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Mage: The Guardian's Oath
On the third day of the harvest month, Clara Vedette was born. Again.
Eighteen years trapped in a village is enough to drive anyone crazy, so when a way out appears in the wall, Clara leaps at the chance to leave.
But her joy quickly diminishes, for outside the wall’s protection, the hunters seeking her life can sense her, and an ancient, sinister plot emerges – a plot that’s killed her six times, and now, only one chance remains.
To save those she loves and gain her freedom, Clara must face the darkest magic and find the courage to do what she fears most.
Eighteen years trapped in a village is enough to drive anyone crazy, so when a way out appears in the wall, Clara leaps at the chance to leave.
But her joy quickly diminishes, for outside the wall’s protection, the hunters seeking her life can sense her, and an ancient, sinister plot emerges – a plot that’s killed her six times, and now, only one chance remains.
To save those she loves and gain her freedom, Clara must face the darkest magic and find the courage to do what she fears most.
- GenresFantasy
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2018
About the author
S.A. Edwards
4 books8 followersSophie Edwards is a British author specialising in fantasy and thriller novels. She lives in the UK with her husband and five children.
Her newest book, NightLock, is set for release in September 2024.
Her newest book, NightLock, is set for release in September 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2018
Exciting and Intriguing
I loved the book for several reasons but most of all for the world building around the mythos of the Guardian and the interplay of the cool magic systems. As a heavy fantasy reader I love to see different ways of developing the heroic journey and this one starts quickly and develops in every chapter. This gives a lovely feeling of pace to the novel.
The characters are particularly interesting in their diversity of ages, cultures and interests. I like how Edwards uses the younger cast members this bring a sense of playfulness at times into what can be a very dark an ominous plotline. One of her skills is the ability to build tension by building our understanding of the forces arranged against us, then pay this off through interesting twists, emotional climaxes or sudden unexpected relief.
I recommend the book because though it deals with the scope of epic fantasy (literally every thing on the line) it is enjoyable and very easy to read. The plot is strong taking you all over the world and beyond, the characters are many but the development of the core team is compelling and the language is accessible and descriptive.
I'm hopeful that the success of Mage quickly builds towards the release of another book in the Nephilium Lands
I loved the book for several reasons but most of all for the world building around the mythos of the Guardian and the interplay of the cool magic systems. As a heavy fantasy reader I love to see different ways of developing the heroic journey and this one starts quickly and develops in every chapter. This gives a lovely feeling of pace to the novel.
The characters are particularly interesting in their diversity of ages, cultures and interests. I like how Edwards uses the younger cast members this bring a sense of playfulness at times into what can be a very dark an ominous plotline. One of her skills is the ability to build tension by building our understanding of the forces arranged against us, then pay this off through interesting twists, emotional climaxes or sudden unexpected relief.
I recommend the book because though it deals with the scope of epic fantasy (literally every thing on the line) it is enjoyable and very easy to read. The plot is strong taking you all over the world and beyond, the characters are many but the development of the core team is compelling and the language is accessible and descriptive.
I'm hopeful that the success of Mage quickly builds towards the release of another book in the Nephilium Lands
May 25, 2018
Magic abounds in this epic fantasy, which takes Clara, a young teen with little knowledge of, well, anything, and throws her into the midst of a centuries-old conflict. Clara's struggles to understand the world around her and her place within it will tug at the hearts of readers who've experienced similar struggles of their own.
May 28, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book! The text was well edited, (which I appreciated), and the story was unpredictable, upbeat, and exciting. I thought the descriptions were clear and on point. The book drew me in from the first pages. I have to admit that "Mage" is a novel that has left me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
July 7, 2018
What an epic adventure book! I loved the character of Clara and the complex world building. I was drawn in from page 1. The book held my attention through to the end. *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*
September 1, 2018
Author Snippet
− S.A. Edwards writes one of my favorite kinds of fiction, “fantasy-adventure.”
MAGE: THE GUARDIAN’S OATH (THE NEPHELIUM LANDS BOOK 1)
This novel had a rough start for me. It wasn’t anything negative at all! It’s actually quite simple. I don’t normally read first-person voiced books. When I do they are usually a different genre. This is the first book in the fantasy genre that I have ever read in the first-person voice. After I got passed that minor issue caused by my own reading experiences the book flowed naturally.
