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The School of Necessary Magic #1
Dark is Her Nature
For Hire: Teachers for special school in Virginia countryside. Must be able to handle teenagers with special abilities. Cannot be afraid to discipline werewolves, wizards, elves and other assorted hormonal teens. Apply at the School of Necessary Magic.
Alison is a young Drow princess whose power is just beginning to grow inside of her – too bad for the dark forces after her. They won’t see it coming. Even better… Alison’s making a few tween friends who can stand by her side.
School’s in session – the world’s about to change.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2018
1336 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Judith Berens
78 books199 followersJudith Berens is a figment of your imagination, made up of the fevered brainpower of Michael Anderle and Martha Carr, fueled by a lot of people helping them out - as well as all of you, The Fans. Great stories mixed with a lot of great readers equals more adventures to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 1, 2018
Not great
Felt like reading a children’s book, not a YA book. Writing style is for 5 year olds. Think the story may be there but just not polished enough.
Felt like reading a children’s book, not a YA book. Writing style is for 5 year olds. Think the story may be there but just not polished enough.
June 29, 2018
kindle unlimited, quite UNhappy with this book, had been looking forward to seeing it come out...then get dialogue where can't tell who is talking, or in some cases contradicts what talking about {examples, of way too many, the kid supposedly doesn't know she's drow princess, in other places might know she's drow, but knows next to nothing about powers, in other places it says so and so knows about drow and much more than this character yet the other person who knows is said to know little to nothing abut the main character's past etc so would have no way of knowing what the main character does or doesn't know; mentions over and over that main character is blind but can see colors of animate things but not inanimate, yet in other places not only 'sees' certain inanimate objects and/or their aura, but/yet in other places doesn't see them at all, or worse the storyline claims the main character saw something when there was no energy attaached and the person was sitting down so how would the main character see/know that the other person was ABOUT to stand up, etc}, was so disappointing almost gave it even less than a 3, one would think {would be WRONG but js} that having beta readers/people checking for continuity etc would have caught those things, but evidently NOT, because reading a just released copy, and worse than the continuity and other issues, it's BORING.
An actual real storyline NEVER happened ...evidently not, as reading the story the words are placed oddly and don't make sense, doesn't seem to be context for the sentence, before or after those portions, and constantly having to re-read and 'translate' what was supposedly meant just to be able to slub some more through the story, absolutely amazing that in a story with no mind readers how everyone knows what everyone else has done or is or what's going to happen or even why, unnecessary filler/just blah blah blah that doesn't seem to have anything to with anything, but large parts of entire passages that do NOT even make sense as an actual SENTENCE. Oh and NO, a bunch of people, kids, in fear for their lives at different points are NOT going to be thinking RUN one second then oh wait so and so is cute, cut out the CRAP 90210 junk, and the almost first part of story, that got mentioned a whole 3 maybe 4 times never really being actually, talked about again is b.s. {the 'egg' that was found}, as is another mindreading/xray vision thing with the door, where no one sees who is at wooden door, but it 'has' to be so and so people evidently, because well just 'has' to be because ages before door actually opened to SEE who it is. and if you have to be aware of singing plants biting because the music stopped, BUT you have earplugs in, just how is someone supposed to tell that, and if it just barely muffles the music how is that helping the ears/noise. So bad, actually started to give it a 2, so bad not even sure will read any more of this series, because can't say was 'good idea' because at BEST was okay primise, that ended up with no acutal real story line, not particularly coherent, and badly needed proofing for various reasons, especially typos and continuity issues and most of all all the 'who is this even talking' issues and just general confusion as to what is even going on, with who, about how, etc, so, sobad almost gave it a 2.
For Hire: Teachers for special school in Virginia countryside. Must be able to handle teenagers with special abilities. Cannot be afraid to discipline werewolves, wizards, elves and other assorted hormonal teens. Apply at the School of Necessary Magic.
Alison is a young Drow princess whose power is just beginning to grow inside of her – too bad for the dark forces after her. They won’t see it coming. Even better… Alison’s making a few tween friends who can stand by her side.
School’s in session – the world’s about to change.
The Leira Chronicles -- The Revelations of Oriceran
Quest For Magic - Prequel to Waking Magic (0.5) {this one was later put in with book 1 copies as prelude type}
Waking Magic (1)
Release Of Magic (2)
Protection of Magic (3)
Rule of Magic (4)
Trick or Troll: The 2017 YTT Halloween Special (4.5)
Dealing in Magic (5)
Christmas at Estelle's: The 2017 YTT Christmas Special (#5.5)
Theft of Magic (6)
Enemies of Magic (7)
Guardians Of Magic (8)
also does Midwest Magic Chronicles {The Revelations of Oriceran}
The Midwest Witch #1
The Midwest Wanderer #2
The Midwest Whisperer #3
The Midwest War #4
I Fear No Evil series
Kill The Willing #1
Bury The Past, But Shoot It First #2
just by Anderle {but goes with I Fear No Evil books}
An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstoneseries
Feared By Hell #1
Rejected By Heaven #2
Eye For An Eye #3
Dark Is Her Nature: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The School Of Necessary Magic, #1)
Bright Is Her Sight: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The School Of Necessary Magic Book 2)
does other oriceran related books but only read so many of each and just couldn't get in to them but you might be different so look at them if nothing else just to check them out
An actual real storyline NEVER happened ...evidently not, as reading the story the words are placed oddly and don't make sense, doesn't seem to be context for the sentence, before or after those portions, and constantly having to re-read and 'translate' what was supposedly meant just to be able to slub some more through the story, absolutely amazing that in a story with no mind readers how everyone knows what everyone else has done or is or what's going to happen or even why, unnecessary filler/just blah blah blah that doesn't seem to have anything to with anything, but large parts of entire passages that do NOT even make sense as an actual SENTENCE. Oh and NO, a bunch of people, kids, in fear for their lives at different points are NOT going to be thinking RUN one second then oh wait so and so is cute, cut out the CRAP 90210 junk, and the almost first part of story, that got mentioned a whole 3 maybe 4 times never really being actually, talked about again is b.s. {the 'egg' that was found}, as is another mindreading/xray vision thing with the door, where no one sees who is at wooden door, but it 'has' to be so and so people evidently, because well just 'has' to be because ages before door actually opened to SEE who it is. and if you have to be aware of singing plants biting because the music stopped, BUT you have earplugs in, just how is someone supposed to tell that, and if it just barely muffles the music how is that helping the ears/noise. So bad, actually started to give it a 2, so bad not even sure will read any more of this series, because can't say was 'good idea' because at BEST was okay primise, that ended up with no acutal real story line, not particularly coherent, and badly needed proofing for various reasons, especially typos and continuity issues and most of all all the 'who is this even talking' issues and just general confusion as to what is even going on, with who, about how, etc, so, sobad almost gave it a 2.
For Hire: Teachers for special school in Virginia countryside. Must be able to handle teenagers with special abilities. Cannot be afraid to discipline werewolves, wizards, elves and other assorted hormonal teens. Apply at the School of Necessary Magic.
Alison is a young Drow princess whose power is just beginning to grow inside of her – too bad for the dark forces after her. They won’t see it coming. Even better… Alison’s making a few tween friends who can stand by her side.
School’s in session – the world’s about to change.
The Leira Chronicles -- The Revelations of Oriceran
Quest For Magic - Prequel to Waking Magic (0.5) {this one was later put in with book 1 copies as prelude type}
Waking Magic (1)
Release Of Magic (2)
Protection of Magic (3)
Rule of Magic (4)
Trick or Troll: The 2017 YTT Halloween Special (4.5)
Dealing in Magic (5)
Christmas at Estelle's: The 2017 YTT Christmas Special (#5.5)
Theft of Magic (6)
Enemies of Magic (7)
Guardians Of Magic (8)
also does Midwest Magic Chronicles {The Revelations of Oriceran}
The Midwest Witch #1
The Midwest Wanderer #2
The Midwest Whisperer #3
The Midwest War #4
I Fear No Evil series
Kill The Willing #1
Bury The Past, But Shoot It First #2
just by Anderle {but goes with I Fear No Evil books}
An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstoneseries
Feared By Hell #1
Rejected By Heaven #2
Eye For An Eye #3
Dark Is Her Nature: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The School Of Necessary Magic, #1)
Bright Is Her Sight: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (The School Of Necessary Magic Book 2)
does other oriceran related books but only read so many of each and just couldn't get in to them but you might be different so look at them if nothing else just to check them out
November 21, 2019
First off, I want to say that this book has so much potential. I loved the universe, the characters and the plot ideas that the authors had for this story.
It was a little difficult keeping the flow of the story straight, such as the major/minor characters, etc.
I wonder if it might have been due to the authors attempting to lay the entire groundwork, and squeeze most, if not all, of the characters into the first book. I'm no author, but I can't help but wonder if these issues were reworked, possibly over 2 books, if it might not flow better.
I enjoyed this novel regardless, and will most definitely read any future works they create. I plan on re-reading this novel at some point in the future because I believe there's a real hidden gem here.
It was a little difficult keeping the flow of the story straight, such as the major/minor characters, etc.
I wonder if it might have been due to the authors attempting to lay the entire groundwork, and squeeze most, if not all, of the characters into the first book. I'm no author, but I can't help but wonder if these issues were reworked, possibly over 2 books, if it might not flow better.
I enjoyed this novel regardless, and will most definitely read any future works they create. I plan on re-reading this novel at some point in the future because I believe there's a real hidden gem here.
August 8, 2019
2.75 ***
The head-hopping detracted from the story.
The head-hopping detracted from the story.
November 13, 2019
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. I guess confused would be my most boiled down feeling about this. It felt like I had been tossed into the middle of a series but this is the first book. The description was for a MC named Alison and opens with Izzie and a massive mystery with her then goes back and forth between Alison and Izzie (mostly Alison) but the girls are so similar I kept forgetting whose POV we were in at that moment. The age range confused me early on. It was down as YA and the cover was late teen- early 20s (Izzie or Alison?) but everything felt middle grade so I thought it was a case of the cover art being off and tried to switch my thinking around then one of them got tampons and Midol sent to them as a necessity and there were a few times where they said they were teenagers. So not middle grade. This is the first year of school for them but does that mean high school or college since they’re teens? Then they’re out walking (more than once) in the woods in the middle of the night with a male teacher and one of them hugs him. I don’t care how innocent it was that’s asking for trouble then at the end of the book there was another hug and I thought “oh heck are they trying to pair them?! How old is he and again how old is she?!” All of it was rushed. I guess this has some potential for what they were trying to create and if there is another series somehow connected to this I may check it out to see if there is anything to it but for now I’m just confused.
April 20, 2023
I typically enjoy Anderle books but nothing happened in this one. I listened on audio and couldn’t help but get the girls mixed up “Alison, Emma, Aia, Izzy”.. Kathleen was the only one I could definitively identify for quite a while.
This also feels more like grade schoolers than teenagers. There were a lot of Harry Potter overtones, but when Harry Potter started they were actually elementary aged children so it made sense.
And no, it’s not lacking the maturity of teens because of it’s PG content. It’s lacking maturity in their interactions. It’s like they all become friends the way kids do on the playground at recess “wanna play with me?” “Ya” “you can be my best friend!” “Okay!”
Soooo… because nothing happened I decided to move on to book two (which I didn’t finish) and I’d put a spoiler alert up if there was anything to spoil but there isn’t.
I told myself that if at the “dance” there are no explosions or chaos then I’m calling it quits. Welp. Nothing happened. Just me wasting my time reading about a girl at a dance where nothing of any significance happened, just as nothing significant happens in any of her classes, throughout her break, or in any interaction I’ve read in over 9hrs of audiobook. Three thumbs down 👎🏽 👎🏽👎🏽
This also feels more like grade schoolers than teenagers. There were a lot of Harry Potter overtones, but when Harry Potter started they were actually elementary aged children so it made sense.
And no, it’s not lacking the maturity of teens because of it’s PG content. It’s lacking maturity in their interactions. It’s like they all become friends the way kids do on the playground at recess “wanna play with me?” “Ya” “you can be my best friend!” “Okay!”
Soooo… because nothing happened I decided to move on to book two (which I didn’t finish) and I’d put a spoiler alert up if there was anything to spoil but there isn’t.
I told myself that if at the “dance” there are no explosions or chaos then I’m calling it quits. Welp. Nothing happened. Just me wasting my time reading about a girl at a dance where nothing of any significance happened, just as nothing significant happens in any of her classes, throughout her break, or in any interaction I’ve read in over 9hrs of audiobook. Three thumbs down 👎🏽 👎🏽👎🏽
December 12, 2021
Now that I've had more experience with YA and Middle-Grade books, I notice a few more things.
First of all, in author notes of other books (I sometimes read the author notes, depends) They call this series a YA series. However, I feel like this book tries so hard to be YA and it just isn't really, to me, it feels like a middle grade. At times, the book acts like a YA novel, other times like a middle grade.
It was short and light, with some errors but didn't really take away from the book.
One of the characters is blind yet sometimes, she describes visual features like what?
The cast of characters is ultimately enjoyable, well the majority of them.
While this was enjoyable, at times it was hard to follow, the transition between the two girls came off sometimes as very abrupt and choppy. AT times, both POV's sounded the same and it was hard to differentiate.
September 30, 2019
This was a quick, fun read. Although I’ve mentioned that I’m not a fan of Harry Potter, I love books about magic schools, and this one has a lot of the entertaining parts of a magic school story. There are magical creatures and plants, different types of powers, lessons in spells and other magic, mysterious pasts, bullies, and students trying to uncover secrets that their teachers haven’t told them yet.
It’s part of an established world, but I haven’t read any of the other books to know the world or characters. However, it was easy to start here because it gives just enough information to know the context of the past. It mainly focuses on two girls, Alison and Izzy. Although the blurb starts with Alison, it’s actually Izzy we see first, when she gets attacked along with her parents. Alison comes in a few chapters later when the school year starts.
There is a lot of head-hopping in this story that made it a little difficult to follow sometimes. It’s better when it focuses on one character’s perspective at a time, which it manages to do entirely in some scenes, but other scenes have head-hopping. Also, it seems like some references get the two girls mixed up. Alison is the Drow and Izzy is the Light Elf, but sometimes the narration gives Izzy Drow characteristics, like saying that she goes into a trance instead of sleeping. I wonder if they switched names at one point when the book was being written? Some errors may be caused by the fact that “Judith Berens” is actually the pen name of two different authors, and maybe they had different ideas when writing their parts of the story.
Anyway, I liked both of the girls. Izzy’s lost memories were interesting to see her struggle with and I felt bad for her. I hope she finds out the truth someday. Alison’s Drow powers were also interesting to see as she learned more about them. I don’t know if all Drow are blind and/or able to see magical energy, but I liked reading about how she used her magical sight to compensate for her lack of physical sight.
But for the most part, it’s entertaining and moves along at a quick pace. Instead of describing the whole school year in detail, you get more of the highlights when big things happen. There are lots of hints of things to come in subsequent books, so I’ll be continuing with the series to find out what happens next.
Favorite food: the ice cream sundae social! I loved that the school cafeteria could give them almost any food they wanted, but the ice cream sundaes sounded like the most fun. My first job was in an ice cream parlor, so I love experimenting with different flavors and toppings. A magical cafeteria that could give me endless combinations to try would be like a dream come true.
I recommend this to readers who like light-hearted magic academy stories in a modern Earth setting.
It’s part of an established world, but I haven’t read any of the other books to know the world or characters. However, it was easy to start here because it gives just enough information to know the context of the past. It mainly focuses on two girls, Alison and Izzy. Although the blurb starts with Alison, it’s actually Izzy we see first, when she gets attacked along with her parents. Alison comes in a few chapters later when the school year starts.
There is a lot of head-hopping in this story that made it a little difficult to follow sometimes. It’s better when it focuses on one character’s perspective at a time, which it manages to do entirely in some scenes, but other scenes have head-hopping. Also, it seems like some references get the two girls mixed up. Alison is the Drow and Izzy is the Light Elf, but sometimes the narration gives Izzy Drow characteristics, like saying that she goes into a trance instead of sleeping. I wonder if they switched names at one point when the book was being written? Some errors may be caused by the fact that “Judith Berens” is actually the pen name of two different authors, and maybe they had different ideas when writing their parts of the story.
Anyway, I liked both of the girls. Izzy’s lost memories were interesting to see her struggle with and I felt bad for her. I hope she finds out the truth someday. Alison’s Drow powers were also interesting to see as she learned more about them. I don’t know if all Drow are blind and/or able to see magical energy, but I liked reading about how she used her magical sight to compensate for her lack of physical sight.
But for the most part, it’s entertaining and moves along at a quick pace. Instead of describing the whole school year in detail, you get more of the highlights when big things happen. There are lots of hints of things to come in subsequent books, so I’ll be continuing with the series to find out what happens next.
Favorite food: the ice cream sundae social! I loved that the school cafeteria could give them almost any food they wanted, but the ice cream sundaes sounded like the most fun. My first job was in an ice cream parlor, so I love experimenting with different flavors and toppings. A magical cafeteria that could give me endless combinations to try would be like a dream come true.
I recommend this to readers who like light-hearted magic academy stories in a modern Earth setting.
June 9, 2018
Potential YA offshoot from Leira and Brownstone series
I love Allison and am interested in learning more about Izzie but at times this book was choppy in how the authors tried to intertwine the story lines might have given only three stars if Allison wasn’t in the book. Also when dealing with magic schools you can’t help but compare to HP. That said I honestly am no fan of Liera for the same reason as this book, but love Brownstone and Shay stories. Hoping with next installment I can give a five star review. If you have not read Michael Anderle and want YA, try The Alpha Class books in his Kurtherian Universe, more Sci Fi but fun reads
I love Allison and am interested in learning more about Izzie but at times this book was choppy in how the authors tried to intertwine the story lines might have given only three stars if Allison wasn’t in the book. Also when dealing with magic schools you can’t help but compare to HP. That said I honestly am no fan of Liera for the same reason as this book, but love Brownstone and Shay stories. Hoping with next installment I can give a five star review. If you have not read Michael Anderle and want YA, try The Alpha Class books in his Kurtherian Universe, more Sci Fi but fun reads
October 27, 2023
DNF 11% Dropped the book on page 44 of 369.
This is my first time reading anything by any of these authors. I don't know who this book is for. Maybe the YA crowd because of the age of the first character? I'm doubtful because this doesn't meet the baseline standards for YA.
The book begins by throwing us into a melodramatic fight involving the main character (big question mark there... I'll explain later) and the antagonists. The melodrama can be overlooked, but the bad guys are acting like such a stereotype in a little kid's cartoon.
and
What I can gather from this interaction is that these dark ADULT wizards are so deranged and unhinged that I shouldn't expect any kind of character dimension from them. You know what's boring? When your antagonists are one dimensional.
Then the story continues and we leave off with the main character (question mark) at the school of magic. Though there were a bunch of cliches along the way, it was forgivable. Cliched stories can still entertain. The premise was interesting and had potential to kick off a good story. However, I'm not interested in potential. I'm interested in what the writers can deliver.
So we get to the main issue: who the heck is the main character? Following this, the narration decides to head hop into random characters and dump their backstories on us while throwing a bunch of names around.
Nope. Just nope. Absolutely no.
There's a way to write multiple POV character stories and make it riveting. This is not it. The authors of this book struggle to carry one POV narrative, quite badly too. By changing POVs so often, especially when the story hasn't been grounded, any momentum is lost. I'm wondering why this or that scene and perspective is even included.
First we're following a presumably (because we're not actually told her age) 15 year old girl who gets attacked and then arrives to the school. Then we're in the head of the headmistress while being told what she believes and the source of the funding for the school while we're watching random side character students throwing magic around and the headmistress admonishing them. What was the point of this scene, really?
I had enough by the time we head hopped in to the blind orphan girl (same chapter too) who just arrived at the school and we're getting an info dump of her miserable backstory as well with a bunch of other side character names being thrown at us from her backstory.
This is such lazy writing.
I can't recommend this book in good conscience to anybody. The narration is really clumsy and it kills any story momentum.
This is my first time reading anything by any of these authors. I don't know who this book is for. Maybe the YA crowd because of the age of the first character? I'm doubtful because this doesn't meet the baseline standards for YA.
The book begins by throwing us into a melodramatic fight involving the main character (big question mark there... I'll explain later) and the antagonists. The melodrama can be overlooked, but the bad guys are acting like such a stereotype in a little kid's cartoon.
The dark wizard cackled from the shadows. "Trouble? Too late."
and
A tall man, his hood pulled low to shadow his face, cackled loudly as he stepped forward.
What I can gather from this interaction is that these dark ADULT wizards are so deranged and unhinged that I shouldn't expect any kind of character dimension from them. You know what's boring? When your antagonists are one dimensional.
Then the story continues and we leave off with the main character (question mark) at the school of magic. Though there were a bunch of cliches along the way, it was forgivable. Cliched stories can still entertain. The premise was interesting and had potential to kick off a good story. However, I'm not interested in potential. I'm interested in what the writers can deliver.
So we get to the main issue: who the heck is the main character? Following this, the narration decides to head hop into random characters and dump their backstories on us while throwing a bunch of names around.
Nope. Just nope. Absolutely no.
There's a way to write multiple POV character stories and make it riveting. This is not it. The authors of this book struggle to carry one POV narrative, quite badly too. By changing POVs so often, especially when the story hasn't been grounded, any momentum is lost. I'm wondering why this or that scene and perspective is even included.
First we're following a presumably (because we're not actually told her age) 15 year old girl who gets attacked and then arrives to the school. Then we're in the head of the headmistress while being told what she believes and the source of the funding for the school while we're watching random side character students throwing magic around and the headmistress admonishing them. What was the point of this scene, really?
I had enough by the time we head hopped in to the blind orphan girl (same chapter too) who just arrived at the school and we're getting an info dump of her miserable backstory as well with a bunch of other side character names being thrown at us from her backstory.
This is such lazy writing.
I can't recommend this book in good conscience to anybody. The narration is really clumsy and it kills any story momentum.
August 23, 2022
3 Death By Education Stars
Dark Is Her Nature is the first book in The School Of Neccessary Magic series by "Judith Berens".
Sadly, this book was underwhelming. Coming off of the action packed adventures that make up The Leira Chronicles, The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone, and I Fear No Evil series' leaves an impression. Which made it all the more glaring when Alison's very own series didn't live up to the standard.
It's to be expected that this book would revolve around the lives of teenagers, and be a drama filled journey. That is entirely not the issue. I enjoyed meeting their main group, and to at least some small extent I've had the oppurtunity to get to know a part of the new friends surrounding Alison at the Necessary School of Magic.
However, the true detraction from this work of fiction is a myriad of issues that are tied to each other. 1. That there isn't as much true emotion in this work, especially compared to other Oriceran novels by either Michael or Martha. 2. That the pacing is entirely too chaotic. 3. That the different scenes don't truly tie into each other, and seem rather like islands isolated. 4. That there wasn't any appreciable plot. 5. That we were given so many descriptions to reiterate things learned in the previous, and related, series but in a far less articulate manner. 6. Perhaps in an attempt to reach a more YA audience they decided to change their writing styles for this book, but I haven't ever liked a Michael Anderle book less.
Leira didn't even come off as herself. It was weird to have presented in that manner. Maybe she would have been nervous in that situation the 20 years ago where her series ended, but it would have been fleeting. It strikes as false, after she's has twenty years of happiness to come to terms with herself and accepting the good in her life.
Then there's Izzie's circumstances. When it was mentioned how Shay was suspicious of her backstory, and how it rang false to her I wasn't expecting this scenario. But I can only imagine every way it could possibly blow up in both her parents and Mara's face. I am desperately hoping her parents don't die. But that it's not even mentioned, or hinted at, why there are people hunting her family is frustrating. I think it will also make it all the more likely she will still be found, but will only be in more danger with no knowledge of the reason why.
Finally, there's the slapdash way in which the authors hinted at a fated pairing between Luke and Alison. Or if not that some importance drawing them to each other.
I hope the series improves. I had been looking forward to discovering Alison's journey.
P.S. Wonder what kind of egg it is?
Dark Is Her Nature is the first book in The School Of Neccessary Magic series by "Judith Berens".
Sadly, this book was underwhelming. Coming off of the action packed adventures that make up The Leira Chronicles, The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone, and I Fear No Evil series' leaves an impression. Which made it all the more glaring when Alison's very own series didn't live up to the standard.
It's to be expected that this book would revolve around the lives of teenagers, and be a drama filled journey. That is entirely not the issue. I enjoyed meeting their main group, and to at least some small extent I've had the oppurtunity to get to know a part of the new friends surrounding Alison at the Necessary School of Magic.
However, the true detraction from this work of fiction is a myriad of issues that are tied to each other. 1. That there isn't as much true emotion in this work, especially compared to other Oriceran novels by either Michael or Martha. 2. That the pacing is entirely too chaotic. 3. That the different scenes don't truly tie into each other, and seem rather like islands isolated. 4. That there wasn't any appreciable plot. 5. That we were given so many descriptions to reiterate things learned in the previous, and related, series but in a far less articulate manner. 6. Perhaps in an attempt to reach a more YA audience they decided to change their writing styles for this book, but I haven't ever liked a Michael Anderle book less.
Leira didn't even come off as herself. It was weird to have presented in that manner. Maybe she would have been nervous in that situation the 20 years ago where her series ended, but it would have been fleeting. It strikes as false, after she's has twenty years of happiness to come to terms with herself and accepting the good in her life.
Then there's Izzie's circumstances. When it was mentioned how Shay was suspicious of her backstory, and how it rang false to her I wasn't expecting this scenario. But I can only imagine every way it could possibly blow up in both her parents and Mara's face. I am desperately hoping her parents don't die. But that it's not even mentioned, or hinted at, why there are people hunting her family is frustrating. I think it will also make it all the more likely she will still be found, but will only be in more danger with no knowledge of the reason why.
Finally, there's the slapdash way in which the authors hinted at a fated pairing between Luke and Alison. Or if not that some importance drawing them to each other.
I hope the series improves. I had been looking forward to discovering Alison's journey.
P.S. Wonder what kind of egg it is?
June 11, 2018
This series has mayor potential! Must Read!!
The reason I chose this series is because I love the Alison character from TUMB series. The power behind her and the potential she has is just an amazing story to be told. Probably better than the Harry Potter series and that is saying something because I love the Harry universe JKR created! This series has the potential to be that and more!! She is a drow princess (doesn't really know what that mean but we know from her mom's display of power in the TUMB series that it's huge!!) She is blind but not really since she can see but in a different way.. she sees people's energies. She is technectly an orphan but not really since she has an amazing man who stood up to take care of her The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone (TUMB) AND Shay who is an ex-killer (not Assassin because they are p%$#@!s *not my words but hers :] ) and now we meet a new cast of gifted kids who she makes friends with in her new school. I can't wait to see where this goes. Please don't let the new books take to long to come out!! That is the reason that normally prevents me from picking up new series as they come out. I normally only read series all ready establishes so I don't have to go crazy waiting for my next book but this series/universe is just that good. not to mention that it helps that there are about 3 other related series to this universe I can read in between. I'm going to check out the Leira series where it all began and see how I like it. Oh and b4 I go the only thing I would suggest to improve on would be the constant changing to the POVs I mean I love that don't get me wrong. I like when there is more than one POV but if you could better manage when the POV changes from person to person it would be great. I mean normally It doesn't matter because it only 1-3 character switching in between but in this series there are a lot more characters and It can become a bit muddled in to who is speaking and where the story is leading but besides that all is great! Keep up the great work Authors. I love your work!!
The reason I chose this series is because I love the Alison character from TUMB series. The power behind her and the potential she has is just an amazing story to be told. Probably better than the Harry Potter series and that is saying something because I love the Harry universe JKR created! This series has the potential to be that and more!! She is a drow princess (doesn't really know what that mean but we know from her mom's display of power in the TUMB series that it's huge!!) She is blind but not really since she can see but in a different way.. she sees people's energies. She is technectly an orphan but not really since she has an amazing man who stood up to take care of her The Unbelievable Mr. Brownstone (TUMB) AND Shay who is an ex-killer (not Assassin because they are p%$#@!s *not my words but hers :] ) and now we meet a new cast of gifted kids who she makes friends with in her new school. I can't wait to see where this goes. Please don't let the new books take to long to come out!! That is the reason that normally prevents me from picking up new series as they come out. I normally only read series all ready establishes so I don't have to go crazy waiting for my next book but this series/universe is just that good. not to mention that it helps that there are about 3 other related series to this universe I can read in between. I'm going to check out the Leira series where it all began and see how I like it. Oh and b4 I go the only thing I would suggest to improve on would be the constant changing to the POVs I mean I love that don't get me wrong. I like when there is more than one POV but if you could better manage when the POV changes from person to person it would be great. I mean normally It doesn't matter because it only 1-3 character switching in between but in this series there are a lot more characters and It can become a bit muddled in to who is speaking and where the story is leading but besides that all is great! Keep up the great work Authors. I love your work!!
July 8, 2018
Wow, this is a perfect example of what can go wrong with a collaborative book.
First, the authors couldn't seem to decide who was the protagonist, with irritating narrative shifts almost every chapter. Then there was no real conflict in the novel, no antagonist, and no follow through on any of the (weak) conflict that was there. Nothing was resolved, nothing was delved into deep enough to hold interest and the teachers were all so good as to be unbelievable.
Minor Spoilers below.
Even more irritating were the plot holes. Just some of them...
-Alison is supposed to be blind, but we have her complimenting her roomies on gifts of clothing and commenting upon its fashion.
-Her roomies can't seem to figure out if she is blind or not, as sometimes they are asking why the teachers are casting spells on her text books.
-She can see magical energies, but why isn't she tripping over every pair of pants left on the floor of the room and every stick out in the field?
-Parent's weekend seems to be the weekend after her first lesson in her magical history class, so the first weekend of school?
-Izzie seems to have some weird hole in her soul that Alison can see, yet there is no follow through. Is Alison really that incurious?
-Izzie finds out that she knows how to cast combat magicks (and by the way, that was the lamest magickal combat scene I have ever read), then after one sentence of reflection, drops the incongruity and doesn't feel the need to figure out why she can do this?
-Izzie is living with 4 other girls, quite the curious bunch, and yet they never figure out that she is an orphan until semester even after parent's weekend and the weird relationship with the headmistress?
Overall, this book seemed like a rushed, sloppy first draft that was written to drum up sales for the previous books in this universe, with its shameless plugs for characters in other novels by the same authors.
First, the authors couldn't seem to decide who was the protagonist, with irritating narrative shifts almost every chapter. Then there was no real conflict in the novel, no antagonist, and no follow through on any of the (weak) conflict that was there. Nothing was resolved, nothing was delved into deep enough to hold interest and the teachers were all so good as to be unbelievable.
Minor Spoilers below.
Even more irritating were the plot holes. Just some of them...
-Alison is supposed to be blind, but we have her complimenting her roomies on gifts of clothing and commenting upon its fashion.
-Her roomies can't seem to figure out if she is blind or not, as sometimes they are asking why the teachers are casting spells on her text books.
-She can see magical energies, but why isn't she tripping over every pair of pants left on the floor of the room and every stick out in the field?
-Parent's weekend seems to be the weekend after her first lesson in her magical history class, so the first weekend of school?
-Izzie seems to have some weird hole in her soul that Alison can see, yet there is no follow through. Is Alison really that incurious?
-Izzie finds out that she knows how to cast combat magicks (and by the way, that was the lamest magickal combat scene I have ever read), then after one sentence of reflection, drops the incongruity and doesn't feel the need to figure out why she can do this?
-Izzie is living with 4 other girls, quite the curious bunch, and yet they never figure out that she is an orphan until semester even after parent's weekend and the weird relationship with the headmistress?
Overall, this book seemed like a rushed, sloppy first draft that was written to drum up sales for the previous books in this universe, with its shameless plugs for characters in other novels by the same authors.
July 24, 2018
Dark is Her Nature - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The book introduces Izzie, a Light Elf and more, who's enrolled at the School of Necessary Magic after she and her parents are attacked, by an evil force seeking to obtain Izzie's power. To further protect their daughter, her parents ask that she and they have their memories magically wiped, so they cannot betray her if captured and to spare Izzie the pain of separation.
Brought to join the school as room-mate and soon fast friend to Izzie, is Drow princess of Oriceran Alison, now the ward of James Brownstone. She too has yet to discover and develop her powers, but enjoys making friends with her and Izzie's other room-mates, Kathleen, who's also a Light Elf, (from New York and Emma and Ayra who are both witches, plus the former is also a Nacht - an invisible being who only materialises when magic is used nearby.
I enjoyed the sense of adventure as the magical students meet wizard students, Ethan and Peter and decide to explore a secret cave, (which is like a Harry Potter adventure scene) where the group finds a magical golden egg and the girls take it back to their room.
I thought the teachers were rather too generic and HP-like, although the headmistress Annabelle Graves is sympathetic and authoritative, which is a good combination to have when in charge of such a 'motley crew' of magical students!
I look forward to further adventures at the School of Necessary Magic and would definitely recommend it to fans of Harry Potter and James Brownstone. Grab it for your fantasy bookshelf today - and tell all your friends about it too!
The book introduces Izzie, a Light Elf and more, who's enrolled at the School of Necessary Magic after she and her parents are attacked, by an evil force seeking to obtain Izzie's power. To further protect their daughter, her parents ask that she and they have their memories magically wiped, so they cannot betray her if captured and to spare Izzie the pain of separation.
Brought to join the school as room-mate and soon fast friend to Izzie, is Drow princess of Oriceran Alison, now the ward of James Brownstone. She too has yet to discover and develop her powers, but enjoys making friends with her and Izzie's other room-mates, Kathleen, who's also a Light Elf, (from New York and Emma and Ayra who are both witches, plus the former is also a Nacht - an invisible being who only materialises when magic is used nearby.
I enjoyed the sense of adventure as the magical students meet wizard students, Ethan and Peter and decide to explore a secret cave, (which is like a Harry Potter adventure scene) where the group finds a magical golden egg and the girls take it back to their room.
I thought the teachers were rather too generic and HP-like, although the headmistress Annabelle Graves is sympathetic and authoritative, which is a good combination to have when in charge of such a 'motley crew' of magical students!
I look forward to further adventures at the School of Necessary Magic and would definitely recommend it to fans of Harry Potter and James Brownstone. Grab it for your fantasy bookshelf today - and tell all your friends about it too!
August 25, 2020
Note: -- Seems that while I am in an 'urban' fantasy mood, I'm not in an UF with the MC as a mid teen mood. Not even with the MC often being one of more than supporting characters, in the series that this spun off from that I just blitzed through the 20? books I own. (hope makes sense am in a lot of pain)
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes and no -- since its a writing partnership.
Will you be reading more?: Probably since these tie in to later books with the MC as an adult.
Would you recommend?: Yes
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes and no -- since its a writing partnership.
Will you be reading more?: Probably since these tie in to later books with the MC as an adult.
Would you recommend?: Yes
December 30, 2018
Imagine that we live in a world of magic, and that there's a literary genre called "tech fiction" in which technology is used in place of magic. Imagine a tech-fiction book about a tech school: Students arrive in their teens to learn technology. They are taught to operate basic technology - e.g., using light bulbs. Kids compete, and sometimes shoot electricity at each other. Meals are prepared by a robot and delivered by drones. If there's a society in the background, it's tissue thin - perhaps there's a centuries-old competition between chemists and geologists.
Sorry, flip that around and what you get is something like "Dark is Her Nature". The thrill of "It's a school of magic!" and "And there's magic!" and "With Elves and Gnomes and other magic creatures" wears off quickly, and once it does, there isn't nearly enough story to carry the book.
There are a number of books - some of them written before Hogwarts was thought of - that make similar premises work. But there has to be a real story, three-dimensional characters, and a background that is more than a grab-bag of recycled tropes.
Sorry, flip that around and what you get is something like "Dark is Her Nature". The thrill of "It's a school of magic!" and "And there's magic!" and "With Elves and Gnomes and other magic creatures" wears off quickly, and once it does, there isn't nearly enough story to carry the book.
There are a number of books - some of them written before Hogwarts was thought of - that make similar premises work. But there has to be a real story, three-dimensional characters, and a background that is more than a grab-bag of recycled tropes.
October 27, 2019
Harry Potter meets Shadowhunters
I won this book in a giveaway and was the first book I have ever read by these authors. So I probably should have done my research prior because there are quite a bit of holes and questions left unanswered that probably were touched on in some other book.
Dark is Her Nature starts off fast with a battle between Izzie and her parents vs dark wizards. Though it is never explained or brought up in this book what the fight may have been about, or it's importance (hopefully we find out more in upcoming books).
I did really like how there was no time gap between the battle and the rest of the book. It just continues on and starts from The beginning. The storyline does give major HP vibes with the magical classes, plants, creatures, and we even have a loveable grounds keeper (with dogs) that is looked down on by magical folk.
Though I don't have a sense of foreboding that is making me anxious or really even excited to read the next book, I did enjoy the group of characters and will likely continue on with the series just to see how it progresses.
I won this book in a giveaway and was the first book I have ever read by these authors. So I probably should have done my research prior because there are quite a bit of holes and questions left unanswered that probably were touched on in some other book.
Dark is Her Nature starts off fast with a battle between Izzie and her parents vs dark wizards. Though it is never explained or brought up in this book what the fight may have been about, or it's importance (hopefully we find out more in upcoming books).
I did really like how there was no time gap between the battle and the rest of the book. It just continues on and starts from The beginning. The storyline does give major HP vibes with the magical classes, plants, creatures, and we even have a loveable grounds keeper (with dogs) that is looked down on by magical folk.
Though I don't have a sense of foreboding that is making me anxious or really even excited to read the next book, I did enjoy the group of characters and will likely continue on with the series just to see how it progresses.
September 20, 2018
Even more magical than Hogwarts!
Absolutely fantastic read. Loved it!! Five mismatched girls are roomed together in their first year at a school of magic. One is an orphan, one has had her memory wiped (to protect her), one is extremely introvert, one is a social fashionista and one is normal. They all have magic but two don't know how to use it. Regardless they make friends with a trio of boys. This covers their trials and tribulations as they manoeuvre through the first year. A wonderful plot that not only shows the dark and light magic but also deals very sympathetically with the loneliness that comes from being different. Can't wait to see why two of them are sought by the dark with the express wish of wanting to do them permanent harm. The characters are beautifully portrayed and you can almost touch them. So glad I find another author that I can add to my favourites.
Absolutely fantastic read. Loved it!! Five mismatched girls are roomed together in their first year at a school of magic. One is an orphan, one has had her memory wiped (to protect her), one is extremely introvert, one is a social fashionista and one is normal. They all have magic but two don't know how to use it. Regardless they make friends with a trio of boys. This covers their trials and tribulations as they manoeuvre through the first year. A wonderful plot that not only shows the dark and light magic but also deals very sympathetically with the loneliness that comes from being different. Can't wait to see why two of them are sought by the dark with the express wish of wanting to do them permanent harm. The characters are beautifully portrayed and you can almost touch them. So glad I find another author that I can add to my favourites.
October 26, 2018
If you like Harry Potter check out this new series
A new series that I just discovered. Apparently with many other books already written in this universe that I will be checking out. This book is similar to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. And so much that it is kids going to a magical high school to learn how to control their magic. More magical beings go to school then just witches and wizards though. It has a great cast of characters and a great story so far. There are dark forces out there as well as others on the side of light or good and evil if you will. A group of students become close friends at this .7 in total there is a headmistress and many other teachers a groundskeeper a magical town many magical animals and creatures and a very entertaining and in-depth story.
Give it a chance I do not think you will be disappointed I think you would like it. As a Harry Potter fan I like it quite a bit and cannot wait for the next book
A new series that I just discovered. Apparently with many other books already written in this universe that I will be checking out. This book is similar to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. And so much that it is kids going to a magical high school to learn how to control their magic. More magical beings go to school then just witches and wizards though. It has a great cast of characters and a great story so far. There are dark forces out there as well as others on the side of light or good and evil if you will. A group of students become close friends at this .7 in total there is a headmistress and many other teachers a groundskeeper a magical town many magical animals and creatures and a very entertaining and in-depth story.
Give it a chance I do not think you will be disappointed I think you would like it. As a Harry Potter fan I like it quite a bit and cannot wait for the next book
May 17, 2019
Dark Wizards attack Izzie. Allison comes to the School for Necessary Magic and she's very unique in that she is technically blind but can see magical energy. Her books are provided in braille but I still have some difficulty understanding how she can manage in class unless the teacher never uses the blackboard or handouts. They must have figured out some way around that problem but I don't know what it was.
Allison is also a Drow (a character from frp games) and it will be interesting to see how she develops in further books. Oriceran seems to be a planet of magic and the planet apparently is dying with the beings then planning to move to Earth.
There's trouble waiting for her and her roommates in the underground city.
I think the strength of the book lies in how the author has developed the various characters and the interactions that they have. It's an interesting series.
Allison is also a Drow (a character from frp games) and it will be interesting to see how she develops in further books. Oriceran seems to be a planet of magic and the planet apparently is dying with the beings then planning to move to Earth.
There's trouble waiting for her and her roommates in the underground city.
I think the strength of the book lies in how the author has developed the various characters and the interactions that they have. It's an interesting series.
June 7, 2018
Nothing ever happens. (Par for the Oricean course in my experience, though I'd hoped that Anderle's increased participation might change that.)
Also a major problem is the huge inconsistency in the description of Alison's vision, which is exacerbated by constantly shifting POVs. Alison is supposed to see only magical energy, but at times she sees normally, or sees pictures normally while needing braille to read, even as she describes cursive lettering in the same sentence. It's inexplicable.
This is disappointing because her unique experience of the world was also the only interesting thing about the character or the book, but such a hash of it is made that all it does is break the reader's immersion.
December 28, 2018
3.5 stars Really enjoyed reading this book - a bit of a change up from the RH slump I was getting into.
Interesting storyline. There were a few times where I felt the pacing was a bit off and the conversation a bit clumsy. This is not written from one characters point of view so it did chop and change here and there between any of the main group of characters. This is a bit of a different style and took a bit to get used to. I had to re-read to work out who the author as describing. Overall, though, I really got into the descriptions of the different magical creatures and the school. It was a great introductory book to the series as we meet and get to know the core group that I dare say will make the rest of the series. Moving on to book 2.
Interesting storyline. There were a few times where I felt the pacing was a bit off and the conversation a bit clumsy. This is not written from one characters point of view so it did chop and change here and there between any of the main group of characters. This is a bit of a different style and took a bit to get used to. I had to re-read to work out who the author as describing. Overall, though, I really got into the descriptions of the different magical creatures and the school. It was a great introductory book to the series as we meet and get to know the core group that I dare say will make the rest of the series. Moving on to book 2.
September 7, 2020
An incomplete book
I waited awhile to read this one. I am a huge fan of the Brownstone series. I was expecting this book to be all about Allison; my bad.
First off, this book is mostly told between the experiences of two teenagers attending the school; Allison and Izzy. There is really only one small adventure that I believe is the precursor to the rest of the series, but other than that NOTHING happens except the introduction of support characters.
I believe the author's are trying to establish the concept of family for two girls who don't seem to have a normalized family of their own.
Just don't expect much as the story just ends at Christmas break. Kind of like Harry Potter finished a term but without really having the grand adventures.
I waited awhile to read this one. I am a huge fan of the Brownstone series. I was expecting this book to be all about Allison; my bad.
First off, this book is mostly told between the experiences of two teenagers attending the school; Allison and Izzy. There is really only one small adventure that I believe is the precursor to the rest of the series, but other than that NOTHING happens except the introduction of support characters.
I believe the author's are trying to establish the concept of family for two girls who don't seem to have a normalized family of their own.
Just don't expect much as the story just ends at Christmas break. Kind of like Harry Potter finished a term but without really having the grand adventures.
September 28, 2022
A rough start to the series. While the general story and characters were good, there were other major issues. For one, the rapid-fire POV switches were disorienting. When you are not sure who is thinking because it switched mid-paragraph again between perspectives you start to become lost.
Another problem (often seen with the author(s)) is pacing was highly inconsistent. Some things fly by while others crawl. Combined was the action scenes, which didn’t feel consistent nor well orchestrated. They felt clunky and broke the enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this could have been much better. Still the characters were interesting and the overall feel of it was enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of the series improves. I personally look forward to finding out myself.
Another problem (often seen with the author(s)) is pacing was highly inconsistent. Some things fly by while others crawl. Combined was the action scenes, which didn’t feel consistent nor well orchestrated. They felt clunky and broke the enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this could have been much better. Still the characters were interesting and the overall feel of it was enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of the series improves. I personally look forward to finding out myself.
December 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was lovely to learn about the first half of Alison's first year at Magic School.
I loved how quickly her new magical abilities start to develop, and how different her magic is to the other girls she mixes with. I also love the friendships developing between them, plus the boys.
I'm eager to discover more about Alison's life but, on looking at my reading list, it seems I'm going to be heading back to The Unbelievable Mr Brownstone, and starting book five:'She Is The Widowmaker'.
One good thing about this changing over with the different series, is that I love all of them, so am very happy to read any of the series! Lol
So, I'm off over to this new book, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to see or I still.likr it!
I loved how quickly her new magical abilities start to develop, and how different her magic is to the other girls she mixes with. I also love the friendships developing between them, plus the boys.
I'm eager to discover more about Alison's life but, on looking at my reading list, it seems I'm going to be heading back to The Unbelievable Mr Brownstone, and starting book five:'She Is The Widowmaker'.
One good thing about this changing over with the different series, is that I love all of them, so am very happy to read any of the series! Lol
So, I'm off over to this new book, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to see or I still.likr it!
July 27, 2018
I enjoyed this story in general, the plot moved along at a steady pace, and the small world-building elements, like the Willens or the Vampire plants, leant authenticity. What I had difficulty with was keeping track of our protagonist. I thought it was Izzie then Alison. Izzie got this whole introduction and kind of slipped into the background. Alison gets no intro and the mystery of her Drow ancestry doesn’t really go anywhere. I’m still confused. I do like their group of friends though; their interactions are my favorite parts.
This was the first of these books I’ve read. I wonder if I had started with The Leira Chronicles if this book would have made a little more sense?
This was the first of these books I’ve read. I wonder if I had started with The Leira Chronicles if this book would have made a little more sense?
November 21, 2020
For really young readers, continuity errors
I made it to the 3rd book in this series, didn’t finish it. Boring. Books with no story line, just bla bla. Middle schooler diary. Dead end story threads. Holy continuity errors! The first book Mara has been headmistress for 15 years. That made me blink. In the 3rd book even though only 1 school year has past it is referenced it has been 20 years. What grade year some students are change. Can’t say others without spoilers. The gargoyle I was excited to read about from leira chronicles might as well not exist. Some series by these two are good but the ball was dropped in this one.
I made it to the 3rd book in this series, didn’t finish it. Boring. Books with no story line, just bla bla. Middle schooler diary. Dead end story threads. Holy continuity errors! The first book Mara has been headmistress for 15 years. That made me blink. In the 3rd book even though only 1 school year has past it is referenced it has been 20 years. What grade year some students are change. Can’t say others without spoilers. The gargoyle I was excited to read about from leira chronicles might as well not exist. Some series by these two are good but the ball was dropped in this one.
June 7, 2018
Teenagers are the same no matter if they are magical or not.
This is the first book about Alison who is a Drow princess, but hasn't told her friends yet because she isn't quite sure herself what that means. The book is similar to the Harry Potter series in that the main characters are magically inclined teenagers and are prone to not always obeying the rules of their school. I can forsee numerous mis-adventures arising from this group as they scramble their way to adulthood. This is a very good book and I can't wait until the next one comes out.
This is the first book about Alison who is a Drow princess, but hasn't told her friends yet because she isn't quite sure herself what that means. The book is similar to the Harry Potter series in that the main characters are magically inclined teenagers and are prone to not always obeying the rules of their school. I can forsee numerous mis-adventures arising from this group as they scramble their way to adulthood. This is a very good book and I can't wait until the next one comes out.
July 29, 2018
I'm EXTREMELY disappointed in this book, but perhaps that's because Anderle is one of my favorite authors.
I couldn't tell if the heroine was Izzie, who had her memories removed, or Allison, the Drow princess. Both girls are first years at the school and make friends with about five others. There was no plot in this story...merely minor events that occured sporadically. It had the potential to be a great story and had its intriguing moments, but it just didn't do it for me. There were lots of questions created and no answers.
Won't be reading any more in this series.
I couldn't tell if the heroine was Izzie, who had her memories removed, or Allison, the Drow princess. Both girls are first years at the school and make friends with about five others. There was no plot in this story...merely minor events that occured sporadically. It had the potential to be a great story and had its intriguing moments, but it just didn't do it for me. There were lots of questions created and no answers.
Won't be reading any more in this series.
April 15, 2019
Good story
I wish I knew the order of these books before I got started reading them. I believe if I had read them in order I would have grown to like them even more. As it is, I'm finding that I prefer Raine at the school to Allison. I enjoy Allison more as the boss than in this book. I like the characters. Their gifts to each other were funny and thoughtful and so very them. I find Shay and Brownstone not very warm in this book. I imagine that changed somewhere along the way. Away we go on an adventure to a new world backwards!
I wish I knew the order of these books before I got started reading them. I believe if I had read them in order I would have grown to like them even more. As it is, I'm finding that I prefer Raine at the school to Allison. I enjoy Allison more as the boss than in this book. I like the characters. Their gifts to each other were funny and thoughtful and so very them. I find Shay and Brownstone not very warm in this book. I imagine that changed somewhere along the way. Away we go on an adventure to a new world backwards!
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