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The Spoken Mage #3
Voice of Dominion
Even the Spoken Mage has limits to the power of her voice
Elena may be the only Spoken Mage in history, but she struggles with limitations. Unable to stockpile written workings as her mageborn year mates do, she runs the constant risk of burning out. But when the Armed Forces draw the third years to the front lines of their war, Elena's strength and flexibility may be necessary to keep them all alive.
As Elena wrestles with how much she will sacrifice for the war, Lucas must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice for her. Faced with a greater threat than even they realize, Elena and Lucas must work together and either fight or be consumed by their enemies.
Elena may be the only Spoken Mage in history, but she struggles with limitations. Unable to stockpile written workings as her mageborn year mates do, she runs the constant risk of burning out. But when the Armed Forces draw the third years to the front lines of their war, Elena's strength and flexibility may be necessary to keep them all alive.
As Elena wrestles with how much she will sacrifice for the war, Lucas must decide how much he's willing to sacrifice for her. Faced with a greater threat than even they realize, Elena and Lucas must work together and either fight or be consumed by their enemies.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2019
1384 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,744 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
September 3, 2022
Thirty-year-old war, mages, traitors, friends, court politics, and many more; what's not to like? I love the ebbs and flow of this story. I just came to the end of the third book in the series, and I am still as engaged as I was in the beginning. It has been a great read, and I want more Elena, Lucas, the Academy, and most of all, I want to know who the traitor is; I have a feeling; it will be the least expected person.
February 23, 2022
Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was so good!!!!!!!!!!! How am I possibly going to survive until the next book releases????????????????
After the way book 2 ended, I couldn't wait for this book. It didn't disappoint. So much was revealed in this book. More growth for Elena. More development in certain relationships.
This book spent most of the time and not so much time in the classroom as in previous books, so some of the "academy for magic" feel of the first two books wasn't in this one. I did kind of miss that a little bit. Parts of this book felt a little rushed, but that could be because I was rushing to read it so fast because it was so good!
I can't wait for book 4! It's going to be epic!
After the way book 2 ended, I couldn't wait for this book. It didn't disappoint. So much was revealed in this book. More growth for Elena. More development in certain relationships.
This book spent most of the time and not so much time in the classroom as in previous books, so some of the "academy for magic" feel of the first two books wasn't in this one. I did kind of miss that a little bit. Parts of this book felt a little rushed, but that could be because I was rushing to read it so fast because it was so good!
I can't wait for book 4! It's going to be epic!
May 16, 2019
****4.5 Oh That Ending Stars****
OMG...I can't take it now after that ending! Just when I was feeling so happy that things were finally looking up for Elena and Lucas---- a tractor trailer plows through.
The next book in the series can't come soon enough so we can experience the 4th year at the Academy!
And what surprises will show up around each bend?
This story brought us to the front lines of the war and it couldn't have been a better place that showed Elena's power and almost brought tears to my eyes.
This next book can't come soon enough!
OMG...I can't take it now after that ending! Just when I was feeling so happy that things were finally looking up for Elena and Lucas---- a tractor trailer plows through.
The next book in the series can't come soon enough so we can experience the 4th year at the Academy!
And what surprises will show up around each bend?
This story brought us to the front lines of the war and it couldn't have been a better place that showed Elena's power and almost brought tears to my eyes.
This next book can't come soon enough!
November 17, 2023
Yep, it paid to put this series aside for a minute. Coming back, I am much more invested and enjoyed this installment immensely. Elena is finally accepting her life and becoming more confident with her place and power, so my earlier annoyances are abating. :).
I’m also loving the bond that has developed with her friends. It makes reading so much more fun and give one more reason to pick up that next book - fast!
I’m also loving the bond that has developed with her friends. It makes reading so much more fun and give one more reason to pick up that next book - fast!
November 10, 2020
The romance in this one just feels so fake. Too good to be true.
It threw me off until the end. Lol
Other then that I had no issues with it. 🤩😂
It threw me off until the end. Lol
Other then that I had no issues with it. 🤩😂
August 17, 2019
More intense stakes, a little more romance, still really enjoying this series.
While still very little content that's concerning, the violence and romance step up just enough that I'm less likely to recommend this one for very young readers. There are multiple deaths, including one somewhat disturbing death, described with only a little detail. Also, in addition to more kissing (barely described in any detail at all), some of the complexity of relationship decisions and a few references like 'only a summer kiss' come up. I'd still say this is safe for the full YA age range, just not as safe for all younger siblings in case of audio or family read-alouds.
(I should note that while not technically a 'review copy' I did receive a free copy of this audio book from the author, and was reminded that reviews are appreciated. As requested, I have given my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.)