Reading fantasy through the main character’s perspective highlights their interpretations of the fictional reality and leaves opportunities of suspense, mystery plots and otherwise surprises that are unforeseen. Within this fantasy world developed by S.A. Edwards we become a part of Clara’s world.
As we read on, we feel what Clara feels and see what sees. The author does an amazing job in making you feel like you are her protagonist telling the story through her perspective. We encounter beasts, magic, Shades and explore the Plane of Shadow. The experiences of this book revel my own lust for fantasy-adventure stories. In my past readings I have encountered brief descriptions of most of these planes. The author does not tease us with just a mere glimpse. She spins her entire story around the denizens known as the Shades and…
I guess you should read this for yourselves to discover why I was so excited to read it! S.A. Edwards is an amazing author and I look forward to reading Book 2 when it is released. This book is a “sure thing” and worthy of a 4-Star rating, easily. Don't let my 4-Star Rating fool you! This is an amazing book!!! I just don't hand out 5-Star Ratings easily, though this one was not far off from deserving one.
Read this and all other books by S.A. Edwards, available on Amazon. Free to read on Kindle with Kindle Unlimited subscription. (https://www.amazon.com/S.A.-Edwards/e...).
− S.A. Edwards writes one of my favorite kinds of fiction, “fantasy-adventure.”
MAGE: THE GUARDIAN’S OATH (THE NEPHELIUM LANDS BOOK 1)
This novel had a rough start for me. It wasn’t anything negative at all! It’s actually quite simple. I don’t normally read first-person voiced books. When I do they are usually a different genre. This is the first book in the fantasy genre that I have ever read in the first-person voice. After I got passed that minor issue caused by my own reading experiences the book flowed naturally.
Reading fantasy through the main character’s perspective highlights their interpretations of the fictional reality and leaves opportunities of suspense, mystery plots and otherwise surprises that are unforeseen. Within this fantasy world developed by S.A. Edwards we become a part of Clara’s world.
As we read on, we feel what Clara feels and see what sees. The author does an amazing job in making you feel like you are her protagonist telling the story through her perspective. We encounter beasts, magic, Shades and explore the Plane of Shadow. The experiences of this book revel my own lust for fantasy-adventure stories. In my past readings I have encountered brief descriptions of most of these planes. The author does not tease us with just a mere glimpse. She spins her entire story around the denizens known as the Shades and…
I guess you should read this for yourselves to discover why I was so excited to read it! S.A. Edwards is an amazing author and I look forward to reading Book 2 when it is released. This book is a “sure thing” and worthy of a 4-Star rating, easily. Don't let my 4-Star Rating fool you! This is an amazing book!!! I just don't hand out 5-Star Ratings easily, though this one was not far off from deserving one.
Read this and all other books by S.A. Edwards, available on Amazon. Free to read on Kindle with Kindle Unlimited subscription. (https://www.amazon.com/S.A.-Edwards/e...).
January 25, 2019
First off, this is close to a 5 star rating, more like a 4½ but there was a few things that made me hold back on the fifth star.
Mage is an exciting and fast-paced fantasy. We're dumped straight into the world of Clara, an 18-year-old who've never been outside the wall surrounding her village. When her and her two friends - Lallana and Charlie - find an archway leading to the outside, a cascade of events are triggered.
Edwards does a great job of pulling us in, from first to last page, packing in so much action I felt like I'd held my breath the entire book and had a hard time putting it down. If you like fantasy with an incredible world and lots of action - this is a perfect read for you.
My main complaint is actually that I wish we'd spend more time with Clara and her companions. I felt a bit rushed going from one action sequence to the next. I would've loved to sit down and chat with Charlie and Lallana, spent time watching the different mages perform their magic more closely and in general just taken a small breather here and there. That said I still sped through the book and didn't sit back feeling cheated at the end so it's really not a big issue. The other little bits where things that, for me, wasn't subtle enough. I won't spoil but as an example, a plot point pertaining to Charlie was too evident and it seemed weird Clara stayed in the dark about it for that long.
Overall it was a great story that was very difficult to put down. I can't wait for the next installment to hit the shelves as I'll definitely be checking that one out too.
Mage is an exciting and fast-paced fantasy. We're dumped straight into the world of Clara, an 18-year-old who've never been outside the wall surrounding her village. When her and her two friends - Lallana and Charlie - find an archway leading to the outside, a cascade of events are triggered.
Edwards does a great job of pulling us in, from first to last page, packing in so much action I felt like I'd held my breath the entire book and had a hard time putting it down. If you like fantasy with an incredible world and lots of action - this is a perfect read for you.
My main complaint is actually that I wish we'd spend more time with Clara and her companions. I felt a bit rushed going from one action sequence to the next. I would've loved to sit down and chat with Charlie and Lallana, spent time watching the different mages perform their magic more closely and in general just taken a small breather here and there. That said I still sped through the book and didn't sit back feeling cheated at the end so it's really not a big issue. The other little bits where things that, for me, wasn't subtle enough. I won't spoil but as an example, a plot point pertaining to Charlie was too evident and it seemed weird Clara stayed in the dark about it for that long.
Overall it was a great story that was very difficult to put down. I can't wait for the next installment to hit the shelves as I'll definitely be checking that one out too.
August 14, 2019
The blurb for this book is what caught my eye and S.A. Edwards' world-building and characters are what drew me in and kept me reading. This is a fast-paced adventure that takes you from the seemingly mundane to the absolutely fantastical, all through the eyes of its heroine.
We start by meeting Clara, a young woman who wishes her world were more exciting... but be careful what you wish for! She gains excitement and more as she discovers her powers, travels the world, meets new people, and ultimately fights to clear her name and save the world.
S.A. Edwards has created a fabulously detailed universe with believable characters that you can relate to in a book that you won't want to put down.
I can't wait to see more from S.A. Edwards and the Nephilium Lands!
We start by meeting Clara, a young woman who wishes her world were more exciting... but be careful what you wish for! She gains excitement and more as she discovers her powers, travels the world, meets new people, and ultimately fights to clear her name and save the world.
S.A. Edwards has created a fabulously detailed universe with believable characters that you can relate to in a book that you won't want to put down.
I can't wait to see more from S.A. Edwards and the Nephilium Lands!
June 28, 2018
I have been delighted to find this book. I was struck by the first page and decided to give it a go. the beginning is very fast paced and I was lost, as was the main character. But then the story starts to make sense as Clara makes her way through a complex world. Action never stops, always some other part of the world to discover. This was really a good and enjoyable read !
The only thing is that it goes so fast somtimes I would liked to know about each part of the world. There could be so many stories around this one :-)
The only thing is that it goes so fast somtimes I would liked to know about each part of the world. There could be so many stories around this one :-)
July 10, 2018
Great adventure
It's a grand adventure for freedom. Clara is the main character, and is one of those unforgettable and strong characters, but she's down to her last life. I enjoyed this magical fantasy filled with action, adventure and twists and turns. What I thought was most interesting was Clara's past and how she came to be. It's a great story and anyone who loves to delve into the magic of fantasy may enjoy this as well. I look forward to more stories from this new author.
It's a grand adventure for freedom. Clara is the main character, and is one of those unforgettable and strong characters, but she's down to her last life. I enjoyed this magical fantasy filled with action, adventure and twists and turns. What I thought was most interesting was Clara's past and how she came to be. It's a great story and anyone who loves to delve into the magic of fantasy may enjoy this as well. I look forward to more stories from this new author.
August 3, 2018
This book blew me away.
It had so much action in it it was so interesting! I never had a scene I was bored over. I loved follow Clara through the Training she had to endure. All she went through in this book, I would had given up a long time ago. I love books with strong Female Characters and I can say that this character was so strong that I felt weak really.
I so look forward to the next book in the series (how this book ended I wanted to cry!) Great book!
It had so much action in it it was so interesting! I never had a scene I was bored over. I loved follow Clara through the Training she had to endure. All she went through in this book, I would had given up a long time ago. I love books with strong Female Characters and I can say that this character was so strong that I felt weak really.
I so look forward to the next book in the series (how this book ended I wanted to cry!) Great book!
July 23, 2019
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
The Guardians Oath is the first in a new series by SA Edwards, and what a start it is. The first-person narrative puts the reader in the mindset of not only the character but also the world being built here. As a fantasy novel, first-person narratives can falter just a bit, but Edwards pulls it off effortlessly. The magic in the world, the universe in this novel, it works in tandem with the POV because it’s able to grab at the reader and lure them into the story with ease.
There’s so much going on, but the pace, it keeps the reader sucked into the adventure precisely because of the POV and because of the adventure. It makes so an easy read because it moves at an effortless pace. It doesn’t drag or falter, it keeps up the energy that resides inside of Clara and uses that energy to spark an amazing coming-of-age adventure.
Now, there’s something to be said about Clara. She’s a bright character, fierce and strong. So much has happened to her and yet the light within her, it doesn’t break or falter. Clara is not only faced with so many choices, but a darkness within her that threatens to consume her if she doesn’t learn control her magic and her powers. It is an invigorating way to build the character development and challenge the character and build off the plot of the story that is all about light versus darkness and the balance in between. Not only that, the other characters offer up a story full of diversity. This lends itself to building up the tension with the same energy that sparks the novel.
Overall, Mage: The Guardian’s Oath is an exciting new novel.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
The Guardians Oath is the first in a new series by SA Edwards, and what a start it is. The first-person narrative puts the reader in the mindset of not only the character but also the world being built here. As a fantasy novel, first-person narratives can falter just a bit, but Edwards pulls it off effortlessly. The magic in the world, the universe in this novel, it works in tandem with the POV because it’s able to grab at the reader and lure them into the story with ease.
There’s so much going on, but the pace, it keeps the reader sucked into the adventure precisely because of the POV and because of the adventure. It makes so an easy read because it moves at an effortless pace. It doesn’t drag or falter, it keeps up the energy that resides inside of Clara and uses that energy to spark an amazing coming-of-age adventure.
Now, there’s something to be said about Clara. She’s a bright character, fierce and strong. So much has happened to her and yet the light within her, it doesn’t break or falter. Clara is not only faced with so many choices, but a darkness within her that threatens to consume her if she doesn’t learn control her magic and her powers. It is an invigorating way to build the character development and challenge the character and build off the plot of the story that is all about light versus darkness and the balance in between. Not only that, the other characters offer up a story full of diversity. This lends itself to building up the tension with the same energy that sparks the novel.
Overall, Mage: The Guardian’s Oath is an exciting new novel.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
June 25, 2019
From the beginning of the book, it starts an epic journey that you don't want to miss one moment of. At first I was leery about the way the book started but the further along in the book I got, the more I understood why it began the way it did. HIGHLY recommend to read if you haven't already. Can't wait to see what part 2 brings!!
June 16, 2020
This was a fast-paced magical adventure that was hard to put down! The primary focus is on the main character's journey to rediscovering herself and fighting to protect those she loves. Sophie Edwards created such an intricate magical world and I am excited to dive into the next installment of this adventure.
I received a promotional copy from the author; this is my honest review.
I received a promotional copy from the author; this is my honest review.
June 22, 2020
Lots of action. Clara and her two friends all grow to reach their potential. Even if they are on a path they would never choose. Lots of traveling to new magical lands. Clara gains powers as the story progresses. Just like any story there is a balance between the light & dark. Beautifully told for all to enjoy
dnf-but-goodreads-sucks
November 21, 2023An interesting premise and setting but so many typos and sentence-level errors that it’s almost impossible to get into the story. I counted 50+ errors by the time I finished Chapter Two and I can tell I’m not going to like the book even if I finish it. I usually give the book at least 50% (which in this book would be until page 102) but I am not interested in continuing anymore.
June 16, 2020
This was super interesting from beginning to end! I really enjoyed the sense of mystery along the way as we discovered the journey with the character. I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but I will certainly be continuing with this series!
January 1, 2019
Fun and action-packed. Adventure and danger lurk around every corner and by the time the book ended I was hunched over the book eager to see how it'd all work out.
June 30, 2019
This book is packed with adventure, magic, and love. (That's the best kind of book, right?) Clara faces many different trials and while everyone might not agree with her choices, she's still pretty badass. SA Edwards did a great job with this book. The chapters are fast paced, exciting and leave you wanting more. Be prepared to ignore all of your obligations because once you start reading this book, you won't want to stop. The world of the mage is mesmerizing and imaginative. The ending was... Well, let's put it this way, I can't wait to read book number 2.
July 3, 2020
This is quite the epic tale, great characters and engaging story. My only problem with the story was the pace, especially at the beginning. If you are into those stories that don't give you a chance to rest this is probably the book for you. If you want a bit more character and plot development, maybe not. I also felt that the pace was so quick I was often lost. It may just be me, but sometimes to took me a while into a scene to figure out what was happening. If you want action and adventure with in an interesting new world, I would say go for it.
August 6, 2018
A fun adventure that jumped right into the action and never stopped. By the end I was super invested in what was going to happen and eagerly anticipating what would happen next. Great world-building and I loved the powers!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews