much as I enjoyed reading this one... And to think that ghosts don't exist and don't help other's...sheesh...
43 reviews
December 13, 2018
Delightful and fun

A delightful episodic introduction to Isadora and the members of the Magical Arts Academy. This latest offering is about the next generation of wizards and witches (the previous generation have become the instructors).
Profile Image for Leslie.
80 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2018
A new series from Lucía. I love it. This is about a girl named Isodora who is new to the magical world and must come to grips with it and that is now part of the fight between good and evil. Great read.
Profile Image for Anna.
20 reviews
May 16, 2019
Ended rather abruptly.

The book ended rather abruptly. Just one long chase scene, with a let down at the end of the chase.
Profile Image for Natalie.
834 reviews63 followers
January 27, 2021
This is a hard book for me to review, primarily for the reason that it didn't really feel like a book, but more of a prologue.

In this, we meet Isadora and her brother Nando, who are sold by their uncle to a wealthy stranger and taken on a journey. Part-way through the journey they are attacked by unknown mages, during which Nando is wounded before a rescue from ally mages arrive via dragon.

The rest of the "book" is mostly just Isadora and Marcelo (one of the rescue mages ;D) travelling to Acquaine - the stronghold (I think) of the "good" mages, and location of a magic school, whilst a wounded Nando goes on ahead with the others. Along their journey, they continue to be pursued by the enemy forces.

As far as reading goes, I'm not sure I'm really a fan of it. The narrative seemed like an intriguing start to a larger story, but there wasn't really any true conclusion for this book. I realise it's considered an "episode" in the Magic Arts Academy series, but I would have preferred if the author had perhaps combined this with some of the others in the series to make a full narrative. As it stands, it feels too unfinished [to me] to be considered a "book" in a series - and doesn't really feel like it works as a novella either :/

Overall, 2.5 / 5 stars (rounded up).
Profile Image for Elizabeth Curtin.
374 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2019
Basically, Isa is just a girl who thinks she’s ordinary. Nothing exceptional about her. Although she accepts this, Isa desires an extraordinary life. She doesn’t want to have a drab existence. She wants adventure.

And somehow, despite the clear signs of danger and disregard for authoritative and knowledgeable people, Isadora still craves just those things. It’s maddening. A number of times, Isa fucking went off and did something stupid based off the merit of “curiosity”. Well, let me tell you, in a life or death situation, do you think curiosity is the best thing to have? Curiosity killed the cat.

Anyway, this book was short and introduced the premise of the book. It was a little tired in some places and I didn’t really get a good feel of any character besides Isa, who I’m still very much on the fence about. Although, the overall story seems intriguing.

I’m gonna have to be in some kind of mood to buy the next book. However, I feel I should give it the benefit of the doubt and see what happens next. She has finally arrived at the Academy. We’ll have to see if she’s capable of magic or not.

(After Review) — Just learned this is a spinoff series, so I might venture into the main series and see if I like it more or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,046 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2018
This is my first book of this author and a very promising start to an interesting story.
Magic is real? Sorceres, witches, even ghosts are real? And there is a fight going on between evil and good magic users? This is all revealed to Isa who finds herself suddenly in the middle of this all, by accident as she thinks. But there is no such thing as coincidence in the magic world and this might be her way out of her miserable ordinary life. And we get a glimps that she might be capable of much more than she thinks.
I would have liked to see just a little bit more world building at the beginning. I had problems to place this world Isa lives in. Is this a fantasy world or our real world suddenly with magic or at least a medieval version of it? (I can tell you now that it is a human fantasy world with similarities to medieval times with horse carriages but also dragons – see cover).
The book is part of a series so be prepared for a slight cliffhanger but the immediate situations are solved.
I'm interested in how Isa will get on, a new book is promised every 21 days, this is like a TV series and bearable.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
June 7, 2018
I have to admit to a bias when it comes to Lucia Ashta. I have totally adored all of her books to date so I come to each new one anticipating excellence. Luckily for me, she hasn’t let me down yet - and that’s certainly the case with First Spell, the first book in her new Magical Arts Academy series. Let’s just get this out of the way: the bottom line here is “wow”. Just “wow”. As with all of this author’s books this one is both extremely imaginative and superbly written. It had just what I wanted including a great plot. I frankly adore Isadora and loved watching her take everything as she battled to reach her destiny. The rest of the cast of characters is pretty amazing as well. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews70 followers
May 21, 2018
WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE!!!
If you're looking for a fast paced, action packed, pulse racing read that will capture your attention from the start. With lots of magic and swirling emotions that will definitely rock your world. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters are intriguing and complex. Following along fascinated as their personalities transformed and blended. The main character is set on a path of self discovery that will change the world as she knows it. The scenes with such vivid detail and descriptive that you can actually visualize each one in depth. The way Ashton has the scenes playing out are so realistic you get so caught up in it, that you feel your along for the ride. Twists, turns and unexpected surprises abound that will keep you glued to your seat. I can't wait for the next installment. Remarkable job Ashton, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Profile Image for debturk1970_bookvibes.
1,855 reviews18 followers
July 6, 2018
A Decent Start To This New Series. 3.5 Stars 🌟

Isa & her brother Nando have been left in the care of their self righteous & prejudiced Uncle while their parents & older siblings go off to uncharted territory to bring culture to the natives in that land. Their Uncle believes they're all dead so when an old man arrives & wants to purchase Nando he agrees but only if he takes Isa 'the peculiar girl' too!! 😢💔

It's on the journey from their Uncles home to where ever Mordecai, who bought them, is taking them that their lives truly change forever!!! 🎉🌟

I found the story a little stilted initially but as it got going the pace & action picked up 👍 I would've appreciated a greater understanding of what made people think Isa was 'peculiar, thick, strange, stupid etc'!?

I'm looking forward to finding out if Isa does have magic, if Nando is ok & more about the Magic Academy!! 🙂

Debbie, 1970, UK
Profile Image for Lauren Easey.
261 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2019
This book seemed like it was going in a good direction but then it just cut off before it got to the good bit? I’m so confused by it because it feels like the first quarter of a novel... as if it’s been chopped up in order to make more money. It’s called ‘First Spell’ but the girl doesn’t even get to magic school? Like.... she doesn’t even do a spell. I’m so confused. I assume there’s more books in the series so maybe you could just put them all together to make a whole book?

I was honestly so ready for her to reach the school and to start learning and see if her brother is okay, but that’s all just cut off. All that happens in this book is that a brother and sister go in a carriage, discover magic exists, then the girl goes on a horse ride whilst the brother goes on a dragon. THATS THE WHOLE BOOK.

I hate giving criticism that’s not constructive but this felt a little ridiculous. Please put this as a start of a book and keep writing it. I want to read the whole thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather Rainwater-Alvarado.
399 reviews18 followers
July 23, 2019
This story is quite a short one that I was able to read in just a few hours. The main character has some obvious flaws, but Ashta leaves plenty of room for growth. Personally a perfect character from the start of a 13+ book series would be a boring read for me. Ashta introduces a lot of mystery to capture your attention in this first book. I wish there was more to it, but it’s a decent introduction. I like the feeling that you’re discovering magic with the main character as you read along; however I do feel like the title is misleading since the main character doesn’t learn any magic abilities or spells. I kept hoping she would dig deep and do magic even if it was a fluke to prove she should attend the academy but she never did. It was enough though to get me to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Kelly.
83 reviews10 followers
August 25, 2018
I got this book as an arc for review.

When I first got the book I was really intrigued by the blurb. I read this book in one sitting and it was really good. I'm curious about the world and how everything works out. I literally flew through it. My kindle told me I had like an hour and fourteen minutes until I finished. So it wasn't a very long book.

I do feel like the book was a little bit short. Right at the good part it got cut of and ended. So I didn't really get any answers or anything. I just got more questions..

I will definitely pick up the next installment, since I'm really intrigued by the world and the concept!
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
625 reviews21 followers
October 4, 2018
First off would like to thank Malcom Paul Barber for sending me this gifted copy and to say this was well written and had me hooked from the start and I stayed up late just to finish it.
This story starts out with a brother and sister that was sold from their uncle and the adventure they had along the way had me sitting on the edge of my bed racing along with the rest to safety and to find out what happened to her brother... Never found out what happened so will have to just start on the next book in this series and I know I'm going to love it just as much as I enjoyed reading this one... And to think that ghosts don't exist and don't help other's...sheesh...
Profile Image for Myla L A.
569 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2019
Too Short

This is more like several chapters that try to get you interested enough to buy the next chapter. I bought the 1st 3 books and I am done. One of the main characters in the book does not talk or fit the period portrayed, then there is supposed to be a magical school to learn magic yet after 3 books nothing has been learned. This could be better if the books were actually 300 pages or more, with better language, more in depth characters, more background to each and more how a young girl should act during that time period. Sorry I rarely give poor reviews but I was a bit irked with the books being so short and all the above.
Profile Image for hana.
435 reviews
February 13, 2021
A quick short read
A delightful opening to the world of Magical Arts Academy where magic, ghost, and dragon are real;
and so were spell;
and so was the danger.

Isa and her brother Nando was on an adventure with a stranger; facing a bizarre situation.
Ghost and dragon were the least concern they needed to worry about, especially when Nando fell unconscious when a strange light beamed at them.
👍
There were plenty of reference to Harry Potter magical world, minus the weirdo
Teenager (16 yo instead of 11)
Dragons
Dark Magic is bad and does are Dark Sorcerer (Death Eater)
both have a horrible uncle
both thought they were normal - ordinary people - until the spell upon their face
Profile Image for Linda.
463 reviews
May 22, 2018
I was so sad when the Witching World ended, but rejoiced upon reading the first few pages I realized my old friends were back. I'm also making new friends. We have Isa (Isadora) and her brother Nando (Hernando) who have been sold to Mordecai or rescued by him from their Uncle. While traveling to the Acquaine Academy of Magic they are attacked by evil sorcerer's belonging to the SMS (sorcerer's for magical supremacy). They are saved but just barely by Marcelo and Clara riding on a dragon.
But are they really saved?
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Lisa Eiff.
966 reviews27 followers
June 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Isa discovers an entire new world all around her in this book, and the cast of characters work together to reel you in as a reader. If you are a fan of magic and YA friendly reads, you won't be disappointed by starting this series. This is the first book in a new series that is actually a spin-off of another magical series written by Lucia Ashta; The Witching World. You don't need to read that series to understand this one, or vice versa...just get ready for nonstop adventure and magical madcaps along the way.
Profile Image for Robert Lovell.
73 reviews
September 4, 2018
Not my style

For the first time in a while, I am not exsctly sure what to say about a book. "First Spell" just did not capture my interest. The main character, Isadora, was not realistic. At one point, she said she was not the crying kind and yet had already cried three or four times.
I cannot say that the writing is bad. It is passable AND I do not recall any editing issues! That was worth one star to me. I have the second book, but do not intend to read it. I can see teenage girls enjoying this series, though.
Profile Image for Kathy Tangorra.
55 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2018
What a wonderful magical story! You can’t help of falling love with Isa. I’ve never read a book like this and it was so refreshing and it is so entertaining.

I’m currently reading everyone of this authors books they are fabulous! I highly recommend everyone to follow her she is extremely entertaining and her books are just the type that you have to read from beginning to and you can’t put them down!

How very refreshing! I love your books and I plan to read them all!

Thank you so much for offering this book up for me to read!
Profile Image for Kelly Jane.
Author 29 books264 followers
May 14, 2019
There are a ton of academy stories out now and I wanted to read one that came out early in this trend. It was interesting to find that it is only a novella.

It sets up a good universe in this one and the pacing is fast. It moves you right along. I’m not sure about my feelings on main character quite yet. She seems to make some great assumptions and overhear all the information she needs. We’re told a lot of information, but I think this might be the short format. Ashta had to get it and get things done.

Anyway, it’s quick, and I read it in an afternoon.
Profile Image for Rosemary Dreyer.
1,533 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2020
A short intro book about a brother and sister being moved to a magical school for training. The comparisons to Harry Potter are vast: a miserable and abusive uncle; a feisty girl who has no idea there is magic in the world; evil sorcerers (Sorcerers for Magical Supremacy) who are fighting the good wizards; a school for magical training; and magical creatures. The writing is simple. It seems this book takes place in Spain during the Inquisitions, but that is not clear. I got the first four books free as part of the Amazon monthly series. I guess I will read one more to determine if it’s worth the time.
387 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2018
I really really really liked this book.

There are not a lot of books that grab my hand and pull me into the story.

I felt like I was with the characters in the book and what was happening to them was also happening to me.

I got the book on a Sunday night and read it until Monday morning. I did not put it down.

This book has a little of everything, adventure, suspense, great characters, of course the bad guys,
magic, and a ghost.

Profile Image for Kimberly Newman.
170 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2018
Good, clean fun

Book one of the Magical Arts Academy was fun to read and moved along at a good pace. The characters were interesting. I found many of the ideas similar to the Harry Potter books. The only big negative for me is the length was exceptionally short, so I won't be purchasing the other books. The price for a short episode is what I usually pay for most full-size Kindle books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.