While still very little content that's concerning, the violence and romance step up just enough that I'm less likely to recommend this one for very young readers. There are multiple deaths, including one somewhat disturbing death, described with only a little detail. Also, in addition to more kissing (barely described in any detail at all), some of the complexity of relationship decisions and a few references like 'only a summer kiss' come up. I'd still say this is safe for the full YA age range, just not as safe for all younger siblings in case of audio or family read-alouds.
(I should note that while not technically a 'review copy' I did receive a free copy of this audio book from the author, and was reminded that reviews are appreciated. As requested, I have given my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.)
September 10, 2020
Whoaaa... talk about plot twists and things I did NOT see coming. This was a wild ride. It’s different from the other two books since it’s more about the war which was a neat change.
I’m still wowed out by how every book has kept me on the edge of my seat and took me by total surprise. It’s awesome. Now book 4 because I am definitely binge reading this series. I think I’m gonna be drained after this series but it’s so worth it. 😅😂
I’m still wowed out by how every book has kept me on the edge of my seat and took me by total surprise. It’s awesome. Now book 4 because I am definitely binge reading this series. I think I’m gonna be drained after this series but it’s so worth it. 😅😂
July 19, 2020
Another strong entry in the Spoken Mage series, this instalment follows our mage students away from their academy to the frontlines of an apparently endless war, so it's a little different in tone from the first two. That said, all the things I love best about this series are still strongly in evidence here. More layers of intrigue, more development of the romance, plus some of the most shocking twists of the whole series turn up in this book!
Melanie Cellier has won all my trust as an author in this series - everything about this story, from the characters, to the plot, to the setting, to the themes are smart and nuanced. It's an absolute pleasure to see this level of craftsmanship brought to a series of fluffy romantic fantasies for women. As much as this series revels in YA tropes, all of them are totally justified and capably handled in a way that I don't think I've often seen even in traditionally published books. I'm so looking forward to reading the final instalment!
Melanie Cellier has won all my trust as an author in this series - everything about this story, from the characters, to the plot, to the setting, to the themes are smart and nuanced. It's an absolute pleasure to see this level of craftsmanship brought to a series of fluffy romantic fantasies for women. As much as this series revels in YA tropes, all of them are totally justified and capably handled in a way that I don't think I've often seen even in traditionally published books. I'm so looking forward to reading the final instalment!
January 27, 2025
Visu savu līdzšinējo 16gadus īso vai citam jau garo dzīvi Elena no Kingslijas uzaugusi pasaulē, kur rakstītam vārdam piemīt maģisks spēks, kas diemžēl ne visiem pieejams un parastā cilvēka rokās, prātā nāk vientieša termins, pat niecīgs viena vārda mēģinājums to uzrakstīt var beigties katastrofāli ne tikai personai, kura šo vārdu mēģinājusi rakstīt.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/01/27/me...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/01/27/me...
April 18, 2019
All I want to do is gush and squeal about these books, because I love them! Voice of Domminion has definitely been my favorite. The characters have developed nicely, and the plot is at it's prime point! I'm not a huge fan of the romance. It's completely clean, I just didn't love how it developed. At this point, though, I will admit that I'm invested in the character's relationship 🙈😂! Elena has become so much more likeable, as has Lucas.My favorite thing about these books is the magic system. It's based on words, and it's absolutely amazing. In Voice Of Dominion, the magic develops even more, and new aspects are discovered. This series deserves WAY more attention!!! I recommend it to anyone who loves magic, adventure, and clean romance.
May 6, 2022
This is book three and so intense and hard to put down that I gave it one more star than others in the series. I still want to frequently tell Elena to get over herself but she was better in this one than prior ones. She still, frequently, makes rash decisions that make me roll my eyes. The relationship with Lucas is an interesting one. Not sure how all that is going to work out. The book ends with an interesting twist and no resolution to anything. On to book four…
June 19, 2025
Honestly i'm thankfull i can dive right into the next book, because after what happens towards the end, i'm definitly itching to know what comes next!
Elena is such an interesting character for me! I love that she's growing and i just want her to be happy.
This series was such a good finding.
Elena is such an interesting character for me! I love that she's growing and i just want her to be happy.
This series was such a good finding.
March 20, 2021
They keep getting better...
Moral Note: Mild violence
Moral Note: Mild violence
April 18, 2019
Things are certainly getting very exciting. What with all the war effort!
The author's writing just keeps getting better. I was completely immersed in the story and before I knew it, I had reached the end. There have been quite some interesting developments. And Elena and Lucas's relationship remains just as complicated. With the addition of new characters and kingdoms, the plot has gotten thicker. And now I'm left to impatiently wait and wonder what new exciting stuff might happen if the climax was any indication.
Basically I'm completely invested and in love with the series and would quite highly recommend it. The author has truly outdone herself. Can't wait for the final book !!
The war has been described with just enough details and technicalities to give a good feel of what's going on and not get too descriptive that one might have to just skim over it due to it dullness. Which I very much appreciated. I actually read every single world and have a pretty clear picture in my mind. That just made things a lot more lively.
The vocabulary is pretty refined and I picked up quite a few new words. And there were some really cool quotes too. Which are worth remembering.
May 16, 2019
As usual with this series there was a lot I enjoyed and then there was Elena. There is nothing wrong with her persay, but she has these moments of...god let me throttle her that is hard to reconcile.
Take for instance the battle of wills she has with Lucas, her love interest and Prince of the Realm. She isn't wrong, at all. What he proposed was - at best - idealistic. There was no possible way for her to go Full In on the War (militarily) and not have it effect her.
He was constantly coming at her, worried because she was over-exerting herself to the point of no return. This isn't the point she drives home to Lucas however. This isn't a point she brings up to anyone who argues she should be on the front lines, despite it being a very real issue pretty unique to her position. And friends if there is one thing I take pretty high umbrage to it's not using all your aces.
Meanwhile there were some weird plot threads that I think needed a little more coaxing to make sense. In hindsight (which is to say right now while I'm writing this review) her brother's actions when she meets him make some better sense. In the story I was like "No really. Treason? Is it treason? Are the common born rising up?"
Ardann's enemy country (Kerrygold? Kallogway? I can't read my note here at all so I'll have to fix this later) continues to be an enigma. We meet a fairly important guy from their, who lays out what sounds like a picture perfect plan to end the war...but I still can't tell you much about the country.
My one pet peeve in fiction is not understanding the conflict and I'm really confused about a lot over this one.
Elena's friends continue to delight and the group grows (and shrinks) in a believable way. Cellier has always written friendships well in all of her books, it's a true highlight.
After the end of Book 2, in terms of the romance plot, I was banging my head because these two airbrains couldn't get out of their own way. Communication occurs this time around and the two make a lot of progress. I really enjoyed the Midwinter scene (it reminded me of the Ever After scene with the forest folk) and I was super excited by a new development late in the game...but we got one more book and plenty of petty classmates to get through before that happy ending.
Take for instance the battle of wills she has with Lucas, her love interest and Prince of the Realm. She isn't wrong, at all. What he proposed was - at best - idealistic. There was no possible way for her to go Full In on the War (militarily) and not have it effect her.
He was constantly coming at her, worried because she was over-exerting herself to the point of no return. This isn't the point she drives home to Lucas however. This isn't a point she brings up to anyone who argues she should be on the front lines, despite it being a very real issue pretty unique to her position. And friends if there is one thing I take pretty high umbrage to it's not using all your aces.
Meanwhile there were some weird plot threads that I think needed a little more coaxing to make sense. In hindsight (which is to say right now while I'm writing this review) her brother's actions when she meets him make some better sense. In the story I was like "No really. Treason? Is it treason? Are the common born rising up?"
Ardann's enemy country (Kerrygold? Kallogway? I can't read my note here at all so I'll have to fix this later) continues to be an enigma. We meet a fairly important guy from their, who lays out what sounds like a picture perfect plan to end the war...but I still can't tell you much about the country.
My one pet peeve in fiction is not understanding the conflict and I'm really confused about a lot over this one.
Elena's friends continue to delight and the group grows (and shrinks) in a believable way. Cellier has always written friendships well in all of her books, it's a true highlight.
After the end of Book 2, in terms of the romance plot, I was banging my head because these two airbrains couldn't get out of their own way. Communication occurs this time around and the two make a lot of progress. I really enjoyed the Midwinter scene (it reminded me of the Ever After scene with the forest folk) and I was super excited by a new development late in the game...but we got one more book and plenty of petty classmates to get through before that happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
This was an amazing book! I liked how going to the warfront helped Elena and Lucas understand the other's argument. I also liked seeing actual battle, and understanding more about the war. All of the stuff with General Griffith at the end shocked me - Lucas is going to fight to be with Elena now, yay! I'm very excited to watch all that unfold. 5 star book! Exciting, romantic, deadly, and full of shocking twists and turns!
December 22, 2019
This series has continued on in the okay lane. Not really impressed but interested enough to continue. Elena and her abilities intrigue me the most and I love that although she is powerful she has limits.
Well, she did have limits.
The book somewhat confuses me, I have no clue who the traitor is or why the Sekali empire is being brought into this war when they've been quiet for three whole books.
All for romantic drama. You know, since it's a marital alliance to the prince and all. Elena has overcome the hurdle of her powers and now she must find a way to be with her one true love and end the war.
I'm on to the fourth and final book.
Well, she did have limits.
The book somewhat confuses me, I have no clue who the traitor is or why the Sekali empire is being brought into this war when they've been quiet for three whole books.
All for romantic drama. You know, since it's a marital alliance to the prince and all. Elena has overcome the hurdle of her powers and now she must find a way to be with her one true love and end the war.
I'm on to the fourth and final book.
June 2, 2022
It took me a min to remember which book this was, when they go to the front lines... First of all, her attitude about saving her sister and enlisting was way too much like Hunger Games. I don't know why she made such a drama out of it when it ended up ending the exact way she wanted anyway. It was still a good continuation of the series. The whole part with the other prince was strange, I'm not sure what her logic was... thankfully it didn't pan out that way.
June 4, 2019
I must say I did not see this end coming.
Again Elena grew even more into her role and power. And Lucas was really sweet when he decided to fight for them. But I cannot imagine how everything will end. Mrs Cellier has built such a vast world interwoven with a very dense plot. There are multiple possibilities for every player. How will everything solve itsself out?
Again Elena grew even more into her role and power. And Lucas was really sweet when he decided to fight for them. But I cannot imagine how everything will end. Mrs Cellier has built such a vast world interwoven with a very dense plot. There are multiple possibilities for every player. How will everything solve itsself out?
February 13, 2021
My goodness— I haven’t wanted to get through a series so fast in such a long time! I desperately need sleep, but I need to know what happens.
Am I sleep deprived? Yes. Is it because I feel the need to read through this series in a matter of days? Also yes.
I am so intrigued and the revelations of this book are unbelievable— what mystery will be unlocked in the last book??
Disclaimers:
The violence isn’t descriptive in this one, but the topic of war, treachery, and death does get heavier. But still not terribly so.
No other things to note.
Am I sleep deprived? Yes. Is it because I feel the need to read through this series in a matter of days? Also yes.
I am so intrigued and the revelations of this book are unbelievable— what mystery will be unlocked in the last book??
Disclaimers:
The violence isn’t descriptive in this one, but the topic of war, treachery, and death does get heavier. But still not terribly so.
No other things to note.
July 28, 2023
A lot of the same issues as before, with Elena making big decisions with very little knowledge of how that will affect everyone else. The war front at least helped to keep the pace quick. But wtf was that ending. The logical aspects, the motivations behind it, it makes no sense! It felt like one more quirky little problem for Elena before the series wraps up, I really don't like it.
February 25, 2025
I have become a fan of Melanie's work in this series, the action is well thought of, the characters easy to root for. Ofc, it ends on a cliffhanger, so if you aren't a fan of those you may not enjoy it as much, but I like how it keeps you engaged and willing to come back for more.
July 16, 2021
Another great book in the Spoken Mage series. I listened to this book, and really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to see where Book #4 takes me! Still no swearing or sex. Yay! Recommend.
June 8, 2024
Did I reread chapter 7 3 times?!?!?
December 30, 2021
Amazing, the series gets better with every single book. I loved it! I'm off to see the end.
June 27, 2025
Man. I'm loving this series. This book was different from the first two, mostly due to the setting. I like the character development. I also feel like the character's emotions were authentic to living in and associating with war. Well written. The ending totally threw me. I'm interested to see how it all works out!
February 21, 2023
3rd in the series. Clean YA; magical, fantasy adventure with light romance. I especially like the audio book reader.
July 17, 2021
I swear this series only gets better! I am grateful that the characters face new challenges and manage to progress in ways I cannot imagine. While the book stands independently you find out more about Elena and he past. Each book tells a small story but over time answers questions brought up in the first book. A masterpiece!
December 31, 2020
We get a nice change of scenery in this installment of the series. Different environment, different rules, different problems. Unfortunately the same milquetoast romantic interest.
We get a bit more on the motivations of Kallorway and their rules; apparently its a manifest destiny type deal. We also learn that their king has a pretty serious personal beef with Ardann, though we of course aren't told why even with a brief appearance of some illustrious company.
Elena continues to come into her own in many respects. Her power and ability to use it increases, both politically and magically. And then in the last chapter she COMPLETELY throws it away.
Overall better than the first book, but not as good as the second.
We get a bit more on the motivations of Kallorway and their rules; apparently its a manifest destiny type deal. We also learn that their king has a pretty serious personal beef with Ardann, though we of course aren't told why even with a brief appearance of some illustrious company.
Elena continues to come into her own in many respects. Her power and ability to use it increases, both politically and magically. And then in the last chapter she COMPLETELY throws it away.
Overall better than the first book, but not as good as the second.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews